A Make or Break Decision There are literally thousands of hosting companies in the world, with services ranging from basic to all-inclusive, offered at a dizzying array of price points. How do you know where your site belongs in this virtual whirlwind? Is it possible to get a good deal and still receive all the…
A Fact of Life Competition is a fact of life, especially in the business world. Having a solid understanding of the competitive landscape is critical for the success of any business. This post will help you understand how to evaluate your competitors and the value of doing so. Why Evaluate Your Competition? In order for…
What is Accounting Software? Accounting software is computer software that records and processes accounting transactions within functional applications. These functional applications are different sections of the software dealing with particular areas of accounting such as Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Budgeting, Cash Management, General Ledger, Inventory Control, Payroll, Purchase Order, Report Writer and Sales Analysis. What…
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Your marketing efforts have a direct impact on how people perceive the quality and value of your offerings. Every time your company communicates with customers, vendors and other business partners, you are employing the principals of marketing. Marketing encompasses everything from your graphics and content to your advertising plan. Remember, consistency is essential at each point of contact. Only in this way can you build a successful brand that people know and trust. With the right marketing approach, you’ll not only acquire new customers, you’ll foster a memorable presence that drives return business.