Social media is a great way to connect with customers and market your business at the same time. Real and authentic communication seems to be what consumers are looking for, but how do you engage with them in a way that's productive?

In the world of digital marketing and e-commerce, the first impression your customer has of you is often online. Or maybe your business is completely online and you rely solely on digital means to display your products or services. Whatever your situation may be, your product photos say a lot about your business! It's important that you display them to the highest standard possible. You don't have to be a professional photographer to take good photos or stand out—you just need to take a…

If you own a business, you need to have a business website. Websites serve so many purposes that can directly impact the success of your business. From your credibility with customers to SEO, and a lot in between; we could argue having a good website is a top three must for business owners. Still not convinced? We're prepared to back up our claim! This entire blog is dedicated to the reasons you should have a website. So without further ado, we present what makes a website essential.

Many people think of marketing as a way to create brand awareness. After all, the more people that know about your brand, the better, right? Making people aware of your brand is super important and definitely a great idea, but sometimes quality is better than quantity! Our goal in marketing should be to create meaningful, long-term relationships with as many people as we can.

Your customer base is made up of all kinds of people. People of different ages, abilities, sexual orientations, races, and more will likely use your services or products. So why would you only market to one demographic? The short answer is: you shouldn't! We all know how important diversity and inclusion are in a business, and that doesn't stop with marketing. How you market your business is how people see it and what you stand for; which is why you should strive to reach as many people…

A lot of marketing is about internal review. It's essential to continue working on your business from the inside; but sometimes it's good to step back and look at the big picture.

Love it or hate it, social media is a big part of our society. That means it should also play a big role in your business. A strong online presence isn't complete without social media, and the better your content on social media, the more likely you are to create brand awareness, reach new customers, build relationships, and increase potential leads.

Marketing your business can be a feat, especially if you're just starting out. From branding, to research, to resources, and more, marketing contains a lot of logistics! Keeping organized is essential to success. Going in blind is a recipe for disaster. So make sure you're prepared to do it right the first time with a solid marketing plan!

When it comes to marketing, email campaigns are a great tool for any business. You can use emails for promotion, increasing customer interaction, or even to gain new clients! To have a successful email campaign though, you need engagement. It's not enough to just send out your email, people need to open them–bonus points if you get a reaction with any links or surveys you include. This is where email optimization comes in! Not sure where to start? We've got the tips and tricks you need…

Your website is the start of a good relationship with your customers. Roughly 85% of consumers use the internet to discover and find local businesses! Additionally, 79% of entrepreneurs with a business website expect to grow at least 25% in the next three to five years. Your website acts as a one-stop shop for customers to find information about your business. So this investment is vital. Keeping your website up-to-date with good content not only keeps customers on your site longer but is…

As a business owner, you'll spend a lot of time thinking about your brand. From the font you use to the products and services you offer, it's important to make sure your branding is cohesive on all fronts. So how do you do that? Consistency is the key.

Whether you're a restaurant owner with regulars that come in at least once a week or a plumber with customers that always call or recommend you for repair needs, every type of business can benefit from customer loyalty. In fact, it can cost up to five times more to attract new customers than it does to keep existing customers coming back. Loyal customers can also help businesses increase their profits, growth, and brand advocacy. Even if your business offers a one-time service or product, you…

A common misconception about marketing is that it's used to simply get your name out there. It makes sense that the more customers that see your goods or services, the more customers you have buying said goods and services. However, people just knowing about your business is not enough to make them buy what you're selling. You need to influence their purchase decisions to make them pick you over your competitors.

When it comes to maintaining a small business, knowing who you sell your goods or services to can make or break your success. While it's easy to make general assumptions about the customers you might bring in, actually learning about your target audience and the best way to market to them will ensure a better outcome, and profit, for you in the long run!

Welcome to the green team! June 5th is World Environment Day, and we thought what better way to celebrate than practicing sustainability. Sustainable business is good for the environment, but it's also good for your brand! Studies show that around 60% of consumers rate sustainability as an important purchase criterion. On average, more than 34% of the population is willing to pay more for sustainable products or services. The U.S. also represents 42% of the global willingness to pay for…

One of the most common tips you'll get as a small business owner is being active on social media. This resource is invaluable. It's open to all (usually for free) and gives you a chance to engage with your customers, stay informed about their likes and dislikes, and seek out potential customers. If you aren't already taking advantage of that, it's never too late to get started!

Marketing your business can be intimidating. There's a lot of things to consider when deciding how you're going to represent your brand. However, it is SUPER important to be involved in digital marketing. The internet is where everything is happening and where many people get their information. There's tons of platforms out there for you to get started, but there is one platform we recommend getting on no matter what—Google.

