Whether you're a CEO at the top of the food chain or the grunt in public relations, you need to know what's going on with your company, your competition and the trends in your industry. How do you do that? By keeping up with the headlines of most major publications and tracking the actions of your competition to stay two steps ahead (or at least only one step behind) of the rest of your niche.
Because marketing trends are changing constantly in the face of an ever more selective audience, cynical consumerism and what can only be considering an excess of information courtesy of the Internet, companies are working harder than ever to find and take advantage of new marketing opportunities that will allow them more direct access to their niche. The question is, where can industry leaders find this information? Through the industry's online publications, available anywhere in the world 24 hours a day.
To find cutting edge marketing information to use in your own market research, check out these online publications:
DMNews
American Marketing Association
Advertising Age
Marketing Power
AMA Blog
Brandweek
Direct Marketing News
For more information on launching your own marketing campaign, visit us on the web at http://www.1uptoyou.com.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Don't Underestimate the Power of Business Cards
Have you ever gotten really, really annoyed with salespeople who leave their business card everywhere they go? It seems like overkill sometimes when you're handing your name and number out to every Tom, Dick and Harry that come along, with very little discrimination between those people who might actually give you a call and the people who are going to use your business card for a coaster-if you're lucky.
If you're going to be a successful salesman (and, regardless of what type of industry you happen to be in, that's exactly what you are when you're trying to build your customer base) you're going to have to move past that mistaken impression and exploit the true potential of business cards!
What is it that makes business cards such an invaluable tool? Take your pick! Business cards are the perfect resource to grow your customer base. They're reasonably inexpensive to manufacture by the hundreds (Snapfish.com will actually make your first set for you for free!), they're hard for people to say no to and they fit into a pocket or wallet-where they can be forgotten until they're needed again?
How many times has someone casually mentioned something to you in passing only to leave you digging through your wallet looking for the business card of "this guy you talked to last week"? Most people are too polite to decline when you hand them your business card, tucking them away with the intent to either quietly throw them away later, show a friend or (wonder of wonders) actually give you a call for business purposes. Whether they need that information today, tomorrow or twenty years from now, they have it.
And as long as that information's available to them, sooner or later they're going to use it.
Learn more about promoting your business at www.1uptoyou.com.
If you're going to be a successful salesman (and, regardless of what type of industry you happen to be in, that's exactly what you are when you're trying to build your customer base) you're going to have to move past that mistaken impression and exploit the true potential of business cards!
What is it that makes business cards such an invaluable tool? Take your pick! Business cards are the perfect resource to grow your customer base. They're reasonably inexpensive to manufacture by the hundreds (Snapfish.com will actually make your first set for you for free!), they're hard for people to say no to and they fit into a pocket or wallet-where they can be forgotten until they're needed again?
How many times has someone casually mentioned something to you in passing only to leave you digging through your wallet looking for the business card of "this guy you talked to last week"? Most people are too polite to decline when you hand them your business card, tucking them away with the intent to either quietly throw them away later, show a friend or (wonder of wonders) actually give you a call for business purposes. Whether they need that information today, tomorrow or twenty years from now, they have it.
And as long as that information's available to them, sooner or later they're going to use it.
Learn more about promoting your business at www.1uptoyou.com.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
The Importance of Market Research
When it comes to planning your business, you probably thought it out to the last detail. Tallied your inventory, ran background checks on your employees, staked out the perfect location for your manufacturing and/or retailing needs and posted flyers all over town. But did you remember to do your market research?
Believe it or not, when it comes to promoting your business market research is the most important step you're ever going to take. Why? Because without your market research you're going to be throwing out your advertising dollars like they were candy and you were riding on a float in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade hoping you get lucky and hit someone who's interested.
The days of mass marketing and universal markets are long gone. Today's consumers have too many choices and too many media outlets to choose from, so without targeting your efforts effectively you're going to be flushing your money down the drain. You need to know:
1) Who you're marketing to.
2) What problem your product is going to solve for them.
3) How much money they have to spend on your product.
4) What age group and/or ethnic group you're marketing to, and what their core values are.
5) Who your competition is.
6) What separates you from your competition.
This is only a small sample of the market information you need to have before you can successfully send your business public, but without it you're not going to be able to reach your target market and your profits are going to suffer. Your market research is vitally important, and whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a marketing team to do it for you it's up to you to make sure that research is done well, and it's done right.
For more information on marketing research, visit us on the web at http://www.1uptoyou.com.
Believe it or not, when it comes to promoting your business market research is the most important step you're ever going to take. Why? Because without your market research you're going to be throwing out your advertising dollars like they were candy and you were riding on a float in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade hoping you get lucky and hit someone who's interested.
The days of mass marketing and universal markets are long gone. Today's consumers have too many choices and too many media outlets to choose from, so without targeting your efforts effectively you're going to be flushing your money down the drain. You need to know:
1) Who you're marketing to.
2) What problem your product is going to solve for them.
3) How much money they have to spend on your product.
4) What age group and/or ethnic group you're marketing to, and what their core values are.
5) Who your competition is.
6) What separates you from your competition.
This is only a small sample of the market information you need to have before you can successfully send your business public, but without it you're not going to be able to reach your target market and your profits are going to suffer. Your market research is vitally important, and whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a marketing team to do it for you it's up to you to make sure that research is done well, and it's done right.
For more information on marketing research, visit us on the web at http://www.1uptoyou.com.
What is IMC?
If you've been in the marketing world for more than a day you know you're not marketing to your grandmother's generation. Today's consumers are smarter, savvier and more demanding than they've ever been before, and it's up to you as a marketer to make sure you're giving them what they want. More importantly, it's up to you to make sure they know your company can give them what they want, and in today's highly segmented market mass media marketing isn't going to do it. That's why so many firms are shifting their attention from random, individualized advertising to integrated marketing communications.
Integrated marketing communications (IMC) involves drawing together every part of your advertising, marketing and public relations campaigns and tying them up with a bow. It's about branding. It's about presenting a unified front and image of your company to your consumers for them to carry in their minds rather than handing them so many diverse messages that they don't have a clue what you are, much less who you are or what you stand for.
IMC makes sense, but you'd be surprised how long it took many companies to hop on the bandwagon. The problem most businesses run into is that they have different teams controlling different aspects of their campaigns. So their advertising team might have very little to do with their public relations department, who might in turn have almost no communication with market research.
You can see why this is a guaranteed recipe for disaster.
Before you do anything, sit down with all of your department heads and draw together the image of the company you want your consumers to have and the image you want to portray, and make sure everyone understands. You're all going to have to work together to promote your company and build the brand, image and loyal consumer base that will keep your profit margins climbing.
To help establish your integrated marketing communications campaign, visit us on the web at www.1uptoyou.com.
Integrated marketing communications (IMC) involves drawing together every part of your advertising, marketing and public relations campaigns and tying them up with a bow. It's about branding. It's about presenting a unified front and image of your company to your consumers for them to carry in their minds rather than handing them so many diverse messages that they don't have a clue what you are, much less who you are or what you stand for.
IMC makes sense, but you'd be surprised how long it took many companies to hop on the bandwagon. The problem most businesses run into is that they have different teams controlling different aspects of their campaigns. So their advertising team might have very little to do with their public relations department, who might in turn have almost no communication with market research.
You can see why this is a guaranteed recipe for disaster.
Before you do anything, sit down with all of your department heads and draw together the image of the company you want your consumers to have and the image you want to portray, and make sure everyone understands. You're all going to have to work together to promote your company and build the brand, image and loyal consumer base that will keep your profit margins climbing.
To help establish your integrated marketing communications campaign, visit us on the web at www.1uptoyou.com.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
AMA Publishes "10 Minutes with Gunilla Broadbent"
Piet Levy of the American Marketing Association recently published an interview with Gunilla Broadbent, president of the ESOMAR Council and GB Global Positioning. See what she has to say about marketing, research, the recession and the future of today's marketers.
Q: How is the international marketing
research world faring in the recession?
A: Every time we’ve had a recession, the
research industry has basically weathered
that pretty well. If you look at research as
a portion of marketers’ budgets, compared
to advertising and other things they do,
it’s very, very minor. But it is extremely
important for the success of their future….
This is the onetime when [clients] really need to make
sure they are on top of things, and that they
have the consumer intelligence they need
to continue to nurture their brands.
