We love our clients. We really do. And, despite fierce competition, we want them to come back again and again and again. Are you selling coffee along with three other shops pretty much on the same block? Are you competing with four local dance clubs? Are you a dress-maker? Restaurant? Personal trainer? Real estate agent? How can you become your clients' and potenial clients' first go-to? How do you stay just a touch of a button away? The answer is simple: Publish your own mobile app.
Now, don't run away because it sounds scary-techy. It's actually easy to develop an app. And, if you think that mobile ain't gonna be that important, have a look at this.
Once you have an app ready and are advertising it as part of a healthy marketing plan, clients will download and install your app. That app is on your client's phone. That app will encourage your client to come into your store for specials, help new clients find you, help clients contact you for customer service, keep clients informed about special events. The more engaged and immeresed your clients are in your solutions, products, and services, the more they will buy.
What can help keep clients looking at your app for information, or using your app? Loyalty Cards will definitely encourage them to drink that tenth cup of coffee. Are you a local club? Keep your clients informed with Event Listings or links to bands' playlists. Keep your clients always up to date about specials or promotions with direct access to your Twitter and/or facebook feeds. Offer Coupons incentives only available through your app! And you can actually sell your wares right off of your app with E-Commerce. Seriously.
If you are a little tech-savvy (enough to build your own drag and drop mass email for example), you can develop your own app fairly easily through drag and drop menus on free sites like my.como.com/. If you are daunted by the technology but savvy enough to understand just how important mobile apps can be to your business, hire someone like me to help you develop a small app ($500-750) or you can go big and spend around $3,000-5.000. It's up to you.
But if you get an app and market it well as part of your overall stategy, that app will pay for itself many times over. You will see an increase in repeat customers -- and you might get a few brand advocates out of it, too! People love convenience and connection.
Good luck out there!
Committed to helping Small Business make more money using Social Media.
Showing posts with label advertise online. Show all posts
Showing posts with label advertise online. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Friday, August 1, 2014
God Turns On His Side - Another Google Update
Google may -- or may not -- have updated last night. And, now, us social media types are hopping about like bunnies on a hotplate trying to figure out what that means to you, our clients and, also, to us.
What? But wait. (I can hear you saying.) Aren't you guys experts? Isn't that why I pay for you in the first place?
Well, yes. But everytime google updates the nature of the game changes and with that, we all have to make changes, too.
What most folks don't realize about social media is these companies don't really care about making sure that everyone sees the latest picture of you,r adorable new kitten. These companies are in it for the money. How do they make money? Well, we've all seen those, sometimes innappropriate, ads in our Facebook feeds or sponsored messages on Twitter, or featured posts at the top of our search engine inquiries. The money in social media comes from businesses trying to connect with users.
But now, again, a little known fact (that's well known in social media circles): The second most trusted way to choose a prospective service or product is by testimonials from strangers on the internet. From strangers. (The first, of course, is recommendations from family and friends.) Consequently, all major social media platforms are moving toward the referral system services (a paradigm that is already very profitable in China). All social media platforms would like to be the Number 1 referral engine in the west. So, expect to see lots of changes both on Facebook, Google+, and google results pages with that in mind.
What's so important about Google? Two out of every three online searches originate at google. Google cannot be ignored because what they are doing affects the bulk of customer inquiry on the internet and will influence how the rest of the market will operate.
This current update (if, in fact there was one) looks like it is changing the nature of search engine results and will reboot the debate about whether SEO (search engine optimization) is dead . I, for one, will be watching the situation closely; so I can bring you the best advice to help your online success.
So, my point? Your online presence is in need of constant monitoring and tweaking to maximize your online success because the game is changing constantly and without warning. Never trick yourself into thinking that you're done or god might roll right on top of you.
What? But wait. (I can hear you saying.) Aren't you guys experts? Isn't that why I pay for you in the first place?
Well, yes. But everytime google updates the nature of the game changes and with that, we all have to make changes, too.
What most folks don't realize about social media is these companies don't really care about making sure that everyone sees the latest picture of you,r adorable new kitten. These companies are in it for the money. How do they make money? Well, we've all seen those, sometimes innappropriate, ads in our Facebook feeds or sponsored messages on Twitter, or featured posts at the top of our search engine inquiries. The money in social media comes from businesses trying to connect with users.
But now, again, a little known fact (that's well known in social media circles): The second most trusted way to choose a prospective service or product is by testimonials from strangers on the internet. From strangers. (The first, of course, is recommendations from family and friends.) Consequently, all major social media platforms are moving toward the referral system services (a paradigm that is already very profitable in China). All social media platforms would like to be the Number 1 referral engine in the west. So, expect to see lots of changes both on Facebook, Google+, and google results pages with that in mind.
