Successful Blog

Are You Clicking with Your Online Clientele?

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iphone-410324_640While there are some consumers willing to do anything and everything it takes to avoid the Internet, many individuals simply couldn’t do without it.

Even though that latter group doesn’t necessarily live on the worldwide web 24/7, many of them do use it regularly each and every week. While some use it mostly for entertainment purposes, many others utilize it for browsing and ultimately purchasing goods and services.

In the event you are a business owner looking to attract more customers (what business owner wouldn’t be?), the Internet is one of if not your best resources.

If you have not been putting the worldwide web to use as of late in attracting more business, definitely give that a second thought as you head into 2017.

Using the Internet to Your Advantage

While there are myriad of ways in which you can put the Internet to work for your brand, here are some ways to best click with clientele (both current and prospective):

  • Blog – If you do not have (or are basically not using) a blog to reach consumers, that should definitely change. Your blog is not only a great marketing tool, but it is all but free to use. Unless you are paying professionals to write copy for your blog, you can basically start and market a blog at no cost to you or your business. Even though you do not need daily blog posts, be sure to keep the blog as fresh and informative as possible, giving consumers a reason to view it. This will also help you stay relevant with search engines, especially Google;
  • Mobile app – Do you have a mobile app? If not, this is another resource that your business should not be without. Do your research regarding the different app development companies out there, seeing which one may best suit your mobile app needs. With the right app in your corner, your mobile marketing options can soar over time, something that any business owner will be more than happy to have happen;
  • Social media – Just how social are you online? With the right social media plan in place, you can take your business to new heights. Just as with a blog, you do not need to be on social media 24/7, but you can’t do it only on occasion, figuring a little here and a little there will get it done. Not only is social media good for promoting your brand, but it gives you a window into what consumers are saying about both your company and competition. Lastly, social media allows you to get in touch with consumers whenever and wherever you want. That flexibility is like having a marketing program that is 24/7/365.

Selling Products and Services

  • Online store – If you haven’t thought about an online store up to this point and time, reconsider that in 2017. With an online store, you can sell goods and services 24/7/365. In doing so, you can see your revenue stream increase on a regular basis. If you do go with an online store, make sure it works from start to finish. The last thing you want is having frustrated consumers get stopped at checkout etc. In the event this happens, they may very well not return;
  • Website – Last but certainly not least, how beneficial is your website to those consumers looking to visit and use it? Just having a website is not enough in today’s digital age. Make sure your site is as beneficial as possible to current and prospective clients. Reviewing your site regularly will help you work out and remove any kinks etc. Remember, your site wants to rank as high as possible on Google and other search engines, so it needs to be clicking on all cylinders in order to draw consumers to it.

If you have not been clicking with online clientele up to this point, a New Year starting soon is a perfect opportunity to change things.

Photo credit: Pixabay

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers business topics on the web.

Resource blogs for business best practices

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The corporate blog.

It’s often a wasteland of promotional blurbs, outsourced marketing-speak, and keywords.

However, in the right hands, it can be an informative, valuable resource for all of us. Today, I’d like to highlight some of the corporate blogs that frequently share useful information and thought leadership.

Buffer Blog

The team at Buffer spends an insane amount of energy on well-researched, deep-dive blog posts. You’ll find yourself bookmarking them for later. They cover topics like social media, online marketing, and business in general. Bonus—there are additional blogs devoted specifically to workplace culture and engineering.

RingCentral Blog

RingCentral’s blog is focused on business phone systems, but it also includes examples of innovation, business strategy, and small business success that would be helpful to any entrepreneur.

Hubspot Blog

If you’re looking for great insights into marketing and sales (both strategy and tactics), the Hubspot blog is always full of tips, techniques, and best practices. You don’t have to be a Hubspot customer to access their great resources.

Orbit Media Blog

The Orbit blog is clear, concise, and super meaty. These are web design and content marketing posts you’ll want to bookmark, take notes on, and refer back to over time.