Q: What is it about international market
research, specifically, that makes it an
important component of a marketer’s
strategy, even during these tough times?
A: I think the growth opportunities for
both marketers and for research is really
the emerging markets, where we have
continued to see an increase in consumption
and a continued growth in the middle
class populations who have increasing
amounts of money they can spend. Our
[U.S.] market is going to be more stagnant,
and Western Europe as well. There’s going
to be an increased desire and an increased
need to do research in China, India,
Brazil [and] Russia, but also in other
emerging markets.
Q: Your argument is not just for more
marketing research, but also perhaps
different research. In what way?
A: We need to be more sensitive and listen
more to the consumer. We need to not
just ask questions of them or ask questions
to them. We need to engage them in a
conversation, listen to them and understand
what they’re saying. We have to step out
a little bit from that old, very traditional,
rather strict scientific role that we used to
play and just be a little bit more creative and open-minded. You can do qualitative as
well as quantitative to get the two perspectives,
and I think that’s important to
understanding a particular market that
you’re not so familiar with.
Q: Even though you argue that your
industry is traditionally recession-proof,
economic problems are certainly taking
a toll on your clients. How has that
impacted the way you do business?
A: We have to become more creative and
smarter as to how we spend money because
budgets, no doubt about it, are going to be
scrutinized, and in some instances cut. So
we have to figure out a way [to] provide real
insights and real intelligence, perhaps with
a lower price tag. Already, online research is
cheaper than doing face to face or telephone,
so that will continue to increase in
importance. We also, perhaps, have to look
at smaller sample sizes and at spending less
money for each type of research that we
need. It’s up to the researcher to be creative
and innovative in coming up with the best
possible methodologies for the best possible
price. I think there’s going to be a lot of
pressure on us to do that.
Q: Aside from the economy, what are some
other challenges affecting international
marketing research?
A: Less developed markets have in some
instances no self-regulation, no real established
professional standards, and that is
very important for us to continue to
encourage the more developed countries to
actually impose that and help developing
countries to establish that. We, as a market
research industry, frequently have been
criticized that we just deliver numbers and
then we walk away from it, and there’s no
real sense of what the implications are and
what [clients] need to do next. I think it’s
very important for us to listen to our clients
and to make sure we meet their needs. And
therefore, the training of researchers today
is very important. We need to emphasize
more of a role of management consultant
than of a researcher, and that would help to
elevate the whole research profession and to
bring us closer to the boardrooms.
Read the full interview at http://www.marketingpower.com/ResourceLibrary/Publications/MarketingNews/2009/43/6/Knowledgebase_10_Minutes_Broadbent.pdf.
For more marketing information and news, visit us at http://www.1uptoyou.com/.
Q: How is the international marketing
research world faring in the recession?
A: Every time we’ve had a recession, the
research industry has basically weathered
that pretty well. If you look at research as
a portion of marketers’ budgets, compared
to advertising and other things they do,
it’s very, very minor. But it is extremely
important for the success of their future….
This is the onetime when [clients] really need to make
sure they are on top of things, and that they
have the consumer intelligence they need
to continue to nurture their brands.
Q: What is it about international market
research, specifically, that makes it an
important component of a marketer’s
strategy, even during these tough times?
A: I think the growth opportunities for
both marketers and for research is really
the emerging markets, where we have
continued to see an increase in consumption
and a continued growth in the middle
class populations who have increasing
amounts of money they can spend. Our
[U.S.] market is going to be more stagnant,
and Western Europe as well. There’s going
to be an increased desire and an increased
need to do research in China, India,
Brazil [and] Russia, but also in other
emerging markets.
Q: Your argument is not just for more
marketing research, but also perhaps
different research. In what way?
A: We need to be more sensitive and listen
more to the consumer. We need to not
just ask questions of them or ask questions
to them. We need to engage them in a
conversation, listen to them and understand
what they’re saying. We have to step out
a little bit from that old, very traditional,
rather strict scientific role that we used to
play and just be a little bit more creative and open-minded. You can do qualitative as
well as quantitative to get the two perspectives,
and I think that’s important to
understanding a particular market that
you’re not so familiar with.
Q: Even though you argue that your
industry is traditionally recession-proof,
economic problems are certainly taking
a toll on your clients. How has that
impacted the way you do business?
A: We have to become more creative and
smarter as to how we spend money because
budgets, no doubt about it, are going to be
scrutinized, and in some instances cut. So
we have to figure out a way [to] provide real
insights and real intelligence, perhaps with
a lower price tag. Already, online research is
cheaper than doing face to face or telephone,
so that will continue to increase in
importance. We also, perhaps, have to look
at smaller sample sizes and at spending less
money for each type of research that we
need. It’s up to the researcher to be creative
and innovative in coming up with the best
possible methodologies for the best possible
price. I think there’s going to be a lot of
pressure on us to do that.
Q: Aside from the economy, what are some
other challenges affecting international
marketing research?
A: Less developed markets have in some
instances no self-regulation, no real established
professional standards, and that is
very important for us to continue to
encourage the more developed countries to
actually impose that and help developing
countries to establish that. We, as a market
research industry, frequently have been
criticized that we just deliver numbers and
then we walk away from it, and there’s no
real sense of what the implications are and
what [clients] need to do next. I think it’s
very important for us to listen to our clients
and to make sure we meet their needs. And
therefore, the training of researchers today
is very important. We need to emphasize
more of a role of management consultant
than of a researcher, and that would help to
elevate the whole research profession and to
bring us closer to the boardrooms.
Read the full interview at http://www.marketingpower.com/ResourceLibrary/Publications/MarketingNews/2009/43/6/Knowledgebase_10_Minutes_Broadbent.pdf.
For more marketing information and news, visit us at http://www.1uptoyou.com/.
Designing Your Colored Ads
When they talk about marketing these days it seems like 90% of it is wrapped around the need to launch a strong Internet marketing campaign. But what they don't tell you is that the Internet isn't the end all-be all of the marketing world-or that the same principles you'll use when learning how to make colored ads for newspapers and magazines are going to be the ones that help you shape your Internet marketing efforts.
Why is it important to know the basic principles of designing colored ads? Because you want people to look at them. You want them to pause and, in that split second that makes up the time it takes them to make a decision, decide your ad is worth their time. It's worth it for them to stop and look to see what you have to say.
If you can't catch their attention, you're wasting your time anyway!
Learning the ins and outs of successful colored ads can take years (which is why most advertising agencies have a creative team that don't do anything but!) but here are a few pointers to get you started:
1) Photos work better. It's tempting when we're designing colored ads, especially online, to give in to temptation and use cartoons, drawings or clip-art to make our point; however, studies show that photos invariably snag people's attention faster and leave a more lasting impression than the average cartoon.
2) Leave some blank space. One of the greatest changes ever made in the advertising world took place when advertisers discovered the power of blank space to give their ads impact. Don't overwhelm your readers. If they wanted to be barraged with images they'd be watching television right now!
3) Keep it simple. They don't have to have all the fine print in the first ad. Your ad is designed to make them come looking for information, not overwhelm them with it!
Find out more about boosting your business at www.1uptoyou.com!
Why is it important to know the basic principles of designing colored ads? Because you want people to look at them. You want them to pause and, in that split second that makes up the time it takes them to make a decision, decide your ad is worth their time. It's worth it for them to stop and look to see what you have to say.
If you can't catch their attention, you're wasting your time anyway!
Learning the ins and outs of successful colored ads can take years (which is why most advertising agencies have a creative team that don't do anything but!) but here are a few pointers to get you started:
1) Photos work better. It's tempting when we're designing colored ads, especially online, to give in to temptation and use cartoons, drawings or clip-art to make our point; however, studies show that photos invariably snag people's attention faster and leave a more lasting impression than the average cartoon.
2) Leave some blank space. One of the greatest changes ever made in the advertising world took place when advertisers discovered the power of blank space to give their ads impact. Don't overwhelm your readers. If they wanted to be barraged with images they'd be watching television right now!
3) Keep it simple. They don't have to have all the fine print in the first ad. Your ad is designed to make them come looking for information, not overwhelm them with it!
Find out more about boosting your business at www.1uptoyou.com!