What's so important about Google? Two out of every three online searches originate at google. Google cannot be ignored because what they are doing affects the bulk of customer inquiry on the internet and will influence how the rest of the market will operate.
This current update (if, in fact there was one) looks like it is changing the nature of search engine results and will reboot the debate about whether SEO (search engine optimization) is dead . I, for one, will be watching the situation closely; so I can bring you the best advice to help your online success.
So, my point? Your online presence is in need of constant monitoring and tweaking to maximize your online success because the game is changing constantly and without warning. Never trick yourself into thinking that you're done or god might roll right on top of you.
Monday, July 14, 2014
5 Steps to a Killer Social Media Strategy
We all know that if we want to be effective, we need to know exactly what we want to do and how we plan to do it. Sound simple? Yes, it is. But most folks don't take stock and plan. Now, I am not saying that these folks aren't effective, I am saying that they aren't being as effective as they could be. Successful people plan. They plan out their day. They plan out their week. They plan out their short and long term goals. And they definitely plan out their Social Media Strategy.
How to develop a Social Media Strategy? Treat it like as the marketing project it is.
1) The 'Whats'
First, you need to know what you want to do. What are your goals with Social Media?
2) Who is your client?
Take a good long time to think about who your client is and how that person, likely, uses the Internet. Is that person constantly online, tweeting her whole day? Or is that person logging on once a day to do some light surfing and check to see if more pictures have been posted of his grandchildren? It's very important to think about this because it will shape your strategies. The previous two types of clients, for example, will tell us whether to focus on Facebook or Twitter, whether to concentrate on certain types of posts or content, and even whether to use images or text primarily in our posts.
There is Big Data to help you figure out what your standard client is doing and how s/he responds to different media. You can research online or get some help but your demographic has a profile. Take advantage of that information.
3) Get your tools together.
The opportunity to collect your potential client's email (along with permission to email them) is a critical component of all social media strategies right now. Make sure that you are gathering these email addresses and contacting them frequently (2-3 times a month for a brick and mortar business, 2-3 times a week for online sales). If you are not a writer, don't worry. A photo blog might be a great idea for you!
5) Learn from yourself.
As you work up your killer strategy, check your stats daily. First thing in the morning. If the stats are growing at the rates you set out in Step 1, great. If not, think about how to change what you're doing to up those stats and meet your goals. Consult with a Social Media consultant or just get down and dirty yourself and google it. It's really important, here, to be honest with yourself. Follow what the figures are telling you NOT what your years of marketing gut is saying. Numbers don't lie. Only spend time and money on what actually works.
Hope this helps! Good luck out there!
How to develop a Social Media Strategy? Treat it like as the marketing project it is.
1) The 'Whats'
First, you need to know what you want to do. What are your goals with Social Media?
- Are you looking to connect in a more personal way with your clients?
- Are you setting up a general inbound marketing plan to attract more clients to you?
- Are you wanting to establish better customer service online?
- Are you wanting to up your brand exposure?
2) Who is your client?
Take a good long time to think about who your client is and how that person, likely, uses the Internet. Is that person constantly online, tweeting her whole day? Or is that person logging on once a day to do some light surfing and check to see if more pictures have been posted of his grandchildren? It's very important to think about this because it will shape your strategies. The previous two types of clients, for example, will tell us whether to focus on Facebook or Twitter, whether to concentrate on certain types of posts or content, and even whether to use images or text primarily in our posts.
There is Big Data to help you figure out what your standard client is doing and how s/he responds to different media. You can research online or get some help but your demographic has a profile. Take advantage of that information.
3) Get your tools together.
- Get some posting software.
If you are planning to post yourself, you need a method by which you can post everything (or a lot of things) when it's convenient and space the posts out during the day. There are various pieces of software out there. I recommend Hootsuite because it's the deck I use. If you find the software confusing, get training. It's worth it because it will save you so much time in the future. - Set up tracking mechanisms.
- Google Analytics - this great tool allows you to put a widget on your website pages and track visitors to your site and their behaviour on your site. Analytics will also give you insight on demographics. It's a great tool for small business and it's free, right now.
- Hootsuite and other tweet decks will report on your progress. Set up these reports.
The opportunity to collect your potential client's email (along with permission to email them) is a critical component of all social media strategies right now. Make sure that you are gathering these email addresses and contacting them frequently (2-3 times a month for a brick and mortar business, 2-3 times a week for online sales). If you are not a writer, don't worry. A photo blog might be a great idea for you!
5) Learn from yourself.
