Best CRM for Small Businesses: Our Top Picks

After extensive research, we have compiled a list of top CRM systems that cater specifically to small businesses‘ needs.

Monday Sales CRM

Monday Sales CRM is a comprehensive solution with features such as contact management, deal tracking, pipeline management, email integration, and basic reporting capabilities. It offers a visually pleasing interface on its ‘boards’, akin to Kanban-style digital whiteboards.

HubSpot CRM

HubSpot CRM is an all-in-one solution integrating sales, marketing, customer service, content management, and operations. It offers a free plan, making it easier for SMBs to test its capabilities without a large upfront commitment.

Zoho CRM

Zoho CRM is an affordable solution that offers basic CRM features within your Gmail account. The platform is user-friendly and provides essential features for small businesses.

Freshsales CRM

Freshsales CRM by Freshworks is a powerful CRM that leverages AI to automate tasks and forecast trends and behavior patterns. It offers a competitive edge by enabling businesses to retain customers cost-effectively.

Salesforce CRM

Salesforce CRM is a comprehensive and reliable CRM solution with multiple plans to choose from. It offers sophisticated customization and analytics, making it ideal for businesses looking to professionalize their sales teams.

Zendesk Sell

Zendesk Sell offers a robust CRM with an excellent mobile app. It provides all communication history in one place, ensuring high-quality responses to queries, leading to better customer satisfaction.

Pipedrive CRM

Pipedrive CRM is a straightforward, sales-focused CRM, ideal for beginners. It offers 24/7 support for all plan holders, making it a user-friendly option for small businesses.

Insightly CRM

Insightly CRM offers robust customization options. It has a higher starting price than many other options, but it tops out at a reasonable price per enterprise user.

Less Annoying CRM (LACRM)

Less Annoying CRM offers a single tier and no add-ons. It is user-friendly and has the highest customer review score.

CRM Software: An Overview

CRM software is a technology suite designed to streamline and analyze customer interactions and data throughout the customer lifecycle. It centralizes crucial data such as contact information, communication history, and purchasing behaviors, offering businesses the means to enhance customer service, drive sales, and manage data effectively.

Why Adopt CRM?

Implementing a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system can have profound benefits for small businesses, enabling them to streamline operations, enhance customer interactions, and drive growth. Here’s why adopting CRM is essential for small business success:

1. Automation of Repetitive Tasks: CRM software automates routine tasks such as data entry, email communications, and appointment scheduling. By eliminating manual processes, small businesses can save valuable time and resources, allowing employees to focus on more strategic tasks like sales, marketing, and customer service. Automation also reduces the risk of errors and ensures consistency in customer interactions, leading to increased efficiency and productivity.
2. Streamlined Customer Interactions: CRM systems centralize customer data, providing a comprehensive view of each customer’s history, preferences, and interactions with the business. This centralized database allows small businesses to deliver personalized experiences tailored to individual customer needs and preferences. With access to detailed customer profiles, employees can anticipate customer needs, resolve inquiries promptly, and provide proactive support, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
3. Enhanced Communication and Collaboration: CRM platforms facilitate seamless communication and collaboration among team members by providing a centralized platform for sharing information, tracking activities, and collaborating on projects. With features like shared calendars, task management tools, and real-time messaging, small business teams can coordinate efforts more effectively, ensuring everyone is aligned and working towards common goals. Improved communication leads to better coordination, faster decision-making, and a more cohesive team dynamic.
4. Data-Driven Insights and Reporting: CRM systems capture valuable data on customer interactions, sales performance, marketing campaigns, and more. By leveraging this data, small businesses can gain actionable insights into customer behavior, market trends, and business performance. Advanced reporting and analytics tools allow businesses to track key metrics, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions to drive growth and profitability. With access to real-time dashboards and performance reports, small business owners can monitor progress, identify opportunities, and optimize strategies for success.
5. Scalability and Growth: As small businesses expand and acquire new customers, CRM systems provide scalability to accommodate growth. Whether adding new users, scaling up operations, or entering new markets, CRM platforms can adapt to evolving business needs and requirements. By providing a flexible and scalable infrastructure, CRM enables small businesses to manage growth effectively, maintain customer satisfaction, and capitalize on new opportunities for expansion.

In summary, adopting a CRM system is essential for small businesses looking to streamline operations, improve customer relationships, and drive growth. From automating repetitive tasks to providing data-driven insights, CRM software offers a range of benefits that empower small businesses to succeed in today’s competitive market landscape. By investing in CRM, small business owners can unlock the full potential of their business and achieve long-term success.

When Does Your Business Require CRM?

Recognizing the need for a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is pivotal for small businesses seeking operational efficiency and improved customer relationships. Here are some key indicators that suggest your business could benefit from adopting a CRM solution:

Fragmented Communication Channels: If your business grapples with scattered communication channels, where team members rely on disparate tools like emails, spreadsheets, and messaging apps to interact with customers, it may signal the need for CRM integration. A CRM platform centralizes communication, providing a unified hub for managing customer interactions, inquiries, and feedback. By consolidating communication channels, CRM promotes collaboration, expedites response times, and ensures consistency in customer engagement.

Disjointed Customer Data: Managing customer data across various sources, including spreadsheets, email threads, and paper records, can lead to inefficiencies and inaccuracies. A CRM solution centralizes and organizes customer information within a single database, facilitating real-time updates and access. By establishing a unified repository for customer data, CRM minimizes duplication, mitigates errors, and fosters data consistency across the organization.

Manual Data Entry and Administrative Tasks: Excessive time spent on manual data entry and administrative tasks can hamper productivity and impede business growth. CRM systems automate routine processes such as data entry, lead capture, and follow-up communications, enabling employees to focus on value-added activities like sales, customer service, and strategic planning. By automating repetitive tasks, CRM enhances efficiency, streamlines workflows, and boosts employee morale.

Inefficient Sales and Marketing Processes: Inefficient sales and marketing processes, characterized by disjointed lead management, pipeline tracking, and campaign management, can hinder business performance. CRM platforms offer features such as lead scoring, pipeline management, and campaign tracking, empowering businesses to optimize their sales and marketing efforts. By providing visibility into the sales funnel, CRM identifies bottlenecks, prioritizes leads, and improves conversion rates.

Lack of Customer Insights and Analytics: Without access to comprehensive customer insights and analytics, businesses may struggle to make informed decisions and drive growth. CRM systems deliver robust reporting and analytics capabilities, allowing businesses to track key metrics, monitor customer engagement, and measure the effectiveness of marketing initiatives. By harnessing data-driven insights, businesses can identify opportunities for improvement, optimize strategies, and enhance overall performance.

In summary, if your business contends with fragmented communication channels, disjointed customer data, manual data entry, inefficient sales and marketing processes, or a lack of customer insights, it may be time to explore CRM solutions. By addressing these challenges, CRM empowers small businesses to streamline operations, nurture customer relationships, and achieve sustainable growth in today’s competitive landscape.

Selecting the Right CRM: Key Considerations

Choosing the right Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is a critical decision that can significantly impact your business’s efficiency, productivity, and bottom line. To ensure you select a CRM solution that aligns with your business objectives and operational requirements, it’s essential to carefully evaluate several key considerations:

1. Understand Your Business Needs: Begin by identifying your business needs and objectives. Consider factors such as the size of your business, the industry you operate in, and the specific challenges you’re looking to address with a CRM solution. Determine whether you require basic contact management, sales automation, marketing automation, customer service functionalities, or a comprehensive CRM suite that integrates multiple business functions.
2. User Adoption and Team Requirements: Assess the needs and preferences of the teams that will be using the CRM system. Involve key stakeholders from sales, marketing, customer service, and other relevant departments in the selection process to ensure their buy-in and alignment with the chosen solution. Consider factors such as user interface intuitiveness, mobile accessibility, and integration with existing tools and workflows to facilitate seamless adoption and user satisfaction.
3. Identify Pain Points and Must-Have Features: Identify the specific pain points and challenges your business is facing that necessitate a CRM solution. Whether it’s improving lead management, enhancing customer communication, or streamlining sales processes, prioritize the features and functionalities that are essential for addressing these pain points. Common CRM features include contact management, lead scoring, sales pipeline management, email automation, reporting and analytics, and customer support ticketing.
4. Scalability and Flexibility: Evaluate the scalability and flexibility of the CRM solution to accommodate your business’s growth and evolving needs. Consider whether the CRM can scale with your business expansion, accommodate increasing data volumes and user numbers, and support customization and integration capabilities to adapt to changing requirements over time.
5. Budget Constraints and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Establish a clear budget for CRM implementation and ongoing maintenance, taking into account upfront costs, subscription fees, customization expenses, training costs, and any additional charges for add-on features or modules. Compare pricing plans offered by different CRM vendors and assess the total cost of ownership (TCO) over the long term to ensure affordability and cost-effectiveness.
6. Industry-Specific Regulations and Compliance: If your business operates in a regulated industry such as healthcare, finance, or legal services, consider industry-specific regulations and compliance requirements when selecting a CRM solution. Ensure that the chosen CRM platform complies with relevant data protection laws (e.g., GDPR, CCPA), industry standards, and security certifications to safeguard sensitive customer information and maintain regulatory compliance.

By carefully considering these key factors, you can effectively evaluate CRM solutions and choose the one that best meets your business needs, drives user adoption, and delivers tangible value and ROI in the long run. Remember to prioritize usability, functionality, scalability, and affordability when making your selection to maximize the benefits of CRM adoption for your small business.

Notable CRM Software Trends in 2024

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation

In 2024, AI-powered capabilities are increasingly integrated into CRM systems to automate repetitive tasks, analyze customer data, and deliver personalized experiences at scale. Machine learning algorithms enable predictive analytics, lead scoring, and dynamic content recommendations, allowing businesses to anticipate customer needs and provide proactive support.

2. Omni-Channel Integration

With customers interacting across multiple channels and devices, CRM systems are focusing on seamless omni-channel integration to ensure a consistent and cohesive experience across all touchpoints. Integrated communication channels such as email, phone, social media, chat, and SMS enable businesses to engage with customers wherever they are, fostering deeper relationships and improving customer satisfaction.

3. Emergence of Customer Data Platforms (CDPs)

CDPs are gaining prominence as a central hub for collecting, unifying, and activating customer data from various sources in real-time. These platforms enable businesses to create a comprehensive view of each customer by aggregating data from CRM systems, marketing automation tools, e-commerce platforms, and other sources, facilitating more targeted and personalized marketing campaigns and customer interactions.

4. Emphasis on First-Party Data

With increasing privacy regulations and restrictions on third-party cookies, there’s a growing emphasis on collecting and leveraging first-party data obtained directly from customers. CRM systems play a crucial role in capturing and analyzing first-party data, including customer preferences, behaviors, and interactions, to drive more effective marketing strategies and personalized experiences while respecting user privacy preferences.

5. Voice-Enabled CRM

The adoption of voice-enabled technology is transforming how users interact with CRM systems, enabling hands-free operation and voice-controlled commands for tasks such as data entry, scheduling appointments, and retrieving information. Voice-enabled CRM capabilities enhance user productivity, streamline workflows, and offer greater accessibility for users on the go.

6. Adoption of Blockchain Technology for Data Security

Blockchain technology is increasingly being explored as a solution for enhancing data security and integrity in CRM systems. By leveraging blockchain’s decentralized and immutable ledger, businesses can ensure the integrity and authenticity of customer data, protect against unauthorized access and tampering, and enhance trust and transparency in customer interactions.

7. Focus on Hyper-Personalized Customer Experiences

Personalization continues to be a key focus for CRM systems, with businesses leveraging advanced analytics and AI-driven insights to deliver hyper-personalized customer experiences. By tailoring content, offers, and recommendations based on individual preferences, behaviors, and past interactions, businesses can increase customer engagement, loyalty, and lifetime value.

These trends underscore the ongoing evolution of CRM software and its growing importance in enabling small businesses to build stronger customer relationships, drive revenue growth, and stay ahead in today’s competitive market landscape. By embracing these trends and leveraging the latest CRM technologies, small businesses can position themselves for success and deliver exceptional customer experiences in 2024 and beyond.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best CRM for your small business can be overwhelming due to the numerous options available. However, by carefully considering your business needs and evaluating different CRM systems based on their features, scalability, and pricing, you can find a solution that aligns with your objectives and enhances your business operations.

Remember, the best CRM system for your business is the one that meets your specific needs and fits within your budget. Therefore, take the time to understand your requirements and evaluate different systems before making a decision.

When utilized effectively, CRM software can immensely contribute to the success of your small business, fostering customer loyalty, enhancing operational efficiency, and driving business growth. Thus, investing in a robust CRM system can be a game-changing decision for small businesses looking to thrive in today’s competitive business landscape.

Best CRM for Small Business FAQs

Does Google have a free CRM?

Google offers a CRM platform called Google Workspace that includes tools like Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive, and Google Meet. While it’s not a dedicated CRM, businesses can utilize these tools for basic CRM functionalities. However, for more robust CRM features, businesses may consider integrating third-party CRM solutions with Google Workspace.

Which CRM is best for my business?

The best CRM for your business depends on your specific needs, budget, and industry. Popular CRM options include Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho CRM, and Pipedrive, each offering unique features and pricing plans tailored to different business sizes and requirements.

Is there a free CRM for small businesses?

Yes, several CRM platforms offer free plans specifically designed for small businesses. Examples include HubSpot CRM, Zoho CRM Free Edition, and Freshsales Free Plan. These free versions typically offer basic CRM functionalities and limited features, making them suitable for startups and small businesses with minimal requirements.

Is CRM suitable for small businesses?

Yes, CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems are beneficial for small businesses as they help streamline customer interactions, improve communication, and enhance sales and marketing efforts. By centralizing customer data and automating tasks, CRM software enables small businesses to efficiently manage customer relationships and drive growth.

Is there a 100% free CRM?

While some CRM platforms offer free plans, it’s essential to note that these free versions often come with limitations in terms of features, user capacity, and storage. While they provide basic CRM functionalities, businesses may need to upgrade to paid plans for advanced features and scalability.

Does Google have a CRM?

Google does not have a standalone CRM product. However, businesses can utilize Google Workspace tools such as Gmail, Google Contacts, and Google Sheets for basic CRM functionalities. Additionally, Google offers integrations with various third-party CRM platforms to enhance CRM capabilities within its ecosystem.

Is HubSpot actually free?

Yes, HubSpot offers a free CRM platform known as HubSpot CRM. The free version includes core CRM features such as contact management, email tracking, and deal management. While additional HubSpot tools and features are available through paid plans, the CRM itself remains free to use indefinitely.

What is the easiest CRM tool?

The ease of use of CRM tools varies depending on user preferences and requirements. However, some CRM platforms are known for their user-friendly interfaces and intuitive features. HubSpot CRM, Zoho CRM, and Freshsales are often praised for their simplicity and ease of adoption.

Is Zoho completely free?

Zoho offers a free edition of its CRM platform, aptly named Zoho CRM Free Edition. While this version provides basic CRM functionalities, Zoho also offers various paid plans with additional features and capabilities tailored to different business needs and budgets.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by Gabriel Benois; Unsplash – Thank you!

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BCAA amino acids are considered one of the most common types of sports nutrition. The synthesis of complex proteins and protein depends on amino acids, which are essential not only for athletes but also for ordinary people. Unfortunately, the human body does not produce BCAA on its own, and it can only be obtained from food. It is important to understand that if the diet is inadequate or a person follows a specific diet, it is necessary to take dietary supplements to replenish the deficiency.

Private label BCAA manufacturing is a profitable solution for the sports nutrition business. The popularity of amino acids is growing every year, increasing the demand for the product.

What is private label manufacturing?

Private label manufacturing dietary supplements is an opportunity to have a stable income, improve reputation, and increase the popularity of your products. Often, many entrepreneurs in the health food industry are hesitant to create their own brand due to a lack of knowledge in marketing and technologies.

Contract manufacturing services are an excellent solution for:

• People who want to establish a successful business in the field of dietary supplements.
• Entrepreneurs who want to improve and increase consumer demand by expanding the range of sports nutrition and dietary supplements.
• Those working in the sports industry who wish to introduce their own product to the market.

The Science Behind BCAA Supplements

BCAA dietary supplements are a blend of branched-chain amino acids, primarily consisting of valine, isoleucine, and leucine. Typically, athletes use the supplement to enhance endurance and increase muscle growth rate. Amino acids also contribute to reducing fatigue during prolonged workouts and aid in weight reduction. BCAA contains substances that serve as building blocks, without which protein generation would be impossible. The supplement is one of the most essential for humans because the amino acids in its composition cannot be produced independently by the body.

The breakdown of BCAA occurs not in the liver, as with similar micronutrients, but in muscle tissues. Thanks to this, branched-chain amino acids provide the opportunity to generate additional energy during physical activity. In addition to this, BCAA performs functions in the body such as:

• Regulation of blood sugar levels and its use for energy production.
• Generation of protein and building blocks for muscle mass growth.
• Reduction of fatigue during physical activity by reducing serotonin production in the brain.

Leucine, according to medical research, has the most significant impact on the generation of building blocks and protein, while valine and isoleucine affect energy production and blood sugar control.

BCAA supplements help:

• Reduce fatigue. Regular intake of amino acids will help reduce physical and mental fatigue. Scientists have found that this applies not only to people professionally engaged in sports.

• Reduce muscle pain levels. Pain sensations after dynamic workouts will be less noticeable when taking supplements. It is worth noting that the effectiveness of reducing muscle pain also depends on the individual’s gender and daily protein intake.

• Increase muscle mass. Amino acids allow activating the production of an enzyme responsible for gaining muscle mass.

• Lower blood sugar levels. Leucine and isoleucine influence the reduction of blood sugar by increasing insulin production and using more blood sugar for energy generation.

• Reduce body weight. The branched-chain amino acid network helps prevent weight gain and accelerates the process of losing fat tissues.

• Reduce the risk of complications in liver diseases. Studies have shown that BCAA amino acids help normalize sleep, reduce fatigue, and eliminate muscle spasms in people with liver diseases.

Advantages of Private Label BCAA Manufacturing

Awareness of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle has led to a significant increase in demand for various dietary supplements. Private label BCAA manufacturing offers businesses the opportunity to create a product without the hassle of production.

The main advantages of creating a private label supplement include:

• Quality Supplements: Adherence to strict standards and modern equipment ensures the production of high-quality products.

• Cost-Effectiveness: Entrepreneurs can save a substantial amount compared to establishing their own facility. There is no need to invest in equipment, manage production, or study all technological processes.

• Quick Turnaround: Developing a batch takes an average of one month, allowing for the efficient and rapid release of your own dietary supplements.

• Flexibility: Contract manufacturing services include product development and packaging tailored to the customer’s requests.

• Compliance with Standards: All supplements are produced in accordance with international norms. An expert team closely monitors safety and stays informed about all requirements for product creation.

The Process of Private Label Manufacturing

Small and medium-sized companies often use contract manufacturing of dietary supplements to create private label products. Creating a production line is a complex and costly process, which is not always advantageous for entrepreneurs. Therefore, expanding the product range and creating new products is possible through contract manufacturing.

The process of creating products involves several important stages:

1. Selecting a Suitable Manufacturer: After choosing a suitable manufacturer, the client creates a technical specification containing all the necessary information for the experts to work with.

1. Developing Supplement Formulas: Creating a new product according to the client’s request.

1. Obtaining Approved Raw Materials: Working with trusted suppliers allows for quick changes and improvements to formulas without stopping the technological process.

1. Creating and Testing Prototypes: It is essential to test the developed product and ensure its safety and effectiveness.

1. Developing Packaging for the Supplement: Visual appeal is crucial for customers when first encountering a product, and packaging plays a significant role in their decision to purchase.

1. Preparing Technical Documentation and Gathering Necessary Documents: The product must obtain all required quality certificates.

Choosing the Right Private Label BCAA Manufacturer

Selecting a reliable BCAA manufacturing partner is one of the most crucial stages for an entrepreneur. It is essential to consider factors that will help make the right choice:

• Production Capabilities: Modern factory equipment allows for the rapid and high-quality production of the required quantity of developed products.

• Certifications and Compliance with Regulatory Requirements: Confidence in the supplement’s quality comes with having all necessary documents confirming the product’s safety and effectiveness.

• Raw Materials: Only high-quality materials from reliable suppliers can guarantee the creation of a supplement that will be in demand in the market.

• Professionalism of Experts: The skills and knowledge of specialists directly influence the development of unique product formulas that will stand out from competitors and guarantee their effectiveness.

Conclusion

Private label BCAA manufacturing is an excellent solution for small and medium-sized businesses. It helps expand potential and create a product that will meet demand. The contract manufacturing team of professionals can develop a unique supplement formula in a short time, adhering to all quality standards.

Designers create packaging based on customer preferences and global trends. Technologists not only develop the supplement formula but also control the production process. All processes for creating the product are under the observation of specialists familiar with the intricacies of production. By collaborating with a reliable contract manufacturer, you can be confident that the final product will meet all stated requirements.

Featured image provided by Nataliya Vaitkevich; Pexels; Thanks!

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Swift’s Explosive Popularity

The success, fame, and rise to fame of Taylor Swift have been nothing short of phenomenal. Swift made history when she released “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version),” making her the first female artist to simultaneously have four albums in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200. This feat hasn’t been accomplished since the Beatles had three albums with songs in the Top 10 at the same time. During an investor call, Lucian Grainge, chairman and chief executive officer of Universal Music, praised Swift for the significant impact she has had on the music business.

Swift’s “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” will be released on Friday, and it’s expected to continue her run of success. The release of this album is sure to boost sales for Universal Music Group. Swift’s longevity and ability to captivate listeners have made her a priceless asset to the record company.

Increasing Streaming’s Financial Viability

In addition to cashing in on Swift’s popularity, Universal Music Group is working to enhance the streaming industry’s economics. The company’s goal is to develop a strategy that is more artist-centric, guaranteeing that creators will be compensated fairly for their efforts. This was made possible through a ground-breaking agreement between Universal Music and the French music streaming service Deezer. The aim of this agreement is to reduce the influence of “noise” on royalty distribution while rewarding artists who successfully attract and engage with fans through increased song streams.

Universal Music Group is leading the way in the music industry’s adoption of technology by working closely with YouTube. The company is investigating the potential of artificial intelligence to boost musical creativity by teaming up with YouTube on a Music AI Incubator. Universal Music Group is working closely with YouTube to create opportunities and solutions that prioritize artists’ rights and compensation, in contrast to previous instances where the music community had to navigate the release of new technologies without a clear business model.

Economic Results

The success of Taylor Swift and the company’s strategic initiatives paid off for Universal Music Group in the third quarter. There was a 3.3% increase in quarterly revenue to $2.75 billion ($2.9 billion) from the previous year. The company’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) increased by 5.1% to a total of 581 million euros.

Universal Music Group’s quarterly revenue increased by nearly 10% in constant currency, and the company’s adjusted EBITDA increased by 11.3%. However, EBITDA for the quarter dropped by 11.3% to 478 million Euros due primarily to 103 million Euros in non-cash share-based compensation expenses.

The Revenue Pie Chart

Consider the following segmentation of Universal Music Group’s revenue:

Commercial Disc Sales

Total sales of recorded music, including both physical and digital formats, amounted to 2 billion Euros during the period. This is a drop of 1.1% from last year, but it’s important to remember that the streaming industry still managed to post impressive growth. In the most recent quarter, subscription revenue grew by 6.7% to more than 1 billion Euros. But because of the soft advertising market, the income from free streaming services that rely on advertisements fell by 1.4%.

Putting Out Music

The music publishing industry saw a substantial revenue increase of 17.5%, to 491 million euros. The increasing need for music licensing and the catalog’s enduring appeal have contributed to this growth for Universal Music Group.

Product Sales

The increase in revenue at Universal Music Group was driven in part by a 20.1% surge in merchandise sales to 227 million euros. This growth is likely attributable to the popularity of artists like Taylor Swift, who enjoy devoted fan bases that are eager to spend money on their merch.

Popular Items

The wide variety of UMG’s signed artists is largely responsible for the label’s success. Taylor Swift, Seventeen, Morgan Wallen, Olivia Rodrigo, and King & Prince were among the best-selling artists in the third quarter. These musicians are well-liked because of their consistent, high-quality output that appeals to listeners all over the world.

See first source: Reuters

FAQ

1. How has Taylor Swift’s latest album, “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version),” impacted Universal Music Group’s revenue?

Taylor Swift’s album “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” significantly boosted Universal Music Group’s revenue in the third quarter. Her success has played a pivotal role in the label’s financial performance.

2. What notable achievement did Taylor Swift accomplish with her album “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)”?

Taylor Swift made history by becoming the first female artist to simultaneously have four albums in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200. This achievement hasn’t been seen since the Beatles had three albums with songs in the Top 10 at the same time.

3. How is Universal Music Group working to improve the streaming industry’s economics?

Universal Music Group is striving to create a more artist-centric streaming industry, ensuring fair compensation for creators. They have entered into an agreement with Deezer to reduce the influence of “noise” on royalty distribution and reward artists who engage with fans through increased song streams.

4. How is Universal Music Group collaborating with YouTube to advance the music industry’s technology adoption?

Universal Music Group is working closely with YouTube on a Music AI Incubator, exploring the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance musical creativity. They aim to prioritize artists’ rights and compensation, unlike previous instances where new technologies lacked a clear business model.

5. What were the economic results for Universal Music Group in the third quarter?

In the third quarter, Universal Music Group reported a 3.3% increase in revenue to $2.75 billion. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) also increased by 5.1% to 581 million euros.

6. Who were some of the best-selling artists for Universal Music Group in the third quarter?

Some of the best-selling artists for Universal Music Group in the third quarter included Taylor Swift, Seventeen, Morgan Wallen, Olivia Rodrigo, and King & Prince. These artists have gained popularity due to their consistent, high-quality music that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Featured Image Credit: Raphael Lovaski; Unsplash – Thank you!

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McDonald’s Plans to Eliminate Self-Service Soda Stations

The Decision and Its Implications

McDonald’s USA confirmed its intention to remove self-service soda machines in an email to The Associated Press. By doing so, the company aims to create a standardized experience for customers and crew members across its entire chain. This move is part of McDonald’s broader strategy to streamline operations and ensure consistency in its service offerings.

Consistency for Customers and Crew Members

By eliminating self-service soda stations, McDonald’s seeks to provide a more uniform experience for customers, regardless of the location they visit. This change will help maintain brand standards and ensure that patrons receive the same level of service and quality at any McDonald’s restaurant they choose.

Transitioning to Behind-the-Counter Soda Machines

While self-service soda machines have been a staple at McDonald’s for years, the company plans to replace them with behind-the-counter soda machines. This shift is already underway in select McDonald’s locations across the country. Behind-the-counter machines are not new to the fast food industry, as other chains have already adopted this setup.

Factors Influencing the Decision

McDonald’s has not explicitly stated the factors that influenced its decision to eliminate self-service soda stations. However, it is likely that several considerations played a role, including financial considerations, sanitation concerns, and the need to adapt to changing consumer preferences.

Changing Consumer Behavior

Over the years, consumer behavior has evolved, with a notable acceleration during the COVID-19 pandemic. More customers are opting for digital and online delivery sales, leading fast food chains to adapt their operations accordingly. McDonald’s decision to eliminate self-service soda stations aligns with these shifting preferences and the company’s focus on enhancing its drive-thru and delivery capabilities.

McDonald’s Digital Sales Surge

McDonald’s has experienced a surge in digital sales, comprising app, delivery, and kiosk purchases. These digital sales accounted for nearly 40% of the chain’s systemwide sales during the second quarter of 2023. The company’s revenue rose by 14% to $6.5 billion during this period, exceeding analysts’ expectations. McDonald’s success in the digital space reflects its ability to meet changing consumer demands and leverage technology to drive sales.

Phasing Out Self-Service Soda: A Closer Look

Locations in Illinois Leading the Transition

According to The State Journal-Register, McDonald’s locations in Illinois have already begun phasing out self-service soda stations. This strategic move serves as a testing ground for the company’s broader plan to transition away from self-service machines. By piloting the change in specific locations, McDonald’s can gather valuable insights and make any necessary adjustments before implementing the new system nationwide.

Other Fast Food Chains Already Utilizing Behind-the-Counter Machines

While McDonald’s is known for its self-service soda stations, other fast food chains have already embraced behind-the-counter soda machines. These machines, operated by crew members, provide customers with their preferred beverages without the need for self-service. McDonald’s decision to adopt this approach aligns the company with industry trends and fosters consistency within the fast food landscape.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Uptick in Digital and Online Delivery Sales

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted consumer behavior, accelerating the adoption of digital and online delivery sales. As customers sought contactless options and convenience, fast food chains like McDonald’s had to adapt their operations to meet these shifting demands. The decision to eliminate self-service soda stations reflects McDonald’s commitment to staying relevant and catering to evolving customer preferences.

Enhancing Drive-Thrus and Strengthening Delivery Partnerships

To meet the increased demand for drive-thru and delivery services, McDonald’s and other fast food chains have invested in enhancing their drive-thru capabilities and strengthening partnerships with food delivery apps. By prioritizing these channels, McDonald’s can provide customers with a seamless and convenient experience, ensuring they can access their favorite McDonald’s meals with ease.

McDonald’s Financial Performance

Digital Sales Contribution

McDonald’s digital sales, including app, delivery, and kiosk purchases, have played a significant role in the company’s financial performance. During the second quarter of 2023, these digital sales accounted for nearly 40% of McDonald’s systemwide sales. This success demonstrates the effectiveness of McDonald’s digital strategy and its ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences.

Revenue Growth and Exceeding Expectations

McDonald’s reported a 14% increase in revenue, reaching $6.5 billion during the second quarter of 2023. This growth surpassed analysts’ expectations, showcasing the company’s resilience and ability to navigate challenging market conditions. The strong financial performance reflects the positive reception and adoption of McDonald’s digital initiatives, including its focus on drive-thru and delivery services.

Moderating Price Increases in the Future

While McDonald’s has benefited from price increases in recent quarters, the company expects these increases to moderate as inflation rates stabilize. During McDonald’s Q2 earnings call, Chief Financial Officer Ian Borden highlighted the potential future moderation of price increases. This projection indicates that McDonald’s will continue to focus on maintaining affordability for its customers while navigating market dynamics.

See first source: NBC

FAQ

1. Why is McDonald’s planning to eliminate self-service soda stations?

McDonald’s aims to eliminate self-service soda stations to create a standardized and consistent experience for customers and crew members across all its locations in the United States. This move is part of McDonald’s broader strategy to streamline operations and ensure consistency in its service offerings.

2. How will McDonald’s replace self-service soda stations?

McDonald’s plans to replace self-service soda stations with behind-the-counter soda machines. This transition is already underway in select McDonald’s locations across the country.

3. What factors influenced McDonald’s decision to eliminate self-service soda stations?

While McDonald’s has not explicitly stated the factors behind its decision, it is likely influenced by financial considerations, sanitation concerns, and the need to adapt to changing consumer preferences.

4. How does this decision align with changing consumer behavior?

The decision aligns with changing consumer behavior, particularly the increased preference for digital and online delivery sales. McDonald’s is focusing on enhancing its drive-thru and delivery capabilities to cater to these shifting preferences.

5. What percentage of McDonald’s systemwide sales do digital sales account for, and how has this impacted the company’s financial performance?

During the second quarter of 2023, digital sales, including app, delivery, and kiosk purchases, accounted for nearly 40% of McDonald’s systemwide sales. This contributed to a 14% increase in revenue, reaching $6.5 billion, surpassing analysts’ expectations, and showcasing the company’s ability to adapt to changing consumer demands.

6. How are McDonald’s locations in Illinois involved in this transition?

McDonald’s locations in Illinois are leading the transition away from self-service soda stations, serving as a testing ground for the broader plan to implement behind-the-counter soda machines nationwide. This allows McDonald’s to gather insights and make necessary adjustments.

7. What other fast food chains have already adopted behind-the-counter soda machines?

Several other fast food chains have already embraced behind-the-counter soda machines. These machines, operated by crew members, provide customers with their preferred beverages without self-service. McDonald’s decision aligns with industry trends and fosters consistency in the fast food landscape.

8. How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact McDonald’s and its decision to eliminate self-service soda stations?

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital and online delivery sales as customers sought contactless and convenient options. McDonald’s and other fast food chains adapted their operations to meet these shifting demands, making the decision to eliminate self-service soda stations in line with evolving customer preferences.

9. What steps has McDonald’s taken to enhance its drive-thru and delivery services?

McDonald’s has invested in enhancing its drive-thru capabilities and strengthening partnerships with food delivery apps to meet the increased demand for drive-thru and delivery services. These efforts aim to provide customers with a seamless and convenient experience.

10. How does McDonald’s plan to handle price increases in the future?

McDonald’s expects that price increases will moderate as inflation rates stabilize. The company aims to maintain affordability for its customers while navigating market dynamics and changes in pricing.

Featured Image Credit: Visual Karsa; Unsplash – Thank you!

The post McDonald’s: No More Self-Serve Soft Drinks appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

• Introduce Yourself
• Get Across Two Points
• Make a Connection

So, let’s break down the most effective way to do this for your time, assuming you only have half a minute to get this done.

Starting the Elevator Pitch: Introduce Yourself

To begin, this is where it gets big. Think Sun Tzu, win it before you start. This is done with “the intangibles.” Additionally, think about how you dress, and how you approach the meeting – your voice, and your body language. These are all defining things that will speak volumes without taking any of the floor time. For that reason, when you are dealing with limited stimulus you have no room for nuance. Even the best elevator pitch will leave them feeling you have the same nuance as Wile E. Coyote. It’s too short.

So, introduce yourself with everything you are bringing to the table; good clothes, well-kept, professional mannerisms, a great tone, a bright smile, and a winning attitude. Demeanor can be picked up instantly.

Get Two Points Across

I switched it there, did you notice? The same number of words. The same exact words, a slightly different feel. These are basically reductionist points to the core of what you’re there to do. You are there to make a connection. So, this is just the formality on the page so that they have a reason to meet you, a reason to listen to what you have to say.

Likewise, keep it to the point, but opt for a presentation that lets you show those secret, deeper, more lasting qualities that you want to get across. People won’t remember what you say, but they will remember how you made them feel. Remember that – that’s something you should remember what is said.

Make a Connection

This is the point of the elevator pitch. It’s a segway to a better pitch. But right now you don’t have the benefit to show that. Your job is to be likable and sell them on yourself, via the approach to your chosen points. By making that connection you’ll have an opportunity to either meet or reach out later and seal that connection for future more nuanced opportunities.

If you are in the market for a quick set of ideas, I would look here. However, beyond that, I have opted for what are four ideas for successful elevator pitches you can use.

The Question

Ask the question. Also, qualify the question. Answer the question.

Question:

• Are you overwhelmed by elevator pitches?

Qualify:

• You have to convey your message quickly.

Answer:

• It also means you get to focus on your number one selling point. Know it best, focus on it and you leave little room to go awry.

Include a Shocking Statistic in Your Elevator Pitch

Present an insane statistic. Subvert its necessity. Illuminate.

Insane Statistic:

• The average person spends 2 hours on a single elevator pitch.

Subvert necessity:

• The average pitch lasts only about 30 seconds.

Illuminate:

• It’s better to understand the single point clearly unsteady of overcomplicating an essentially simple thing.

Make Your Elevator Pitch to the Point

Likewise, don’t waste any spare time. Get to the point.

Value:

• Elevator pitches succinctly put forward your value proposition.

Advantage:

• This saves time and keeps things efficient.

Feature:

• You don’t waste time with people who have no interest.

Elevator Pitch Credibility

Put forward your experience. Put forward why you prefer what you do. Why it works.

Experience:

• I have written a lot of professional pitches and documents.

Preference:

• You waste a lot of time writing unnecessary words that don’t move the conversation forward.

Why it Works:

• You’re going to be saving a lot of time, highlighting and improving the fewer lines you have. What you are left with will be better and receive less divided attention.

To conclude, the elevator pitch is a good way of boiling down a factor to its pure essence. Avoiding all the long-winded jargon and unnecessary formalities to get to the point of the pitch and the outcome sooner.

The post An Entrepreneur’s Elevator Pitch: Four Awesome Examples appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Just as with any other business model, growth is the ultimate goal when it comes to e-commerce. Yet it can often be a challenging and complex process to achieve it. Too few visitors to a website may result in lower-than-projected sales, or perhaps it’s the lack of credibility-boosting customer testimonials that are dampening conversion rates.

Luckily, online retailers can implement multiple strategies to help overcome these challenges and grow their companies steadily over time. If you’re looking to jumpstart the growth of your e-commerce business, here are some tips to get you there:

1. Beef Up Your Online Presence

Almost by definition, an e-commerce business requires a compelling online presence in order to succeed. If yours is falling short, you’ll need to improve your online presence in ways that grab your target audience’s attention. Your website needs to be user-friendly, easy to navigate, and responsive to keep your customers engaged when browsing through your online store.

Having a well-designed website that is visually appealing and consistent with your brand image is an important step in forming a good first impression with potential customers. Additionally, your website should be optimized for search engines by using relevant keywords in your content, meta tags, and descriptions. Following SEO best practices will help your e-commerce store rank higher in search engine results pages so your target customers can find you.

Another powerful tool that can be used to boost online presence is social media. Consistent posting on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter lets you build brand awareness. It also engages with your target audience and promotes your products.  To further enhance your efforts and ensure your offerings meet customer needs, implementing product market fit strategies can significantly refine how you align your products with market demand, optimizing both reach and impact.

2. Leverage the Power of Customer Reviews

Customer reviews are a powerful marketing tool that can be used to grow your e-commerce business organically. Positive reviews from other consumers can increase your credibility and encourage prospective customers to buy products from your business.

To make those reviews more visible, you can feature your customer reviews and testimonials directly on your website and social media accounts. You’ll also attract consumers who see rave reviews of your business on third-party review sites. These can include sites such as Google, Trustpilot, and Yelp.

To encourage your customers to write reviews for your business, you can offer incentives such as discounts or free products in exchange for a review. Or you can ask satisfied customers to write testimonials that you post on your website.

3. Find the Right Partner

There are many different aspects of running an e-commerce business, such as web design, content creation, digital marketing, fulfillment, and customer support. It’s difficult, if not impossible, to do everything all by yourself — especially if you want each of these tasks to be done well. That’s when it’s important to look for a partner.

If you’re in the direct-to-consumer product space, a DTC accelerator like Boomn is one strategic partner option. The company has a proven process that can help your business scale, from customer acquisition modeling to inventory forecasting and management. Rather than outsourcing various business tasks piecemeal, you gain comprehensive support that will spur the growth of your e-commerce business.

4. Use Paid Advertising Strategically

An attractive, easy-to-use website loaded with relevant content and customer testimonials will help draw organic traffic. Sometimes, however, those efforts will need a boost. Paid advertising can be an effective strategy to help drive traffic to your website and increase your sales. However, you need to use it strategically to get the best results possible for your business.

Tailor your ads to your ideal customer demographic, using relevant keywords to attract your target audience. It’s also important to test out different ad formats, such as text ads, display ads, and video ads to see which ones perform best with your desired customer base. Keep track of your ad performance over time and adjust your strategy based on your clickthrough rates, impressions, and conversion rates.

5. Focus on Customer Experience

Once you’ve attracted online shoppers, managing the customer experience aspect of your business is a critical step to take to promote the success of your venture. You need to make sure that your customers are satisfied with their purchase and that their overall experience with your business is a positive one.

Customer service software platforms like Help Scout can streamline your communications with your customers, whether they contact you via email, live chat, or text. Such tools will ensure you’re able to provide purchasers with the proper customer support in a timely and seamless fashion. You can also enhance your customer experience by sending personalized emails, creating a loyalty program, and offering customized recommendations for products or services that complement your customer’s initial purchase.

6. Monitor Your Website Metrics

Monitoring your website performance is essential to understanding the health of your e-commerce business. Tools such as Google Analytics and Kissmetrics will help you keep track of your metrics, revealing things like the number of users, average order value, bounce rate, and customer lifetime value.

By analyzing these metrics, you can gain a better understanding of where your business is performing well and identify areas that need improvement. For example, say you discover that one of your product landing pages has a high bounce rate. You can modify the content and use A/B testing to see whether the changes improve your conversion rate. With the insights you gain by tracking your website metrics, you can optimize your growth strategy accordingly.

Get Going on Growth

While there’s no “one size fits all” solution that will guarantee the growth of your business, these strategies will help you focus on the aspects of your e-commerce business where you may be lacking. By adjusting your strategy based on what you learn, you’ll achieve better business results over time.

The post How to Grow as an E-Commerce Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Introductory offers

Don’t simply announce your product as it is; give it a special introductory offer. This could take many forms such as initial discounted pricing, a buy one get one free deal, or a reduced rate when it comes with a bundle or package. The key here, however, is to emphasize to the customer that this is a limited-time offer; it will instill in them a sense of necessity to buy the product.

Showcase your product through webinars

Many companies will ask:

“What is a webinar, and how can we utilize them to promote a product?”

A webinar is an exclusively virtual event where companies can showcase and promote their product while interacting with their customers in real time. They are a great way to show off your expertise and promote your product efficiently to a global audience.

Social media contests

Run a social media contest on Facebook or Instagram which will allow some of your followers to be the first to get their hands on your exciting new product. This is a great way to engage with your audience and keep them hooked on your products.

Market your business in general

A great way to promote your new product is to showcase your business as a whole. Share your previous customer reviews, and essentially allow your customers to promote your products for you. You can also ask them to write an online review of the new product or provide material for a testimonial – more positive reviews will attract more customers.

Social media advertising

With platforms often having up to 1 billion daily active users, social media is a great way to reach potential customers all across the globe.

This form of advertising allows you to target an incredibly specific type of individual based on factors like their interests. This means you can guarantee you’ll be reaching the sort of consumer who will more than likely purchase your product.

Effective product promotion

The most effective way to promote your new product or service will be entirely contingent on what channels your audience frequents and what their online behaviors are. Despite this, you should utilize a variety of platforms, promoting your product across all of these.

This can ensure that your brand and product reach not just as many people as possible, but also the consumers who are likely to want to purchase your product, whom you can convert into customers. Utilize the methods above in order to do this. Interact with your audience in such a way that convinces them your product or service is worth their time and money.

The post 5 Lucrative Ways to Promote Your New Product appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Reasons for Entry Level Jobs in Sales

1. Universal Skillset

Regardless of where you wind up, selling is universal. Even think about the interview process. Where else can you get a job that pays you to prepare for your next job? Even if that is in a completely different industry. Sales is essentially the art of targeted communication – clear and concise, etc.

These are skills that you can take to any event at any level. Communication is quite literally the most universal skill. And command over communication is one of the most universally priceable skills. While salesmanship is largely rooted in a deep understanding of the product, the product of the sale is rarely the product. The product of the sale is the subject of the sale. The human you are selling to.

If sales are the communication then the words are the topic and the person is the page, read and rewritten. Selling is a skill set that can have any of your future efforts or endeavors sublimated upon it and it will continue to serve you. Like marketing it is a set of skills that function regardless of medium. That makes it a great place to start.

2. Low Barrier of Entry

Sales are often seen as fast-moving, high-stress positions. While there are elements of this that are true, it would be more apt to deem that sales are a metric-driven position that come into focus based on their achievement. This means that it comes down to one simple thing: can you do the job?

If you can, you’re in. Forget the degree. Forget the experience. This gives people who took a path that offered them little money or are not fortunate to have come from the abundant opportunity to work and create abundance for themselves.

It should be noted, however, that this makes the application process far more rigorous as many applicants apply for these roles. Starting in a lower-tier cold-calling position can open this up. Additionally, the interview process is additionally very rigorous and serves as a very, very critical point. Meaning that it can make or break the applicant’s good or bad application.

3. High Ceiling

Sales offer one thing that a lot of jobs do not: a near-limitless ceiling. Sales positions are skill sets like any other, however, in a more juvenile metaphor they are a technique of coloring, not a particular medium of coloring. This means you can throw off the skin of an insurance salesman, and move to software, and eventually, high-grade medical equipment. Sales positions offer ample height in their cash ceiling. And offer work in multiple industries across the marketplace.

Sales also serve as the bedfellow of business operations. That means that if you ever wanted to truly remove your ceiling altogether you can take those skills there. And if you do in fact prove more apt at selling than you are at management or business strategy there is always a slot for you to return to… and likely beat out a sales rep hopeful that did not jump into the field earlier.

4. Teaching Motivation and Self-Starting

Sales teams are ultimately their own island. To keep the poor metaphors rolling. Sales would have you as an island in an archipelago. An island, – but not really. What sales positions do relay to the individual is a staunch appreciation for driving their own schedule and meeting their own metrics.

This confers responsibility and internal motivation. Additionally, learning skills of how to take rejection in stride and keep rolling along. These are elements of individual character that like sales training, can be carried through life. Incidentally making the approach to proper sales an approach to best living a healthy life.

5. No Loss From Experience

Sales skills are universal. There is a low barrier to entry. They can be taken to any industry. The skills can help you with elements of selling yourself in life. They have an insanely high monetary ceiling. They can impart deep life lessons. Many companies are hiring for these positions right now – even in the worst of economic times.

There is not any recognizable loss from the experience of entry level sales jobs- save if you were to spend that time learning one of the other three metrics of economics – either advertisement or production. Both are diametric to sales, with even advertisements sharing much crossover. Regardless, sales stand as one of the three pillars that drive any economy and are necessary for any individual looking to make themselves a fully realized person and an unadulterated master of business.

The post Five Reasons Your First, Entry Level Job Should Be in Sales appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Staying Motivated

This could go for any top performer in any field. It’s an underpinning of success and necessary for any objective completion. Action completes tasks and motivation is the ability to rev up the engine.

Motivation on a goal-oriented mindset allows for the top salesperson to focus-in on the task’s achievement and level up their game accordingly. Served as “the desire to act in service of a goal,” being motivated translates into often relentless action (given the degree of motivation) towards the ascertainment of a given outcome. Being able to stay in this state is what allows for greater completion and thus more tasks being completed over time.

Being Goal-Oriented

If motivation is the hypothetical ability to drive forward, being goal oriented would seat itself as the destination to where you are heading. Motivation is the drive, but that in and of itself will not complete the puzzle. The capability to move does not mean productivity.

The top salespeople set lofty metrics, often both in terms of results and of expectations. Think I will make thirty calls in the next hour, or I will close three deals this week. Regardless of the particular metric in which they work the top sales individual focuses in on mapping a high objective and then working relentlessly toward it.

It is often better to fail at greatness than achieve at middling mediocrity.

Stay Focused

Top sales performers need to hone in on their objective, then be willing to work toward it. If both of these are achievable then the premiere salesperson will need to stay on track until the objective is met.

Focus is the ability to tailor your course to your goal and then shrug off distraction and detraction until the objective is achieved. It can help to take time to break down the bigger goals into readily available and achievable milestones. The point is to find whatever beats you as a salesperson require to stay involved.

Time Management

Another top habit of sales performers is time management, as everything you do in life will require time to complete. Everything. Making your bed, brushing your teeth, and reaching your goal. Feeling existential yet? Not to worry. While each task that is undertaken will require a specified amount of time this also means that the salesperson can allot the time needed to accomplish the task. Likewise, remaining time conscious allows the top salesperson to keep the objective in mind and be mentally available toward its completion.

Surround Yourself with Better Salespeople

Networking is huge. Via the top salesperson’s network, there are mentors, competitors, and potential clients that can all add benefit and status to the aspiring salesperson. Regardless of what the developing individual needs to up their sales acumen, it can be found in the network.

Sales mentors can offer advice. Competitors can push the salesman to dominate the market. Clients offer the saleswoman a chance at honing the craft and potentially closing the sale. Networking is huge for salesmen of all levels. Learning to properly network can be what even land you the deal in the first place.

Reading and Listening

The top salespeople are always concerned with how much information they know. Specifically, in what ways they know can help present them with the information or opportunity to lock in a deal. Listening and reading help the top salespeople know what to do, in potentially pivotal situations before they ever occur.

Many sales professionals have either spoken or written at length about their process, perspective, and nuances that have appeared to them over their tenure in sales. The shrewd sales-minded individual recognizes this and pulls from that pool of knowledge.

Remain Consistent

Often starting something off is deemed the hardest part. This typically holds true for sales. Yet, there is the discipline required to keep production high even after sales numbers begin to take off. The top salespeople are able to maintain a high level of action, motivation, and performance throughout their careers through focus and dedication. Keeping an eye on the level of production is a tip many salespeople advise. This is especially imperative as the sales novice starts down the road to becoming a veteran.

Knowing the Product

One of the top habits of sales performers is also the best advice. What the salesperson is selling can vary greatly, and while there are many philosophical outtakes to help a general sell-all mentality there is no makeup for knowing the thing that is being sold. The top salespeople on any given product need to have a thorough enough grasp on the thing and system in which they are selling to answer whatever questions a potential buyer may address.

Understanding the common thoughts, typical questions, and their frequency as well as the common woes of the individual on the opposite end of the sale allows for great closing rates among the top sales professionals. This also can offer insight into what areas of the product they should understand most thoroughly.

Persistence

In essence, persistence combines motivation, focus, consistency, and passion. There is no remedy for persistence. Passion is persistence’s best bedfellow. Passion and persistence make sales.

Persistence will often close whatever deal the top salesperson is facing largely off the point that no is not an operable answer until it is the only answer. Not conceding until necessary is an often unbecoming aspect of the typical salesman, but absolutely critical to a goal-oriented, top sales focus.

Mentality

Finally, the last top habit of sales performers is perspective. The lens through which you see the circumstances inform how you may address the world. By tailoring sales to produce agency, the top salesperson can put him or herself in a place where they are ready to look on to the next sale. Whether previously met with triumph or defeat, a strong mind creates the top salesperson’s most versatile weapon.

The post 10 Habits of Top Sales Performers appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

First impressions can color the rest of the relationship between individuals, companies, or even more transiently, experiences. The best sales teams are often the ones that feature the best opener. Let’s look at some of the best conversation starters in sales and break down exactly what makes them so solid.

“What motivated you to meet with us?”

Get to the point. Keep sales short and sweet. Figure out why they are there and what they are looking for. In the sales world, there is this idea that you are trying to convince someone of something they don’t want to do. Or rather that you are manipulating them into acquiring something they either don’t want or don’t need.

By informing the prospect of what your position is upfront you establish the baseline. Ask them what they are looking for. More often than not it isn’t that the prospect will not buy, but rather that you have them on the wrong product. You will wind up wasting time and energy on someone who is not in the market for what you have to offer. This works in relationships, in business, and in recreational or committee meetings.

By establishing what you are and being steadfast and concrete in that, you earn the respect of being honest, upfront, straightforward and fair. It makes the prospect feel like they can trust you. After all, they are looking to buy something. They are in the market talking to you already. Your job is to figure out why they’re there and to do that, you need to keep them talking.

“What are we trying to accomplish here today?”

Again you need to establish the baseline. Being a smart salesman involves the mindset of getting to the goal, but more so eliciting that out of who you are talking to. You need to have all the ideas of what you want to sell them, created remotely in their own head. Do not hit them with overuse of data or analytics. This is good in reputing yourself as an expert, but if you are already understood to be one you need to keep it moving toward a point of being goal driven based on their predilections and their individual needs.