Monday, April 27, 2009
The Benefits of Running a Brick and Mortar Store
With all of the clamor and commotion that's been going on with e-biz and e-tailing consumerism is slowly but surely drawing away from the brick and mortar store. Watch out, all you netrepreneurs out there! As much fun as it may sound to jump on the "dot com" bandwagon and launch a strictly web based e-tail business, there are a number of disadvantages to it that could spell death to your business. Sometimes, a brick and mortar store is by far the better option.
A brick and mortar store is generally a better choice than an e-biz if:
1) You're marketing to a specialized niche in your location.
2) You're marketing consumables. (Bait and groceries don't ship as well as you'd think they would.)
3) You're offering a product that your customers want to touch, taste or scan before they buy. There's a reason why Amazon hasn't completely annihilated the book business and Barnes & Noble is still going strong. People want to flip through their books before they buy them!
4) You're offering a hands-on service. It might be as simple as running an office out of your home, but if you're offering plumbing, HVAC work or anything else that's going to require you to meet with people face to face you're going to want a spot where you can make that happen. Your customers want to know who they're dealing with before they sign that check!
5) You're selling clothing. It doesn't matter how many online clothing retailers there are, nothing beats actually getting to try an outfit on before you buy. After all, it almost never looks the same once you get it off the rack!
You see? Brick and mortar stores aren't completely obsolete in today's digital age. Now it's up to you to choose the option that's right for you.
Discover more info and resources to launch your business at http://www1uptoyou.com.
Building Your Direct Mailing List
Have you ever wondered why it is that small businesses have such a good relationship with their customers while big businesses turn profits but never really "see" their customers until one of them threatens to drag them into court? The foundation of today's marketing and advertising campaigns isn't built on the mass marketing appeal of the past but on an up close and personal, "getting to know you" basis, which is why building a direct mailing list for your business is so important.
By building your direct mailing list, either through e-mail or snail mail (or both, if you're lucky!) you'll be able to let your customers know you're interested in them and in letting them know about what's happening in your industry. Direct mailing lists keep your customers up to speed on what your business is doing and lays the foundation for plenty of repeat business.
The question is, how do you build your direct mailing list?
There are a couple of ways you can build your direct mailing list. If your store runs out of a physical location you can ask your customers to leave you their name and address/email address when they come in to shop. Make sure you tell them what they're signing up for though! The idea is to make them feel like they're getting added value out of the deal, not picking up another stalker that's going to flood their mailbox with SPAM! The good news is, owning a physical storefront puts you in a prime position to enjoy the returning business a direct mailing list can generate-especially if you throw some coupons into the mix.
You always have the option of buying a mailing list. This can get you started by piggybacking on the back of other marketers who have culled through the huge realms of consumers out there to find those that are interested in your niche or industry. Be careful, however. If you're using a randomly generated direct mailing list your mailings will have to be full of value-there are other marketers out there doing the exact same thing, and it won't be long before these consumers go into overdrive and just start deleting or throwing away anything that pops up in their mailbox.
The third way to build your direct mailing list is to include an opt-in option on your website. (Pro Tip: You should be doing this anyway!) Your website is a valuable tool, and by giving people an anonymous opt-in option you're getting willing customers rather than unwilling victims. Just make sure your opt-out process is just as simple!
Discover more tools to build your direct mailing list at www.1uptoyou.com.
By building your direct mailing list, either through e-mail or snail mail (or both, if you're lucky!) you'll be able to let your customers know you're interested in them and in letting them know about what's happening in your industry. Direct mailing lists keep your customers up to speed on what your business is doing and lays the foundation for plenty of repeat business.
The question is, how do you build your direct mailing list?
There are a couple of ways you can build your direct mailing list. If your store runs out of a physical location you can ask your customers to leave you their name and address/email address when they come in to shop. Make sure you tell them what they're signing up for though! The idea is to make them feel like they're getting added value out of the deal, not picking up another stalker that's going to flood their mailbox with SPAM! The good news is, owning a physical storefront puts you in a prime position to enjoy the returning business a direct mailing list can generate-especially if you throw some coupons into the mix.
You always have the option of buying a mailing list. This can get you started by piggybacking on the back of other marketers who have culled through the huge realms of consumers out there to find those that are interested in your niche or industry. Be careful, however. If you're using a randomly generated direct mailing list your mailings will have to be full of value-there are other marketers out there doing the exact same thing, and it won't be long before these consumers go into overdrive and just start deleting or throwing away anything that pops up in their mailbox.
The third way to build your direct mailing list is to include an opt-in option on your website. (Pro Tip: You should be doing this anyway!) Your website is a valuable tool, and by giving people an anonymous opt-in option you're getting willing customers rather than unwilling victims. Just make sure your opt-out process is just as simple!
Discover more tools to build your direct mailing list at www.1uptoyou.com.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Starting Your E-Biz
It's all over the web that e-tailing is the way to go, so all you e-tailers out there that have been quietly making a living doing precisely that for years-sorry. The secret's out! For those of you looking for a great way to launch your new business, however, setting up an e-biz (or an e-tail outlet if you're bound and determined not to be just another dot com) is a great way to get started.
Setting up an e-biz is easy once you decide what kind of business you want to launch. Choosing your business is often the hardest part of the entire process. Why? Because too many people focus on profit margin rather than personal satisfaction and fall into the oldest sales trap in the book:
YOU CAN'T SELL SOMETHING YOU DON'T BELIEVE IN!
When you're choosing your e-biz, don't decide to go into bath and body products if you can't stand the smell of scented soaps. Sooner or later your customers are going to pick up on your distaste for what you're selling, and it's going to be downhill from there! Choose a product you believe in, and the rest will flow smoothly from there.
Once you've chosen a product the rest is easy. Your first step should be to find a reliable web server. All the marketing you're getting ready to do isn't going to do you a lick of good if your visitors can't find their way to your site! Then purchase a domain. Your domain should be something simple, associated with your business and easy to remember-for example, www.Amazon.com. Everyone in the planet can remember that Amazon.com is where they go to buy from Amazon. Short, simple, easy to remember. You can't go wrong!
Then it's time to design your site. There are three simple elements you want to remember when you're designing your website:
1) It should be easy to navigate.
2) It should have an efficient check-out process.
3) It should be aesthetically pleasing.
That’s it! That's why they tell you that starting an e-biz is so simple-because it's fast, inexpensive and can be done regardless of your level of business expertise.
Good luck!
Find more tools to launch your business when you visit www.1uptoyou.com.
Setting up an e-biz is easy once you decide what kind of business you want to launch. Choosing your business is often the hardest part of the entire process. Why? Because too many people focus on profit margin rather than personal satisfaction and fall into the oldest sales trap in the book:
YOU CAN'T SELL SOMETHING YOU DON'T BELIEVE IN!
When you're choosing your e-biz, don't decide to go into bath and body products if you can't stand the smell of scented soaps. Sooner or later your customers are going to pick up on your distaste for what you're selling, and it's going to be downhill from there! Choose a product you believe in, and the rest will flow smoothly from there.
Once you've chosen a product the rest is easy. Your first step should be to find a reliable web server. All the marketing you're getting ready to do isn't going to do you a lick of good if your visitors can't find their way to your site! Then purchase a domain. Your domain should be something simple, associated with your business and easy to remember-for example, www.Amazon.com. Everyone in the planet can remember that Amazon.com is where they go to buy from Amazon. Short, simple, easy to remember. You can't go wrong!
Then it's time to design your site. There are three simple elements you want to remember when you're designing your website:
1) It should be easy to navigate.
2) It should have an efficient check-out process.
3) It should be aesthetically pleasing.
That’s it! That's why they tell you that starting an e-biz is so simple-because it's fast, inexpensive and can be done regardless of your level of business expertise.
Good luck!
Find more tools to launch your business when you visit www.1uptoyou.com.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Turning Your Website into an Information Superhighway
What do you think today's most successful e-tailers are really dealing in? Fancy advertising isn't the key to big time sales in today's global economy. Consumers are more informed about their products and their accompanying niches than ever before, and they want to work with companies who are going to help them become even more informed about the products they're buying. That's why the best thing you can do to promote your business via the web is to turn your site into an information superhighway.
How do you do that? This is where all those SEO articles you've been hearing about come into play. Marketing is a complex network of resources working together to help your business succeed, not single resources spinning off on their own. Your SEO articles are going to accomplish two things; they're going to bring your website to the attention of the search engines, and they're going to give your consumers the information they need to make an informed decision on the products they want to buy.
