​I’m going to keep this simple and ask that you only focus on THREE things to get started.

1. Start a Google Business account.

This makes sure you show up in local search with photos, business hours, and a link to your website. I recommend spending time to take full advantage of all of they offer, however if you only have a few minutes, then at least just set up your Google Business page, add your phone number, your business hours, and at least one photo.

2. Set up a Facebook Business Page.

​This gives you a way to connect with customers in your area and gives you a digital advertising platform. Set up your page and make sure to fill out as much as you can in the “About” section – people do read this! Especially if they want to call you or learn more on your website.

Start spreading the word. What does this mean? It means your social media handles have to be EVERYWHERE and you need to be posting EVERYWHERE:

• Update all of your marketing materials (email signature, brochures, flyers, etc.) to include your Facebook URL so people can “like” your page anytime.
• Post on your Facebook business page and then share that post on your personal account to ensure even more people see our post.
• Ask customers to leave reviews on Google and Facebook.

3. Post on local Facebook community pages on behalf of your business.

These are great pages for promoting any specials, to say “thank you”, and to keep in front of your customers. SIDE NOTE: When you’re posting in a community page, make sure you’re not spammy, don’t promote yourself on someone else’s posts, are polite, and don’t over do it. You don’t want to turn anyone off … or worse, get banned from the page! Also, read the rules for the group to make sure company promotions are allowed.

​The best advice … is to have fun! You’ve got this!

Have you already done the steps above and want to go to the next level? Then it sounds like you need a Digital Marketing Business Coach to get to that next level. Let’s talk! Contact me today to get started.

​Having a hard time finding that PERFECT emoji? Don’t laugh! This is a real thing for us digital marketers!

​Emojis are a fun way to help you quickly – and most importantly, visually – tell your story online. You might argue … “Wait, wait, wait, this just feels so unprofessional. I’m supposed to be a refined expert.” It’s a great argument! But here’s another way to look at it: this is for social media where you’re having engaging conversations and showing that your business has a personal side, this is not for your website. AND you actually look behind the times and dated if you’re not using them. (Yes, it’s true. EVERYBODY IS DOING IT.) Obviously don’t go overboard with it … i.e., don’t replace all of your text with emojis just to take advantage of a trend – do what’s right for your audience.

Give it a shot! Utilize the stopping-power of an emoji to help your post get more views. Go to http://emojipedia.org/ and start searching. No more scrolling through tiny emojis and wishing you could find them on a desktop. Just search, copy and paste.

​Sounds silly but it’s a great resource! ☺️

​Yep, I’m an ignorant white person, too. I get called out by own spouse from time to time. He’s very patient with me and knows that I just don’t know because I’ve been white my entire life. However, that doesn't mean that I can't LEARN. And learning I am!

I see a lot of white people (mostly white women) complaining that they can’t “say anything right” when trying to support POC. Maybe go back through your communications and see what you’re saying. Are you saying “I’m sorry about George Floyd, BUT…” (psst, a lot of you are). Maybe say "I'm appalled and I'm ready to listen to stop this from happening again," and then just shut up and listen.

​What are you doing to change? Are you learning, watching, listening? Every single time I hear about another death or injustice, I realize I’m not doing nearly enough to be an ally. This time I’ve realized, I need to put my money where my mouth is. It’s not enough to argue with people and try to explain why murdering, abusing, and holding back black and brown people is wrong. I need to help those who are fighting in ways I can’t – legally, medically, etc. I’ll be donating to the NAACP Des Moines chapter monthly, forever, going forward. Maybe you can, too? The support is needed until there’s equality ... I hope that’s soon but from what I’m seeing from leaders, government officials, and my Facebook news feed … it’s going to be a while yet.

​Don’t look to me or any other white person for answers. We have no place trying to “work this out” because many times we’re so used to our white privilege that we don’t even know we’re oppressing someone and our ideas might actually do more harm. This blog post isn't about me having answers. It's about me showing support. I support Black Lives Matter. And my business is 100% behind equality, being anti-racist, and supporting Black Lives Matter. I'd recommend starting here if you're ready to get on board and find out WHO you should be looking to for answers ...

This is a great article if you’re wondering where to start and who to listen to: 75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice