The Importance of Video SEO for Businesses

The Importance of Video SEO for Businesses

Video is becoming increasingly important for businesses of all sizes. Not only is it a great way to engage and connect with customers, but it can also help improve your SEO.

Here are some of the benefits of using video SEO for your business:

  • Increased visibility: When you optimize your videos for search engines, they are more likely to appear in search results for relevant keywords. This can help you reach a wider audience and attract more potential customers.
  • Higher click-through rate: Videos tend to have a higher click-through rate than text-based content. This means that when people see your videos in search results, they are more likely to click on them.
  • Improved engagement: Videos are a great way to engage with your audience. They can help you build relationships with customers, answer their questions, and provide helpful information.
  • More backlinks: When people share your videos on social media or embed them on their websites, you can earn backlinks. Backlinks are a valuable SEO signal, so they can help improve your ranking in search results.
  • Increased brand awareness: Videos can help you raise awareness of your brand and products. When people see your videos, they are more likely to remember your brand and consider doing business with you.

If you want to improve your SEO, you should definitely consider using video. Here are some tips for optimizing your videos for search engines:

  • Use relevant keywords in your video title, description, and tags.
  • Create eye-catching thumbnails that will make people want to click on your video.
  • Promote your videos on social media and other online channels.
  • Encourage people to share your videos.
  • Respond to comments and questions on your videos.

By following these tips, you can improve your video SEO and reach a wider audience with your content.

In addition to the benefits mentioned above, using videos and a YouTube channel for your business can also:

  • Help you generate leads and sales.
  • Improve your customer service.
  • Build your brand reputation.
  • Position yourself as an expert in your industry.
  • Create a more engaging and interactive website.

If you're not already using videos and a YouTube channel for your business, I encourage you to start today. It's a great way to improve your SEO, reach a wider audience, and grow your business.

Use Video to Reach a Wider Audience

Use Video to Reach a Wider Audience

Video is a powerful tool that businesses can use to reach a wider audience, engage with customers, and improve their search engine optimization (SEO). YouTube is the second-largest search engine in the world, and businesses that create and optimize their videos for YouTube can get their content seen by millions of potential customers.

Here are some of the benefits of using videos and a YouTube channel for improved SEO:

  • Increased visibility: When you create high-quality videos that are optimized for search engines, they have a better chance of ranking high in search results. This means that more people will see your videos, which can lead to increased traffic to your website or landing pages.
  • Better engagement: Videos are a more engaging form of content than text or images. They can help you capture people's attention and keep them watching longer. This can lead to higher click-through rates, more shares, and more comments on your videos.
  • More backlinks: When people share your videos on social media or embed them on their websites, it creates backlinks to your website. Backlinks are a valuable signal to search engines that your website is a high-quality resource, which can help you improve your rankings.
  • Higher conversion rates: Studies have shown that videos can increase conversion rates by up to 80%. This is because videos can help you explain your products or services in a more engaging and persuasive way.

If you're looking to improve your SEO, creating and optimizing videos for YouTube is a great place to start. Here are some tips for getting started:

  • Choose the right keywords: When you're creating your videos, think about the keywords that people are likely to search for when they're looking for information about your products or services. Use these keywords in your video titles, descriptions, and tags.
  • Make your videos high-quality: Your videos should be well-produced and engaging. They should be informative and relevant to your target audience.
  • Promote your videos: Once you've created your videos, don't forget to promote them on your website, social media channels, and other online platforms.

By following these tips, you can use videos and a YouTube channel to improve your SEO and reach a wider audience for your business.

In addition to the benefits mentioned above, using videos and a YouTube channel for SEO can also help you:

  • Build brand awareness: Videos can help you introduce your brand to new customers and build trust and credibility with existing customers.
  • Generate leads: Videos can be a great way to generate leads for your business. You can use videos to collect contact information, answer common questions, or promote special offers.
  • Drive sales: Videos can help you drive sales by providing product demos, explaining pricing, or showcasing customer testimonials.

If you're not already using videos and a YouTube channel for SEO, I encourage you to give it a try. It's a great way to reach a wider audience, engage with customers, and improve your search engine ranking.