What type of information should your website have? Before they make a purchase your consumers are going to want to know about the latest industry trends and innovations, new discoveries made and in-depth information on their products. That isn't what's going to keep them coming back, however. If you go to Amazon.com, undoubtedly a world leader in e-tailing, you'll find that along with their products and reviews they also have extensive access to booklists and articles giving more information about the field and related industries. That's what you want to give your consumers.
Think about everything you read and study to learn more about staying ahead in your niche, then share that information with your consumers. They want to know, and the fact that you're willing to tell them will go a long way toward helping you earn their trust and grow the market share you deserve.
For more information on building your website and growing your consumer base, visit us on the web at www.1uptoyou.com.
How do you do that? This is where all those SEO articles you've been hearing about come into play. Marketing is a complex network of resources working together to help your business succeed, not single resources spinning off on their own. Your SEO articles are going to accomplish two things; they're going to bring your website to the attention of the search engines, and they're going to give your consumers the information they need to make an informed decision on the products they want to buy.
What type of information should your website have? Before they make a purchase your consumers are going to want to know about the latest industry trends and innovations, new discoveries made and in-depth information on their products. That isn't what's going to keep them coming back, however. If you go to Amazon.com, undoubtedly a world leader in e-tailing, you'll find that along with their products and reviews they also have extensive access to booklists and articles giving more information about the field and related industries. That's what you want to give your consumers.
Think about everything you read and study to learn more about staying ahead in your niche, then share that information with your consumers. They want to know, and the fact that you're willing to tell them will go a long way toward helping you earn their trust and grow the market share you deserve.
For more information on building your website and growing your consumer base, visit us on the web at www.1uptoyou.com.
Easy Ways to Build Your Customer Base
When you're attempting to build a business the most important thing you can do is build your customer base. If no one knows you exist they can't possibly become loyal customers, can they? That's why focusing on your marketing efforts and spreading the word about your products and services is the single most important step in helping your business get off the starting block.
Here are some easy ways to grow your customer base:
1) Address your niche, and cut back on your mass marketing. It's important to let as many people as possible know you're there, but it isn't going to do you much good if your target market doesn't know you exist! Focus your marketing efforts.
2) Leverage your niche expertise. When you're going to be paying thousands of dollars to have your vehicle repaired, who would you rather work with-a mechanic with thirty years of experience under his belt or the teenager down the street who tinkers with cars in his spare time? Experience and knowledge count. Growing your customer base relies on you letting your consumers know your business has both.
3) Encourage word of mouth marketing. Offer "bring a friend" and referral discounts to your existing customers, and offer special "two for one" deals on your products and services that will encourage them to buy extras for their friends.
4) Be a part of your community. Growing your customer base doesn't just depend on your products. It's up to you to be an active part of your community so that people know you aren't just a nameless, heartless corporate giant-you're a company with a conscience that wants to see its community grow.
Yes, mass marketing efforts are important-but they aren't everything. Sometimes it's all about getting personal with your clientele. For more resources to help you grow your customer base, visit www.1uptoyou.com.
Marketing to Friends and Family
In the previous post we talked about the tools that contribute to the success of an independent distributor in today's fast paced world. One of those tools is a strong network built among your friends and family; however, even though these people are almost guaranteed to become your most loyal customers they're also the ones who are the most difficult to market to. Why? Because your relationship is not, and never will be, strictly professional. Damages to your professional relationship will lead to dents and dings in your personal one, and vice versa. That leads many distributors to wonder if it's really worth taking the risk at all.
Don't wonder. Your friends and family are a valuable resource, not only because they're the most likely to make a purchase (even if it's only to make you happy!) they're also the most likely to refer your products and services to their friends. When it comes to friends and family, however, the rules of marketing aren't quite the same as they would be with a complete stranger. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
1) Keep your product presentation casual, and skip the sales pitch-they've already heard it. Instead, let them see you using your own products. Leave your catalogs lying around the house where they're likely to flip through while chatting with you. This casual presentation takes the pressure off and lets them make an informed decision while at the same time feeling like they're helping you out.
2) Whenever possible, let them take your products and services for a test drive first. If you've been building sheds for family members for years it's not going to be hard to sell them on your home repair services-and while they still might demand free labor in the name of family you'll get plenty of referrals! If your family has never seen your work and/or products, however, they're going to be understandably leery. Let them see what you have to offer, then start talking sales price.
3) Make sure your products and services are high quality. It's tempting to exploit the family relationship if you know your products aren't up to snuff-but why would you want to? It's not worth the guilt trip over Christmas dinner-trust me.
4) Let their no be no. It's the first rule of sales-don't accept the customer's first refusal. When you're dealing with family and friends you really need to. Remember, more lies in the balance than a potential sale-and they'll respect you for not pushing the issue.
Don't wonder. Your friends and family are a valuable resource, not only because they're the most likely to make a purchase (even if it's only to make you happy!) they're also the most likely to refer your products and services to their friends. When it comes to friends and family, however, the rules of marketing aren't quite the same as they would be with a complete stranger. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
1) Keep your product presentation casual, and skip the sales pitch-they've already heard it. Instead, let them see you using your own products. Leave your catalogs lying around the house where they're likely to flip through while chatting with you. This casual presentation takes the pressure off and lets them make an informed decision while at the same time feeling like they're helping you out.
2) Whenever possible, let them take your products and services for a test drive first. If you've been building sheds for family members for years it's not going to be hard to sell them on your home repair services-and while they still might demand free labor in the name of family you'll get plenty of referrals! If your family has never seen your work and/or products, however, they're going to be understandably leery. Let them see what you have to offer, then start talking sales price.
3) Make sure your products and services are high quality. It's tempting to exploit the family relationship if you know your products aren't up to snuff-but why would you want to? It's not worth the guilt trip over Christmas dinner-trust me.
4) Let their no be no. It's the first rule of sales-don't accept the customer's first refusal. When you're dealing with family and friends you really need to. Remember, more lies in the balance than a potential sale-and they'll respect you for not pushing the issue.
Discover more key marketing resources at www.1uptoyou.com.
Being an Independent Distributor in a Corporate Market
Have you ever noticed how time seems to be going backward rather than forward in the business world today? Once upon a time independently owned businesses and independent distributors were the only options available. Then corporate giants moved in and started pushing them out of the way! In the face of economic recession and the new opportunities offered via the web these corporate giants are slowly losing ground. Small businesses are becoming the "in" thing of the 21st century!
If you're considering being an independent distributor for a company like Hoover, Avon or Mary Kay, whose entire business is built on building a personal relationship with their consumers, now is the best possible time to do it. That doesn't mean that the journey is going to be all chocolate and roses, however. You're still going head to head with major corporations like WalMart (who is rapidly gaining a monopoly on the retail market in the face of today's recession whether they mean to or not!), which means you're going to have to take advantage of all of the guerilla marketing tactics at your disposal.
First and foremost, door to door marketing isn't just ineffective-it's annoying! Today's consumers have been overexposed to selling techniques like mass media marketing and door to door sales, which means the only thing you're likely to do if you knock on a door is watch is close in your face. Widespread distribution for today's independent distributor relies heavily on:
a) Building a network of their friends and family, particularly for consumables like make-up that will need to be repurchased regularly. Not only does this open the door to repeat customers, you're also more likely to draw in referrals from people who are more comfortable doing business with a "friend of a friend" than a nameless, faceless stranger.
b) Mass market-tastefully. Hand out your business card regularly, and pass around flyers. Plan events (like parties) and invite people regularly. This will allow your potential customers to feel like doing business with you was their choice-not yours.
c) Launch a website. Yes, they could go to the company's website to buy their products, but why would they want to? Launch your own site with information about your products and their benefits, as well as new industry updates, information on parties and upcoming events and links to other valuable resources. Put your URL on your flyers and cards, then sit back and relax. Today's consumer loves having the chance to privately examine your merchandise and draw their own conclusions before feeling as though they have to decide whether or not they want to buy. A good website is a more successful selling tool than any door to door pitch will ever be.
Discover a host of resources to help boost your independent distribution network at http://www.1uptoyou.com/.