In a growing world of technology, there are many ways to be found on the internet. Among those ways is Google. Google is the #1 leading search engine globally, thus making it an essential tool for the success of your business. Google provides several ways for companies to be found, but one of the most important tools it offers is a service called Google Business Profile.

Did you know that there are different types of writing? You may have heard of a few like creative writing, professional writing, or academic writing, but what about strategic writing? While it might be a new type of writing for you, it's actually one that you are probably already using to an extent. Let's take a closer look:

We all know that social media has become a huge part of the way we promote and communicate with customers, but what can you actually expect to gain from using social media as a business? It's a valuable tool, that's for sure, but it does come with some limitations and it sometimes doesn't provide certain things you might want or need. Let's look at some things to consider when it comes to social media expectations:

One of the most common questions we get is, "How can I market my business?" While this question doesn't take a rocket scientist to answer, it does require a decent amount of thought to help find the best solution for that business. Every small business is different, and even if they function in the same industry, some tactics may work better for one company than they will for another. Combining multiple strategies to fit your needs is a great way to help increase your exposure. Below we have…

With so much content already online, you might wonder if blogging is worth all the time and effort for your business. It can be daunting, but a blog is totally worth it in the long run! Blogging is a cost-effective marketing tool that can improve your online visibility and help your business grow. You can promote your products and services, as well as share your knowledge of your industry with your customers. Not sold yet? Here are the reasons you should be blogging:

A website is a place where your business gets the opportunity to share its story. In a way, a website can often be one reason a customer may choose to go with your brand over one of your competitors. Providing your customers with an exceptional online user experience can leave the same lasting effect as giving excellent in-store customer service. The few short moments you have with a customer when they're surfing the web can make a long-term impression, and you want to be sure you set…

Do you struggle to get your audience to take action on your website, social media, or ads? It could be because your call-to-action doesn't impact them the way it should. Having a strong call-to-action will guide your online viewers into doing exactly what you want them to do, when you want them to do it. So how can you improve your calls-to-action? First, we need to talk about some basics:

During times like these, it’s even more important to utilize ways that can help get your business out there and in front of consumers. One topic we love to discuss in our marketing tips is social media, and we have something new to share! There’s another way to get your products in front of your customers: Facebook Shop—and we’ve gathered just about everything you need to know.

Is focusing on customer loyalty worth it? Absolutely. Customer loyalty can be the driving force behind your business! Find out more about the importance of customer loyalty, how you can get it, and the types of customer loyalty programs that might be right for you and your business.

Getting a message across to your potential customers has never been easier than with email. Email marketing is the perfect way to communicate with those who are already interested in your brand.

In today's market, there are thousands of products, brands, and services available to consumers across the globe. Consumers can find most products easily from numerous websites, making standing out from the crowd even more difficult than it already is. So how do you break the barrier and convince your audience to choose your product over your competitors?

One of the most important things that a business has is its reputation. Good or bad, your reputation is how you will continue attracting potential customers. But how do they know what your reputation is? Reviews.

We've said it before and we'll say it again: in today's world, being on social media is a necessity. 74% of consumers rely on social media networks to help them make purchasing decisions. On social media, you have the ability to directly communicate with your customers, creating loyalty and getting your business out there. It's a great tool to promote new products, sales, and services, as well as showing your business's personality in a fun way. By maintaining a positive reputation online,…

Surveys are one of the easiest ways for a company to receive feedback. They help drive your business forward in more ways than one and can be an easy part of helping you make decisions as a company. In the past, collecting data was a long and strenuous process; however, recently, receiving feedback from your customers, employees, or even the general market has become easier than ever before. Surveys are an essential part of growth, and we're here to show you how you can create the perfect…

Referrals happen when a current customer of your business shares what they like about it to a potential customer. This could be a friend, family member, or even a stranger. Either way, this word-of-mouth has a huge impact on the growth of your business. We're here to teach you about the value of referrals and how to get them.

What does it mean to have brand equity? How do you manage it? What are the benefits? We're here to give you some tips on creating brand equity for your business and why it's important.

Social media can be a fantastic tool for your business. It can provide many benefits and give you an advantage over your competition. But how do you get followers and create a more loyal customer base?