“Where do you want to be?”

Whatever you have you need to be able to convince your client or customer that what you have; either abilities or products can take them from where they are today. A state of duress, anger, and opportunity-driven immobilization, to one that they picture themselves. You do not give them the vision. The smart customer views that as selling and being sold makes them weary. Trust that they already have a vision in their head that is far closer to where they want to be – one vision that you could never know and all you have to do is get them thinking about that. Get them thinking, and keep them talking.

“Where are those problems for you?”

One of the great conversation starters in sales is asking what spurs someone to action. What could motivate someone to leave a state of rest and venture out into an arduous risky landscape? The presence of a problem. What makes relationships dissolve? The presence of a problem. What gets someone willing to part ways with their valuable assets? The removal of a problem. This presents an opportunity.

Your job is to sell the alleviation to that problem by having the remedy you create value. And by creating value you are worthy of doing business with. This is where capability comes into play. By being an expert or coming off as so, you can secure a lot of that efficacy with mannerisms and professionalism. This is Sun Tzu’s “winning the battle before it begins.” The appearance of expertise is a good way to guarantee trust of capability. This is a really good idea for an article in the future.

“If this meeting could accomplish everything you wanted and needed, what would it look like?”

Sales are all about making the deal work. Using this you get to outline what exactly is going on in the client’s mind and get them to sell themselves an image. And you are the first point of contact and the perceived ticket and alleviation toward that vision. They will tell you.

It gets hard outlines from the client and they will give you clear instructions on how to reach them. You need to have them tell you what they need because that is what they will be paying you for. The most powerful thing any salesman can do is get the client or prospect to sell themselves. After that, it is about being present. As said by many professionals, you need to get the individual talking. Letting them talk, allows them to get comfortable and allows you time to assess and use your brain to acquire information and fetter out what they really want. Then be clear and concise and use that time you aren’t speaking to create a plan for them to reach their goals.

The post Conversation Starters That The Best Sales Teams Use appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

This is the purpose of branding is to create that necessary distinction between you and the person working for that same industry dominance. The brand isn’t what you sell or what service you’re offering. Branding is how you sell it. The nature behind that comes to embody the idea of the company itself.

For a small business however intent on saving money and time, using creativity within the packaging itself is a surefire way to distinguish your identity. There are five ideas a small business can use in its packaging that can give them the edge.

Branded Box

Technically a branded box can be as simple as a logo, stamped on its side. Simple but necessary. This is “the box.” It is the first physical interaction your customer will have with your brand. It captures and notes the pedigree and offers waves in the total product experience.

While the customer orders the product and has some general idea of what to expect the customer rarely has a clue about what to expect with the packaging. By getting this right, the brand itself is taking one last chance to affect the customer’s expectations before the final point of product acquisition. This is very powerful stuff.

Thank You Note / Custom Internal Packaging

While the box’s outside offers a formal introduction to the brand and product, the inside is the point and purpose of the purchase. By branding the internal packaging/tissue, you are offered an opportunity to once again separate your brand.

A thank you note sent with a product offers grounds for a more intimate experience personal to your brand. By presenting what is there as higher, greater, and better. You can often have your product deemed as such. This assists with your product’s merit. When your product is as much your brand as anything else it’s key to keep in mind: packing peanuts are dead.

How the Box is Packed

This offers an entirely different dimension the brand interaction. This is experiential and very low cost. While it may not equate under the “one-size-fits-all” mentality, it offers an edge to the meticulous side of the growing small business.

Just based on how a box is organized, can create an opportunity for an experience for the buyer. It’s the “a-ha moment.” The big reveal. It’s Hitchcock’s bomb under the table. In essence, it’s the first impression after a long point of anticipation. All that build-up hinging on a split-second reveal. The highest and most critical single point in deciding a customer’s feelings on your brand.

This is clear from all the numerous “unboxing videos” brimming across YouTube. Turn the mandatory waiting period from shipping into a weapon at your disposal. Play off of your buyer’s anticipation and excitement and you have an opportunity to turn an impressionable moment into a lifetime of support.

Freebies

A little extra. The transaction is in essence the mobility of value from one entity to another. This is an opportunity to give them that little extra value prematurely. It shows good faith, and if it’s branded properly can serve as a self-contained advertisement put straight into the hands of someone who enjoys your brand. Here are some common freebie ideas:

• Stickers
• Magnets
• Shirts
• Tote Bag

They all come on their own scale and level, obviously tied to their own cost and presumed benefits. Regardless this offers a guaranteed through line for whatever is decided to be put in that box. The closer it is tied to your brand the more clever, and often more well-received it is.

Fully Custom Packaging

This is it. The full amalgamation of everything. Besides the layout of how the box is organized, this is the only other way to truly craft an experience for your customer. Especially when considering that this is an opportunity that can raise brand standing. Essentially, this is the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. By means of what the box has printed, the materials it is made out of, how it’s laid out for the merchandise to be removed, and so on. Here are several examples a company can play out in fully custom packaging.

• Brand Colors
• Packaging Material
• Packaging Shape
• Product Layout (which will be removed first)
• Notes/Freebies/Asides
• How the Box Opens

And the list goes on for small business packaging ideas. Just as each website has a generally similar design, but remains completely unique in its forte and experience, so is your brand’s packaging. It is an opportunity to play with brand expectations and product and use the presentation to become more in the eyes of your customer than they were expecting possible. All with the built anticipation and elements of subversion and surprise.

The post 5 Examples of Creative Small Business Packaging Ideas to Inspire You appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

How Abandoned Carts Undermine Potential Revenue

Abandoned carts are precisely what they sound like.

They’re the digital equivalent of filling your cart with items at a store, changing your mind about buying your cart’s contents, and walking out without making a purchase.

It’s worth pointing out that, in this case, it’s even worse. It’s much easier to add items to a digital cart, close out a window, and never look back.

It should come as no surprise that abandoned carts are a common issue for online retailers. This is easiest to explain via a retailer’s “abandonment rate.”

Customer Cart Abandonment Rate in Simple Terms

Your abandonment rate reflects the number of carts visitors generate on your site. The abandonment rate compares that to the number of purchases they complete.

For instance, consider if 100 people visit your Etsy site on a given day and create a shopping cart. If 36 of those people complete their purchases, your abandonment rate is 100 – 36 = 64%.

That number may sound high, but Baymard Institute begs to differ. The research organization reports that the average documented abandonment rate for online shopping carts as of August 2022 was 69.99%.

Steering Clear of Making Hasty Assumptions

The good news is that this number doesn’t represent potential customers who have definitively decided not to patronize your brand. On the contrary, there are many reasons for people to abandon carts while online shopping.

Statista lists things like slow delivery, excessive extra costs (like shipping), and the need to create an account as the primary reasons people didn’t cash out in 2022. It isn’t until the fourth reason on the list (just 18% didn’t trust a site with their credit card information) that the issue becomes more connected to specific failures on the part of the retailer.

In other words, in most cases an abandoned cart isn’t a burned bridge. It’s simply a failure to complete a purchase. This naturally implies that, if handled correctly, following up on abandoned carts can be a legitimate (and profitable) source of revenue for an e-commerce company. The question is, how?

Reclaiming Cart Abandonment Income

With so many abandoned carts out there, it’s important to consider multiple ways to reclaim that unrealized cash. Here are some different strategies to consider heading into 2023.

Send abandoned cart emails.

This is one of the most tried and true ways to follow up on an abandoned cart. If a potential customer gives you enough information (including an email address), you can send them an email reminding them about an abandoned cart.

When a shopper is a repeat buyer or an older customer with an account or purchase history with your brand, you can even personalize the message.

Retention.com points out that there are also ways to engage with anonymous cart abandoners. On-site software can collect first-party cookies, allowing you to reach out to unknown website visitors who filled a cart and left it behind.

Fire off a text message.

E-commerce website giant Shopify reports that nearly a third of all U.S. internet users used mobile devices to purchase something every week in 2021. The significant number of mobile shoppers makes text messages a solid alternative to an abandoned cart email.

When a mobile shopper leaves items in their cart in your app or mobile site, sending an SMS notification can be a perfect way to draw them back in. These are quick, subtle messages — and they aren’t seen as spam, either.

Try exit popups.

Abandoned carts are a time-sensitive issue. If someone leaves your site, there’s a good chance that they’re still shopping and want to find a better deal or an easier checkout process. This sense of urgency means the sooner you connect with a customer after they leave a cart, the better.

Exit intent popups allow you to do exactly that — before they even leave your site. These popups trigger when a user is about to leave a website. Hubspot explains that these should include offers or information that can draw potential customers back to their carts, such as a discount or free shipping.

Reclaiming Abandoned Cart Revenue in 2023

Customer cart abandonment revenue should never be an afterthought. It’s a significant source of potential revenue growth for most businesses.

Remember, a consumer who has gone as far as putting an item in a cart is close to being sold. They are much closer to the point of purchase than a new lead. They are far closer even than someone at the beginning of the customer journey.

Make sure to keep this dormant income in mind. Leverage it as you create and adjust your e-commerce strategies for the year ahead.

The post How to Reclaim Revenue by Reducing Customer Cart Abandonment appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

How do you do it? Where do you start? What qualities should you look for? What does any of this mean? Oh, man. Don’t worry. Building your first sales team. Here are five things you need to know.

Know Your Goal

This is everything. A team, while it is composed of sentient and autonomous people, it ultimately does serve as an instrument with which a goal may be accomplished. Remember your team can appear for a multitude of reasons; they like the work, they like the company, and they share in your vision. Whatever. Regardless of whatever it may be, they’re going to expect money in their account on a semi-weekly basis.

If your employees don’t care about getting paid then what you might have is a cult and you may be working in the wrong industry. But, if your team is like what I can only hopefully imagine is 99.99% of the rest of the world, they will want money.

This is where you need to keep them to the goal. By knowing what that goal is, you can set up a team that is both passionate about it, and work toward it with some degree of autonomy. Finding people who are passionate about their work is always a good rule of thumb.

Beyond this make sure that they are willing to ascribe to the vision or goal. As well as your individual take and approach to it. Whether that is through their appreciation for the work, pride in the job they do, money that you are paying them, or loyalty you have instilled inside them.

Culture First

This is mapping out one of the intangibles. Company culture precedes any of the work that you will be doing. Anything that comes out of the company will start within that company be it a product, or a service. This is the mentality of the company, and now with a team of your own, you can decide the nature of that team. 

Culture is what will govern your team when you are unable to. You are one person, and at a specific point, your team will begin to drive and furthermore business than you. By hiring based on the culture you can effectively pre-co-sign the decisions of the company. Think about the story of the Three Little Piggies. What you chose to build your house with will in turn have an effect on the ability of that house to reach its specific goal.

Find people that share a common outlook and will easily adopt your goals. By setting the stage with a similar culture and emotional baseline, you can confidently begin to extrapolate to strategy.

Find the Right People

The best part about a sales team and position in the modern age is that they are largely geo-independent. With commonplace technologies of our time salespeople are free to work remotely and more importantly come from anywhere.

As the team builder, this allows you to remove location as a barrier and thus put greater emphasis on elements that are harder to find and target in a team. Attitude, opinions, demeanor. All the little things that go into a culture. You can coach strategy. You cannot coach attitude. Do not be afraid, based on your company’s barriers to reach into unconventional areas to find the team that best suits your company’s lifestyle and demeanor.

This is informed by the goal, which shapes the culture, and the culture ultimately helps set the prerequisite criteria for the qualities and attitude of your team. Look for the things that are the hardest to instill in your community and then partner and cross that with the traits that are the most necessary and most valuable.

Understand Your Hiring Priorities

Your team is an instrument, intended to be set toward a task that it must complete. This means you as the team lead, get to place priorities on making your hire. If you are in a big company there is likely some level of involvement coming down from the top, however, it is your team at the end of the day.

Know what you seek to have around you and work with on a daily basis. For this reason, many people hire for culture over even attitude and attitude over skills. However, if you are in desperate need of action maybe skills take precedence given the time of training and gamble of unclear on the untested’s industry mettle. 

Regardless, having your situation and circumstances clear and your priorities recognized, will better align you with the appropriate people. Whether that be on the basis of culture, outlook, skills, or coachability.

Know the Industry’s Climate

The world is always changing, and always growing. A new piece of technology can revolutionize and change an industry. Likewise, the often subsequent “spiritual death” of another medium can once again, albeit less often, change an industry. In sales understanding, the current market informs how you can best organize your sales team. Sales are about understanding and communicating. Additionally, connecting with people. Specifically the right people in the right way. Your team should be able to understand where the world is at and have a thorough enough understanding of the product and the climate to reach out and connect with the individuals you want to buy into your product. 

Find the right team that can become an inverse mirror of your client. The one that understands and reflects the pain. Yet the team that offers the solution. Find people on your team that are distinct enough in their talents and lifestyle and approach that the team can balance itself out fully and also be enough in tune with each other that they always agree on the baseline and don’t eat each other alive.

The main aspect of recruiting is perspective. Find and connect with people who all agree on what needs to be done but are unique and distinguished enough in their ways they can all bring new solutions to the table to accomplish that.

The post Building Your First Sales Team? Here Are Five Things You Need to Know appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Get ready to learn about the importance of lead generation and process.

What is Lead Generation in Marketing?

Generating leads is the first step in turning potential customers into paying customers by piquing their interest in your product or service. Lead generation involves collecting prospective customers’ contact details (leads) via various means, such as online forums on landing sites.

B2B lead generation is the first step in the sales process for many businesses.

Leads are prospective consumers who have provided contact information to learn more about your business’s offerings via business-to-business marketing. By creating them, B2B companies may better target their marketing efforts and move potential buyers down the sales funnel.

Why is Lead Generation Important?

Every company’s expansion depends on its ability to generate new leads. Focusing on lead quality ensures that your sales teams have access to potential customers that fit your desired customer profile. As a result, conversion-based income rises.

Lead generation is crucial for increasing brand awareness and credibility within your target demographic. A B2B marketing funnel may help you convert casual browsers into serious buyers by guiding them through the stages of the buying process, from awareness to consideration to purchase.

In other words, when it comes time to complete the purchase, they will be more receptive to your sales team’s overtures.

What Does the Lead Generation Process Look Like?

There is more to fixing your issues than just turning to the lead-generating process. It’s structured with an introduction, body, and conclusion. It would help if you did produce not only leads but also make effective use of them. No worries, we’ve got you covered in every way possible.

Identifying a Buyer Persona

It would help if you had a clear picture of your ideal customer before you can begin gathering information for a lead generation campaign. Identifying your ideal customer is the first step in selling a product.

Developing a Lead Generation Medium

Finding your target demographic is the first step in selecting a suitable lead magnet. You may accomplish this goal via the use of several marketing strategies, including but not limited to content, social media, and interactive formats.

Developing a Lead Generation Database

If you don’t know how to follow up on those leads, all you do is pointless. The best way to analyze, sort, and prioritize your leads is to compile all this information in a database.

Qualifying and Scoring Leads

It’s impossible to handle every lead the same. Your leads still need to be qualified and scored, even after you’ve identified your ideal customer. Depending on your situation, you may need to provide more attention to a select few leads. You’ll have more options for reaching out to them this way.

Creating Lead-Ready Channels

To maximize the effectiveness of your marketing initiatives, you must first capture leads via efficient channels. Marketing techniques such as social media (advertising and other lead magnets), landing sites, and so on are all examples of channels to consider.

Invest in an Analytics Engine

You’ll need an analytics engine to keep track of your conversions, so you don’t have to. Identifying the moments in your cycle when you lose the most leads is crucial, even if many of these contacts will not turn into customers.

If you find that a large percentage of your leads are abandoning the sign-up process on your lead form, you may want to try making the form easier to fill out by lowering the number of required fields or adding some interactive elements.

Final Thoughts

Gaining a large number of leads is beneficial, but only high-quality prospects, who are more likely to become paying customers, should be prioritized.

A lot of legwork is involved in evaluating your quality leads, but the payoff is well worth it. Make sure you foster connections with the high-quality leads you’ve found. They will be your clients in the future.

The post What Is Lead Generation Process ? appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Because the customer journey now has so many potential touchpoints, having a siloed CX team is no longer enough. Now, the customer experience needs to be a top priority across the organization — not just in the marketing department. Here’s what to consider as you make your company more customer-centric.

Product Teams Need Clarity on What Customers Want

Among the 71% of consumers who switched brands last year. 58% did so for better product quality, per Salesforce’s 2022 State of the Connected Consumer report. Customer centricity starts with knowing what your customers want, why they want it, and how they will use it. Even if the product team has access to the same customer persona data as the marketing team (and if they don’t, they should), deciding what products to build or source is a continual challenge that’s shaped by consumer trends, economic forces, and the quality of the supply chain.

Customer data can help inform product decisions if it’s granular and comprehensive enough. For example, in addition to knowing which existing products have sold well, the product team can use the voice of customer data from product reviews, social media conversations, and customer-service feedback to identify the features customers like and use and those they don’t.

AI-powered demand forecasting tools can help product teams see the details that can separate a winning product from a dud. One demand forecaster recommends testing products that include “20 or 30 customer-centric attributes” as opposed to a handful of merchant-focused attributes, then evaluating their appeal and forecasting demand with an algorithm that identifies the most important attributes to customers. That data can then go back into the algorithm along with the next season’s sales data. It creates more precise product selection and development over time.

Service Teams Need to See Complete Customer Histories

Customer service teams can reduce customer churn, increase loyalty, and even drive revenue. But only if they have the insights they need to deliver the kind of customer-centric service experience consumers expect. The proportion of consumers who say that the experience a company delivers matters as much as the products and services have risen from 80% in 2020 to 88% now, according to Salesforce. When it comes to contacting customer service, that survey found that 83% of customers expect to reach a person immediately. The same number expect one customer service person to solve their complex problems.

When customer service agents have the customer’s purchase and customer-service contact histories available, they can understand the issue faster and save the customer time and frustration explaining that issue. If agents also have support from CS solutions that can analyze that customer data along with product data, they can lead the customers through remote troubleshooting. Or suggest the next steps for resolving the problem without transferring the customer to another person or making them wait on hold. Automated, personalized CS tools can also suggest related products that the agent can offer as upsell or cross-sell options. And the data from each customer service engagement can help those AI/ML tools become increasingly accurate.

UX, Commerce, and Fraud Teams Need Unified Visitor Insights

Understanding what customers do when they visit your website or app is critical to improving CX. There are a number of UX elements to consider. This includes from accessibility and ease of navigation to localization for different markets and personalization for each customer. Two critical areas to focus on are customer recognition and cart abandonment.

Customer recognition is the key to displaying personalized product recommendations and other content. It’s also one of the keys to avoiding false declines during the checkout process. However, the data that supports personalization and the data that drives fraud control aren’t always unified. That can lead to order rejections that undermine the customer’s feeling of being recognized. Ultimately, it can push them to switch companies. For example, in ClearSale’s State of Consumer Attitudes on Ecommerce, Fraud & CX 2021 report, 40% of online shoppers in the U.S., U.K., Mexico, Canada, and Australia said they’d boycott an eCommerce retailer after a false decline. More than a third also said they would complain about the site on social media.

Unifying those data sets, with proper permission, can reduce false declines and improve CX. So it can carefully analyze how customers behave during checkout. Complicated or slow checkout processes pushed 35% of the consumers in the same survey to abandon checkout at least once within the past year. If those shoppers found a competitor with an easier checkout, it’s unlikely they came back to the store with a frustrating checkout experience.

Final Thoughts

Unifying data and making it visible across the organization is important. But making your entire organization more customer-centric requires more than sharing data and insights. There also needs to be a top-down commitment to change. This can include a chief experience officer or similar leader, One who can own the process and connect with different departments and rethink siloed processes and technologies. It’s a long-term process. But, with customer experience expectations and consumers’ willingness to switch companies continuing to rise, it’s an important process to begin now.

The post Why Every Department In Your Organization Needs To Be Customer-Centric appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

First of all, you need to have the right audience in mind. Who is your target audience, what is their age range, and what jobs do they do – these are just some questions you should be asking yourself. Then, the next step is about choosing suitable platforms and social media where you will reach those people. Meanwhile, you should start compiling your keyword list. They will help you in creating ad copy. Additionally, it would be great to set up your budget for advertising. 

• Start with choosing the right audience

Even though choosing the right target audience might seem like an easy thing to do, it is in fact not so easy. It goes further than just noting that the right target audience is parents. You need to dig a bit deeper. Consider what type of parents are you targeting: new parents, moms, dads, and single parents. This is important for every type of parent to look for different types of baby clothes. 

For instance, consider this. New parents would probably focus on safety, while parents with at least one more child will want items that make their life easier. A good strategy to start with is to make a list of products and note down a list of features for each one. You should have your one unique selling point feature. Then, consider who would need that type of product, and voila – you have your target audience for that particular product.

• Choose suitable platforms and social media

The next step refers to choosing suitable platforms and social media channels. Not all platforms and social media channels are suitable for all types of products, that’s why you should be careful and considerate when choosing them. It’s not the point to create profiles across all social media channels. You should start small, with one or two most significant ones at a time. For instance, Facebook and Instagram offer you the possibility to highly customize your audience according to several factors such as their location, age, occupation, interests, and others.

On the other hand, Pinterest is great for creating different looks that can appeal to your audience. So, for example, if you’re selling baby knitwear, you could create cute looks and post them on Pinterest, which parents (most often moms) can save to their collections and perhaps decide to purchase the items they saw.

• Come up with a plausible keywords list

Keywords are the way to help people find you more easily. They are essential for advertising. Keywords refer to the most popular words and phrases people type in Google when searching for a particular product. How do you start? For each product that you sell, you should create a list of generic keywords.

When you have that finished, you should go to Google and run a search for those keywords. You can use different strategies here to check which keywords work best for you. You can use Google Keyword Planner, Moz, Ahrefs, and a simple Google search and “people always ask” and “searches related” sections. When looking for keywords to use in your copy and website, focus on search volume, cost per click, and difficulty for each keyword.

• Create ad copy

After you have finished all the previously mentioned steps, it’s time you moved to create ad copy. The right ad copy will attract the target audience you desire. How you phrase your ad copy highly affects whether potential customers will purchase the product. As you’re selling baby clothes, your ad copy should always focus on what would prompt a parent to buy that particular product. There are several great strategies for writing ad copy that will get you revenue. First of all, you should answer parents’ questions and concerns. Then, you should add your unique selling proposition. And of course, high-quality images of the product with a genuine description. 

• Set up a budget for advertising

It’s also key to set up a budget for advertising. Your budget shouldn’t be too little or too much. Every business is different so there isn’t a right amount that will work for every business. When determining your budget, there are several factors you should be mindful of. Consider how competitive your business is. The more competitive, the more ad money you need to invest. Moreover, you should also consider your conversation rate goals. Also, consider whether you want to rank first on Google, where you’re targeting your ads, and whether you’re outsourcing them. 

Coming up with the right target audience for a baby clothes website is not an easy thing to do, there are several important aspects to consider. You should go step by step in order to create a plausible marketing strategy that will bring you more revenue.

The post How to Target the Right Audience for Your Baby Clothes Website appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

As entrepreneurs build their tech stacks, though, they need to be aware of a couple of potential issues. The first is security. Cybercrime continues to be a legitimate concern for anyone online. Businesses should take necessary measures to improve and maintain cybersecurity.

Second, owners must make sure that they’re optimizing their small business technology. With so many options available, it’s easy to become buried under an avalanche of 21st-century solutions. This is true even if they aren’t all benefitting you the way they should.

Here are a few suggestions for ways small businesses can both optimize and secure their digital activity to ensure that they’re getting the most out of their tech.

Start with your Wi-Fi.

Your Wi-Fi is the digital gate to your company. In a tech-heavy world, this makes it the main entrance to your tech stack, your files, your data, and your business as a whole. If you want to optimize how your small business works, you need to start by setting the stage with a quality Wi-Fi solution.

The Wi-Fi experts at Plume point out that this obviously includes the need for a strong and dependable wireless signal, but it shouldn’t stop there. As is the case with the company’s small business-focused WorkPass Wi-Fi solution, a good Wi-Fi network should also be safe, easy to use, and intimately woven into the fabric of your business.

By using a quality small business Wi-Fi solution, you can simultaneously tap into the simplicity and ease of residential routers as well as the firepower of an enterprise-level internet connection.

Small business Wi-Fi has the potential to double as a business intelligence (BI) platform that collects and turns data into actionable insights. This can help you manage your workforce and communicate with guest users. It can also keep your entire team engaged with adaptive connectivity that is fast, reliable, and ultra-secure.

If you want your small business to be productive and secure at the same time, make sure to start by using a reputable and capable small business Wi-Fi solution.

Establish solid cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity can be intimidating. The need to keep your technology safe and secure from outside threats is an ever-present concern. Many solutions can also be prohibitively expensive — but not all of them.

There are many small-yet-effective ways that you can secure sensitive data while optimizing your small business technology. Intel suggests half a dozen ways to do this, such as:

• establishing a solid private Wi-Fi setup (see the previous step) that doesn’t require logging in on any public Wi-Fi connections;
• keeping hardware upgraded at all times — and, of course, making sure your team installs all software patches and updates in a timely manner;
• using strong passwords and implementing MFA (multi-factor authentication) whenever possible;
• utilizing apps like Windows 10 Pro security and Norton Antivirus to block unwanted malware; and
• teaching your staff to use proper digital hygiene (maintaining strong passwords, installing updates, etc.) at all times when using office tech.

If you feel like overseeing all of these steps is too much, consider using a Device as a Service (DaaS) solution to increase security. This is a new kind of service that bundles the distribution, management, and IT support for a business’s tech. These are then overseen by a third-party provider, taking the perpetual responsibility off of your plate.

Manage your marketing.

Marketing is one of the easiest areas to bleed cash and ooze inefficiency. This is partly due to the subtle and intangible results that marketing can generate.

If you have a sales team, you can measure their success in dollars and cents. You can apply the same simple math to other areas. These include manufacturing, paying an accountant, or shipping and handling costs.

When it comes to marketing, though, it’s easy to pour endless money into things like content creation and brand awareness without really knowing how effective they are.

If you want to optimize your marketing activity, the first thing you need to do is set up analytics tools to track your results. There are many ways to do this, including free tools, like Facebook Pixel and Google Analytics. In addition, many tools, like Shopify or Mail Chimp, come with built-in data collection dashboards.

The top companies in IT are often admired for their innovative products, cutting-edge technology, and forward-thinking leadership. These companies not only shape the future of the tech industry but also have a significant impact on the global economy.

Of course, tracking data in a dozen or more applications is challenging. That’s why you may want to consider an additional third-party tool to unify your analytical marketing data. AI-powered solutions like Hawke.ai can bring all of your marketing results into a single dashboard where you can find insights to help you make informed, optimized decisions.

Optimizing and Securing a Small Business (Without Panicking)

There are many factors that go into keeping a business both efficient and safe. For small businesses, this task can feel time-consuming and expensive.

However, if you approach things with a strategy in place, you can manage both concerns without too much trouble. Start by putting things like a solid Wi-Fi solution in place and establishing key cybersecurity protocols. From there, focus on conducting ongoing digital hygiene training. Use the tools available to gather data and turn it into actionable and efficient business strategies, too.

Optimizing small business technology is an assumed aspect of any startup venture at this point. The critical factor is making sure that your tech stack is helping, not hindering, your small business.

The post How to Begin Securing and Optimizing Small Business Technology appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Create a website

First things first, start a website if you don’t already have it. If you don’t have a website nowadays, it’s like you don’t exist at all. Then, adapt it for smartphones as many people use their phones for browsing and making purchases. Moreover, you should also be mindful of how you present your merchandise. You should collaborate with prominent influencers, to boost your online presence as well as sales. And finally, another crucial thing you can do is start a blog – more on its importance later.  

As we already mentioned, having a website for your fashion business is the first and utmost important step in advertising. It is the base. The pandemic outbreak has brought upon us a specific situation. Namely, physical stores have been closing, while the revenue in the fashion business has been increasing. That means that many people have moved their business online, which puts the focus on websites.

Your website should be appealing in a few aspects. It should look nice, modern, and suitable for the niche. It should also be highly responsive and user-friendly. Customers should be able to navigate it easily and find the necessary information quickly. Remember to include all the important pieces of information.

Adapt it for smartphones

When you have finished setting up your website, you should also make sure it is suitable for smartphones. Nowadays, people around the world use their phones for almost the same things as their computers. The only difference is the fact that we always have our phone on our hands and we can use it for shopping, ordering things, paying bills, and so on. We use them while waiting for the train, bus, or subway to finish these little things.

So, one of the great ways to get more customers is to offer them either a smartphone-friendly website or a smartphone app. In this way, you can make sure that your customers can always access your website and order things, wherever they are and regardless of whether they’re using a phone or a computer.

Present your merchandise in the right way

After you finish with the technicalities, you should work on presenting your merchandise in the right way. Start with getting quality fashion wholesale from reliable vendors. It is essential to have quality things to present to your customers. When it comes to the fashion industry and presenting merchandise, it is an industry that is highly visual.

So, you can do several things. First of all, you should get quality photos. You should present your fashion items genuinely, as realistically as possible. Make sure to use flattering lighting and take photos from various angles. Also, you can even make a catwalk video – it would mean a lot to potential customers. It is a great way to boost online sales.

Collaborate with influencers

Besides having a website that is suitable for phones, you should also work on your social media presence. That means being active across various social media channels, such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, among others.

Many of these campaigns involve working with an influencer. So, it is something you should consider as it has been proven highly successful. You should find prominent influencers and collaborate with them. There are different influencers based on the number of people that are following them, so that affects their pricing.

Start a blog

People sometimes overlook the importance of having a blog. Blogs are an essential part of every business as they keep the customers engaged. Writing blog posts for a fashion business is creative and fun as it could be about anything related to fashion. You could write about the newest fashion trends, style guides, how to take care of specific types of clothes and so on. These could be things people come back for.

Also, it’s a good way to build internal and external links, which boost your SEO. In turn, a great SEO strategy can bring your website to top search results. And that would mean, higher revenue for you.

Final thoughts

Being in the fashion industry and having such a business is creative, insightful, and amusing if approached in the right way. Hopefully, these practical tips and tricks can help you in boosting your online presence and advertise your fashion business.

The post How to Advertise Your Fashion Business in the Right Way appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

A typical example of a framing strategy used by business owners and marketers is reframing negative information about their product more favorably. Alternatively, you could focus on the negative aspects of your competitor’s strengths. Both of these examples reframe the data to present more persuasively.

If a product or service’s information is presented and framed effectively, it can impact sales positively. The following are some ideas for using the framing effect in marketing.

It’s How You Frame It

With the framing effect, marketers can sway customers’ choices and, ultimately, their spending habits. The framing effect means a cognitive bias in which a person’s brain makes judgments regarding information based on how that information presents. It uses the fact that people tend to react differently to the same data depending on whether it is presented in a positive or negative light.

How a sales pitch is constructed and posed is critical. Various things come into play when framing something, from wording to images. For example, instead of saying, “We are the third best-seller in the market,” why not say, “Our product is one of the top three best sellers in the market?”

In addition, people are far more likely to engage with information portrayed visually as opposed to information presented only in text form. Therefore, when delivering your product, it is essential that you include clear photographs, diagrams, and other forms of visual content and that you keep the number of words you use to a minimum.

An Appealing Picture

You have to frame your products and services marketing and promotions in a style that appeals to potential customers. You can accomplish this by following the tips below.

A Unique Experience

Consumers like products that have the power to appeal to their desires and interests. You can elicit desirability by rewarding loyal consumers with freebies or gifts. It’s a natural human instinct to want to repay the favors given. However, the gift should be as unique as possible. 

It’s essential to frame your gift to make the recipient feel unique and special. For example, when a consumer buys something from you, you can give them a personalized cup. As a result, consumers repay your kindness by returning to your store and making another purchase.

Know Your Consumers

Marketing a product to a specific demographic requires taking their preferences into account. Several factors influence an individual’s preferences, such as their tastes, preferences, and predispositions. Therefore, ensure your product frames your customers’ preferences.

Learn what a customer likes and doesn’t like about a product or service you’re offering. Try to focus on the features of your item that are most appealing to them. For instance, they found that your product was more affordable than similar ones offered by competitors. 

Therefore, you need to ensure that your advertisements frame in a way to convey the message that your items offer better value for the money.

Associate Products With a Lifestyle

Lifestyle marketing may be highly beneficial to a wide range of businesses. However, you must first know the values and goals of your customers to market your business to them effectively. The purpose of lifestyle companies is to inspire, guide, and motivate customers in their pursuit of a better way of life. 

The desire of consumers to feel as though they are a part of a particular social group is something that lifestyle companies capitalize on. People become attached to brands when they have an emotional bond with them. For instance, Coca-Cola frames its advertising to promote its product’s happy image to consumers.

Product Value

Consider charging customers based on the product’s value rather than its cost. Value-based pricing is based on the strength of the advantages you can demonstrate to clients. For example, you can frame your marketing campaign in such a manner as to indicate that your product has a better value. Even though it is initially more expensive because the after-sales service that you provide is more extensive.

Framing is Essential

How you frame and present your product will influence whether or not you successfully make the sale. This is because every product has both good and bad characteristics. Your goal is to make them believe that your product offers the best value when compared to those provided by your competitors. 

The post How to Implement the Framing Effect in Marketing Campaigns appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Increased Brand Awareness

Implementing a social media plan will significantly boost brand recognition. Encourage workers, partners, and sponsors to “like” and “share” your page. Each shared post will introduce you to a new network of people. It might also produce a large audience for your business if used regularly.

You can include your brand in images to help increase the visibility of your logo or name. A strong visual can help you achieve high brand recognition. You can also use gifs or memes to respond to comments or spice up your feed.

Increase Website Traffic

Posts on social media and advertisements are effective ways to generate website visitors. Sharing high-quality material from your blog or website on social media is a terrific method to gain newcomers.

One of the most effective ways for increasing website traffic is optimization. Social media profiles, like your website, should be thoroughly optimized as it is excellent SEO practice.

Make sure you include relevant keywords in your social media bios.

Instagram’s massive reach makes it a perfect platform for marketing your business or website. The platform provides a variety of advertising possibilities, and its highly visual nature makes content creation easy.

Every Instagram user can post a link in their bio. This is the only area on your profile where you can directly add a link, so be sure to use it.

Your Instagram bio should always include a link to the website you want users to visit. Instead, consider connecting to a specific page or product on your website. Including terms like “link in our bio” in your posts is an excellent way to increase the number of people who click on them and help your social media marketing strategy.

Generate Leads

Use social media to connect with potential customers and generate leads. By producing relevant and informative material, you may attract new visitors seeking information about your products or services. This will improve the ranking and exposure of your website, as well as stimulate interest in your products and services.

Allowing potential leads to view customer testimonials helps boost your brand’s reputation and gives potential clients the extra nudge down through your sales funnel.

Also, social media is an excellent place for displaying customer testimonials. Take the opportunity to demonstrate how each happy customer has benefitted from your business, as well as how you’ve helped them in overcoming common consumer issues.

Running social media ads includes collecting essential data, analyzing it, then using it to more efficiently find your target audience. Ultimately, the goal is to minimize the cost of acquiring a lead. For some industries, this can be a very effective way to generate more leads.

The most popular social media platform for lead generation is Facebook. One of the reasons many businesses use it to market their products is because it offers the lowest CPC rates. Businesses can set up their own Facebook page, and the people who like the page are potential leads.

Go Viral

Going viral is not an easy task, but it would be nearly impossible without social media. Your content travels over the Internet when individuals share it with their networks, and their networks do the same.

Viral marketing is a combination of strategy and chance. The brilliance of this method is that posts frequently become viral by accident. When the post contains a product, it is common for the product to sell out for months at a time. TikTok is an example of a viral marketing hub. All types of content have the potential to go viral. If a product is mentioned in a post, expect it to sell out quickly!

Since viral material is shared by users, it does not require a large advertising budget. Small businesses can increase their lifetime orders because of a viral TikTok video. Rapid growth like this brings rapid lead generation and sales.

Featured items find their way into the media when posts go viral. This leads to a significant increase in exposure and brand recognition. 

Customer and Audience Engagement

Social media engagement is a broad term that involves a range of metrics used to determine how many people interact with your business across various social media platforms. On the surface, this can include your posts’ comments, likes, and shares.

Identifying your target demographic and consumers will enable you to better appeal to them. Indeed, the language, tone, and visual content used will depend on their age, gender, and interests.

Also, don’t be afraid to show your business’s personal and human side. This will make your brand more appealing and relatable to customers and help your social media marketing strategy. 

Keeping up with current events and conversations will keep your content relevant. This could include hot topics in pop culture, holidays, athletic events, and memes.

The best way to keep in touch with your customers is through a social media community. When you interact with your social followers in their preferred manner, you boost your exposure and reach. Having a community of loyal customers can help you stay relevant in the market for a long time.

The post 5 Advantages of Having a Social Media Marketing Strategy for Small Businesses appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Bringing these two aspects together isn’t always easy, but you can learn how in this article. You aim to please both your readers and Google. Find a good balance between the two, watch your content rank higher, and rake in more website visits.

There’s a sort of formula used to achieve this. A cheat sheet if you will. Let’s dive in and examine how to get the most out of your writing.

Important Pointer: Keyword Research

Keywords are the reason for your writing. Okay, your audience is, but you must adapt your content to what your audience looks for online. That’s the first way to ensure someone will read your blog posts. 

Keyword research will tell you what topics to focus on and the keywords to include in your writing. Choose wisely what you focus on! It will guide where the meat of your text goes and should be as extensive as possible.

So now you know what to write about and should get to the actual writing. Let’s see. What should it look like?

Here are 9 steps to an SEO-friendly blog post.

9 Tips on How to Write an SEO-Friendly Blog Post

Here you’ll learn how to churn out great content.

1. Think It Through

Stop! Don’t just dive in without direction!

What do you want to say? What angle would you like your post to take? Maybe there’s a question you would like to answer? Is there something specific you would like your readers to have achieved after reading your post? 

Some writers want their audience to complete a certain action at the end, so the writing must be compelling and convincing. 

Use your search terms or keywords to find the best possible direction for this. You can look at it as letting your readers guide you.

2. Structure Your Post

Order is essential in a blog post. A basic structure comprises:

• the introduction, where you introduce your topic and give a little teaser to your readers
• the body, where the main story goes
• The conclusion, where you draw a conclusion or give a short post recap.

Figure out what you want to say in every part and write it down briefly. It’ll help guide your train of thought along the way. You want your ideas to flow naturally into each other so your audience can easily follow.

3. Break It Down

Have you ever looked at prose that has no breaks? Or the opposite: content that is in single sentences like a kindergarten storybook. It can be annoying and tiring to read.

Paragraphs help to organize content neatly. Use a different paragraph for every idea, and always summarize your point. Lengthy paragraphs are quite the eyesore and could make your reader skim over your work instead of properly reading it.

Headings add to the structure of an article and will guide readers on what to expect next. Subheadings also add to your SEO ranking. Throw in a keyword in one or two, and it gets even better.

4. Utilize Related Keywords

Utilizing semantic keywords is the best tip on how to write an SEO-friendly blog post. Keywords are great, but using them too many times in a single post makes your work look unnatural. It’s known as keyword stuffing and could make your rankings tank. 

Instead, use synonyms and alternative related words. Google will analyze your content for these, thus understanding your subject matter better. It’s getting smarter and wants readers to enjoy their reading.   

5. Use Transitional Words and Phrases

These show a relationship between different sentences and paragraphs. Phrases like ‘read on’ tell them there’s more to expect. ‘In short’ or ‘in a nutshell’ tells the reader a conclusion is coming. 

Transitional words will help your audience scan through your content since they add structure.

6. Add Links To Existing Content

Have you written on the subject on your website before? Let people know by linking to those other posts. 

You want your audience to focus on you and your work. It makes you look like an authority on the subject and improves rankings. Link to other authority sites, but be sure not to link to your competition.

7. Mind the Length

Google prefers you do lengthy articles, but what do your readers think? Depending on your subject of choice, writing skills, and audience, try to make your posts at least 300 words.

Whether long or short, remember to ensure it’s an SEO-friendly blog post.

8. Utilize SEO Tools

SEO analysis can be tricky but is necessary for this domain. You want your content to have a high chance of ranking well for your chosen keywords.

This is where SEO tools and plugins come in. What difference will they make?

• SEO tools suggest related key phrases. 
• These tools tell you how many times you should add your keywords and where to add them.
• They check your text for readability.
• You can check for both internal and external links in your content.
• They tell you whether you’ve used the keyword on another page so that you don’t compete with yourself for ranking.

All these aspects improve the quality of content you’re putting out. Isn’t that what you’re ultimately aiming for?

9. Put Fresh Eyes on It

Sometimes we write and some mistakes make it past. If you have someone who can look at your work before publishing it, that’s a great asset. They may notice something you missed and improve the whole article. Getting an expert on the subject matter is a plus since they can help refine the content.

Communicating your message to your audience is a necessity in this business. Otherwise, why would you write? Look for opinions on readability and whether the message hits home.

Conclusion

Now you have what you need to create amazing articles for your website. Go ahead and publish as often as possible so that Google knows your website is alive and should rank you higher. Take it a notch higher and use it for business! 

The post How To Write An SEO-Friendly Blog Post  appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

1. Buyer Persona

 Even though creating a buyer persona is the most common thing you do in the beginning of the campaigns –  it is crucial to give it a look across multiple stages of your online marketing. More so, if your business has seen any of the following changes:

• Introduced new products or services
• Modified the existing ones
• Scaled your business (either up or down)

You can conduct research, surveys, and interviews; look at your customer feedback and customer satisfaction metrics to help you frame a more precise buyer persona for the future. 

2. Audit Your 2021 KPIs

In businesses, what you can’t see doesn’t exist. To level-up your online marketing in 2022, it’s important to see how you did this past year, which will help you pivot, optimize, or re-strategize whenever needed.

• Conversion Rates: how many people convert from visitors to customers?
• Customer Loyalty: count your repeat customers.
• Social Media Reach and Engagement: what are the number of likes, comments, subscribers, etc.?
• Inbound Link Building: how many people are linking to your website?

Tools to track your past year’s KPIs:

Google Analytics: view all important KPIs like bounce rate and traffic in one place

Twitter Analytics: to track people’s engagement there

Social Sprout:  a social media enabling and social listening tool (more on this later)

Ahrefs and Semrush: measure inbound links

Funnelytics: to visualize the performance of your customer journeys

Hotjar: Data-driven user insights and more

3. Social Listening Tools

Social media listening is important because it offers direct windows to what your customer thinks about your business at a ground level.

It is also something you need to do constantly as customers’ expectations of your business and how they feel about your business are dynamic.

Moreover, these tools analyze all your brand mentions in the form of comments, tags, etc and tell you if they’re positive, negative, or neutral – offering you highly valuable insights to tailor your online marketing endeavors.

Here are some good social media listening tools:

• Social Sprout
• HootSuite
• Falcon.io
• Buffer
• Keyhole
• BuzzSumo

 4. Automation

Did you know that 63% of companies using marketing automation outperformed competitors? (Moosend)

Automation in digital marketing can help you:

• Mitigate human error and lags
• Takes away simple, high-frequency tasks from your people, freeing them for complex tasks
• Make customers happy

Additionally, here are ways to automate online marketing processes:

• Social media: Buffer and HootSuite helps you automatically post on social media after you’ve scheduled the posts.
• Ticketing software: Zendesk helps you send tickets after a customer or visitor reaches out to you, reducing FRTs.
• Conversational Chatbots: ManyChat and Tidio use AI and ML to answer customers’ and visitors’ basic FAQs.
• Emails: Mailchimp helps you send automated and personalized emails.

5. Watch Trends

Watching trends will help you stay up to date with all that’s happening in online marketing. Here’s how to do it:

• Follow blogs that will help you stay updated with the latest digital marketing insights. Some examples are here and here.
• Be a part of LinkedIn groups on digital marketing.
• See what your peers and industry leaders are doing.

6. Personalize

Customers crave a personalized experience. Here are some numbers to support that.

71% of consumers get frustrated when a shopping experience is impersonal. (Segment)

80% of consumers are more likely to make a purchase from a brand that provides personalized experiences. (Epsilon)

80% of frequent shoppers only shop with brands that personalize the experience. (SmarterHQ)

Some tips for personalized online marketing:

• Collect and leverage customer data
• Make conversations human even when online through live chats
• Send personalized emails and texts
• Send special coupons and discount offers (especially on birthdays)

 7. Revamp Website

The goal of all digital marketing efforts is to bring customers to our website and convert them. Therefore, it is important to keep websites up to date in terms of speed, aesthetics, and even safety.

For example, here are some ways how:

Improve Hosting: makes websites fast and safe. Here’s how to choose the best hosting for WordPress websites. 

Attractive Landing Pages and CTAs: this directly helps in lead generation.

Overall branding: Logaster, a brand-building company, offers solutions from business name generation to business card designers and offers a wide variety of digital branding tools.

8. Focus on CX

The merrier your customers, the better your ROI. So, make customers feel good across the journey, from connecting with them through live chat to sending them personalized offers and targeting them with tailored marketing messages. 

9. Optimize for Voice 

Have a list of conversational keywords that prospects might use to search for your business. Adding those to your on-site content can help it become conversational and also make voice search keywords detectable. Hopefully, this video by Neil Patel, the world’s top digital marketer, will help optimize for voice and level-up your online marketing strategy.

10. Investigate Your Competitors

The first thing to do to optimize digital marketing is to see what your competitors are doing to increase their presence online.

Here’s how to do a quick competition analysis:

• Ahrefs, to know the competition’s search results rankings
• SEMrush, for insights on their paid ads
• GeoRanker, for researching your competition’s local directory profiles

So, to see their email marketing campaigns, just sign into one. We guarantee this will yield highly valuable insights.

Cheers to More ROIs

It’s easy to level-up your online marketing. So, we hope this article gives you actionable insights that you can take to your desks and start getting the ROIs on your digital marketing campaigns that you’ve always desired.

The post 10 Advanced Ways To Level-Up Your Online Marketing in 2022 appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Based on the Agora Model, clients move from social sites to blogs. Then they may download a valuable resource to become a qualified lead.

This means you have to focus on marketing your blog to social sites! Yes, that’s how to grow to the first 1K visits a month.

Blog Traffic Killers

You know that the cheapest way to increase traffic to a website is to use free social channels. Here are some blog traffic killers.

Fewer Views on YouTube

YouTube is the second largest search engine after Google. And in fact, Video marketing outperforms text, audio, and slides by far. So, you need a small community on YouTube. If you publish the content customers want consistently, you will soon refer YouTube traffic to your blog.

Low Engagement on Facebook

Facebook is still a good marketing channel for B2C and D2C businesses. Consumer businesses like eCommerce, Amazon FBA, Dropshipping, and some coaching programs ought to produce valuable videos for their community. You can create a Facebook group, which serves the interests of your target clients. To keep users engaged and make emotional rather than logical posts.

Low Twitter Engagement

Omni-channel marketers should also have a Twitter account. First, for omnipresence, and secondly, for listening to consumer feedback. A good Twitter marketing plan can make your product trend for specific hashtags and locations. To get engagement, get followers manually and create valuable Twitter threads. If you ever want to boost responses, you’ll also need influencer marketing as your Twitter marketing plan.

Hidden Gems on Homepage

Most businesses have case studies, irrevocable proof, and success stories of their product. Others have utility tools, eBooks, calculators, and white papers, posted on their blog page. It’s common sense to bring focus to this valuable content on your homepage so it sends traffic to your blog. But very few people do it. If you have a video tutorial, for example, place it on the hero section, rather than near the CTA.

Weak Value Proposition

If you’re an AWS partner, you know the main problems customers want to be solved are reducing cloud costs and improving security. These keywords will bring you the most traffic compared to getting compliant. Use tools like AnswerThePublic to get main keywords and related keywords for your blog. These will be more meritorious than a press release of a recent hire who is ‘supposed to grow your blog.

Blog Traffic Boosters

The cheapest way to drive quality traffic to a website is to use one of these traffic boosters.

Boost Your Domain Authority to 40 and Outrank Competition

Begin by identifying SEO Competitors you’d want to outrank. Check their domain authority using the Moz SEO tool. If you’re in a specialized niche, chances are most or all of your competitor page authorities will be below 40. This could mean they have a low number of backlinks from highly authoritative sites. You can use freelance content writers to help with blog outreach and link building. In 6-12 months, you’ll start to see your articles’ rankings. And as they rank, your blog traffic will increase.

Increase Page Speed on Mobile

Take the Google Page speed insights test. You may notice that your website loads faster on desktop than mobile. However, more traffic is now on mobile. Optimize for mobile using the AMP plugin for WordPress. Also, minimize code and image sizes.

While doing your content optimization efforts, ensure you do not affect User Experience. Indeed, SEO is all about writing for humans. As you write for humans, you optimize for search engines.

If your article goes live, ensure that all share buttons, links, and images are working on both mobile and desktop. Don’t hit publish.

How to Get Quality Traffic to Your Website

Increasing conversion rates is the hardest part. Getting traffic is the easiest part. There are a lot of job seekers and active Internet surfers. At a cheap price, you can use tools and bots to spam your article on almost every social media platform. This will get you temporary spikes as well. However, it’s what’s called weak traffic.

To get quality traffic, you have to do thorough research about your customers. You have to write about what your customers want. Also, you have to solve real problems, and even get permission to share the article. Your article has to be unique, based on real-life experience, not something found on typical Internet advice.

Everyone is looking for the cheapest way to drive traffic. And that’s the process we use. It almost always yields traffic with high intent. Certainly, some people ask: “Is Facebook good for B2B Marketing?” Even on Facebook, you can get traffic that’s likely to reap your recurring revenue for years.

The post How To Get Quality Traffic To Your Website in 90 Days or Less appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

If you stick with us, we are about to show you some useful advertising tips that you can start implementing right away. And guess what: the ones we will cover here today are free, and if not completely free, then budget-friendly. 

Let’s start with the tools you can use to advertise your business.

Cost-free Tools

In a nutshell, the common denominator for the majority of cost-free tools is content. You’ve probably heard the expression: “ Content is the king”. Good content is an absolute necessity. Why? Well, it helps you stand out among your competitors and it emphasizes your value proposition even more. Also, it makes you more visible.

Engage on Social Media

Speaking of free advertising, what better than social media. The major mistake people make is that they don’t engage with their audience or with other potential partners or influencers. Speak up, share your opinion on relevant matters and draw attention when starting a company. 

Promote your blogs, follow other influential people, take part in online conferences, and create polls. Regularly posting quality content, content that your audience will benefit from, is one of the best advertising strategies you can do. And it’s free. In reality, you can hardly make a mistake here. The only mistake you can make is being dormant and just lingering on social media without providing value for your business.

Email Campaigns

Although some people may complain that there are too many emails nowadays, the fact remains that most business communications come from emails themselves. With the help of email automation tools (many of them, like AWeber offer automation in their free plans), you can really keep your clients engaged by creating welcome emails, thank you emails, email newsletters. You just schedule them according to your business priorities and they pretty much do the work for you. They are a great time saver.

Blogging

The power of words, be it spoken or written is undeniable. It’s the strongest “weapon” because it hits directly into the heart. What better way to advertise starting a company than to write blogs? Use your expertise and make a blog easy to read. Make it entertaining while shedding some light on the hottest topics from your industry. 

