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 marketing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label marketing. 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, 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
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Mobile Optimization. You can't afford not to.
This is my second post about going mobile -- or getting your website ready for mobile users.
Your small business simply cannot afford not to go mobile. So many customers are looking for your business right now on their cell. A website designed for easy mobile access, viewing, and click-through will make you more money because such a low percentage of websites are ready. Cellphone users just pass on sites that are difficult or clunky but they'll land on yours.
The cellphone/video generation is coming of age. They are buying houses, cars, and everything else. Be there when they go looking. The fastest growing age segment on cell devices are 50+ and they are cash-rich as they downsize, interested in your product or service, and looking for you with their new gadget. Yours should be the site they find. You don't have to choose my services for your upgrade (though I would love it if you did) but you should be doing this right now.
Contact me for more information. We're actually offering a free assessment this month, a $300 savings in which we will make recommendations and offer solutions that are tailored to your needs.
If you're not already convinced, here are some stats. Happy surfing!
2013 Cell Phone Statistics
New information has been released about how we used our cell phones, smartphones, and mobile devices in 2013. Some of the stats show a clear move among the average cell user towards it being their primary gaming, internet, and communication device.
Your small business simply cannot afford not to go mobile. So many customers are looking for your business right now on their cell. A website designed for easy mobile access, viewing, and click-through will make you more money because such a low percentage of websites are ready. Cellphone users just pass on sites that are difficult or clunky but they'll land on yours.
The cellphone/video generation is coming of age. They are buying houses, cars, and everything else. Be there when they go looking. The fastest growing age segment on cell devices are 50+ and they are cash-rich as they downsize, interested in your product or service, and looking for you with their new gadget. Yours should be the site they find. You don't have to choose my services for your upgrade (though I would love it if you did) but you should be doing this right now.
Contact me for more information. We're actually offering a free assessment this month, a $300 savings in which we will make recommendations and offer solutions that are tailored to your needs.
If you're not already convinced, here are some stats. Happy surfing!
2013 Cell Phone Statistics
New information has been released about how we used our cell phones, smartphones, and mobile devices in 2013. Some of the stats show a clear move among the average cell user towards it being their primary gaming, internet, and communication device.
- 97% of adults have a cell phone. (Up 4% from 2012)
- Of these, 56% of those phones are considered "smart phones"
- the average smart phone user looks at her phone 127 times a day
- The cellular phone is the most quickly adopted technology in history.
- Cell phones are seen as key to actively participating in your community.
- 29% of users describe their phone as something they can't live without.
- 9% used their phone to contribute to charity.
2013 Showed Growth in Mobile Marketing Importance
- 34% of all users are "mobile only", meaning they use only their mobile devices and have no other computer or telephone. (Up 9% from 2012)
- 41% of mobile users browse on their mobile devices for a product after seeing it on an ad on television.
- 80% of users will participate in e-commerce this year.
- 36% of smartphone users admit to "shopping around" on their phones while at a retail location, before committing to a purchase.
Friday, February 7, 2014
Pick up the phone! 4 Critical Website Techniques For Small Business.
Cellphones are becoming a dominant method for folks who need to find a local business right now. Right this minute! People who are looking on their phones are often buying right now.
Imagine. You are on the way to visit a friend at and you don't have a gift. What about flowers? What about a gift basket? You grab your cell phone and find out that there's a gift basket store just a block from their house. And it's open. Easy-peasy.
Imagine. You're working a set of appointments in a new area in the city and you have to, have to get some dry cleaning done. Pick up the phone. There's a handy dry cleaner right there. Easy-peasy.
Imagine. You're on your way to a big presentation and, disaster! You spill that Timmies coffee all over your printed materials. Need a copy shop right away! Pick up the phone. Easy-peasy.
I, honestly, don't know how I functioned without the phone. I may be saving a good hour a day in efficiency and productivity just making use of features like web search, transit schedules. That's a lot of time, either to work or (gasp!) to spend with family and friends. And the whole world is starting to do the same. You want this business. It's the equivalent of having a storefront in the centre of town that gets tons of foot traffic because of location.