Consider Adding Video to Your SEO Strategy

Consider Adding Video to Your SEO Strategy
Video blog vlog stream, woman looking at smartphone webcam on tripod, recording video, talking online, sitting at table at home. Educational channel, journalist, columnist, psychologist, assistant

Video content is becoming increasingly popular, and businesses that want to stay ahead of the curve need to be using video SEO to reach their target audience.

Video SEO is the process of optimizing your video content for search engines. This includes optimizing your video title, description, tags, and thumbnail, as well as creating engaging and informative content that people will want to watch.

There are many benefits to using video SEO for businesses. Here are a few of the most important:

  • Increased visibility: When your videos are optimized for search engines, they are more likely to appear in search results for relevant keywords. This can help you to reach a wider audience and drive more traffic to your website.
  • Improved engagement: Videos are a more engaging form of content than text, so they can help you to improve the engagement of your website visitors. This can lead to more leads and sales.
  • Boosted social media shares: Videos are also more likely to be shared on social media than text, so they can help you to boost your social media reach and visibility.
  • Enhanced brand reputation: Well-made videos can help to enhance your brand reputation and make you appear more credible and trustworthy to potential customers.
  • Cost-effectiveness: Video SEO is a relatively cost-effective way to market your business. Once you have created your videos, you can promote them for free on YouTube and other social media platforms.

If you are looking to improve the SEO of your business, then video SEO is a great place to start. By following the tips above, you can create videos that will help you to reach a wider audience, improve your engagement, and boost your social media shares.

Here are some additional tips for using video SEO for businesses:

  • Use relevant keywords in your video title, description, and tags.
  • Create a catchy thumbnail that will make people want to click on your video.
  • Publish your videos regularly.
  • Promote your videos on social media and other online channels.
  • Respond to comments and questions on your videos.
  • Measure the results of your video SEO efforts and make adjustments as needed.

By following these tips, you can use video SEO to help your business reach new heights.

How to Create a Business YouTube Channel

How to Create a Business YouTube Channel
Review of construction instruments. Happy black handyman looking at laptop webcam and showing thumb up, sitting in kitchen interior with various tools on table, empty space

YouTube is a great platform for businesses to connect with their target audience, promote their products or services, and build brand awareness. If you're thinking about creating a YouTube channel for your business, here are the steps you need to follow:

  1. Create a YouTube account. If you don't already have a YouTube account, you can create one for free. You can use your personal Google account to create a business channel, or you can create a separate brand account.
  2. Choose a channel name. Your channel name should be relevant to your business and easy to remember. It should also be unique, so that it doesn't conflict with the names of other channels.
  3. Create a channel icon and banner. Your channel icon and banner are the first things that people will see when they visit your channel, so it's important to make them eye-catching and relevant to your business.
  4. Customize your channel settings. In your channel settings, you can choose a channel language, add a description of your business, and set up your privacy settings.
  5. Start creating videos. Once your channel is set up, you can start creating videos. Your videos should be high-quality and engaging, and they should be relevant to your target audience.
  6. Promote your channel. Once you have a few videos up, you need to start promoting your channel. You can do this by sharing your videos on social media, embedding them on your website, and running paid advertising campaigns.

Here are some additional tips for creating a successful business YouTube channel:

  • Be consistent. Upload new videos on a regular schedule to keep your audience engaged.
  • Respond to comments and questions. This shows that you care about your viewers and that you're willing to interact with them.
  • Use relevant keywords in your video titles, descriptions, and tags. This will help people find your videos when they're searching for information on YouTube.
  • Optimize your videos for mobile viewing. More and more people are watching YouTube on their phones, so it's important to make sure your videos are optimized for mobile devices.
  • Measure your results. Track your views, subscribers, and engagement to see how your channel is performing. This will help you make necessary adjustments to your content strategy.

Creating a business YouTube channel can be a great way to reach a wider audience, promote your products or services, and build brand awareness. By following these tips, you can create a successful channel that will help you achieve your business goals.

4 Simple Low-Cost Ways To Improve Your Outbound Marketing Efforts

Outbound Marketing Efforts

Outbound marketing is the process of reaching out to potential customers directly, rather than waiting for them to come to you. It can be a great way to generate leads and sales, but it can also be expensive and time-consuming.