Blogs are a great way to show your knowledge, engage with your audience and also do some networking. You can present your business, show what sets you apart from your competitors and where your value lies. There are educational platforms for entrepreneurs that post blogs and other educational material. These platforms could be a great place to share your wisdom and attract new customers or build powerful business relationships. 

Word-of-Mouth Advertising

It goes without saying that we live in a digital age, but word-of-mouth advertising should definitely not be underestimated. Why? The answer is very simple: people buy from companies they trust. You know yourself that trust is one of the most difficult things to build because it takes lots of time and patience. 

However, with word-of-mouth advertising that process goes much faster. Your loyal customers will spread the word to their friends, families, and colleagues. Those people would be more inclined to buy from you because someone they trust recommended you. You don’t need to go through hoops to earn their trust. 

You already got yourself a nice foundation on which you can continue to build your business relations. And although it isn’t directly linked to advertising, don’t forget to reward your loyal customers. Show them how much you appreciate them.

Partnership and Branding

When you are a small business, partnering with other respectable brands can make you more visible and attract more leads. At the same time, don’t forget about your own brand. Your brand is your ambassador. Thus, it needs to be in line with your business mission and value proposition. The key is consistency so that people can start connecting the brand with you. Consistency in this case equals trust and a sense of security. 

Moreover, it makes your business more memorable. In order to achieve consistency, make sure to use the same “voice,” the same visual branding across all social media channels. Emphasize your (key) value proposition so that the next time somebody sees your logo, for example, they immediately recognize it and know what to expect.

Internal Communication

All the advertising tools that we presented in the lines above are there to help you grow your business and connect more with your target audience. However, you should bear in mind that all these tools can’t compensate for the lack of internal communication in your company/team. It is essential that you nurture this type of communication in order to really create a high-quality working environment. 

This environment will further impact the work processes, and ultimately, the way you deliver your product. To think that the relations within the company/team don’t affect the relations with your customers would be a huge mistake. 

The statistics clearly show how important this aspect is and how often we neglect it. If you are unsure where to start from, check these internal communication examples from companies like Amazon, Netflix, Starbucks, etc. You can also check the statistics while you are at it. It will give you a great(er) insight into the importance of internal communication.

Try implementing some of these advertising tips for small businesses. They can set you apart from the competition without blowing your budget or your time.

The post Starting a Company: Tools for Advertising and Communication appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

As a business owner, you might be wondering whether getting a virtual debit card would be of any use to your company, or streamline your finances even as you expand your operations. With this in mind, below are reasons why you should consider getting a virtual debit card for your business. But first, you need to know what a virtual debit card is. 

What’s a Virtual Debit Card?

A virtual debit card is a digital version of the physical debit card linked to your underlying debit card. Besides being virtual, it includes all other aspects of the physical debit card, such as debit card number, cardholder name, card verification value (CVV) code, and expiration date. It also has a 16-digit randomly-generated number.  

You can quickly and easily make payments over your phone or online payments using the virtual debit card. However, you can’t use this card to withdraw money from your account. 

Reasons to Get a Virtual Debit Card

Using a virtual debit card service will provide you with a couple of benefits. These include: 

1. Reduced Number of Payment Fraud Incidents

Traditional physical cards create an easy target for theft, either by getting cloned or being stolen. But when using a virtual debit card to do your business transactions, you enjoy greater security from fraud and theft. This is because you can easily deactivate your virtual debit card in minutes. You also don’t share bank account numbers. Thus, you can enjoy greater peace of mind when making online payments.

In addition, they don’t have visible card numbers and magnetic strips present on physical cards. Hence, it becomes harder for unauthorized individuals to hack into your account. Some virtual cards also require face scans or PIN details before accessing your account. 

You can also set your virtual debit card to be single-use and expire immediately after using it. This offers you further protection by ensuring your card is not used by unscrupulous dealers. Nonetheless, make sure to use a virtual debit card issued by a trustworthy provider. This way, you can be certain that their card network boasts excellent security features and extensive fraud checks.

2. Improved Oversight And Accountability

In business, you need to be accountable for every penny you spend or you risk experiencing cash flow problems or suffering considerable losses. This is where using a virtual debit card comes in handy, as it allows you to have excellent oversight and accountability for all your business transactions. 

With the virtual debit card, you’ll be able to determine how and where all your money is going as each transaction is automatically recorded in the card management system. This saves your accounts department the hassle of manually checking the expense receipts to validate each transaction, which is often time-consuming. So, you can easily and effectively monitor and control as you can easily know how every penny is spent. 

The card also comes in handy if different employees use the same virtual card to make different transactions. You can also set limits each of your staff can spend to further boost transparency and prevent any violation. This allows you, as the business owner, greater control of uses in company finances and ensures increased accountability.  

3. Convenience For E-Commerce Activities

Running a business is highly engaging and requires you, as the entrepreneur, to be fully committed to the daily operations of your enterprise. Using the virtual debit card offers you this freedom because you don’t need to physically go to the bank to complete a transaction. Additionally, you can do the transactions 24/7, unlike a physical bank operating at certain hours. 

Getting a virtual debit card also doesn’t require you to file a lot of paperwork. Along with taking a lot of time, paperwork increases the chances of making a mistake. Also, you can start right away instead of waiting 7 to 14 days for your account to start running. This is because you can handle everything conveniently and quickly using your computer. As a result, you can shift your focus to other vital matters relating to running your business. 

4. Promotes Teamwork

Another advantage of virtual debit cards is that it promotes teamwork among the employees within your business. This is because your staff will constantly need to communicate with each other when keeping track of their spending. Doing this helps to inspire collaboration within them, and they’ll find ways how they can reduce their spending. This will help the team come up with a fixed budget they can use to guide them for quarterly campaigns. 

5. Saves Your Organization Time And Money

Time and money are two precious assets you don’t want to waste in business. Utilizing a virtual debit card ensures that wasting time and money doesn’t happen because you can quickly get one at the click of a button, unlike physical cards that require manual work for making payments. You can start using virtual debit cards to do transactions, which in business is vital considering every minute counts if you want to remain competitive.

The use of these cards saves you money because digital transactions are faster and cheaper. This is because regular admin tasks are cheaper when making digital transactions. 

6. Helps You Take Back Power From Vendors

Once a vendor has your card information, they can charge you each time they want. Because of this, you might find your subscription lasting longer than you wish. Using a virtual debit card account, you can prevent this as it offers you greater control over all your online subscriptions. Accordingly, prevention allows unnecessary payments from being charged to your account if an employee forgot to cancel a subscription. 

Takeaway

Virtual debit cards are the go-to option nowadays among many businesses for both online and offline transactions. This especially comes in handy as a business owner because you’ll need to make a lot of business-to-business (B2B) transactions to pay buyers or suppliers, and you don’t want to waste precious time physically lining up at your local bank. Detailed in this post is an outline of why getting a virtual debit card can be a wise move for your business in case you have even the slightest reservations. 

The post Debit Card: Why Your Business Needs to Go Virtual appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

But not all small businesses can afford to hire these specialists.

The good news is, that you can easily increase the conversion rates of your campaigns without spending any extra money on specialists.

The facts are, that there are many factors that make a potential customer take an action. If you tweak any of these factors, chances are, you’ll increase conversion rates.

What does ‘increase conversion rate’ mean?

In internet marketing, increasing conversion rates involves optimizing a page for higher response. If you run Facebook Ads, you want more clicks. Entrepreneurs using landing pages want more sales. You may want more subscribers to your email list, more clicks for your emails, or maybe even more sales for your Shopify store.

If you have low conversion rates, you have erratic sales and if you have erratic sales, you have no business. For startups, increasing conversion rates should be the main business.

Web traffic is a vanity metric, while conversion rates are a true metric directly tied to sales. Unless you’re a mainstream publication relying on sponsored ads for revenue, your focus should be on getting conversions.

How do you boost conversions on low-traffic websites?

The best way to increase conversion rates on new sites is to write a sales page around specific long-tail transactional keywords.

I consult with small tech businesses a lot because my goal is to apply the skills I’ve learned, from leading marketing agencies to small startups.

Most small businesses have good products. Some run ads and get significant traffic, but no sales. They often think they need more traffic so they can get more paid customers.

Not so. The truth is if you can’t get one out of 100 people to take an action, you can’t get 10 out of 1,000 people to take action.

For this reason, most startups misfire their marketing efforts. They get little to no results, end up discouraged and finally give up.

But with good conversion rates, even a low-traffic website is a goldmine.

As a freelancer, I can honestly say that 8 people out of 100 people who visited my site downloaded my free eBook.

Eight is a low number for a free eBook download. But in comparison with other B2B sites that get 0.01% conversion rates, I’m 800 times ahead. It may not bring a direct income since the eBook is free, but the conversion rate acts as a vote of confidence to scale my marketing efforts with a larger budget.

Because small businesses often rely on social media, you have to increase conversion rates at all stages of your funnel.

• If you increase conversion rates on your Ads by 1.4X (40% more), and on your landing page by 1.10X (10% more) — that’s a 1.51X increase in conversion rate and sales.

Checklist: Increase your conversion rate by 1.4X on Google Ads.

Whether you run ads on Google, Instagram, or YouTube, chances are, your ad will be ignored. Why? Well, customers are actually looking for information and people, not ads.

So the best use of search engines such as Google is to make your ad mimic an informational piece, a.k.a. an advertorial. For YouTube, use infomercials and influencer partnerships. This is known as social search. For Facebook, use infomercials and viral-type ads. And if you’re advertising in an official-like trade publication, use a corporate style.

The secret is to blend with the platform so you get their attention. You are there to seek attention, you should not be ignored.

The small business product for this demo is CRM software.

• Did I use an advertorial style…instead of typical ads?
• Does my headline appeal to self-interest rather than general appeals?
  • Can you be a better email marketer rather than the best CRM software for email marketers?
• Do I add some curiosity to my headline?
  • Lessons from Hilary Clinton: Use emails to make you a better email marketer.
  • Look to Quora headlines to get a sense of curiosity.
• For social ads, do my ads invite a conversation?
  • The goal is to engage. Filter top posts on Reddit or any platform…that’s how your advertorial should look.
• Do you push your ads organically?
  • If you have the best product, you will want to do everything to ensure it reaches everyone.
• Is your product unique?
  • This “wow factor” causes products to trend (and even go viral).
• Did you add some urgency?
  • Why should people click now? Limited availability, limited editions?

Checklist: Designing websites that convert.

So which methods can you use to increase conversion rates on low-traffic and new sites?

• Messaging: Does my landing page stick to the principle of copy focus…or are ideas all over the place?
• Do my hero area and headline solve an urgent problem, call out a target customer, and continue the conversation from the advertorial?
• Does my product/service have credibility and proof elements, education, statistics, examples, case studies, track record, and demonstrations to back up my claims?
• Do I make a big, believable, unique promise?
  • This is the only way to move a saturated market.
• Do I have a clear call to action, and an irresistible offer someone would be dumb to ignore? A.K.A. “value.”

You’d be surprised at how many websites fail at each of these.

eCommerce: How to Increase Your Conversion Rates

Unlike B2B businesses, eCommerce drop shippers could be D2C and B2C businesses. As a result, their product pages require less copy and should be more graphic-rich. The aim of every graphic is to increase sales.

• Do I use direct response design tips?
• Do my images show the fulfillment of the promise rather than a problem, i.e. show glowing radiant skin rather than acne skin?
• UX: Is my website loading fast, with 99% uptime, with 1-3 clicks to checkout?
• Do I practice up-selling — recommending higher-priced packages, down-selling for abandoned carts, and cross-selling — recommending similar packages?
• Does my ordering system use notifications?
• Do I use countdown timers and scarcity plugins?
• Do I use customization? Am I calling visitors by name, location, using gamification techniques?

Unlike SEO, conversion rate optimization doesn’t change. These timeless principles remain evergreen.

People buy because they have a problem. All you have to do is to present a solution, like a caring friend, with utmost trust and clarity.

The post Looking to Increase Conversion Rate 1.51X? Use a Credibility Checklist. appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

In comparison to brick-and-mortar establishments, an eCommerce firm is more reliant on the goodwill of its customers. It’s actually quite straightforward. When a customer enters a typical physical store, they are more likely to make a purchase. After all, they went through the trouble of visiting the store. Furthermore, they are looking at the merchandise with the intent to purchase something. Therefore, few consumers leave a real store without purchasing something.

An eCommerce business, on the other hand, does not have this advantage. Since they are not actually ‘in’ the store, the customer can just close the link. Moving on to another site, the customer leaves no trace.

Here are some things you can do to make sure this doesn’t happen in your eCommerce store.

1. Downtime for eCommerce means off time.

One of the best aspects of an eCommerce site is that it is constantly open, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Therefore, you can take advantage of the fact that more and more people are using the internet to purchase goods and services. As a result, you can be selling your wares even while you are asleep.

That won’t happen, though, if your site crashes on a regular basis. If your site is unavailable, your target audience will most likely move on to another site rather than wait. Therefore, do everything you can to make sure that your site is stable and secure.

2. Customers don’t flock to slow-loading eCommerce websites.

An internet buyer’s typical attention span is roughly 3-4 seconds. Therefore, if your site does not load quickly enough, your clients will most likely leave. They will go elsewhere for another solution. After all, why shouldn’t they? There are millions of other online eCommerce stores to choose from. Therefore, make sure your site is as fast as possible if you want your customer to stay with you.

3. Make sure that the CTA is clear and in plain sight.

Why should your clients choose you above your competitors? It’s because of your call to action. This is the thing that leads people down the web marketing rabbit hole. You will lose a lot of clients if this call to action is not easy to see or not there in the first place. In addition, your shopping cart should be easy to find so that the customer understands how to purchase the items.

4. Get rid of things that aren’t selling well.

There are things that sell quickly and there are those that do not sell. This happens in every store. Therefore, concentrate on the former. Furthermore, removing the latter from your store is a great way to clean up your website and make it look and feel better. Dead products can halt your cash flow and, over time, bring your business to a halt.

Of course, you don’t have to throw them out. Instead, you could have a real sale. This is, of course, not a fake sale where retailers inflate prices, then cut them down to give an impression that they are on sale. Customers will buy your slower-moving products once they perceive that you are offering an opportunity to provide real value at discount prices.  You’ll also be able to get your cash flow rolling this way.

5. Check to see if your website is mobile-friendly.

The number of individuals engaging in eCommerce shopping on their cellphones has risen considerably in recent years. Furthermore, there are no signs that this trend will slow down anytime soon. This means that a website that isn’t mobile-friendly will miss out on the entire market. Therefore, it is critical that your website become more mobile-friendly. That way it will be easily viewable even on a small screen.

Apart from that, you should improve your SEO tactics. This will help your site appear in organic search results.

6. Include a live chat feature on your eCommerce site.

By answering all of your consumers’ inquiries, live chats will help to gently encourage them towards making a purchase choice. It’s an excellent approach to increase conversion rates and keep your target market happy. Even if they don’t buy the product, they’ll return back because of the timeliness and quality of your response. They will, at the absolute least, bookmark your website.

7. Use residential proxies to help you improve your business’s eCommerce shopping experience.

You can use residential proxies for market research to gain valuable data on your target audience’s purchasing behavior. At the same time, they’ll keep your identity hidden.

If you truly want to increase sales and improve your business’s eCommerce shopping experience, you must ensure that your site is free of latency and downtime. Furthermore, you should employ residential proxies to assist you in conducting market research on your target audience.

Image Credit: Pixabay; Pexels; Thank you!

The post eCommerce Shopping Experience Enhancements appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

In the end, your customer service personnel is the face of your organization, and their skills and quality will define their experiences. A powerful company already has amazing customers. Good customer service is about being attentive to your clients’  needs and wants. Furthermore, your connections will stagnate if you don’t always look for ways to improve customer service.

Here are some customer service tips to help your team improve:

Tip #1. Improve customer service abilities.

First, make sure your customer care crew has the capabilities to handle consumer requests. No amount of CRM software can make up for this. But what abilities should a customer service rep have?

• A sense of humor. Customers may be enraged. Others will be perplexed. Others will simply chatter. Your team must be able to handle them all and deliver the same level of service.
• Adaptability. Every consumer is unique, and some appear to change from week to week. Therefore, you should be able to handle the unexpected and adjust to the customer’s mood. Good customer service requires a constant learning process.
• Excellent Communication Skills Make sure you say exactly what you mean. No one wants to think they’re getting 50% off when they’re actually getting 50% more merchandise. Furthermore, never finish a conversation without confirming that the customer is satisfied.
• Work Ethic. Customers appreciate a rep that will follow up on their issue. At the same time, you must be able to manage your time well and not waste it on one customer while others wait. Therefore, focus is necessary in order to strike the correct balance.
• Knowledge. In the end, your customers rely on your product knowledge. Therefore, know enough to answer most questions and know where to go if the questions are too difficult or technical. However, don’t be afraid to say that you don’t know. Your customers will appreciate both your diligence and your candor.
• Thick Skin. Accepting blame or negative feedback is vital. Customer satisfaction is paramount, whether your team interacts directly with clients or solicits input via social media.

2. Examine each touchpoint.

A poor customer experience at any point in the lifecycle of your relationship can be damaging. Therefore, you must have the right skills available at the right time. In addition, focus on critical touchpoints. However, also ensure that you have a complete picture of the client experience in order to avoid costly service gaps.

3. Improve customer interactions.

It helps if your personnel has the right skills. However, they must still relate to your customers. Here are some customer service tips for providing the best service:

• Ask salespeople to find common ground with the people they assist. This knowledge helps resolve conflicts by humanizing the relationship and endears clients to your rep and ultimately to your company.
• Actively listen to your customers. Ask questions to clarify and restate what customers say. Encourage them by saying things such as, “I understand how you feel” or “I understand your frustration.”
• Admit your faults, even if you find them first. This restores confidence and trust.
  It also allows you to regain control of the situation and fix the issue.
• After-problem follow-up. Make sure there is resolution and that your consumers are happy. Sending a follow-up email or feedback survey shows the customer you are still on their side.

4. Expand your customer service strategy.

Your employees may be able to interact with your clients. However, how do you please customers as an organization? Therefore, make your customers happy with you before they have a chance to complain. How do you do this?

• Be Persuasive. Your customers want to talk to real people, not bots or FAQs.
  Therefore, make use of social media and make comments to your consumers’ posts. In addition, publish images and bios online. This demonstrates to your clients that you are human.
• Show up. Providing a personal touch includes being accessible. Always be flexible, especially if your clients are in different time zones.
• Cater to your clients. Ensure you thoroughly satisfy your customers. Therefore, consider assigning salespeople to individual clients to foster relationships. In addition, show your appreciation by giving your finest customers VIP treatment.
• Form groups. Treat your consumers like valuable members of a community. You can connect customers via webinars, social media, interactive websites, trade exhibits, or conferences.

5. Reps who are engaged are more effective.

The best customer service skills and training in the world won’t matter if your reps are less than enthusiastic. Improving employee engagement also benefits customers. Employees that are unhappy are unlikely to speak up. Therefore, consider an anonymous tip box or an employee engagement survey.

A supportive staff is one of the best customer service tips. Sometimes that means huddling up and encouraging yourselves before a long day of work.

6. Allow customers to submit feedback.

No matter how proactive you are, you can never anticipate every client’s concerns. Therefore, create an easy mechanism for customers to provide feedback. That way, you can learn about their experiences.

Furthermore, having a way for customers to provide feedback makes it easier to learn what needs improving. Additionally, it keeps angry consumers from venting on public forums like your social media platforms. Your customers will always notice your commitment to offering top-notch, proactive customer service.

Image Credit: Andrea Piacquadio; Pexels; Thank you!

The post 6 Ways to Help Your Team Improve on Their Customer Service appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Social Proof: More Vital Than Ever.

According to recent research, 98% of shoppers will read product reviews before buying. Also, 21% of shoppers use the internet daily to research local companies. 35% of buyers did so weekly. In fact, only 1% of buyers never look for social proof while researching local businesses.

While most entrepreneurs recognize the value of social proof, they are often unsure how to apply it in e-commerce. These strategies can help you make consumer feedback a driving factor in your store’s success.

1. Use Visuals to Highlight Customer Reviews

To show client testimonials on your ecommerce website, you must first attract your audience’s attention. And what better method than to use a visual presentation? The human brain can evaluate visuals and assign meaning to them in as little as 13 milliseconds.

Therefore,  if you can show social evidence on your site with screenshots, photographs, or videos, you should.

2. Improve Your Social Proof

Making your ecommerce site’s social proof more engaging is another wonderful method to attract users. Videos are a great way to communicate personal tales. Client-made videos are a great method to demonstrate to potential customers what they can expect from your brand’s offerings.

You can use live updates on Shopify ecommerce sites to spice up social proof.

3. Ask Experts for Advice

Visual presentation and clever methods can help you maximize social proof in e-commerce. However, they won’t always provide you with the advantages you need to stand out. This is especially true in a low-trust industry like fashion or wellness.

Experts in your field may be able to help you persuade potential clients that your company will deliver on its promises. It’s true that some potential customers may be hesitant to try new products. Therefore, it’s wise to use social proof from a recognized professional or influencer.

This is a terrific method to build consumer trust. However, if finding an industry insider to endorse your product isn’t feasible, you can still leverage someone’s authority to generate brand trust. Obtaining third-party ratings and trust badges is a great way to do so.

4. Be open about your customers.

For example, too many online firms have abused client testimonials in the past. Amazon claims to have erased 200 million suspected fraudulent reviews in 2020. The CMA also found over 16,000 Facebook and Instagram groups where marketers paid for false reviews.

If you run an ecommerce business and are still trying to break through in a competitive market, the widespread distrust from phony reviews is a serious issue. After all, how can customers tell if the social evidence on your site is genuine?

There are a few ways to validate the social proof on your homepage. For example, you can identify “verified buyers” in your reviews. This means that each review includes a profile photo, a name, a trust badge, and information about the goods purchased.

5. Increase Social Proof with Marketing Campaigns

Don’t forget that getting folks to leave a comment isn’t always easy. The truth is that less than half of consumers will post a comment. With this in mind, it’s reasonable to infer that getting client testimonials is the first step to fully leveraging their power.

Therefore, create an automatic email campaign to do this. In addition, create a follow-up email asking customers to leave reviews and schedule it to go out a few days after they receive their products.

Further, use social media to engage with existing consumers and urge them to become brand ambassadors. If you sell things that appear excellent in images and videos, you should encourage your customers to submit their own content.

In addition, you can encourage buyers to tag you in social media posts. Create hashtags that users can use on photographs of your merchandise. Additionally, you can hold contests where people must submit a testimonial to win a gift. You make the call. However, rest assured, the outcome will be fantastic.

Conclusions

Using social proof can help your ecommerce business stand out. Just providing reviews or ratings isn’t enough anymore. Therefore, in 2022, to maximize social proof on your distribution channels, remember to:

• Make your testimonials aesthetically appealing.
• Use professional advice, third-party endorsements, and media references.
• Demonstrate that your product reviews are genuine.
• Encourage customers to become brand ambassadors.

This will not be a quick process. Nor will it, truthfully, ever end. However, you can trust that your efforts will be rewarded. This is especially true now that so many online shoppers read reviews.

Image Credit: Picjumbo.com; Pexels; Thank you!

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Leveraging WhatsApp’s Functionality the Right Way to Facilitate Customer Communication

Identification and connection with prospective clients are essential components of effective brand communication.

WhatsApp’s widespread usage among consumers has become a popular platform for businesses to communicate with their customers. Brands can reach out to prospective consumers in a personalized manner and via a channel they are comfortable with. As a result, reducing friction to the greatest extent is feasible.

Market Opportunity for Using WhatsApp for Your Brand

WhatsApp helps communicate with the customers, and the fact that text messages are opened at a rate of 98% makes this even superior.

Additionally, the critical advantage of communicating with consumers using a messaging app like WhatsApp is that they develop a greater sense of confidence in you. For instance, 53% of consumers indicate they would purchase if they could only reach out by text or a chat app.

WhatsApp bridges this chasm by providing a secure, high-speed connection.

Apart from that, the following factors make WhatsApp a valuable tool in the marketing arsenal of profitable businesses.

• Use of WhatsApp to strengthen customer relationships.
• Use of instant messaging to accelerate the customer sales cycle.
• Ability to generate superior sales numbers.

How Can You Develop an Effective WhatsApp Marketing Strategy?

Having a solid marketing plan is critical to getting desired outcomes in the field of marketing. Read these suggestions on WhatsApp marketing strategy to help you prepare ahead of time and make tweaks if something doesn’t work out as planned.

1. Automated Messages

WhatsApp for Business allows businesses to use templates to develop and send customized messages. Users can automate messages based on the specific question a customer is asking, the information they seek, waiting time elapsed, and availability. This feature greatly reduces the burden on staff to respond to every single message. It also assures a timely response even if your support people are overwhelmed with other tasks. Based on a customer profile, your interactions can be personalized to acknowledge wedding anniversaries, birthdays, and other unique milestones. This adds a level of personalization that helps to cement trust and may also provide a CTA to the recipient.

2. Personalize the User Experience

Consumers benefit from two-way interaction between companies and their customers since it allows them to have a more personalized experience. This decreases the likelihood of drop-off, enhances engagement, and piques the customer’s curiosity. Communication through WhatsApp also allows firms to differentiate themselves by providing a unique after-sales experience, including monitoring updates to customer feedback.

3. Cross-Selling

As soon as a direct channel of communication has been established between a business and its customer, WhatsApp can be utilized by the business to offer product upgrades or bundled products in connection with potential or completed purchases. These suggestions might range from advocating more services to recommending alternative things of superior performance or quality than the original item.

4. Make Use of Multimedia and Voice Communication

To assist your consumers, you can use WhatsApp to share geolocations, send purchase confirmations, photos, and audios, and receive videos.

Videos and memes effectively inform customers about future events or new items, leaving a lasting impression on their thoughts. However, memes, videos, and audio snippets should be succinct and to the point. Additionally, you can try using WhatsApp’s new product catalogue feature, which is advantageous if you do not have a website. Create a WhatsApp product catalogue for your consumers to view up to 500 goods. They may contact you with questions about your product. You may also provide a link to the whole product catalogue and additional distribution channels if you choose.

Lastly, implement a WhatsApp video/voice call communication system to enhance engagement with new clients and address customer service issues. When clients communicate with you through video or audio chat, they get a more personalized experience, which boosts the likelihood of upselling. Reap the advantages of WhatsApp by delivering the correct voice messages to the right consumers at the right time, determining which voice campaigns work for you, and optimizing further for a greater customer experience.

5. Segment Your Audience to Provide Them With More Personalized Experiences

Using the WhatsApp Labels feature to segment your audience is a wonderful approach to guarantee that your users have a more personalized experience on your platform. Why? Because there are likely to be varying user demographics, one marketing message may not be as effective as another in reaching them. It is critical to provide the greatest possible user experience!

Final Words

In short, to retain current customers while also extending your customer base, WhatsApp Marketing is a smart method to cut down on acquisition expenditures. Consider taking advantage of this excellent, low-cost platform to improve your sales and income. WhatsApp Business offers exceptional levels of consumer engagement and the fostering of long-term ties with customers. A quick reply can assist in developing confidence and greatly enhance conversions. WhatsApp marketing can be personalized with numerous possibilities for specialized communications such as welcome messages followed by birthday greetings and incentive points.

The post 5 WhatsApp Marketing Strategies for eCommerce Brands in 2022 appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

The advancement of technology is changing how we interact with the world. There isn’t a single business globally that hasn’t been impacted by artificial intelligence in some way or another (AI). From virtual reality (VR) gaming systems to artificial intelligence (AI) robots in industrial production, technology is advancing exponentially. And that’s not even close to Q Commerce.

However, since learning technologies and algorithms are already transforming the industry, eCommerce is especially susceptible to artificial intelligence (AI) disruption. It could alter the way we buy and sell items on the internet.

Artificial intelligence (AI) can not only do jobs that humans previously performed manually, but it can also optimize the customer experience and give businesses the information they require to make intelligent business decisions.

Here are four ways in which artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the world of e-business.

1. Artificial Intelligence Copywriting

The emergence of automatic copywriting is transforming how brands generate their sales copy and marketing materials.

Writing technologies that use artificial intelligence may generate marketing text in seconds. Instead of engaging copywriters or advertising firms to write headlines, blog introductions, or product descriptions, brands may now use artificial intelligence algorithms to accomplish the task.

These systems, which use advanced artificial intelligence language models, can provide digital ad text, social media material, and other eCommerce copy.

The majority of automated copywriting still requires manual editing. But it is well on its way to becoming a standard feature of eCommerce.

2. Chatbots and virtual assistants are two examples of artificial intelligence.

Shoppers who choose to do their shopping in a physical store benefit from the presence of clerks. An employee or assistant can aid them in navigating the store and locating what they’re looking for.

While eCommerce has always had customer care employees available to provide phone support, it wasn’t until recently that artificial intelligence (AI) could fill in the gaps and give customers more instant assistance. As eCommerce merchants strive to provide 24/7 help to all of their online consumers, chatbots and other virtual service usage is becoming more commonplace.

However, the use of natural language processing (NLP) allows these chatbots to understand and comprehend voice-based interactions with online shoppers, allowing them to provide customized offers. As a result of being programmed with self-learning skills, they are constantly increasing their ability to respond to and satisfy the wants of their customers.

3. Personalization is the next stage.

Therefore, through accurate product suggestions and advertising, AI also gives clients a more personalized experience.

Artificial intelligence algorithms will sift through massive datasets to extract meaningful insights into customer behavior. These insights will allow them to predict better what a client needs when the customer needs it. Their recommendation engine can use the information from your buying history to propose products that are similar to what you’re looking for. These days, you can even use AI scheduling tools to map out your whole day!

To give you an example, if you recently looked for sponges on Amazon, the AI algorithms will propose additional cleaning goods that are similar to sponges on your page.

However, people can also apply this artificial intelligence technology across various platforms, including websites, email, and even mobile applications. AI can assist you in providing a more delightful and simplified experience to your clients. AI can tailor to an audience and increase your productivity.

Personalization is essential for a positive customer journey. So the algorithms of AI are present in a great deal of eCommerce advertising.

4. Inventory control is critical.

For example, inventory management is the second area of eCommerce where artificial intelligence’s predictive analytics is transforming the landscape.

Maintaining current inventory, storing it appropriately, and placing orders well in advance is critical, mainly when predicting client demand.

Storage facilities do not have the capacity or the resources to maintain everything in stock at all times. This is why it is critical to prioritize the things you require and order them in the order in which you need them. Therefore, artificial intelligence uses predictive analysis to generate educated guesses about what the future needs in the market will be like.

With the help of machine learning, artificial intelligence technology is becoming increasingly accurate at anticipating what inventory you will need to order. And how much of it you should keep on hand at any given time. These systems can anticipate rapid changes in demand.

Do preventive maintenance on your technology. Automate key packing activities to boost productivity.

In conclusion, artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly popular among eCommerce companies to improve their analytical insights. It provides a more tailored consumer experience, and raises their competitiveness. As the market for artificial intelligence in eCommerce continues to grow, they can leave you behind.

The post Artificial Intelligence Is Transforming eCommerce appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Over half of Facebook users go to a local business’ page weekly, so it’s not surprising that marketing agencies see Facebook as one of the best social media platforms to invest in as a small business.

This platform can help small businesses build brand awareness, attract new customers, retain existing customers, increase sales, and improve customer service.

1. Create a business page.

Is your small business Facebook-ready? A small tea shop, an eCommerce store, or a landscaping company may benefit from Facebook. If you can only concentrate on a couple social media networks, make Facebook your top choice.

How do you find out? Ask your clients whether Facebook is a good way to interact with them. You can send a survey via an email list or through a social media post. Inquire about their preferred platforms and brands.

Getting Started

The Facebook page you create for your business will inform prospective customers about your business, its mission, and what you offer. If you’re nervous about setting up a page, it’s actually quite easy. Facebook provides templates, so you just choose the one that works best for you.

Upload a profile image that includes bright colors and an easy to read logo. Include contact information like a phone number, email address, and website (if you have one). If you serve customers locally, include your location or physical address as well.

The About section will allow you to give background information on your company’s mission, history, and products/services. It’s vital that people know what you do! Tell them what makes your company unique.

A cover picture is your brand’s initial impression. Evoke an emotion or inspire action, like taking advantage of a seasonal sale. Take a snapshot of your product in action, your business, your staff, or your current deal. Be sure to fill in all of the contact info fields.

2. Match your target demographic to Facebook users.

Some social media networks have more active audiences than others. You can match your target audience’s interests, values, beliefs, and personality to the social media platforms you’re considering.

For example, Millennials love Facebook. With over 290,000,000 users, the platform is worth exploring for all age groups. On the other hand, if you want to reach adolescents, try TikTok, where 25% of users are aged 10 to 19.

3. Examine your competitors.

Your target demographic is likely on Facebook if comparable companies have significant followings and get many comments and likes. After all, your competitors’ customers could be yours! Just start posting.

However, if your rivals aren’t on Facebook, it’s probably not for you. On the other hand, if numerous clients say they’ll follow you on Facebook, it means there’s untapped potential in your industry.

4. Customize your CTA button.

At the top of your Facebook page, you can customize the CTA button to encourage your followers to take a specific action. Other CTA considerations include:

• Vanity URLs: After 25 followers, you may obtain a branded URL, which helps to further brand your business page.
• Videos: Posts with videos get more attention and interaction than posts with only text. Facebook videos immediately play, making them much more appealing.
• Text Posts: Utilize text-only postings to poll your followers or create discussions. If you include a link, it will display a sample of the website, grabbing more eyeballs than text-only posts. Use them to promote a bargain or a blog article.
• Photo Postings: People notice photos on Facebook while looking through their feed. Photos are easier to publish than videos and have a higher possibility of interaction.
• Phone Videos: These are natural and may help viewers connect. Showcase new items, behind-the-scenes shots, and Q&As through video. Go live to interact with the audience in real-time.
• Stories: Instead of creating a status update, share a story. Facebook users are more interested in a business or product after seeing it in their stories, according to Facebook. Stories are suitable for informal content. Post exciting questions and polls to keep folks interested.

5. Be human, not pushy.

Your customers come for what you can offer them, but they remain for your human-like interaction with them on social media.

Consider Facebook to be a brand extension. You may still upload promotional material, but it should be mixed in with lots of compelling, non-promotional content to attract Facebook fans. And remember to respect their privacy as much as possible.

The post Grow Your Business on Facebook in the New Year appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Still, you should consider carefully before making accounts on several platforms just because you can.

1. Pro: You gain a channel of communication with your customers and leads.

Social media is the easiest way to connect with would-be customers these days. Nearly every customer who has worked with or purchased from you in the past likely has a social media account.

You can reach out to them to tell their friends about your new presence on social media. Also, you should have messages open so people can contact you with offers of collaboration or questions about your products and services. Open yourself up to conversation from people.

Publicly thanking consumers for their praise and admitting shortcomings in response to criticism can be an excellent way to showcase your strengths. It shows that your business listens to and cares about what consumers think of the brand. As 47% of customers find brands more favorable when they answer questions and respond to complaints via social media, you’ll simultaneously be positioning your brand in a more favorable light.

2. Con: You might rely on ads.

Of course, to find those aforementioned would-be customers, you have to grab their eyes on social media.

Word of mouth might be the most popular and effective advertising tool. However, if you can’t reach new groups of people through it, you’ll have to branch out.

Ads on social media often aren’t expensive, and they can draw plenty of people to you via demographic targeting. You may find ads worth the investment. But, if leads start to see your ads too much, it could backfire on your business quickly.

3. Pro: Your page can unite like-minded people.

By running a social media account for your business, you can draw your customers together in one place.

They all have something in common: a love for your business! People may be able to identify a support system full of people who understand their stage of life by simply interacting with them in the comments.

You can bring together new friends and create a community that adores your business and everything you offer.

4. Con: Social media is time-consuming.

There’s a reason why being a social media manager is its own job.

First of all, you have to choose someone who knows how to curate certain content for any kind of audience. You also have to have someone make graphics and content for your page.

You also have to have that person on standby to reply to any questions in the comment sections or direct messages. They should also research the latest trends or changes in the app and algorithms. You should start with one social media platform instead of all of them.

5. Pro: You can answer frequently asked questions.

Having information on your social media accounts can help you answer the hot questions your leads ask without taking it to direct messages right away.

Restaurants and food services can include their menus on their social media pages, thereby answering any questions on what they offer and the exact price a customer should expect to pay.

You can explain more about your business by linking your website to your social media. Highlights on Instagram can be great for FAQs, as you can save a permanent question sticker that allows people to go back and ask questions whenever they feel like it — and you can post the answers to your story when applicable and save them to the FAQ highlight.

Similarly, you can put more information about your company in a lengthy about section on Facebook, which also supports direct menu uploading for any business that provides food or beauty services.

6. Con: Social media requires extensive monitoring.

You shouldn’t allow a conversation in your comments to spiral out of control.

When someone has a legitimate criticism, it’s common for brands to reply to let them know their voice has been heard and thank them for the new perspective they brought.

You’ll also want to monitor the comment section for any arguments that break out. You don’t want to give off the impression that your business tolerates hate speech or other inflammatory and offensive things.

You should have a community moderator keeping an eye on your comment sections — or limit them so that only people who follow your account can make comments.

What’s the verdict?

As a business owner, whether your company chooses to use social media should be your decision alone.

If you decide to create accounts on social media, try to focus on the platforms that give you the most return on your investment rather than spreading yourself thin across multiple platforms.

When choosing the person who will run your social media accounts, make sure to pick someone who knows what they’re doing and understands the algorithms. The more you invest in your social media game, the more payoff you’re likely to see.

The post 6 Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Media in Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

From accounting to business operations, industry leaders increasingly unite their beliefs that blockchain will impact every key area of work — and the transition is already underway. According to some estimations, small business blockchain might contribute $1.77 trillion to the global economy by 2030. The Internet of Things will help see to it.

How does it work?

Blockchain automatically tracks transactions from start to end without requiring a central authority to preserve the trade or encrypt the data without the need for human interaction.

Instead, blockchain or NFT provides transparency into what occurs in the transaction’s history by classifying them. Furthermore, since blockchain is immutable, this information is safe.

This “digital ledger” enables NFT developers and disruptors to rewrite the book on traditional organizational procedures in new and exciting ways.

The technology provides greater transactional security since it is intrinsically transparent, immutable, and decentralized. They use worldly math and software principles to store almost impossible data for adversaries to exploit. Each block adds to the chain has a complex cryptographic reference to the block before it. This reference is a complicated mathematical issue that people must translate for the further following block to the network and chain.

The method creates a digital fingerprint that is uniquely encrypted.

The rising popularity of it may impact experts working in banking, agreements, settlements, or any corporate procedure that involves being a third party to marketing. As the defender of trust, blockchain cryptology replaces third-party intermediaries.

When dealing with assets using mathematics rather than intermediaries, blockchain may assist reduce overhead costs and headaches for businesses or people. If you work in this industry, you should understand how cryptocurrency or NFT assets are produced, exchanged, saved, and verified on the cloud to capitalize on their opportunities.

How is blockchain being used in business?

You now understand how blockchain may change the way organizations run. However, it is essential to reflect on the firms touched by the cloud.

Many people want to know how to use blockchain in business. A detailed understanding of blockchain applications in many sectors may provide the answer. Over time, several organizations embraced it with positive results. Here’s a rundown of some of the other blockchain business ideas altering unique organizations.

The opportunities for blockchain-based firms in the SAP services market are inspiring. For a long time, blockchain and banking have been inextricably linked. By providing secure, digital, and inflexible ledgers, blockchain may perform the very purpose of banks.

As an evolution, blockchain improves the accuracy and flexibility of data exchange in the financial services ecosystem. It can disrupt the banking industry, which has a value of over $4.8 trillion, by dis-intermediating critical services provided by banks, ranging from authorization and payment systems to expenditures.

Credit Suisse is the most visible example of platform use in the banking industry. It collaborated with the New York-based firm Paxos to compensate U.S. stock transactions using blockchain technology. Furthermore, well-known players in the financial services industry have exhibited positive instances of its use in business.

Blockchain is expanding into the finance sector.

Banking institutions and lending companies often provide underwriting for loans based on credit reports.

Clients may be antagonistic to the central credit reporting system. As a result, various systems employing platforms to create cost-effective, secure, and efficient lending and borrowing may significantly simplify the process. Clients may be open to employing loans based on a single worldwide recognition score. But only if cryptographic security and a decentralized database can provide for earlier payments.

Dharma Labs is a noteworthy example of such usage in lending and borrowing instances. It’s a protocol that allows developers to create online debt markets with the necessary instruments and metrics.

Bloom is another example of a technology that influences lending and borrowing. It’s a job right on educating credit scoring on the blockchain, emphasizing the growth of a protocol for managing risk, originality, and distinction scoring using blockchain technology.

The impact of blockchain trends and the possibilities of blockchain giving value in many corporate use cases may allow anybody to begin their blockchain-based experience.

However, it is critical to seek knowledge to properly respond to the wave of “blockchain development.” There are many businesses experiencing disruption due to blockchain companies. Administrators should keep these points in mind.

However, new company setups should focus on the distinctiveness of social purpose as a powerful agent of change. Likewise, the current generation of customers is altering how organizations develop and provide value. As a result, company concepts should emphasize sustainability. Other market participants should be chosen by current clientele.

The post What Is Blockchain’s True Impact on Businesses? appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

However, there is one thing that your sales team alone cannot cure. And that is customer churn. If customers don’t return, no amount of new customers can help achieve a steady growth rate for your business.

Yet many sales and marketing leaders in organizations are always busy looking “out there” for new customers instead of introspecting and improving customer retention. In fact, a paltry 40% of businesses are equally prioritizing both customer retention and acquisition.

Don’t let your company fall into the same trap. You should find ways to delight and generate more revenue from your current customers than relying solely on acquiring new customers. Below, we’ll look at the top reasons why.

Why You Should Prioritize Customer Retention

There are several benefits that make customer retention critical to your company’s bottom line.

Every loyal customer presents an opportunity to develop a brand advocate, get more referrals, and encourage word-of-mouth marketing. Let’s take a closer look at each key advantage, one by one.

Get positive word of mouth.

75% of customers loyal to a brand will refer their friends and family to the same. And this desire to spread the word comes from the customer retention efforts of the brand.

A decision to prioritize customer retention initiatives has the power to convert customers into brand advocates, increasing your likelihood of gaining referrals. A recommendation from a third party can be the final nudge that moves a prospect to action and persuade them to buy from you.

When customers are happy with your brand, you can even launch a referral program to realize their full potential in promoting your business. Ellevest is a great example. The company rewards both the referrer and the referee for each successful transaction.

To launch a similar program, you can use a tool such as Early Parrot. It lets you create referral marketing campaigns. These can seamlessly integrate with any of the major website builders in the market.

However, you can’t expect such an initiative to work without a focus on retaining customers. Disengaged customers are less likely to tell others about you, even if you reward them for doing so.

Boost conversion rates.

A customer who has bought from your business twice is 9 times more likely to purchase again than a new buyer, as per a study by Adobe. In other words, current customers help you get more conversions and make more money.

CVS Pharmacy is great at targeting present customers, for example. The company sends customers personalized email messages with deals and coupons based on what they have purchased before.

An email campaign is not the only way to target current customers. You can also insert Google Ads or Facebook pixels within your website’s code. These snippets can be used to run advertising that targets people who have already visited or purchased from your website.

Since the customers are likely to need similar products again, a retargeting campaign allows the company to bring customers back and sell more in the process.

Increase your customer lifetime value (CLV).

In case you’re unaware, customer lifetime value is the total monetary worth of a customer during the period of their relationship with your business. And it’s an important metric that speaks to the overall financial health of your company.

A recent study suggests that 37% of buyers will shell out more money on a business if they’re loyal to the brand. So repeat customers are not just more likely to buy from you as we discussed above, but they are also inclined to spend more.

The result? High CLV and low cost of marketing, which brings us to the next benefit of prioritizing customer retention.

Reduce marketing expenses.

It is widely agreed that customer acquisition costs more than customer retention.

When you acquire customers, you also get to learn about the best ways to reach them. And you have the contact information to reach them again and again in a cost-effective manner.

Acquiring new customers, on the other hand, requires you to allocate a dedicated budget to sourcing new leads, advertising your website, lead nurturing, and customer onboarding. No matter how careful you are, you are always left with a huge dent in your pocket.

Get predictable revenue.

Running a business is a game of risk and uncertainty. But that doesn’t mean you can overlook ways to minimize them as much as possible. And that’s another aspect where customer retention shines more than customer acquisition.

As we discussed above, happy and satisfied customers will keep buying from you again and again. As a result, your overall revenue is more steady and predictable.

In fact, annual subscriptions — a recent business model that has taken the world by storm — relies solely on a business’s ability to retain customers as the main source of growth.

When a customer pays for the annual subscription, the business has a certain amount of assured income for the whole year. And at the end of 12 months, customers renew their subscription based on their needs and level of satisfaction with the product or service.

The global SaaS market (subscription software) is projected to touch $437 billion in 2025, at a CAGR of 12.5%. So you can imagine the kind of growth possible with retaining customers for the long-term.

By retaining customers, you can say goodbye to your day-to-day sales worries and focus more on the future vision of your brand.

Shield your business from the competition.

The more customers connect with your business, the more habitual they get in terms of preferring your brand. They do not get easily swayed by other brands as long as your product or service is working fine for them. And this is a huge competitive advantage to have in a fickle world.

A brilliant example of a brand that builds customer loyalty with an authentic connection is Bombas. The company openly communicates its philanthropic mission of donating to the needy, which plays a big role in customer retention.

When customers are served with stories that help them connect with a brand’s mission and values, they experience a strong sense of loyalty.

Improve business operations.

82% of consumers agree that they would move to another brand if they experience poor customer service from the brand they were loyal to. As scary as it seems, the truth is that it takes just one bad experience to push buyers away from your business.

That means you must do everything in your power to ensure that your business operations are aligned with customer preferences. And that’s another area where customer retention can help.

Loyal customers give you a valuable source of feedback that helps improve your products, services, and overall customer experience.

Case in point: Southwest Airlines. The company quickly follows up with customers who voice a negative experience or a piece of feedback, even on social media platforms. In doing so, it gets insights straight from the customers instead of relying only on internal research and development.

Wrapping Up

The value of acquiring new customers can’t be denied. However, it’s equally important to level up your customer retention strategy. If you’re focusing only on empowering your sales reps while your customer success team is grasping at straws, then you’re compromising your organization’s potential to succeed.

The solution? Give equal weightage to customer retention. As we discussed above, customer retention is crucial for the long-term sustainability of your business. Moreover, it gives you new opportunities to leverage the trust you have built with current customers to take your business to the next level.

After all, customer retention is what differentiates one-hit wonders from strong and stable brands that dominate their industry for decades.

The post Why You Should Prioritize Customer Retention Over Customer Acquisition  appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

These technologies are more important in 2022 than ever before, especially as the eCommerce industry continues to grow. Most eCommerce businesses need the right tools and technologies to achieve their goals.

So…what should you be investing in?

Take a look at some of the new technologies entering the eCommerce space. Make a decision for yourself that is worthy of investment based on how you operate your business.

1. Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an interesting type of technology when it comes to its place in the eCommerce world.

Once thought of as a solution for high tech, it’s now more readily available than ever. It allows many organizations to adopt it as a way of minimizing costs and enhancing operations.

AI may help to fill in the one gap that consumers have when it comes to making a decision about purchasing online. It creates the opportunity for virtual assistants to work and connect with consumers in a realistic experience.

That can help with improving personalization and customer service. It increases the connection between the company selling the product and the consumer buying it, filling an all-important gap.

2. All-Inclusive Fulfillment Systems

It’s a fact of eCommerce. The faster you can fulfill orders, the more orders you can take. And that means more revenue streaming into your company’s account.

Yet it can be challenging to keep up with all the warehousing, picking, packing, and shipping needs of a growing business. It can also become expensive, bringing down the profits you make on each item you sell.

Newer fulfillment systems that leverage the latest software advancements have been a huge boon. This is especially the case with startups operating on limited capital.

These systems are typically offered on an outsourced basis, as in the case of third-party logistics (3PL) providers. These providers can have technology that can help with warehouse management, order management, and product information management. They can pull it all together in one spot making an eCommerce retailer’s life much easier.

As a complete eCommerce solution, Tradefull points out that automation through those types of tech is making warehousing more efficient. As a result, this is helping retailers get products to customers faster and faster.

3. Hyper-Personalized Experiences

Hyper-personalized experiences piggyback on the use of AI in eCommerce environments.

AI can help to gather information about shoppers during their visits. That data proves valuable because it can then be used to create personalized experiences for customers.

Consumers desire a personalized experience that speaks directly to them and values their time. Likewise, a tailored experience like this also allows companies to present consumers with more of the products they are likely to want, improving sales.

The adoption of hyper-personalized experiences through the use of AI can empower eCommerce brands beyond the competition. As a result, it creates an opportunity for a one-of-a-kind experience that consumers desire.

4. Voice Assistants

There’s no doubt that checking the weather or playing music using a voice assistant like Google or Alexa is the easy way to go.

Voice assistants like this can also directly contribute to the needs of eCommerce businesses. Consumers want to rely on their devices to help them make purchases, especially when buying online.

In an eCommerce environment, consumers want to ask their voice assistant of choice to help them find what they need. That may allow companies to set up tools that also allow repeat purchases.

All the consumer has to do is to ask their voice assistant to purchase a specific product from the store of their choice. Many of these assistants remember past purchases. Additionally, they may even help with marketing products by sending reminders to consumers to buy again.

5. Chatbots

One of the concerns for many organizations in managing their eCommerce operation is being accessible to customers 24 hours a day.

It’s simply impossible to do this without the use of technology. New technology, such as AI chatbots, is working to provide a solution.

These more advanced chatbots allow consumers to type their messages directly to the company. The chatbots respond with reasonable questions and can retrieve customer information, product shipping data, and even product information, answering most of the consumers’ questions.

The benefit here is in improving customer service. Consumers get the information they need whenever they need it, even in the middle of the night. That leads to increased sales.

At the same time, eCommerce companies don’t need to pay the high cost of using people to answer those questions. This type of technology has improved significantly so that it creates a more personalized, realistic experience for the consumer while gathering data and supporting the needs of the company.

6. Augmented Reality

Unlike at a brick-and-mortar store, consumers have no way to look at a product from different angles, handle it, try it on, or otherwise explore it.

Augmented reality (AR) opens the door for this opportunity. While it has a long way to go in terms of texture and truly experiencing what a product is like, consumers can use AR to visualize products more realistically before they make a purchase. They can try on clothing virtually. They may be able to place furniture in their living room to see just how well it would fit.

AR is rapidly changing and morphing into a valuable tool for many eCommerce businesses. It’s also a fantastic tool to embed into social media to help build brand recognition and help encourage sales.

Technology Continues to Improve eCommerce Success

Business owners looking for ways to grow and build their operations may need to pay close attention to new technology like these.

Not only can technology help to create new opportunities for sales and better customer service, but it may also provide opportunities to streamline costs, improve operations, and improve efficiencies throughout the company.