How can you maximize your chances of getting this business
1. Search engine optimisation.
There is room, on a small screen, for about three entries. If the search is 'sports equipment Yonge and Eglinton' and you have a sports store near that location, you want to be one of the three top entries. Through the use of Social Media, keywords, and other techniques, your shop can be there.
2. Have a website designed for easy viewing and navigation on a cellphone.
Many sites require a second, specifically designed mobile site. However, most of my clients are small, local businesses with small websites. For these folk, I recommend a re-design and a switch to Responsive code. Responsive code checks what device is viewing the website and optimises the site for viewing on that device. It's nifty and intelligent -- and you don't have to go to the bother of updating two sites every time you decide to have a promotion!
3. Your phone number should be front and centre and clickable.
Your company's phone number should be at the top of your website. Aaaaand, front and centre on every page. Most websites have stopped even putting the phone number on the front page, let alone at the top, making a cell phone user really dig for a quick way to contact you. Crazy. What are you hiding your number for? And remember to make that number clickable - so that if the cell phone user clicks it, the number is loaded straight into his or her phone. Easy peasy.
4. Put critical details at the top.
If he or she only had a tiny, little screen to look at, what would be the most important thing for a customer to see? What does a person on the run want to know? Is the store open? Where is the store? What specials are on right now? What brands do they carry? Put this information or links to this information right at the top for your cell phone users.
This might require a redesign of your website but it is critical to increased sales figures as the world switches to handheld devices.
Imagine. You are on the way to visit a friend at and you don't have a gift. What about flowers? What about a gift basket? You grab your cell phone and find out that there's a gift basket store just a block from their house. And it's open. Easy-peasy.
Imagine. You're working a set of appointments in a new area in the city and you have to, have to get some dry cleaning done. Pick up the phone. There's a handy dry cleaner right there. Easy-peasy.
Imagine. You're on your way to a big presentation and, disaster! You spill that Timmies coffee all over your printed materials. Need a copy shop right away! Pick up the phone. Easy-peasy.
I, honestly, don't know how I functioned without the phone. I may be saving a good hour a day in efficiency and productivity just making use of features like web search, transit schedules. That's a lot of time, either to work or (gasp!) to spend with family and friends. And the whole world is starting to do the same. You want this business. It's the equivalent of having a storefront in the centre of town that gets tons of foot traffic because of location.
How can you maximize your chances of getting this business
1. Search engine optimisation.
There is room, on a small screen, for about three entries. If the search is 'sports equipment Yonge and Eglinton' and you have a sports store near that location, you want to be one of the three top entries. Through the use of Social Media, keywords, and other techniques, your shop can be there.
2. Have a website designed for easy viewing and navigation on a cellphone.
Many sites require a second, specifically designed mobile site. However, most of my clients are small, local businesses with small websites. For these folk, I recommend a re-design and a switch to Responsive code. Responsive code checks what device is viewing the website and optimises the site for viewing on that device. It's nifty and intelligent -- and you don't have to go to the bother of updating two sites every time you decide to have a promotion!
3. Your phone number should be front and centre and clickable.
Your company's phone number should be at the top of your website. Aaaaand, front and centre on every page. Most websites have stopped even putting the phone number on the front page, let alone at the top, making a cell phone user really dig for a quick way to contact you. Crazy. What are you hiding your number for? And remember to make that number clickable - so that if the cell phone user clicks it, the number is loaded straight into his or her phone. Easy peasy.
4. Put critical details at the top.
If he or she only had a tiny, little screen to look at, what would be the most important thing for a customer to see? What does a person on the run want to know? Is the store open? Where is the store? What specials are on right now? What brands do they carry? Put this information or links to this information right at the top for your cell phone users.
This might require a redesign of your website but it is critical to increased sales figures as the world switches to handheld devices.
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