We all know that customer service is one of the most critical functions of your business. Without showing your customers that you support them and hear their needs, you risk losing your credibility as a business. During 2020 we have discovered the importance of upkeeping your online business and how it can help keep you afloat when you can't be face to face with your customers. Customer service comes in many shapes and forms and should not be ignored, especially when it comes to your…

The free market can be a remarkably competitive place, and if you don't know how to play your cards correctly, it's easy to be overlooked by customers who may need your products or services. Part of having a hand in this competition is the ability to be easily recognized by potential consumers. You want to stand out from the crowd and give buyers a reason to choose your brand over others. Spreading awareness can be crucial to making a name for yourself and your business. When people are…

Gaining the trust of your potential customers is a necessary step in helping your business grow. That's why building credibility is such a big deal. Credibility means that others look to you as a reliable resource and trust you to do a good job when they're doing business with you. Building credibility won't happen overnight–it has to be earned, just like respect. Establishing your credibility shows that you are committed to your business and that you're serious about providing real…

Keeping your audience engaged is extremely important, especially right now. One of the ways you can do this is by featuring a digital deal scavenger hunt! This is a fun and exciting way to engage with your audience and drive traffic back to your website. Here's how you can do your own digital scavenger hunt

In light of COVID-19, many wholesalers and retailers have had to step back from their brick-and-mortar shops and focus more on their online stores. Though brick-and-mortar stores give numerous benefits, like a reliable location and a gathering place for your customers and employees, your online shop is just as important and provides an array of benefits.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many parts of life for people all around the globe. As social distancing has become standard, shopping in brick and mortar stores has declined substantially. Consumers are turning to online shopping to fill that void, with many spending up to 30% more online in recent months. Though this increase in online sales is a good thing, retailers are in need of wholesalers now more than ever and one thing is for sure: eCommerce is booming, and wholesalers need to…

In an ever-changing world, technology has taken a forefront in the way that we promote our businesses. As the market changes daily, so does the way we communicate with our customers. There are one hundred and one ways to go about promoting your business, and the best option for your brand might not the best option for other brands.

Staying connected to your customers has never been more critical. It can be difficult, especially right now, to close the distance between you and your customers. But there's a lot you can do to stay connected, especially on social media. Check out some ways you can use social media to keep communicating with your consumers.

Marketing strategies have been constantly evolving, especially in recent years. With the transition from traditional to digital marketing, change is inevitable. That's why it's so important to consistently evaluate your strategic marketing plan and make updates as needed. You don't want to get lost in the crowd—you want to stand out. But how can you transform your current marketing techniques to help elevate your business above your competitors? We have a few ideas to help you get…

Did you know that every second there are 2.3 million searches on Google? That's an enormous amount of consumers logging on to Google to find information. If you've searched on Google recently, then you've probably seen Google ads pop up on the results page. But what exactly are Google ads?

Facebook launched Creator Studio last year and it has become a great tool for businesses to help post, manage, and analyze their content. This powerful addition to Facebook is something every business should be utilizing. Not sure how to use Creator Studio? Then check out our step-by-step guide on using this new tool to elevate your social media presence.

To access Creator Studio, go to your Facebook page and click on 'Publishing Tools' at the top.

Then, click on 'Creator Studio' on…

Social media is extremely prominent in the business world, and its presence will only continue to grow. Companies have been continually utilizing social media platforms to market themselves, and with social media marketing still on the rise, businesses are turning to shoppable posts to make buying their products even easier.

Platforms of Use

It’s important to note that there are certain platforms that work well with social media marketing. Keep in mind both the popularity and…

Every marketer's goal is to get more exposure because more exposure means more potential customers and therefore more sales. If you're already providing creative advertising and quality customer service, then what more can you do? We have the answer—employee engagement. 46% of consumers will abandon a brand if its employees are not knowledgeable or have a bad attitude towards the brand.

It makes sense that consumers value the opinions of employees. Employees have consistent interaction…

We are only a few weeks away from Valentine’s Day, which is the perfect opportunity for some fun marketing strategies. Show your customers some love with discounts, creative emails, entertaining events, and more. Check out our ideas and get some inspiration!

Creative Email Campaign

Email marketing is still the top marketing strategy because it works! Use a fun email campaign to get your customers’ attention this Valentine’s Day. Include the products and services your business…

2020 is here and with the new year comes new marketing strategies. This year is shaping up to be the year of the customer, with a larger focus on enhancing the customer experience. By putting more attention on the customer, you’re able to highlight a positive environment and high-quality service for your consumers. Check out why the customer experience is so important and how you can do it.

Why Does The Customer Experience Matter?

A massive amount of content is put on the Internet every…

LinkedIn is known as a professional social platform. Its main uses are for career development, networking, industry discussions, and other business-related purposes. This platform is very different from others such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. With LinkedIn, businesses have access to consumers and can market to them through posts, status updates, videos, and more. Before you begin, take a look at our tips on reaching your audience with LinkedIn.

