Business

  • Using Quizzes as Part of Your Online Marketing Mix

    As a marketer I am always on the lookout for new and creative ways to get opt-ins for my clients and my own business. Quizzes are one way to get to people to answer questions about themselves because it shows that we are interested in their opinions and needs. And we as humans, are all genuinely curious, too. That is another reason I think that platforms like BuzzFeed are so popular.

    It’s Interactive!

    So why does that matter? Well let’s look at some of the stats and information around this.

    • Merryl Goffin, suggests that Consumers are looking for three things from content: Education, entertainment and/or social currency. Quizzes, games, polls and calculators are shareable and give you user information based on responses. Also, Interactive content can be the first point of conversation with users. – Forbes
    • The average quiz is shared nearly 2,000 times – Buzzsumo
    • 88% of marketers said that interactive content is effective in differentiating their brand from their competitors – Ion Interactive
    • Interactive content converts 2x more than passive content – Kapost
    • Online quizzes are, in a way, still considered a hidden gem of lead generation. Due to their ever-increasing popularity on social media, however, we believe quizzes are destined to be the next big thing in the modern marketer’s mission of capturing leads and increasing revenue. – Lead Quizzes
    • Interactive quizzes can be a powerful tool in the hands of digital marketers looking to collect information and convert online visitors into leads. By delivering entertaining, interactive, relevant content instead of simply asking website visitors to fill out a form, brands forge stronger relationships with their prospects and customers and deliver something of value before asking for information in return. – Qualtrics

    With all these facts we know it’s a powerful way to interact.

    So how do you get started?

    Recently, I found a platform that takes the heavy lifting away and makes it simple to get started on creating quizzes. It’s called Interact Quiz Maker. I tried this myself and I will tell you it was very interesting to see how it all works. Before using this app, I had never created one before.

    Let me share my experience.

    First, I signed up for a FREE account.

    Once I did that I was able to go in and pick what type of quiz I wanted to create. I could pick from doing one from scratch or using a template. I chose the template route since I was new to the platform.

    scratch or template

    The great thing about choosing the templates is that there are categories that are industry specific and all the hard work is done for you. I chose to go with one that was under the marketing category, but you can choose to look at all of them if you like. Once you have selected your categories you can then go to selecting your quiz type.

    Here you can select quiz types from assessment, personality or scored. You can even select all of them. That is the option I chose.

    That took me to all the different quiz templates available under Marketing. One of the features I really liked is that when I chose the “select all” feature of quiz types it brought up all the quizzes for my category and all the different types which show up below the description.

    You can also preview the quiz before selecting it and take it yourself to see if you like the questions and results. Keep in mind you can change pretty much anything on these quizzes which is also pretty cool.

    I selected Find Your Social Media “Secret Sauce” because I liked the catchy title and I thought it would pique people’s curiosity.

    The next step takes you to the cover page. You will have choices on where you want to go from here.

    You can select to go to the Quick Menu section where you will find Branding and Styling, Questions and Results. Integration and Share & Embed.

    I started with Integration to set up my lead capture and data collection opt in. I also connected the opt-in form to my Constant Contact account.

    In this section you will also choose what information you want people to provide on your opt in form and you can select whether you want to use GDPR and your own privacy policy.

    I chose to go with using GDPR since I have international followers and I included a link to my privacy policy. That is where I ran into a little snag. Everything worked fine once I published except for one thing. My hyperlink to my privacy policy wouldn’t publish. I tried it several times.

    After contacting the awesome people at Interact I found out that when copying and pasting my policy that I need to go to the front of that box and make sure to backspace in front of the URL so there are no spaces. Once that happens you will see a green checkmark letting you know it worked.

    Once my Integration was set up I moved on to Branding and Styling. I selected button colors that matched my business and initially I chose the feature to add my logo. After running my first test I decided to take it off. Why? I felt the logo was too small and it resides on all the quiz pages. I felt that it was more of a distraction to the quiz takers.