In the growing eCommerce industry, it’s essential to have every possible tool available to ensure the best possible return on every sale made.

The post 6 Types of New Technologies in eCommerce appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Building catchy, distinctive business brands is critical for every company. Customers can better grasp who you are, what you do, and why you do it if you have a strong brand identity.

However, many entrepreneurs conflate their company’s brand with their personal brand. While combining them may work for a select few, it isn’t the best method for most people. And it can affect worker numbers as well.

Separating your brand from your company enhances your business while also allowing for individual liberty and professional progress. This advice is from experts with experience as a creative brand strategists and coaches for small companies and startups.

If you have a public persona of any kind, experts strongly advocate developing a distinct business brand. Likewise, sharing insights into personal life via a “personal, professional” brand platform.

This is why.

You’ll be able to expand your horizons outside your business.

Many entrepreneurs write a book, become public speakers, or start a new business initiative. Your professional brand is an ideal venue for sharing and promoting this work while keeping the company running smoothly.

You may improve your company’s brand by doing one thing. Separating your professional interests from the core goal of your firm boosts the brand of your organization by making it more focused and deliberate.

You’ll improve your brand’s development potential because you want the company brand to exist on its own, without you, even if you feel like you are your business at first.

Therefore, if you have ambitions of building a team or even being purchased, you want the business brand to stand on its own without you.

However, your professional success should not be contingent on the success of your company.

You are more than a business.

Employers, customers, and partners all want to have a better sense of who you are on a deeper level.

• What are the issues that you support?
• Do you belong to other professional organizations?
• What other creative pursuits or hobbies do you have that help you be who you are?

Convinced? Great. Here’s how to go about it.

Develop your professional identity.

Think of enlarging your professional brand as a Linkedin profile. It’s a professional internet persona that extends beyond your organization or corporation.

People sometimes mistake this with a personal brand. Nevertheless, it’s essential to differentiate them.

Some people have trouble deciding what to keep private and share with the world.

Ask yourself, “How much of myself do I need to be genuine without feeling like the rest of the world knows everything I’m up to?” (The “personal branding” approach to social media that many people take.)

One answer has been to create a “personal professional brand.”

Do you publish causes you believe in? Do you promote initiatives you’re involved in? Are snippets of your daily life on your website and social media?

For instance, images from a recent vacation or a snapshot of the family. This personal, professional brand would assist conveying a more extensive narrative of who I am if I were applying for any form of employment, collaboration, or client transaction.

Are there any exceptions to this rule?

Yes, of course! Having a single brand makes sense if your personal, professional brand is also your business brand — as many writers, lecturers, trainers, and thought leaders do.

Otherwise, keep them apart but point them in the same direction.

Here’s how it might go.

Create a professional personal website.

As a home for your own professional identity, one can suggest obtaining the domain name yourname.com (or something similar). You don’t want to manage a website like this in addition to your company’s website…do you?

Show up on social media, but just where you want people to see you.

As a small business owner (particularly one who reads this site), you’re probably aware of the value of social media.

You’re probably also worried about keeping track of your company and personal accounts on several platforms.

A little remark about LinkedIn while we’re on the subject of social networking.

Many individuals choose “Owner of Company” as their default title. Yet, adding a few more adjectives about who you are and what you excel at is essential.

If someone is looking for an expert or speaker and comes across your profile, they will better know who you are outside of your company.

Develop your thought leadership skills.

Find ways to offer your knowledge. Things like publishing articles or presenting on podcasts are a beautiful approach. It will boost your company’s and personal professional brand’s awareness.

You may and should mention your firm when these possibilities arise. However, you should also discuss your principles and what you stand for as a professional outside of your present position.

There was a recent interview on a podcast where people discussed their brand philosophy. It was said, yes, they do that every day at work.

But it’s also good advice to counsel other businesses or serve on advisory boards. Outside of your business, it’s a part of who you are.

Don’t be afraid to show off your personality.

What makes you a little bit eccentric? Is it simple for others to connect with you, both for companies and individuals?

So, while you build your unique professional brand, don’t be hesitant to show off such qualities!

Do you like ice skating? Do you have a massive Star Wars miniatures collection? Those enjoyable pastimes may not be able to take center stage in your company’s branding.

Still, they will provide a layer of appeal, curiosity, and connection to your professional brand. After all, they’re what distinguishes you from the competition — and that’s what branding is all about.

The post SMBs Make Personal and Business Brands Work appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Brands simply cannot put it at the bottom of the pile any longer. Social media has become the need of the hour.

Be it the provision of content to an audience or an engagement incremental, social media platforms come in handy. It could ultimately boost the online presence of any business.

Social Media Marketing and Brand Awareness

Social media is all about being loyal and real in your business while presenting your brand in front of an audience. The well-established “captivity” of social media has helped businesses place themselves in the light by which they wish to be seen.

What seemed like a struggling phase without the advantage of social media platforms has become a simplified and smooth process with socializing networks.

And now social media strategies and business marketing plans have become a critical part of digital brands.

When done correctly, your social media campaign can boost brand awareness and recognition globally. It enables your company to receive enhanced digital traffic and social media success.

Most importantly, social media platforms have allowed businesses to interact well with their audience. Brands can use all the various communication mediums to have interactive sessions with their targeted groups.

Below, I’ve jotted down the 4 S’s that can work wonders for your social media success. Use them to craft a flawless social media marketing strategy in the near future. Let’s begin!

1. Setting Goals

Hear me out. Any good marketing plan always begins by establishing goals.

Before designing social media strategy for your business’s growth, you need to understand the objectives of your business. Measure the end results and write down what you want to work for.

Set your goals first. After that, it will be easier to think about a strategic plan. This set of goals and curation of objectives for the core purpose of business helps in inspiring the targeted audience.

Plan to have your social media marketers use the appropriate resources to curate data and publish posts.

Further, social media analytics and tracking tools can be used to measure the performance of the implemented strategies. Key metrics of social media analysis can be used to track your performance so far!

A Few Tips:

The specified data on your posts could also indicate which of your strategies are working and which aren’t. Data must consist of:

• the popularity of your published posts;
• engagement of followers on certain posts; and
• the reactions of your audience.

Creating an objective outline and marking them off after completion would also help you see how far you have come…and what changes you should make now.

The Evaluation Process

Evaluating your goals is also a necessary step in your social media and digital marketing, including SEO, email marketing, blogger outreach, PPC, etc.

You need to stay updated and should make changes depending on your company’s growth. Social media goals further fall into several categories including:

• increased brand awareness;
• traffic increment;
• new leads generation;
• revenue growth;
• ideal research of your audience; and
• more press mentions.

Once the objectives of the brand are identified, it should become easier to achieve them with a strategic plan.

Most of the social media platforms have made it easier to track metrics. And you cannot afford to miss out on this golden opportunity.

By integrating your social media accounts, you can kick start your digital marketing of the business. You can also use the proper analytical tools for impressive growth.

2. Setting Up Profiles

Another important step of social media success includes the setup of profiles and this should be done perfectly.

Take a look and check that each of your information blocks is filled out on your social media profiles and that you have not missed out on any essential points.

Your profile should include the location of your company, contact information, website link, and proper description of your business and services.

With the help of a brief description, you can target your audience. You can provide them with the proper information about your business.

In this way, the targeted group of people can gain valuable insights about the brand impacting their buying decision. Furthermore, this ensures that potential customers would be able to find everything in one place.

Be it the LinkedIn marketing strategy or the Facebook community campaign, you need to set up your profile first to grab the targeted audience.

If you hope to win their trust, your business profile should be set up on each social media platform.

It might be easier for you to present the brand on the local and foreign levels. Once the profiles’ setup is complete, it would be convenient to design their related strategies.

The Benefit of Consistency

At this point, after completing the setup, you also need to make sure that all the information mentioned on the profiles is the same across every platform.

With the absolute same and optimized information across all social media channels, it would also be optimal to measure the SEO performance of your business’s profile and pages throughout the search engines.

Social media profiles can help you to build brand recognition and brand awareness. Keep all the elements the same across the social media platforms including the message and design elements. This would further include the logo, company name, color theme, and profile photo.

When businesses work over their branding techniques, it helps them to build stronger brand recognition in the minds of customers.

3. Strategic Planning

Let’s talk about the third S of social media success and that means strategic planning.

Designing a social media strategy for success is nothing nearly as complex as rocket science as there are several resources that could help you to research and learn from them. Having the right plan in your hand can enable you to maximize your social media efforts, indirectly producing huge efforts.

Be it Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or whatever, businesses have to show up with the strategic planning for their business.

Ensure that all your tactics and tips are simplified and maximized enough for your social media platforms. Reaching out to the audience from the social platforms is easy but keeping them engaged is a bigger problem.

A Few Tips:

First of all, you need to know your targeted audience and should understand what their needs are. Once you know their demands and tailor your business accordingly, it will be easier to come up with a plan.

Also, observe keenly which platforms your audience is spending more time on. Once that platform has been identified, get ready to craft some unique and engaging posts.

It’s quite evident that Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have become the hot favorite social media channels among iGen. And using them to promote your business is definitely a great idea.

You need to implement the ways in which your brand might gain recognition and worth in the customers’ eyes. Keep publishing the content that could grab the attention of these consumers.

In this way, you should also be able to get in touch with the influencers from your industry. If the influencers would mention you in their posts, your brand would get noticed in amazing ways.

Moreover, take the advantage of social media management tools to track the performance of your business’s social pages. This will also help you to get a bigger picture of how your posts are performing among the audience.

4. Scheduling

The last S in the list is scheduling, which is another most important component to keep your business on track and organized in an effective way.

With the help of a scheduler or scheduling tool, you can post consistently without having to remember to do so. Scheduling is a key factor in social media success. It helps brands to manage their content posting tasks easily.

There are several social media management tools available with the help of which, you can work upon content creation, distribution, and publishing. Schedulers make it easy for business to manage and post their content and social media posts on different platforms.

Be it the LinkedIn, Twitter, or even Instagram hacks of scheduling posts and recycling content, management tools have made it all easy.

Once you understand how social media scheduling tools work, you can easily design and edit the content for future use.

At this point, it is very important to use the right type of social management tool so that nothing could go wrong once you are done with the scheduling of your content.

Once all is done, you can enjoy the perks of sitting back and letting your automated scheduler handle the rest.

A Few Tips:

You can use all-in-one social media management tools such as Social Champ. These can make your life easier like never before. With an internet tool such as this, you are able to upload the content easily and can save the posts for years.

For busy marketers and social media managers, all-in-one automation has been a huge help. These tools also allow you to track the performance of your social media posts.

It’s all good to create a social media calendar and take the help of social platforms management tool. But while mapping out, keep some important tips in your mind. The real key is to share as much as you can rather than promotion.

Don’t forget to link the content to your brand’s website as well. Moreover, check out to post at the best time so the audience’s engagement on your posts is high enough to impress others.

Wrapping Up

Social media success is nothing like rocket science and could be achieved with the above-mentioned 4 S’s of social media.

What you need is a strategic and smart approach towards your business goals. Once everything has been defined, it will become easier for your brand to maintain its reputation in the market of digital businesses.

Consistency is the key to win the audience’s heart and attention, so get the best designers and writers on the board to hit your mark successfully.

The post The Four S’s of Social Media Success appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Why spend time on an organizational chart when the world is coming apart?

That is an excellent question. Most firms see it as a time-consuming corporate activity. And, in the aftermath of shutdowns and a pandemic, it’s more complicated than ever to figure out who is responsible for what.

We all had to make a significant shift in our workplace in 2020, and it seems like everyone has had the same job description since then, namely “additional responsibilities as appropriate.”

Should small companies bother with an org chart in this day and age, when the world and our enterprises are constantly changing? By the way, how’s your tech branding coming along?

Here are several contradictory facts, as well as a preliminary conclusion.

Appropriate business requires reasonable limits. People have seen that clear lines of duty and procedure differentiate the best from the others.

That’s what an effective organizational chart does. Chaos reigns supreme when there are no limits.

Clarity has a nice side to it.

Org charts might be challenging to create, but they give definition and clarity. The loudest voice triumphs when no one understands who reports to whom and who is accountable for what.

And the most pressing need receives attention, even if it is a different voice and a minor requirement.

Is there another advantage? Coworker relationships benefit from clear limits.

How are you navigating The Great Resignation?

And while we navigate the Great Resignation, wise leaders will do everything possible to keep their teams together.

Tight limits result in an inflexible corporation that cannot adapt to changing times and crises. During the chaos of 2020, thousands of firms needed assistance with staffing, payroll, and other pivots.

Agility was a common denominator among the firms that survived (and even thrived) throughout that year. They could all shift, which meant abandoning the formality of “the way we’ve always done things” and the statement “that’s not in my job description.”

The downside of organizational chart technology is that it might make the team excessively inflexible, which doesn’t work in an era when agility and flexibility are becoming more critical.

So, the issue is whether to use an org chart or not. It would be nice to provide a general response because, you know, each team is different.

What works for your team in 2021 may not work in 2022. It’s an art, not a science, to set reasonable limits while avoiding rigidity. And technology can help.

Do employees understand their roles and how the organization runs as a whole?

Is your company’s organizational chart assisting or limiting your ability to complete tasks in a changing environment?

Is it a servant who helps you be more productive or a master who hampers you?

Teams are living entities that evolve throughout the season. Every year, ask yourself these questions.

You’ll figure out the solution and be able to lead your squad to the most excellent decision for the season.

Consider employing QR codes to get feedback from customers.

Almost all customers do internet research before selecting to deal with a company.

An astonishing 79 percent of customers believe internet evaluations of local companies are as trustworthy as personal recommendations from friends or family!

When it comes to a lack of online evaluations for companies, the technology-driven world we live in today provides no room for error.

Getting 72 percent of customers to agree to submit an online review is as easy as asking them and providing a direct link, but how can a company owner be sure that the consumer will follow through? After all, time presses consumers.

QR codes make things easier for everyone.

Convenience is the solution, as it is with almost everything else in the realm of customer service.

No matter how pleased consumers are with the service they received, they are unlikely to look for the company online and submit a review. Some customers may not even know how to use the internet to offer favorable comments.

By using QR codes to collect client feedback, you may prevent these issues from occurring in the first place. Here are three compelling reasons to use QR codes:

• QR codes may be placed everywhere your consumer could view them. They can scan them quickly and easily.
  • Place a QR code on the front desk if you have a physical location.
  • If not, you may place your review-gathering QR code on the side of business cars, on stickers or magnets, or even as wallpaper on your technicians’ phones so clients can scan it after service.
• You may customize QR codes to direct people to the relevant website, whether it’s Google, Facebook, or Yelp, depending on where your company would benefit the most from a review.
  • This is also an excellent approach for a company to see which QR codes clients are more likely to scan.
• QR codes are becoming more popular and helpful.
  • According to a Statista poll conducted in June 2021, 45 percent of U.S. consumers had used a marketing QR code in the last three months.
  • 59 percent expected them to remain permanent.

Why wouldn’t small companies embrace the convenience and accessibility of QR codes to promote good internet reviews?

Who can read QR codes if they don’t have a smartphone?

Even if QR codes get wide use for business and consumer convenience, there will always be a few skeptics.

That’s OK. We all want to make life simpler for our consumers, even those who don’t have smartphones or aren’t acquainted with QR codes.

To avoid any complications, having an employee assist these consumers through discovering your company listing online and getting to the correct page is an intelligent solution.

Using QR codes to generate online reviews is one method to profit from their growing popularity. The fact that 87 percent of customers read evaluations of local companies online should be a primary focus for your small company in 2022.

The post Use an Organizational Chart or QR Codes for Reactions? appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Supply chain disruption and low pricing are not new phenomena. You don’t have to dig hard to find statistics on it daily. Unluckily, there is no one straightforward answer to the present problems resulting from a perfect storm of various variables. Overseas manufacturers are still reeling from the epidemic’s effects.

Ports are bursting at the seams, and there aren’t enough trucks to transport the requisite amounts of cargo. This involves some deep technology for small businesses.

This interruption has had a significantly negative impact on small enterprises, which cannot typically store products well before the disruption. And we are well aware that this has directly correlated with a dramatic spike in inflation. With many other disturbances we have seen throughout time, this one also offers an opportunity.

There are several ways to prepare the groundwork for taking advantage of these changes as they present themselves. Things like reexamining price seem to be straightforward solutions, yet there are other levels of intricacy involved. Here are five essential questions to think about.

1. What is the nature of your competitive environment?

The first and most important question is…do you clearly understand your competitive landscape?

What strategies are your rivals employing? Is it true that they’re boosting prices? Is it difficult for them to even meet the needs of their most important customers?

Do they have extensive inventories or large capital reserves that they can use to leverage their position?

Of course, most of this will not be made public, but the word on the street may be pretty effective. Contact people in the business to see if you can get a complete view. This will serve as the lens through which you will view all subsequent decision points.

2. Is raising pricing even a possibility at this point?

In light of the nature of the products and services you supply, do you believe there is a chance to boost your prices?

Price hikes might take months to take effect, depending on your company’s sales cycle. This is particularly true for organizations that have long-term contracts.

Pricing is either limited or mandated to some sectors and organizations that provide services to government consumers, such as those in the healthcare industry. Each company is different in this respect, and there are numerous shades of gray around it, but there are some fundamental issues that we can address.

How much of your cost increases do you think you can avoid? In this case, let’s consider the effect of price rises.

The cost of inputs increases for businesses across the board, affecting everything from labor to raw materials and supplies. The same factors that affect offsets apply when it comes to sales cycles. If the cost of inputs increases, there may be a lag before your pricing adjustments become effective.

Price increases may also need to be phased in over time to minimize your clients’ impact. Understanding the potential net impact of price adjustments can assist you in making decisions about the quantity and timing of price increases in the future.

3. Is it appropriate to increase prices at this time?

A firm may decide that increasing prices is not the best course of action despite the challenges and possible effects on profitability.

Using your knowledge of the market environment, do you think this presents a chance to acquire a market share or strengthen consumer loyalty?

Several companies effectively used this technique during the early stages of the epidemic, allowing them to reinforce their position with their consumer base while simultaneously luring customers away from bigger, slower-moving rivals.

The ability to provide excellent customer service may be a much more effective instrument for increasing the long-term worth of a firm than changing price.

4. How much more are you willing to hike prices?

After going through all of the filters up to this point, the next step is to look at the increases’ structure.

Are the price hikes consistent across the board, or are they product-specific? If there is a staggered approach, are the increases in equal increments, or is there a spike followed by a series of more gradual rises? Is it preferable to raise prices faster than the rate of increase in your expenses to stay ahead of rising costs…or is it better to lag?

5. Examine the surrounding environment.

Do the necessary calculations, and determine the prospective consequences. Pricing may be a valuable tool in the middle of supply chain upheaval, but if utilized incorrectly, it can do long-term harm to your company.

Understand the levers you may use and the locations of the ceilings so that you can thoroughly analyze your alternatives. Although pricing may seem to be the obvious solution, is it the best solution? A thorough examination and a deliberate forward-looking approach may make all the difference.

Keep calm and discount mindfully.

Be prepared for however long it takes. Stay focused and hoard energy for the big push.

Know when to pick your battles. Engaging in a price war might do more harm to your business than good. Play the long game, and keep communication lines open with your customers.

The post SMB Strategy to Survive Disruption: Low Pricing. appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

The top priorities for 2022 are to use new technology, automate drudgery, communicate clearly, stay organized, find your best project match for your pipeline, and actively build your network. Sounds like a great plan, right? Let’s jump in.

Adopt New Technologies

What’s your favorite way to communicate with prospects, clients, subcontractors, and suppliers? In the last year, we’ve all had a crash course in using Zoom, GoToMeeting, or Microsoft Teams to keep in touch.

Technology has evolved and so have expectations. More businesses are now looking at ways to adapt systems, build skills, and increase comfort with using new technology. Technology is a key growth trend that is poised to only increase.

Automate to Thrive

Speaking of stuff you hate, avoid, or procrastinate doing…take a look at automating your workflows. Consider ways to automate tracking construction project leads, invoicing, payroll, insurance, and state-specific requirements.

There’s no need to spend extra hours slaving over the forms, or losing a valuable weekend with your family because you’re stuck at the office doing paperwork.

Communicate to Succeed

Using technology and automating your workflow are key components to success in the New Year. Whether your company is a tiny one-person shop or a multi-state operation, effective communication is key to your success.

As you look for ways to boost communication skills, practice thinking about the person who is receiving the information. Many communication experts suggest that the key is simplicity. Speak in short sentences. Write clear and concise emails. Take the time to ensure that you don’t leave any room for error or misinterpretation.

Whether you are communicating within your office, sharing information with your team, or submitting a proposal, your efforts in communication can make you stand out above the competition.

Stay Organized With Project Pipeline Leads

As demand increases, so do the requirements to stay organized. After all, if you’re managing multiple projects in multiple states, you need to have all your projects, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers in an up-to-date database.

But what if organization isn’t your thing? The fact is that a lot of business owners need to have the support of administrators, data managers, and analysts to thrive. If you know you are not the right person for the job, hire staff who love to do the stuff you hate.

Find Projects In Your Area

There’s always a toss-up between finding projects and doing projects — especially if you are a solo entrepreneur. Many small business owners find that when business is booming, it’s challenging to actively seek out new projects. You can keep your calendar full of exciting projects by balancing your current workflow with a rigorous approach to finding new projects.

While you’re looking for projects, define your criteria. Start with location, so you can book projects that will support your health, shorten commuting, and enable you to nurture your relationships. Target your main projects to be local within a comfortable commuting distance, so you can maintain a good work-life balance.

Naturally, as you look for projects, consider ones that you are uniquely suited for with your specific expertise and training. Using construction software will help you review project documents online, instead of driving all over the county to talk to construction managers.

Search for the projects that match your specific criteria, such as construction type, project type, and timeline. By focusing your search, you’ll build confidence and strength in finding the opportunities that are genuinely best for you.

As you work to find local projects, use software to stay in touch with other contractors. Streamline your bidding process so you can submit unlimited bids and fill out your calendar with the jobs you want.

Build Your Nationwide Network

As projects become available in diverse areas of the country, it’s essential to build your national network. Many construction managers and subcontractors have relied on a personal network of trusted and vetted peers for out-of-state projects. This may have worked in the past.

However, there are ways to reduce barriers and increase your national network that can help your business grow. For instance, you can consider using computer software built for the construction industry. This technology can help you make important connections, share project opportunities, and stay in touch with the workforce in different locations.

The post How To Keep Your Project Pipeline Flowing appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

To stay in tune with new developments, savvy owners are investing in technology while focusing on proven practices to increase profitability. Let’s dive into the three essentials to streamline your success in 2022.

1. Identify your core demographic.

Many businesses, including law firms, are seeing the value of identifying their core demographic. This may require segmenting your business so that your messaging appeals directly to each target audience.

By identifying your core demographic, you can organize everything about your firm to communicate value to your target audience. This creates a positive impact on your branding, marketing, messaging, and services.

For instance, if your firm focuses on commercial real estate law, you’ll have a different branding message than a firm specializing in estate law or family law. Each specific legal specialty inspires different branding, colors, messages, and marketing.

Start with an audit of your current practice. Identify any gaps that may exist between your current approach and your target audience. Use this benchmark to set your priorities and align your approach.

You may find that some aspects of your business are more profitable, creative, and rewarding than others. This can help you define the boundaries of your specialty.

2. Harness the power of customer data.

Customer data is often a term that we think of when it comes to global businesses. However, customer data is vital for small businesses such as accounting firms, law firms, and print shops.

In our current environment, many small businesses are realizing that people are relying on the internet to find local services. This means that prospects, customers, and repeat clients are searching websites, reading reviews, and making evaluations based on their online experience.

At the same time, prospects and customers are filling in forms. These may be forms for getting a white paper, making a query, or booking an appointment. Each of these is a means to gather insight into your prospects and customer priorities.

If you haven’t investigated how customer data could boost your business and streamline success, now is a good time to start.

Without breaking the bank, you can create ways to interact with your prospects and clients. Look at your website to see where you can use customer data to gain insights into buying priorities.

3. Automate documentation.

Have you been creating documents over and over again? Are you frustrated with the hours spent writing, rewriting, amending, and tweaking documents?

If so, resolve to automate this process before another day goes by. By using document automation software, you can take the nightmare out of document creation, editing, and revising.

Imagine, no more lost nights or canceled holidays. No more fights with your partner or spouse about why you stayed late at the office.

By automating documents, you and your staff can achieve a greater work-life balance. At the same time, you can revise and amend documents to personalize your deliverables for each client or customer.

Personalize your approach.

What is it about these three concepts to streamline success that are so powerful?

Each one is about personalization. When it comes to meeting your customer effectively, each concept works in tandem.

By identifying your core demographic, everything about your branding and messaging is in alignment. You are speaking the language of your customer — and it shows on your website, in your brand, and in your messaging.

By harnessing customer data, you will know the exact hopes and problems of your customer. You’ll be able to tailor your offerings to help customers achieve their dreams and solve their issues.

You won’t make the mistake of thinking that you’ve got a great idea. You’ll know for certain because you are analyzing the data.

By automating documentation, you can take care of the repetitive paperwork — and focus on what matters most. You’ll have hours freed up to offer exceptional client experiences and deliver the best services possible.

As we head into 2022, taking a personalized approach is essential. More people are looking for human contact, understanding, and relevance.

Take a look at the specifics of your law practice, accounting firm, or small business. Explore ways to focus on your core demographic. Examine fresh ways to understand how clients are making purchasing decisions.

Take a closer look at ways to automate your workflow. This may be by creating new intake forms on your website, automating contracts, or simplifying e-signatures. With a personalized approach, you’ll streamline success for your business.

The post Three Essentials to Streamline Success in 2022 appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

What is virtual real estate?

Thanks to the advent of VR technology, the concept of virtual real estate is on the rise. In fact, it can be a major game-changer for the real estate industry in the coming years. Reports suggest that the VR industry is already worth a whopping 15.81 billion as of 2020.

According to a survey, nearly 54 % of potential homeowners search for properties on the internet first before scheduling a meeting. The amalgamation of virtual reality with the online transformation of the real estate sector is bound to deliver amazing results.

To further demonstrate its amazing benefits, here are five ways in which virtual reality can help transform your real estate business.

1. Home Touring and Selling Efficiency

Perhaps the biggest and most significant benefit of VR is the ability to tour properties from the comfort of your home. Prior to VR, a prospective client had to drive or walk around the area and explore the properties in person.

However, many software companies have now created cutting-edge VR software that provides a very realistic, interactive rendering of the property. These VR software packages can help prospective homebuyers and renters alike in virtually gauging the property online.

Furthermore, it offers incredible comfort not just to buyers but realtors as well. They don’t need to travel incessantly to make a sale. Overall, it has led to an exponential increase in property viewings. With VR, selling a home and improving your business is nothing short of a cakewalk.

2. Virtual Staging

Conventional real estate home tours involve walking around empty rooms in a house. As a realtor, it can be a struggle to sell an empty apartment or house to a potential client. The prospective buyers or renters can struggle to visualize a home when they have little to fuel their imagination.

To mitigate this, staging a property with nice furniture and fixtures is much more appealing to a customer. Almost 77 % of active realtors agree that aptly staging a house helps clients feel more connected to the property. The only caveat is that it is quite expensive to stage it physically for each property.

However, virtual staging blows both of these problems right out of the water. Realtors can now showcase their properties through virtual staging and impress potential clients to close the deal.

3. Virtual Commerce

The fantastic benefits of VR technology don’t just end with home tours and virtual staging. It also promotes virtual commerce to a whole new level. You can help the client with ideas to decorate the space by tastefully staging the property with decor and furniture.

One can click on a particular item during a home tour to reveal its price and vendor info. This helps the customer to purchase items for the home online at a moment’s notice. They can also replace a particular product or decor setting with another online purchase that suits their taste.

This offers an incredible level of interaction with the property which might not be possible during a real-time viewing. Overall, it boosts the virtual commerce aspect as well as bolsters the reputation of your business.

4. Architectural Visualization

Virtual staging is a great tool to sell already-built homes. But what about yet-to-be-built properties?

Traditionally, realtors showcase small, layout models of the property and the locality to paint a better picture. For the interiors, however, real estate businesses often create showrooms where they display full-scale models of the property.

This is, of course, not ideal from an economic standpoint.

Thankfully, VR technology has a solution for this problem too. With the help of virtual reality tools, realtors can impress customers with incredible detailing of the property’s interior and exterior.

Thus, architectural visualization through VR can be done at a fraction of the cost of the physical setup. This can ultimately help real estate companies to drum up more business.

5. Improved Client Communication

Finally, with the advent of VR, spotty client communication is a thing of the past.

When it comes to renovation projects, this technology helps in keeping the customer updated about their property. Through a virtual tour, all the concerns regarding the particular property can be addressed with ease. It also helps realtors to convey these problems to contractors and the renovation team with ease.

Sometimes, when a new tenant moves into a property, they can have queries about operating certain appliances or plumbing. This problem is especially common where there is a massive communication gap between the property owner and the tenant. The vacation rental industry has been plagued by issues of flawed communication for years.

This can all be easily mitigated with the help of a virtual tour and an interactive video. The importance of VR in vacation rentals is even more pronounced as these properties have a massive turnover rate. This further emphasizes the role of better communication with tenants.

Concluding Thoughts

These aforementioned five points make a convincing statement regarding the importance of using virtual reality in the real estate sector.

If you’re still on the fence, it might help to remember that VR is still in its infancy. The technology is set to evolve by leaps and bounds in the coming years, potentially impacting all aspects of life. As a result, it’s best to stay ahead of the curve.

The post 5 Ways Virtual Reality Can Transform Your Real Estate Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Many individuals are thrilled to get their business off the ground, especially with billions of people purchasing online and social media, making it simpler than ever before to reach your target consumer.

But, to get started, do you need a large budget? Is it feasible to establish an e-commerce goods company with no money at all? Or is it impossible? And what about taxes?

Start your eCommerce business as lean as possible.

Starting a company with no money at all is very challenging.

But you may use a variety of strategies to keep your expenses as low as possible during the first stages. In reality, it makes a great deal of sense to keep things as simple as possible as you learn.

You really don’t know many things until you go out there and start selling to your consumers. These range from the most popular products to the prices that your customers are ready to pay for particular items.

Maintaining a lean operation when you first start will allow you to save valuable funds for later. That is to say, a time when you have a better understanding of precisely what you want to accomplish later.

Instead of paying to have your brand designed before you even begin, you could use a free service. One like Canva can help you create the look and feel of your company’s branding before your debut. There are several templates from which to choose to begin started.

Eventually…

Eventually, a website will be required. For now, all you need is an online method of accepting payments (such as PayPal). And a means of connecting with your customers to get started.

It is possible to set up a free email small business marketing account with MailChimp and begin collecting email addresses. The emails will assist you in staying in contact with clients as your business grows, all without having to invest any money upfront.

Make videos and photographs of your items using your smartphone camera. The purpose is to sell them on social media platforms such as Instagram or TikTok…if you have them.

Not sure how to get the most out of your camera’s picture capabilities? Look at sites like Udemy such as low-cost classes on a wide range of topics at your leisure.

Livestream your eCommerce offerings.

Why not examine the possibility of live streaming?

This selling technique is one of the most rapidly expanding segments of the e-commerce industry. It also has the advantage of being very simple to set up, requiring no additional equipment other than a phone, and the desire to interact with your clients live on camera!

Don’t over-commit to a stock purchase.

One of the most common ways to tie up your valuable cash is to purchase an excessive amount of inventory when you are just starting.

Try to spend as little money as possible as you establish your following. Experiment with different products using to see which ones people genuinely want to buy from you.

First, choose a modest number of online things, or even just one item if you prefer. Even while you may continually expand your product line as your business grows.

Keeping your order quantities modest is vitally essential for keeping your expenditures under control at the start of your venture.

One of the most effective strategies to get started on a restricted budget is to keep the number of goods you have under tight control.

To maximize profits from sales of those things, you should reinvest earnings to purchase more shares. Which you may then sell and reinvest the profits from those sales. It is possible to build an increase in your stock holdings over time due to the “snowball effect.”

You can eCommerce it yourself if you prefer.

You won’t have to do everything yourself indefinitely. One day, your primary responsibility will be delegating as much as possible. However, you should spend your first several months learning all you can about operating a product firm.

It may be worthwhile to consider a low-cost alternative, such as joining a membership organization. The membership organization gives you access to expertise, support, and a network of other business owners. This may save you money in the long term by allowing you to avoid making expensive errors as your company grows.

With strict online control over your expenses, you’ll be able to put your goal into action for much less money than you would have originally anticipated. Understanding how to do more with less money is a valuable talent. One that will assist you in building a profitable company from the ground up.

The post Start an Online eCommerce Business Without a Lot of Cash appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

On the other hand, marketing brands are feeling the pressure to comply in an increasingly competitive marketplace driven by customer expectations. Conformity, by definition, does not foster creativity or innovation. This is just one of the 2022 trends.

The epidemic jolted the globe out of its stride, hastening the race to digital transformation. Brands that hadn’t already begun experimenting with digital transformation had to race to catch up.

But what if attempting to catch up isn’t the best option?

Brands have long pursued consumer loyalty programs as though they were shiny things. The allure is fading off now that so many small firms have established themselves. Now is the moment to research what other businesses have learned and devise a plan that puts you in charge of your future. To do so, create an architecture that allows you to maximize all possibilities to engage clients and successfully drive sales, putting you ahead of the competition by many stages.

You should avoid FOMO-driven planning.

Recently, in quick-service restaurant (QSR) businesses, particularly in the face of rising customer demand and expectations, their technological choices are causing them pain. Not only are some prepackaged marketing technology solutions failing to deliver on their promises, but they also don’t allow for simple customization.

In other words, these solutions are more about what works best for the partner than what the brand needs or wants. What brought us here?

Part of it is a lack of foresight in creating components that don’t correctly connect data. Leaving organizations with just a partial view of their client journey. Another factor contributing to the current status of brands is a fear of losing out.

Again, it’s apparent that, when done effectively, loyalty programs may help businesses acquire and retain customers. Those advantages, however, will not be realized if your company acts too quickly. And now faces constraints by technological limitations.

You want to get out of a box, want to think, and grow outside it. So, what can you do to avoid stagnating or falling farther behind? Here are a few pointers.

1. Refuse to accept that high-cost aftermarket modification is the price of doing business your way.
   • Take the time to select a solution tailored to your specific requirements without overloading you with features you won’t utilize.
2. Find a consultant or a technology partner who has expertise and awareness of the space’s deficiencies.
   • Then collaborate with them to find out how to fill that need while being loyal to your brand and using your resources efficiently.
3. Adopt a robust, flexible ecosystem with a well-documented API.
   • One that you can readily integrate and share with various partners.
   • Avoid selecting a partner subgroup that vacillates in relevancy to your brand.

Embrace unique marketing.

When it comes to incorporating this new power — this integrated, data-driven enablement — into customer loyalty programs, businesses must think about two things: campaign administration and campaign planning.

Dashboards, data analysis, and connecting everything is part of campaign management. For example, your offers and promotions platform must work with your email marketing, SMS, and other marketing channels.

Then there’s campaign planning, which focuses on creating a consolidated perspective of how all of these initiatives are doing so you can make well-informed judgments.

But it’s not as simple as “set it and forget it.” Technology is the tool, and strategy is the plan for doing the technology work for you, but you want to use this as a supplement to your campaigns.

As a result, we become more creative. You’ve freed up your marketing staff to perform their magic if you have the right technology and plan in place.

Domino’s has a simple points-based program, but its AnyWare network allows consumers to earn points by ordering from their vehicle, television, wristwatch, digital assistant, or social media and messaging applications. Starbucks has incorporated gamification into its reward program, capitalizing on a growing trend. Chipotle has continued to develop new methods to make itself relevant to consumers by utilizing influencers, social media, and the power of partner companies.

Commit to audience marketing.

For both external and internal audiences, maintaining that enthusiasm is vital.

Instead of pandemic pivots forcing people down into regions where they feel secure, look for a higher demand among marketing professionals for experimenting, learning, and moving more swiftly. There’s a desire to go creative and do something different than what they’ve done before, as well as what other businesses are doing. All they need now is the correct basis to give them that freedom.

Good marketing can help.

Our digital and mobile environments are changing at a breakneck pace. Making the financial and time commitment required to construct the appropriate solution rather than the most suitable approach requires patience and fortitude.

4The distance between where your company is now and later? Having a flexible, cutting-edge marketing technology stack, which isn’t as great as it may seem. All you have to do now is identify the necessity to rethink and reorganize your infrastructure to ensure your brand’s long-term viability in the new digital normal. Marketing just might be the answer.

This too shall pass.

Things are in flux. In motion. Stasis is out. Flexibility is in. Can you keep up? Do you even want to?

How much is your brand worth? Take some time to jot down thoughtful answers to these questions. Use those observations to construct an agile marketing plan for your successful future. Leverage newer technology to help you get there.

The post An Agile Marketing Technology Infrastructure appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

They serve no practical use and the firms who offer them prey on our emotions and persuade us to buy them.

However, valuable objects may also fulfill emotional demands, such as a sense of pride, belonging to a group, imitating trendsetters, or the delight of becoming a trendsetter. For example, consider those who wait in line all night to get the newest smartphone.

They do it for various reasons, one of which is their desire to be ahead of the curve. That isn’t a problem at all. A phone, for example, is a practical object that serves an emotional purpose.

The majority of functional items compete on price and feature trade-offs. Adding an emotional component to a practical product is a terrific approach to set it apart on a whole new level. Many B2C technology products appeal to similar feelings.

Nokia recognized that the mobile phone had evolved into a fashion piece and its communication role when it pioneered color choices for cell phones. The initial Apple Macintosh’s famed “hello” in 1984 established an emotional connection with this humanized new machine. However, many of us work in the IT field on a B2B basis. One would believe that B2B’s decision-making is intellectual and devoid of emotion.

Above all, because B2B decision-makers are people, they may sometimes include emotional impulses into their decision-making process. Job security, technological curiosity, personal motives, and, believe it or not, greed are some of the emotional aspects in technology B2B.

Job security emotions are paramount.

IBM’s marketing slogan back when it was the dominating force in the computer business was “Nobody Ever Got Fired for Buying IBM,” and it worked.

Even when the clone XYZ seemed to be more appealing due to cheaper cost or higher performance/functionality, IT managers were unwilling to give XYZ a chance since their jobs were at stake.

For example, if they choose XYZ they risk losing their job if it fails. Above all, purchasing IBM was a sure bet for job stability.

We can leverage curiosity about emotions technology.

Someone may pick the most up-to-date XYZ technology even though their company doesn’t need it because they want to be current and cutting-edge or because XYZ’s experience will look good on their résumé. But even a small business may find NFT technology useful.

Uncover the personal reasons for doing anything.

One of the most successful product launches lately did a fantastic job with that approach.

R&D engineers working for some B2B clients were the decision-makers for this innovative technology. The warning to these engineers was that if they didn’t learn about the new technology, they might become outdated in a few years.

It was a powerful argument that helped make this product launch a huge success. They didn’t do anything dishonest. They were sure that this new function would become a popular trend in the future, and we were right. The plan was to use personal, professional motivation to kick-start our campaign.

Supplier XYZ provides a professional training session at a five-star resort in Las Vegas or Hawaii, affecting specific B2B decision-makers.

In the B2B technology business, this is standard procedure. Remember to add an emotional perspective while designing a new technological product or marketing campaign.

For example, because many B2B firms don’t do this, this technique is a great way to stand out.

Use emotion to secure referrals.

B2B recommendations account for 78 percent of all client leads.

Referrals are a terrific approach to get people to notice your brand without promoting it to them directly. Incentive programs for current customers are frequent for businesses to generate recommendations.

Whether in the form of a discount on their next purchase or another sort of reward. Therefore these incentives aid in the purchase of goods and services.

The following are some of the reasons why referrals are effective.

• They allow good word-of-mouth marketing to flourish.
• This will bring in new consumers.
• Referrals can increase the number of referrals.
• They can help you boost your closing rates.

Engage in conversation.

Conversational marketing is a term used to describe a kind of marketing.

Customer communication in real-time is critical for overall engagement. Chatbots or live chats provide communication gateways at their fingertips. In other words, it is particularly important given the worldwide pandemic of the last several years.

90% of consumers prefer texting over filling out a form because it is faster and more genuine discussions. Because people are answering fewer phone calls as a means to manage their emotions. Therefore, texting is less emotional as well, which is an important way to provide that customized experience in 2022.

ABM stands for Account-Based Marketing.

Account-based marketing consists of personalized, planned programs that target specific accounts.

ABM delivers the following benefits to sales and emotion marketing teams:

• optimized performance;
• improved reporting;
• increased participation; and
• a higher return on investment.

We use cookies as part of a successful ABM approach to determine where consumers spend their time. Online businesses may use cookies in retargeting to find new consumers based on their previous emotion online activity.

However, using ABM tactics like cookies to retarget clients is becoming more challenging. Third-party cookies will be phased out beginning in 2022, forcing B2B marketers to rethink their approach to ABM.

Finally…

It’s critical to generate leads as a B2B marketer.

However, generating the right leads is critical. Supported by good strategies and methods, a marketing strategy serves as a template for creating initiatives with lasting effects. These marketing tactics are some of the most successful B2B marketing methods.

The post Emotions In B2B Technology Marketing appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Read on for more about how Google Analytics can help your small business run more effectively and increase your online sales.

Segment your audience more accurately.

For any type of small business, Google Analytics can give invaluable insights into customers’ online behavior.

If you keep track of your website’s analytics long enough, you’ll start to notice different demographics engage in different browsing patterns as a result.

Particularly, here are some metrics you should look for to identify these patterns.

• Interactions per Visit: How many web pages a user visits in one session.
• Return Visitor Conversion: How many users return to the site a second time.
• Bounce Rate: The rate at which users leave the website without completing any actions.
• Conversion Rate: The rate at which users complete an action on the website.
• Pageviews: How many users visit a webpage.
• Average Session Duration: How long users stay on a page.

Users of different ages and backgrounds will interact with your site a little differently.

So, the more information you have about their behavior, the more accurately you can segment them. Then, you can create more individualized marketing campaigns and get higher conversion rates.

Along with Google Analytics, any small business owner should use a customer data platform (CDP) to track and archive consumer data. It’s important to have easy access to all relevant data to make informed business decisions about your marketing efforts.

Create a more personalized user experience.

With clearly defined audience groups comes a more personalized user experience for each segment. This is extremely important for different age groups, as their tools and technical skills can vary.

For example, younger generations use mobile devices for most of their browsing. So, your online content and marketing campaign must be mobile-optimized to fit their habits.

Personalization is important. But, all of your content still needs to work together to attract as large an audience as possible. For example, Millennials (people aged 23-38 as of 2019) now make up the largest portion of the United States workforce. Thus, most of your online content should have conversational language and a lot of graphics to appeal to them.

You can easily personalize standard marketing tactics, like social media posts and emails, to appeal to a group’s needs and habits.

To do this, include videos, images, language, and pop-culture references that resonate with your target audience. You can also use analytics to:

• identify unusual browsing patterns;
• determine what kind of people participate in those patterns; and
• tailor your content directly to that audience.

Predict future market trends.

Google Analytics lets you monitor trends in your website’s traffic, no matter how small your business and its traffic may be.

Over time, you’ll gain a better understanding of what your customers want, when they want it, and how they want to obtain it. Every business experiences these patterns, no matter their product or service.

For example, your website’s traffic might spike around a specific season or holiday. Google Analytics gives you the information to foresee the spike in plenty of time to prepare your small business with an effective marketing plan.

Cut costs and increase revenue.

With a narrower target audience, more personalized content, and a look at future market trends, you can accomplish two tasks at once.

• Cut costs.
  • First, Google Analytics helps identify content that’s too expensive or unnecessary.
  • Thus, you can remove anything that isn’t pulling its weight to cut costs and streamline your business model.
• Increase revenue.
  • Also, Google Analytics gives you the data to make the right changes to your marketing strategy, encourage sales, and thus increase revenue.

By properly using analytics, businesses have seen a 10% decrease in total costs and an 8% increase in profits on average. Clearly, planning and executing your business plan becomes much more straightforward when you can see real numbers showing your customers’ behaviors.

Support your team.

Analytics also gives you helpful information about your employees’ performance.

You can see which people generate the most traffic and revenue, and which are lagging behind. This data lets you allocate your resources and help struggling employees pick up the slack.

Over time, you should see more consistent productivity across the board and a more supportive work environment.

Optimize your small business with Google Analytics.

Google Analytics gives you raw data about your small business and its relationship with your customers. And with the right information, you can identify unique market segments, create more personalized content to improve the user experience, anticipate market changes, and thus increase sales.

There’s no better time to start optimizing your small business with Google Analytics!

The post How Small Businesses Can Use Google Analytics to Increase Sales appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Retail technology industry funding hit a new high of $29 billion in the first quarter of 2021. In other words, retailers and tech firms tried to merge online. Likewise, in-store experiences, customized interactions at every touchpoint, and speeded up delivery operations had their influence.

And boy, did the industry smack the ball in 2021! Can small businesses keep up?

Yay for Tech!

We’d be writing and reading till 2023 if we analyzed every retail innovation that took place in 2021. After all, some failed.

It’s easy to choose the few technologies where merchants will likely spend more this year.

“Untouchable” invention. The industry expects touchless technology to grow from $6.8 billion in 2020 to $15.3 billion in 2025. The projection may be an overstatement due to pandemic-related safety precautions. By 2020, 67% of merchants would accept no-touch payments, such as tap-and-go credit cards and mobile wallets.

According to Raydiant, a producer of in-store digital signage, by spring 2021, 72 percent of customers were utilizing contactless payments. Expect more frictionless options, like Amazon Go cashier-less stores. Step 2: Software that can read hand signals and other motions.

Niche Industry Quick-Replies

QR codes seemed consigned to the “Island of Lost Tech” for a while. Therefore, the pandemic has altered that by driving demand for touchless technologies QR codes.

The projection, according to Juniper Research, consumers will redeem 5.3 billion QR-coded coupons by mobile in 2022. Starbucks and 7-Eleven feature QR codes in their payment applications. Like Lacoste and Zara, merchants utilize QR codes to deliver customized smartphone offers in-store, advertise goods in windows.

Likewise, connect to web purchasing. And luxury companies have found them helpful in preventing product counterfeiting, a rising concern.

Always-On Cybersecurity

All online shopper data is as essential to fraudsters as to retailers. Corporate and government data breaches increased 17% a year until September 2021, surpassing 2020.

In 2021, the average retail data breach cost $3.27 million, up from $2 million in 2020.

Because hackers are growing more intelligent, merchants must invest in proven, faster-detecting solutions. They must also utilize these services more wisely, gathering the data required to achieve specific objectives. Securing it like Fort Knox…and then destroying it as carefully as plutonium.

Streaming Industry Upstream

Another popular activity for consumers is celebrity-hosted internet sales events.

Some say they will gain popularity in 2022. Experts warn merchants not to anticipate a boom yet — and therein lies the opportunity.

According to Coresight Research, the U.S. live streaming industry will hit $11 billion in 2021. A considerable increase to $35 billion by 2024, but still just 3.3 percent of anticipated U.S. eCommerce, according to Coresight.

You should thoroughly test themes, product mixtures, and marketing. A broadcast might remind viewers of a hard-sell QVC pitch, so be careful with your content.

Dark Shops That Shine

Demand for speedy delivery has put new technologies to the test in the last 24 months. Converting out-of-business shops into fulfillment centers has become common.

Online research shows retail online purchases as of 2021, about 21% of all retail purchases (and hence fulfilled). Compelling fulfillment centers will demand more precision technology as the worldwide same-day delivery business grows. Experts project going from $8.4 billion in 2021 to $10.2 billion in 2022.

Good start! However, many dark businesses now provide curbside and in-store pickup in addition to delivery. For example, these consumer-centric technologies position dark shops to dominate the industry in eCommerce growth until 2022.

Vaimo says that global eCommerce sales will hit $6.5 trillion by 2023.

Two Wait-and-See Technologies

With trillions at stake, merchants should take a chance on tech. But even those that merchants may offer in 2022 are bold and maybe ahead of their time.

Virtual Fitting Rooms

Virtual fitting rooms make the cut.

Just as merchants needed time to discover the proper match for QR codes, it may take another year or two for virtual fitting rooms to establish themselves in shops.

Levi’s introduced its “Virtual Stylist” in 2017, while Gucci and Macy’s have lately experimented with the technology.

A virtual fitting room requires excellent product images and augmented reality to create a 3-D illusion. Also, the customer’s technology (for example) will influence the experience. You will remember 2022 being the Year of Lost Tech for these reasons.

Shopbots

Until proven otherwise, the in-store robot’s utility and profitability place it in the “cute gimmick” category.

Meanwhile, an app is likely cheaper to locate things on the shelf or order out-of-stock items, and it is more convenient for consumers.

However, robots can also clean floors, check stock levels, and transport merchandise at a reasonable cost.

Encouraging shoppers to buy something is one thing, but blocking their way is another. Walmart has been trying robot-enabled last-mile deliveries aside from Tiny Mile’s charming self-driving delivery carts. Wal-Mart plans to deploy fully autonomous trucks in late 2022.

Keep Up With Retail Tech Industry

We may be scratching our brains about in-store robotics or the unexpected decrease of live streaming in a year.

Creators of technology and shops prepared to take in a “cute gimmick,” or lost technology are in control of such situations.

Most importantly, for smaller shops and their technology to be successful in the future, customers must be digital. If they don’t, you may forget their ideas in a flash.

Remember, a little plaster can cover a big eyesore.

The post Retail Industry Tech Trends to Watch This Year appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

With the advent of the Metaverse, it’s more crucial than ever to have a portable and composable digital identity. One that protects privacy and security in the quickly evolving Web 3.0 environment. One that not only verifies your identity and access but also acts as a non-custodial cache for your virtual assets.

A New Paradigm for the Metaverse

Consider this. In the Metaverse, you may pick from an endless number of avatars.

It’s not at all like real life, where your face reveals a lot about you. Instead, you’ll need a more intangible way of establishing who is behind the façade.

This applies to both consumers and suppliers.

The stakes will be considerably more significant in this new digital universe than in present social media venues. Parents, for example, want to know about their kids are playing video games, whether it’s with other youngsters or at least aware if they are.

Why not purchase a virtual property? How can you be sure you’re not dealing with a shady character? Is it money laundering? Or possibly a counterfeiter’s NFT art?

In short, we need to verify that these entities are who they claim to be. Moreover, the Metaverse generates more personal data than ever. Consequently, users will want to know that their data is secure and entirely theirs.

New Models and Technologies

Luckily, Self-Sovereign ID already allows this (SSI). In addition to the trustworthy IDs, installing Zero-Knowledge Proofs and an underlying blockchain make SSI fully enforceable (ZKPs).

Essentially, ZPKs allow one party to check the accuracy of data from another without disclosing personal information. Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs) and encryption protocols allow for the creation of cross-platform SSIs.

Users will need to transact with the digital economy in any online world.

The ability to produce, acquire, and sell from virtually anywhere will be a key element of this new universe. With SSIs, you’ll always have the same consistent, portable identity, no matter where you are. No matter what you’re doing, or who you are.