If you're looking for ways to improve your outbound marketing efforts without breaking the bank, here are a few simple low-cost tips:

  1. Personalize your outreach. People are more likely to respond to outreach that is personalized to them. When you're sending out emails or cold calling, take the time to learn a little bit about your target audience and tailor your message accordingly.
  2. Use social media. Social media is a great way to connect with potential customers and build relationships with them. Make sure to post regularly and engage with your followers. You can also use social media to run targeted ads to reach your ideal customer.
  3. Attend industry events. Industry events are a great way to meet potential customers in person. Make sure to bring plenty of business cards and be prepared to network.
  4. Offer free consultations or demos. This is a great way to give potential customers a taste of what you have to offer and show them how your product or service can benefit them.

Here are some additional tips to help you get the most out of your outbound marketing efforts:

  • Make sure your website is up-to-date and informative. Your website is often the first point of contact potential customers have with your business, so make sure it's making a good impression.
  • Use a CRM system to track your leads and interactions. This will help you to stay organized and make sure you're following up with potential customers promptly.
  • Test different strategies and see what works best for your business. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to outbound marketing, so it's important to experiment and find what works best for your target audience and industry.

By following these tips, you can improve your outbound marketing efforts without spending a lot of money. Just remember to be patient and persistent, and don't give up if you don't see results immediately.

Virtual Communication: Staying Professional While Working Remotely

Virtual Communication: Staying Professional While Working Remotely

Remote work has become increasingly popular in recent years, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated this trend. While remote work offers many benefits, it can also be challenging to stay professional when communicating with colleagues and clients virtually.

Here are a few tips for staying professional while communicating remotely:

  • Be mindful of your background. When you're on a video call, make sure your background is clean and professional. Avoid having anything distracting in the frame, such as piles of laundry or personal photos. If you can't find a suitable background in your home, you can use a virtual background.
  • Dress professionally. Even though you're working from home, it's important to dress professionally for video calls and meetings. This shows your colleagues and clients that you're taking the call seriously and that you're respectful of their time.
  • Be on time. Punctuality is important in any work environment, but it's especially important when communicating remotely. When you're late for a video call or meeting, it can be disruptive and disrespectful to others.
  • Be clear and concise in your communication. When you're writing emails or chatting with colleagues, be sure to be clear and concise in your communication. Avoid using jargon or slang, and make sure your messages are easy to understand.
  • Proofread your messages. Before you send an email or chat message, be sure to proofread it carefully for any errors in grammar or spelling. This shows your colleagues and clients that you're paying attention to detail and that you care about your professional image.
  • Be mindful of your tone. When communicating virtually, it can be difficult to convey your tone. Be mindful of how your words may be interpreted, and avoid using sarcasm or humor that could be misunderstood.

In addition to the tips above, there are a few other things you can do to stay professional while communicating remotely:

  • Use the right communication tools. There are a variety of communication tools available, such as email, chat, and video conferencing. Choose the right tool for the job and use it appropriately. For example, if you need to have a detailed discussion with a colleague, it's best to schedule a video call. If you just need to send a quick question, a chat message may be sufficient.
  • Be respectful of others' time. When you're communicating with colleagues and clients remotely, be mindful of their time zones and schedules. Avoid sending emails or chat messages late at night or on weekends unless it's absolutely necessary.
  • Be responsive. When you receive an email or chat message, try to respond as soon as possible. This shows your colleagues and clients that you're available and that you respect their time.
  • Be proactive. Don't wait for your colleagues and clients to come to you with questions or concerns. Be proactive and reach out to them regularly to check in and see if there's anything you can do to help.

By following these tips, you can stay professional while communicating remotely and build strong relationships with your colleagues and clients.

Do Prospects Know, Like, and Trust Your Brand?

Do Prospects Know, Like, and Trust Your Brand?

One of the most important things you can do to grow your business is to build trust with your prospects and customers. When people know, like, and trust your brand, they're more likely to do business with you and become loyal customers.