Moz Blog

One of my favorites, and the recognized authority on SEO. This is a blog with personality and true thought leadership in the optimization space. If you want to know the latest strategies for dealing with Google’s algorithm, this is your go-to blog.

 

Those are some of my favorite resources, please share your favorites in the comments!

 

Author’s Bio: Rosemary O’Neill is an insightful spirit who works for Social Strata — makers of the Hoop.la community platform. Check out the Social Strata blog. You can find Rosemary on Google+ and on Twitter as @rhogroupee

Featured Image via Flickr CC: bagsgroove

4 Tips for Better Marketing Results

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microphone-639192_640As a business owner and/or marketer, how would you rate your marketing game?

If it is coming up short of the desired results, do you have a plan in place to change the direction it is headed? In the event you do not, will you sit idly by and watch competitors reap the rewards of your inept marketing abilities?

Unfortunately, some businesses do just that.

They try to market their products and/or services, but ultimately come to the conclusion that they can’t for this or that reason. As a result, the competition gets rich off of them.

So that you do not end up kicking yourself for what effectively are bad marketing practices, stop and listen for a moment.

You can in fact turn things around if you’re so determined.

Don’t Settle for Second-Rate Marketing Initiatives

If the time has come to turn your marketing initiatives around so you can win a little bit more, remember the following four tips:

  1. Goals – First and foremost, what are your goals with your marketing program? Having clearly defined goals is crucial in order for you to succeed. If you’re a small business, you probably have some roadblocks in your way at times, notably your marketing budget. That said it does not mean you can’t accomplish satisfactory results. With this year almost in the books, now would be a good time to review what you set forth as far as marketing goals for 2017;
  2. Listening – You may think you are a marketing whiz (perhaps you are to one degree or another), but it never hurts to listen to others in the profession. If you have a marketing team in your office, have regular meetings to iron out where the marketing initiatives are headed. You might also find this great marketing podcast of great benefit to your endeavors. Such podcasts can provide a plethora of good marketing information like trends in the industry, where consumers have their heads at these days, why social media can never be taken for granted etc. There are more and more marketing podcasts, videos etc. on the market today than ever before. As such, you can learn lots of good information, information that you can then take and apply to your marketing strategies. While it is perfectly fine to think you know just about all there is to know regarding marketing, keeping your ears and eyes open never hurts.

Networking with Other Marketing Pros

  1. Networking – It is one of the proven ways of getting new business leads, yet so many businesses (and marketers for that matter) drop the ball all too often when it comes to networking. As a result, they miss out on some golden opportunities to secure new business. While your marketing budget may be tight, you should do all you can to attend valuable marketing conferences etc. Even if you have to meticulously pick and choose which ones to attend, do it. The door is open to potential new business at each and every conference, trade show, chamber of commerce event etc. Make those doors open even wider by attending and solidifying new business leads;
  2. Hiring – Last but certainly not least, are you hiring the right marketing talent at your business? In some cases, the answer to that question may be no. If you are not, that needs to change sooner rather than later. Take a look at what some of your competitors are doing when it comes to those they hire. Where are they getting these hires from? What kind of opportunities are they giving them to succeed in their careers? Knowing what winning marketing pros want from a business etc. is something you can never take for granted.

With 2017 just around the bend, take the time now to make sure your marketing goals for next year are ready to rock.

If they’re not, you could find yourself on the outside looking in when it comes to adding more business.

Photo credit: Pixabay

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers business and marketing topics on the web.

Having a hard time finding focus?

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Finding focus

It can be hard to find focus sometimes.

A few months ago, I was talking with a colleague who was having a hard time finding focus in their work. They spoke of feeling pulled in multiple directions and of many obligations — both at work and with their family. As I listened, I could hear how frustrated they were feeling. It was obvious that a few things needed to shift for them. They needed to create a path that would get them moving forward in a more focused way. A path that was achievable and that would help to reduce the level of distractions they were experiencing. They needed to find a way to feel a true sense of control over their life.