    One of the great features is that you can change the images on your quiz by uploading your own, an image URL or you can use the ones that are provided on the platform thru Pixabay. These are royalty free images with CO0 licensing, so they can be used in commercial projects.

    Note though if you upload your own you will need to make sure the image is sized to fit and that you have the licensing for the image. As you can see from the screen shot this one says 250 x 150 (it depends on which image on the sizing) and it should be formatted as a: JPEG, PNG, TIFF, GIF image with a maximum image size of 2 megabytes.

    You can also edit the content to add your personality to the questions and results. And best of all on the results pages you may add a call-to-action button to take your quiz takers to more information via an offer, product or a blog post.  I didn’t do it on my first one, but I will be taking advantage of this on another quiz I’m currently working on.

    Honestly, my initial testing only ran for two days so my results aren’t anything to write home about right now but I’m excited about the possibilities. I promoted it on a few of my social media sites like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter and I got some traction. The best part is even if people don’t finish the quiz you can still see where their pain points are because you can see how they responded. This can help you craft your future quizzes and products.

    This is a great app that does require a little testing to see what works best for you and your individual business. It’s also a great marketing tool to add to your marketing mix that you can use on your site and social media. It’s certainly a change of pace from the traditional eBook giveaway. Give it a go and try the FREE account.

    Visit Interact and check out these resource pages:

    How to Make a Buzzfeed-Style Quiz

    How to Make a Personality Quiz

    Other resource credits:

    Interact Quiz

    Forbes

    LeadQuizzes

    Qualtrics

    *I am a Partner of Interact Quizz platform however I only refer followers to products or services that I have tried myself and love.

    Read more

  • Fear of Losing Your Business Can Lead to Bad Decisions

    It’s not unusual for a business to go thru ebbs and peaks. I think if most business owners are honest we’ve all had this happen to us. Sometimes the economy takes a turn that effects our market, maybe the rules change in our industry or our market becomes too saturated. All these circumstances can make obtaining or retaining clients harder. Profits fall, and you wonder if you should go and get a J-O-B.

    I’m sure that even the titans of industry have experienced that sinking feeling of a business that’s trending downwards at one point but how it’s handled can mean the difference between success and becoming another statistic.

    Worrying about money eventually leads to poor decisions. Those decisions have a negative impact on our business finances and our personal attitude towards the business.

    This eventually leaks out to our daily touches that we make while networking and trying to obtain new clients. People will smell the fear and your desperation if you are not careful.  So, what can you do and what should you be careful not to do?

    Don’t Take on Clients that Aren’t a Good Fit

    When business is down, it can be tough to keep your ideal client in mind. Instead, you jump at the chance to work with anyone who comes along with a credit card. The trouble with this scenario is you can find yourself with a roster full of clients who:

    • Aren’t willing or able to do the work required
    • Spend all their time telling you why your ideas and advice won’t work
    • Drain your energy and make you dread your office
    • Make you chase them around to get paid

    Yikes! That’s no way to operate a business, but that’s just what a fear-based mindset can do to you. Better (much better) to hold out for that perfect client. And while you’re waiting, let’s look at some ideas to get you back on track.

    Don’t Stop Creating

    Create

    When profits are low you feel the need to pull back and who can blame you? You feel that you can’t afford to spend money creating new programs, buying new tools and getting coaching, right?

    Ok, I get it. You are nervous. This is your baby that you created from the ground up. But keep this in mind. A fearful brain can’t create. So, let’s turn that mindset around and take it one step at a time.

    If business is slow then take advantage of that extra time and get creative. What can you do in your business that can create some profit? Can you create packaged goods of your top selling services or products? Can you re-invent an old service or product to be new again? But please don’t just put old content into the market without changing it up.

    But you might be thinking that sounds too easy. I say why start from scratch especially if you have some evergreen products to offer? Think like a resale shop. Sometimes it’s all in the packaging. Have an eBook that people liked in the past? Can you put a new spin on it and make it into a 15-day challenge? Take that idea and rename, repackage and repurpose but do it with a positive intent and have fun!

