Educating Customers With Newsletters

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A newsletter is a worthwhile marketing approach that establishes you as an authority in your field. It’s one more way for you to stand apart, and step ahead, of your competitors. Meanwhile, your customers are learning something new with every newsletter, which they’ll appreciate and reward with return business. Don’t forget to give them the added incentive that will compel them to take action. A good newsletter is only great when it translates into increased sales.

Hiring Smart in Today’s Challenging Economy

Business

Bringing quality people into your organization can be tricky, and there are many issues to consider. By deciding what skills, abilities, and traits are important to you, you know who to look for and how to begin interviewing them. Good paperwork practices aid the process, whether it’s the employment application, or the interview form, or the many new hire forms that must be completed. Being ready goes a long way in making the process successful for you and your new hire.

Sourcing Your Start-Up Money

Business

Sobering Statistics The statistics are sobering; half of all small businesses fail within their first four years.  The number one reason:  underestimating financial needs.  You are well aware of the need for cash to get your business launched, but you must also take into account what may be happening with your business in 6 months,…

Choosing a Successful Name

Marketing

The domain name is a unique name that identifies your website. It can be the same as your company or a variation of it. Make your name as memorable and relevant as possible to the product or service you are offering. A clever, one-of-a-kind name may also help you stand apart from competitors. And, think about the words customer may use to find your product at shopping directories and search engines. Try to include as many of these key words as possible to achieve a top listing. Finally, be sure to double-check the legality of your name by researching existing trademarks and fictitious business names for your same name.

Understanding the Basics of Public Relations

Marketing

A well-planned, well-managed, targeted public relations program can help your business grow. But, you need to start by gaining an understanding of what PR is all about. Taking the time to understand that PR is about planned communications and building solid relationships with your publics, de-mystifies the public relations process. Knowing what tools are available to communicate your message to the right audience is critical to the success of your program. So is your ability to build strong relationships with target media. PR takes time, but when it works, its priceless!

Understanding the Basics of Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Marketing

SEO is often the first step online retailers take to get noticed among a growing stream of competitors. Why? Landing at the top of a search list can increase traffic exponentially. Plus, initial investment is virtually non-existent and a few strategic enhancements can pay off big time. Still, you should consider SEO to be a small, but necessary, part in an overall marketing strategy. It may take some time and experimentation to see tangible results, but remember to be patient and track carefully. Keeping a cautious eye on keywords, design and links to increase the odds of success.

Understanding the Basics of Marketing to Current Customers

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Your current customers are like gold to your business. Once you have an established customer database, you definitely want to spend the greater portion of your marketing budget trying to retain their business. Be careful not to harass your customers with frequent sales messages; they’ll quickly tune you out. Instead, make sure each contact is meaningful and carries your brand. Teach them something. Reward them with value. Incentivize them to tell friends and family. Only when you engage this audience will you be successful in getting them to return.

Understanding the Basics of Customer Service

Business

Your customers are your partners in business and taking their wants and needs into account is your primary concern. Use each contact as an opportunity to win your customer’s trust and loyalty. Make good on your mistakes, quickly and with a positive attitude. Be sure your smile is heard when handling inquiries and complaints, whether through e-mail or over the phone. Make full use of technology to gather, analyze, and use customer data in such a way that it helps you better serve them.

Understanding Basic Business Legalities

Business

There are many legal issues facing businesses, and though they may seem overwhelming at first, most business owners manage to navigate the sea of them and survive. Attorneys and accountants can prove invaluable, but there is also a multitude of information and assistance available online and through software applications. One of the most crucial decisions, with long-term implications, is how to structure the company, which affects many of the tax and liability issues. Weighing all the options before making the decision sets a wise course.

Understanding the Basics of Online Advertising

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No business can afford to waste money on ineffective advertising. Research all your options, and target your ads to a specific audience whenever possible. Keep a close eye on measurable methods like pay-per-click advertising and modify your approach as often as necessary. And don’t forget that effective advertising isn’t just about fueling short-term sales. It’s also about building long-term awareness and familiarity with your brand to retain a strong customer base in the future.