Expand Your Email Marketing List

LinkedIn…

One of the best ways to improve your business in every aspect is through reviews. Good or bad, it’s important to pay close attention, as they make a significant impact on your brand and your business decisions.

Let's Break It Down

The first thing new and existing customers do when researching a business is look at the reviews. According to Qualtrics.com, 97% of people read reviews for local businesses, and 90% of them claim that positive reviews influence their decision to make a purchase.

…

Podcasts are a growing form of media, and listeners are increasing in both numbers and engagement. Podcast ads can be a great way to market your business and can target an essential audience that might not be a part of your typical customers.

The Benefits of Versatility

One great thing about podcasts is that they are easily accessible. No matter what a person is doing, whether that’s driving, flying, cleaning, or working, they are able to tune in. According to WhyPodcasts.org, over half of…

Content marketing is constantly evolving. There are new strategies popping up all the time, but our favorite one is humor. Adding humor to your content has proven to be very successful and can easily get the attention of your audience. The way you talk about your business and the products/services you provide is very important, but many businesses have the opportunity to stand out from the crowd by giving their consumers a little comic relief. Check out some great examples and why this…

2020 is right around the corner. With the new year fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of this occasion with festive promotions. If you’re here looking for inspiration, we’ve got you covered. Keep your customers happy and your business thriving with these New Year marketing ideas!

Host A New Year's Eve Event

Hosting events is a great way to get consumers in your store. Get customers to come hang out for a fun-filled night. Promote your event on social media…

It's so important to know what your customers expect from you so you can provide them the best experience possible. It's not always an easy task, but we're here to help! Check out some of our tips on how to exceed your customers' expectations.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas is the perfect time to spread some cheer and promote your business. Keep reading to learn valuable holiday marketing techniques that will help your small business this season.

Christmas Sale

Black Friday isn’t the only time to pass on major savings to your customers! Buying Christmas gifts can be incredibly pricey, and smart shoppers are on the hunt for discounts and sales. The forecasted average consumer will spend $1,048 this year…

Branding is a concept that is largely discussed, but difficult to definitively pinpoint. This is due to its conceptual nature. A brand is rarely ever based on objective truths, but rather subjective thoughts, feelings, and attitudes. Despite its abstract makeup, there are many steps that businesses can take to ensure their branding is impactful!

Stay Strategic

Every decision, word, and action made by your business reflects your brand, no matter how small. Thus, it is imperative that your brand…

It can be hard to find the time and energy to do it all on your own. In today’s world, you have to constantly churn out new content to stay relevant. Instead of getting overwhelmed and overworked, consider working with freelancers to help with the workload. Not convinced? Check out the benefits of hiring freelancers:

It's Cost-Effective

Not every business has the budget to hire another full-time team member. That’s why freelancers are a much better option because it’s up to you…

Professional partnerships can be very beneficial for businesses—especially small businesses. Co-marketing with other local establishments that aren’t direct competition can help you reach a larger audience. By partnering with each other, you can both grow your customer base. Work together to come up with a cobranded campaign and promote each other in your community. Check out our tips on how you can maintain a successful professional partnership.

Decide On A Cobranded Campaign

Once…

Small Business Saturday is coming up on November 30th, and it’ll be here in no time. “Small” might be in the title, but this day is HUGE for small business owners. Millions of shoppers turn out for Small Business Saturday every year. That’s why it’s so important that your business is participating and marketing this event to your consumers. If you’re a little late to the game or need some help brainstorming, we have a few ideas that can help you get started.

Let…

Seasonal marketing is a hot trend that many marketers are using. Marketing at the right time, with the right visuals and content, will set your business apart from everybody else. Thanksgiving is the next holiday coming up, and it’s less than a month away—are you ready for it? Thanksgiving isn’t a salesy holiday, but you can still throw in a few discounts here and there. For consumers, it’s about spending time with loved ones and appreciating the good things in life. For…

Instagram is one of the biggest social media platforms right now, with the number of users continuing to increase. In 2018, there were one billion active monthly users on this platform, a 200 million user increase from the year before. This is why it’s so important for businesses to be using Instagram. Over 70% of companies in the U.S. have an Instagram profile. It’s crucial that you post photos weekly and use video content, but the best way to drive home sales is to start using…

What exactly is guerrilla marketing? Guerrilla marketing is an unconventional form of promotion that helps raise brand awareness. It’s used primarily as a budget-friendly marketing strategy that utilizes creative content to get peoples’ attention. Because its nature is so unconventional, we have some great examples for you.