Web 2.0 is a centralized monopoly of huge tech businesses gathering user data, whereas Web 3.0 flips that concept. Instead, the Metaverse will allow people to claim ownership of digital assets, including personal data and identity.

In the present Web 2 context, you can’t utilize your Google identity in an Apple AAPL 0.0 percent owned service. And vice versa. Users must create separate accounts for each platform they desire to use.

With SSIs and other legitimate company’s use of verified credentials and encrypted communication protocols, you may avoid these vulnerabilities entirely. This eliminates the need to enter personal information to access various areas and services repeatedly. This new paradigm requires confidence in the emerging Metaverse’s various worlds and their inhabitants. This is especially true for startups.

How the Metaverse Looks

The options are endless.

Online games, for example, will no longer be closed environments. An object obtained or manufactured in one planet may be transported to another or sold directly or indirectly off-platform.

You may buy from any merchant with a single click, yet you only need to submit your information once, and it’s completely confidential. You may even show that you have enough money to complete a transaction, like purchasing property, without exposing your balance.

It’s not only about opportunity; it’s about security. All present internet issues will inevitably migrate to the Metaverse, but with far higher stakes.

People wouldn’t believe that an accidental click may take your assets and virtual land on a malicious website. Neither would they believe it for a SIM switch assault.

The new system must be foolproof, such that you cannot even confirm the transaction if the other end is incorrect. It shouldn’t matter whether it’s due to deceit or user mistake.

Always Yours

An individual’s identity links to values such as crypto, in-game goods, and other NFTs. It will be easy to use for physical and digital services, such as Uber UBER +2.6 percent.

In addition, no one will tie it to a specific physical item like a phone. By just being who they are, a user’s biometric data will validate their identity on the blockchain. The data will provide them access to their assets. No one’s property or information is in danger by using any interface for the same goals.

This is good news for small businesses.

We’re talking about a future where your cloud vault is mobile. You will be linked to the Metaverse whether you are “in” it or not. There will undoubtedly be many more virtual solid world possibilities. But now there will be a concrete “link” to where we are today.

The post A Metaverse-Ready Digital Identity appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Were you a small business thrown into chaos when the Covid-19 outbreak? If you were hit, you may just now be starting to recover more than a year later. In a post-pandemic environment, small-enterprise owners must be aware of the changes and key trends driving business.

1. Empathy and Emotional Intelligence

We cannot overstate the importance of emotional honesty and modeling emotional intelligence.

Empathy is no longer a luxury but rather a valuable tool for coping with life’s and work’s obstacles. You don’t have to know or reveal every detail of an employee’s (or your own) circumstances, but detecting moods or actions and responding with care is appreciated. “If we inquire, ‘How are you doing?’ we genuinely want to know.” Adopt that slogan.

2. Social Media Influencer Marketing

The power of influencer marketing is a key trend that small companies should be aware of if they aren’t already.

Small companies may use online platforms and social media channels such as Instagram and TikTok to communicate their stories and raise awareness and enthusiasm. Influencers of all sizes (even micro-influencers) provide credibility to the article by adding context and endorsements.

3. Large-Scale Business Processes and Systems

Small firms must begin adopting large corporate systems and procedures to succeed in 2022.

What we mean is that small firms should set up toll-free phones, IVR systems, and automation to organize their operations. Act as if they were much more significant than they are. It will be critical to their success if they can do this.

4. Increased Recruitment Efforts

Companies will be able to broaden their recruitment efforts to be more far-reaching than in the past.

As the globe is more linked than ever, more individuals choose remote work locations throughout the world. In a tight labor market, organizations have purposefully established their culture. They are defined purpose, values, and norms will be more effective in recruiting the appropriate personnel.

5. Workplace Values That Put Family First

Over the past year or two, many individuals have reviewed what they value in life, resulting in family-first key trends.

As a result, company owners must establish a workplace that prioritizes people or risk losing their most exemplary employees. Small-business owners must develop a set of workplace principles with their employees and ensure that supervisors, in particular, lead by example.

6. Building Relationships with Business Owners

Don’t miss out on 2022’s hottest key trend: networking!

Small company entrepreneurs may increase their efforts tremendously by networking with other business owners rather than expanding alone. As a result, networking allows you to get business lead referrals and hear new market views. Learn from other people’s experiences, improve your game, and pitch. Team up and establish partnerships that motivate and drive each other’s development.

7. Digital Marketing’s Effectiveness

Digital marketing is here to stay, and small company owners should embrace it.

However, digital marketing may not completely replace in-person profile development. While it did during the epidemic, its cost- and time-saving benefits cannot be overlooked. Consequently, utilize these advantages to reach a large audience constantly.

8. Cloud and Digital Technologies for Business

A robust digital presence is lacking in many small firms.

Your ability to utilize and use today’s digital and cloud technologies will determine much of your success. Similarly, key trends like this bolster your commitment to keeping on top of whatever technology your customers use. That is to say, it will add to your success in the next ten years. It’s Slack, Teams, and Twitter trends these days. Who knows what the situation will be like in three years?

9. Product Development and Agile Service Delivery

The ability to stay flexible in client service delivery and product development will provide you with an edge.

Flexible delivery trends assist in creating a personal brand with a recognized competitive advantage. Likewise, creating a range of solutions and understanding the effect of these solutions on various customers can help your small company stand out. To clarify, your small business can stand out in any market by allowing you to provide variety, creativity, and strategic innovation.

10. Employee Business Coaching and Mentoring

Small firms will need to develop unique, new methods to recruit and retain talent to keep their employees happy and enhance retention.

Trends toward providing coaching or mentoring to workers exist. Consequently, it is considerably more beneficial to a person’s growth than a break room with a ping-pong table!

11. Synchronous and Delayed Video

The use of both synchronous and asynchronous video will be crucial.

The use of video to prospect, sell, service, and meet with people across the world has increased dramatically in the previous 18 months. Everyone has access to a phone, tablet, or laptop, and we are just a click away from engagement. Video is the new “new” thing, and its popularity will only grow. There are several free platforms to choose from. Get started!

12. A Business That Is Both Traditional and Hybrid

As we balance security and insecurity with a healthy home and working environment, we have options for workers.

Having a hybrid workplace where workers may pick their best work schedule will be a key trend for the future. In conclusion, employers must accept multi-generational staff with various value systems and life-learned skill sets.

The post Key Trends: 12 That Will Drive Small Business in 2022 appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Even though small company owners confront great challenges, such as the ongoing supply chain issue, they continue to bounce back. And customers continue to support them. Even though finances can be troublesome.

As recently as last month, the National Retail Federation predicted that over 58 million people would shop on Small Business Saturday. Marketers had a chance to recover and reassess how to best serve the rising small company sector during the previous year.

We wanted to discover how small firms were reacting to the present climate, preparing for the future, and encouraging innovation. Recently, Forbes polled 500 small company owners in the United States to provide marketers with the information they required to effectively serve this market.

And, based on the statistics, the mood is upbeat!

Despite the fact that 41% of owners reported low growth last year, over half believe their company emerged stronger than before the pandemic. According to the same study, small company owners will be spending in five areas in the next year. What exactly are they?

Customer Satisfaction Challenges

Customers are at the forefront of small company owners’ digital developments. In the Forbes Small Business Survey, more than 80% of respondents stated they would concentrate on customer experience next year. One-third of respondents responded that the primary purpose of new technology investments is to serve more consumers.

Small company owners want to empower their teams when deciding what technology to invest in. Three out of four aim to improve their workers’ ability to create transformational client experiences.

It’s no surprise that many small company owners are turning to data to improve their client experience and reach a larger audience. According to our poll, 45% of respondents want to acquire consumer analytics software next year.

Initiatives Promoting Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion

Brands will continue to prioritize diversity, equality, and inclusion next year, regardless of their size.

Despite this, 62% of small company owners want to invest in additional DE&I efforts in 2022, according to our poll. While Forbes is not a small business, it’s providing a good example for promoting a diverse, egalitarian, and inclusive workplace while assisting small companies. Forbes EQ is a dedicated area for companies, entrepreneurs, and charitable organizations.

Supporting underrepresented groups to share their experiences and insights with Forbes.com widens its audience through the BrandVoice content marketing platform.

The Challenge of Technology

According to 78% of poll respondents, technology will be a major investment challenge in 2022.

It’s perhaps no surprise that technology would be front and center for small company owners. However, they have no intention of investing in just any technology. Research also revealed that a staggering 80% of companies have invested in the cloud or intend to do so in the next year.

What is the primary goal of all of these investments? To service a more significant number of customers — and to do so successfully.

Workforce and Talent

Small company owners now aim to improve their employee experience, with 73% of owners predicting that personnel would be a major challenge and investment in 2022.

To empower their workers, 36% said they’ll concentrate on enhancing mental health and well-being while 35% said they’d focus on promoting work-life balance.

More than three-quarters of chief experience officers (CxOs) claimed they’ve already enhanced parental leave. CxOs have created clear limits around working hours to recruit and retain female talent. With “The Great Resignation” continuing in full gear, small companies will continue to prioritize talent in 2022.

2022 has arrived, and smaller companies are eagerly embracing it.

As an entrepreneur or small company owner, you need to be a futurist. Think past today. Imagine tomorrow, then act on your intuition, no matter how far-fetched.

Marketers will also need to be futurists in order to target small enterprises. Small businesses faced difficult times as a result of the epidemic. We’ve seen and heard about several firms that found creative methods to adapt and prosper.

Salesforce, the world’s largest cloud-based software firm, saw this coming a long time ago. At the height of the epidemic, Salesforce wanted to encourage small companies. They hoped to encourage them to keep pushing ahead while also recognizing those who had already made significant progress. This key action yielded great results.

So…find your blissful state when it comes to the modest requirements you have. Or, go big if you have the guts for it and are not risk-averse or fearful of challenge. Always remember that the longest journey begins with that single, first step.

The post Challenges to Small Business Owners in 2022 appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

With the right email marketing software and a strategy to win over the hearts (and wallets) of your contacts, you could be raking in some serious cash this holiday season.

How to Boost Your Christmas Sales

Before we officially head into the New Year, we mustn’t gloss over the last major shopping season of the year. Consumers are ready to buy and they’re looking for the best deals on the internet. So how do you get their attention?

1. Shout out your website with a sense of urgency.

With wishes of “Merry Christmas” from family and friends filling up the inbox, there’s even more competition for your subscribers’ attention. For a successful bout of buying from your store, you’ll want to adopt a strong sense of urgency.

With copy that captures the essence of time is running short (but also points to a solution), your target audience will get the picture — your site is the perfect place for fulfilling any last-minute shopping this year.

2. Problem? Solution!

You want to create copy that’s clear and to the point. Keeping your email brief means your contacts are more likely to read it in its entirety and act on a compelling call to action. For the best results, we return to the problem-solution strategy.

The end of the year sets the stage for a major bout of last-minute shopping. The problem is clear…your shoppers are running out of time! Give them quick gift ideas by showcasing your best sellers or outline a current sale with helpful links.

3. Show off your customer knowledge.

It’s time to break out the flattery. With Christmas sale competition eating up valuable inbox space, your email campaigns will need to stand out with a bit of personalization. There are a few ways to go about this.

• Personalize product recommendations that capture your target audience.
• Capture cart abandoners with the old “get it before it’s gone” technique.
• Better yet, encourage would-be customers with a discount on the things they nearly purchased.

Personalized messaging goes a long way in email campaigns as it makes it easy for a customer to feel confident about a buy. Feeling like a company truly understands them takes the guesswork out of finding the perfect product to purchase.

4. Make your campaign website mobile-friendly.

Now more than ever, it’s important that your email message is compatible with multiple devices.

In this day and age, it’s likely that a good portion of your contacts will be shuffling through their inboxes on the go. With visually enticing and clickable CTAs, you invite your clients to swiftly follow through with an effortless click of the thumb.

5. Free shipping = a shopping cart follow-through.

Have you ever wondered why shoppers abandon their carts so frequently? The greatest influence is unexpected shipping costs.

The best way to get customers to complete their purchase this holiday season is clear: offer free shipping.

6. E-gift cards are here to stay (and for good reason).

They’re super convenient and don’t require any shipping wait time! Contacts that are really cutting it close with their last-minute shopping will be hoping for a solution this simple.

Give them a shout-out in your subject line, to the tune of, “We’ve got your last-minute gift right here.” With a clickable link that goes straight to your e-gift card options, consider the sale complete.

7. Go a different email route…with a huge shopping success rate.

SMS campaigns typically host an ultra-high open rate, so if you’ve had the opportunity to collect your contacts’ phone numbers, launching SMS automation might be the thing you’ve been missing when it comes to closing that sale.

Sending an automated text won’t do much good without a clickable link attached, so be sure to include one — and maybe even a photo if your platform allows!

In conclusion, what’s the moral of the story? Christmas isn’t over yet! Your customers still have time to buy! Employ those snappy CTAs. Whip up some attention-grabbing copy. Create clear, concise messages to get your point across. When it comes down to the final hours before Christmas, your contacts will be glad they opened your email.

The post The Best Ways to Enhance Your Pre-Christmas Sales appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Travel, eating, and entertainment businesses have all been negatively affected by the pandemic. And there is plenty of negative reinforcement from social media platforms such as TikTok.

Other areas, such as small business technology, have had to deal with lockdowns and work-from-home rules. Meanwhile, a lot of people want to learn online.

But, in the New Year, will these trends continue?

According to the SBA’s latest small business profile, the U.S. has approximately 31.7 million firms employing 60.6 million people. More firms are employing in 2022, despite the COVID-19 epidemic decimating small enterprises throughout the nation. The unemployment rate has consistently declined from 13% in the second quarter of 2020 to 5.2 percent presently.

We don’t have a crystal ball to predict the future, but we know which companies individuals will start. So which U.S. small enterprises will thrive in the future? Listed below are the top five business and industry trends for 2022.

Popular Markets Post-Pandemic

A year of lockdowns, distant schooling, and remote work has sparked demand for travel, eating, and entertainment. Vaccines, better medical treatments, a greater knowledge of the coronavirus, or simply population exhaustion have boosted demand for companies and services damaged worst by the epidemic.

The possibility to plan trips, dine out, and seek amusement beyond television programs and movies streamed from home arose naturally once the light at the end of the tunnel was seen. As a result, in the future, the following top 10 small business sectors will experience revenue growth:

• International Airlines 61.3%
• Motels and Hotels 57.8%
• Casino Hotels: 57%
• Cinemas: 56.3%
• Operators: 53.3%
• Aer Lingus 50%
• Travel Agencies: 48%
• Concert and Event Marketing: 45.2%
• Taxi and Limousine: 42.8%
• Water Parks: 42.1%

It’s apparent that the firms hit the hardest by the epidemic are ready to bounce back.

While the percentage increases indicated above are temporary, they represent the reality confronting this industry and enterprises. Ski resorts, car engine and parts manufacturing, medicinal and recreational marijuana, and real estate sales and brokerage were among the enterprises that enjoyed considerable growth.

Also, CNBC just revealed their ranking of the top states for business. The ranking of states takes into consideration factors including infrastructure, workforce, capital availability, and business costs. Among the best states for business, CNBC lists:

• Virginia
• North Carolina
• Utah
• Texas
• Tennessee

Business Ideas, Trends, and Predictions for the New Year

Now that we know what worked in 2020, we can plan for next year. What will be the top five industries in the U.S. in 2022? Where should you focus your business?

Adoption of New Technologies

Who hasn’t utilized Zoom, GoToMeeting, or Microsoft Teams this past year? As a result, new technology has entered millions of homes and companies for work, education, or to keep connected, and the advances are set to continue.

The genie is out. The horse is out of the barn. (Or is the toothpaste gone?) Therefore, people will constantly want faster data and network speeds. Similarly, we will need it to fulfill rising demand, and now is the time to join this digital boom. Some of the top tech occupations in 2022 include:

Web Admins

This position builds the code that powers millions of websites that power global eCommerce. In other words, a web developer’s function might range from client-facing work on-site design and features to back-end work with databases and networks.

Developers

A software developer creates computer programs and millions of mobile applications. Mobile app developers are showing the fastest-growing occupations, with a predicted 22% increase over the next decade.

Analysts (CS)

Computers, processes, and procedures are the emphasis of this function. Accordingly, they depend on IT to handle client demands and guarantee a company’s digital needs are satisfied.

IT Security Analysts

These people defend enterprises against cyberattacks. Above all, they safeguard and monitor a company’s computer network.

Data Managers

This employee organizes data. They ensure database information is safe and efficient.

AI and ML Growth

Smartphones and other smart gadgets are one example of how AI is influencing our lives. Smart automobiles will navigate the streets using AI systems. Whether you work in customer service, human resources, or even AI-powered applications, AI is meant to help. Among the new roles AI will perform in 2022 are:

• Cybersecurity
• Trends and Business Forecasting
• Healthcare Help Desk (Chatbots)
• Voice Recognition and Search

Entrepreneurs want location independence as digital nomads. As a result, working as a digital nomad was a rising trend in 2019 and will continue in 2022.

According to the Harvard Business Review, there will be 10.9 million digital nomads by 2020. This is a 49% increase and is anticipated higher growth.

Similarly, many businesses, particularly millennials, value flexibility, and geographical freedom. That is to say, these digital nomad enterprises are ideal for knowledge jobs like consulting and freelancing.

As the world shifts away from office occupations, new technological tools such as productivity applications, collaboration software, and communication channels allow knowledge workers to work almost anywhere.

Digital Nomads May Run Numerous Sorts of Businesses

Freelance in coding, programming, writing, graphic design, marketing, and other fields. Likewise, provide personalized knowledge and assistance in areas of extensive experience and understanding. For example, make money from a website or blog through affiliate marketing or advertising. Sell an information product like a course or an ebook using a well-known site like Fiverr, TaskRabbit, Upwork, or Toptal. In conclusion, there literally are no limits as you move into the New Year.

The post 5 Growth Business Trends of the New Year appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

After the last year, more small and medium business owners are realizing that having Managed IT is a way to remove unnecessary headaches, sleepless nights, and lost weekends. Savvy small business owners know that they need to use technology to grow. 

Switching to a managed service comes down to three core benefits: reduce complexity, boost efficiency, and trim costs. Let’s explore each one and see how this may help you.

Reduce Complexity

Don’t you have enough to do with managing your business, creating innovative strategies, building strong teams, and delivering exceptional customer service? Do you need to spend your spare hours reading a tech manual or learning about network monitoring? 

If you’re in a service business and relying on a physical location, you already have your hands full and your hours accounted for. You know that every minute you’re spending on technical services is time away from the people-centric activities that make your business succeed.

But it doesn’t change the fact that you need to be up to date and at optimal functioning to keep your business state of the art. Reducing complexity is a daily mantra for every small business owner. Especially during the holidays, reducing complexity is the key to coping with stress, pressure, and longer hours. 

Here are four essentials that are likely to elicit a sigh of relief:

• A 24/7 Help Desk so that every request for help gets a rapid response.
• Remote Network monitoring so you know everything is functioning perfectly around the clock.
• Remote and on-site support to solve issues quickly and efficiently.
• Routine maintenance to make sure technology is up-to-date, secure, and backed up.

If you’ve been struggling to do these basics on your own, with the help of your family and friends, or leaning on a small internal team of tech wizards—you are in for a treat. 

Boost Efficiency

The benefits of managed IT services can go way beyond these critical essentials. It can provide you with peace of mind, improved efficiency, and increased customer satisfaction. If you’re growing into new lines of business or new geographic areas, managed services are the key to unlocking unrestricted expansion. 

You can reduce stress and improve employee morale when you let an outside IT managed services team take the load off of your internal team. You’ll provide your staff with access to expert support, and remove the burden of preventative maintenance. Ask your staff for their input…you’ll find that they are more than happy to let experts do the heavy lifting.

Trim Costs

If you’re a small business owner, you may have been holding back for one big reason: the cost. This reason seems valid until you examine it more closely. It turns out it can be much more expensive to train and support an in-house IT team. You could be looking at thousands of dollars, depending on the size and scope of your operations. 

Alternatively, managed IT services tend to run from $100 to $150 per person per month. This could average out to much less money than you have been spending. Money and time are the ultimate levers of success in a small business, but you still need to factor in the unknowable elements. 

For instance, what is the cost of a technology glitch? What will it cost you in sales, service, or customer loyalty? Ultimately, you’ll save a lot more money by preventing costly downtime or recovery time.

Finding The Best Fit for Your Business

How can you find the best-managed service provider for your business? Start with a core list of your values and needs. Four essentials for selecting a provider you can work with over the long-term include:

• Communication skills. You want to know that your needs, wants, and issues are being heard and given top priority.
• Expert skills. Technical expertise and insights into industry trends will keep your company positioned for success.
• Collaboration skills. Partnering together will help you innovate for current needs and anticipate future developments to stay ahead of your competition.
• Agile skills. Adapting and staying flexible will help you and your IT partner start, learn, and grow without limiting you to a fixed obligation or operation.

As you explore the next steps in managed IT, keep an open mind and discuss options. You may find that a dedicated team helps you to reduce stress and grow your business.

The post Three Benefits of Using Managed IT in Your Small Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

New business trends are developing as life returns to routine. Recognizing them may help small firms recover their footing. Small company owners must keep abreast of the post-pandemic developments and movements. Listed below are a few ideas.

Developing EQ and Empathy

Transparency and emotional intelligence modeling are crucial. So many surveys say. As a result, empathy is a valuable tool for coping with life and professional issues. Similarly, recognizing emotions or actions and handling them with attention has tremendous value.

Using Social Media Influencers and Technology

Influencer marketing is a trend that small companies should know about. For example, online platforms such as Instagram and TikTok can help small companies express their stories and generate enthusiasm. Influencers, big and small (micro-influencers), provide significance and endorsements to the content.

Adopting Big Biz Systems and Processes

Small firms must adopt large corporate systems and procedures if they want to succeed in the New Year. That is, tiny firms should put up toll-free phones, IVR systems, and automation and organize themselves as if they were much bigger. Success depends on this.

Enhancing Recruiting

With the globe becoming more connected and individuals opting for remote work locations, organizations will be able to hire more widely than in the past. Above all, companies with a defined purpose, values, and standards will be more effective in recruiting top talent in a tight labor market.

Instituting Workplace Values That Put Family First

People have reevaluated their priorities in the previous year or two, leading to the family-first movement. As a result, business leaders must build a people-first environment or risk losing their finest employees. Small company owners must develop a set of workplace principles with their employees and ensure that managers lead by example.

Increasing Business Owner Networking

Don’t miss the “new” New Year trend: networking! Businesses may develop tremendously by interacting with other businesses instead of growing alone. Assemble a team and establish connections that motivate and drive one other’s progress. Do it in return.

Embracing Digital Marketing’s Efficiency

Digital marketing is here to stay for small businesses. Digital marketing may not completely replace in-person profile development. However, don’t overlook its cost- and time-saving benefits. Use such advantages to reach a large audience.

 Leveraging Digital and Cloud Tech

Many small companies lack a digital presence. If this describes your company, you can (and should) correct this serious oversight quickly and easily. Likewise, your ability to utilize and harness current digital and cloud technologies, as well as your desire to keep up with your customers’ technologies, will determine your future success. Slack, Teams, and Twitter now. Who knows in three years?

 Boosting Agile Service and Product Delivery

Agile service delivery and product development for customers can help you construct a personal brand with a competitive edge. Create a range of solutions and analyze their influence on various customers to help your small company stand out in any industry.

Prioritizing Employee Coaching and Mentoring

To keep a happy staff and enhance retention, small companies will need to think outside the box. The tendency is to give staff coaching or mentorship, which is significantly more important than a ping-pong table.

Adopting Newer Video Technology

On-demand video will be crucial. In other words, video has become more popular for prospecting, selling, serving, and meeting people globally. Today, video is the new “new” thing, and its popularity will only grow. There are several free platforms.

Building Out Hybrid Office Technology

Employees may pick their best work schedule and whether they work remotely or in person, which is a future trend as security and insecurity are balanced with a healthy home and work environment. Similarly, employers must accept multi-generational personnel with diverse values and life experiences.

Stressing Workplace Mental Health

Mental health in the workplace is important, regardless of the size of the workforce. For example, supply chain constraints, labor shortages, remote work, and the blurring of work-life are increasing employee stress. Above all, changing this tendency will promote engagement, minimize attrition, and raise productivity.

Rethinking Inventory Management Strategy

Supply chain shortages will persist. Raw material and product delivery delays will be longer than projected. Work on this today. Likewise, setting goals and changing your inventory management are crucial. The cost of not having a product is greater. If your firm isn’t directly affected, your consumers are.

Maximum Business Google Usage

This coming year, successful companies will use Google to its utmost. That is, this covers Google My Business, local services, advertisements, and SEO. Accordingly, small company entrepreneurs must learn, use, and comprehend Google lead generation. Try branding yourself. So, create a goal. Master personal and company branding. The corporate brand often hides the owner’s identity, allowing them to avoid being vulnerable and human. Change this now. As an entrepreneur, you can only gain loyalty by being yourself, displaying the human aspect of your company, and promoting you and your staff.

The post Small Business Technology Trends in the New Year appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

What can a small company owner do to prepare for growth in the New Year, given that 99 percent of all U.S. enterprises are tiny, almost 32 million as of March 2021?

What kind of small enterprises is growing now? It’s possible that now is the best moment to start a new business. In the New Year, certain services and goods may be in higher demand than ever. This list is by no means exhaustive, but if you work in one of these fields or want to, this may be a good year for you.

• Physical Therapy
• Wellness
• Mechanic
• Carwashes
• Curricula
• MBA Marketing Courses
• Business Advice and Coaching
• SM Management
• A/R (Accounting)

If indeed these careers are now the most successful, it’s clear that customers are intensely focused on self-improvement and business-to-business services.

So, you’ve been bitten by the entrepreneurial bug and are joining the ranks of other business owners who have gone solo. Are there risks to becoming your boss? Sure. You can’t expand without bruising yourself a few times. But do the rewards justify the effort? Ask the almost 32 million small firms that comprise 99 percent of all U.S. businesses.

Where do you expand if you’re new?

Then how do you go about it when you don’t know what you don’t know?

Decide on a business structure.

The importance of choosing the correct sort of company entity cannot be stressed. Consider it to be like cooking. Before you start, decide what you’re going to make and what utensils and supplies you’ll need. Not every tool or instrument will work for you.

Make a stew on a grill to understand.

When beginning a firm, you must explore several business structures and choose which one best suits your needs. Understanding that each entity type has unique legal requirements is critical, not just during the creation phase but also as you develop and expand.

If you’re like most people and motivated more by ambition and caffeine than a solid business strategy, you’ll need to decide if you want to do it alone or with a partner. Whether you need investors. How much ownership do you want to give up in exchange for financial aid?

You must also decide how you will run the company, who will make decisions and over what, and how you will be compensated and share in the profits and losses.

A wise business owner also learns about putting up precautions such as insurance and hiring professionals such as lawyers for contracts, employment difficulties and guidance, and accountants for tax and bookkeeping.

Very often, companies fail to create procedures and processes for handling conflicts, differences in management style, and settling disputes, which harms the business, earnings, and relationships. Every facet of a business is influenced by how it is legally created.

Expand systems to address roadblocks.

Sole proprietorship or joint ownership of a firm involves a shared commitment to doing activities that strengthen the business.

Running a business requires following local, state, and federal regulations. Establishing internal processes that help you succeed.

Consider how you greet customers in person, over the phone, or via email. The information they have access to when considering signing up or buying. Then the policies you create and implement communicate the business’s objectives.

Consider whether you will train employees to deliver the intended customer experience or handle problems that arise. Billing practices complicate things. Also, use the information that appears on a website or social media to showcase and market the business’s strengths. These are all essential touchpoints that may make or kill a business.

These moments also shape its reputational identity, which is how the public and rivals see it. Customers and clients alike expect and require an experience worth their time and money.

Get set…grow!

If you’ve been around the block at least once and can include a successful business among your accomplishments, it’s time to pause and reflect on your past and future growth.

Uncertainty has taught American firms that they are more susceptible than they believed when it comes to the epidemic and all the issues it brings. To prepare for future difficulties, company owners may take action to ensure their workplaces are safe for employees and customers and to comply with local government regulations.

How can an established business owner make up lost ground or stay up with the changing tides long enough to see a better New Year?

Love your squad.

Remember that creating relationships pays off. If you have loyal employees, remind them why they joined in the first place. As things improve, a motivated workforce with high morale is an organization’s most important growth asset.

Everyone will remember that the unit survived difficult circumstances by working together toward a shared objective.

Get assistance where needed.

Our reliance on technology may have made the world smaller due to increased access to information. But be aware that not all information is good information.

Don’t rely on social network pals or generic web forms to inform you what your business contracts state or what standards to follow. Do yourself a great favor and get legal advice that is conversant with the subject and can assist you in avoiding legal growth issues. And, when it comes to taxes, be sure to consult a financial specialist.

“Professional services” are not a misnomer as long as you spend time finding trustworthy assistance.

The post Are You Ready For Growth in the New Year? appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Change upward will require technology. Using technology strategically will provide you with a competitive advantage.

You don’t have to be a scientist to use technology to expand your business. Just spend less time on useless stuff like TV and more time on things that can help your business. The material in this article is meant to help you start using technology to expand your business.

Here are some strategies to use technology to grow your small business.

1. Communication technology can lend a hand.

Communication is one of the numerous advantages of technology. This perk allows you to communicate more readily with potential clients and partners.

For example, you may utilize top email marketing tools to engage potential customers. There’s no need to go when you can call. Technology improves communication. You may use a video call to see the other person from afar.

2. Use technology to boost marketing.

If handled appropriately, technology may increase your marketing efforts. However, conventional marketing methods will never be as effective as technology-based marketing strategies. Like social media marketing.

A camper repair service, for example, may use a strong social media strategy to quickly contact new consumers and drive them to their website. Even if you lack education or experience, technology can help you write a business strategy. You can construct unique websites utilizing technology-based solutions even if you don’t know anything about web design.

3. Social networking will be useful.

Social networking accelerates business growth. It connects you to so many individuals from your home. Digital marketing is one of the best methods to use social media for business success.

Working with a social media marketing agency allows you to promote your products and services without having to advertise physically. The internet touches almost every country. So anything you share on social media is worldwide. Social media marketing also allows you to select your target demographic.

4. Remote employment saves on resources.

As a small business, you must save time, effort, and money. A remote office is one of the finest methods to do this.

It allows workers to work from home and will enable you to communicate with them without having to meet in person. If an employee is unable to report to your physical office, they can interact with you using remote work tools.

5. Create a website.

You will need a website to promote your services. So, if you want to develop your business faster, get a website.

Building a website is not enough; it must be adaptable and appealing to potential clients. An effective, responsive website will provide your company with a digital presence. It will also provide credible information about your company to anyone seeking it online.

To ensure that your website is both visually appealing and functional, consider partnering with a reputable b2b web design agency that can create a custom website tailored to your business needs and target audience.

6. SEO is your lifeblood.

It’s not enough to develop a website; it must be seen. Increased visibility attracts more customers, resulting in quicker brand growth.

This is only achievable if you optimize your online content for search engines. If you lack the necessary understanding, you may need to engage SEO specialists.

7. Protect your assets.

While technology might help you reach a global audience faster than traditional methods, it also has its drawbacks. For one, your website may be hacked, resulting in data loss or theft, as well as financial damage.

Securing a reliable internet company will help. Create active firewalls for your website and use encrypted passwords.

8. Use cloud storage.

Don’t keep everything on your PC; shift some to the cloud. Cloud storage frees up disk space and might even speed up your machine.

It can also make your data and files available if you need to view them outside of your office or at a remote location. This way, you have all the information you need at your fingertips.

9. Provide better client service.

Technology can help you noticeably improve customer service.

This may be done by offering live chat services where existing and future consumers can speak with you and receive rapid responses. You may also provide toll-free calling so that your customers don’t have to pay.

10. Automate mundane duties.

Automating duties can also help your small business. Customer service is one duty that may be automated.

Automated messages can address many of the questions customers ask. You may also schedule social media postings. And therefore focus on other elements of the business.

11. Video marketing always attracts eyeballs.

Another option is video marketing. But make sure the videos you create are linked to your products and services.

Search engines will give your website a higher ranking if you have connected videos. You may also share these films on social media.

Bonus Advice!

Content marketing is a great approach to promote your company online. You can submit SEO-friendly material to major websites like E-zine. You may also develop backlinks to connect with authoritative websites. If this is too technical for you, you can always employ an SEO specialist.

The post Use Technology to Improve Your Small Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Fortunately, this new-normal society ensures enormous earnings from small resources.

With everything going online and technology taking over, there are limitless ways to earn. But becoming an entrepreneur requires foresight. While you’re still thinking out what your small business should be, someone else is already generating money and building an empire.

Small Risk, High Return

Are you looking to establish a business now? Consider the changing standards and technology developments. It will assist you in choosing one that will benefit you long-term.

Listed below are five small business/entrepreneur ideas to start in the New Year.

1. Reseller Hosting

Nowadays, reseller hosting is quite popular.

Reseller hosting operates like a rental business. Instead of owning and renting an online residence, you rent web server storage space. This gives users access to all web server resources needed for a website. In addition, reseller hosting is less expensive than buying straight from the central hosting service.

Owners may make a lot of money if they rent the place for a long time.

A simple technical understanding of website hosting and a budget to acquire a reseller plan from the parent provider allows you to customize those packages and sell them.

The definitive guide should be your first stop for learning how to resell hosting. This type of company has a lot of potential as you can offer it alongside web design, development, SEO, and other online services.

2. NFT Collectibles

NFTs are non-fungible art tokens that may be used as blockchain digital assets. The average monthly sales for NFT’s value was calculated at $336.6 million USD. This shows the NFT industry’s potential.

If you like visuals and crypto, you might like the NFT startup business. You don’t need to be an expert in all graphic design tools to start with creativity and fundamental abilities.

The blockchain allows you to mint any sort of abstract item, GIF, photo, song, sketch, or anything else. To mint art, you must first code it for blockchains. It will prevent anyone from copying your art. The most common cryptocurrency for selling NFTs is Ethereum. However, there are others.

3. Sustainable Products eCommerce Business

Starting an eco-friendly eCommerce business might be a terrific solution for you.

People are becoming more aware of the need to conserve the environment. The sustainable goods industry is expected to hit $150 billion USD by year’s end. You may earn your share by opening a modest online store.

Introduce notebooks, stainless steel water bottles, cloth totes, travel mugs, biodegradable cutlery, bowls, plates, reusable food bags, and other recycled plastic items. You may quickly create an eCommerce website or launch your business on Amazon, Etsy, or eBay.

4. Affiliation

Affiliate marketing is also a terrific way to generate money.

Affiliate marketing is online marketing. It’s simply helping others promote and sell their products or services in exchange for a cut of the revenue. You can utilize blogs, YouTube videos, social media, and an email list.

The most popular choice is blogging, which produces long-term effects. A website is all you need to become an affiliate marketer. After that, join an affiliate network such as Amazon Associates. Then choose a hobby and start writing about it to make money.

In other words, affiliate marketing has a high return on investment and may be done as a side hustle. The nicest part is that it can be automated.

5. Online Coaching

This is the new normal. The e-learning industry is expected to reach $336.98 billion USD by 2026. For instance, if you are brilliant at something and know everything about it, share your expertise…and get money.

Virtual classrooms are possible using Google Meet, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams. Also, you can make money by teaching skills relating to your industry via your YouTube channel.

Providing mini-classes in any profession or industry is always a good trend. You can train people online in any field, from manufacturing to digital marketing. You can be a relationship coach, a financial coach, a health coach, etc.

How does that work? It’s simple.

Most small business owners can access in-house or online classes for themselves and for their employees. The cost is nominal. Even free sometimes.

So do yourself a favor. Look into continuing education for yourself. Also for your staff. It will help you expand your horizons. Similarly, your employees will become more efficient and more valuable. And maybe even a bit grateful.

Don’t hesitate to offer tuition reimbursement. This can be a key to better employees. The more you know, the more you contribute.

The post 5 Small Business Ideas for the New Year appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

However, when these two departments clash, it can cause major issues both inside and outside the company.

1. IT and Sales…oil and water?

A major IT and sales divergence has been a “throw it over the wall” mindset. This is where one group works independently from the other until it’s too late in the process to turn back.

Making sure that each member of these teams is adequately incentivized to work toward a common goal is an effective strategy to combat this. As a result, it’s critical to hire people who are enthusiastic about working toward a common purpose.

2. Battle back against inadequate empathy.

If the problem is a lack of empathy, the solution might be increased visibility.

Look for opportunities to expose the vulnerable side of doing business. How difficult was it to get that deal? How many challenges did you have to overcome to get that new feature up and running?

We’re all working on puzzles. Seeing that someone else is working on similar but unrelated difficulties demonstrates that we’re on the same team. We are far less likely to throw each other under the bus.

3. Root out ineffective communication.

Communication is at the root of most corporate conflicts, whether within or across teams.

Because sales targets are the primary focus, sales teams frequently don’t understand the technology and don’t make time for it. Tech teams, on the other hand, frequently exist in a realm that is too far removed from clients.

In this case, having business plans — rather than personal or departmental agendas — is beneficial.

4. Eliminate IT under-delivery and/or over-selling.

Overselling is risky. It almost always leads to under-delivery.

It’s critical that your sales force is aware of the benefits and drawbacks of your service or product. For every two sales executives, a solutions expert is required to keep them honest. Setting client expectations and presenting the solution’s roadmap is both refreshing and beneficial to a potential client relationship.

5. Is there a lack of clarity on specific issues and use cases?

The most common source of disagreement is when IT teams lack insight on the exact problem, scenarios, or use cases that sales teams are grappling with. Additional tools or technology aren’t always worth it for the sales team, no matter how snazzy.

6. Your sales team lacks the capacity to articulate customer requirements.

When sales teams are unable to communicate exactly what their clients want, this is a recipe for problems. This can also happen when tech teams are not clear about development dates for things that the sales team is attempting to pre-sell. The keys to establishing alignment are open communication and openness.

7. Watch out for sales engineering or proof of concept engineering.

According to the tech world, development protocols are constantly broken while attempting to persuade that quarter-million-dollar deal customer.

8. Are salespeople force-feeding “solutions” rather than addressing a problem to be solved?

The most common disputes occur whenever the sales team gives the tech team the “solution” rather than the “issue” to fix.

Including engineers in the problem-solving process gives them a sense of belonging and importance to the issue. This also brings in a variety of viewpoints that may enable businesses to create better software more quickly.

9. Be aware of any IT desire to provide clients with quicker service.

Sales teams seek to meet their clients’ needs as quickly as possible. IT groups, on the other hand, may take more time to meet the need for delivering quality.

As a tech leader, you should negotiate with the customer for the bare minimum MVP required. Prioritize that outcome with your sales teams. After that, engage with IT to avoid over-architecting the solution. This will result in a win-win situation. As a result, leveraging win-win results leads to long-term success.

10. Different departments work in different ways.

Sales and tech teams operate inherently differently. Sales teams are aggressive…and perhaps oversell. Tech teams operate with prudent restraint. These differences can be beneficial since it drives the teams to be constructive, collaborative, and reach a balance point.

11. Any danger of forgetting what the operational purpose is?

Tech teams are frequently so engrossed in their apps that they fail to recognize the operational purpose of ops requests.

Salespeople are frequently willing to make promises that they suspect they won’t be able to keep.

To close the gap, the IT team should be more involved in understanding their impact on important KPIs. Sales should be mindful that promises take time to fulfill.

12. When should deliverables be expected?

It’s the responsibility of top management to maintain a close eye on sales commitments against development sprint accomplishments.

Scrum masters/project managers on the development side and sales operations leaders on the sales side need to work together like peanut butter and jelly.

13. Has IT been led astray by product specifications?

The majority of the time, sales teams are unaware of where a product is and what it can do. They are frequently tripped up by a product’s specifics.

If the product fails to meet expectations, the momentum is lost not only from a business standpoint but also from the perspective of the sales team’s morale. It’s critical that sales pitches be in sync and that the tech team is involved.

The post Handling Conflicts Between IT and Your Sales Team appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Since its inception in the United States, Black Friday has spread throughout the world with businesses offering a variety of deals and discounts for a limited time. It officially kicks off the holiday shopping season the day following Thanksgiving in the United States.

Is Black Friday really as relevant as it always was, given the massive shifts in how shoppers shop? Will it be a day of “too-good-to-be-true discounts,” which fuels consumerism? Is it still in line with the values of today’s buyers, especially those who want to support local businesses?

Black Friday business is still a staple of the retail calendar.

Despite the retail industry’s rocky last two years, Black Friday remains an important aspect of retailers’ annual sales plans. According to a recent survey, 38.6 percent of customers intend to shop on Black Friday this year.

Another survey says 30 percent of all retail purchases occur from Black Friday through Christmas, which is possibly significant this year due to anticipated delays and shortages.

Small business is where the conscious shopper goes for their deals.

Consumers are increasingly interested in shopping locally, environmentally, and supporting small companies.

Without a doubt, Black Friday is a terrific time for small businesses to sell goods. They’re either early holiday sales or moving stock to make room for more Christmas products. They also build client loyalty.

Smaller merchants might offer incentives such as exclusive products, referral bonuses, free next-day shipping, longer returns, and loyalty advantages in addition to discounts. For many independent stores, a charitable donation speaks directly to their customers’ values. It’s not all about price cuts.

Modest enterprises who want to stay away from Black Friday have options.

Small Business Saturday has grown in popularity in recent years, and Holly Tucker’s “Colour Friday” was recently created as a Black Friday alternative. It was designed to encourage us all to appreciate the color and creativity that small businesses contribute to the UK…before it’s too late.

Smaller firms have a lot of clout in the retail world. A vast majority of the 5.7 million registered firms were small or medium-sized at the start of 2020. So independent retailers shouldn’t be put off by the fact that the major names seem to dominate this event. They’re not thought of as least, since local delivery is a huge benefit for smaller firms in these difficult times.

The internet reigns supreme.

The shift to online shopping represents a significant change in how customers shop. When physical stores were unable to operate due to the pandemic, retailers were forced to adapt quickly to reach their customers.

This year, 84 percent of Black Friday customers will make some purchases online, according to research from shopping comparison site finder.com. As a result, small businesses must ensure that their websites are in tip-top shape, ideally with several payment methods — as recommended by independent retail experts for a successful Christmas.

The business of giving.

Independent retailers participating in Black Friday should focus on creating a warm festive atmosphere for their consumers and displaying their gift items prominently.

Small businesses can capitalize on their USP — thoughtful, local, and ecological gifts — while major stores fight to meet the consumer’s thirst for cheap discounts.

Small business does not need to be small potatoes.

The owners of small enterprises know that technology can be either friend or foe.

Many small business owners have confronted challenges with technology, especially in the last two years. That’s because the pandemic has proven a fertile field for technological innovation. This is true in everything from medicine to education to politics to merchandising.

The business of business has never been made easier than by today’s technology. At the same time trying to navigate innovations such as Zoom has given many owners and entrepreneurs nightmares. Small establishments cannot usually afford a full-time IT person. Yet they cannot get along without full-time help in that area.

What to do? Some small enterprises now offer reimbursement or outright bonuses to employees who take technology and computer courses. Other owners find it more practical, cheaper, and less time-consuming to simply hire a consultant.  The problem with tech consultants in the post-pandemic era is that they are as scarce as feathers on a bowling ball. If you can find one you are likely to pay dearly for their services.

On the other hand, many small business owners find they have a flair for working with technology. Necessity is the mother of invention…and the mother of technology expertise.

The post Business on Black Friday appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

eCommerce has evolved from a personal brand curiosity to a luxury to a necessity. eCommerce has become a necessity for shoppers. They want to be able to order items from anywhere and get them delivered within 24 hours.

Many store websites feature products that aren’t available in stores and special offers that aren’t available in-store. POS systems from across the country have shown that foot traffic has been steadily declining.

The pandemic only exacerbated the problem. Black Friday was traditionally the busiest day of the holiday season, but foot traffic on Black Friday in 2020 was lower than 52%. eCommerce, however, has seen an explosion. In 2020, more than 2 billion consumers made online purchases. This contributed to an estimated $4.2 trillion in U.S. revenue.

Online shopping is a great option for small- to medium-sized retail businesses. However, they may not know how to get started or whether they have the financial means to make it happen.

Planning

To get into the lucrative online world of eCommerce, you must first create an online business plan. Determine what products you wish to offer online, then determine where to store inventory to allow for online orders.

Next, decide what payment methods you will accept. There are several payment options available: Apple Pay, PayPal, credit cards, and debit cards.

Secure payment methods should be used when setting up payment options. Customers’ personal information will be protected by choosing secure payment methods. This is crucial as hackers can easily access low-grade protection schemes. You’ll then have to deal with angry customers if your website is compromised. Many of them may never shop at your store or site again.

Personal Brand Shipping

Next, you need to make sure that shipping is secure and enough packaging is available to meet your customers’ needs. You’ll need to decide where and how you will fulfill orders.

No matter what you do, make sure you ship products promptly and get them expedited whenever you can. Online shoppers can be very impatient. Many online shoppers expect their items to arrive within a few days, if not a week. Make sure you label all your items with delivery estimates.

Establishing an Online Personal Brand Presence

There are many ways to build a website with a personal brand, even if you don’t have the necessary skills.

Pre-made eCommerce templates are available from many companies. These templates include everything you need to create your website and market it. A web designer can also be hired to create a site for you. Some point-of-sale businesses offer eCommerce features such as apps and websites.

Web search engine optimization (SEO), which helps your website rank high in search engines like Google, is another factor you should consider. If your store isn’t on pages one to five, it will be harder for people to find it. However, consumers will most likely choose websites that are on the first page of search results. To improve your website’s SEO, do your research.

Also, make sure you monitor your website traffic once your eCommerce platform is launched.

Research why your website isn’t receiving as many visitors as you expected. Is your website not being promoted as effectively as possible, online or in-store? Also, make sure to test your website for bugs. It’s not good to have a customer who is unable to access your site but wants it. They will likely move on to another site and never return.

Personal Brand Marketing

The final step is to create an eCommerce personal brand marketing budget. Your website won’t sell itself, even though it is useful to have an online presence.

You can target existing clients by handing out pamphlets at checkout counters. Advertise in periodicals that target your demographic. If your business is in a Spanish-speaking area, you might place ads in Spanish newspapers or other Spanish periodicals.

These steps can be followed carefully and accurately by Mom-and-Pop merchants. This will allow them to generate more revenue and impress customers. It can also help to build positive word of mouth, which can bring in new and existing customers.

The post Personal Brand Yourself appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Marketing

If you are running a business, using data has become essential to modern marketing. Whether you want to find a new target demographic or learn how to better advertise to the type of person who supports your business, data analysis is instrumental to digital marketing tactics. You want to know how to target ads, where to publish ads, and find new ways to market to your company. Data makes this all possible. Whether you have data to work with or need to begin acquiring it, your marketing division will be bolstered by this kind of analysis.

Send Out Press Releases

Data can be pivotal in understanding who is reading and utilizing the press releases you are sending out about your business, events, art, and much more. It doesn’t matter what you are announcing; if you’re using press releases in any way, you should look into an online newsroom platform. These platforms not only connect you with journalists and others who you want to see your press releases, but they will also provide the data and analytics to seewho is viewing them. Prioritize who sees your press release distribution, customize your voice, and analyze the information that is coming back to you.

Find Out Who Views Your Website

Google Analytics and other similar resources can offer you a lot of information about who is searching for your website. Whatever field you are in — whether you’re a painter, a musician, a tech start-up, or a restaurateur — finding out who sees your site, where they live, and any other helpful information can help you grow and thrive. Not only will you discover when the best time to put up blogs, website pages, social media posts, but you’ll also gain a better understanding of how to use those things. You might be surprised about how helpful this information truly is.

Energy-Efficiency

An effective way to use data is to make your home or business more energy-efficient. If you have access to the times of day and days of the week when your energy bill is at its highest, you can avoid using power during those times. Every energy company knows this information because they up the price on purpose. This is typically the peak hours of use, when people come from work. Overall, data can be used by businesses to determine their most efficient energy usage. Whether you’re a company trying to lower your overhead or a family who wants to lower your carbon footprint, data is useful when it comes to energy efficiency.

Health & Wellness

This one might be a surprise, but data analysis is becoming widely used in the fields of health and wellness. There are plenty of wearable products that use modern technology to provide information about your health, vitals, sleep, strain, and more. The more data these technologies have from your body, the better they will be at helping you. With wearable technology, you can determine how many calories to eat, how much to exercise, how much sleep is optimal, and much more at https://medfitnetwork.org/public/ambien-zolpidem-info/.

In the world of the future, data is king. It will be used in so many ways. While the acquisition of data can be dubious, the benefits just may outweigh the disadvantages. With so many opportunities to optimize our businesses, homes, occupations, and our personal lives, the importance of data won’t go away any time soon. 

Not only does data analysis provide more reliable statistics and the ability to predict trends, but this information is also useful for the marketing of our businesses, the efficiency of our energy use, and the health of our bodies. Whether you like it or not, data ownership will continue to be a significant part of our lives. 

The post Five Key Ways to Use Data for Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Before we go further, it’s essential to highlight two distinct types of direct mail solutions: solo mail and shared mail. Shared mail involves advertisers coming together in a single piece of mail to reach the same audience. In contrast, solo mail represents a single business entity.

High Return on Investment (ROI)

You probably don’t believe that direct emails can yield a higher ROI than online display and paid search ads. As far-fetched as it may sound, it is true. Statistics indicate that direct mails are almost as effective as social media marketing, with the latter being only a single percentage ahead. This means that a business that uses direct mail alongside other marketing strategies will likely achieve high conversions. One study found that most donations received by non-profit organizations come from direct mails. Research has also established that over 80 percent of millennials love receiving mails and are more likely to respond to direct mails than other generations. Millennials are said to favor physical media over other media channels.

Cost-effectiveness

For-profit businesses are always looking to improve their profit margins by reducing operational costs. Some marketing methods can be very costly. Direct mail is a cost-friendly way of reaching customers. It does not need investment in terms of money, digital infrastructure, and technical knowledge compared to other methods such as paid search. You only need a good copywriter and designer to help craft your emails. Some organizations resort to shared direct mail marketing over solo direct mail marketing to save on costs. This is because the difference between shared and solo mail marketing lies within the costs involved.

Versatility

Direct mails can be sent in different formats. Depending on what you desire to communicate to your customers, you can send direct mails in various forms such as newsletters, magazines, postcards, catalogs, and brochures, among others. It means you have a range of options to choose from for various purposes. For instance, if you want to inform your customers of your new line of products, you can use a brochure to provide your audience with the product specifications. Direct mails in the form of company newsletters effectively establish and maintain long-term relationships with customers and improve their loyalty. Direct mails can also collect vital information from customers through questionnaires and surveys sent to them. The results can be analyzed and measured against targets and goals. Direct mails are perfect for newly set-up businesses hoping to generate quick revenue and capture customers.

Personalization

Personalization is critical in marketing because it boosts customers’ experience. Research shows that customers are more likely to be associated with businesses that provide personalized experiences. Experts also suggest that personalized recommendations attract more conversions than non-personalized offers. Direct-to-consumer mails offer an opportunity for business owners to personalize the messages they send to customers. A well-personalized marketing campaign is likely to spark interest among customers who become more receptive when they feel valued and respected. As a business owner or manager, you must segment your audience and understand each segment to know what content attracts them.