If you're considering being an independent distributor for a company like Hoover, Avon or Mary Kay, whose entire business is built on building a personal relationship with their consumers, now is the best possible time to do it. That doesn't mean that the journey is going to be all chocolate and roses, however. You're still going head to head with major corporations like WalMart (who is rapidly gaining a monopoly on the retail market in the face of today's recession whether they mean to or not!), which means you're going to have to take advantage of all of the guerilla marketing tactics at your disposal.
First and foremost, door to door marketing isn't just ineffective-it's annoying! Today's consumers have been overexposed to selling techniques like mass media marketing and door to door sales, which means the only thing you're likely to do if you knock on a door is watch is close in your face. Widespread distribution for today's independent distributor relies heavily on:
a) Building a network of their friends and family, particularly for consumables like make-up that will need to be repurchased regularly. Not only does this open the door to repeat customers, you're also more likely to draw in referrals from people who are more comfortable doing business with a "friend of a friend" than a nameless, faceless stranger.
b) Mass market-tastefully. Hand out your business card regularly, and pass around flyers. Plan events (like parties) and invite people regularly. This will allow your potential customers to feel like doing business with you was their choice-not yours.
c) Launch a website. Yes, they could go to the company's website to buy their products, but why would they want to? Launch your own site with information about your products and their benefits, as well as new industry updates, information on parties and upcoming events and links to other valuable resources. Put your URL on your flyers and cards, then sit back and relax. Today's consumer loves having the chance to privately examine your merchandise and draw their own conclusions before feeling as though they have to decide whether or not they want to buy. A good website is a more successful selling tool than any door to door pitch will ever be.
Discover a host of resources to help boost your independent distribution network at http://www.1uptoyou.com/.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
An Easy Guide to Choosing Your SEO Keywords
It's all over the web-the secret to a strong Internet advertising campaign is to make sure you're choosing the right keywords! The problem is, how do you know if you're choosing the right keywords to make sure your site's getting the SEO attention it deserves? How do you make sure the search engines are on your side?
There are two simple steps to choosing SEO keywords. First and foremost, imagin
e you're a consumer rather than a developer thinking about your products. If you were looking for your products on the web, what words would you use to look for them? What words describe them? What words describe the value benefit you're offering?
You should end up with a pretty long list when it's all said and done. Don't worry if some of them are a little bizarre-you're going to end up using them later on! (But that's a story for another blog…) The next thing you want to do is take advantage of the keyword tracking tools available through the major search engines. If you visit http://www.google.com/sktool/?utm_campaign=en&utm_source=en-ha-na-us-sk&utm_medium=ha&utm_term=top%20keywords# you can find some helpful suggestions for keywords from Google, or you can purchase keyword tracking software to find the top listed keywords for each engine. There are other resources. It's up to you which ones you prefer to use.
Now, cross reference your lists. What keywords are on both? You want to be careful when using this method to determine your keywords because overly specific keywords are going to generate too little traffic, while incredibly popular ones are going to toss you in the pool with too many competitors. Imagine hundreds of sharks and three little tiny fish-the fight for food is going to be tremendous!
Once you've found four or five potential keywords, stop. That's enough to get you started. Now it's time to stop looking and start optimizing!
Discover the tools you need to maximize your SEO campaign by visiting http://www.1uptoyou.com/.
There are two simple steps to choosing SEO keywords. First and foremost, imagin
e you're a consumer rather than a developer thinking about your products. If you were looking for your products on the web, what words would you use to look for them? What words describe them? What words describe the value benefit you're offering?You should end up with a pretty long list when it's all said and done. Don't worry if some of them are a little bizarre-you're going to end up using them later on! (But that's a story for another blog…) The next thing you want to do is take advantage of the keyword tracking tools available through the major search engines. If you visit http://www.google.com/sktool/?utm_campaign=en&utm_source=en-ha-na-us-sk&utm_medium=ha&utm_term=top%20keywords# you can find some helpful suggestions for keywords from Google, or you can purchase keyword tracking software to find the top listed keywords for each engine. There are other resources. It's up to you which ones you prefer to use.
Now, cross reference your lists. What keywords are on both? You want to be careful when using this method to determine your keywords because overly specific keywords are going to generate too little traffic, while incredibly popular ones are going to toss you in the pool with too many competitors. Imagine hundreds of sharks and three little tiny fish-the fight for food is going to be tremendous!
Once you've found four or five potential keywords, stop. That's enough to get you started. Now it's time to stop looking and start optimizing!
Discover the tools you need to maximize your SEO campaign by visiting http://www.1uptoyou.com/.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Polishing Your Resume
There's nothing more rewarding for most of us than the joys of running our own business, but let's face it-the aggravation and worry (and attention to minutiae) that go hand in hand with running a business. And there are some professions that just don't lend themselves to setting out on your own-laboratory work, for example! If you work in one of those fields that just doesn't encourage professional independence, or you're happier letting someone else deal with the details, you're in good company-and you're going to need to keep your resume up and running!
The first thing you need to do before you take your resume on a job hunt is check and see if it's current. You'd be amazed at how long we can go between resume updates as long as we're employable. If you don't double check your resume before you take it out on the market you might find that the last five to ten years worth or "relevant" job experience you've obtained aren't even mentioned-the rough equivalent of professional suicide!
When making your resume, be sure it is direct, to the point and geared toward the job you're applying for. When you mention your education make sure you highlight the areas that pertain to the field you're trying to enter. The same principle applies to job experience; if you worked as a grunt, occasionally stepping into a supervisory role, and you're applying for a position in lower level management you're going to want to make sure that supervisory experience is emphasized. It's all about gearing your experience toward your target market.
Don't toss in too much detail, however. Resumes longer than a page and a half long are usually skimmed with little attention to detail, and your would-be employer might miss something pertinent because they're too busy trying to wade through the minutiae you didn't really need.
Whether you choose to provide references on your resume is entirely up to you; some employers prefer not having to go to the trouble to contact you to check your references when they have hundreds of applicants, others simply don't care. Most professionals recommend keeping your references private until requested, and to maintain a current list that you can rapidly produce and send via email should your employer request it.
For more information on succeeding during the recession, visit us at www.1uptoyou.com.
The first thing you need to do before you take your resume on a job hunt is check and see if it's current. You'd be amazed at how long we can go between resume updates as long as we're employable. If you don't double check your resume before you take it out on the market you might find that the last five to ten years worth or "relevant" job experience you've obtained aren't even mentioned-the rough equivalent of professional suicide!
When making your resume, be sure it is direct, to the point and geared toward the job you're applying for. When you mention your education make sure you highlight the areas that pertain to the field you're trying to enter. The same principle applies to job experience; if you worked as a grunt, occasionally stepping into a supervisory role, and you're applying for a position in lower level management you're going to want to make sure that supervisory experience is emphasized. It's all about gearing your experience toward your target market.
Don't toss in too much detail, however. Resumes longer than a page and a half long are usually skimmed with little attention to detail, and your would-be employer might miss something pertinent because they're too busy trying to wade through the minutiae you didn't really need.
Whether you choose to provide references on your resume is entirely up to you; some employers prefer not having to go to the trouble to contact you to check your references when they have hundreds of applicants, others simply don't care. Most professionals recommend keeping your references private until requested, and to maintain a current list that you can rapidly produce and send via email should your employer request it.
For more information on succeeding during the recession, visit us at www.1uptoyou.com.
How Recession is Actually Helping Small Businesses
It's hard to imagine today's current economic recession actually helping with anything, but recession is an important part of the business cycle for a reason. First and foremost, it helps weed out weaker businesses without the resources to outlast what's guaranteed to be a temporary condition. Despite that fact, however, recession serves another valuable purpose; it can give small businesses the impetus they need to succeed!
Wait. If industry giants like Circuit City are buckling under the pressure of recession, how can it help small business with infinitely fewer resources? The fact that small businesses have fewer resources is exactly what makes them prime targets to outlast a recession. Fewer resources equals smaller overhead. A business being run from a home has fewer expenses; you're not paying for office rental, electricity, multiple phone lines, and any of the other myriad expenses that go hand in hand with running a large facility.
Because most small businesses don't stock huge amounts of inventory, they're less likely to be left hanging with the expense for inventory that simply didn't sell. They also generally employ fewer employees and have the capability to function with even less, helping them ride out the recession and get things back on stable ground.