So, how do you know if prospects know, like, and trust your brand? Here are a few things to look for:

  • Brand awareness: Do people know about your brand? You can gauge brand awareness through surveys, social media analytics, and website traffic data.
  • Brand favorability: Do people have a positive impression of your brand? You can measure brand favorability through surveys and social media sentiment analysis.
  • Brand loyalty: Do people repeatedly choose your brand over the competition? You can measure brand loyalty through customer churn rates and repeat purchase rates.

If you're not seeing the results you want in any of these areas, it's time to invest in building your brand. Here are a few tips:

  • Create high-quality content: One of the best ways to build brand awareness and favorability is to create high-quality content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to your target audience. This content can be in the form of blog posts, articles, videos, infographics, and social media posts.
  • Be active on social media: Social media is a great way to connect with your target audience and build relationships with potential customers. Be sure to post regularly, engage with your followers, and respond to comments and questions.
  • Offer excellent customer service: When people have a positive experience with your customer service team, they're more likely to develop a positive impression of your brand. Make sure your customer service team is knowledgeable, friendly, and responsive to customer needs.
  • Be consistent: Building a strong brand takes time and effort. Be consistent with your branding and messaging across all channels. This includes your website, social media, marketing materials, and customer interactions.

By following these tips, you can build a strong brand that prospects know, like, and trust. This will lead to more sales and repeat business.

Here are some additional tips for building trust with prospects:

  • Be honest and transparent in all of your dealings.
  • Keep your promises and deliver on your commitments.
  • Be responsive to customer needs and concerns.
  • Be fair and ethical in your business practices.
  • Give back to your community and support causes that are important to your customers.

Building trust takes time and effort, but it's worth it in the long run. When prospects know, like, and trust your brand, they're more likely to do business with you and become loyal customers.

Are You Ready to Ride the Waves of Change?

Are You Ready to Ride the Waves of Change?

The business world is constantly changing, and market trends can shift rapidly. To stay ahead of the curve, businesses need to be able to change and adapt.

Here are a few tips on how to change and adapt your business to market trends:

  1. Identify the trends. The first step is to identify the market trends that are relevant to your business. You can do this by reading industry reports, following thought leaders on social media, and talking to your customers.
  2. Assess the impact of the trends. Once you've identified the trends, assess the impact they could have on your business. Are they a threat or an opportunity? How will they affect your customers' needs and expectations?
  3. Develop a plan. Once you understand the impact of the trends, you need to develop a plan for how your business will change and adapt. This may involve developing new products or services, changing your marketing strategy, or investing in new technologies.
  4. Execute the plan. Once you have a plan, it's important to execute it effectively. This means communicating the plan to your team and getting everyone on board. It also means being flexible and willing to make adjustments as needed.

Here are a few additional tips:

  • Be proactive. Don't wait for the market to change before you start adapting. Be proactive and stay ahead of the curve by constantly innovating and looking for new ways to improve your business.
  • Be customer-centric. Always keep your customers in mind when making changes to your business. What are their needs? What are their expectations? How can you better meet their needs?
  • Be flexible. The business world is constantly changing, so it's important to be flexible and adaptable. Be prepared to make changes to your business plan as needed.

Changing and adapting your business to market trends can be challenging, but it's essential for survival and success in today's competitive marketplace. By following the tips above, you can increase your chances of riding the waves of change and coming out stronger on the other side.

Here are some examples of how businesses have changed and adapted to market trends:

  • Netflix: Netflix started out as a DVD rental service, but it quickly adapted to the shift to streaming video.
  • Amazon: Amazon started out as an online bookseller, but it has since expanded into a wide range of other products and services.
  • Apple: Apple started out as a computer company, but it has since expanded into smartphones, tablets, and other consumer electronics.

These are just a few examples, but there are many other businesses that have successfully changed and adapted to market trends. By being proactive, customer-centric, and flexible, you can too.

5 Publicity Hacks For Startups To Grow Your Business Now

5 Publicity Hacks For Startups To Grow Your Business Now

Publicity is essential for any startup that wants to grow and succeed. But getting publicity can be difficult, especially for small businesses with limited resources.