    Don’t let that fearful brain take control. Instead connect with that creative brain that made you a business owner in the first place.

    Is Your Website Doing You Justice?

    While you have that creative hat on look at your site. What can you do that might help it get a facelift? Even though your skill set might not be in website development what can you do to create traffic to your site? Can you blog, add video or podcasts? How about changing out images that look a little dated? You get where I’m coming from.

    If you can’t be objective, ask someone who can be (no not your Mom she loves everything you do!) but make sure they have the right background to offer credible feedback. Don’t have someone like that? Reach out to me. For a very reasonable investment I’ve helped people just like you.

    Network till the Cows Come Home

    Till the cows come home

    When you are feeling overwhelmed, negative and fearful it’s time to get out of the office and meet with people you know. Think about the business people in your lives that you’ve networked with that are great strategic partners and can refer your business. Call them up and get together. One-on-ones have created many opportunities for me that added to my profits and created even more opportunities.

    In my town, I could network almost everyday of the week and night because there are so many meetups, networking mixers and luncheons going on. Obviously, you must choose carefully and educate yourself on good networking practices. Your time has value so make the best of it. Select options that provide the best return.

    I hope that you found some of these ideas useful. Remember creating a positive mindset even during the rough patches is important in any business.

    Here’s to your business success!

    Wanda

    Read more

  • Hyperlocal Marketing and Its Benefits to Your Business

    Hyperlocal MarketingMarketing your business locally is clearly important to your bottom line. Hyperlocal marketing addresses just that. By definition it is focused marketing that targets a community within a local geographic area with the hopes of creating repeat business.

     

    To be successful with this type of marketing it is important to first develop a plan by getting to know your target audience, finding more than one marketing channel that works, and then you can rinse and repeat.

     

    So let’s talk about five hyperlocal options to market your business:

     

    Newspaper/Magazine Advertising

    Not only can you advertise in your local publication; you can also use your local paper to participate with your community.

     

    Event announcements, promotions, or anything special in the paper related to your target market can provide you with a way to initiate communications by simply dropping them a note of congratulations.

     

    Event Sponsoring

    Whether it’s a charity or a business event, step up and sponsor something. You can do this via the chamber of commerce or a charity, and you won’t regret it. Whether it’s hosting the entire event or buying up one table for your business associates, your name will get out there.

     

    Sponsoring speakers who are not competitors but are in a complimentary business can also be a way for you to have an opportunity to address a live audience of potential clients. I have personally found this a successful model.

     

    Local Networking Groups

    Check Meetup.com for local networking groups that consist of your target audience, or local businesses who service your target audience. Then participate fully so that you become a known expert in your niche. Be a presenter. You could even start your own group.

     

    Check out my post on networking.

     

    Personal Networking

    Never underestimate the power of personal networking. Call on your friends, family, and community to promote your business every chance you can. Definitely practice gratitude in return, by doing a great job for the clients they recommend, maybe offering a restaurant gift card or just a heartfelt thank you. And if they have a business, maybe you can return the favor.

     

    The Follow-Up

    This is something, believe it or not, that many small business owners do very poorly. I see it all the time. They meet people at events, or get a phone call from a contact, and then do not follow up. This is a big mistake. Follow up no matter what. Even if someone turns out not to be a fit for your business, you might be able to connect them with someone else, and they won’t forget you.

     

    Check out my post about following up. 

     

    hyperlocal marketingAnother thing to consider is someone else’s rolodex could be an opportunity for you to meet someone that you may not have been able to. You know that seven degrees of separation. If your community is smaller that could be even less.

     

    By putting these hyperlocal marketing resources into practice you’ll increase your business, improve your reputation, and develop a local following that will be loyal and profitable. Believe me I have personally seen this work for my own business as well as others.

     

    Using these local methods in conjunction with blogs, websites, social media and more will keep your business at the top of people’s minds in your local community.

     

    Remember that with any of these methods it’s important to repeat each technique more than once. No marketing works in a one-off manner. All marketing needs to be done multiple times to be effective. It must be repeated, tested, and done again. Always keep testing your methods, do more of what is working, and less of what doesn’t work and stay consistent.