Frontline

Source: Marketing Ideas 101

Frontline is a great example to use. They sell flea and tick prevention products for dogs and used this unique advertisement…

It’s finally October, which means Halloween will be here in no time. With the holiday soon approaching, many businesses will be incorporating some spooktacular Halloween marketing. Everything from decorating your store, offering limited-time Halloween products, and attending community fall festivals.

Spooky Decorations

It’s time to pull out all your eerie-sistable Halloween props and decorations. Your consumers will love to see your store dressed up with some spooky items. For…

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase ‘You’ve got to spend money to make money.’ While this might be true for some, it’s definitely not the only way to make money—especially if you own a small business. Marketing on a budget can be done, and done successfully! Take a look at our guide on how to get the biggest marketing bang for your buck.

Ask for Referrals

There’s no harm in asking your consumers for a referral. Just remember to be confident in your abilities…

As a marketer, it’s important to acknowledge the value behind a content strategy that displays your business’s purpose aside from collecting sales, such as a worthy cause, giving back to your community, or taking a stand. Success can be found in writing content with a purpose, but it takes more than content creation. Your business needs to show authenticity. Consumers want to see you getting involved—not just read about it. Build a long-term, purpose-driven strategy with a few…

Millennials are considered anyone born between 1981 and 1996, making this generation of consumers ages 23 to 38 in 2019. This group of consumers is known to be one of the most diverse generations we've had to date, which has left many marketers unsure of how to successfully engage such a varied group.

With such a broad demographic, it can be difficult to nail down the right marketing strategy. The best way to develop the right plan is to learn more about millennials and what marketing…

Any business owner knows the importance of networking, but finding time in your already too-busy schedule can be difficult. We know that time is money, but devoting a portion of your week to networking can be well worth it. This is a great opportunity for you to find new business leads, potential partners for upcoming projects or events, and brand new customers. Here are a few ideas on the best ways to network for your small business.

Get Social With Social Media

With social media readily…

Snapchat has become a common tool for marketers to connect with their consumers. Set your business up for success by using this social platform for promotional purposes. Check out the ways you can connect with your target audience:

Snapchat Ads

Did you know that you can advertise on Snapchat? Every advertisement will show up on the discover section of the application. These ads can show up in between Snapchat Stories and on the layout of the Discover page. Each one can feature various kinds of…

YouTube has become one of the largest platforms on the Internet, which is why we believe it could be a great marketing tool. In fact, it is the second most popular website around the world. With a rise in popularity for video content, using video marketing is a strategy you can't miss out on. Showcasing your products and services with a professional video is a great way to promote your business, which is why YouTube is the perfect platform to help you expand your reach.

Here is our…

Word-of-mouth advertising has long been a great form of marketing for businesses. It has proven to be quite successful, with 90% of consumers stating that they trust recommendations from people they know. But the world of word-of-mouth has seen some changes since the Internet has come around. Check out how this advertising technique has evolved in the last several years:

Consumers Voices Are Louder Than Ever

Today, consumer discussions about your business are no longer limited to face-to-face…

Generation Z has been left out of many businesses' target audience because many consider this group of consumers too young to market to. We believe this is quite the mistake since the oldest members of this generation were born in 1997. Many of these consumers are already in the workforce or close to it. Excluding Generation Z from your marketing efforts could be a grave mistake, so we have a few suggestions for how your business can reach these new potential customers.

Give Them A Purpose

Gen…

There is a reason email marketing is still being used today—because it works. While this form of marketing started many years ago, it's still just as relevant and successful as ever. Emailing consumers can turn potential customers into paying customers and one-time buyers into consistent supporters. Many people remain unconvinced that this is still an effective marketing strategy, but we have proof for the skeptics out there.

While there are many reasons you should be implementing…

Your customers' first encounter with your business is crucial. It's important that you make that experience count. While you may believe you've won the customer as soon as they've visited your website, that's just not the case. In fact, 40-60% of digital users will open an app once and never log on again. In order to win these consumers over, you need to have a plan. Here are a few successful onboarding tips to help you get some inspiration:

What Are Your Expectations?

It's easier to achieve…

Sponsoring is an affordable and easy way for your small business to get more exposure. Not only is it a great advertising opportunity, but your business is also making a positive impact on its community. The best thing about sponsorship marketing is that it does not have to be a big-budget project to make a significant impact. Whether you have the big bucks to spend or just your time, sponsoring can propel your business ahead of the competition.

Why Sponsorships?

What does "sponsor" mean…

Visual search is a recently developed feature popping up quickly online. Many companies have jumped on board and are now optimizing their websites for visual searches. This new capability has elevated the customer experience to a whole new level. Now, consumers can upload images and conduct these searches for more specific results.