Perhaps most importantly, because small businesses tend to operate with less overhead and a smaller staff they can often offer their customers less expensive, more personalized goods and services. For example, a smaller used auto retailer might be able to "take orders" from their customers when they go to auction rather than leaving them coming back time and time again hoping they'll have what they're looking for. And they might be able to offer their financially pressed customers a "discount" for their services that will earn them a customer for life when things go back to normal.
The bottom line is, with the recession in full swing consumers are looking for a better way to buy their goods and services-and they're not afraid to take a chance on a smaller business if it will give them what they want at a price that they can afford. Are you going to let this opportunity pass you by?
Wait. If industry giants like Circuit City are buckling under the pressure of recession, how can it help small business with infinitely fewer resources? The fact that small businesses have fewer resources is exactly what makes them prime targets to outlast a recession. Fewer resources equals smaller overhead. A business being run from a home has fewer expenses; you're not paying for office rental, electricity, multiple phone lines, and any of the other myriad expenses that go hand in hand with running a large facility.
Because most small businesses don't stock huge amounts of inventory, they're less likely to be left hanging with the expense for inventory that simply didn't sell. They also generally employ fewer employees and have the capability to function with even less, helping them ride out the recession and get things back on stable ground.
Perhaps most importantly, because small businesses tend to operate with less overhead and a smaller staff they can often offer their customers less expensive, more personalized goods and services. For example, a smaller used auto retailer might be able to "take orders" from their customers when they go to auction rather than leaving them coming back time and time again hoping they'll have what they're looking for. And they might be able to offer their financially pressed customers a "discount" for their services that will earn them a customer for life when things go back to normal.
The bottom line is, with the recession in full swing consumers are looking for a better way to buy their goods and services-and they're not afraid to take a chance on a smaller business if it will give them what they want at a price that they can afford. Are you going to let this opportunity pass you by?
Recession, Pawn Shops and the Golden Opportunity
Recession is a part of the endlessly fluctuating cycle of life for businesses, helping the strong survive, pushing the weak out of the running and reminding everyone to appreciate it when things are going well! The other thing recession does is give certain types of businesses a boost, encouraging people to shop places they would normally avoid and look to sources of income that they would normally consider to be inferior or tacky.
In other words, in the middle of a recession is a great time to be a pawn shop!\
Yes, pawn shops are feeling the pinch just like everyone else, but let's face it-if you're going to go looking for cheap electronics devices, jewelry and one of a kind gifts anyplace but Amazon or eBay, where better to go than a pawn shop? They're able to offer a huge selection of second hand items that they've purchased from people just like you looking for a way to unload their excess belongings for a profit. (Did you know that the average American has a minimum of $5,000 worth of "junk" lying around their house?)
Pawn shops tend to have a ready supply of inventory, and although they pay for the pieces they purchase they're still able to keep their shelves stocked for considerably less than the average electronics store-and the diversity of their inventory means they usually manage to corner their own share of the market without having to put too much effort into advertising. Pawn shops have seen a boom in business in every economic dip that history has seen, and it's a trend that continues into today's business world.
Give your pawn shop a boost during today's recession using the resources at www.1uptoyou.com.
In other words, in the middle of a recession is a great time to be a pawn shop!\
Yes, pawn shops are feeling the pinch just like everyone else, but let's face it-if you're going to go looking for cheap electronics devices, jewelry and one of a kind gifts anyplace but Amazon or eBay, where better to go than a pawn shop? They're able to offer a huge selection of second hand items that they've purchased from people just like you looking for a way to unload their excess belongings for a profit. (Did you know that the average American has a minimum of $5,000 worth of "junk" lying around their house?)
Pawn shops tend to have a ready supply of inventory, and although they pay for the pieces they purchase they're still able to keep their shelves stocked for considerably less than the average electronics store-and the diversity of their inventory means they usually manage to corner their own share of the market without having to put too much effort into advertising. Pawn shops have seen a boom in business in every economic dip that history has seen, and it's a trend that continues into today's business world.
Give your pawn shop a boost during today's recession using the resources at www.1uptoyou.com.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Building Your Brand
What is it that makes a business successful? Is it a stunningly sophisticated product? A genius mind sitting at the controls of their marketing campaign? Savvy pricing practices? The answer to that is…all of the above. You see, strong product, a good marketing campaign and smart pricing are all vital elements to building your brand, and a successful brand is the key to enjoying success in your business.
Think about it. When you think bottled water, what do you think about? Probably Dasani or Fiji. What about pizza? Pizza Hut and Dominoes have been leaving their mark on the industry for years. When people are considering buying a bottled water or going out for pizza these are going to be the first names that spring to their mind, not only because they've tried (and are happy with) their product but also because they've spent years and millions of marketing dollars to build their brand.
A brand name is more than a name you slap on the side of a bottle. A brand name is something that garners respect. When someone thinks about your brand name you want them to automatically think of you as a leader in the field, a strong innovator with high quality products and services and good pricing practices. The brand is going to represent your company even when you aren't at the helm; for example, look at McDonald's. It's very rare to fin
d two McDonald's restaurants with the same owner, but you know just what to expect when you walk in. The company has built up their brand name, and their franchisers are holding up their end of the bargain.
A strong brand name is vital to the success of your business, for several reasons. First and foremost, it allows you to expand. Consumers are more willing to take a chance on you if they know you have a reputation for high quality products and services, even if you're in uncharted territory. The reputation you've already built will help hold you up until you've established yourself in that field. Secondly, it distinguishes your competition and helps you hold on to your market share when new competitors come into the mix.
In other words, your brand is your foundation. Treat it well, and you'll watch your company grow. Ignore its importance and it won't be long before your company comes crumbling down.
Learn more about building your brand at http://www.1uptoyou.com/.
Think about it. When you think bottled water, what do you think about? Probably Dasani or Fiji. What about pizza? Pizza Hut and Dominoes have been leaving their mark on the industry for years. When people are considering buying a bottled water or going out for pizza these are going to be the first names that spring to their mind, not only because they've tried (and are happy with) their product but also because they've spent years and millions of marketing dollars to build their brand.
A brand name is more than a name you slap on the side of a bottle. A brand name is something that garners respect. When someone thinks about your brand name you want them to automatically think of you as a leader in the field, a strong innovator with high quality products and services and good pricing practices. The brand is going to represent your company even when you aren't at the helm; for example, look at McDonald's. It's very rare to fin
d two McDonald's restaurants with the same owner, but you know just what to expect when you walk in. The company has built up their brand name, and their franchisers are holding up their end of the bargain.A strong brand name is vital to the success of your business, for several reasons. First and foremost, it allows you to expand. Consumers are more willing to take a chance on you if they know you have a reputation for high quality products and services, even if you're in uncharted territory. The reputation you've already built will help hold you up until you've established yourself in that field. Secondly, it distinguishes your competition and helps you hold on to your market share when new competitors come into the mix.
In other words, your brand is your foundation. Treat it well, and you'll watch your company grow. Ignore its importance and it won't be long before your company comes crumbling down.
Learn more about building your brand at http://www.1uptoyou.com/.
What Does Advertising Do For Your Business?
You hear over and over again the importance in Internet marketing, but how often do you actually stop and think about the power of advertising for your business? Yes, there is in fact a difference between Internet marketing and advertising-sort of. It's a little confusing, but there you have it!
To break it down into marketing terms, advertising is part of your marketing campaign. The first step of any good marketing campaign should be research-research into your target market, what they want and, more importantly, how your product or service is going to give it to them!
What you're going to find is that your target market isn't always a single group of individuals. Very often it covers several different groups, and each of those groups has their own wants and needs. Now, you have two choices when it comes to selling your products to these groups. You can either:
a) Build a personal relationship with each and every one of your customers, which is great if you're specializing in B2B commerce and can work with each company's buyer personally but not very effective if you're attempting to market directly to a large consumer market, or
b) Launch an advertising campaign geared toward mass marketing using widespread media like the Internet, newspapers, radio and television.
Advertising doesn't have to be the dull, boring ads that have been lying around for years. Your ads are the first opportunity your customers and clientele have to get to know your company, so it's important you use each ad to convey the way you want your customers to see you. Do you want to have a laid back, friendly persona or are you all business?