Working together, we set out to make a list of ideas and strategies that, when practiced, had the potential to really assist them. Here’s a few key things we put on that list . . .

  • Reduce interruptions when focus is needed! This meant finding the least distracting spot to work, eliminating the constant notifications on their computer and smart phone and planning ahead to maximize productivity during the quietest moments of the day.
  • Stop working. Really! This was critical — often my colleague would keep working long into the night — when they were overtired and actually not productive at all. Instead of pushing themselves to keep on going we agreed that they would set a regular time to stop their work. This would support them to move on in their day and to be sure they were enjoying time with family and friends more frequently.
  • Look after self. These were simple self care ideas — but they mattered. Going to bed earlier and getting up earlier. Finding moments in the day to breathe more deeply, calming busy thoughts in their mind and being more mindful throughout the day. It also included eating more real food and less junk food – and — actually remembering to eat. Oh – and getting their body moving. Going for walks or for a swim several times a week.

Today, things have improved. My colleague tells me they feel more focused and less distracted. These improvements show in the projects they are working on and in how they are generally feeling. They seem more at ease. They are also more aware of what works and doesn’t related to maintaining ongoing focus and eliminating distractions.

Finding your way to focus can be difficult. Sometimes the more we try to achieve focus the more distracted we become. It can be good to get out of your own head and discuss your thinking with another person. You’d be amazed just how many other people also struggle with distractions and maintaining focus. Other people can offer you solid ideas and suggestions that can make a real difference.

Do the things you need to do — so you can reduce the distractions in your life and improve your overall focus. Finding focus will make everything so much easier, faster and more rewarding.

Put Your Mind to It

The next time you find yourself having difficulty with focus or you feel distracted from your work — take note. Ask yourself what is happening that is causing you to feel that way? Consider what you can change up in your life. Talk about it with a close colleague or friend and get their input.

More from Successful-Blog on Focus

The Most Important Thing You Can Focus On Today

Distraction or Opportunity?

Jane Boyd is a Partner in GeniusShared. She is also the CEO of 45 Conversations Media & Education Ltd, a Canadian education and training company based just outside of Vancouver Canada. She works with educators, business, community and government in the areas of early learning, work-life, community development and employee engagement.

Securing the Needed Education to Finance the Right Career

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leave-364178_640If you take a moment to look at where your career is currently headed, are you happy with what you see?

For many individuals, today’s job challenges are not always so much tied to employers not offering them. In fact, it is oftentimes a case of not having the necessary qualifications to meet the needs of companies.

Although some individuals will have each and every qualification needed, they will still be turned down. In the end, the majority do find work when properly qualified.

With that in mind, what are you doing to be as sure as possible that you will get the career you want and deserve?

Are You Properly Qualified?

So that you have all the qualifications deemed necessary to get the job and ultimately career you want, make sure the following are checked off:

  • Attitude – First and foremost, do you have the right attitude when it comes to the job search? Unfortunately, some individuals go into a job hunt feeling like they are all but entitled to a position. In the real world, however, that attitude won’t get one too far. When you have the attitude that exudes positivism, you stand a much better chance of being where you want. Take it from the approach of things work out for a reason, but you’re going to stay positive no matter what;
  • Education – When it comes to your educational background, are you as educated as is deemed necessary? Whether looking for an accounting degree, acquiring an online master of science in finance degree, perhaps a communications degree, be sure to get what you need. Although hands-on training goes a long way in whether or not you get the position you seek, your educational background certainly can’t be discounted;
  • Skills – As you look at the skills you currently possess, are they enough to get you in the door for the interview of your choice (see more below)? In an ever-changing world, recent skills can prove outdated in a short period of time, so never assume what you have is enough. Also take the time to look at your overall social skills, notably as to how you act online and offline. When it comes to the former, more and more employers are looking at prospective candidates (along with current employees), checking to see what they say and do on social media. It would definitely behoove you to be as professional and cautious as possible. Never lash out socially about a current or former employer or co-worker.