Pinterest has shown they are on board with this new development by unveiling a new program called Lens. This visual search tool gives users the ability to capture…

Social media messaging has blown up in recent years. This popular online tool has appealed to many consumers, and now marketers have found ways to use these messaging apps for business purposes. With consumer use of this technology steadily increasing every year, get your business on board and use this tool to your advantage.

Mainstream Messaging

The most popular messaging apps are Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and WeChat. These applications are wildly popular, with many people communicating on…

From Facebook to Twitter, personalized ads are everywhere, and businesses are using them to their advantage to keep their consumers engaged and loyal. Hyper-personalization has become such an important part of marketing that consumers expect all content to be catered to them. But how can you use personalized content for your brand?

Assess

Before you begin to personalize content, you should start looking at your consumers' engagement and activity with your brand. You should specifically watch…

Social media is an important part of marketing that needs constant attention. Creating eye-catching visuals is the best way to connect with your online audience. We know a great tool to help you with that process. Canva is an easy-to-use, web-based design program that is perfect for creating graphics for Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and more. Use Canva to help you grow your social media presence with these tips:

Facebook Cover Photos

When consumers click on your Facebook page, the first thing…

Nowadays, big corporations are utilizing national TV commercials and famous influencers, but these marketing strategies aren't always as effective for smaller companies. Small businesses have a smaller consumer base. Their target demographic is a local audience—national campaigns are not affordable or feasible. To be visible to your local consumers without breaking the bank, use these tips to reach new potential customers!

Brand Your Business

You need to effectively communicate what…

Keeping your customers satisfied can be a tricky business but it can be done with successful retention marketing. You can increase a customer's lifetime value this way, and in turn, increase your company's profit margin. But why is this so important? It costs seven times more to attract new customers than it does to retain existing ones. In fact, a 5% increase in customer retention can bring up to 125% in profits. By utilizing retention marketing strategies, you are saving money and building…

Most businesses have a marketing strategy, but many are lacking a crucial part. 63% of businesses do not have a content strategy. Establishing a plan of action for your content is a necessary step that will help you achieve your overall business goals. With that being said, it's important to know what's included in a content strategy:

• Set goals for your content; particularly ones that will aid in gaining more exposure, leads, and conversion rates
• Define performance indicators for analyzing your…

Being able to understand and connect with your audience is very crucial. In fact, 91% of B2B marketers establish and build a community using content and social media marketing. Your goal is to begin new customer relationships, maintain your existing ones, and listen/respond to consumers. In doing this, you are establishing trust and understanding while expanding your social reach. You may not think people will be listening, but by putting yourself out there and joining the conversation, your…

Social media is now playing a large role in many businesses' marketing strategies, which is presenting lots of new ideas on how to raise brand awareness. One of the most popular approaches is using influencers. Influencers are people who possess the power to affect the purchase decisions of consumers because of their authority, knowledge, position, or relationship with their audience. Influencer marketing is very successful because people crave reviews; they want proof that you have a quality…

AI, or Artificial Intelligence, is the expansion of computer operations able to complete tasks that normally require human knowledge, such as speech comprehension, decision-making, and translating. AI is becoming more and more prominent in the marketing industry and has come a long way since the beginning of its time in the 1950s. But how is it affecting content marketing? How can you use it to your advantage?

Making Things Personal

AI is able to create highly personalized marketing messages,…

Including photos of your products and services are crucial when it comes to attracting new customers. Images serve a purpose in gaining more exposure and traffic. Businesses that incorporate product photos are more likely to get almost double the number of views than ones without. Photos also help bring your products and services to life. Adding visuals seamlessly captures consumers' attention and easily displays your merchandise.

Not sure how to upload photos on your FGM storefront?…

What is SEO? SEO, or search engine optimization, is the method used to boost the ranking or frequency of a website in results returned by a search engine, in an effort to maximize user traffic to the site. This is very important and has many benefits for businesses. Easily improve your visibility on the internet with the correct optimization. Still not convinced? Here are a few reasons your company can profit from SEO.

Organic Searches are #1

Organic searches have become the main source of…

There are several advantages to using Facebook live and if you're unaware of them, then you're at the right place. Facebook live is a live video streaming service that allows you to showcase live footage to your followers. Since it's official debut, this service has grown in popularity, with 78% of online audiences now watching video on Facebook live.