     

    Hyperlocal marketing benefits not only your own business but also your community. By keeping dollars local and business local, tax dollars stay in your area. Not only that – building a local community interested in what you offer just feels great because you’re contributing to the local economy in terms of jobs, taxes, and more.

    Read more

  • The Challenge of Business and Life Goals

    Life and Work balance

     

    One of the big issues when you start your own business is whether or not you will have time to actually live your life. Striking a balance between the two has always been a problem for entrepreneurs forever. I know at times I struggle in this area as well.

     

    You think you have it together the plans and strategy and then life happens and all of a sudden you’re off balance. So the best thing to do is to affect balance without sacrificing your goals for either.

     

    Does this sound familiar? You start a business so that you can have more financial freedom in life and then you don’t spend any of your earnings because you are always working. Working for yourself may fulfill a lifelong goal, but you don’t have time to spend with your family, enjoy recreation or take a vacation.

     

    It can be hard to find time for both work and family, especially when you are doing it all alone. But, there is hope.

     

    Let’s look at 5 Balancing Tips for Business and Life

     

    Get help as soon as you can

    – Yes, it will be hard in the beginning. You may work long hours, but there is a brighter day coming. As soon as you are able to afford help without sacrificing profits, then get it! Extra help will free you up to handle bigger tasks and knock off of work early to enjoy the simple things in life.

    Flexibility

    – Rome wasn’t built in a day and your business won’t be either. Realize that there is more to life than working all the time. Build in time for family activities instead of finding more time to work. Keep your schedule somewhat flexible to account for sudden changes because we all know they happen!

     

    Life Balance

    Communicate

    – Keep your family in the loop about what is going on with business. If you need help from them, then ask. Make sure that you make decisions together as much as you can, so that no one misunderstands what is going on. Even though it is your business enterprise, it is a family concern in many ways.

     

    Use time wisely

    – Time management is always important, even if you don’t own a business. When you are working, divide tasks to get everything done in the allotted time frame.  While the week is mostly for work-related goals, let the weekends lead off as family-oriented. Adjust your schedule to take off a Friday now and then for a long weekend getaway with the family. Does that sound nice?

     

    Enjoy yourself

    – If you are not happy in your life or with your business, then nothing you do will matter. You won’t be motivated in either arena. Does the business seem to be sucking you dry? Take a new perspective on your goals. The same goes for your life. Making changes can lead to fulfillment and success. Life is too short not to get pleasure from it.

     

    So keep in mind your “why”. Why did you start your business and when it comes down to it does it bring you the lifestyle of your dreams? If you are struggling in this area reach out to me. Business building is easier if you don’t have to go it alone.

     

    Read more

  • Negotiating Your Schedule When You Work Online

    onlineBeing an online business entrepreneur has lots of advantages! Besides being your own boss you can save a ton of money on gas if you work from home and you don’t have to worry about dressing a certain way for work unless your taking appointments. You can even take work with you anywhere you go, as long as there is an Internet connection.  But every type of business has its pitfalls, and online businesses are no exception.

     

    One of the biggest challenges you might be facing is staying on task.  The Internet is a big place with lots of distractions.  Social media, emails and videos with cute puppies and kittens.  There may also be friends and family sending you instant messages, too.  There’s also the phone calls.  The list goes on and on.

     

    It’s very easy to get sidetracked when you work online.  But it is important not to let distractions affect your productivity.  Even if you’re not getting paid by the hour, time is money as the old saying goes.

     

    Set Hours and Stick to Them

     

    One of the advantages of being your own boss is the ability to set your own hours. But that can also be one of the negatives. In the online world your hours can be long because you are dealing with different time zones and people have a tendency to think that you should be open 24 hours a day sometimes.  Especially, if you have an online store. I’ve had this happen to me. I had a client who didn’t know how to download his product and got upset because he couldn’t talk to me since it was 2 am in my time zone.

