The field of social media marketing is relatively new and rapidly evolving. Many business owners are hesitant to dive in for those reasons—they aren’t familiar enough with the medium to feel comfortable, and they don’t want to make mistakes that could damage their credibility or their reputation.Today we’re going to identify several of the most common mistakes we see… so that you can avoid them. And one quick word of Read More
Become the Expert: How Social Media Can Boost Your Credibility
It pays to be perceived as an expert. Whether you’re a landscaper, an accountant, a lawyer, or somewhere in between, establishing your expertise will help you to become more profitable and to grow your business.Why?Because consumers prefer to do business with an expert. And they’re willing to pay a premium for it.(Think of it this way – if you just moved into a new city and you’re choosing a new family dentist, who Read More
Marketing 101: How Can You Differentiate Yourself from the Competition?
We’ve talked often about the importance of differentiating yourself from the competition in your market. Another way to think about it is “putting yourself in a category of one.” If you’re successful in differentiating yourself to the point that nobody else can come close to offering what you offer, you’re in a fantastic position. That’s easier said than done, obviously, but it’s a great long term marketing Read More
Grow Your Business Online: Does Your Website Have What it Takes?
Most of the time, today's consumers don't pick up the Yellow Pages when they are looking for a business. They go to Google. Or Facebook. Or LinkedIn. So how can you be sure that they'll choose you? There are many elements to a successful internet marketing campaign, but it all starts with your website.Social media can be very effective – but if your audience can’t click through to your site to learn more, or to get Read More
Four Resolutions to Make 2013 Your Best Year Yet
The New Year is right around the corner. 2013 represents opportunity and possibility. It’s a blank canvas. The possibilities are endless.What do you want to create? It all starts with a plan. If you haven’t already, take the time to list several goals for 2013. These goals should be specific and measurable—i.e. “increase revenue by 20% as compared to 2012.” Then create a plan to meet these goals.Whatever your plans Read More
Are You a Thought Leader?
You’ve probably heard the term “thought leader” thrown around… but what does it mean? And why is it important? A thought leader is an individual who is recognized for expertise and innovation within a given discipline. A thought leader is someone who keeps the conversation moving, who identifies opportunities and solutions before they are apparent to everyone else. But why should you care? You should care Read More
What Are You Thankful For?
Thanksgiving is a few days away, and this week is a great opportunity to pause and reflect on the many things each of us have to be thankful for.Being thankful isn’t just a nice thing to do, and it’s not just a “personal” thing—it’s also good business. None of us would be where we are by ourselves. Relationships with customers, with employees, with vendors… these are all key to success. Take some time this week to Read More
Lessons from the Election: What Can Your Business Learn from the 2012 Presidential Campaign?
No matter what your politics may be, most of us are united in relief that election season is finally over! Debates, constant media hysteria, a seemingly interminable number of campaign ads… it’s all behind us now.But before we turn the page, let’s take a moment to evaluate the campaign and look at the possible implications that campaign strategy may have for your business. After all, when you think about it, a Read More
Social Media Marketing: What Can Facebook REALLY Accomplish?
Is it possible for an innovation to be both incredibly significant… and completely over-hyped?Yes— and Facebook proves it.Facebook marketing is absolutely a game changer for business.And yet many internet marketers make Facebook out to be a “magic pill” or a perfect, complete marketing solution for every single business, product, or campaign. If this is what you’re expecting from Facebook, you’re going to be Read More
Internet Marketing 101: Six Steps to an Effective Business Blog
Blogging may be a relatively new concept for most business owners, but as we’ve discussed elsewhere, it can be a very effective marketing tool—for two reasons in particular. First, an effective blog will position the business owner as an authority in his or her market. And second, Google and other search engines love blog content, which means that a regularly updated blog can help you move higher in search engine Read More