Targeting

Customers have different characteristics. Hence, their needs, expectations, and demands also vary. With direct mail marketing, you can target your audience based on their past purchases, demographics, such as age, income levels, level of education, etc., or psychographics, such as interest, hobbies, and consumption patterns. Good practice within an organization is to keep a list of customers who share some characteristics. It is also crucial to keep a list of customers who have previously responded to marketing messages, such as those who have filled our warranty cards or requested more information. Readers can be targeted through direct mails with messages tailored towards their needs, behavior, and expectations. Because customers have demonstrated willingness to buy products or be associated with your brand, they should be prioritized with direct mails.

Stealth Marketing

As opposed to methods of marketing, direct mail marketing allows business owners to build campaigns without drawing the attention of competitors. Other online marketing methods have loopholes that rivals can ‘spy’ on you, but direct mail is impossible. In contrast, They cannot know the scale of your campaigns, how often you market to customers and the strategies you use. They will not know what your conversions are, so they cannot copy your strategy. This way, you stay ahead of the game in keeping your existing customers and acquiring new ones.

Scalability

You can quickly scale your business through direct mails. This is possible when you continuously test additional lists of prospective customers. Out of these, you find responsive lists to build marketing strategies to grow your business. Hence, as a business owner, you must actively seek new ways to target your prospective lists.

Final Thoughts

The above benefits achieved through direct mail can result in higher leads and sales. The method is quick, easy, cost-effective, and offers a high return on investment. It begins from identifying your audience, strategizing on the process, and hiring a good marketer who understands customer experience dynamics. It is also essential to put in place a system for tracking and measuring the performance of your marketing efforts. In the post-pandemic era, many customers spend more time at home and equally have more time for your direct mails. This is the time to get it right with your direct mail tools. Efforts should be geared towards finding new innovative ways to keep customers engaged and more interested. The goal is to win. In contrast, their loyalty.

The post Why Direct Mail Remains an Effective Way to Reach Customers appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

It’s safe for us to say that the year 2020 was like none other, and 2021 is also proving special and challenging. As marketers look to build brands, next year may be challenging as well. What’s the way that marketing is being reinvented after Covid-19?

The ability to ask and answer these questions is crucial for marketing success throughout the coming months and years. In the past several months, there have been many comparisons. We’ve learned a lot in this one year of massive transformation.

Here are some truths from the past, as well as newer truths that have replaced them.

1. The old saying still goes: Marketing starts by knowing your client. Add in a new reality: Marketing starts with understanding your customer segment.

The Covid-19 pandemic confirmed that marketing must be more customer-specific. It requires a thorough understanding of the reality of the market country by country, state by state, zip code by zip code. For restaurants, banks, or retailers, it could be a matter of tailoring the communications store for each store.

We’ve realized that marketing messages must be personal and relevant, corresponding to the individual’s needs and beliefs. And not the influence of demographics such as gender and age. Making a human, personal connection with any commercial communication requires the definition of consumers as segments.

The EY Future Consumer Index, which has conducted five rounds of research with 14,500 participants across 20 countries since the outbreak of the pandemic, has identified five distinct cohorts of consumers:

1. First, affordability (32 percent of customers): Living within their budget and means, not focusing on brand names and more on the functionality of their products.
2. The health first (25 25 %): Protecting their health (especially from the pandemic) as well as that of their families, by choosing items they believe to be secure and minimizing the risk in the way they shop.
   
3. Planet First (16 percent): Trying to minimize their impact on the environment, and purchasing brands to reflect their values.
4. Social first (15 15 percent): Working together to benefit the community purchasing from companies that they consider to be transparent and honest.
5. The first experience (12 percent): Living in the moment and making the most of every moment and often making them more open to new brands, products, and experiences.

Utilizing personas and segmentation of customers can provide more insight into marketing strategies for media and innovative methods. And even better is that these insights are able to provide the complete customer journey.

2. Older truth: You have to compete with your marketing rivals. The new truth is that you compete with the most positive experience your client ever had.

Consumer expectations were already rising prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. Gen Z was raised with technology that was seamlessly woven into their daily lives. Direct-to-consumer companies (such as Glossier or Parachute) were already conditioning us to expect a level of hyper-personalization as they were particularly adept with our personal data.

However, when the pandemic struck the technological transformation increased exponentially.

This resulted in rising consumer expectations of what businesses could provide them with. The consumer expects more than a simple digital transaction, say marketing experts. With the advent of companies having their customers’ personal information, they are looking for personalized, anticipatory experiences throughout the customer journey.

Companies should implement three steps to ensure their services meet their customers’ ever-growing expectations:

1. Create brand scores as a crucial KPI for all customers in the company, and ideally use real-time analytics instead of an image looking backward from an earlier date.
2. Develop the proper information and technology marketing foundation to help support the most critical use cases across your customer’s journey.
3. Affiliate goals of both individuals and collectives across the entire customer journey. Any gaps in functional silos such as sales, marketing, or customer service are not visible to the end-user.

3. An old truth that is still true: Your customers want to know you’ve got what they want. The new truth for marketing is that customers are expecting you to provide exactly what they need.

If the bar continues climbing, we should strive toward a new customer experience — from both a B2C as well as a B2B context. Today, consumers expect that any experience they have will be seamless, timely, informative, and asynchronous. That is, they’re focused on receiving what they want whenever they want it. They will not let anything distract them.

Companies need to put marketing data and technology at the center of their business.

This could mean incorporating some level of machine learning or artificial intelligence in the mix. Why is that? Because data allows us to provide more relevant experiences that span one or more that comprise the four Cs:

• Content (that could be delivered via mobile apps or emails);
• Commerce (such as physical retail, e-commerce, or the hybrid experience);
• Community (such as gathering B2B buyers in a virtual trade fair or hosting an online webinar on home repair for consumers) as well as
• Convenience (like giving consumers coupons or other benefits of the loyalty program).

Nowadays, the majority of 4Cs are offered in “one-size-fits-all” strategies. However, consumers demand more personalization. Businesses are required to utilize more data and information to improve their decision-making.

Increase the relevance of your interactions with customers. Build more human connections with their brands.

4. The old adage: Courting customers is similar to dating. The new fact: Customer service is the online world of dating.

For many years, marketing was mostly focused on buying massive coverage or targeted for the highest rates for media and hoping to make money from it. In essence, it was similar to going to every bar or party you could, hoping you’d meet that perfect person. It was a place of serendipity, spontaneity, and, frankly, many meetings with friends.

Start online dating and swiping through apps. Today, finding your ideal person could be less than luck, and more about algorithms and data.

In terms of marketing, we’ve witnessed the shift from branding marketing to expand reach and performance marketing to create leads. The rapid growth of digital channels only amplified the trend. Get ready for this trend to continue and sharpen.

The post Truths About Marketing After the Pandemic appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Are you blogging tonight?

If you are a small business owner, you should be blogging every day or every night.

The importance of a blog to your business cannot be exaggerated. Small businesses with a blog site are better known and can become more profitable than a small business that doesn’t have their own blog.

The reasons for this should be obvious to anyone with the least amount of social media experience and savvy. Everyone looks at a blog or two each day. Whether it’s about politics, recipes, weather, religion, entertainment, or gardening. Blogs are still considered a valid source of information by many people. And the lack of a blog for your company sends a subtle message to customers and potential customers. And that message is: “We don’t care if you know much about us or not.”

Think about it. When you shop online and run across a small business that has what you want but has no blog or website…do you bother with them or not? If you’re honest with yourself you’ll admit that you don’t bother with that particular business any further. And so they have lost you as a customer. And all because they didn’t take the trouble to create a blog or website.

Which is better, blog or website?

For the purposes of this article, a blog and a website are exactly the same. There are some technical differences between blogs and websites but they are of concern only to tech wonks.

For you, the average small business person, you can call your blog a website with a clear conscience.  That’s because everything you need to do to increase profitability and branding can be done on your blog. Calling it a website just makes it sound more professional. And of course, you can blog all you want for free, while websites can run into money.

So how do I start if I don’t have a site for my small business?

Let’s take the example of a fictional small business called Bob’s Widgets. Now Bob knows how to make good widgets. And he’s got some loyal customers. And word of mouth about his fantastic widgets is spreading.

Bob wants more brand recognition for his widgets but he’s so busy polishing, and oiling, and painting his widgets that he doesn’t have time to invest in doing any social media himself. And he’s certainly in no financial position to hire anyone just to blog about his widgets.

But Bob must blog, or perish.

He’s got to have a social media presence. And since Bob is a smart cookie, he looks around at his staff and finds that Sally in inventory seems to have a lot of time on her hands. Which she uses to text and keep up with her Facebook and Instagram accounts. So canny Bob calls Sally into his office and “promotes” her to his social media manager.

She still has to handle inventory, but now she gets to use her social media skills (or obsession) to create a daily blog for Bob’s Widgets. He gives her general ideas about what to blog each day. She in turn translates these ideas into actual posts. Anyone with WordPress experience knows that a simple blog with graphics can be written and posted in a matter of minutes.

Once it’s up and running he’ll test his blog’s effectiveness from time to time by having Sally post 2-for-1 sales or some other kind of bargain for his customers that is only mentioned on his blog. This way he can track his results from the blog. And the beauty part is that when enough articles have been posted, they can start to be repurposed.

And it’s all free to him. He hasn’t had to spend one extra dime.

Get the customers on your site.

Have you ever been to a store that took your picture and put it up on a bulletin board and captioned it “Customer of the Month?” Or have you had a similar experience online? It’s hokey, sure, but c’mon…you loved seeing it!

With your own blog up and running, you are in a perfect position to post positive customer feedback and recognize customer loyalty by asking for a photo and a comment. And then posting the same.

The fact of the matter is this is a gambit that you cannot overuse. If you make your blog about your customers and the benefits they receive from your product and/or services it will inevitably draw more and more views. Because when Uncle Harry gets his photo and comment posted on your blog he is going to brag about it to his whole family and demand that they take a look at it or face his wrath.

Are you convinced?

I hope so. You should be. To reiterate, a site will increase your presence online, draw in more customers, and give your small business an added cachet of permanence and reliability.

The post Blogging Is Big for Small Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Your site needs to be well laid out and simple for users to interact with. No matter how good your content is, if it takes forever to load, ages to interact with — or if the page’s images and paragraphs are jumping around annoyingly — no one’s reading it.

Many CEOs, content creators, and site owners have known this for a while. However, only recently did a Google algorithm update make it official. This update includes a new set of criteria called Core Web Vitals (CWV). These are designed to improve the layout, navigability, and overall user experience (UX) of online content.

Of course, the fact that Google is involved means quite a bit. The extent to which your site meets CWV criteria will have an impact on your rankings.

So what can you do to optimize your site to be more CWV-friendly? What can we learn from the impact CWV has already been having on the world’s websites? And — of course — what are CWV, exactly?

What are Core Web Vitals?

The term Core Web Vitals (CWV) refers to a trio of ranking factors introduced by Google in June 2021.

Released as part of the “Page Experience” ranking signal, CWV — along with existing ranking factors such as mobile-friendliness and site security — are designed to measure how user-centric and accessible your website is. The three CWVs are as follows:

1. Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)

LCP looks at how long your page’s “main” content takes to load. This includes the featured image, text, and/or video that Google deems the central focus of your page.

2. First Input Delay (FID)

FID, on the other hand, assesses the amount of time your page takes to become interactive. How quickly is your user able to click on a link or an ad, for instance? How long to play a video, or scroll down the page for more info?

3. Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)

We’ve all experienced the frustration of trying to click on something on a page, then ending up somewhere entirely different. This happens when page elements “jump” around on us. Unsurprisingly, this kinesis — “the layout shift” — doesn’t constitute a good UX. Google is definitely not a big fan, either.

This third CWV, then, measures the visual stability of your pages. Google quantifies you on CLS with a score between zero and one. A score of zero is best, and one is the worst, that is, the most disruptive to the user. Aim for a score of 0.1 or less and you’ll be on the right track!

What is the Page Experience Ranking Signal?

Remember, it’s not only CWV that you need to monitor. CWV is just one part of a wider set of criteria pertaining to how Google assesses page experience — and ranks those sites accordingly. The other elements include:

• Mobile-Friendliness. Are your pages easily navigable on smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices?
• Security. Are you offering your users a secure experience? Are you encrypting their sensitive information, such as credit card details? Does your site utilize an SSL certificate?
• Intrusive Pop-Ups on Mobile Devices. Bombarding your users with marketing and pop-up ads turns them against you. It’ll irritate Google, too. This means that your content will struggle to rank.

So there’s a whistle-stop tour of what Page Experience and CWV are. But what kind of effect have they already been having on websites at large?

How have Core Web Vitals impacted websites?

Recently, Website Builder Expert tested the performance of over 3,000 sites against Google’s new CWV metrics. The goal was to find out whether some eCommerce platforms — such as Shopify and Wix — perform better than others, and thus represent a better choice when creating your website.

So who came out on top?

Somewhat surprisingly, some of the industry’s biggest names — including Shopify, BigCommerce, and Wix — were outperformed by their less well-known rivals, such as Shift4Shop and Volusion. By and large, this was the case across both desktop and mobile.

The research also indicated that desktop sites outperform mobile ones — without a single exception. In many cases, desktop sites registered an overall performance score of more than double their mobile counterparts. Clearly, there’s a clear gulf here.

In other news, Shopify boasts the fastest server response times — across both desktop and mobile — while Shift4Shop and Squarespace also registered lighting-quick scores here. Less impressively, BigCommerce comes saddled with the slowest response times on desktop. Wix’s snail-like mobile response time constitutes a (quite literal) failure to launch.

How can you test your website for Core Web Vitals?

The easiest way to test how your pages are handling the criteria laid out in the CWV update is to head to PageSpeedInsights. It’s free and super simple to use. This tool will give your page a score of between zero and 100. Here’s a guide to interpreting it:

• 0 to 49: Poor
• 50 to 89: Needs Improvement
• 90 to 100: Good

If you have Google Search Console, you can also get a sense of how your site’s doing by heading to the left-hand sidebar, and selecting Enhancements > Core Web Vitals Report. Handily, the report breaks your site’s performance down by each CWV metric and provides separate graphs for mobile and desktop.

So now you have a broad sense of the impact the Core Web Vitals update has had on sites so far — and you know how to test your site for it.

But what kind of changes will you need to make to guarantee stellar performance in the eyes of Google’s biggest recent algorithm shift? Let’s find out.

How to Optimize Your Website for the New Criteria

Firstly, we should note here that how you optimize your website for CWV success will depend on how you built it. Not all sites are created equal. Some are made with website builders or the eCommerce platforms we discussed above. Some are constructed around content management systems (CMS) while others are built entirely from scratch.

The three tips listed below are aimed mainly at those who’ve created their site with a website builder or a CMS such as WordPress. However, the overarching principles they speak to will be relevant for everyone!

1. Limit your use of apps and plugins.

“Plugins” are third-party applications that you can integrate into your site to provide value-adding features and functionality. While plugins are super handy — they do everything from improving your site’s SEO to helping you build an online store — they should also be approached with a modicum of caution.

These apps add extra “weight” to your site, causing it to load slower and harm your CWV scores. To limit your app and plugin tally, approach it the same way you would a spring cleaning of your wardrobe. Ask yourself which ones you really need and toss (uninstall) everything you don’t.

2. Use simpler templates and be careful with code.

Similarly, templates and code can also load up your website with more weight than it needs.

“Templates,” in this context, are preset design themes around which you can build the look and feel of your new site. This, of course, saves time and effort. But in many ways, you’re also sacrificing substance for style. That’s because the nicest templates also come with the most in-built code attached. Just as too many apps and plugins slow your site down, so too does overindulgence in code stymy your site’s speed.

The solution? Use simpler templates. The more straightforward a template, the less code involved. The less code involved, the faster your site will load.

The same goes for when you’re adding new code to your site. Most website builders create code-heavy sites at the outset. Think twice before adding even more code into the mix.

While website builders don’t give you access to your site’s code, you can reduce the amount of code on the page by choosing a lighter font in the visual editor. More basic fonts — for example, those that don’t need to be pulled from Google Fonts — will help your site load faster and set you in good stead in the eyes of search engines.

3. Optimize your images and lazy load.

It’s a similar story here, too. The bigger and weightier your images on your page are, the longer your site will take to load.

Fortunately, this one’s an easy fix. Simply run your images through an online image compression tool — tiny.png works great — to reduce the sizes of the files. And don’t worry — you won’t have to compromise quality. Image resolution stays the same, and you’ll still benefit from crystal-clear images, just without all the baggage that comes with the unoptimized variety.

We’d also recommend implementing lazy loading. This, essentially, means that images located further down the page won’t load until the user scrolls down to reach them. This preserves page experience without burdening your poor page with the responsibility of having to load everything at once. Your FID score will thank you!

Wrapping Up

Finally, here’s one more unofficial tip: test, test, and then test again.

After all, the only surefire way of knowing how well your efforts to optimize for Google’s Core Web Vitals are going is to keep testing. Remember, you can do this online via the PageSpeedInsights tool, as well as with the excellent reporting function that Google Search Console provides as standard.

Moreover, both these platforms enable you to split out your desktop and mobile site performance. This allows you to get a more granular, 360-degree view of how your site is doing. You also boost mobile-friendliness scores that are so vital for Google’s “Page Experience” ranking signal.

Ultimately, if you take anything away from this article, it should be this — the Core Web Vitals update is a very good thing. Though algorithm tweaks are frequently a headache to deal with, the whole ethos of CWV is to improve the online experience for the user. This helps to make the internet a more intuitive, navigable, and visually consistent place to be…and that’s something we can all enjoy!

The post Core Web Vitals: Optimizing For Google’s New Ranking Criteria appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Evolution is part of any business — what works this year may not be as profitable or as effective in the next. Without riding the coming wave of new trends, you run the real risk of getting left behind. In eCommerce, the industry is far more aggressive. Competition between companies and online merchants is fierce. Trendy products and services — other than essentials such as food and digital products — rarely last for years. Much like everything else on the internet, audience interest and attention are transient.

The entire eCommerce ecosystem became more frenetic in 2020. The global population was forced indoors and adopted social distancing protocols due to the pandemic. There wasn’t much room for in-person dining and shopping. Everyone turned their attention to online services. They utilized online stores to shop for everything from food to personal essentials. People had little choice but to get their needs met online.

As a result, the already saturated eCommerce market grew by up to 44%. It added up to 22% of the world’s total retail sales. But that was only the first stage. Eventually, the dust settled and the eCommerce industry found some footing. This transformation created trends in the products that customers shop for. It affected strategies and campaigns used by online stores and marketplaces.

Now that the market is so broad, customer experience rules the day. Companies now use chat support, eco-friendly packaging, personalized thank you cards, and more. The customer is solidly at the center of the eCommerce shopping experience.

The Purpose and Functions of eCommerce

Our evolution into a user-centric experience in eCommerce wasn’t sudden. It’s been gradual. However, the best practices have trended to revolve increasingly around user comfort and positive experience.

The purpose of successful eCommerce trends is to stimulate site users and visitors into making a purchase. Vendors hope to improve the conversion rate for their business. Moreover, happy buyers become repeat customers. They often encourage other customers to make a purchase. After all, one of eCommerce’s main tasks is to cater to the demand and solve the customer’s problem, satisfying their needs.

Another aim of eCommerce this coming year is to improve communication. Customers enjoy giving feedback. They appreciate the feeling of being heard by companies. Whether they’re happy or unhappy, they’ll let the company know. Today, they expect that their feedback matters.

Stay Ahead of Customer Happiness: Notable eCommerce Trends Projected for 2022

Maintaining and improving your conversion rate in the eCommerce industry is critical. Your business needs to stay on top of incoming eCommerce trends, particularly those that emphasize positive customer experiences. Start implementing them now if possible. Commit to adapt to these trends and you’ll future-proof your business.

Listed below are some of the biggest eCommerce trends that analysts and experts project to take root by 2022.

Prioritize an Omnichannel Strategy

This strategy refers to selling and marketing on multiple platforms. This is increasingly important as diversifying the ways customers can find your products makes you more visible. It also improves your conversion rate and reinforces your authority.

Suppose your name pops up on major selling sites such as Amazon and eBay or other specialty marketplaces that facilitate the distribution of products to your niche. In that case, it gives your business the appearance of size and authority. According to a study, 46.7% of customer searches come from Amazon, eBay, and Etsy. More than half of the units sold via Amazon come from third-party sellers. Visibility in social media is always a plus. Approximately 37% of users research products and brands through social media before making a purchase.

Optimize for Voice Search

In recent years, people have become more accustomed to interacting with voice-operated devices and features. Examples include Google Assistant, Amazon’s Alexa, and Apple’s Siri. Using voice commands makes performing tasks such as searching for businesses, asking for directions, and even online shopping even more convenient.

As such, eCommerce companies should prioritize optimizing their sites and pages to be responsive. The goal is to be compatible with platforms these AI assistants search to improve conversion rates. More and more users will be looking into this technology to make their lives easier when they need information.

This technology isn’t fully developed yet. It continues to release updates to make its functionalities more sophisticated, but it’s already a great feature for users. Your brand needs to be prepared to adapt to it sooner rather than later.

Voice Shopping Will Take Centerstage

Along with voice search comes voice shopping. This has already taken hold within the U.S. in a “smart speaker market share.” The smart speaker market is projected to increase by a whopping 55% by the next year. This proves that customers want to use voice assistants in their homes to do more than just search for answers. One of the most common tasks they want voice assistants to perform is to shop for them.

It’s still complicated. Customers have to describe in detail what they want. They must articulate the product, product packaging, ingredients, and other vital information for the voice assistant to return proper results. Unless they have a device that comes with a screen, there are no visual cues. Vendors must make sure their website is optimized to contain the right indicators that allow people to find your products via voice shopping.

It’s also a priority to make the shopping process friendly to voice commands as well. Your website needs to be able to respond to the automated assistant. Product listings must be able to describe the steps a user must take to confirm.

M-Commerce

As mentioned earlier, mobile commerce is rapidly becoming the norm. Smartphones have become the most active form of internet access today. Mobile users are so numerous that Google’s algorithms have changed their priorities. The algorithm now scans and checks websites with mobile-friendly design and features and puts those at the forefront of SERPs.

M-Commerce has grown just as rapidly, with more customers making their purchases over their smartphones. To improve your conversion rate, adding features that will help mobile shoppers can give you an edge. Using filters as a virtual dressing room, geo-targeted promo codes, mobile GPS pins to the nearest branches, or even something as simple as a mobile payment option gives you a distinct advantage over the competition.

Green Consumerism

Eco-friendly practices have become one of the most critical trends in the past few years. More businesses and consumers are starting to understand how vital it is to use sustainable products and create eco-friendly packaging. One survey found that half of its respondents preferred products made of sustainable materials and companies that use eco-friendly components and packaging. Up to 75% of them wanted to do away with packaging (especially plastic packaging) altogether.

Green consumerism is now a significant focal point for many businesses, even tiny businesses that want to make an impact. Their eco-friendly packaging and other touches — water-activated paper tape, recycled paper package padding, cardboard boxes, biodegradable plastic parts, reusable freebies like metal straws, and more — attract customers who want to do their part to fight waste and non-biodegradable trash.

Drone Delivery

This concept made waves last year when Amazon first debuted it. It has since gained some traction with companies such as FedEx and Alibaba preparing to adopt it. It takes shipping into unheard-of levels and creates a unique service that many customers would be willing to pay for just to see it happen.

Furthermore, it’s another way to enforce contactless payment and delivery. There would be no need for delivery personnel to come to a person’s residence to deliver the package. Better still, drones aren’t restricted to the traffic and roads to which land delivery channels are constrained. They can make same-day deliveries from the nearest distribution or fulfillment center.

While there’s still a long way to go when it comes to nationwide (much less global) implementation — along with specific difficulties along the way concerning a perishable product, packaging that withstands potential drops, and other issues — it’s a promising start. The carbon footprint of drones is a lot smaller compared to freight trucks, vans, and other land-based delivery options.

Augmented and Virtual Reality

Some years ago, the widespread fame of Pokemon Go introduced consumers to the wonders of augmented reality. Now, it’s widely available and viable for commercial purposes. Many businesses have been implementing it for various features.

Adding AR features provides a unique experience for customers. For example, it can give them the utility of “trying” an item on before they make a purchase, the same way they would if they were in a brick-and-mortar store. As such, it improves the conversion rate as it eliminates buyer uncertainties.

Clothing stores have begun using AR to create virtual dressing rooms. Customers can try on clothes before buying them. Some salons offer hair color testing features to see if a particular hairstyle will suit a customer. IKEA uses virtual reality to scan and measure a room. Buyers can see what a piece of furniture would look like in their home before buying it.

As you can imagine, these types of eCommerce trends aren’t just there to dazzle. They also serve an integral purpose to the buyer experience.

Social Media Enters Online Shopping

Social media has become more than just a marketing vehicle for eCommerce. Now it’s a selling platform as well.

Platforms such as Facebook and Instagram now have their shopping features which improve the conversion rate by lessening purchase steps. Customers can see a product getting advertised on a company’s Facebook page. They can then buy them straight away through a Shop Page or Facebook Marketplace.

Similarly, Instagram now has a much-anticipated shopping feature. Users can click on a photo and see tags that indicate the names and prices of the featured products in the photograph. After that, it’s a matter of making the purchase right inside the Instagram app. This cuts out the rest of the steps that typically lead a customer to a company’s page or selling platform and create an account for purchase there.

Headless eCommerce

As part of the movement to improve conversion rates through positive customer experiences, headless eCommerce was designed to give companies more significant control over their site’s front-end design. It also helps create personalized customer experiences. Changes made in the front end of the design don’t affect back-end functionality.

This way, companies can change and adapt the front-end design more efficiently than ever. They can respond to special events or holidays, or revamp website appearance every so often to fit their customer base’s mood and style. They can even transform the design for web, mobile, and tablet displays as needed. Significantly, they can modify the SEO of their pages as well, all without messing with the complex shop functionality in the back end to make it work.

Increased AI Use in Ecommerce

Finally, there is the increased use of artificial intelligence or AI. You might have already seen this done via chatbots installed in a business page’s social media platform messenger or directly on the website. The AI can act as an FAQ or helpdesk for customers with common concerns, removing the need for a human customer service rep.

Another use of AI is to detect and predict user preferences. AI can study your customer’s browsing and buying patterns. It can then make intelligent recommendations of similar products that they might also be interested in. It helps keep customers in the store longer and find what they need on your site.

Final Thoughts

Trends in the eCommerce field continue to grow by the day, month, and year. More eCommerce trends than ever are springing up. With the advent of more technology, there are plenty of opportunities for online businesses to gain an edge over the crowd by hopping onto the forecasted trends right away. This allows them to deliver customer-centered experiences and demonstrate that they are at the cutting edge in their industry.

The post Future-Proof: Expected eCommerce Trends for 2022 appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Literally millions of businesses are all working to attract consumer attention. They hope to get people to visit their websites and convert them into paying customers. Search engine optimization (SEO) managers are also busy ensuring websites are optimized for search engines. They hope to boost their rankings on search engine results pages (SERPs) and increase site traffic.

What exactly is website traffic?

By definition, website traffic boils down to the number of people who visit a website. Traffic has historically been measured by the number of unique visits. Today, however, many additional parameters are measured. These include the length of a session — one visitor’s time spent viewing the site — and how many visitors stuck around long enough to make a purchase. Businesses also evaluate how much the organization spent to convert a single visitor into a customer.

Why is website traffic relevant to your business?

The more visitors you have accessing your website, the wider the awareness. This may seem obvious, but keep in mind that not all traffic is “good” traffic. What’s essential to your business is to get high-quality website traffic.

It’s possible to get what’s known as “organic” visitors via standard searches that make use of specific keywords. However, most people visiting your site will show up as a result of marketing campaigns. You can gauge the effectiveness of the time and money you spent on marketing and advertising by using specialized URLs, tracking software, and other tools.

Spending to make customers aware of your website is fine, but you won’t know how to tweak future campaigns unless you track your return on investment (ROI). You’ll want to convert those website visitors into customers at some point. Otherwise, you’re wasting time and effort that could easily be better spent elsewhere.

How relevant is website traffic as you seek to improve your business?

While all traffic might be appreciated, qualified website traffic will lead to conversion. Conversion means that your website visitors became sufficiently interested in what you offer to take action. They might have chosen to submit an inquiry, sign up for a newsletter, or even make a purchase. You’ll ultimately wind up with more sales if your website generates more conversions.

So…how do you get website traffic?

Despite what you may have been told, increasing website traffic isn’t nearly as complicated as rocket science. There are three things anyone — even the tech-averse — can do to boost website visits.

1. Start by improving your website’s SEO as part of an overall marketing strategy.

Once you’ve optimized your website to focus on industry-specific terms and keyphrases, you can begin increasing traffic to your site using a range of options. Your overall strategy can include paid advertising, such as from Google AdWords or ads on specific social media channels. You can also use pay-per-click (PPC) ads. Of course, you should continue refining your SEO efforts and thereby improve your organic search results.

2. It’s vital to provide high-quality content for marketing purposes.

Blogs, when consistently updated, can be an excellent source of referrals and links. When you regularly provide content relevant to your industry, business, and products, you become known as an expert. Over time, you establish yourself as a trustworthy source of information. This alone will increase visits to your sites.

3. Create specialized content for selected social media platforms.

When diving into social media, it’s critical to pick platforms that appeal to your target audience. Make sure that you provide complete contact information along with links to your website. Pick specific web pages you want to promote. Leverage different content formats including short video snippets, stories, high-quality images, and product-related activities and event videos. Social media is one of the fastest ways to disseminate information, whether you pay for the announcement or get it for free.

Increasing website traffic to improve your business bottom line is an ongoing process. However, if you don’t have a dedicated team able to handle it, you can work with a third-party provider specializing in online marketing services. With their experience and expertise, they can respond to your organization’s needs quickly and in the most effective and relevant ways.

The post Why You Need Website Traffic to Improve Your Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

• The chances of selling products/services to a new customer are only 5-20% whereas the odds of selling additional products/services to an existing customer are approximately 60-70%.

With loyalty program management, companies can retain and make repeat sales to existing customers. Loyalty management is a powerful strategy that uses various tools and tactics. Companies use these tools to gain, engage, and maintain customers. A well-organized and executed loyalty program is beneficial for both companies and customers.

Loyalty programs are often not considered an important part of the overall customer experience. However, they can help build strong relationships and loyalty. According to one report, approximately 75% of adults in the U.S. belong to at least one loyalty program. A survey by KPMG revealed that a loyalty program encourages 80% of millennials to spend more with a brand. Roughly 78% said that they would switch to another brand if they get a better offer. 85% of people loyal to a brand said they would recommend it to their friends and family members.

Well-executed loyalty programs can prevent customers from straying to other brands. They are effective at retaining customers and also augment the lifetime value of your regulars by offering incentives to make more purchases. Loyalty programs provide added recurring revenue to the company and improve overall customer satisfaction through various offers, rewards, and perks, resulting in a superior experience.

Three Ways to Enhance Customer Experience via Loyalty Programs

Listed below are three of the most effective ways to manage a customer loyalty program.

1. Personalization provides the key.

Businesses can use relevant information about their customers in their loyalty programs. This helps deliver personalized experiences throughout the customer journey. Customer details and preferences can help businesses better incentivize their customers. It’s important to note that customers tend to react well to a personalized approach. Personalizing a loyalty program can make it far more powerful.

It’s likely that personalization will make a customer feel more satisfied — about eight times more — with your offer. Tailored products and services enhance business by targeting a customer’s attention. Businesses can provide only the most relevant offers to their customers even if they don’t provide all the details upfront.

Personalization is made possible by tracking order history, search history, location, current service subscriptions, and so forth. Showing customers that their individual preferences and requirements are important to your business can make a big difference. It can enhance the relationship with your company and make your loyalty program successful.

2. Streamline the buying process.

Any effective customer loyalty program must be able to ease the entire buying process. Most loyalty programs collect only essential information, even the payment details. This allows customers to purchase quickly, without a lengthy checkout process.

Nowadays, many businesses use customizable apps to enhance customer experience. These apps allow customers to buy any product and pay immediately without waiting in a queue. Since the system has all the essential details about the customers, it eliminates the obstacles that can slow down a seamless transaction.

3. Implement creative ways to engage and delight customers.

Finding effective ways to engage and delight customers is another important factor in building customer loyalty. Rewards such as free shipping, early access to new products, coupons, discounts, gifts, and added benefits make customers willing to pay extra to be a part of a loyalty program. The rewards or offers should encourage customers to repeat purchases and also make them likely to recommend the product/service to others.

With loyalty program management, companies can engage and delight existing customers. To create customer excitement, brands can make the buying process as well as the contacting process easier for their customers. This can be achieved by paying attention to the devices as well as channels customers use to reach out to a particular brand. Brands can use new tactics as part of their loyalty program to set themselves apart from the competition.

Setting Up a Loyalty Program Is Easier Than Ever Nowadays

Technology has filtered down such that small businesses can set up loyalty programs just as effective as those of large corporations.

Owing to their benefits, more and more companies of all sizes are implementing loyalty programs. When executed carefully, loyalty programs can bring great results for just about any company. They lead to higher sales and improved brand identity. In all, a successful loyalty program can drive significant value and growth for a business.

The post The Role of Loyalty Programs in Augmenting the Customer Experience appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Staying competitive and relevant now requires small businesses to maintain a reliable and strong online presence. IT-savvy leaders across an increasing number of smaller businesses are investing significant resources in the latest content management system (CMS) technology. The CMS you select will have a huge impact on your digital experiences and business outcomes.

The ideal CMS ties all the tools together in one tech stack. For instance, a popular CMS such as WordPress offers user engagement tools such as WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editing with drag-and-drop, the ability to create blogs and RSS feeds, forms, KPI reporting, and much more. An API-first CMS is also a great asset when it comes to avoiding/reducing data silos. Such a CMS offers marketers and developers structured data that’s ready to be presented through the framework or language chosen. Your content team needs little support from IT staff to keep the site running smoothly.

If your enterprise considers online channels to be central to business strategy you should consider investing in a suitable CMS.

But how do you decide which one is best for your business? Each of the popular content management systems available today — WordPress, Webflow, Joomla, and Drupal among others — offer useful features. New and smaller businesses often find it challenging to make this decision as they are crunched on budget and have limited resources and skills to manage the platform. Listed below are the top nine features every small business should look for when investing in a CMS.

1. User-Friendliness

Most small businesses lack the technical skills needed to work with open-source platforms. People with little experience with HTML, CSS, or PHP need a platform that helps them easily navigate the backend.

User-friendliness is one of the primary must-have CMS features to be considered. WordPress tops the list when it comes to this feature. The admin interface of this CMS is incredibly user-friendly, even for novices. This makes WordPress a great platform whether it’s for internal use or pitching to enterprise clients.

Though they offer several features, Drupal and Joomla are not as user-friendly as WordPress. For instance, developers often find it challenging to locate extensions and templates from Joomla’s admin area. No wonder most small businesses switch from Joomla or Drupal to WordPress for the latter’s quick editing and plugin compatibility.

Whether you are building a new business website or migrating to another CMS, make sure the platform you opt for is easy to use, accessible to multiple plugins, customizable to your business needs, intuitive, and secure.

2. Scalability

All small businesses and startups need a CMS that can scale with an increase in demand. In other words, another must-have CMS feature is the ability to grow with and support the expansion of your business.

Imagine where your business will be five years from now. Will you be adding multiple product lines? Are there any features or software to integrate? Making a list of all such must-haves will help you choose a suitable platform for your business website.

Your CMS should be built with core web technologies for handling the sudden burst of traffic all SMBs hope to experience. The ideal CMS will be able to manage this spurt without taking your website down.

Whether it’s database tuning, web server optimization, or advanced caching strategies, your CMS should be capable of achieving all of it without you having to reinvent the wheel when operating at an enterprise level.

3. SEO Tools

If you want to improve your brand visibility and generate leads for your business, SEO tools are a must-have CMS feature. Search engine optimization brings qualified leads to your website that can be nurtured and converted into loyal customers.

But SEO isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, especially if you lack the resources in the form of a full-fledged team of search professionals. That being the case, small businesses must typically invest in a CMS that makes on-page SEO easy.

For instance, WordPress’s Yoast SEO plugin makes optimization easy, enabling small business websites to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). Ask these questions to help you make an informed decision.

• Does the CMS automatically create SEO-friendly URLs?
• Does it add meta descriptions and alt tags?
• What are the advanced SEO features it offers?
• Does it offer recommendations for improving online performance?
• If these features aren’t built-in, is it compatible with SEO plugins?

4. Multisite and Multilingual Functionality

Choosing a CMS that supports multisite and multilingual functionality means your team will spend less time and resources in managing complex requirements, enabling them to focus on other profit-generating tasks.

The CMS you select should allow you to enable multilingual solutions. With this feature, your team can effortlessly manage every aspect of translating and deploying content. If you do business in other countries, this capability needs to be one of your must-have CMS features.

5. A Wide Selection of Add-Ons and Plugins

A CMS should have plenty of available add-ons and plugins. When you have a plethora of such add-ons at your disposal, it’s much easier to customize your website to your business needs.

Plugins and add-ons help expand the core functionality of the framework, allowing you to create a flexible and awesome website. Choose a platform that offers a robust selection of relevant plugins.

6. Responsive Themes

We live in a world that’s well above the mobile tipping point. Native support for a responsive website design is a must.

Very few content management systems offer a wide variety of responsive themes as WordPress does. The platform’s admin and default themes allow front-end developers to either base their design on these themes or roll their solutions. Be sure to choose a CMS that allows you to apply responsive themes to your website with a few clicks.

Without getting into the technical “nitty gritty,” it’s helpful to know that many developers are now moving over to the PHP 8 programming language, which was officially launched at the end of 2020. PHP 8 is proving to be 18.47% faster than PHP 7.4 and will handle 50% more page requests than its predecessor.

This new iteration is finding praise primarily for its Just-in-time (JIT) compiler, which allows CPU-intensive processes to run much faster, so it would be helpful to choose a CMS that is programmed in PHP 8. Early tests in WordPress, for example, show that JIT-run processes boost overall calculation speed.

7. Social Media Integration

With more than half of the world’s population on social media, no business, small or big, can afford to ignore social channels. Social media is more than a platform for boosting awareness. It helps SMBs connect with and engage their audience.

A CMS with social media integration can empower you to leverage the power of social and know the pulse of your audience. It also ensures that your website and social page work together to create a cohesive experience for all.

When deciding on a CMS, make sure you ask the following questions. This will allow you to check whether the CMS has social media integration.

• Is the platform optimized for various social channels?
• Does the CMS allow you to add social media sharing buttons throughout the website?
• Are you able to schedule social media posts?
• Does it include social media analytics on the dashboard?
• If the CMS doesn’t have these features built-in, does it allow you to use a relevant add-on or plugin?

8. Robust Security

The Verizon 2021 Data Breach Investigations Report reveals that 28% of all data breaches in 2020 involved small businesses. Small businesses are often a prime target for hackers as their website or CMS lacks sophisticated cybersecurity. This allows hackers to easily get their hands on sensitive data or financial resources.

As a part of your firm’s security strategy, opt for a CMS that’s equipped with the ability to safeguard your sensitive information. Look for features such as Web Application Firewall, automatic updates, SSL certificate, and content delivery network (CDN). These help in keeping customer data safe and ensure that the website runs smoothly.

9. Customer Support

Finally, an ideal CMS should offer adequate customer support. A few free CMS platforms rely on their huge community for resolving issues. They typically have a huge forum that addresses FAQs and share easy tutorials that answer day-to-day issues.

Though this type of support is a nice-to-have feature, it’s a must-have CMS feature to have an efficient customer support team that can guide you through an emergency like a website crash. Most small businesses do not have a robust in-house IT team. You may not want to wait around for a helpful response from a free support mechanism, either. Pick a CMS that offers live support.

Look Before You Leap: Don’t Compromise on CMS Must-Have Features

An effective CMS enables businesses with little or no coding expertise to create, manage, and edit the content on their website. But with a sea of options available today, choosing a suitable CMS isn’t an easy task. Use the list of must-have features to compare the top platforms and choose a CMS that best suits your business needs and gives you maximum returns.

The post 9 Must-Have CMS Features Your Small Business Website Needs appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

There are more than 5 billion people worldwide using mobile phones. There’s really nothing stopping SMS marketing from empowering businesses to connect with consumers. Small businesses are adopting a mobile-first strategy to keep up with customers’ ever-changing behavior and demands.

Simply stated, SMS messaging enables businesses to communicate with target audiences and build brand loyalty. Often, this involves sending customer satisfaction surveys, offering discounts, giving the latest on deals and promotions, and even soliciting feedback.

Investing in SMS messaging to boost the growth of your small business is definitely worthwhile as it delivers exceptional results. For one, people aren’t ignoring SMS marketing messages. Statistics show text messages have open rates that can reach as high as 98%.

Additionally, SMS marketing is among the fastest and most cost-effective ways to reach your consumers. It helps get them excited about your products and services. Engagement rates for SMS marketing are about six to eight times higher than that of email marketing.

By integrating SMS marketing with other online channels, you’ll be able to reap positive outcomes for your small business. Startups and small businesses can benefit greatly from SMS broadcast services that enable companies to send messages to thousands of people quickly and easily. Such solutions are great options when it comes to being efficient, since texts can be scheduled or automated for optimal delivery times and they can also be personalized for a deeper connection with clients. You can also develop a strong and stable relationship with your customers. Just like any other marketing platform, SMS messaging requires careful planning for it to perform well.

Is SMS Marketing Right for My Business?

Here are some essential guidelines you’ll want to adopt before taking the big leap into SMS messaging.

Play by the rules.

Among the most important factors to consider when implementing text message marketing is the opt-in requirement. This means that small businesses must first get permission before sending any SMS marketing messages. Unsolicited messages are not allowed. An opt-out option must also be provided.

Transparency is key to ensuring that your SMS messaging campaign gets off to a good start.

Research and become familiar with the regulations and best practices to avoid the risks associated with non-compliance. There are various ways to encourage audiences to opt-in to your SMS marketing messages. You can try using shortcodes or keywords to having them sign up on your website or other online channels. 

Understand your audiences, goals, and key metrics.

Take the time to thoroughly study your target audience’s behavior, desires, expectations, and lifestyles. Find out the products and services they are most interested in. Pick the best time to engage with them through text. This way, you can build a mobile database and grow your subscribers.

You can get more customers to subscribe to your SMS marketing campaign by providing value. Value can be seen as reminders for bookings, updates about events, or discounts and sales.

Keeping consumers engaged and building brand loyalty are your overarching goals. However, you still have to clearly define your objectives and measure the success of your SMS efforts. Key benchmarks may include response rates, order confirmations, list growth rates, and return on marketing spend. 

Choose the right SMS marketing provider.

An effective SMS provider will help you and your small business comply with all the data regulations. They should also provide you with text message analytics. You’ll gain insights and use the relevant information to improve your SMS messaging campaign and conversion rates. Work with an SMS provider that can accommodate your needs and stay on top of creating templates, segmenting audiences and messages, and managing workflows.

Get Started with Your SMS Marketing Campaign Using 4 Easy Guidelines

Here are four simple rules of thumb by which you can begin your winning SMS marketing campaign and grow your customer base.

1. Keep it short and sweet.

You only have 160 characters to work with, so make the most out of your message and keep it concise and compelling. Get to the point by giving the latest and most relevant details that will keep your audiences curious and excited about your products and services.

2. Time your messages carefully.

Timing is everything when it comes to SMS marketing. Study your audiences so you’ll be able to send text messages at a time when they are making important purchasing decisions. Restaurants, for example, should try to send marketing messages about limited menu offers or discount deals two or three times a day — breakfast, lunch, and dinner — when customers are most likely thinking about what they would like to eat.

3. Include a strong call to action.

Catchy, direct, and purposeful call-to-action in your SMS marketing message will encourage your recipients to act on your offer and engage with your business. Use a branded link or a shortened URL to direct your customers to your products and services and promptly let them know what to do next. CTAs will help you develop brand trust and improve click-through rates.

4. Segment your audiences.

Don’t make the mistake of overdoing your SMS marketing campaign and sending loads of messages to your recipients. If you do, you run the risk of recipients unsubscribing to your list. Segment your lists to ensure that you only send them relevant messages that appeal to that niche.

Strategies and Best Practices to Leverage SMS Marketing

Here’s how small businesses can make the most out of SMS marketing and stay on the path to text marketing success in 2021 and beyond. 

Personalize, personalize, personalize your SMS marketing.

Personalizing the SMS marketing experience goes a long way toward connecting to your recipients and raising your chances of converting them into avid customers. Go beyond addressing the recipient by name and maximize other opportunities to increase engagement. Take a deeper look into a particular subscriber’s specific interests and past purchases so you can tailor your messages, content, and promotional materials.

Focus on exclusive deals, promos, and offers.

Nothing can be more enticing than offers, discounts, and deals exclusive to those in your SMS list. Text messaging is one of the best ways to let your customers know about limited-time promotions, flash sales, special menu offers, customized discount coupons, birthday rewards, or special access to events and performances.

Promote new products and services.

Use SMS messages to keep your customers in the loop about your new products, services, and events. Get creative and generate buzz around your new product or service announcements by giving your SMS subscribers access to new offerings, coupons, and sales.

Solicit feedback on your messages to improve customer service.

What better way to learn more about your consumers than to use text messaging to gather feedback. Use polls and surveys to communicate with your audiences personally and ask their opinions about your products and services. You gain valuable insights to help enhance your small business and take customer satisfaction levels to new heights.

Send reminders for appointments.

SMS marketing enables your business to keep cancellation rates low by reminding your consumers of their appointments. It’s best to send a reminder and ask for confirmation a day before the scheduled event, meeting, or service. Not only will you be able to get your consumer’s attention, but you’ll also maintain a good and effective flow of communication with your existing clients.

SMS: Short Messages for Success

Excited to craft an SMS marketing campaign that will win the hearts and minds of your audience? Building high-quality SMS marketing campaigns is no easy feat.

However, when used effectively, SMS marketing will empower you to connect with your consumers on a more intimate level, solidify your brand presence, improve your small business bottom line, and achieve your goals.

The post 4 Simple Steps to Leverage SMS Marketing for Small Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Create A Consistent Brand Image

First off, it is important to create and maintain a consistent brand image. Start off by generating a bold, bright, and memorable logo. Your logo should capture the overall feeling and emotion behind your brand. When creating a logo, use an eye-catching color palette, as well as complimentary, readable fonts. This way, you can establish a consistent tone and brand voice that speaks to your audience. Simultaneously, you should implement comprehensive brand guidelines across different platforms. This way, you set a standard expectation from your professional small business image. Of course, this allows you to benefit from increased consumer recognition, loyalty, and business credibility. Certainly, creating a consistent brand image is valuable to maximize your SMB marketing efforts. 

Focus On Your Top Customers

In addition, focus on your small business’s top customer base for growing sales. Prioritize building long-lasting, professional relationships with your most loyal consumers. This encourages them to continue spending money while you nurture your leads. Keep the focus on your top customers, also means to gain financial security which is extremely important for SMBs. Simultaneously, maintain an active presence with these customers on social media. This way, you can continuously grow your community, humanize your brand, and establish yourself as a thought leader. You may even want to experiment with loyalty programs, giveaways, and customer discounts. With these in place, you can increase customer lifetime value (CLV), develop brand advocates, and maximize retention. Surely, focusing on your top customers is a great way to maximize efficiency throughout your offline and online marketing efforts. 

Integrate A Lead Generation Tool To Your Marketing Efforts

Now, consider implementing a lead generation tool. There are plenty of dependable tools to generate qualified leads for your small business. Though Conversica is a known player in the industry, some of the best Alternatives to Conversica, for example, allow you to automate your lead conversions with AI-powered assistants, website chatbots, and meeting schedulers. This way, you can streamline lead qualification, reactivation, as well as event follow-ups across your pipeline. Of course, this empowers you to reduce acquisition costs, maximize marketing investments, and bolster post-event engagement levels. Leveraging this functionality, you can ensure that your brand never misses a highly-qualified lead again. Absolutely, considering integration of a lead generation tool can be an important step to maximize your small business marketing budget.

Get More Referrals

At this point, try and obtain more referrals for your small business. Consider creating a referral program where you provide shoppers with discounts, commissions, or rewards. In addition, look for alternative ways for consumers to recommend you to their friends, family, and coworkers. Stats show that Referred customers’ LTV is 16% higher when compared to non-referred customers.

At the same time, you should continue to educate your current audience about your mission, products, and services. To maintain professional relationships, be sure to formally thank anybody that sends you a lead. Of course, positive reinforcement greatly improves your brand image and consumer perception. Surely, these tactics will help you avoid the deadly sins of poor company branding. Definitely, obtaining more referrals is incredibly imp ortant to maximize your small business marketing efforts. 

Emphasize Your Business’s Value Proposition

Of course, you should always emphasize your value proposition to potential new customers. Constantly inform your target audience about what makes you different from the competition. Use social media, SMS messaging, and Conversica alternatives to communicate with customers. This way, you can gain market share, better direction, and drive clarity. At the same time, these tactics enable you to promote understanding, engaging, and confidence across your brand. This way, you can improve your operational efficiency, marketing ROI, and prospective lead quality. Indeed, emphasizing your unique selling proposition (USP) is of the utmost importance to enhance your small business marketing efforts. 

There are plenty of highly-effective ways to maximize your small business marketing efforts for a better advertising ROI. First and foremost, create a consistent brand image. This will help you maintain a market competitive edge, easily introduce new products, and bolster business credibility. Now, consider integrating an automated lead generation tool or alternatives to Conversica. At this point, get some more referrals for your growing company. Of course, look for innovative new ways to emphasize your business’s unique value proposition. Follow the points highlighted above to learn about the best ways to maximize your small business marketing efforts.

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However, let’s go back to that first number. Over one million apps. That represents some fierce competition! To get users to download and use your app, small business owners must work hard to stand out from the crowd. To do that, they have to work with their app developers to create something worth downloading. Start by working with one of the best PWA app builders and keeping in mind these six things as you are creating your next app.

6 Keys to Developing a Stand-Out App

1. Focus on a Problem

The most successful apps on the market focus on consumer needs and aim to solve their pain points. For example, the Domino’s Pizza app allows you to order from the convenience of your phone, and you will never have to call to ask where your pizza is again because their Tracker follows your order and updates you until it is delivered.

2. Make It Intuitive

Your customers should not need an instruction book to use your app! Make sure it is easy to navigate and provides a good user experience. For example, FastCoDesign named Airbnb’s app one of the most innovative apps of 2016 because of its new simplified interface and search filters that make it easy to find the right accommodations.

3. Don’t Forget Marketing

Make a plan to promote your app before and after launch to get new downloads and encourage usage. For example, Staples promotes its app (and new app features) through videos, press releases, and working with bloggers and reviewers who help spread the message.

4. Make the Most of Distribution

There are dozens of app stores available for distributing your app; choose the channels that will help you reach the right audience. For example, Facebook has certainly made the most of distribution. Their app is available globally except in the ten countries where it is banned.