     

    Since we can’t stay on the job 24 hours a day we have to be able to draw the line and create our business hours. This helps our client’s know what to expect when reaching out to us and it gives us a life. After all, work is just part of who we are.

    work day

     

     

    So let’s talk about designating work time and avoiding Internet use for non-work related activities. Here are some ways you can help yourself do that:

     

     

    • Separate your email.  Use one address for personal correspondence and another for business purposes.  I even recommend having what I call a junk email address. You know for those places that make you sign up with an email address to get a free offer.  Set your email program up to automatically separate your email so that you can concentrate on the business ones and leave the rest for later.

     

    • If something pops into your head that you must attend to, don’t let it interrupt your work.  Write it down and take care of it during non-work hours.

     

    • Write yourself a note reminding yourself that work time is for work only, or put up an “Open” sign.  It can serve as a gentle reminder that business is the only thing that should be taking place.

     

    • Make sure you stay away from the temptations that working from home can bring like doing laundry while you are working.

     

    Use Flexibility Wisely

     

    Another great thing about working online is flexibility.  If something comes up and you need to attend to it right away, you can drop what you’re doing and attend to it.  But it’s crucial that you only use that privilege when absolutely necessary.

     

    When you have an unexpected interruption, you lose working hours.  If you were working at a regular job, you would have to either take sick or vacation time or lose pay.  When you work for yourself, you can make the hours up at a time that is convenient for you.  It is, however, important to make them up at some point.

     

    As an online entrepreneur you chose a convenient and flexible way to work from home.  Even though it presents more opportunities for distraction than many people imagine it is manageable with some discipline.  Online business success requires a lot of discipline, but the rewards are many.

     

    Here’s to your online business success! 🙂

     

    Wanda

     

     

    Read more

  • Have you started Blabbing?

    Blab front page

    Blab.im came out in the Spring of 2015 and it has hit the ground running. It’s growing in popularity daily. If you haven’t started Blabbing you probably will. Whether it’s listening to others Blab or doing your own Blab Show.

     

    I have to say this platform is HOT and I love it. It has brought the social back to social media. It also allows you to instantly network with people all over the world. Providing you with opportunities that you may not get at a regular networking event.

     

    It’s easy to watch a Blab. All you need is a link. You don’t have to join anything. However, if you do join you might be able to participate in the conversation and meet some really interesting new people, get answers to your questions or give answers and highlight your expertise.

    It’s easy to start an account. You can sign up with your Twitter account. You don’t have to use the same bio info but you can. You can always start with that and change the information later.

    Blab ID

    Here is the screen shot of what a replay looks like on Blab.im. It’s really easy to watch. Obviously, you can’t participate in a Blab conversation but you can leave a comment.

     

    Bkab Replay

    Blabs are categorized by tags. Each Blab has three tag options to make them easier to find. You can also look Blabbers up by name and the search will take you to that person’s participation in Blabs.

    Blab Tags
    I would recommend watching other Blabs first before doing your own so that you feel comfortable with the platform. Once you are ready you can do a Blab by using the category called “First Blab”. This will give you a way to setup your audio and camera if you haven’t already. On thing to keep in mind is that unlike Google Hangouts you are LIVE streaming the minute you activate your Blab.

    I hope you find Blab as Blabalicious as I do. 🙂

     

    Read more

  • Keep Readers Interests by Using Graphics on Your Blog Posts

    In order to create great blog content, as well as keep readers interest, the use of images can go far in making your site feel friendlier. They say “a picture is worth 1000 words”, and that’s very true. It’s amazing how the right image in the right spot can make all the difference in your blog. Here’s why.

     

    Catch the Reader’s Attention

    Using Images

    The right image put in the right place can catch the reader’s attention. It can make the reader realize you’re being ironic, serious, or silly. A great image sets the overall tone of your message. The right image can even help tone down a super serious message so that the reader can digest it.

     

    Adds Interest for the Reader

     

    Images add to the content in ways that just words cannot. It breaks up the view into scannable areas for a deeper understanding of the blog post for the reader. The colors will make the blog post stand out more and keep the reader reading. A bunch of text with no break is not exciting. But, break up a long post with relevant images and you’ll have a winner every time.