Positive Personality is Always Worthwhile

  • Personality – Whether it is in the workplace or outside of it, a positive personality should always be by your side. In the workplace, customer service is always a focal point, something that can determine how successful (or not for that matter) a business can be. If you are in a current job or interviewing for one (perhaps both), make sure your personality comes across as positive. As for outside the workplace, being personable pays dividends too. Always keep in mind that you never truly know who you are talking to at many times in your life. As a result, a general discussion in a coffee shop, restaurant, doctor’s office etc. could in fact be with someone you will refer to as your boss one day;
  • Goals – Finally, for both your sake and the sake of any employer you work for, having goals is crucial. Yes, some employees just go through the motions in the workplace on a daily basis. For whatever reason or reasons that is, it really doesn’t help anyone, notably the worker. By being ambitious and looking to accomplish more in life in terms of your profession, you will stand out in a positive way for all to see.

If you feel like something is missing in your career i.e. enough education, the right position to grow in etc. will you do something about it today?

Photo credit: Pixabay

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers business and personal growth topics on the web.

 

Are You Searching for Better Sales Numbers?

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hand-895588_640As you sit back and look at where your business is heading into 2017, are you happy?

For starters, are your sales numbers where you really want them to be? Do you feel like you’re getting everything possible out of your sales team? Finally, what visions do you have going forward for improving sales in 2017 and beyond?

Whether you are entirely happy with your sales numbers or feel there is work to be done, reviewing where you are at makes sense.

To start with, you should always hold a firm grasp as to where your company was, where it is now, and of course where it may be headed.

By being attentive to where your business may need help, you won’t be caught with your pants down so to speak.

So, will you be looking for better sales numbers in 2017?

Giving Customers What They Want

One of the keys to better sales numbers is making sure your marketing efforts are spot-on.

So, how do you know if your marketing is truly reaching the people you need it to?

To begin with, having a well-rounded marketing strategy is related to knowing what and how to use search engine optimization (SEO) to your advantage.

For those business owners a little green with SEO, turning to professionals to run your search engine optimization efforts and overall marketing initiatives makes sense. Whether you opt for search engine services for your West Palm Beach business or others closer to you, don’t turn down professional help.

With professional SEO help at your service, you can do things you probably never even thought of, especially in improving sales. Before you enlist  the help of an SEO provider, be sure to do some research to see which one best suits your needs (see more below).

How Do I Select the Best?

In order to find the best SEO provider out there, make sure the following areas are covered:

  1. Experience – For starters, do not overlook the experience of any SEO provider you consider doing business with. While there are some terrific new SEO providers out there, experience is always a plus. Be sure to ask any SEO company you might do business with to provide you with a portfolio of successful projects they have done. By seeing how they’ve helped other brands, you may see why they’re the one (possibly not) for you;
  2. Initiative – How excited are SEO providers you talk with when it comes to possibly helping you out? Are they ones with a passion for SEO, a passion that could translate to better overall brand marketing and promotion for your business? If so, then they are definitely ones to consider;
  3. Promotions – As any good SEO pro can tell you, a well-round search engine optimization program is what it takes to get your brand noticed. This includes not only the right SEO keywords for any content you author, but great content itself. Your goal each and every time you author content is to make it both authoritative and informative to consumers. In the event you don’t provide those two major ingredients, what purpose is it really serving them? You also need a great effort when it comes to social media. That social networking can increase your sales numbers as more consumers talk about your brand to their family and friends.

Moving Forward with Promotions

As 2017 approaches, take the time to see if your sales numbers are headed in the right direction.

If SEO has not been a part of your brand promotions up to this point, you very well may want to change that approach moving forward.

With so much on the line in terms of sales and increasing your revenue on a regular basis; stop to see how SEO fits into those plans.

When all is said and done, you might be happily surprised with what you find.

Photo credit: Pixabay

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers business topic on the web.