Advantages of Facebook Live

You might be wondering, "How would this service benefit my business?." Well for starters, video content sees 3x the…

Instagram has been soaring in popularity since its beginning. Now, over one billion people are actively using this social platform, and that number will only continue to grow. The platform began as a way for people to share images with the world, but recently that has expanded. Now Instagram is offering a new video service called IGTV. This service is a whole new experience for consumers and businesses, specifically for marketers. Take a look at our suggestions for marketing with IGTV.

What's…

Did you know that there are 25 million businesses around the world using Instagram for business? Did you also know that 200 million users go to at least one business profile a day? In fact, Instagram's audience is more engaged than those of Facebook and Twitter. If you're not sure how to get started effectively using an Instagram business page, that's okay! We have a guide for you with steps to get you started.

Step 1: Sign up for an Instagram business account

If you have an Instagram…

Social media is constantly changing, which means what's most effective today won't be effective down the road. It can be hard to keep up, but if you can these platforms can be very useful in gaining exposure for your business. The hardest concept to understand is the difference between organic and paid social media. Understanding what makes these different is important and can aid you in your marketing efforts. That's why we've broken it down for you:

What do they mean?

What exactly does…

Last week we talked about why using video content in your marketing strategy is so important. This week we have a great tool for you to use that will help you easily create videos for your business. The program is called Animoto and it's perfect for beginners and experts alike. Check out why Animoto is such a great marketing tool!

Why Animoto?

Animoto has several advantages for consumer use, including increased sales, more traffic, and eye-catching content. Many consumers have stated that video…

Including video content has become a popular marketing strategy and for good reason. Traffic from videos are showing an increase every year and has proved to be very effective. Not sure if video marketing is a good way to promote your business? We have some benefits below that this content brings when used in your marketing efforts.

Conversion Rate - The main reason to use video content is because this content converts. According to research, 71% of marketers have reported that…

Consumers are now more than ever using online services. This gives digital marketing the power to be quite effective when executed well. Launching online advertising campaigns and keeping up to date on current Internet trends can propel your business ahead of the competition. Not sure how to do it? Here are the top Internet trends to be prepared for:

Chatbots - What are Chatbots? Chatbots are computer programming created to connect with Internet users through chat windows or occasional verbal…

Facebook has become a great tool for marketing. When used correctly, a Facebook business page can help you connect with existing and new customers. This form of marketing is much cheaper than traditional advertising and has many benefits, such as:

Brand Awareness - Facebook is one of the largest social channels in the world, which gives business pages plenty of exposure. With such a large presence, you can easily raise awareness for your company and what you have to offer consumers. The more…

Images can be a powerful marketing tool when used correctly. Most consumers pay more attention to what they see than what they read. Including quality images of your products is crucial! With low-quality images, you could be missing out on potential sales. The better your products look, the more likely you are to make sales. It might not sound easy to do, but we have a few tips to make the process a whole lot simpler.

The way customers perceive your brand is often dependent on the quality of…

If you haven't been to a convention yet, you should really consider it. Going to a convention can be a great catalyst for gaining new customers and investors. Check out these steps on how you can get the most out of attending.

Some of the largest and most successful companies today started from almost nothing. Although many small business owners might not dream of becoming a corporate powerhouse, there is proof that it can be done. With a great idea and hard work, anything is possible! Here are some examples for inspiration:

Social media has become a great tool for businesses. Using social platforms the right way can get you more exposure and connect you with potential customers. If you're not using these networks, you can be seriously missing out. Starting out with a plan is always a good idea. When it comes to social media, it's no different. These networks have become very user friendly, and taking the time to establish a strategy will be worth it. Here is an outline of steps to take while developing your plan:

Your customers want to feel valued. They want to feel like their business matters to you. Gaining their trust and continuing a profitable, long-term relationship is essential, so consider these suggestions on how to do it.

Your marketing goal is to maximize your outcomes and minimize your efforts. As a small business with a small budget, that can be difficult. Check out these tips that make strengthening your marketing plan a whole lot easier.

It doesn't have to be hard to grow sales in the world of eCommerce. Trying new things and getting creative is a great way to do it. Check out these tips that make it easy to increase revenue in your business.

Email marketing can be a tough nut to crack. If you don't send enough emails to your customers, you'll miss out on reaching a prime group of your customer base, and they'll forget about you. Send too many emails, and you risk being marked as spam and completely missing your audience there as well.

So what do you do when you want to start sending more emails to your customers, but don't currently have the tools to gather leads, create your emails, and schedule them to be sent?

One solution is to…

Do you work with florists that sell your products to customers in their flower shops? Are you looking for a way to help them remember your business when it comes time to restock their inventory of gifts and supplies?