     

    It Sets Apart Content

     

    People are very visual, and having a picture on the blog post helps create a more memorable experience for the reader. A Twitter post actually gets 95% more shares if it has an image that accompanies it. Blog posts can gain the same attention when you add visuals.

     

    Helps Reveal MeaningUsing Images

     

    The right images can actually reveal what you mean in your blog post. If you’re trying to teach someone how to do something, adding in images that make your point will be very helpful. You can use screen shots, or other images that tell a story that matches your blog post.

     

    Improves SEO

     

    Believe it or not, a good image and proper use of alt tags can improve your search engine optimization. Not only that, a great image will make readers more likely to share the content when it comes with fabulous eye candy. Be sure to fill out all the information of your image such as the title and description text for the image, using appropriate keywords.

     

    Increases Engagement

     

    Using appropriate images will make your blog stickier and make people more likely to engage with your blog post and comment. People have short attention spans, and if you can break up the text they are reading with relevant imagery, all the better. If you have thumbnails set up right, when they share your blog post the image will show up next to the share, making it that much more likely for someone to click through.

     

    Adds Humor to Your Blog

    Using Images

    Sometimes adding a humorous image can help when you are going to blog about a serious topic. It can lighten the moment and make your readers laugh. It might also make them happy enough to want to share your blog post with others. Be careful about choosing images for humor, though; you don’t want to insult your audience either.

     

    Use Caution When Choosing Images

     

    There is no reason not to add images to every blog post. It will make your blog that much more beautiful and relatable to your audience. Be sure though to use images that you have rights to use. If you are getting royalty free images online be sure to read the licensing. This goes for purchased images as well. Each provider has different rules. Some won’t allow images to be used on social media. Taking the time to read first will save you hassles in the future. Some people have been fined for misuse of images that they did not obtain permission to use.

     

    Create a Library for Your Images

     

    I use images a lot in my business. Over the years I have created libraries of these images so that it makes it easier for me to find them. I have them filed as to the source, the type of image and so forth. The great thing about images is that most are evergreen and you can repurpose them on so many of your marketing materials.

     

    So in closing, get more visual! Add your personality into your words with images. Remember they bring value in more than one way; SEO, readers attention and emotions.

    Read more

  • Is It Time to Outsource Parts of Your Business?

    [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/219004866″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

    Online entrepreneurs and small business owners, it’s easy to get into the frame of mind that you have to do everything. Well I’m here to share a secret with you. YOU DON’T. I know you probably started with little to no money and built everything up on your own with little help. I can identify! I also know it’s hard to let go and to know when to do so. After all, it’s your baby, right?  But I’m here to tell you that there are some sure signs.

     

    You Have a Growing Business

     

    You’re finding that you do not have time to do everything, even if you want to. You’re running yourself ragged working 18 hours a day. Consider this, most brick and mortar business owners never once consider doing everything on their own. If someone opens a restaurant, they hire staff. Your business is no different. If you’ve outgrown your ability to keep up, it’s either sink or swim time, and if you want to swim you need to outsource and get help.

     

    You Need a Larger Profit

     

    You’ve worked as hard as you can on your own and now you’re maxed out. This is especially likely to happen for service businesses. You only have so many billable hours in a day. You have finite resources of time, like everyone else. But, if you bring on a contractor you can essentially duplicate yourself, thus increasing your profit.

     

    Things Are Falling through the CracksTasks You Hate

     

    You’re finding it harder and harder to meet deadlines, and you’re forgetting to do things that are important – even if they’re on your overfilled calendar (Am I striking a cord?). If you’ve missed more than one deadline in the last month, it’s time to seriously consider outsourcing some of the tasks so that you can get back on track with your business. Otherwise you’ll end up getting a bad reputation as someone who doesn’t meet their obligations. This could kill your business and it’s time to get real.