Advertising is one of the most important tools you're going to have when it comes to promoting your business, so it's important to make the most of it! Find the tools you need to succeed at http://www.1uptoyou.com/.
To break it down into marketing terms, advertising is part of your marketing campaign. The first step of any good marketing campaign should be research-research into your target market, what they want and, more importantly, how your product or service is going to give it to them!
What you're going to find is that your target market isn't always a single group of individuals. Very often it covers several different groups, and each of those groups has their own wants and needs. Now, you have two choices when it comes to selling your products to these groups. You can either:
a) Build a personal relationship with each and every one of your customers, which is great if you're specializing in B2B commerce and can work with each company's buyer personally but not very effective if you're attempting to market directly to a large consumer market, or
b) Launch an advertising campaign geared toward mass marketing using widespread media like the Internet, newspapers, radio and television.
Advertising doesn't have to be the dull, boring ads that have been lying around for years. Your ads are the first opportunity your customers and clientele have to get to know your company, so it's important you use each ad to convey the way you want your customers to see you. Do you want to have a laid back, friendly persona or are you all business?
Advertising is one of the most important tools you're going to have when it comes to promoting your business, so it's important to make the most of it! Find the tools you need to succeed at http://www.1uptoyou.com/.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Develop Your Own Recession Proof Business
In today's tight economy it's easy to focus on what businesses are going under because of the recession and lose sight of the huge fields of opportunity that are opening up as people shift their focus back to the basics. Now is the prime time to open your own business, when your ability to operate with smaller overhead will make you a serious competitor in the pricing wars with many larger corporations, and if you branch out into a recession proof business you're guaranteed to enjoy not only a steady income now but also the security that comes with knowing that your business will stay afloat.
1) Home Repair. It doesn't matter how bad the economy is, when your septic tank backs up or your basement floods you're going to have to call in the troops! That's why plumbing, HVAC and other home repair services are all but guaranteed to be a recession proof business. Try and keep your inventory and services as basic as possible and your prices competitive you should be able to safely dodge the after effects of the recession.
2) Health Care. Unless you happen to already be a freelancer it might be hard for you to break into the health care services as an entrepreneur; however, now's a great time to step into this understaffed industry and start laying the foundation for what promises to be a stable career.
3) Funeral and Tax Services. Everything changes in life except for death and taxes, making funeral and tax services among the most profitable and recession proof businesses on the market. If you can find a way to break into these industries you're going to be in an excellent position to enjoy tremendous success.
As long as you have a product or service people want you're guaranteed to be able to make a success of any business venture; however, using these business ideas as a foundation will help you grow a recession proof business that will bring you the income and security you've been looking for.
Learn how to make your income grow in spite of the recession at www.1UpToYou.com.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
How the Internet Is Keeping Our Economy Afloat
The Great Depression. If anyone had to take their fingers and point at the source of the little voice nagging at the back of their heads it would be the haunting specter of the Great Depression and the huge strides that the government took to get the economy back on track-huge steps that today's government seems reluctant to take in the face of overwhelming debt stemming from our extended stay in Iraq. So how are we going to get things moving again?
The Internet might hold the secrets to keeping our economy afloat. After all, e-commerce has been a driving force in keeping things from sinking into depression for the past two years. The fact that the web throws the door wide open for International commerce and an increasing number of small businesses has helped our society get back to its roots, when businesses were small and major suppliers sold via mail order.
If you look at most of the publications that have stemmed from the recent recession, one theme is consistently seen: Experts advise that this is the prime time to launch an Internet business. On the surface the entire concept of trying to start a business when major players like Circuit City were floundering completely ridiculous. Regardless, these small web businesses have proven to be a driving force of income for many victims of the rising unemployment sweeping from coast to coast-a situation that promises to get worse before it gets better.
These small businesses are prospering due to the very nature of a free economy. Because these small companies have lower overhead they're able to offer products and services at a lower cost, drawing away customers from big businesses who can't afford to get into a pricing war. They also appeal more to special niche markets, eliminating the expense of mass marketing and building a personal relationship with their target market that keeps their business growing.
Only time can tell how long it's going to take for our economy to pull out of its current slump, but until then there's no doubt that the Internet is going to continue to play a major force in keeping America out of the devastation that would lead to a second major depression.
Come and discover how the Internet can help you and your family through the recession at www.1uptoyou.com.
The Internet might hold the secrets to keeping our economy afloat. After all, e-commerce has been a driving force in keeping things from sinking into depression for the past two years. The fact that the web throws the door wide open for International commerce and an increasing number of small businesses has helped our society get back to its roots, when businesses were small and major suppliers sold via mail order.
If you look at most of the publications that have stemmed from the recent recession, one theme is consistently seen: Experts advise that this is the prime time to launch an Internet business. On the surface the entire concept of trying to start a business when major players like Circuit City were floundering completely ridiculous. Regardless, these small web businesses have proven to be a driving force of income for many victims of the rising unemployment sweeping from coast to coast-a situation that promises to get worse before it gets better.
These small businesses are prospering due to the very nature of a free economy. Because these small companies have lower overhead they're able to offer products and services at a lower cost, drawing away customers from big businesses who can't afford to get into a pricing war. They also appeal more to special niche markets, eliminating the expense of mass marketing and building a personal relationship with their target market that keeps their business growing.
Only time can tell how long it's going to take for our economy to pull out of its current slump, but until then there's no doubt that the Internet is going to continue to play a major force in keeping America out of the devastation that would lead to a second major depression.
Come and discover how the Internet can help you and your family through the recession at www.1uptoyou.com.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Choosing Your Target Market
Do you know what the single most important aspect of your marketing campaign is? No, it's not making sure you have the right selection of keywords, or the fanciest collection of graphics, of the hottest, hippest designs. It's not even making sure you have the hottest, hippest products on the market (although that does help). There's a market for just about every product. The key element in the success of your marketing campaign is making sure you're marketing to the right people.
Do you know how to identify your target market? Do you know what a target market is? With the increasing popularity of e-biz the number of marketers stepping out onto the web without learning what it takes to really make their marketing dollars count. That's how Google AdWords has managed to convince so many entrepreneurs to sink hundreds or even thousands of dollars into campaigns that are fighting a losing battle!
Your target market is the group of people that need your products and services and those that want or will use them. In other words, they're the people who are most likely to make up your potential clientele. These are the people you want to focus every aspect of your marketing campaign on. Today's consumer has too many choices; the prospective profit of mass marketing has gone out the window. It's all about direct marketing and building a personal relationship with your consumer, whoever that may be.
To identify your target market and shape your campaign around their needs and wants, ask yourself:
a) What does my product do? What need does it fill?
b) What age group is my product for? (Adults, teens, children?)
c) Is my product gender specific? Men and women tend to shop with different ideals in mind, so it's good to weigh that information in when you're making your marketing decisions.
Identifying your target market is the key factor in building a marketing campaign that will create the kind of profits you want to see. Come see how we can help you make the most of your target market at www.1uptoyou.com.
Friday, April 3, 2009
What is a Microblog?
Thanks to Twitter, Facebook and MySpace microblogging has become the hottest trend on the web. But do you know the difference between a microblog and a regular blog? More importantly, do you know what microblog can do for your marketing campaign?
If you've never seen a microblog, just close your eyes for a moment and remember back to the last time you were on Facebook or MySpace (the two most powerful social media moguls on the web). Do you remember your update bar that you could use to fill your friends in on what you were thinking, saying or doing at any point in time?
Ex. John is wondering why they only give you enough room to write one sentence?
Sound familiar? This is a microblog-an opportunity to touch base with your reader community in one sentence or less. Microblogs tend to generate much more publicity than blogs do, their simplicity and their social nature encouraging people to chime in. On Facebook and MySpace your community can chime on your microblog to let you know what they think about your status; however, through other microblog sites you can do so much more.
Building a community around your microblog is almost ridiculously easy, because you don't have to provide any supporting details. You can share fun information, a thought, an opinion, a fact, a question or a piece of fiction without having to tell people why. There's no better way to encourage someone to chime in than to deliberately leave out key pieces of information and allow them to fill in the blanks. Using this technique you can build a strong community around your microblog, generating ideas and information for your niche as well as building a huge potential consumer base for your products and services.
To discover how to make microblogging (and regular blogging too!) work for you, visit us on the web at http://www.1uptoyou.com/.