Thanks to FSNf2f.com, Flower Shop Network's portal for helping member florists manage their website, product inventory and more, florists will have no problem buying from you over and over again!

It's all thanks to FSNf2f's My Favorite Vendors tool. This handy tool allows florists…

Are you feeling like your ranking on Google could be improved? Do you feel like you're not getting all you can out of your website?

Chances are, you're not doing as much as you should be doing to ensure that people can find your website when they search online.

If you're looking for simple tips to improve your rankings, or maybe a quick refresher, we've got some great advice for you today.

Use Keywords That People Are Searching

Are you using trending keywords on your website that people are…

As a wholesaler, you're always looking to work with more retailers to get your wonderful products into their stores, and in turn, into the hands of happy consumers.

Whether you've been in the wholesale game for years, or your brand new to the experience, we've got five great tips that can help you revitalize your wholesale strategy, and get more wholesale sales.

Customer Service

Treating your customers right is crucial to gaining their trust and their business. When you're a wholesaler, your…

So, let's say you're a master at creating engaging and informative content that other businesses love to read. You have a few dedicated viewers who read your blog every time there's a new post. Then, you have the people who occasionally check out what you have to say, but it's not as scheduled. But what about those other people who may not know who you are, or know that you have a great blog? How do you reach them?

Thankfully, there are plenty of online services where you can share your…

As a wholesale vendor, do you know who your target audience is? When we talk about target audiences, we're talking about the people that are most likely to buy your products or services, and the ones that will be the easiest and most reliable to market your products to.

Your target audience can be anyone from international buyers who are looking for awesome Made In America products, or people in your community, who would rather buy from a local business that they know and trust.

Knowing your…

The buying cycle is a step-by-step journey your customer will make before they finally buy your product. Your job as a company is to deliver the right information, at the right place, and at the right time, to make the process easier for customers. One excellent and effective way to do so is through your website.

The buying cycle is made of 5 steps:

Awareness - In the first step, possible customers become aware of an unfulfilled need.

Research - Your audience's attention is captured. They…

If you're a wholesale vendor, you know how important it is to make a good deal with a buyer. Your business relies on establishing a longtime relationship with a buyer who loves your products enough to sell to their own customers in their store.

You might be an industry veteran, or you might be someone who's just starting out in the wholesale industry. Either way, you might be struggling to get your products into the hands of hungry buyers.

If you're looking for some direction in the wholesale…

Customer service is important. You know it, your employees know it, and your customers definitely know it. Many of the purchasing decisions made by consumers are based on a myriad of different factors, but one that comes up more often than all the others is a desire to be treated respectfully by employees.

Good customer service may seem hard to come by in this day and age. In a time where most purchases can happen online without ever having to interact with another human, people seem to be…

Do you know what B2B Marketing is, and how it affects your business? As a wholesaler, you probably already know that B2B stands for business-to-business. Instead of marketing your products to consumers, you're marketing your products to other businesses. As a wholesaler, that means marketing your products to retailers who want to sell your products on their shelves.

Wholesalers should make sure they're doing B2B marketing right, and presenting products in the best way to potential retail…

Reviews can be one of the most vital tools for getting more business, and more repeat business, from customers. In fact, according to a 2013 study by BrightLocal, 79 percent of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. It's not wonder that many businesses are hungry for lots of positive reviews!

Your reviews, whether positive or negative, reveal a lot about your business. It tells consumers so much about you that most people, 85 percent according to BrightLocal, read…

Online contests are an integral part of how most businesses uses their social media accounts. On places like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, you can't scroll for 5 minutes without seeing a business you follow posting a "like and share!" or "Retweet this post!" contest.

One thing you'll notice about these posts is that, above all others, these are the posts that get shared the most. Not that story about your new shower head you're trying to sell, or pics of the last tradeshow you attended.…

Technology changes very rapidly these days. That brand new iPhone or Samsung Galaxy you own right now? Just wait for a year or two and a better, faster, more advanced version will have already come out, and you'll be looking at your already amazing piece of smartphone tech like it's a sack of dirty gym socks.

So, shouldn't it stand to reason that with new technology being developed at alarming rates, one of the oldest and most useful tech developments-- the website -- should keep up with…

Successful entrepreneurs usually don't start with riches and fame (well, that is, unless you're Donald Trump). Most had to work hard to get where they ended up, overcoming obstacles as daunting as poverty, education, resources, and more.

If you ever feel like quitting, and don't think your dreams could ever become a reality, just remember these 7 famous entrepreneurs and the steps they had to take to achieve their dreams!

Henry Ford

Ford grew up as a farmer's son, a profession that is generally…