 Keeping the spark alive with your marketing efforts can feel like a lot of thankless, never-ending work when you’ve fallen into the same, dull routine. (It’s ok, you can admit your feelings to Mama Ash.) If your marketing plan doesn’t give you that tingly feeling then it probably isn’t getting your audience all hot and bothered either. Use these ideas to spice things up. 1. Start a Customer Appreciation Program |
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2. "A WEEK" Sound
This sound lists out days of the week. Use it to showcase your many products, services, recipes, styles, etc.
Grab the sound and see examples here: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZM8VUMdFc/
Here are a couple examples for a quick look:
Grab the sound and see examples here: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZM8VUMdFc/
Here are a couple examples for a quick look:
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3. Back Again Sound
Promote your product / service and the problem it's fixing. Most of the videos in the trend are about bad things happening, but yours will be the opposite!
Grab the sound and see examples here: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZM8VDw2Ww/
Here are a couple examples for a quick look:
Grab the sound and see examples here: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZM8VDw2Ww/
Here are a couple examples for a quick look:
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4. Maverick Sound
Make a benefit statement about your brand. End with a little dance.
Grab the sound and see examples here: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZM8VDTvgd/
Here are a couple examples for a quick look:
Grab the sound and see examples here: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZM8VDTvgd/
Here are a couple examples for a quick look:
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5. "EminemRemix." Sound
Get ready to have fun, strut your stuff, and show off how amazing your business is.
Grab the sound and see examples here: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZM8VU6461/
Here are a couple examples for a quick look:
Grab the sound and see examples here: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZM8VU6461/
Here are a couple examples for a quick look:
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TikTok can be intimidating when you first get started. The best advice is to just get started!
If there’s one thing I absolutely LOVE, it’s sharing my opinions. Things I like, things I hate, things I think you should try. This weekly blog post is a summary of the things I found this week that I wanted to share with you. Hopefully at least one item on the list makes your world a little better! We made it through the week! I hope your weekend is amazing!
Controlling Anxiety
Making big moves in life can come with a full heap of anxiety. Especially if you're trying new things like gives speeches, networking, going back to school ... the list goes on. I really like how this video breaks down our responses to anxiety and how we can start to be in control of it.
Flamin' Hot Mountain Dew
Source: https://www.prnewswire.com/
Yeah, so, this left me going "huh?" But it was still interesting enough to mention. Read more about this interesting new flavor on cNet or just go straight to the store to see if it's available in your area. Who's willing to try it? Who's willing to actually buy merchandise around this new Dew flavor???
This brought up a question I've never thought of before ... do I actually want to DRINK all of the flavors I like? I love Funyuns, but I'd never drink the flavor ... but if it was a hearty soup? Sign me up.
This brought up a question I've never thought of before ... do I actually want to DRINK all of the flavors I like? I love Funyuns, but I'd never drink the flavor ... but if it was a hearty soup? Sign me up.
Be Better at Small Talk
I'll admit, I'm not great at small talk. My personality goes straight into weird topics and TMI topics. Ask me about the weather and I'll tell you about the time when I was 17 and I had to run to the basement during a tornado. I was topples, wearing only underwear because it was super hot in my bedroom (old farm house) and ended up awkwardly standing next to my sister's boyfriend who was still there late at night. And I now go to bed FULLY dressed each night with a huge fear of being naked in public.
Anyway, so I'll read this article from CNBC.com a few times myself because guys, I need it.
Anyway, so I'll read this article from CNBC.com a few times myself because guys, I need it.
How to Deal with Toxic People
Walking around with the weight of toxic people on your shoulders? One conversation can ruin your day. Use these tips to help!
If you're frustrated with your website or just wondering what you can do to make it work harder for you, then start here! You're not alone in learning what works and what doesn't. These mistakes are common and I'm almost always recommending these changes to clients. You're in good company as you keep hustling to improve your marketing platforms and starting with your website is vital!
Call to Action
We're humans. You have to tell us what to do. Every.Single.Time. A call to action (CTA) is a statement or blurb that tells your audience how to take advantage of all the benefits you've been touting about your business. Or if they're already on your website and reading about the benefits, it can serve as a reminder to buy what you're selling before they leave your site.