As you work up your killer strategy, check your stats daily. First thing in the morning. If the stats are growing at the rates you set out in Step 1, great. If not, think about how to change what you're doing to up those stats and meet your goals. Consult with a Social Media consultant or just get down and dirty yourself and google it. It's really important, here, to be honest with yourself. Follow what the figures are telling you NOT what your years of marketing gut is saying. Numbers don't lie. Only spend time and money on what actually works.
Hope this helps! Good luck out there!
Sunday, June 22, 2014
The One Big Mistake That's Killing Your Content
In my other life, I am a theatre artist: a freelance director. I direct between three and seven shows a year. Every show that gets out there is subject to criticism and, let me tell you, everybody's got an opinion. I've had people completely trash what was, arguably, my best work to date. And I have had that other imposter as well: unearned adoration.
So, I guess have grown quite a thick skin in the last twenty years and I have the ability to soldier on despite the possibility of heavy criticism on the other side. But most of us aren't lucky enough to have that background and we make the big mistake of worrying what other people will think of what we write or otherwise publish. Worrying about what others think will kill your content faster than the internet forgets a tweet storm.
But, you say, it's human nature to worry about what other people think of you. Doesn't it have to be good, I mean, really good? Doesn't it have to be perfect? I can't make one mistake! The white paper has got to be twenty pages long and meticulously edited; or the movie has to be done with a professional flare or it's no good; or the infographic needs to be chock-a-block with facts and figures....! Wait a second? How long is all this going to take?
While you are carefully putting together your amazing project, other people may have posted dozens of times with short, punchy movies, blogs, and graphics that catch the eye, make a point, and inform. Which is better, right now? I hate to say for all of you striving for perfection: short, clear messaged media is what is getting seen, read, reblogged-posted-tweeted.
Right, then. We need to learn how not to second guess ourselves. We need to learn how to press 'send' or 'publish' or 'post'. Read it once forward, once backward, do a spell check. Leave it a couple of hours and read it again or get your favourite proof-reader to take a look. Read it once forward, once backward, do a spell check. Accept that it will never be perfect. Press 'send'.
That idea is worth repeating: Accept that it will never be perfect. Press 'send'.
The way the interwebs are evolving, it's better to get that content out there consistently and reliably than to worry about any one of your posts being a magnum opus.
Good luck out there!
Jacqui Burke is a freelance social media marketer committed to helping small business build their profits through social media. Take a look at her website at www.jaybirdsocialmedia.com
So, I guess have grown quite a thick skin in the last twenty years and I have the ability to soldier on despite the possibility of heavy criticism on the other side. But most of us aren't lucky enough to have that background and we make the big mistake of worrying what other people will think of what we write or otherwise publish. Worrying about what others think will kill your content faster than the internet forgets a tweet storm.
But, you say, it's human nature to worry about what other people think of you. Doesn't it have to be good, I mean, really good? Doesn't it have to be perfect? I can't make one mistake! The white paper has got to be twenty pages long and meticulously edited; or the movie has to be done with a professional flare or it's no good; or the infographic needs to be chock-a-block with facts and figures....! Wait a second? How long is all this going to take?
While you are carefully putting together your amazing project, other people may have posted dozens of times with short, punchy movies, blogs, and graphics that catch the eye, make a point, and inform. Which is better, right now? I hate to say for all of you striving for perfection: short, clear messaged media is what is getting seen, read, reblogged-posted-tweeted.
Right, then. We need to learn how not to second guess ourselves. We need to learn how to press 'send' or 'publish' or 'post'. Read it once forward, once backward, do a spell check. Leave it a couple of hours and read it again or get your favourite proof-reader to take a look. Read it once forward, once backward, do a spell check. Accept that it will never be perfect. Press 'send'.
That idea is worth repeating: Accept that it will never be perfect. Press 'send'.
The way the interwebs are evolving, it's better to get that content out there consistently and reliably than to worry about any one of your posts being a magnum opus.
Good luck out there!
Jacqui Burke is a freelance social media marketer committed to helping small business build their profits through social media. Take a look at her website at www.jaybirdsocialmedia.com
Monday, June 9, 2014
What Google wants, Google gets. 3 Ways This Can Build Your Business RIGHT NOW.
How can what Google wants affect your business?
1. Google wants Google+ to be more popular than Facebook.
Well, who wouldn't? One way Google is encouraging this is favouriting posts on Google+ pages on its search engine; so, posts on Google+ rank very high up on Google Search ratings. For example, if you post on your Google+ business page about a flower special you have for your florist business in the beaches, that post may, very well, hit in the top 10 searches for 'Beaches florist' on Google. Google represents two out of every three searches made online; so this effect is nothing to sneeze at.
How long will this effect work? Until Google gets what it wants or abandons the strategy.
How do I take advantage of this?
- Create a Google identity (if you haven't already)
- Make a Google+ business page (make sure your profile is complete and your business verified).