Here are five publicity hacks that can help startups grow their businesses now:

  1. Create newsworthy content. One of the best ways to get publicity is to create newsworthy content. This could be a blog post, article, infographic, or video that covers a topic that is relevant to your target audience and is likely to generate interest from journalists.
  2. Pitch to journalists. Once you have created newsworthy content, you need to pitch it to journalists. You can find journalists who cover your industry by searching online or using a media database. Be sure to personalize your pitches and target them to the specific interests of each journalist.
  3. Reach out to influencers. Influencers are people who have a large following on social media or other online platforms. They can be very effective at helping you promote your startup. You can reach out to influencers by sending them a direct message or through their website contact form. Be sure to offer them something of value in return for their help, such as exclusive content or early access to your product or service.
  4. Attend industry events. Industry events are a great way to meet journalists, influencers, and other potential customers and partners. Be sure to bring plenty of business cards and be prepared to talk about your startup.
  5. Use social media. Social media is a great way to promote your startup and reach a large audience. Be sure to post regularly and engage with your followers. You can also use social media to run contests and giveaways, which can help you generate interest in your brand.

Following these five publicity hacks can help you get your startup noticed and grow your business. Just remember to be consistent with your efforts and to always offer something of value to the people you are reaching out to.

Here are some additional tips:

  • Be creative. There are many different ways to get publicity. Don't be afraid to get creative and think outside the box.
  • Be persistent. It takes time and effort to get publicity. Don't give up if you don't see results immediately.
  • Be patient. It may take some time to build relationships with journalists and influencers. Be patient and keep at it.

Getting publicity can be challenging, but it is worth it for the benefits it can bring to your startup. By following the tips above, you can increase your chances of getting noticed and growing your business.

Transitions: The Missing Link in Your Presentation

Have you ever heard a presentation that was so engaging and informative that you couldn't help but pay attention? Or have you ever been bored out of your mind by a presenter who just clicked through slides without any clear direction?

The difference between a great presentation and a bad one often comes down to transitions. Transitions are words and phrases that help your audience follow along as you move from one point to the next. They signal the end of one topic and the beginning of another, and they help to create a smooth, logical flow for your presentation.

There are many different types of transitions that you can use, but some of the most effective include:

  • Bridge words and phrases: These words and phrases connect one idea to another, such as “furthermore,” “however,” “in addition,” and “therefore.”
  • Trigger transitions: These transitions use a keyword or phrase from the previous slide to introduce the next slide. For example, you might say, “In the last slide, we talked about the benefits of our product. Now, let's take a look at how it works.”
  • Questions: Asking questions is a great way to engage your audience and get them thinking about the topic. You can use questions to introduce a new idea, summarize a previous point, or transition to the next slide.
  • Flashbacks: If you need to remind your audience about something that you mentioned earlier in your presentation, you can use a flashback transition. For example, you might say, “Do you remember when I said that our product is the best on the market? Well, here's why.”
  • Point-by-point transitions: These transitions are used to signal that you are about to list a series of items. For example, you might say, “There are three main benefits to our product. First, it is easy to use. Second, it is affordable. And third, it is backed by a satisfaction guarantee.”
  • Visual aids: You can also use visual aids to transition from one topic to the next. For example, you might show a picture of a new product, or you might display a graph or chart to illustrate a point.
  • Pauses: Even a simple pause can be an effective transition. It gives your audience a chance to absorb what you have just said and to prepare for what is coming next.
  • Physical movement: Moving around the room or changing your stance can also be a way to transition between topics. This can help to keep your audience engaged and to emphasize your points.
  • Personal stories: Personal stories can be a great way to connect with your audience and to make your presentation more memorable. You can use a personal story to introduce a new topic, to illustrate a point, or to conclude your presentation.
  • The PEP formula: The PEP formula stands for Point, Example, Point. It is a simple but effective way to structure your presentation. To use the PEP formula, simply make a point, then provide an example to support your point, and then reiterate your point.

Using transitions effectively is an important part of creating a seamless presentation. By carefully planning your transitions, you can ensure that your audience follows along easily and that your message is clear and concise.

Here are some additional tips for using transitions effectively:

  • Use a variety of transitions. Avoid using the same transition over and over again.
  • Be specific. Don't just say, “On the next slide.” Instead, say something like, “On the next slide, we're going to take a look at the key benefits of our product.”
  • Be consistent. Use the same transition style throughout your presentation.
  • Practice your transitions. When you practice your presentation, be sure to practice your transitions as well. This will help you to deliver them smoothly and confidently.