5. Customer Service Is Important

Offering excellent customer service includes having a FAQ section in your app, and a way for users to contact you with feedback or questions. For example, it is no surprise that the king of customer service, Amazon, built these features into their app, with a Menu tab that includes help topics and a means for contacting the company.

6. Form a Retention Strategy

Once people download your app, you need to keep them coming back for more. Push notifications, regular updates, and offering perks are three things that work. For example, AppMakr named Starbucks’ marketing campaign one of the most successful app campaigns of all time because their clever use of promotions (digital coupons, personalized rewards, etc.) keep users coming back regularly.

Knowing how to create and market a successful app is a valuable skill. With over one million apps on the market, specialized knowledge is the key to creating an app that stands out. While app creation is the norm for big business, soon it will become commonplace for small businesses too.

The post How to Develop a Stand-out App for Your Small Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Additionally, native advertising platforms support the creation and distribution of ads or paid content that match the form, style, and function of the media in which they appear. By blending into the native content of the target platform, these ads are perceived as being less intrusive and sometimes readers are even unaware of the promotional nature of the post.

Native advertisements are typically presented as in-feed ads that appear in social media, are promoted via search listings, or show up as related content recommendations. They can even be blended into social media platforms, streaming services, and news sites. Oftentimes they get picked up by ad agencies and affiliate marketers.

These types of ads are becoming an increasingly popular format for advertisers. Native advertising can be considered a part of any company’s ad distribution operation. They are often part of a company’s overall content marketing strategy.

The majority of native advertising platforms will offer A/B testing, ad inventory management, affiliate management, AI/machine learning, analytics/ad attribution tracking, audience targeting, automated publishing, behavior analytics, and bidding strategies. Some services offer even more features. It’s worth noting that these types of platforms typically support Cloud, SaaS, and web-based implementations.

Native Ad Networks Can Help Boost Brand Awareness Rapidly

If you’re looking for an effective way to generate increased awareness for your brand, product, or service, native advertising is worth consideration. Native ad networks represent an opportunity that can provide a lot of bang for the buck. Listed below are nine of the top native ad networks.

1. Taboola

Taboola has a global reach of 1.4 billion monthly visitors, approximately 44.5% of the global population of internet users. Roughly 50% of Taboola’s traffic comes from countries such as the United States, UK, France, and Japan. Taboola partners with 10,000+ top websites including Fox Sports, NBC, USA Today, Business Insider, Bloomberg, MSN, CBS News, etc. Their ads are delivered as recommended content and in-feed content across partner platforms.

2. Outbrain

Outbrain ranks among the top three native advertising platforms in the world. It currently boasts a reach of 1.2 billion monthly visitors. The company partners with premium publishers across different countries including the United States and UK, delivering ads in the form of recommended content, in-feed, search, and promoted listings.

3. MGID

MGID has been in the business of native advertising for 12 years. It’s ranked among the top three advertising networks in the world and MGID’s reach equals 850+ million unique monthly visitors from the web. MGID partners with top websites and blogs around the globe.

4. Revcontent

Revcontent delivers native ads in the form of recommended content and in-feed content across premium publishers such as USA Today, Tribune media, Nasdaq, and the like. Their ad inventory encompasses e-commerce, finance, health, beauty, and politics. 50% of the companies’ traffic comes from the United States and UK.

5. Yahoo Gemini

Yahoo Gemini has a reach of over one billion unique monthly visitors, with 50% of their traffic coming from the United States, UK, and France. To begin advertising with Yahoo Gemini, applicants need to have a minimum of $25 deposited in a Yahoo ad account.

6. Admixer

With over 10 years of experience, Admixer is another veteran in the native advertising industry. Their ads are delivered as in-stream, in-article, native display banners across top publishing platforms.

7. Plista

Plista partners with over 1,500 websites around the world. Approximately 80% of their traffic comes from Germany, Poland, Russia, and Australia, so this distribution makes Plista appealing to advertisers who are interested in driving high-quality traffic from these countries. The company charges clients using a cost-per-click billing model.

8. TripleLift

According to their business statement, TripleLift promises to help advertisers generate 3x higher brand awareness and consumer purchase intent. TripleLift targeting is based on country, region, browser, operating system. They partner with top publishers such as USA Today, BuzzFeed, eBay, BBC, and the like.

9. Nativo

Nativo boasts approximately 220 million unique visitors from the United States alone. This makes Nativo one of the top native advertising platforms for targeting audiences in the United States, UK, and Canada. Nativo further targets audiences based on country, device, region, and operating system.

Native Ad Networks Can Help Cut Through the Noise

In today’s media-saturated world, native advertising should be a pivotal part of every successful marketing strategy. Native ads mimic the surroundings in which they appear. This makes sure your message is delivered as discreetly as possible and allows you to catch and hold a user’s attention.

There are many native advertising networks out there, so doing some research is definitely in order. The nine listed above are the top networks you can trust to help you get your brand message in front of your target audience. Depending on your niche, you stand a better chance of converting and generating quality leads when ads are not perceived as interruptions.

The post Native Ad Networks: Top 9 Services for Advertisers and Publishers appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

More than half of websites worldwide use Google Analytics to collect and analyze their traffic data, but how many of them actually make the most out of this tool?

If you feel like you could do more with Google Analytics, this post is for you. Here are 6 tips for improving your Google Analytics data analysis.

Save Your Time with Custom Alerts

Who likes to stare at a bunch of numbers on their screen?

Nobody, but in GA, you simply have to deal with numbers. 

If you don’t have time to dig through your dashboard every time you want to extract specific data, you can set up custom alerts every time a specific goal is triggered. Basically, this feature allows you to receive an email every time there’s an event that you want to be notified about (like a sudden drop in organic visits, 404 page errors, etc.)

Choose the Right View

Certain Google Analytics metrics may be easier to analyze if displayed in different views. Luckily, GA offers tables, pie charts, and more, so you can pick what works for you at the moment. Some of the available views are:

• Tables (the default view with your data shown in a table)
• Pie charts (your data displayed in percentages)
• Horizontal charts (good for analyzing a metric’s performance over time)
• Comparison charts, and more

Include Site Search in Your Google Analytics Reports

You may know what pages your users have visited, but what exactly were they looking for?

If you remember to track site search too, that can provide you with lots of useful information about what your visitors need. If your website has a search bar, tracking site search is a must – because it’s a simple way to find out, for example, what topics you should write about more.

Set Goals

When you have a correctly configured goal with goal values, it’s easier to understand how the metrics you’re measuring affect your business. You can measure different types of goals in Google Analytics:

• Duration – how much time a user spent on a page
• Destination – what pages a user has loaded
• Pages per session – how many pages a user has loaded in one session
• Event – an action that a user has taken (video views, “Get Quotes” for comparison shopping, lead magnet download, etc.)

Segment Your Data

If you only track your traffic volume, you can’t learn where it comes from. You won’t be sure what adjustments you should make on your website or in your marketing strategy to improve your site’s performance.

By segmenting your data by different dimensions, devices, traffic sources, etc. you can identify opportunities for successful campaigns or fix any existing problems more easily.

Use Annotations

Have you ever gone back to a spike in user activity on your website, but you had no idea why it happened?

Yes, it’s easy to forget such things, especially if you have to deal with lots of data every day.

But the fix is simple: set up annotations and you’ll exactly know what happened next time you, for example, see a sudden spike in organic traffic.

Simple Steps for Excellent Results

Are you ready to apply these six tips to your data analysis?

If you use Google Analytics, make sure you uncover its full potential by exploring all your options. Simple steps like adding notes, changing the view, or setting goals can have a huge impact on how successfully you interpret your data.

And when you interpret your data accurately, you’ll be able to boost your website’s performance in no time.

About the author: Sara Routhier is an SEO manager with AutoInsurance.org. Her team uses Google Analytics to determine the pages they should target for backlinks.  

The post 6 Proven Ways to Improve Your Google Analytics Data Analysis appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

More than 3.5 billion people — approximately half of the entire human population — are active on social media, with an average of three hours being spent per day per person on social networks. What’s more, 54% of social users use social media to research products and engage with brands.

There’s no shortage of tips and strategies you can use to leverage social media as a branding tool. Listed below are three of the most fundamental yet highly effective social media branding tips that you’ll want to implement as soon as possible.

1. Understand which social platforms you want to target.

First things first. How well do you know your target audience?

Got concrete answers to questions such as how old they are? What do they like/dislike? Which social media platforms do they hang out on most? What types of branded content do they engage with best? What motivates them to make a purchase?

The better you know your audience, the better you’ll know where to focus your efforts. You don’t necessarily need to have a loud presence on every platform for effective branding.

For example, when branding your local boutique, establishing a strong presence on Instagram and Facebook should do the trick. Conversely, as a budding B2B startup, focusing on LinkedIn makes more sense.

Simply put, to get the most audience engagement and ROI for the valuable content you create and post, you must pick the right social platforms.

Take the time to do your research. Survey your existing customers about their social network preferences. Learn what your competitors are doing.

Ultimately, you’ll use all of these facts and pieces of evidence to decide which social platforms are worth your effort.

2. For social media branding, focus on visual content.

At its core, effective branding — especially on social media — is all about the presentation of amazing visuals.

To have a consistent color scheme in all the graphics you create and pictures you post, chalk out a visual style guide that outlines your branded color palette. That way, you’ll make sure you have the same hues and fonts in all of your social content.

Over time, your audience will internalize a visual pattern associated with all of your content. They’ll then link those patterns with your brand without even looking at your social media handle.

Attaining this level of brand recognition is possible if you focus on posting visually strong and consistent content.

In fact, internal data from Twitter — a platform that isn’t usually considered visual-first —  proves that people are three times more likely to engage with Tweets that include visual content such as images, GIFs, and videos.

Source: Huckberry

Visual content such as GIFs and short video clips command audience attention as they scroll through a feed. Visual content encourages more engagement.

What if visual design isn’t an area of strength at my company?

Your content doesn’t always have to be elaborate or even particularly well-planned. For example, you could showcase your business using a behind-the-scenes video or promote company culture with an impromptu team photo or quick vlog-type walkthrough of your workspace. You could also show picture testimonials of happy customers or demonstrate your product in use.

Let’s say you decide to use a new video-creation tool with a ton of features to create professional-grade video content for your company. Your team may find it challenging to fully adopt the new tool and leverage all its advanced capabilities. In this case, consider leveraging a digital adoption platform (DAP). A DAP empowers your team to swiftly learn the new software by providing a comprehensive and interactive walk-through of the tool. With a DAP, you can train your team more effectively. They won’t lose productivity trying to make the most of the new software that’s meant to take your social content to the next level.

Long story short, to effectively leverage any social media platform for branding your small business, maintain a strong focus on visual content that’s consistent and engaging.

3. Effective social media branding requires that you engage with your followers.

The greatest benefit to using social media for branding your small business is that it allows you to show your brand’s “human side.” You can talk to your audience informally.

You accomplish this by publicly replying to comments and concerns on a first-name basis. Feel free to use emojis and slang to speak like an individual with a personality. This will make your brand more approachable and personable.

Spark more two-way engagement with your audience with calls to action. For instance, “Drop your favorite __ in the comments!” or “How do you go about ___?” in captions.

After all, 71% of consumers who have had a positive experience with a brand on social media are likely to recommend that brand to friends and family. Creating positive, branded conversations on social media counts.

Use social media to speak, but also to listen.

In addition, customers are talking about your brand across the social web. This not only includes social media platforms such as Facebook but also Q&A platforms such as Quora. Business review sites such as Yelp and Trustpilot are also a crucial part of this social web conversation. You’ll want to use a brand monitoring tool to track who’s talking about your brand, on which platform, and whether it’s in a positive or negative light.

Apart from praise, you’re sure to receive criticism from time to time. Be proactive. Respond to both types of mentions in a tactful and timely manner. Be frank and friendly, assuring a better experience next time.

Show that you value your customers’ opinions. Use a CRM such as SuperOffice to store all your customer’s feedback and data. This ensures that you truly improve the customer experience moving forward. Knowing your customers as individuals is key to building better relationships.

Time for action!

Now it’s your turn. If you want to grow your customer base, put these three tips into practice to effectively leverage social media for branding your small business. Start small and build over time and, if you found this post useful, be sure to share it with your growing social network.

The post 3 Tips for Leveraging Social Media Branding for Your Small Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Landing a corporate customer offers a ton of revenue security. Large enterprises are more financially stable than small or midsize businesses. They’re also likely to buy your most elite product or subscribe to your most expensive pricing tier. At the same time, cross-selling to other silos within their organization also becomes a possibility.

Make no mistake, all of these will transform your business. It will benefit your cash flow, your growth prospects, and your ability to attract other high-value customers.

In this article, we’ll take a look at ways you can remove common obstacles many businesses face as they pursue their first enterprise client.

1. To Win an Enterprise Client…Know Their Business

First thing’s first. You must understand your prospect’s business or your pitch has no chance of success. And I’m not talking about just being familiar with their history, their marketing material, and their roadmap.

If you want to show how you’re going to be valuable to an enterprise, you need to have remarkable insight into their operations and strategy. You need to know the objectives that drive them. You need to demonstrate that you understand the mechanisms required to get them there.

Fortunately, publicly traded companies always have highly detailed information available via their investor relations (IR) departments.

Another approach would be to Google the company’s name and look at their News results. Big business makes big news, so there’s likely going to be a wealth of up-to-date information on your prospect.

2. Understand and Articulate How You Can Add Value

Once talks with your prospect start picking up momentum and you get face time with decision-makers, the conversation should not be about you and what your company offers. This is not the time to go through a rehearsed sales pitch where you quote figures and cite case studies.

Yes, there’s a time for this spiel, but once you’re sitting in front of someone working in procurement, that time has gone.

The deeper you get into discussions, the more you need to steer the topic of the conversation toward the specifics of how your product or service will benefit them. At this point, they don’t care that you reduced administrative overhead costs by 15% for one of your other clients.

What they want to know, whether they’ll say this to you or not, is: 

• How can you make our lives easier?
• What will you do to you make us more profitable?
• How will you protect us from the risks that are unique to our industry?

In short, you have to speak their company’s language. To do this, you need to have insight into their world. You’ll also need remarkable knowledge of your product’s capacity to make it better.

Practice these conversations. Meet with your colleagues and other industry specialists. Be ready to preempt every single question they may throw at you. Have smart, insightful, non-generic answers prepared for them.

3. Fine-Tune Your Company Image

Involve a branding specialist to ensure that your company’s public-facing presence is up to standard. This process typically involves a thorough audit of everything “out there” that could shape the public’s perception of your company and its reputation.

There’s a lot to this. There are websites, social media accounts, news mentions, press releases, the tone and content of your blog, even the online profiles of your management team.

In some cases, it might be worth the effort to start positioning your CEO as a thought-leader in your industry. 

Yes, this could take a while. However, the positive reputational impact of speaking at a conference or taking part in a round-table discussion with other experts can be huge.

Even simply building a solid, thought-provoking presence on Twitter will sometimes be enough to make your prospects take your brand a little more seriously. Make no mistake, your company’s leadership will be Googled.

4. Be Prepared for Serious Scrutiny from an Enterprise Client

Large organizations are extremely cautious when integrating their systems with an external party. Corporate governance often dictates that an absurd amount of auditing has to happen before a deal with a vendor is finalized.

This is most keenly visible in the digital security arena. If your company offers a solution that needs to be integrated with your prospect’s technical environment, be prepared to be placed under a very powerful, very intimidating microscope. Onboarding a new technology vendor is a lengthy process that typically kicks off with something called an Enterprise Security Questionnaire.

Don’t be fooled by the term. This is no one-pager with Yes/No answers. Your commitment to cybersecurity will face a level of scrutiny you may not be ready for.

Experts in cybersecurity cite this as the number one reason new customers contact them. Any potential enterprise client will assess your technical environment and, often, a small business is simply not ready for this.

It’s often a good idea to involve a consultant even before the questionnaire hits your CTO’s desk. As negotiations start heading into the closing phases, be proactive. Hop on the phone with a company that knows the questions enterprise clients are going to ask.

5. Understand the Impact a Long Sales Cycle Will Have

This is a biggie. Be prepared for many of your resources to be tied up in negotiations that can go on longer than expected. Much, much longer.

A long sales cycle will affect every company differently. It’s not always possible to preempt how this will impact other areas of your operations. The best approach is to stay aware of the risk and to never base any predictions on having the deal finalized by a specific date.

Also, tread carefully if your company somehow becomes dependent on closing the deal with an enterprise prospect. It’s understandable that this could happen. If it does, do whatever you can to avoid letting your prospect finding out. Desperation is not a good look in the business world. What this scenario says about your company’s ability to plan (amongst other things) isn’t great.

Signing Your First Enterprise-Level Client Will Require Patience

The sales cycle for landing a big fish is lengthy. Things move slowly at big corporations for a variety of reasons that can be both understandable and infuriating.

The truth is that large organizations are immensely risk-averse. They take new partnerships incredibly seriously as accountability is a big deal for them. As a result, the tactics we talk about in this article represent a lot of effort on your part. Get comfortable with this.

To create the optics you need to be taken seriously could take months, if not a year. You might have to make some challenging internal changes to align your operations with your prospect’s regulatory needs.

This is the price smaller businesses have to pay as they start wading toward the deep end of the corporate swimming pool. Know what the sacrifices are and be prepared to make them.

Fortunately, the benefits of succeeding in your pursuit of an enterprise client are immense. There’s no doubt about that.

The post How to Win an Enterprise Client to Transform Your Small Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Instagram is primarily a photo-sharing platform packed with features that help businesses sell their products. According to statistics, more than 72% of users purchased a product they saw on Instagram. With the right marketing strategy, any size brand can increase its reach, find new customers, promote products, and generate more sales.

Whether you want to grow followers for your eCommerce brand or earn more clients for another company, there are several Instagram marketing tools that help you promote your products or services and generate more conversions. Here are 11 top picks.

Increase Your Reach With These Instagram Marketing Tools

Awario

Awario is a brand monitoring and social listening tool that serves up instantaneous brand mentions from the web and social media. It helps your company reach new audiences, create relevant content related to your product or service, and participate in discussions. With Awario, you can better understand your prospective customers and create results-oriented Instagram marketing campaigns.

Awario acts as a great Instagram marketing tool for small and mid-size companies to connect with their target audience. It helps you discover prospective customers by allowing you to provide immediate solutions to their problems. Awario also enables you to find industry influencers and develop beneficial relationships to market your products. You can identify industry trends, perform hashtag research, and delve into competitor analysis to create more engaging Instagram content.

Iconosquare

Iconosquare is a social media analytics tool that helps businesses make well-informed and data-backed decisions for Instagram. It helps you increase Instagram engagement by visualizing the important metrics and improving your content marketing strategy.

Iconosquare includes many useful features such as the best time to post, geolocation, user targeting, user tagging, and more. These features help you post content automatically and reach the right audience at the right time. You can also schedule your comment along with hashtags to increase engagement and reach. Iconosquare helps you keep a close eye on your competitors and share your performance report with your social media team.

Sked Social

Sked Social is a great tool for brands, enabling marketers to plan visually engaging posts for an Instagram feed. You create posts for your Instagram feed in advance and see how your feed will look. It lets you automatically publish posts to Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. You can schedule Instagram posts along with relevant hashtags, location tags, and product tags to boost engagement and generate more sales. You can even schedule user-generated content.

Later

Later is an Instagram platform that helps marketers visually plan their posts. The tool allows you to automatically publish content and get useful insights to connect to the right audience. With Later, you can create a visually appealing feed for your Instagram audience using a drag-and-drop interface. Later helps you select the best time to post and also allows marketers to find on-brand content to create more engagement. Its in-depth analytics enable you to track exactly which posts are driving traffic and where your followers are converting.

Agorapulse

Agorapulse is a social media management tool that helps marketers stay organized. From publishing posts to reporting, social monitoring to getting insightful analytics, and team collaboration, Agorapulse is packed with useful tools. You can plan your Instagram feed in advance, giving you the freedom to create better strategies for your business and reach more clients.

Kicksta

Kicksta is a powerful Instagram growth tool that uses artificial intelligence technology to acquire authentic, organic followers. With this tool, you can find your competitors, industry influencers, and complementary brands. Kicksta lets you engage followers who follow profiles similar to yours. It will help you engage with a similar audience and increase the chances that they will follow you back. As a result, Kicksta helps you improve brand awareness and boost your follower growth.

Gleam

Gleam is a powerful tool designed for running Instagram giveaways and contests. It assists you in running campaigns that boost your audience engagement and business growth effortlessly. You can run hassle-free campaigns with features such as automatic entry validation and random or manual winner selection. Gleam also allows you to embed their mobile-friendly widget onto any webpage or create your contest on their free hosted landing pages. With Gleam, you can collect photo and video submissions from Instagram through hashtags, mentions, or manual selection. Additionally, Gleam integrates with all the email marketing tools and social networks you use. With its flexible design, you can drag and drop any of the supported actions into your campaign within seconds.

Picodash

Picodash is an Instagram marketing tool that helps marketers find the right audience and industry influencers for their brand. It provides useful data and helpful analytics to create your social media marketing strategy and outreach more efficiently. Picodash allows you to export your Instagram followers to a spreadsheet to filter for influencers by checking their followers and searching for relevant keywords. You can also filter users based on likes and comments received to find the right audience for your brand.

Hopper

Hopper is a scheduling tool that helps brands plan content for Instagram and drives maximum user engagement. With Hopper, you can create up to 50 posts and upload them with its bulk upload feature. You can then choose your favorite time to publish posts. Hopper’s planning and analytics feature allows you to drag-and-drop posts and create social media calendars. It also enables Instagram video scheduling with Hopper HQ.

Smartly.io

Smartly.io is an Instagram marketing tool that automates social advertising to improve audience reach. It combines media buying and creative automation to help brands succeed. The automation tools and templates help you develop creative copies, plan localized offers, and make different prize and copy variations. Smartly.io allows you to instantly publish ads on your Instagram account and update ads in real-time. It optimizes your targeting, budget, and bidding to make sure you achieve the maximum conversion rate.

Grum

Grum is an Instagram marketing tool that helps marketers schedule posts to automatically go live at the preferred time on multiple Instagram accounts. You can schedule video posts with Grum. One of the best parts about using Grum is that it allows you to upload content from your desktop, ultimately eliminating the need to use your phone to post content to Instagram.

Wordswag

Wordswag is an Instagram marketing tool that allows you to add captions to your posts. Its smart typing engine lets you create custom text layouts for Instagram posts. You can choose from hundreds of quotes, thoughts, and funny text to make your posts more creative and interactive. Wordswag helps Instagrammers create interesting content for their audience. In due time, this increases engagement and creates brand awareness.

All kinds of businesses, ranging from eCommerce brands to media, mobile app development companies to design agencies, healthcare organizations to travel businesses, are harnessing the power of Instagram. Whether your business is working to increase its reach, find new customers, promote products, or generate more sales, it’s the right time to use one or more of these tools to better promote your brand.

The post Top Instagram Marketing Tools to Supercharge Brand Growth appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

• How often do you struggle to find new leads for your business?
• Are you struggling to convert leads into prospects?
• Have you lost deals simply by not following up on time?

If you find yourself relating to these scenarios, your business badly needs to consider automation. It will help you communicate with clients, nurture relationships, and close more deals. All of this can be done without working 80 hours a week.

Sales automation includes software and tools that help you streamline and automate parts of your selling process. These can include contact management, sales performance analysis, and lead generation. Automation can help with a specific part of the sales process or the entire sales journey.

A few instances where sales automation might be useful include data entry, record creation, activity logging, communication, research, and lead management. Sales automation helps you eliminate repetitive, time-consuming tasks in your sales process. It frees your people up to focus on higher-value tasks such as closing a deal or making a sales pitch.

Here are five ways to boost revenue via sales automation.

1. Prioritize Leads Using a Lead-Scoring System

Every sales lead is not of equal value. Some customers might be interested in buying from you right away. Others may not be interested just yet. It makes sense to go after your most interested leads first to close more deals.

Qualifying each lead manually, or checking which leads may be interested and which ones are not, is time-consuming. A lead-scoring system helps you automate the process.

A system such as this assigns specific scores to each lead in your customer management system based on his/her actions. For instance, when the system recognizes that a lead has engaged with a piece of content, read an email, or interacted with your business in some other way, it assigns a specific number of points to that lead.

These points add up, allowing your sales team to know which leads are closest to purchasing. Leads with high scores or those that have completed certain tasks should be of utmost priority. Those that have been less involved can be pushed further down the list.

You can also place weight on different actions depending on how important they are. For example, a prospect who has engaged with your company at an in-person event should receive more points in comparison to a lead who has only opened an email. Below is an example of a lead-scoring system in action.

2. Sales Automation Outreach and Follow up Emails

Approximately 80% of sales require at least five follow-ups. Veteran sales reps know that follow-ups matter, but far too many give up. A shocking 44% of sales reps give up after the first rejection.

When you have dozens of conversations to manage, it’s difficult to keep up. It becomes easier to accept an initial rejection and move on. What’s more, manually sending follow-ups can also be inefficient. Sales reps might accidentally reach out to the wrong person, send the wrong message, or miss a follow-up entirely and lose a sale.

Email marketing tools can help automate email follow-ups and save a good chunk of your sales reps’ time. Through email marketing automation, you can put initial outreaches and follow-up messages on autopilot. You can also set specific guidelines to keep the sequence going, change, or end based on the response of your leads.

3. Automate Administrative Tasks

Apart from qualifying leads and sending emails, sales reps also have several administrative tasks to attend to on an everyday basis. Using sales productivity tools can help automate and simplify these tasks. Now your people can spend more time on high-value activities. Here are a few routine tasks that are prime targets for automation.

Data Entry

Approximately 55% of sales data entry was eliminated in 2020 via automation. A successful CRM system requires an organized collection of data on customers, prospects, accounts, deals, and other related sales activities. However, all of this information still has to be manually entered by your sales rep. By automating CRM data entries, you help save time and increase productivity.

Platforms like Freshworks offer an automatic call-logging feature. Your sales reps can crush their daily call quota without worrying about adding calls to the CRM.

Scheduling Meetings and Calls

Scheduling meetings takes time. You suggest a date and time. The prospect comes back suggesting an alternate date and time. By the time the meeting is scheduled, you’ve already lost a week. This delay disturbs the tempo of your prospect’s sales journey. They may begin to lose interest in your business. They might even end up connecting with your competitor while you’re wasting time trying to nail down a meeting.

This hassle can be eliminated by automating your appointments using a scheduling tool like Calendar. This scheduling tool helps you eliminate unnecessary communication just to get a call or meeting set up. Simply send a link with available time slots in your calendar so leads can choose their preferred slot. The tool automatically sends calendar invites to both parties as well as reminder emails before the scheduled time.

Online Signature Maker

Online signature tools make it easy for both parties to quickly sign important documents after closing a deal. This saves a great deal of time as you don’t have to upload a picture of signatures or have both parties sign a physical document. It also eliminates the time and expense of travel or employing couriers.

4. Use Sales Automation to Build a Lead List

You need a strong list of leads to close more sales. But searching all over the internet to find companies or individuals who may be interested in your offerings is no easy task.

Automating this lead list-building process spares you the hard work, giving you and your sales team a targeted list of people to reach out to.

To use an automated lead list-building tool, you’ll need to provide simple criteria such as location, industry, and job title. After that, you’ll be presented with a list of individuals matching those descriptions. For instance, a tool such as LinkedIn Sales Navigator can help you find quality sales leads from LinkedIn by adding specifications for leads you’re looking for.

Alternatively, you could buy a list of leads from platforms such as UpLead to supply your reps with prospects to contact.

5. Sales Automation Can Enhance Your Lead-Enrichment Process

For closing a high-quality sale, a lead’s job title and name probably won’t be enough. For making a real connection, you will need much more information including their industry and the reputation of their company. Just like all the other tasks we’ve covered, you could end up spending hours or even days trying to uncover insights about your leads and companies.

Lead enrichment tools use online data sources and help you extract information about your lead and the companies they work for. A quality tool will provide you with complete and accurate information about the individual you’re trying to connect with.

There are dozens of tools available in the market that gather lead enrichment data automatically and sync it with your CRM or other software. One such tool is Lead Boxer. With LeadBoxer, you can identify visitors to your website and then populate their profiles with contact information.

Don’t Allow Sales Automation to Eliminate the Personal Touch

Sales automation can be a boon for sales reps, but it still needs to be used with great care.  Mistakes such as using the wrong lead name or sending the wrong follow-up message may negatively affect your credibility.

You also need to make sure you’re not only relying on automation to close deals. While automation can help alleviate your workload and eliminate mundane tasks, you cannot automate building customer relationships. And you wouldn’t want to! Use the time you save via automation to build better relationships with prospects, make better pitches, and help customers see the value of your product.

The post Sales Automation: Five Pro Tips for Maximizing Your Reach appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

It is so because every single business in this world, regardless of how small or big it is compulsory, has a sales funnel.

Everything begins with the marketing efforts, which involves creating awareness and interests, and this draws the people’s attention to what you are doing and become leads.

Now the sales department tries to get some of those leads to buy the products. The tips which become closer to the goal become prospects, and eventually, these prospects buy the product.

Hence, this affecting consumer behavior and making them buy your products is called a sales funnel.

Top 9 Best Sales Funnel Software

INSTAPAGE

Instapage gives the ability to create landing pages to the users, it integrates with third party apps. It offers built in A/B testing tools and advanced analytics.

FEATURES

• This platform enables you to build conversion-ready mobile-optimized landing pages in minutes.
• No developer is required to review and publish them.
• Instapage easily integrates with the tools in your marketing stack.
• It optimizes the landing pages and attributes the performance to suitable campaigns.

PRICING

There are two pricing plans for instapage as mentioned below

1. The optimizing plan costs $199/month. It has no conversion limits, heatmaps, conversion analytics, zapier integration, SSL encryption, and so on.
2. Custom Plan. This plan varies in price according to the feature that we require from instapage. It charges separately for every feature. So every user can customize his website with the kind of features he wants.

PROS AND CONS

• PROS

1. There are a variety of designs available under all the plans of instapage
2. The drag and drop feature is usually beneficial.
3. The feedback system runs very fast and hence is excellent and one of the software’s key features.
4. The editing part becomes very easy due to this software as it is effortless to be used.

• CONS

1. It is a little expensive.
2. The text font appears to be very dynamic.
3. The software is not quite flexible because it does not allow manual customization of page sizes and another manual formatting.

THRIVE SUITE

Thrive Suite is a conversion-focused theme and plugin that will allow you to create very High converting landing pages and sales pages. It has tons of plugins and add-ons so that you can create and design inside WordPress.

FEATURES

• They have a new thrive theme builder. You can edit and organize the website inside this editor without any coding.
• It gives access to thrive, theme builder, thrive, architect, elementor, and many such plugins. The thrive lead is a superb feature that captures the leads and facilitates the sales funnel process.
• It has an option of third-party app integration, which links thrive suite with various other platforms.

PRICING

• It has only a $19/month price plan, which is quite affordable. It has access to all thrive themes plugins, access to thrive theme builder and shapeshift, support included, updates are included, and installing the tools on up to 25 websites. Finally, it also has access to thrive university.

PROS AND CONS

• PROS

1. The software is highly responsive. It never faces any significant issues when the users are designing their business model.
2. It has third-party app integrations which help the users in customizing their website using other tools and features.
3. It is very easy for beginners. No prior knowledge of any programming language is required.
4. Access to a thriving university is one of the most highlighting features as it provides training on how to use the software.

• CONS

1. The themes provided in thriving only tend to work with WordPress and not other platforms.
2. The variety of themes available are significantly less.

LEAD PAGES

Leadpages is a landing page builder. It is the actual go-to software for the small businesses worldwide. It build code free website, high converting landing pages, pop ups, alert bars, and everything.

FEATURES

• They have a wide variety of templates with help you customize the apps and websites and attract leads.
• The powerful conversion elements like the countdown timers, call-to-action-buttons, and pop-up options, allow you to capture leads from landing pages, blogs, and websites.
• Leads can also have captured through text messages allowing prospects to opt-in from anywhere using a phone.
• It integrates with primary services in CRMs from MailChimp to HubSpot.
• It also works with e-commerce platforms and webinar registrations to manage all the leads and digital campaigns.
• The A/B testing tools help you analyze the website thoroughly.

PRICING

It has three plans as follows:

• The pro plan costs $59/month
  • It has access to up to 3 sites, tech support via mail and chat, email trigger links, unlimited a/b testing, and a few more feature than the standard plan.
• The standard plan costs $27/month and is deemed to be the highly affordable one.
  • It has access to only one site and 40 standard integrations, free hosting, and so on, but many of the features are disabled.
• The advanced plan costs up to $239/month.
  • It has access to up to 50 sites, landing pages, pop-ups, alert bars, unlimited traffic leads, free custom domains, lead notification, email trigger links, and all such features like these provided by leadpages.

PROS AND CONS

• PROS

1. There are many templates to make your website look good.
2. It provides mobile and tablet preview.
3. The sub-accounts functions of lead pages duplicate the sales funnel, and two teams can have access.
4. It integrates with many different software solutions and makes things handy.

• CONS

1. Users usually face a few glitches and bugs while they are using the software.
2. The analytical data is not very informative.
3. The plans seem to be very uneconomical for small businesses.

LANDINGI

It is a landing page builder that allows the users to create landing pages, pop ups etc. It also has the A/B splitting testing which scans the total website and gives u an analytic report.

FEATURES

• It has a drag and drops editor, and also we add new fonts to it if the pre-loaded fonts don’t go well.
• It consolidates all the data into a .csv file which makes it easy for the user to analyze.
• It has a landing page scheduler that keeps track of the ongoing and upcoming launches.
• Anti-spams protect them for security.
• It helps to have landing pages on the user’s social media profiles as tabs.

PRICING

This software provides three pricing plans, as mentioned below.

1. Create a plan that costs about $55/month
   1. This plan allows 50000 unique visitors per month, there are ten custom domains, unlimited account users, but few features like the smart section, campaign scheduler, and the A/B splitting test are missing.
2. The automate plan costs about $79/month.
   1. This plan allows 100000 unique visitors per month, and there are 20 custom domains, unlimited account users. It has all the features missing in the create plan, but all the features deemed to be advanced go missing.
3. The agency plan costs $149/month.
   1. This premium plan includes all the features provided by landingi, including 300000 unique visitors per month, 30 custom domains, and unlimited account users.

PROS AND CONS

• PROS

1. The feature wherein the landing pages can be shared with other landing users. It is one of the most important and makes landingi different from its contemporaries.
2. The customer helpline is very helpful and responsive and responds in relatively less time.
3. The creation and editing process is super easy and can be easily handled by beginners as well.
4. Landingi integrates with CRMs like HubSpot, Zoho, and freshwork to manage the leads.

• CONS

1. The number of video integrations is negligible
2. No availability of pop-up functions.
3. The page faces issues related to speed and hanging often.

WISHPOND

It is a marketing and sales tool  built so that the users can easily scale a business without any extra coding. It helps build professional looking landing pages and also keeps a track of the email leads. This software is a all in one handy package.

FEATURES

• Wishpond enables you to promote your product through social media and emails by sending automated promotion emails and videos.
• It integrates with base CRMs, batchbook, campaign monitors, and several such platforms.
• It also supports online e-commerce marketing, which acts as a catalyst in affecting customer behavior and making them the prospects in no time.
• The feature of email and mobile preview helps the users to access the lead status anytime and anywhere.

PRICING

Wishpond provides three pricing plans.

1. The starting plan costs $75/month.
2. The Everything you need a plan that costs $149 /month, this is the highly preferred plan by the users as it has all the features an ideal software funnel has.
3. The Rapid growth plan costs $299/month

PROS AND CONS

• PROS

1. The tracking done by wishpond is always accurate and hence helps the businesses have closure about their customers.
2. The customer helpline team is the most supportive and quick at their service.
3. There are tutorials available on their website about how to use their software, which has proven to be helpful for several users.
4. It is very user-friendly and easy to handle.

• CONS

1. For the basic plan, the integration feature is disabled, which annoys the user at times.
2. The free version cannot be accessed by phone.
3. The CSV exports are minimal, which causes hindrance to several users.

GETRESPONSE

Getresponse is an email marketing and online campaign management software that sends product promotion emails to the desired list of customers. It includes good impacting newsletters, various videos, and images. It is a landing page creator and has hundreds of ready-to-use design templates.

 FEATURES

• There is a Preview option for email. So that you can view how the mail will appear.
• It has templates for sending mails with ease and also has an auto-response module.
• It can also import contacts from hard disks and Gmail, and other contact-saving applications.

PRICING

It has four plans

• The basic plan costs $15/month
• The plus plan costs $49/month
• The professional plan costs $99/month

PROS AND CONS

• PROS
• Campaign creation with getresponse is straightforward and the most loved feature by its users.
• The variety of beautiful templates available add on to the list
• It is considered an excellent sales funnel builder as it navigates the customers most efficiently, leading to meeting the desired goals.
• The email automation feature is a unique feature of getresponse.
• CONS
• Rejections of few commands are for no good reasons.
• The email templates don’t autosave, and hence once the data is lost, it cannot recover.
• Few times due to some error or glitch, Scheduled emails are delayed or not delivered.

KARTRA

With kartra you can host online courses, memberships. You can create newsletters and a sales funnel. It is an entirely new software in the market and has few unique features which help you handle the customer journey efficiently.

FEATURES

• It can function with external software, and it can also integrate an API
• Lead management, sales funnel, Campaigns, calendar integration, simplifies management.
• Automated Email/SMS marketing. It helps users have personalized membership portals and has immense options related to embedding videos like autoplay, social sharing, watermark building, and so on.

PRICING

The kartra software has four plans that include

• The starter plan costs $99/month
• The silver plan costs $199/month
• The gold plan costs $299/month
• The platinum plan costs $499/month

PROS AND CONS

• PROS
• The third-party app integrations prove to be very helpful.
• The analytic data is very detailed and organized
• The template design is unique.
• CONS
• The email editing option doesn’t work well and tends to get hung up quite often.
• Additional software is required while working along with kartra to get more add ons
• The customer service is not very helpful and often takes time to respond.

KEAP

With Keap, we can market by smart email marketing and manage our customers’ interactions with minimum confusion. It is mainly focused on providing a marketing platform to the new businesses.

FEATURES

• It has customer relationship management (CRM), marketing automation, and functions for e-commerce.
• Provides monthly reports, analyses the real-time traffic on your site, and also email automation.
• It can make segments for all the different kinds of clients, track customer interactions.
• It can use from Android and iOS devices as well.

PRICING

It has three plans that include,

• The lite plan costs $79/month
• The pro plan costs $149/month
• The max plan costs $199/month

PROS AND CONS

• PROS

1. The creation of campaigns is very easily handled here.
2. Making it available for Android and iOS makes it handy.
3. Good navigation for accessing features and applying them.

• CONS

1. The user faces difficulties at the start of using the software.
2. Initial setup is tedious and time-consuming.

CLICKFUNNELS

ClickFunnels is a website marketing funnel that delivers landing page solutions to market, sell and deliver products and services online. It focuses on startups, freelancers, etc.

FEATURES

• It helps in generating lists out of emails to gain leads on their customers.
• It lays out funnel templates like tripwires, sales letters.
• Launches a product, webinar, A/B split tests, custom domains, and related programs.

PRICING

It has two plans,

• The basic plan costs $97/month
• The platinum plan costs $297/month

PROS AND CONS

• PROS

1. User friendly and robust. And has a community that updates solutions to short-term issues.
2. It has an extensive library for tutorials which helps in coming out with almost any issue.
3. Simple to integrate external software along.

• CONS

1. It does not offer a shop builder tool.
2. It cannot access through handsets.
3. Even though there are a good set of fonts, you cannot add fonts of your own.

CONCLUSION

Hence these were the top 9 sales funnel software which are mostly used by the businesses in the market to maintain their leads.

We hope this article proved to be helpful. Please leave your reviews in the comment box.

FAQS

• Is clickfunnel good for e-commerce ?

Ans: No, click funnel does not allow any sort of integration with other e-commerce related platforms.

• Is the linking of softwares with CRMs necessary ?

Ans: It is not compulsory, but it is advisable to do so to maintain a good track about your leads.

• Why are only these nine softwares considered ideal?

Ans: The above mentioned softwares give you the most affordable plans unlike other softwares that are very expensive.

The post Top 9 Sales Funnel Tools appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

This helps explain the growing reliance on outsourcing. In 2019, roughly a third of small businesses already outsourced some business function, and 52% were planning to do so. In 2021, the number of small businesses planning to outsource has shot up to 80%. 

Outsourcing is perfect for growing companies because it offers extreme flexibility, saves time, and allows you to work with top experts without the hefty price tag. Of course, you should never outsource anything related to your competitive advantage. (If it’s your stellar service that sets you apart, for instance, you would never want to outsource customer support.) 

But there are certain core functions that every company must handle — things like accounting, legal, marketing, and cybersecurity. Certain businesses may also need to deal with shipping and fulfillment or data entry — things that keep your business running but don’t impact your end product or service. 

According to Gregg Landers, director of growth management at CBIZ MHM, there are a few categories of tasks that are ripe for outsourcing: tasks that require a high degree of skill or specialized knowledge and highly repetitive tasks.

Here are four areas you should consider outsourcing to cut costs and see better results:

1. IT Training and Certification

If the pandemic taught us anything, it was the value of a highly competent IT department. With many teams still working remotely, you need to ensure that your IT person or team has the training they need. But trying to do that in-house is simply not cost-effective. According to a survey of learning development professionals, it takes an average of 132 hours to develop a single hour of online learning content. That’s more than three weeks’ worth of work!

This is why it’s better to invest in third-party training and certification programs. Outsourcing your group training to a company such as IBEX Business Experts reduces costs and ensures that your team is consistent and unified. You can choose instructor-led courses or virtual learning so individuals can work at their own pace.

2. Business Accounting

Any business that hopes to stay in business needs the help of a bookkeeper, accountant, or both. You need someone to keep your records up-to-date, track expenses, run payroll, file quarterly reports, and do your end-of-year taxes. Trying to manage all these tasks yourself is a recipe for disaster — or at least an audit. You may also want someone to do an in-depth analysis of your business or help you with financial planning, but that doesn’t mean you should hire a full-time CPA.

In the United States, the average base salary for an accountant is $54,127. That’s not counting bonuses, healthcare, and other costs that come with a salaried employee. Then there are the hidden costs of training and management for an in-house accountant. For most small businesses, it’s much more cost-effective to outsource this role. You can use software like Gusto for payroll and pay a licensed CPA to do your taxes, or you can work with an accounting firm to handle all these tasks.

3. Outbound Sales

If you’re trying to grow your business quickly, you’ll need to scale your sales team. The trouble is that it’s extremely difficult to develop a repeatable sales process, find the right talent, and train them to be effective team members. Hiring aggressively is also risky — especially in sales, which has the highest turnover rate of any sector. It can be devastating (both emotionally and financially) to invest weeks or months in training only to see those people leave.

A more sensible approach for many businesses is to outsource certain sales roles, such as outbound sales or business development. Outbound sales encompasses tactics like cold calling or emailing, attending trade shows, and selling door-to-door. Hiring a third-party company to do this for you will give you a steady influx of new leads while freeing up your in-house reps to do more high-value work. Because they know your company inside and out, they’re best suited to develop those relationships and close deals.

4. Marketing

Marketing is a broad term for a highly specialized and complex industry that changes each and every year. The type of marketing you should be investing in will depend on your business, your budget, and your target market. 

For instance, if you’re an online retailer, you may need to invest in pay-per-click ads, social media, influencer marketing, or all of the above. If you’re a service-based business with a long sales cycle, inbound marketing might be your focus. If you’re a mom-and-pop shop that only serves customers locally, you might focus your attention on search or on traditional media channels.

The kicker here is that your marketing tactics should change if you’re not seeing results. Hiring a full-time marketing person is risky because no marketer is an expert in everything. If you hired someone on the assumption that you’d be creating bus-bench ads and direct-mail pieces, that person is not likely to be as effective if you shift your budget to SEO and paid search. Unless you’re planning to build out an entire in-house marketing team, you’re nearly always better off hiring a firm that specializes in whatever tactics you’re pursuing.

As your business grows, it can be exciting to imagine what you could accomplish if you only had a team member dedicated to X. But outsourcing business functions that aren’t your core competency is almost always a better choice. It allows you to work with the top professionals in the industry — without paying their entire year’s salary. It also means you can invest in talent that can help you grow your business faster.

The post 4 Key Business Functions You Should Consider Outsourcing appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

What Are You Selling?

Before you get started, you should determine what you are selling, who you are selling to, and how much you are selling it for. Once you have figured out what you are pushing, you will have a better idea where you should sell it. Are you making what you are selling or are you selling a collection that you have? If you are making the item, there are different platforms than if you are selling a collectible or another object.

Decide On the Platform to Sell Products Online

There are a variety of platforms where you can sell what you’re offering. If you are starting your own business, you can look into Shopify. Etsy is a great option if you are selling things you have made like crafts, household items, and other objects that wouldn’t fly on other online platforms.

Woo-commerce is a great platform if you are using WordPress to sell products online. Ebay is a great platform to sell your collectibles and other second-hand items. Finally, selling on Amazon is a great option for a variety of reasons. Not only will you be able to sell pretty much anything, some companies buy Amazon FBA business and take over their inventory for a sum.

Brand Your Store

Even if you are not starting a business, branding your online store is very important. Think about what you are selling and who you want to buy it. Basing your brand on this information will help you market your store later. Then, once you have decided on a name and a branding strategy, you can buy a domain for a website. All of this information should be tied to what you want your potential customers to remember. It’s important to take a cohesive look at how you want your business to be represented.

What Payments Will You Accept?

Deciding on what payments to take is another important process. While it depends on what ecommerce platform you are using to sell products online, working with a payment processor varies. A third party handles the payment transaction when a customer makes a purchase. You can use Square, Stripe, PayPal, or others. These sites employ security measures. If you are using Shopify or another service like it, there will be a payment service tied into it. Of course Amazon provides payment options as well. Is it your goal to have a brick-and-mortar store? When you decide on goals for your shop, you will be able to determine how best to move forward.

How Will You Ship?

Then, once you have determined what you are selling, what platform you are selling it on, how you will brand your store, what payment method you will use, you should determine what you will use for shipping and how much you will charge. Of course it depends on what you are selling and where you’re shipping it, finding the right method to do so can make or break you. While you could go to the post office, there are also options to ship from your home. Amazon makes shipping cheap and easy, but not every other platform can provide that service. It’s important to make shipping affordable for you and your customers.

Create Social Media Accounts

After you have the above details sorted, you should create social media accounts and start posting. Using social media to promote your online store is integral to your success. Most people will encounter the items you are selling online through social media. Use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and everything else you can to promote your online store. It doesn’t matter what you are selling, there are plenty of options to promote your small business using social media sites.

Market Your Store to Sell Products Online

It doesn’t matter how ambitious you are, if you want to sell a decent amount of product online you should market your store. Buy ad space and invest in digital marketing. If you pay someone who specializes in SEO, it will make all the difference. Landing on Google is vital to getting the word out. It depends on what you are selling, but if it is a popular item online there will be a lot of online competition. Using SEO digital marketing will help you land on search engine sites and stand out amongst the crowd.

Keep Up with Sales & Grow

Then it will be time to start selling. When you begin selling your product, you should keep up with orders and send them out immediately. When you keep up with sales, you will be able to grow and expand your online store. What are your goals with the online business? How serious do you want to take it? Is it a hobby or a real company you are starting? It doesn’t matter what you’re selling, if you want to take it seriously you can and invest as much as possible to expand.

Starting an online business isn’t easy, but you can get started by doing the initial research and hard work it takes to get going. Whether you are trying to get rich off your business or simply want to sell crafts you make, there are plenty of options to take control of your online store. Work on cultivating your passion by starting to sell online. Once you have determined your goals and what you will sell, you can create accounts with the platforms that are conducive to your store.

The post 8 Tips to Sell Products Online appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Whether you make a product or provide a service, your business should use all of the tools at its disposal to grow and advertise to your target demographic. It doesn’t matter what your goals are, if you can properly market your ecommerce business you will be able to sell products and services to people who want and need what you’re offering. Below are a few steps to start an ecommerce business.

Find Your Market

Before you even get started, you should start by doing the research to find your market and target demographic. It is important to do the necessary research that determines what you should sell and who you should sell it to. When you’re working in the digital space, it’s crucial to figure out how to best sell your product or service.

Where will you source your materials? Who will be interested in what you are doing? Using graphs and spreadsheets to determine your best case scenario will guide you towards growing your business as you get going. Doing your research beforehand will help you lower your overhead and figure out how to increase your bottom line. When you put in the hard work, you will be able to start your ecommerce business off right.

Start Branding

Once you have decided what your business will do and who you will sell to, you can begin branding. With an idea, you can create a name. You should begin by creating the structure of your business. What is your philosophy? What are your goals?

Coming up with a name is a great way to think deeply about how your business will market itself to your customers. Choose a unique name. Check to see if that domain name is available. As you begin creating your digital infrastructure, consistent branding will help you create a cohesive and original platform. Branding is everything, especially when your business exists mainly online. Creating a memorable brand changes the whole game.

Consider the Legal Structure of Your E-Commerce Business

Whatever your business, the legal structure has important implications for your business. Consider your financial and legal operations of your e-commerce business. Decide on a sole proprietorship, general partnership, LLC, or corporation, but pay attention. Go for the structure will help your business thrive. 

Next, you can consult a legal professional for advice to find the best options for your business. A sole proprietorship or general partnership, it won’t be required to register in the state where your business operates. Associating your business under the individual name means that you will be interacting with the government under that name. Branding can also help with your legal engagements.

Employer Identification Number

Then you should apply for an employer identification number (EIN) for your ecommerce business. While every business isn’t required to get one of these numbers, it can help you separate personal and professional finances. If your business is a small online start-up, it is absolutely necessary to allocate funds for the company and separate them from what your salary is. Keeping these finances separate is very helpful.

E-Commerce Permits & Licenses

It depends on what business you’re in, but if you need to obtain a permit or license you should do so immediately. Some common types include professional and trade licenses as well as sales tax, health, safety, environmental, signage, and construction permits. Since your e-commerce business may be based in your home, you won’t need as many permits. There are a lot of moving parts when it comes to an online business, but if you are aware of what aspect of your business will need a permit or license, look into it today.

Start a Website

One of the most important things to do is to create a great website for your ecommerce business. Work with SEO professionals who can help you land your site on Google with keywords, metadata, and blogs to frequently post on your site. A website is often the central switchboard for an online business. Take it seriously by spending the extra time and money to create a great site. Beyond your website, you should make sure to be active on social media.

Choose an E-commerce Platform

Next you will need to choose an e-commerce platform for which you will do business. You’ve probably heard of Shopify and Squarespace. They are user-friendly and accommodating, with specific plans for online businesses. You can use Squarespace to both start the site and as an e-commerce platform. Other platforms like WooCommerce and Magento offer their own benefits and drawbacks. While it depends on who you start your website with, an e-commerce plan platform should work for you and your needs.