You wouldn't believe how many sales are lost just because a business owner didn't have a call to action (think of it like a mini 5 word sales pitch) in front of their website visitor. For example ... what if I'm 3-pages deep into your site and love what I'm reading? That would be a great time to have a call to action in front of me. It would remind me to buy what I'm reading about and take advantage of those benefits myself.
Go through your website and look at it from an outsider's point of view. Can your visitors quickly buy what you're selling wherever they are on your website? Read more about call to actions here.
You wouldn't believe how many sales are lost just because a business owner didn't have a call to action (think of it like a mini 5 word sales pitch) in front of their website visitor. For example ... what if I'm 3-pages deep into your site and love what I'm reading? That would be a great time to have a call to action in front of me. It would remind me to buy what I'm reading about and take advantage of those benefits myself.
Go through your website and look at it from an outsider's point of view. Can your visitors quickly buy what you're selling wherever they are on your website? Read more about call to actions here.
Landing Pages
We're humans. We want instant gratification and instant confirmation. So good grief - create some landing pages already! Have you seen someone promote something on social media and you click, so excited to learn more, only to land on their home page or a webpage chock-full of tons of STUFF that you have to sort through to find what you're looking for? I see it all the time.
This is true wherever you're promoting your products and services (social media, email, podcast, etc.). When you talk about a topic or benefit statement and include a link, the user wants to see that exact statement or topic at the very top of the webpage they visit. They want to know they landed in the correct place, they want the benefit statement reinforced, and they don't want to scroll or search for it. Here's a great layout for landing pages you can use today.
This is true wherever you're promoting your products and services (social media, email, podcast, etc.). When you talk about a topic or benefit statement and include a link, the user wants to see that exact statement or topic at the very top of the webpage they visit. They want to know they landed in the correct place, they want the benefit statement reinforced, and they don't want to scroll or search for it. Here's a great layout for landing pages you can use today.
Blog
We're humans. We want more of everything as often as we can get it. Blogs are an excellent way to:
If you don't have a blog yet, then I recommend you start one! You don't have to post everyday. Start with once a month. Then move to twice a month. Then keep adding more as you can. They don't need to be long and don't need a ton of professional photos. Just start with what you have for now.
Here are topic ideas to help you get started:
- Add keywords to your website
- Reinforce your expertise in the industry
- Talk about topics that are relevant to your products and services
- Most importantly, connect with your audience
If you don't have a blog yet, then I recommend you start one! You don't have to post everyday. Start with once a month. Then move to twice a month. Then keep adding more as you can. They don't need to be long and don't need a ton of professional photos. Just start with what you have for now.
Here are topic ideas to help you get started:
- Employee spotlight
- Product spotlight
- Product/service "concerns" with answers for those concerns
- Top how-to questions for your products/services with answers
- Holiday posts (sales, how a product/service can be used for the holiday, etc.)
- Personal stories (how you got started, motivation for your readers, etc.)
About Me
We're humans. We're constantly looking for connection, especially before we spend money. This tip is very important for small-to-medium sized businesses and those who provide "services" ... your "About Me" page is going to be read, guaranteed. What's on yours? Do you have one? You should have an "About Me" page with at least a professional bio. It would be great to add personal touches as well (only give as much personal info as you want. You need to feel safe, too!). You could add a paragraph about why you started your business. Some other personal touches could be: hobbies, projects you're working on, vacations you've taken, how many kids/grandkids you have, etc.
Pick one of these items to tackle each week until you've successfully overhauled your website. Need help? Contact us today! We'll conduct an audit and help you prioritize your to-do list.
Friday Faves: Crime Scene Clean Up, Getting paid on Pinterest, Sales Page Design, Elevator Pitch
7/30/2021
If there’s one thing I absolutely LOVE, it’s sharing my opinions. Things I like, things I hate, things I think you should try. This weekly blog post is a summary of the things I found this week that I wanted to share with you. Hopefully at least one item on the list makes your world a little better! We made it through the week! I hope your weekend is amazing!