     

    You Hate Doing Certain Tasks

     

    Every business has tasks that aren’t enjoyable to do. However, a thing you find tedious and tend to put off through procrastination could be someone else’s money maker that they’re passionate about. If you can spend more time working in your genius then you’ll naturally increase your income. It will be worth it to you to pass on those tasks to someone else.

     

    You Don’t Have the Right Skill-Set

     

    I see people makes this mistake a lot. Face it, not everyone is good at everything. If you’re spending time doing tasks that you aren’t skilled at doing, you’re likely wasting a lot of billable hours. You might think it’s expensive to outsource things like web design but in truth the time you save by hiring an expert to do what you need done will pay off for you. Spend time doing what you’re an expert at, and let others do what they’re good at.

     

    You Want to Do Other Things

     

    You can do everything on your own but you’re wanting to spend more time with your family or devote more time to exercise or a hobby. You can essentially outsource most of your business to others by simply contracting with various people to take over each aspect of your business. You can become a manager of your business while letting others complete the needed tasks, so that you can do other things like go to the beach with family.

     

    You Need Time Off

     

    A family member needs you, or you’re simply tired because you’re working 18 hours a day. This is a sign that you need time off, and the only way you can have time off in your business and still bring in income is to outsource various tasks so that you have more free time. If you find that you have no free time at all, and can’t risk taking a day off to even go to the doctor, it’s time to outsource.

     

    You Can Make More Money Doing Something Else

     

    If your main money maker is coaching, you shouldn’t be spending time and effort on creating a new website. If your main money maker is speaking, you should not be wasting time on social media posting, sales page designs, etc… If you can pay someone 100 dollars an hour while you do something else and earn 300 dollars an hour, you’re still 200 dollars ahead, right?

     

    Outsourcing can be a hard choice to make, but it is a necessary choice to grow your business and truly create a business that works for your needs rather than you giving up your entire life for the business. The whole point in having a business is to have more money, time and freedom. It’s time to let go and let others help you.

     

    Can I HelpWanda Baader, is the owner of Strategize Your Success, a boutique marketing agency that serves entrepreneurs, small businesses a speakers.

    Read more

  • Should I Use Free or Paid Ads?

    AdvertisingAdvertising is a part of business, I know some people wish it wasn’t. Whether you are a small business, entrepreneur or a large company advertising of some sort will be necessary. It doesn’t matter if you are selling a product or a service you have to get the word out to the world somehow.

     

    There are many factors to consider when making this decision but only you will be able to know what is right for you. I’m not suggesting that you don’t get help if you don’t know what to do but ultimately your advertising has to represent you.

     

    Paid advertising depending on the type of advertising you use will determine the cost. Some advertising is quite extensive, resulting in more expense. This type of advertising is generally more suitable for larger companies.

     

    In most cases the cost of advertising will be more involved and reach a wider audience and a more specific market niche. This will include a diverse approach such as a mix of newspapers, television, web sites, social media and SEO. This can either be state, national or worldwide.

     

    Free advertising is more for those who are boot strapping or trying to sell an item or service to promote a small business. Free advertising does generally limit the area of where your advertisements will appear, but at the same time it is a very good start that you can eventually build on to as money and business allows. This smaller scale of advertising is generally limited to local or state wide coverage, or if you’re lucky it may include a few states and even a few web page mentions.

     

    With free ads, especially on web pages, social media or through mailing lists you may come across to salesy or spammy. Be sure to use the 80/20 rule. Promote only 20% of the time.

     

    Remember to provide great content to your subscribers so they keep wanting to read what you have to say and also try and entertain your audience. Lastly, be approachable by adding your personality to all you do.

     

    advertisingNext let’s look at a hybrid approach to advertising which many of my clients do. As they have grown their businesses they start to emulate some of the larger companies by incorporating a more diverse approach to their marketing budget by adding paid advertising. Of course the more niched you are the better this approach works. Knowing your demographic is also important.

     

    You may not have the dollars to reach a national audience but you may have the budget to reach a local target audience. For instance, if your business has a good following on Facebook you may try Facebook Ads. These ads can target a very specific audience and not cost you a lot of money to try.