- Research keyword searches that are common for your business using the (you guessed it) absolutely free Google Keyword Search Tool.
2. Google wants to be your Gateway to the World.
Right, right? If everybody is looking for products, services, and destinations through Google search and Google maps, then Google becomes one of the most powerful marketing engines on the planet. They have developed FREE tools that help you connect with your clients right now.
Google Places is a business registry that is linked with Google Maps, allowing your business to show up on a Google maps search of your area. This is critical, now that folks are searching primarily for products and services on their cell phones. They will be attracted to your business simply because it has a listing on Google Maps and it's located just around the corner increasing walk-in traffic and local awareness of your business.
Businesses listed in Google Places also enjoy a dominant spot on the right of the google search results page for local searches.
How long will this last? Until Google gets what it wants or Google abandons this strategy.
How do I take advantage of this?
- Create a Google identity (if you haven't already)
- Create a Google Places listing. Make sure that your listing is complete, with hours of operation, etc., and fully verified.
K, again. Who wouldn't? Currently, potential clients believe online reviews left by strangers and, of course, reviews by family and friends ahead of traditional forms of advertising. Google Places allows customers to leave testimonials on your products or services. After 5-6 testimonials, a rating out of five stars will show under your listing, increasing a client's perception of the reliability of your business.
How long will this last? Until Google gets what it wants or Google abandons this strategy.
How do I take advantage of this?
- Get a Google Places listing for your business.
- Encourage good clients to write a testimonial for you by sending them a direct link to a review form. Here is an example of that link:
https://plus.google.com/115505053294590812173/about?gl=US&hl=en-US&review=1
The long number in the middle of the link is your Google Identifier. How do you find it? Simply copy and paste it from the url of your Google Business Places listing.
Do me a favour: if you liked this post, go ahead and click on that Google Testimonial link and give me a good review. I'd be honoured.
If you want to take advantage of these techniques but feel daunted, we're offering a flat rate to set this all up for you -- for a short time only. Contact me:
Contact me:
website: http://www.jaybirdsocialmedia.com
email: info@jaybirdsocialmedia.com
twitter: @jaybirdsocialme
phone: +1 647-292-0210
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Skeptical? 3 Compelling Reasons To Get Your Website Mobile Ready
If you are to decide to spend the time and money it takes to upgrade your website, you have to know it's worth it. Here's three reasons (with back up data) that tell us we can't afford not to make the change.
As of February 2014, cell access of the
Internet outstripped PC access
As of January 2014
Internet users are moving onto mobile in incredible numbers.
They are accessing, researching, and making buying decisions on their smart
phones. But a huge percentage of websites (estimates are over 80%) are not optimized for mobile. Their sites hard to navigate (most mobile users will just bounce off)
and, indeed, harder to find. The Internet is competitive. You want to be there when your customer comes looking:
1. Cell Use Is Our Number One Choice For Accessing The Internet
As of February 2014, cell access of the
Internet outstripped PC access
(SOURCE CNNMONEY CITING ENDERS ANALYSIS):
Mobile devices accounted for 55% of Internet usage in the
United States in January. Apps made up 47% of Internet traffic and 8% of
traffic came from mobile browsers, according to data from comScore, cited
Thursday by research firm Enders Analysis. PCs clocked in at 45%.
As of January 2014
(SOURCE: PEW RESEARCH CENTER, WASHINGTON DC):
- 90% of American adults have a cell phone
- 58% of American adults have a smartphone
- 32% of American adults own an e-reader
- 42% of American adults own a tablet computer
2. Consumers Are Researching/Making Their Decisions On Mobile
SOURCE: TELEMETRIX:
50% of consumers are using their smartphones exclusively
to start their research and 31% continue through the process and make buying
decisions online. Of the 50% who start their research, only half know what
they’re looking for when they start. The other 50% can be influenced by brand
marketers.
SOURCE: GOOGLE RESEARCH
A startling 82% of
consumers are using their mobile phones to help them make buying decisions
while inside your store with comparison pricing research but, also,
using merchant apps.
Of those users, 60% expect their business solution to be
within walking distance and 33% are looking for pertinent details: phone, location, business hours.
3. More And More Consumers Are Coming Online Via Mobile
SOURCE: EMARKETER
Smartphone uptake is massive. According to eMarketer, the
low cost of smart phones will result in 2 billion in use by 2015. We recently
tipped over the 1 billion mark. And projections are over 5 billion by 2017. We
are at the uptrend of a burgeoning market. Projects say that over 90% of
Internet users will be accessing the Internet via their phone alone.
As I said, you can't afford not to do make your website mobile ready. We are offering a free service to take a look at your site and let you know what you need to do and how much it will cost. Get your FREE Assessment*, today!
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