TikTok Crime Scene Cleanup
Not for the faint of heart, that's for sure! With videos like "Rat House of Horrors" we can see how @crimescenecleaning on TikTok has 4.2 million followers. It's morbid and gross and I'll admit, entirely entertaining! Watch the interview on Vice and find out why people are so obsessed.
Pinterest is Helping Creators Get Paid
Pinterest is helping creators turn clicks into cash! Learn more from TechCrunch.
Sales Page Design That Works
The Hoth has created a wonderful visual that breaks down the perfect sales page that will help you convert leads and boost site traffic. Click on the image above to see the full visual.
A Well-Versed Elevator Pitch
What would you say if you only had 2 minutes to introduce yourself and explain why you're amazing??? Coming up blank? That's totally normal! Use these tips to make sure you're ready next time.
Social Handles
Your social handle is your username on social media. You want these to match as closely as possible. Ideally they will match your business name, but if it's taken by someone else then find something as close as possible and make sure they all match.
Profile & Cover Photos
Visit each of your social accounts and look them with the fresh eyes of a stranger. Is everything on-brand? Do your colors, fonts, and photos have a similar look and feel? If you're using a headshot, is it professional? Does your cover photo have a call to action or a benefit statement? Does it help tell your story? Make updates accordingly!
Call to Action
If someone goes to your social profile, will they quickly find a way to contact you? This could be a link to your website, to a scheduling platform for your calendar, or your phone number. Don't make your audience work hard to contact you!
Benefit Statement
Why would someone want your products and services? Quickly state the benefit of doing business with you. This is a bit harder because you usually have to stay within a certain character limit, but it's totally worth the work and edits! This will set you apart from your competition.
Emojis
Emojis are great for visual story telling! Look through emojipedia.org to find the best ones for your business and include them in your social bio. They are attention grabbing and will help tell your story!
#Hashtags
Hashtags are like keywords for your bio, plus they also stand out visually which is great for those just scanning your bio.
FREE DOWNLOAD
Download the PDF so you can start checking these updates off your list!
| social_bio_makeover_-_that_digital_rush.pdf |
If there’s one thing I absolutely LOVE, it’s sharing my opinions. Things I like, things I hate, things I think you should try. This weekly blog post is a summary of the things I found this week that I wanted to share with you. Hopefully at least one item on the list makes your world a little better! We made it through the week! I hope your weekend is amazing!
1. People Love Emojis
Use them on social media AND in email subject lines. Inc.com explains why if you want to learn more about the power of emojis.
"The vast majority of emoji users (90%) believe the modern-day hieroglyphs make it easier for them to express themselves. Eighty-nine percent of respondents said emojis simplify communicating across language barriers. And 67% said they think people who use emojis are friendlier, funnier and cooler than those who don't." - read more from CNN.com
"The vast majority of emoji users (90%) believe the modern-day hieroglyphs make it easier for them to express themselves. Eighty-nine percent of respondents said emojis simplify communicating across language barriers. And 67% said they think people who use emojis are friendlier, funnier and cooler than those who don't." - read more from CNN.com
2. Oreo Helping Parents Hide Their Sweets
Well, this is genius marketing. For a limited time, Oreo is disguising their cookie packages as something else so parents can hide their sweets in plain view without little munchkins begging for them nonstop in a whiny voice. Nice for parents. GREAT for the other brands which are now prominently displayed in households!
3. Customers Want Convenience ... Every Time
The pandemic has changed - and is continuing to change - the way people shop. If you're not taking these factors into the account then you will be left behind. Guaranteed.
"People count on convenience more than ever. Global searches for “along my route” (+1,000%) and “curbside pickup” (+3,000%) both soared year over year. Convenience became a key differentiator for retailers who were able to quickly pivot. This is likely to create a new post-pandemic shopping norm."
"People count on convenience more than ever. Global searches for “along my route” (+1,000%) and “curbside pickup” (+3,000%) both soared year over year. Convenience became a key differentiator for retailers who were able to quickly pivot. This is likely to create a new post-pandemic shopping norm."
