Earlier this week, Google+ changed its policy on user profile names. In the past, users had to use their real names when commenting or reviewing businesses on the platform, but now users can use any name they want on their profile. When Google+ launched, they required real names as a means to avoid fake profiles. However, there were many users … Read More
How to Turn Employees Into Brand Ambassadors
Modern companies realize they have new ways to get product and company information out there. One of these is through using brand ambassadors, a relatively new practice that is transforming how marketing is done in many industries. This type of innovation is also helping small businesses that don’t have a lot of marketing firepower or tons of money to spend … Read More
3 Things Small Business Owners Need To Include In Their Homepages
Your website is essential to the success of your small business. It’s what represents you to the hundreds, thousands of people that come across your page and subsequently decide if they want to spend their money on you. A bad website one can kill your business. A decent one is par for the course. But a great one?
Focusing on Your Online Reputation Means Focusing on Your Customers
In today’s ultra-connected world, online reputation counts for a lot, even if your business has a strong offline element. A recent BrightLocal study found that 95% of consumers use the web to find local businesses. Bottom line is that if you do not have a strong online presence, you are going to lose customers. Why Invest In Protecting Your Online … Read More
How to Use Storytelling to Build Your Brand Online and Grow Your Small Business
Imagine having to sell a product or service without using words, only pictures. It may sound scary, but a savvy marketer would embrace the challenge by creating a pictorial storyline demonstrating the value of a product or business. The best marketers understand the basic concept that advertising is in itself a form of illustrative storytelling, relying upon verbal imagery to connect … Read More
More Customers Trust Online Reviews as Much as Personal Recommendations
A recent study on consumer behavior and local businesses reported that more customers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations to determine the quality of a business. The study reported that in 2014, only 12% of consumers do not read online reviews, as compared to 15% in 2013 and 24% in 2012.
Yelp’s New Messaging Feature
Yelp just came out with a new instant messaging feature on their website, where customers can engage in conversation with local businesses. In 2011, Facebook came out with a private messaging system for business pages as well, but this is a big step for Yelp. For the most part, Yelp’s platform hadn’t really encouraged conversations between businesses and customers—that is, … Read More
8 Things You Didn’t Know About Social Media Marketing
Understanding the nuances of every social media site is a tricky endeavor. Just when you think you’ve figured it all out, Facebook introduces a new advertising platform. Or you notice not all of your Yelp reviews are appearing on your profile. Or you realize Google added yet another local business feature to their search engine. At the same time, you … Read More
5 Things Small Businesses Should Do to Stand Out Online
More and more consumers are turning to the web when they want to engage with a local business. As the competition increases, how will you stand out? Consumers will choose your business on the basis of first impressions; you have a crucial moment or two in which to capture their interest before they click over to one of the numerous … Read More
How to Build Your Brand Online and Win New Customers
It’s one thing to start a business. It’s another to grow a solid foundation of loyal customers who are passionate about your business. It seems like a simple idea- if your business makes your customers happy, they will come back again and again. If your business really makes your customers happy, they will come back with their friends and family … Read More