     

    Another way to get your products out to the world is an affiliate program. I can’t spend a lot of time on this approach in this post (because it’s extensive) but many resourceful businesses have used this method. It is more of a hybrid approach because it does cost you money in paid commissions but it allows you to reach audiences that you may have never gotten in front of and you don’t pay unless something is sold.

     

    As you can see there are options available to you. One is expensive but reaches a wide market, one is a hybrid and can help you reach further than your local market and the other one is free but a little more limiting.

     

    Whichever one you chose make sure you have the resources and time to actually get it done. Advertising needs to be consistent for it to make a lasting impression on your target market. If you cannot be consistent than be sure to sub out the work to an assistant, VA or marketing agency.

     

     

    Read more

  • 11 Ways to Include QR Codes within Your Business

    QR ReaderIf you have a smart phone then you probably have an app that converts QR codes known as a reader. This reader converts the QR code so that you can obtain the information that is stored. If the information stores a website then you are taken to that web address. If it contains text then you will automatically see it.

     

    So exactly what is a QR code? Well QR stands for quick response and it’s a two-dimensional barcode that can be printed and displayed in a variety of locations to help drive prospects to online resources. When used properly, they can enhance your marketing campaigns and increase brand awareness.

     

    When using QR codes remember that codes need to be located where they will get the most targeted action. If you’re targeting surfers, you’ll want your code placed where surfers will see it. Here are some placement locations that you may find useful in your business. 

     

    Magazines and Newspapers – When purchasing advertising in newspapers and magazines include a QR code for special offers, coupons or other promotions. If contributing an article, use a code to direct readers to your website author page.

     

    Storefronts – Windows and flat storefronts are ideal for placing QR codes. Hang a poster or self-sticking windows cling to announce store hours, customer service information and more. In-store signage and displays can be used for this as well.

     

    Product Packaging – What could be easier for consumers than having direct access to your support center right on the product packaging? A QR code can give them this. In addition, you can use codes to direct consumers to online resources such as product manuals, information on medications, instructional videos and even coupon discounts on their next order.

     

    Business Cards – Business cards are small so you can only include your basic information. With a QR code you can expand the details by linking to your website.

     

    Conferences, Tradeshows & Meet-up Material – There is so much information available at these events that it’s hard to carry everything.  Include a QR code in your display, freebies, banners, cocktail napkins and even your ID/Name Tag so prospects can retrieve your contact details easily.

     

    Instructional Manuals – Include customer support location and hours. You could also use a QR code to send people to an FAQ or web page for training tutorials.

     

    Receipts & Event Tickets – Receipts are perfect places to include a QR code for discounts on their next order. Include them on event tickets to send customers to your calendar of upcoming events.

     

    QR Codes

    ID Tags – Animal care facilities as well as pet owners can put QR codes on a pet’s ID tag. Daycares, parents and anyone working with children can add them to the child’s backpack or coat so your contact information is immediately available in case emergency. They can also be added to flyers you hang up if a pet or child goes missing.

     

    Stickers & Temporary Tattoos – Schools, scouts, youth groups and other organizations who regular take groups of children on outings can give each child a sticker or temporary tattoo encoded with a QR code so your organization can quickly be contacted if they get lost.

     

    Promotional Items & Gifts – From mouse pads to t-shirts, anything you are giving away that has a flat scannable surface can have a QR code. Include one to promote your products, services or offer a coupon for first-time buyers.

     

    Post Cards, Gift Cards & Greeting Cards – Include a QR code for free access to a digital product for your client.  Offer a code for discount on their next order. Use them to direct prospects to sign up for a free gift or to view your sales items.

     

    Maps, calendars, brochures, take-home menus and yard signage also make great places to add QR codes. 

     

    While not all of these will work for every business, there are sure to be some that will work for yours. The goal is to supply additional information and to connect with your customers and prospects in a way that is easy for them. 

     

    Ready to design one? Here is a blog post from HubSpot that you might find helpful called “How to Make a QR code in 4 Quick Steps”.

    Read more