By following these tips, you can use transitions to create a presentation that is engaging, informative, and easy to follow.

Crafting a Powerful Persuasive Presentation

Crafting a Powerful Persuasive Presentation

Giving a persuasive presentation can be a daunting task, but it's an important skill to have if you want to convince others to see your point of view. Whether you're trying to sell a product, raise money for a cause, or convince your boss to give you a raise, a persuasive presentation can help you achieve your goal.

Here are some tips for crafting a powerful persuasive presentation:

  1. Know your audience. The first step to crafting a persuasive presentation is to understand your audience. Who are you talking to? What are their needs and wants? What are their pain points? Once you understand your audience, you can tailor your presentation to their specific interests.
  2. Have a clear message. What is the main point you want to make in your presentation? Make sure your message is clear, concise, and easy to understand.
  3. Use evidence to support your claims. Don't just tell your audience what to think; tell them why they should think that way. Use data, statistics, and expert opinions to support your claims.
  4. Tell a story. People are more likely to be persuaded by stories than by facts and figures. Tell a story that illustrates your main point and connects with your audience on an emotional level.
  5. Be passionate. If you're not passionate about your topic, your audience won't be either. Show your audience that you believe in what you're saying by being enthusiastic and engaging.

In addition to these tips, there are a few other things you can do to improve your persuasive presentation skills:

  • Practice, practice, practice. The more you practice your presentation, the more confident and polished you will be.
  • Get feedback. Ask a friend, family member, or colleague to watch your presentation and give you feedback. This can help you identify any areas that need improvement.
  • Use visuals. Visuals can help to make your presentation more engaging and easier to understand. Use images, graphs, and videos to illustrate your points.
  • Interact with your audience. Don't just talk at your audience; interact with them. Ask questions, tell jokes, and share stories. This will help to keep your audience engaged and interested in your topic.

By following these tips, you can craft a powerful persuasive presentation that will help you achieve your goal.

Is Link Building For Your Website Worth The Effort?

Link building is the process of acquiring links from other websites to your own. It is one of the most important factors in search engine optimization (SEO), as it helps to improve your website's ranking in search results.

But is link building worth the effort? The answer is a resounding yes.

Here are some of the benefits of link building:

  • Improved search engine rankings: Links are one of the most important factors that Google and other search engines use to rank websites. Websites with more high-quality backlinks tend to rank higher in search results.
  • Increased traffic: When people click on links to your website, it will drive traffic to your site. This traffic can lead to increased sales, leads, and other conversions.
  • Improved brand awareness: When people see links to your website on other websites, it helps to increase brand awareness. This is because people are more likely to trust and do business with brands that they are familiar with.
  • Increased authority: When other websites link to yours, it is a signal to search engines that your website is authoritative and trustworthy. This can lead to improved search engine rankings and other benefits.

Of course, link building is not easy. It takes time and effort to build high-quality backlinks. However, the benefits are well worth the effort.

Here are some tips for effective link building:

  • Create high-quality content: The best way to attract backlinks is to create high-quality content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to your target audience.
  • Promote your content: Once you have created high-quality content, you need to promote it so that other people can find it and link to it. You can promote your content through social media, guest blogging, and other online channels.
  • Reach out to other website owners: You can also contact other website owners and ask them to link to your website. When you do this, be sure to explain why their audience would benefit from linking to your website.
  • Build relationships with other website owners: The best link building is done naturally, over time. By building relationships with other website owners, you can increase the chances that they will link to your website.

Link building is an important part of SEO and can have a significant impact on your website's search engine rankings, traffic, and conversions. However, it is important to remember that link building should be done in a natural and ethical way.

If you are looking for a way to improve your website's search engine rankings and traffic, link building is a great way to start.

How do I create a successful social media campaign?

Put yourself in the shoes of your customers. What appeals to you? What compels you to act? Peer to peer impressions have more influence now than ever before. A friend recommending a restaurant, product, service, etc. can have more impact than a paid advertisement. Think about the types of posts, information, etc. that not only appeals to your customers, but they will also want to share.