If you've never seen a microblog, just close your eyes for a moment and remember back to the last time you were on Facebook or MySpace (the two most powerful social media moguls on the web). Do you remember your update bar that you could use to fill your friends in on what you were thinking, saying or doing at any point in time?
Ex. John is wondering why they only give you enough room to write one sentence?
Sound familiar? This is a microblog-an opportunity to touch base with your reader community in one sentence or less. Microblogs tend to generate much more publicity than blogs do, their simplicity and their social nature encouraging people to chime in. On Facebook and MySpace your community can chime on your microblog to let you know what they think about your status; however, through other microblog sites you can do so much more.
Building a community around your microblog is almost ridiculously easy, because you don't have to provide any supporting details. You can share fun information, a thought, an opinion, a fact, a question or a piece of fiction without having to tell people why. There's no better way to encourage someone to chime in than to deliberately leave out key pieces of information and allow them to fill in the blanks. Using this technique you can build a strong community around your microblog, generating ideas and information for your niche as well as building a huge potential consumer base for your products and services.
To discover how to make microblogging (and regular blogging too!) work for you, visit us on the web at http://www.1uptoyou.com/.
Building a Community Around Your Blog
This is the wave of the future. We have technology at our fingers that we couldn't have even dreamed about two short decades ago. So why is it that the most powerful marketing tool at our disposal is still the community watering hole?
Granted, that community watering hole has changed a bit over the years. It's morphed from an actual watering hole to local restaurants and stores and, as time and tech marches on, blog spots and chat rooms out on the World Wide Web. We've touched briefly on the benefits of viral marketing and word of mouth endorsement, but there's no way to over emphasize the potential that comes from developing and building a community around your blog.
The first step to laying out a plan for building your blogging community is to decide what type of blog you want to have. Are you a microblogger? Or do you have too much to say to cram it into a single sentence?
Since microblogging is a topic for another day, let's focus on building a community around your blog. The real benefit of blogs is that they give you the ability to share what's on your mind with your friends, family, business associates and the competition you want to show how far they're going wrong! Blogs are a chance to briefly and succinctly make a point, share information or present an opinion. The bigger the community is around your blog, the more effective it's going to be as a business tool.
There are three primary techniques for building a community around your blog:
1) Market your blog to your niche market. You want to make sure the people who matter know your blog's out there. If they're interested they're more likely to become a part of your community-and to bring their friends on board as well.
2) Encourage debate! Sharing an opinion is a great way to encourage others to actively participate in your blog, making it a real community rather than a place to go and read-something.
3) Respond to comments. When your readers take the plunge and comment on your blogs they want to know that you're going to listen-and that you're willing and able to actively converse with them about it!
Building a community around your blog is a vital step in your marketing process. Learn how at www.1uptoyou.com.
Granted, that community watering hole has changed a bit over the years. It's morphed from an actual watering hole to local restaurants and stores and, as time and tech marches on, blog spots and chat rooms out on the World Wide Web. We've touched briefly on the benefits of viral marketing and word of mouth endorsement, but there's no way to over emphasize the potential that comes from developing and building a community around your blog.
The first step to laying out a plan for building your blogging community is to decide what type of blog you want to have. Are you a microblogger? Or do you have too much to say to cram it into a single sentence?
Since microblogging is a topic for another day, let's focus on building a community around your blog. The real benefit of blogs is that they give you the ability to share what's on your mind with your friends, family, business associates and the competition you want to show how far they're going wrong! Blogs are a chance to briefly and succinctly make a point, share information or present an opinion. The bigger the community is around your blog, the more effective it's going to be as a business tool.
There are three primary techniques for building a community around your blog:
1) Market your blog to your niche market. You want to make sure the people who matter know your blog's out there. If they're interested they're more likely to become a part of your community-and to bring their friends on board as well.
2) Encourage debate! Sharing an opinion is a great way to encourage others to actively participate in your blog, making it a real community rather than a place to go and read-something.
3) Respond to comments. When your readers take the plunge and comment on your blogs they want to know that you're going to listen-and that you're willing and able to actively converse with them about it!
Building a community around your blog is a vital step in your marketing process. Learn how at www.1uptoyou.com.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Print Advertising: Alive and Kicking After All These Years
It's easy to look at today's Internet crazed society and believe that, like Elvis, print advertising is dead. Gone. Never to be seen again. Which, of course, is why so many companies are still launching email campaigns, taking out space in phone books, placing ads in the newspaper and launching articles and advertisements in magazines and newspapers.
Maybe print advertising isn't as gone as you thought it was.
While it's true that print advertising isn't the most effective (or inexpensive) promotional opportunity out there, it's still one that shouldn't be ignored. Despite the growing trend of digitized literature there are still people who prefer the feeling of holding a book in their hands, or buying a newspaper that you can do the crossword puzzle in. Consumers are still buying books, magazines and newspapers, which still makes them prime territory for a strong marketing campaign.
Of course, as mass media marketing is going flying out the window and television and radio advertising is losing its power a new, improved method print advertising has come into power-direct mail marketing campaigns. Direct mail marketing campaigns let you put together postcar
ds, brochures and informational packets and send them to members of your direct target market, located either through your website or because they're visitors to your business's physical location. This process is repeated ad nauseum throughout the year, letting your customers know when you're having a sale, what new products and services you're offering and, most importantly, that your business is still alive and kickin'.
Print advertising isn't dead, it's just been pushed down most people's priority list over the years. Too bad the same can't be said about the King…
Come discover the real secrets of effective marketing at www.1uptoyou.com.
Maybe print advertising isn't as gone as you thought it was.
While it's true that print advertising isn't the most effective (or inexpensive) promotional opportunity out there, it's still one that shouldn't be ignored. Despite the growing trend of digitized literature there are still people who prefer the feeling of holding a book in their hands, or buying a newspaper that you can do the crossword puzzle in. Consumers are still buying books, magazines and newspapers, which still makes them prime territory for a strong marketing campaign.
Of course, as mass media marketing is going flying out the window and television and radio advertising is losing its power a new, improved method print advertising has come into power-direct mail marketing campaigns. Direct mail marketing campaigns let you put together postcar
ds, brochures and informational packets and send them to members of your direct target market, located either through your website or because they're visitors to your business's physical location. This process is repeated ad nauseum throughout the year, letting your customers know when you're having a sale, what new products and services you're offering and, most importantly, that your business is still alive and kickin'.Print advertising isn't dead, it's just been pushed down most people's priority list over the years. Too bad the same can't be said about the King…
Come discover the real secrets of effective marketing at www.1uptoyou.com.
The Benefits of Multi-Channel Marketing
It's tempting for many of us to take our marketing campaign and build it around d a single, core form; television, for example, or the Internet. PPC marketing or SEO development. There have been so many gurus preaching about the virtues of specialization that it's easy to overlook the importance and benefits of maximum exposure. It makes sense, if you think about it. The more people hear about your product or service the faster your business is going to grow.
But how much do you really know about multi-channel marketing?
Most companies are focusing intently on building their campaign through the Internet, and we'll touch on the in a second; however, right now let's talk about the importance and benefit of taking advantage of some older types of marketing as well. For example:
1) Email marketing
2) Television advertising
3) Print advertising
4) Radio advertising
Yes, people spend more time on their computers than just about anywhere else these days; however, that isn't the only place they spend their time. Television stations such as NBC and FOX are still making profits, and the radio is still alive to commuters who don't have anything else to do on the long haul to work. That's a huge target audience you don't want to lose!
Internet marketing is important to, and it presents tremendous potential in a channel for reaching your target market en masse. With the Internet you have the ability to reach consumers in target markets all over the world, not only in the U.S. but also in Canada, Brazil, South Africa, China, Russia, France, England and Saudi Arabia-to name a few. That much marketing power is nothing to sneeze at!
What most people don't realize is that when you're talking about Intenret advertising you're actually talking about several marketing techniques:
1) PPC advertising
2) SEO optimizing
3) Print ads
4) Social marketing
5) Viral marketing
Think of your marketing campaign like a body; a strong body is made up of many elements, and all of those elements have to be healthy and strong to operate with maximum efficiency. That's exactly what you want your marketing campaign to do, and multi-channel marketing is the only way you're going to be able to do it.
Discover the power of a well established marketing campaign at www.1uptoyou.com.
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