This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of SharpSpring CRM. All opinions are 100% mine. SharpSpring (similar platform to HubSpot, Marketo and Pardot) has an excellent reputation in the marketing automation community since it debuted more than five years ago. Now, the company is offering SharpSpring CRM for free – forever. Customer relationship management (CRM) … [Read more...]
Build Experiences, Not Products
The term "experience" is being used a lot these days -- probably too much, to the point where it's lost some of its value. The concept of building brand experiences isn't a new one. After all, the way consumers experience a brand is a fundamental step of brand building. The reality is there is more to building brand experiences than investing in some experiential marketing … [Read more...]
4 Ways Brand Trust Gives Your Business a Competitive Advantage
What comes to mind when you think about your favorite brand? Typically, when a consumer really likes a brand, they trust the brand to deliver on its promise in every interaction and experience. Since they trust the brand to meet their expectations consistently, they choose it over other brands - even if it costs more or they have to travel farther to get it. What I just … [Read more...]
Telling Brand Stories that People Can Relate To
Brand stories are very effective in marketing and can help you build both brand loyalty and vocal brand advocates. But how do you turn your brand messages into something consumers can actually relate to? The answer is simple. You need to develop brand experiences and create brand stories that are meaningful to your target audience. Brand storytelling has become a vital … [Read more...]
How to Market Your Business When You’re Too Busy
Man, if I had a dollar for every time someone told me they didn’t have time to market. Listen, I get it. You have a job to do. On top of marketing for new business, you need to provide killer services to the clients you already have. That’s correct, and you shouldn’t listen to anyone that tells you otherwise. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn't be marketing. The best time … [Read more...]
Email Marketing Blunders Your Business Should Avoid At All Costs
Sponsored by SalesRipe: Email marketing is an effective tool for keeping your active customers updated with your current offers. It is also a great way for reaching out to new potential customers and convincing them that your business has something great to offer. But you can only reap the full benefits of an email marketing campaign if you avoid the blunders discussed in … [Read more...]
6 Basics of Media Pitching
Public relations is not something that comes easy. It takes a lot of time, relationship building, and hard work. However, if your budget doesn’t allow you to hire a professional, there are a few simple things every business owner can do to build up their reputation through PR without much effort. 1. Build up Your Network Yes, I know it sounds easy enough, but so many miss the … [Read more...]
How to Use WiFi Analytics to Market Your Business
Sponsored by Purple: Putting together an effective marketing campaign that generates a high return on investment is a struggle for many business owners. But it doesn’t always have to be like that. Often, the best marketing campaigns are generated by analyzing the data you have. From bad campaigns to your most successful attempts, it’s important to dive deep into your data … [Read more...]
Social Media Business Pages vs. The Traditional Business Website
I had someone recently ask me, "Do I need a website of my own since I already have an active social media presence?" The short answer: No. A website isn't a requirement, no different than any other marketing medium. You’re the boss, and you’ve earned the right to decide what marketing strategies you’ll pursue and what marketing strategies you won’t. It all boils down to your … [Read more...]
6 Tips to Use Graphics or Images You Find Online
In the online world, it is easier than ever to simply do an online search for an image you want, find a suitable photo, and copy/paste into your blog or website to make it look perfect. Nothing wrong with that, right?? WRONG!! Using photos and images you find online can be extremely tricky because of a little thing called copyright. Essentially, US Copyright laws prevent … [Read more...]