4. You Need More Plants
Plants reduce stress levels, boost your productivity, improve indoor air quality, and more. Learn more about their benefits from Healthline.com, then go support a local nursery or garden center to grab your own.
If you're a plant lover, and your sense of humor is warped, you might find "Planty Hoes" on Instagram kinda funny.
If you're a plant lover, and your sense of humor is warped, you might find "Planty Hoes" on Instagram kinda funny.
5. Find Yourself in a Gossip Group?
Have you ever been in the middle of a conversation and realized it took an ugly turn toward a mean bad-mouthing session? Gossiping can be hard to avoid - especially with certain people - but for your own sanity, you should totally try to avoid it. Use these tips from YogaJournal.com. Also, check out these tips for being less negative in general (your mental, emotion, and physical health will thank you).
When setting goals for acquiring customers digitally (from the Internet and mobile device), it's usually easier if you work backwards.
Define Your Objective
First, decide what you want your audience to do. What's going to make your business successful? At the end of the day, what’s going to bring in money? Do they need to buy a specific service or product? Feel free to print off this blog post and fill those answers in here:
List Action Steps
Next, focus on how you’re going to help your customers take those steps. Will they need to visit your website and fill out a form? Order online? Do they need to call into your office/store? Would you prefer they stop in during shopping hours? Fill in your answers here:
Put it Together
Your business goals are under the first exercise. Your business goals are going to help you increase revenue. Next, attach a quantifiable goal to them. You want to make x number of sales or you want to increase your sales by x% this year. Then finally, break it down further. How many sales do you need to make each month to meet your goal?
Your implementation goals will come from the second exercise. This is your "to-do list" to make sure your target audience and customers can easily buy your products and services. The less steps they need to take the better. Take a good long look at your communication strategy and your website to make sure the experience is tailored around your customer and not around you.
Your implementation goals will come from the second exercise. This is your "to-do list" to make sure your target audience and customers can easily buy your products and services. The less steps they need to take the better. Take a good long look at your communication strategy and your website to make sure the experience is tailored around your customer and not around you.
Get the Full Workbook
This exercise is from my TOTALLY FREE workbook to help you get started in digital marketing. Download your own copy today!
Friday Faves – Google searches, Canva templates, Music for your soul, Patio drinks, Free workbook
7/7/2021
If there’s one thing I absolutely LOVE, it’s sharing my opinions. Things I like, things I hate, things I think you should try. This weekly blog post is a summary of the things I found this week that I wanted to share with you. Hopefully at least one item on the list makes your world a little better! We made it through the week! I hope your weekend is amazing!
1. Everything is a GO According to Google
Google Ads & Insights Briefing: America is opening up after the pandemic and everyone is ready to start living again! Searches for outdoor entertainment, wedding planning, concerts and more have spiked. How does this affect your business? Read their report.
2. Instagram Story Templates That Can Be Used Everywhere
Canva.com has a ton of story templates. One of the things I absolutely love about these is that you can download them to your phone and use them on Snapchat, TikTok, Twitter Stories, LinkedIn Stories, and Facebook Stories. Take a look and see how you can repurpose them for your business. View story templates.
3. Feel Better with Music
So I heard that Weightless by Marconi Union is good for your body and mind. According to an article from Inc.com, the music is a “collaboration with sound therapists. Its carefully arranged harmonies, rhythms, and bass lines help slow a listener's heart rate, reduce blood pressure and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.” I gave it a try and fell in love. Try it for yourself via YouTube or Spotify.
4. Summer Patio Drink
I work outside on my patio a lot right now, trying to soak in as much summer as I can. Now, I don’t drink while working … unless it’s after 4pm. So after 4pm, I totally recommend these White Wine Ginger Beer Sangrias!
5. Free Digital Marketing Workbook
Incase you haven’t heard me tell you a million times yet, I wrote a free digital marketing workbook. It’s designed to help small business owners and entrepreneurs get up and running and bring in sales as quickly as possible. Download it today.
Author
First, I'm the mother of three crazy, sassy, sarcastic, hilarious children. Second, I work in the world of social media, email, digital marketing. Third, I'll probably try to tell you what to do.
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