Have you ever been in a situation where you were asked to give your opinion about a marketing piece of some kind: an advertisement, brochure, website, etc.? This is a relatively common question when interviewing for a marketing position or when pitching your services to a potential business client, so chances are you have. What has your response been? Continue reading “Critiquing Marketing Pieces in Context “
Tag: online marketing
Facebook as Your “Website”? Here’s Why That Might Be a Bad Idea
Not so long ago, having a website for a small business seemed like something that was only feasible for the high-margin business or the tech-savvy entrepreneur. Today, a professional-looking website is within reach of virtually any business. Still, in the Facebook age, many businesses are tempted to use a page on the social networking site as their primary online presence.
Facebook is certainly a low-cost option to very quickly get your business’ web presence up and running; however, there are a number of considerations to keep in mind before using Facebook as your only online vehicle. Continue reading “Facebook as Your “Website”? Here’s Why That Might Be a Bad Idea”
Would You Believe There are Still Businesses Without Web Sites?
by Linda Pophal
A few years ago my husband was in the process of researching restaurants online for a trip we were planning. When he shared the results of his research he said: “I’ve found a few good ones – there were a couple of others I wanted to check out, but they don’t have a web site, so forget it.”
I’m guessing he’s not alone in that sentiment. How often have you tried to find information about a restaurant, or some other business online, only to give up on them and select another option instead?
In the 21st century, if you’re in business and you don’t have a web site Continue reading “Would You Believe There are Still Businesses Without Web Sites?”
My #1 SEO Tip
By Linda Pophal
Ever since websites became a reality, marketers have been interested in finding ways to drive traffic to their sites. One of the traditional ways of doing this has been through search engine optimization (SEO)—a “fancy” phrase that really just means posting content that contains the words and phrases that potential visitors are likely to enter into search engines (like Google) when they’re looking for what you have to offer. Continue reading “My #1 SEO Tip”
Best Blogging Practices
By Linda Pophal
Blogging can seem like a big commitment and, to a certain degree, it is. After all, you don’t want to start a blog without committing to posting to it regularly. But the time and effort don’t have to be overwhelming. I started this blog in February 2009 and have been posting to it regularly ever since. Over the past few years, I’ve been posting a couple of times a week.
I have five tips for those wanting to start a blog, or do a better job of managing an existing blog: Continue reading “Best Blogging Practices”
The Benefits of Building an Online Community
Engaging with customers has always been important, but it has arguably never been easier than it is today in an era where we have a myriad of online communication channels and means to engage with our audiences. Whether they’re across town, or on the other side of the globe, electronic media allows for forum for marketers to listen to, learn form and leverage their online communities in a variety of ways. Continue reading “The Benefits of Building an Online Community”
Facebook for Local Businesses
Small businesses, I think, have an edge when it comes to social media engagement, and Facebook is a very good example of this. Effective social media requires a relationship between the business/business owner and their followers. This is much easier for small businesses to attain than it is for large businesses, particularly because small businesses tend to be closer to their customers offline–the online environment simply becomes another forum for engagement.
Despite the fact that social media channels like Facebook can provide a global audience, small businesses don’t need to extend their reach globally–in fact, they can (and should) focus on their local markets.
In attempting to do this, we believe there are some important keys to effective engagement: Continue reading “Facebook for Local Businesses”
Magic Words to Make Prospects Open Your Email Messages
It’s tough out there in email marketing land as millions (billions?) of marketers compete for the attention of already harassed and harried consumers. Finding those magic words to cut through the clutter is high on the wish lists of marketers everywhere. The problem is there are no magic words!
There is, though, one very important (and often overlooked) part of the email marketing message that can make a big difference: Continue reading “Magic Words to Make Prospects Open Your Email Messages”
Getting More From LinkedIn
LinkedIn is my go-to social media tool, primarily because most of my work is in the B2B space, but also because of the real value the site provides business professionals, whether they are seeking jobs, doing business development or furthering their careers. Continue reading “Getting More From LinkedIn”
Why You’re Losing Email Subscribers
Email marketing is a big deal these days. And, while traditional direct mail marketing still has a place, the ability to engage with online consumers on an ongoing basis, through permission marketing (when they opt in to receive your email messages) represents great value to your organization. If, that is, you can keep them engaged. Continue reading “Why You’re Losing Email Subscribers”