The ALS Association’s “Ice Bucket Challenge” was one of the most successful social media campaigns to date. It incorporated entertaining videos of people challenging people they know to support a worthy cause. The challenge went viral and spread like wildfire. As a result, the ALS Association not only raised a ton of money for their cause, but they spread awareness of the disease and their mission throughout the United States and beyond.

Social media was meant to be “social.” Direct selling of your product and/or service through social media is not as effective as offering something of value to your customers. Consider these ideas when developing a social medial campaign for your business:

  1. Helpful tips people will want to share
    (i.e. a pest control service may want to post tips on reducing mosquitos around your home, etc.)
  2. Entertaining videos – people love to share humor so come up with a video or series of funny, short videos that demonstrate the value of your product.
  3. Contests
    (i.e. send us a 30 second video showing why you love our product; we will post and people will have an opportunity to select their top three favorites; winners will receive a prize, etc.)
  4. Live streams – Facebook Live is an example of a platform where you can transmit live video streams. Consider broadcasting “live” content that is entertaining and informative. This new feature of Facebook – introduced in April 2016 – is gaining in popularity. Learn more here: https://live.fb.com/

You don’t have to be a million-dollar company to create catchy a social media campaign that reaches millions of people. It just takes one good idea to go viral.

Immediate Notification When Someone Mentions Your Business Online

Did you know that Google will notify you every time someone mentions your business or website online?

Would you like to receive notifications each time your competitor is mentioned online?

All you have to do is set up Google Alerts.   With Google Alerts, Google will send you e-mails anytime your web page or company name is mentioned.

Google Alerts is an easy method of finding new pages and articles linking to your site or mentioning your service.

Or, for monitoring your competition.

Just go to:  https://www.google.com/alerts

10 Small-Business Start-Up Mistakes To Avoid

Business Plan

Starting a small business is an exciting endeavor, but it's important to be aware of the potential pitfalls. Here are 10 common small-business start-up mistakes to avoid:

  1. Not having a business plan. A business plan is essential for any new business. It helps you to define your goals, strategies, and target market. It also helps you to identify potential risks and develop mitigation plans.
  2. Underestimating the costs of starting a business. Starting a business can be expensive, especially in the early stages. Make sure to factor in all of the costs, including startup costs, ongoing operating expenses, and marketing costs.
  3. Not doing your research. Before you start any business, it's important to do your research and understand the industry you're entering. This includes researching your target market, the competition, and the regulatory landscape.
  4. Not having a strong marketing plan. Once you have a business plan, you need to develop a strong marketing plan. This will help you to reach your target market and generate leads and sales.
  5. Not providing excellent customer service. Customer service is essential for any business, but it's especially important for small businesses. Make sure you're providing your customers with the best possible experience.
  6. Not hiring the right people. Hiring the right people is crucial for any business, but it's especially important for small businesses. Make sure you're hiring people who are qualified, experienced, and a good fit for your company culture.
  7. Not delegating tasks. As a small business owner, it's important to learn how to delegate tasks. This will free up your time so you can focus on the most important aspects of your business.
  8. Not tracking your finances. It's important to track your finances carefully so you can see where your money is going and make adjustments as needed. This will help you to stay profitable and avoid financial problems.
  9. Not taking breaks. It's important to take breaks, even when you're running a small business. Working long hours without a break can lead to burnout and decreased productivity.
  10. Giving up too easily. Starting a business is hard work, and there will be setbacks along the way. It's important to persevere and not give up too easily.

If you can avoid these common small-business start-up mistakes, you'll be well on your way to success.

Here are some additional tips for success:

  • Be passionate about your business. If you're not passionate about your business, it will be difficult to stay motivated and achieve your goals.
  • Be persistent. There will be setbacks along the way, but it's important to be persistent and not give up.
  • Be willing to learn. The business world is constantly changing, so it's important to be willing to learn and adapt.
  • Build relationships with other businesses. Networking with other businesses can help you to generate leads, learn from others, and get support.

Starting a small business is a challenging but rewarding experience. By avoiding the common mistakes listed above and following the tips provided, you can increase your chances of success.