Source & Inventory Products

Whatever you’re selling, you should list your product inventory and services. Once you have all of them in the same place, organized and detailed on documents, you will be able to manage your inventory and work towards ecommerce fulfillment. When you have your inventory in line, you will be able to start storing, selling, receiving, packing, and shipping your inventory.

Market your Business

When you have everything else in its right place, you can begin marketing the business. If you’re ready to start increasing sales and growing your company. Marketing is vital in the digital age. Spending the money on advertising and digital marketing will make all the difference. Investing in SEO marketing services will help you stay at the top of search engines and work towards expanding the business.

Getting an ecommerce business started isn’t easy, but there is a clear path towards doing so. If you go through these individual steps and do your due diligence before you start the company, you will be prepared for success.

The post 9 Steps to Starting an E-commerce Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Step #1: Outsource Your Customer Support 

The faster your business grows, the more difficult it becomes to give your customers the personalized support they need to resolve technical problems or after-sales issues, such as delayed or incorrect shipments. 

Alienating your customers by not providing sufficient support is the fastest way to tarnish the value of your brand and destroy your online reputation. But rather than fretting over how you are going to afford the cost of hiring more people, simply outsource your online customer support to a virtual staffing company.  

Your new virtual customer support team will efficiently handle all customer support tickets in any time zone throughout the year, taking care of your customers quickly and courteously over the phone, through live chat, via email, or on social media.  

Step# 2 Streamline Your Productivity 

The better the quality of your hardware and software, the more efficiently your business will run. This is because streamlined business processes built on the backbone of a robust technological system ensure high business productivity.

In the beginning, you’ll probably only need a robust computer system, high-speed Internet access, and all the applications necessary to run your business efficiently. As a small business, you will be able to run an efficient operation without needing to invest in expensive hardware or software.

But, later, as your business grows, the cost of hardware and software, data storage, and security protocols can run high and cut into your profits. At that point, you may want to abandon your legacy computer infrastructure and adopt cloud computing,

Cloud computing offers a plethora of benefits: 

• You will reduce all your IT costs, costs related to managing and maintaining your computer infrastructure. 
• You will be able to scale your business, adapting to seasonal changes in website traffic.
• You will find it easier to collaborate with freelancers around the world on your projects.  
• You will ensure business continuity, i.e. protection of all your data should your home office or commercial office be in a place vulnerable to natural disasters, such as hurricanes or flooding. 

Step #3 Optimize Your Marketing 

There are two significant ways you can optimize your marketing: learn from the past and improve the expository and persuasive elements of your website to convince your visitors that you can deliver on your promises.

Here is a breakdown of each of these elements:

Analyze Your Data

If you have a successful business right now, it’s probably because you have a great marketing system in place. Since you have gathered plenty of marketing data over 2020, now would be a good time to analyze last year’s marketing strategies to get an understanding of what worked better than you hoped and what did not work out as well as you expected.

Since you’ve tested out many marketing strategies and tactics in 2020, now, during the early months of 2021, would be a good time to figure out the ones that worked best for your business. 

Here are two aspects of your marketing data to review: 

• Review your Google Analytics or other analytics tools to get an in-depth understanding of the results you got from your campaign launches. 
• Review the performance of your different marketing channels, such as email marketing, YouTube videos, blog posts, and PPC advertising. 

Once you’ve reviewed this data, try to fit it into the framework of the Pareto principle. If you remember, Pareto’s principle states that 80% of your results come from only 20% of the things you do. So, after your analysis, double down on the 20% of the marketing activities that brought in the highest profits and drop the 80% of moderate to low-performing activities. 

Improve Website Copy

It’s curious how a simple thing as a change in a few words in your headlines or body copy can make the difference between high and low sales.

While you need good content, of course, to engage your readers and establish yourself as an expert in your niche, you also need specific calls to action throughout your copy. 

For example, how well you word your opt-in offer determines how many people subscribe to your email list; how clearly you describe your brand’s origin story on your about page determines how many people consider you a trustworthy website; and how succinctly you outline the benefits of your products and services on your sales page determines how many people buy from you.    

One of the biggest mistakes small business owners make is to write their own copy when they have not been trained in the art of expository writing or the psychology of persuasion in print. The result is often one boring content page after another.

But, worse still, is one sales page after another inflated with hyperbole. If you try to use hyperbole to persuade, then hypersensitive consumers, wary of online scams, will instantly distrust your brand, considering your business dishonest. Instead of impressing them with your long list of business accomplishments and incredulous promises, you’ll frighten them away.  

Hire content writers to create entertaining and informative content that engages people. Also, hire copywriters to create persuasive content to drive sales. When you can convince website visitors that you can deliver on your promises, then you’ll have the Midas touch.

Make 2021 Your Favorite Business Year

As the government spends trillions to jumpstart the U.S. economy, now would be a great year to grow your online sales to do your part in rebuilding the economy. It’s your time to flourish.

The post 3 Simple Steps to Grow Online Sales in 2021 appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

There are different marketing options online, but one that has become a must for growing businesses is SEO. Search Engine Optimization is one of the most effective forms of marketing because you’re targeting people already interested in your offering. Your work is to show them that you are the right option.

Ranking at the top of the search engine results page is going to make you more trustworthy and credible. While the results of SEO are not overnight, you will start to see some results after a couple of weeks. With the right SEO agency by your side, you are going to get great results from your SEO campaign. What are the benefits of SEO for growing businesses?

The primary source of website traffic

Organic search is important to a website’s performance. It is a great tool for completing a conversion or engagement. Many people will go to search engines any time they are looking for something. Ranking at the top makes things easier because they can easily find your business. Being trusted by Google and other search engines is a good thing for your brand. A high-quality website and quality SEO is going to help you get there. If you do it right, you will see an improvement with time. It is a good idea to hire an experienced SEO agency because it plays a big part in the results you get.

SEO Builds Trust and Credibility

As per SEO experts, SEO will involve establishing a strong foundation with a good website with a clean, effective user experience. This is important because it makes the site easily discoverable. There are many elements that are used when establishing authority on Google. Search engines have tools that help them know the quality of the site. Some of the elements include positive user behaviour, quality backlink profiles, optimize on-page elements and content.

It is a good idea to establish authority because it is going to do a lot for your site. One thing you need to keep in mind is that it is almost impossible to do it overnight; you have to earn and build it over time. It will take effort, patience, and commitment before you establish your brand as an authority, especially for a growing business. Your focus should be on providing valuable, quality products or services that are going to make customers trust your brand.

Better User Experience

Every business wants maximum visibility and to be at the top of the search engine results pages. One thing they don’t realize is user experience is an important aspect of getting there. Google has its own tools to determine the user experience. This has made it an important part of all SEO campaigns.

Google wants to provide their users with the best possible results. A positive user experience is going to benefit your marketing campaign a lot.

Impact the buying cycle

Customers will always do a little research before they buy something. The internet has made this process easy for buyers. You can take advantage of this by using SEO to relay your messaging for groundbreaking products, good deals, and dependability. When done right, you can impact the buying cycle.

You don’t need to pay for ads

Rankings on the search engine results page is determined by an algorithm. The goal of search engine companies is to provide users with the best results. There are some factors search engine companies use when ranking the pages. If you manage to rank at the top, you are going to get traffic months or even years after publishing.

You need to invest in creating quality content. This can be through time if you are the one creating content or money if you are hiring a digital marketing agency to do it for you. Once you make this initial investment, you don’t have to spend anything else for the content to attract traffic.

Depending on the nature of the topic, you might need to update the page every couple of months. You also need to improve and add to it if your competition is targeting the same keywords. The bottom line is you don’t have to pay anything for the valuable spot in the search results.

SEO Yields a High return on investment

SEO has one of the highest returns on investment because you are targeting people already interested in your products. You don’t have to convince them that they need the product or service, all you do is let them know why you are the right business to get it from. SEO has tracking tools that will help you know whether something is working or not. You have the chance of focusing more on what works and less on what doesn’t. This saves you a lot of money.

Search engine optimization is a good marketing tool that a growing business can use because they don’t have to invest a lot to get started. You can start by investing a small amount then increase it when you start to see results. It is a good idea to hire an SEO agency because they know how to do it right. Learning as you go can be expensive, and you can easily end up achieving the opposite. Take your time to hire an SEO agency that is going to deliver great results without using black-hat techniques.

SEO is a must if you want to grow your business today. Try it out, your competitors are already benefitting from it.

The post Benefits of SEO For Growing Businesses appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

In fact, studies suggest that they conduct at least 12 online searches before making a purchase. They move in and out of the sales funnel before making the final purchase. Cross-sell and upsell are two methods that help B2B marketers sell more than what they intend to.

What is cross-selling?

Cross-selling is a selling technique where customers buy a product that is related to an already bought or soon-to-be bought product. Example: Selling earphones along with a smartphone or a keyboard or mouse with a laptop.

What is upselling?

Upselling is a selling technique where the seller tries to sell an upgraded or premium version of a product that the customer is considering purchasing. Example: Selling a higher version of a smartphone that has more RAM, storage specs, or camera capabilities. 

How do cross-selling and upselling differ from each other?

Cross-selling and upselling differ from each other in several aspects. The very purpose for which it is done, the objective, the elements involved in the transaction, the end result, and so on. 

Here is a snapshot that explains the key differences between cross-selling and upselling. 

Importance Of Cross-selling And Upselling In A B2B Scenario

B2B selling is not easy. The sheer involvement of too many decision-makers elongates the purchase. This makes it super important for businesses to focus on existing customers and to squeeze maximum revenue from them. In fact, studies show that the probability of selling something extra to a customer is 60% to 70% higher than selling one item to a new customer, the probability of which is 5% to 20%. 

So, what makes cross-selling and upselling possible?

There are a few elements in every B2B transaction that makes them possible. They are discussed in detail below.

1. Knowledge of customer journey

Cross-selling and upselling cannot be carried out at random junctures of the customer journey. It must be properly planned for. This calls for a thorough understanding of the customer journey. 

When do they move past the awareness stage onto the interest and decision stage? Also, when in the decision stage, what kind of questions race through their minds? When would it be appropriate to suggest a cross-sell offer or an upsell offer?

Suggesting an upsell offer when a cross-sell offer is appropriate might actually backfire and cause the customer to churn. Such situations can be avoided only if the customer journey is understood in detail. 

2. Real-time support

eMarketer found that more than 80% of millennials have made an impulse purchase. Most millennials do not plan for too long to make a purchase. What makes them impulsive shoppers is also the fact that online stores have made it extremely convenient to make a purchase without taking too long. 

However, the case is different with B2B companies. In B2B eCommerce, the decision is taken after due consideration by many stakeholders. They also look at every possible information before arriving at a conclusion.

Hence, the need to offer real-time support. In a website that provides B2B-targeted products and services, it is best done with the help of live chat software. Why? In addition to providing real-time support, it can also give deep insights into what customers are looking for. This can further fine-tune the business offerings to customers, just like how HLC improved its digital customer support with its live chat software. 

3. Deep Product Knowledge of Support and Sales Team

End of the day, it is the customer-facing personnel who can put cross-sell or upselling into place. Also, they need to have deep product knowledge so that they can help the customer with the right product or service, be it a cross-sell or an upsell based on their needs.

The purpose of cross-selling or upsell is not to make an additional sale, but also to provide the customer with the right product that solves their problem or a combination of products that will deliver a better customer experience collectively.

4. Personalized Content Strategy For Every Stage Of The User Journey

Like mentioned earlier, B2B selling is a convoluted process. It also requires that the buyers be best informed about the product, its pros and cons, and also what makes it unique compared to competitors. 

In the past, traditional marketing communication like brochures helped with this. Today, product literature and also marketing content is best created and published digitally. A proper content strategy ensures that customers are empowered and educated to make a well-informed decision. Also, the content strategy cannot be a cookie-cutter one. 

Instead, it must appeal to customers who are traversing through various stages of the user journey. There must be a proper blend of awareness content, problem-solving content, and also decision-making content. 

Bringing it all together

Cross-selling and upselling are not new-age marketing strategies. They have been around since the beginning of B2B marketing. Today, they are carried out in a different mode. Website, social, email, and chat help B2B marketers sell more products to an already existing customer. 

In fact, selling to an existing customer is easier than selling to a new customer. The probability of the customer purchasing is also higher than a new customer making a purchase. The key is in knowing the various elements of the content strategy and in using them to your advantage. 

The post 4 Key Elements of a Cross-Selling and Upselling Strategy for B2B appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Indeed, unless you manage to nudge your leads towards making the final purchasing decision, it doesn’t matter how well you’ve been converting them before. 

Why is it so Hard to Get Bottom-Funnel Conversions?

The ones who’ve already signed up for your product — hand-raisers, your trial-period users, your last-stage leads — all of them comprise the bottom of your sales funnel, BOFU. These conversions should be a piece of cake. They’ve already travelled from the top of the sales funnel, which means they’ve shortlisted you. It shouldn’t be difficult to make the last final step towards a commitment, should it? Unfortunately, it’s the commitment that is the problem. 

Customers are always afraid of making a wrong choice, specially when they’re B2B customers with more than just their money at stake. They’ll keep looking for the best option available for them, fearing to settle for anything less than that. That’s why they’re such a challenge to deal with. Sales reps need to convince their BOFU leads that the search is over and the solution in front of them is the right one.

The Best Practices to Increase Your Bottom-Funnel Conversions

1. Don’t Dive Straight Into the Selling Process 

We get it. You’ve already been waiting for long enough for your leads to reach the bottom of the funnel, and you want them to make a purchase as soon as possible. But put yourself into their shoes. They’re on the verge of making an extremely responsible decision that will have an immense impact on their business. Hesitation is natural. They need to be 100% sure that the product they’re about to invest in is worthy before they wire the money. 

Fear of commitment is exactly the reason why it’s so challenging to get the BOFU leads to convert. As a B2B sales rep, it’s your job to do your homework and conduct thorough research on the leads at the funnel’s bottom. You need to know exactly who you’re trying to convert to succeed at doing it. The secret to selling isn’t so secret after all. You just need to be able to address your customer’s pain points and challenges. Find insights and context on needs and challenges they face at the moment to personalize your nurturing emails and demo call at max.

Certain pre-sales activities can drastically increase your chances of winning the deal. After a lead pops into your CRM system, qualify and inspect them to find out the things that can help you build your further communication around the potential buyer. Even before the first interaction with your BOFU lead, you need to learn as much about them as you can. Find out everything about their business workflows, current tech stack, team composition and other relevant details. 

Based on your findings, you can map out your customer success strategy and better prepare for the demo call. Knowing their current situation, problems they are dealing with and which other options they’re considering, helps you show them how your product can fit right into their processes and help to accelerate their growth. 

2. Start Small, Be Specific and Don’t Overwhelm Your Leads

Once you’re done with your research, you should know exactly what your BOFU leads are after. Make sure you put that knowledge to good use. Instead of trying to sell your product A to Z, focus on the features that fit your leads’ needs the most. 

Of course, it can be extremely tempting to present your product in all its glory straightaway. You want to brag about it to your potential customer because it will surely convince them to make an instant purchase. The problem is – it probably won’t. 

The difference between you and your lead is that you’ve spent ages working on your product. Thus, it’s easy for you to navigate through the endless list of its marvelous features. On the other hand, your lead is only now getting to know your product. Too much information can be overwhelming. When you talk too much, nothing stands out. Which is why you should only briefly mention your product’s main features, and focus on describing the functionality that is particularly relevant to the lead. 

Talk about how they can benefit from adopting your solution, explain its advantages, and save the rest for later.

3. Understand Your Prospect’s Real Concerns

I don’t know if we can afford your solution at the moment, sorry.

No matter how affordable your product is, you must have heard this phrase from your bottom of the funnel leads at least once. The product’s price is never an issue. The real issue is it not matching the product’s value. 

When your leads are 100% confident that your product will solve their problems and help their business prosper, they won’t care how much they have to pay for that. However, if they’re not, they’ll keep looking for excuses to postpone the purchase.

It’s essential to identify your potential customers’ real concerns regarding the offer and work through them, if you want to prompt bottom-funnel conversions. Instead of ignoring the concerns your leads voice, try to uncover the underlying problem and the reasons behind it. This way, you could negotiate more effectively.

Let’s go back to the initial example. Whenever a lead says they aren’t ready to make a purchase because the price is ‘too high’, they just don’t see the value in your product. Therefore, you need to find out what would help them to justify paying more and show them you can deliver on that. 

To convey your value proposition, you can try out the following tactics:

• Showing side-to-side comparisons of how using your product brings positive results (before and afters);
• Discussing implementation plans;
• Providing social proof from clients with similar use-cases. 

4. Make Sales Enablement Your Kingpin

If you want those bottom of the funnel leads to finally make a purchase, it’s absolutely essential for you to marry your marketing and sales departments. Creating proper sales enablements to support your selling points that will appeal to the potential buyers’ pain points and challenges will help you close the deal. 

There are lots of different types of content that you can create and promote to your potential customers. Just make sure that you personalize it well and target the right segments of BOFU leads. For instance, you could produce a unique and helpful blog post, presentation, or a YouTube video. Include some elements of pre-boarding to reflect on the issues your lead is dealing with at the moment. Alternatively, you could create an in-depth comparison of your product and your competitors’ products to highlight the value you offer to your customers. 

Finally, you could create and disseminate a case-study with a current client. The one that runs a business in the same industry, faced the same challenges and had the same pain points. In order to do that, though, you need to make sure that you use a CRM tool to track your interactions with different customers and effectively segment them into relevant categories. 

Just remember! When it comes to sales enablement materials, consistency of communication throughout the whole customer journey is your best friend. You need to eliminate the human factor out of the equation and make sure you don’t miss a single follow-up! The best way to do this is to automate the sales process by setting up a drip campaign. 

BOFU is only challenging when you don’t know how to approach it. Increasing the bottom-funnel conversions is easy when you have a clear plan of action:

• Learn everything there is to know about your lead’s pain points
• Identify and address their concerns
• Create added value to justify the price
• Strengthen your value proposition with social proof
• Convert through using sales enablements.

The post 4 Ways for B2B Sales Teams to Get More Bottom-Funnel Conversions appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Brand loyal customers are the real asset of a company. Businesses across the globe are investing good capital in building a brand loyal customer base. In fact, the brand community is a great way to attract, nurture, and increase brand loyal customers for a business.

Use these brand community groups made up of your most influential customers to boost your overall marketing strategy. The community will help you to retain your best customers and attract new ones via word-of-mouth and other essential data. And, that’s why more and more businesses are identifying the most interesting ways to build brand communities and attract consumers.

How do you build a brand community?

If you are struggling around the concept of brand loyalty and how to build one, we’ve got you covered. Building a brand community should be a systematic, strategic approach for successful outcomes.

This article focuses on the top five ways to build a brand community and why it is essential. 

#1. Target special interest of customers

When you are building a brand community, it is essential to foster the particular interest of customers. For instance, identify your business’s most popular product and allow members to access the product with certain points. Many loyalty management platforms offer reward points to access special products and meet people with similar interests. 

When you cater to the customers on the products of their interest, they feel more valued and are willing to engage with others. Hence, identify the special interest of the customer and group them together and encourage them to interact and build a positive brand image. 

#2. Create and foster online spaces

In today’s digital time, there are multiple platforms available to connect with brand loyal customers and build a community of the customers. For example, you can use social media channels to build a group of customers who make frequent purchases with your business. 

The digital space allows many opportunities for the group members to meet, communicate, and share thoughts about the brand. As the brand loyal customers engage with each other and with your business, they will provide helpful information about enhancing and improving your business.

#3. Promote content

This is one of the great ways to build a brand community and keep the customers engaged with your business. When you give valuable and informative information to the customers, they find another reason to stay connected.

You can publish the content through a blog or email and let the customers communicate with each other. For this, you can invite customers to contribute their thoughts via informative content.

#4. Cultivate a value-driven presence on social platforms.

Social media platforms help you engage with brand-loyal customers. Here you can easily group them and create a group of members to foster brand community. Also, you can share content and encourage the customers to interact with the posts.

In simple terms, social media increases the possibility to expand an online business presence while building a community around your company.

#5. Offer a Chat Group for specific members.

A members-only chat group allows members an opportunity to discuss new products, give reviews, and share industry secrets. Here, you can also label each customer’s membership and engagement level within their profile. A loyalty management platform like LoyaltyXpert is the best way to profile customers. It will help you to track and monitor real-time user preferences, trends, and behaviors.

If you introduce a loyalty program, it will also help in getting brand loyal customers. And, you can encourage them to participate in community groups and strengthen the brand community. Building brand community is essential for businesses that want to retain more brand loyal customers.

Why is building a brand community important?

A brand community is essential to gather the brand advocates and strengthen the loyal customer base. The members of the group communicate with each other by sharing the reviews and experiences of a product or service to create a positive brand image. The communication in the community group helps in attracting new customers as well. More precisely, here are some important reasons that insist upon building brand community;

• Brand community boosts loyalty programs where the members earn and burn rewards.
• Members of your exclusive community will motivate others to engage with your business offerings.
• Exclusive brand communities ease influencers and build relationships with each other.
• Selective brand communities help you accumulate vital data.
• Membership programs like customer loyalty can deepen customer relationships.
• Increase the efficiency of your other marketing initiatives.

All in all, building a brand community is imperative for businesses that want to sustain market competition by acquiring a large base of brand-loyal customers. Undoubtedly, brand communities will be helpful if they have built the right ways. Depend on the industry you serve and the requirements of your business, and you should select the ways smartly. However, selecting the above mentioned ways are all-time preferred. You can also link a loyalty program with one or more ways of building community and encourage your potential customers to enjoy value added perks along with the purchase.

The post Here’s How To Build a Brand Community appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

1. Build and grow your community

Your website is a source of income and a perfect platform for creating a community. Building your users’ database is one of the most used affiliate marketing tools. Use your website traffic to grow your loyal society on other channels constantly:

–   Social media accounts. Redirect the audience from your website to your Facebook, Instagram and Twitter by placing a “Follow us” widget or social media icons on the main page. It will help you increase your presence on social media and build a stronger relationship with your audience.

–   Newsletter. Email marketing is free advertising. Create a captivating signup form on your website and place it in a visible position. You can acquire contacts directly through lead generation (a form on your landing page, Facebook group, and so on). Offer incentives like a free product or trial in exchange for a subscription (guide, checklists, gift cards, etc.) to raise attention and stimulate people to leave their contacts. 

–   Blog. Fill your blog with valuable content to generate readers’ interest. Post the links to your blog articles on your website and social media channels. Use eye-catching headlines for your posts. We live in the click-bait era, so it’s important to attract users’ attention in this initial stage. 

Soon you will be able to monetize each platform individually. If you are not using your website to grow followers on other marketing platforms yet, start now.

2. Use affiliate links

A basic tool in partner marketing, beginners often miss affiliate links on their websites. Affiliate links connect websites and help generate income.

When choosing over a wide variety of affiliate marketing tools such as widgets and search forms, always use links. More familiar to website visitors, the link is perceived as a recommendation or call-to-action (CTA). 

In contrast, widgets require more time for users to understand all the details, while banners could be considered ads. Internet users often ignore web page zones likely to contain display ads (sometimes called “banner blindness”).

The link should be inspiring. That’s why it’s important to add a motivational call-to-action anchor to it. For example, you can use CTAs such as “learn more about car rentals,” “generate higher income with these tips,” etc.

3. Keep your audience

 Use retargeting campaigns to reach users who have interacted with your website in the past. It turns out that 97% of people who visit your site for the first time leave without buying anything. However, you can bring them back and raise your total income. 

Check out Google Ads, Facebook retargeting, and LinkedIn Ads for building retargeting campaigns. Although this form of online targeting advertising requires skills, you will be able to remind your website visitors of your products and services after they leave without buying once you have learned it. 

4. Even if you found the best, always try new

 Having tried a great number of affiliate networks, you probably chose a few that work the best. However, that does not necessarily mean you should stop. The key is to always keep it under the radar. Keep trying new affiliate platforms and tools, even though you are satisfied with current partners and total income. 

During the pandemic, travel advertisers are changing or even closing their affiliate programs. Now is a good time to review your offers and check out alternative programs on the market or more lucrative niches that you can join. 

The constant search for the best practices will keep you on board, help to know what is trending and always earn on affiliate marketing. Choosing the right affiliate program will allow you to hit the nail on the head in affiliate business from the start. 

Therefore, diversify your income sources, find advertisers with higher commissions on products you already promote and explore other niches. For example, you can apply your knowledge to parts of the travel, software, or finance industries that seem lucrative.

5. Mix the topics and niches

You can always find other related niches and earn from them. Let’s say your website is focused only on travel, but your audience might need more services. For instance, travelers from Europe to the U.S. will need an adapter for charging their devices as the outlet is different. Think ahead and offer your audience such products.

During the pandemic, many affiliates rushed to other niches that offered more views and better conversion. Online entertainment, food delivery, finances, e-commerce and healthcare are among them. While the whole economy seems to be in depression, some niches have experienced an uptick and, in all likelihood, will continue on this path, including:

• Finance and Remote Work
• Health, Fitness, and Well Being
• Household Staples and Meals
• Entertainment
• Communication Software.

Switching to a new niche or combining different ones, you can use the same platform you used to run your affiliate campaigns but broadening the scope of topics and promoting offers in a different niche. For example, you don’t have to become a food blogger to start promoting grocery and meal delivery affiliate programs in the current situation. You can simply tell your audience about your social distancing experience and share how you have coped with the problems everyone is facing. For example, food delivery service reviews may be quite valuable to your audience.

The same is true about other niches. Thus, to promote finance-related offers, you don’t necessarily need to create a content-related website and limit yourself to this niche. This is because financial well-being is one of the most topical issues and almost everyone seems interested in it, especially now.

Remember that part of your audience needs extra services and goods besides your main offers. It could be an extra source of income for you.

6. Grow your brand

You will be able to increase your income faster if you build a brand. You can use PR and get your company or yourself featured in well known publications and develop a content plan for your social media platforms. This will reduce the cost of attracting visitors. If you can keep the audience on your website rather than switch them to other platforms – go for it. Use White Label solutions or work through API. In this scenario, a user will buy a service on your platform and more likely to be back in the future. 

However, keeping users on your website is not always beneficial. In some cases sending users to advertisers’ websites could bring more sales. For example, when the purchase is expensive or your affiliate partner has a well-known and more trusted brand.

7. Think about your income in advance

When deciding which content to post on your website, choose the one you can monetize. It is clear that everything isn’t about income. However, monetization will lead you to more results than increasing traffic. You might have hundreds of visitors coming to your website every day, but traffic won’t convert into sales without the right placement of tools and links. To earn money, you need to give preference to the content you can implement to affiliate links and cause the intent to buy something. Writing itself won’t bring income unless you monetize the website with affiliate marketing or by selling your product. 

Think in advance about what you can sell through your content. Pick a product or service you want to recommend and include an affiliate link to it on your website. A commission will be paid upon a successful deal: namely, your visitor purchases the promoted product/service via your link. For example, such stories as “How to book a bus ticket in New York City” will be harder to monetize through affiliate transfer programs than “How to get to downtown from the airport.” 

Any website can make you a profit if you know how to monetize it. But don’t focus just on a high income; instead, focus on the quality of your website and use monetization methods smartly. Traffic, type of promoted product/service, and placement of the affiliate link increase monetization. 

Summary

There are many ways to boost your affiliate marketing strategy, and to increase your exposure as best you can try to combine various methods.

Always experiment, look for different options and pick the ones that work better for your audience. Try to involve versatile channels, such as social media, email marketing, webinars and others, to gain and engage with your audience. 

The post 7 Ways to Boost Your Affiliate Marketing Strategy appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Currently, this marketing method is shaded by social media dominance. The capability of this type of marketing campaign is often ignored by marketers. Of course, social media can boost your marketing strategies and give the results you wanted. However, marketing via email can produce instant results for your business in comparison to the social networks.

Want to know how? Check out these eight reasons why marketing through email is better than social media:

1. Personalization for improved outcomes

Email messages can be personalized more than a social media post. They allow you to easily segment audiences and send them personalized messages with more specific outcomes with CTAs.

2. Segments messages to boost conversions

You can easily slice and dice your mailing list per your strategic actions based on their prior actions. Details about the emails open and links they click let you use that behavior in segmenting the audience further. This should lead to better conversion rates.

On the other hand, social media will only give you some control in demographic targeting. It’s also troublesome to track at the individual level. Even though some social media channels allow demographic segmentation, none will work like email marketing.

3. Email builds relationships and credibility

People wish to do business with those they know, admire and trust. Email offers a direct connection to the customer, making it more personal rather than social media marketing. Customers can also quickly connect with you in case of questions or concerns via email.

Also, the personal appreciation messages you send will strengthen customer relationships and open the doorways for more future business.

4. Customers favor email for promotional messages

You can send promotional offers via email based on customers’ shopping patterns with this type of marketing. Rather than just sending a generalized promotional offer, you can embrace that opportunity to send special offers for the products and services customers are interested in. Besides, you can run a permission-based promotional campaign to improve sales and keep the customers attracted to your business.

5. Email reaches more mobile consumers

Undoubtedly, the number of smartphone users increases daily. Many of them check and respond to email on their phone. Unlike building an app or SMS marketing, email marketing does not require small businesses to invest a significant amount in new technology or various software.

6. Email is more cost-efficient

Email is an inexpensive way to reach people interested in hearing from you and regularly communicate with them. Plus, whether you want to run a marketing campaign or send promotional offers, it’s relatively cheaper than advertising on social media platforms. If you can get better results at an affordable price with email, why would you spend more?

7. Seamless integration with other marketing tactics

Another top advantage of marketing through email for small businesses is that it blends well with other marketing tools. Companies can craft emails to reach a variety of goals and promote a number of other campaigns.

For instance, you can combine email marketing with a CRM system. If you are running a precise campaign and want to measure analytics, marketing through email works. On the contrary, you have to be dependent on the network you choose for social media and the facility they provide.

8. Own your email list

With your own email list, you have a direct route to potential customers and interact with them. Also, everything you communicate with them is under your control, unlike other platforms. More specifically, you need to make communications with the target audience as per the social media network’s rules, regulations, and features they provide.

Reasons to make email part of your marketing strategy include:

• Email efficiently drives more traffic to your company website

• Email helps in generating higher ROI

• It can be an effective tool to generate brand awareness

• Emails improve customers’ engagement easily and quickly

• Marketing via email is useful for testing the various strategies

If you make email part of your marketing strategy, you will have a lot more benefits than choosing social media. The most common advantages of marketing through email include owning an email list, most personalized and one-to-one communication, inexpensive, audience segmentation, and much more.

Whether to choose marketing through social media or email, it should be your decision. Nonetheless, when you want to increase brand awareness, boost sales, or retain brand-loyal customers, the power of marketing through email should not be overlooked.

The post 8 Reasons Why Email Marketing Is Better Than Social Media appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

But how can small business owners prepare for this influx of online shoppers? And how have both mobile and new tech become increasingly popular ecommerce tools in recent months?  

Preparing for the Rise of Ecommerce

Shoppers around the world drove a 75% growth in ecommerce in Q2 2020 over Q2 2019, and also outperformed the 2019 holiday shopping season – which was already considered a peak sales season compared with recent years. That growth is expected to continue in 2021. It’s predicted that over 2.14 billion people worldwide will buy goods and services online this year. 

In short, businesses should expect larger numbers of website visitors looking to purchase online in 2021, especially because we’re still living with the coronavirus pandemic that has accelerated ecommerce growth. 

Prepare for an Influx of Visitors

Preparing your website for an influx of visitors is important. If your site is unable to cope with increased traffic, then it will load more slowly for your customers. This will heavily affect conversions. In fact, even just a one second delay in site speed will reduce conversions by 7%.

There are easy tweaks you can make to reduce your site’s load time for visitors. One quick and effective fix is to compress images. This means striking a balance between the smallest file size and the highest quality for each image. This might sound technical or complicated, but a quick Google search will turn up a number of free image compressing tools to do it for you.

If you’re running a larger online store, or your website is seriously exceeding your traffic expectations, then you might need to think a little bigger. Consider upgrading your web hosting plan to one that offers more bandwidth. Bandwidth is the amount of data – such as media and content – you can transfer from your web server to your users. It’s usually capped at a monthly limit. The more visitors your site has, the more data you’ll need to be able to transfer. 

Optimize for Mobile Viewing

You’ll also want to double-check that your site’s design is responsive on mobile devices, which plays a huge part in the customer journey. While it’s true that more sales are made on desktops, more traffic actually comes from mobile devices. The pandemic has also increased the popularity of mobile browsing. Essentially, 45% of consumers say they’ve been using their phone more as a shopping channel since the COVID-19 outbreak. 

Ecommerce in 2021: The Rise of Mobile 

These days, it’s very easy to create a website that looks good and works well on both desktops and smartphones. In fact, if you’re using a website builder, chances are it’s already been taken care of for you.

Even before the coronavirus pandemic, mobile purchases were predicted to make up 72.9% of total global ecommerce spend by 2021. This would be worth $3.56 trillion. In Q1 of 2020 alone, ecommerce traffic on mobile devices grew by 25% across all industries. Seventy-one percent of traffic came from mobile phones, as did 56% of order share. 

As I mentioned earlier, desktop devices lead in sales. But the high numbers of mobile traffic we’re seeing this year is so important. It means that mobile devices are starting more customer journeys than ever. 

In fact, mobile devices play an important role in every stage of the customer journey including during it. Additionally, 58% of multi-device purchases utilise mobile as a transitional touchpoint. Mobile traffic also consistently remains higher than desktop traffic at both the start and end of the customer journey. 

The two biggest ecommerce markets in the world – China and the U.S. – conduct 59% and 39% of their ecommerce shopping on mobile devices, respectively. 

Ecommerce in 2021: The Rise of New Tech 

New technology trends like voice shopping and chatbots are also shaping the customer experience into something new this year. These innovations are making browsing more convenient for customers, and they’re important new channels for merchants to watch. 

Voice shopping

Voice control devices, like Amazon Alexa and Google Home, are rapidly changing the way many people shop. One in five smart speaker owners are already using voice commerce – and that’s a lot of people, considering that roughly a quarter of US adults have a smart speaker in their home. 

It looks like the pandemic has accelerated the popularity of voice assistants, with 52% of users saying they use the technology “several times a day or nearly every day.” That’s up from 46% before COVID-19 hit.

Chatbots

Google search volume for “chatbots” has increased 19 times in the last five years. Consequently, more than half of customers say that they’re more likely to shop with a business that they can connect with over chat. But this new technology isn’t just convenient for customers. By using chatbots, merchants can save up to 30% on customer service spending.

And while customer service is the area most likely to benefit from chatbots (95%), other areas will benefit too. This includes sales and marketing (55%) and order processing (48%). 

Final Thoughts

Retail is moving more and more online all the time. For small business owners, the increasing digital and ecommerce demand can be overwhelming, but it’s also a massive opportunity for growth. Set up a website that can handle online shoppers. Then, keep an eye on rising trends in mobile and new tech. Lastly, reap the rewards.

The post Ecommerce 2021: COVID, Mobile and New Tech appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Until now, most companies have only relied on automation for sales and marketing. Automatic sales and marketing campaigns free up a lot of time and resources for content creation and other internal departments.

With that said, automation can do so much for your business. Just take a look at this list:

Integrations

In the digital age, your business likely uses a number of programs and online tools, not to mention the list of automation that you might be implementing soon after reading this. Wouldn’t it be great if all of those tools were built into one? While there’s no one-tool-fits-all, you can use automation to put your programs in better sync together.

Companies can use an iPaaS, or Integration Platform as a Service, to build integrations between their programs. For example, you can set up your team’s communication software to automatically upload shared files and images to your email. 

Simple steps like these save a lot of time in the long run, and can be completely customized to fit your company’s needs. Start with a few integrations and then build up as you get the hang of the process. The more tasks that can be automated, the more focus that can be diverted to larger and more complicated projects.

Payments

Humans have to keep track of a lot of bills, payments, and card information. Miss a payment because of the complicated mess of finances, and an unfortunate penalty will ensue. Automation not only makes it easier for businesses to receive payments, but for customers to keep their finances in check.

Automated payment software takes recurring payments as they are due. This is helpful for companies that work off of subscriptions, or those that provide monthly services, such as utilities for house cleaning. As long as there are sufficient funds in the account for withdrawal, the process is as simple as can be for both parties. 

More complicated payments can be automated as well. A company that uses contracts to bind sales can use digital signatures to automatically gather commitments from customers online. Set up an entire sales system this way, and deals can be signed, sealed, and delivered in no time. 

Hiring and Recruiting

The recruiting process is long and expensive. Choosing a candidate from a pool of hundreds is a daunting undertaking. Luckily for HR managers and recruiters, automation can improve this process as well.

Algorithms can scan resumes, picking out keywords, alma maters, and work history in seconds. This organizes candidates quickly and effectively, allowing recruiters to narrow down their selections as soon as resumes are submitted.

The one drawback to automatic resume scanning is that some programs rely too heavily on keywords. You could overlook an incredible candidate who simply doesn’t have the experience of your other applicants — but does have the soft skills needed to develop quickly and remain loyal to the organization. With this automation, be sure to give outputs a second glance.

Analytics

If your business isn’t incorporating data into its strategy, you’re already a step behind the competition. Data is gold in today’s business landscape, providing insights that can transform your organization into an efficiency powerhouse.

The amount of data your business produces each day is astounding. In fact, it’s practically impossible to scour through it by hand and pick out anything you can use. To take advantage of your data, you need automated tools.

Automations such as ETL tools extract data automatically. They use triggers to transform and load the information into storage systems for your viewing pleasure. Use this data to define target audiences, tweak supply chains, and even alter product prices.

Customer Service

Seventy percent of customers will stop doing business with a company due to a poor service experience. With that in mind, your customer service strategy should be important to you. The better you care for your customers, the higher your retention rates and the more referrals you’ll get.

Some large corporations run an entire office of customer service agents who field calls and messages all day. Small businesses typically can’t afford that. They can only answer questions in person or when someone is available to respond.

For companies large and small, automation can bridge the gap. Setting up a customer service bot on your website is simple. This bot can answer frequently asked questions and direct customers to the products and pages they’re looking for. This simple addition will boost your customer service around the clock.

Data Security

Bank robberies are so 1800s. Today, you need to be on the lookout for hackers and pirates that try to attack you from the inside. Digital information is extremely valuable and much easier to swipe.

Even with a dedicated IT team, your security posture could benefit from any help it can get. Automations like firewalls thwart attacks around the clock. Breach notifications can point out problems the moment they occur. 

Are you sold on automation yet? Give it a try. Start with iPaas to streamline your workflow. Then, try out automations that can revamp your strategy and security. You won’t be sorry.

The post 6 Areas Besides Sales and Marketing Where Automation Wins appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Right after Thanksgiving, Small Business Saturday kicks off the busiest shopping season of the year. As the shopping holiday rapidly approaches, businesses everywhere are doing everything they can to prepare for and contend with the ongoing challenges brought on by the pandemic.

This year, Small Business Saturday is a chance to support and champion businesses hit hardest during 2020. Brick-and-mortar small businesses rely on foot traffic and in-person customer interactions. This year, they have already had to pivot, change, and transform their business models to meet customers where they are now — at home. Small businesses have increased their website capabilities, adopted curb-side pick ups, or partnered with larger delivery services to connect to their customers. 

As these new business avenues have been adopted, additional marketing and customer engagement programs have been set in motion. Local shops have expanded their online presence with email marketing campaigns, created larger online presences and experimented with increased digital advertising. With these adaptations, there are also greater risks for being a cyber crime target. For a smart small business, preparing for the holiday shopping season also means reassessing and reaffirming cybersecurity posture. 

Phishing scams during the holiday shopping season are almost a given. Phishing emails can range from a fraudulent email sent by a business owner to an employee asking for personal data verification or a malicious email disguised as a promotional offer to customers. These emails often include small clues like misspelled email addresses or mismatching url destinations. 

While it can be tempting to look at cyber crime as a distant problem or one that is more likely to happen to a larger enterprise, the reality is that small businesses are as frequently the target of cyber crime. This can wreak havoc in a number of ways from leaking customer data and damaging customer trust to even debilitating critical business operations. Phishing attacks are just one of the most common and simple ways that a potential bad actor could cripple an otherwise healthy business.

Phishing attacks can generally be spotted with some fundamental “basics” on what to look out for that can significantly help businesses, their employees, and their customers identify fake emails and questionable notices in their inbox. Businesses should always be encouraging a security-oriented workforce, but for employees in customer-facing roles during the busiest time of year, it can pay to be especially vigilant. Some of the most important clues to watch out for are:  

• Email address comes from a “trustworthy” source: Phishing emails often appeal to a sense of authority. These emails can often attempt to trick small business owners by imitating the address of a government agency or financial service, but can even imitate common companies, most especially Google and Amazon.

• Makes an urgent appeal: Does the email make reference to an emergency? Does it call for immediate, quick action or a set of tasks? Demanding requests are created to distract the reader. Making the task seem necessary is designed to cast doubt for preoccupied readers who may have otherwise noticed the signs of a false email.

• Uncommon internal requests: Is this email coming from someone you do not normally work with, especially an executive? Employees should be trained to be vigilant for emails like this, which can imitate the business owner to hide the email’s true intentions and make an employee reluctant to refuse to comply. Small businesses can alleviate this by making clear to their employees the usual chain of command in everyday operations.

• Random misspellings of common words: One subtle sign of a suspicious email is the tendency to use words which are commonly misspelled, to give the phishing email a human touch.
  

Small Business Saturday is a great way to encourage communities to shop locally or with specialized online retailers, especially this year as small businesses have been hit the hardest with the coronavirus pandemic. As small businesses are working to meet the demands of their customers, and reach new customers with online advertising and partnerships, they must be aware of cyber criminals lurking in the dark. Preparing employees to quickly identify and report suspicious emails can go a long way to support other network security policies in place. 

With the proper tools in place to defend the network and a strong culture of cybersecurity at the individual employee level, small businesses can drastically reduce their risk of attack and be better prepared to expand their online operations for a healthy and secure holiday season. 

The post Safeguarding Your Network in Preparation for Small Business Saturday appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

To be sure, you don’t have to rise to the fame of a Mary Kay Ash or Zig Ziglar to be a sales phenom. Plenty of salespeople across the world land tons of deals, build loyal connections with customers, and solve buyers’ biggest conundrums. You may not know their names, but that doesn’t mean they’re any less successful. 

Here’s the dirty little secret, though: The majority of sales folks aren’t utilizing all the tech at their fingertips. As a result, statistics culled by Forbes suggest that most sales experts sell only 35.2% of the time. The rest of the time, they’re pushing papers, engaged in redundant activities, and not bringing in revenue. 

The bottom line is that even the most prolific seller probably has room for improvement. And there’s no shame in wanting to get better. So why not embrace the technology that can help you rev up your conversations? Or reduce the risk of being ghosted by a top prospect?

Below are four tech stack must-tries to impress your boss and win over resistant buyers.

1. Close deals seamlessly with virtual proposals.

Remember the days of sending your client a proposal, waiting for the client to make adjustments, and going through the process ad infinitum? (Those days might have been as recently as this week, to be honest.) Every time you make your prospect jump through a hoop, no matter how minuscule, you risk losing momentum.

What’s the way to close this gap for good? Leverage proposal and contract processes that automate the system on one platform. PandaDoc, an all-in-one document automation software, notes that requesting proposals the old-fashioned way needlessly extends your close rate. In other words, you waste precious days and weeks trying to get the final go-ahead. Plus, once you’ve built a proposal on paper, how easy is it to change on the fly? In most cases, it’s not easy at all.

The way to fix this issue is to find a software-as-a-service (SaaS) provider like PandaDoc that offers the ability to manage your proposals and eventual contracts in one location. Having documents available to everyone who needs to know—and make changes effortlessly—transforms the proposal experience. It also shortens the sales cycle by reducing buyer barriers to acceptance.

2. Add robust templates to your tech stack.

Have you ever found yourself writing the same email again and again? Sure, you might change a word or two here and there. But the gist and tone remain similar. These are documents and correspondence that you could automate with software.

What’s the value of having dozens of templates? With the right system, you can deploy your templates quickly across omni-channels. Have a prospect who prefers text? No problem. Your template can be revamped to look great on a phone. Dealing with someone who’s a social media user? Send DMs and get noticed.

Not sure you want to invest in more tech software? Even if you just keep a catalog of templates on your centralized knowledge system, you’ll be ahead of the game. As a side note, you don’t have to lose the individual touch. In fact, you should focus on personalization because it’s what 80% of participants in an Epsilon buyer study said they want. Templates can be constructed with “holes.” Fill those “holes” with customized messages and foster connections without losing precious hours re-typing content.

3. Invest in a truly modern customer relationship management (CRM) system.

Why do so many salespeople rave about CRMs like HubSpot and Salesforce? The companies have made it their business to lead the CRM industry. They’re continuously adding new solutions to their platforms, including AI-driven tools.

Feel as if your outdated legacy CRM gets the job done? That may be true. However, it’s worth investigating state-of-the-art CRMs. Sure, it’s understandable to want to hold onto your CRM because you know it. No one likes change. Still, it might not be the right answer anymore.

Newer CRM platforms aren’t just clearinghouses to hold prospect and client information, either. The top ones allow you to analyze customer behaviors, set up regular messaging based on where a customer is in the sales funnel, and perhaps listen socially. Unless you’re 100% sure you have a CRM that truly links your organization’s marketing, communications, service, and sales teams, you’d be wise to investigate what’s on the market.

4. Increase your sales prospecting IQ.

The more intelligent your sales prospecting, the less arduous it is to uncover truly qualified potential clients. AI has helped sales technology become savvier, moving way beyond just grabbing prospects’ personal and business information from the web.

How does sales intelligence work when buoyed by technology like AI and machine learning? For one, sales software can crawl the Internet, looking for potential prospects based on your company’s past purchases and historical information. The software can then deliver target personas to specific sales team members. Even if the sales team has to evaluate the information by hand, everyone will save time.

Sales prospecting software can also help you scrub and update information, much of which will be outdated in about a year’s time. Remember: These are processes you would have to do yourself or ask someone else to do on your behalf. If a program can do it just as well, why not let it?

Prospect.io even suggests that sales prospecting should include a deep dive into data about the sales that turned you down. This way you can get a better understanding of why, and what to do better next time. 

Sales will always be about relationships, and tech can help you finally have the time to build connections. So why wait? Stop spinning your wheels and start generating long-term ties.

The post 4 Types of Sales Tech You Shouldn’t Sleep On appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

However, Facebook is also one of the biggest advertising opportunities for businesses today. More than 1 billion of its users log in daily, making Facebook too big for businesses to ignore. And as organic reach — posting updates on a group/page — reaches its success limit, more and more businesses are turning to Facebook ads to increase their exposure and traffic.

But are Facebook ads the right investment for you? Here are some benefits to advertising on the world’s biggest social media platform.

1. Your audience is on Facebook

As mentioned, more than 2 billion people actively use Facebook. Using Facebook ads allows you to not only reach current customers, but new customers whose interests or beliefs align closely with your brand.

The audience present on Facebook also spans across many demographics. Users aged 18-34 take up a bulk of the audience, at 56%. However, older audiences are quickly increasing with almost half (46%) of 65+ year olds using the platform. No matter who your target audience is, you should be able to find them on Facebook.

2. Access to fine-tuned targeting tools

Facebook ads use a variety of advanced targeting tools to reach your audience. They factor in the basics, such as age, gender, and location, but they also look at lifestyle characteristics such as interests, hobbies, and even recent buying behavior to expand your potential customers. Such targeted forms of advertising are hugely beneficial to any business.

One tool that Facebook provides is the ability to reach Lookalike Audiences: people similar to those that already engage with your company. This tool is just one of many that can increase your reach, and ultimately, your brand success. Facebook shows your ads to the people who are most likely to buy, providing the best results for your campaign. 

 3. Budget-friendly advertising 

A big budget isn’t necessary for a big outcome. Using Facebook ads is one of the cheapest methods of advertising in today’s marketplace. 

Other forms of advertising that were more popular in the past, such as radio ads, commercials, and billboards, are far more costly than Facebook Ads, and the same desired results are achievable.

Less than $10 in Facebook ads can easily lead to a reach of 1000+ people if you strategize and plan well.  And you can even set daily or lifetime budget limits — that you can change at any time — to ensure that you’re only spending as much as you want or can on your advertising. 

4. Ease of use

You don’t need to be an expert to figure out how to use Facebook advertising to your business’ benefit. With easily customizable ads that allow you to choose your type of ad, your target audience, and your budget, Facebook ads are for any business owner — tech-wizard or not.

Marketing goals are also easily factored in. Do you want to increase brand awareness? Post engagement? Likes or clicks on your page? Reach a wider audience? From sponsored stories to video ads to carousel ads, Facebook ads will have a way to get the results you want for your company.

5. Free analytics 

Building on its budget-friendly rep, Facebook ads also provide free analytics for your campaign. You’ll get real-time results to see what is and isn’t working. This allows you to easily adjust your ads to increase their performance.

Facebook provides reports with metrics such as weekly reach, page likes, and engagement. You can easily see which posts are effective and which aren’t doing so well, then fine-tune your ads in a way that makes them more successful. Such flexibility isn’t possible with forms of traditional marketing. 

With an ad such as a tv commercial, it’s difficult to measure effectiveness while the commercial is still being run. Usually, a business has to wait for reactions from the public, or movement towards or against their marketing goals to gauge the success of the commercial. Facebook, on the other hand, provides reports for your campaign as soon as possible, giving you the best results for your investment.

6. Remarketing

Remarketing is an advertising approach that Facebook makes easy. Say someone visits your website but does not make a purchase. Facebook is able to track this visitor and show them an ad for your company at a future time, while they’re scrolling through their feed. Re-engaging customers this way can lead to more website visits and better conversions.

This tactic can also be used to drive repeat business: purchases by customers who have bought from you in the past. You can directly import past customer emails into your Facebook ad campaign. This means your ads will be shown to people who are already engaged and are willing to buy.

7. Referrals

When you advertise on Facebook, your audience can help you expand your reach. Customers that are already engaged with your brand can easily tag their own friends and family on your ads. And because they have a connection with the people they are tagging, those people are more likely to trust the quality of your product or service.

Plus, there’s always the potential to go viral on a social media platform. Take Squatty Potty for example. They posted a video ad in 2015 that went viral with over 1 million shares and thousands of comments. Users tagged friends and family with comments like “You need this!”. One ad led to a massive increase in brand awareness, website visits, and sales. 

8. Facebook is mobile 

Almost 80% of Facebook users only view the platform on their phone. During their work breaks, while traveling to and from work, or when bored, people are likely to use their phone and browse through Facebook. Using Facebook ads allows you to catch these people during their down time, when they may be more likely to buy.

9. Facebook is fast

Facebook gives you the option to add a call-to-action (CTA) to your ad. This is a button that gives the customer a direct action. It might be downloading your app, subscribing to your emails, or booking an appointment. This provides a sense of urgency for the ad viewer and encourages them to click on your ad. With this method, you’ll reach your marketing goals fast.

Using Facebook ads has countless benefits for any brand. Strategizing, knowing your audience and recognizing your company’s goals are all you need to get started. For more information on advertising with Facebook, you can also check out their Business Centre.

The post Why You Should Be Using Facebook To Advertise appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

These are the essential features a marketplace script should have:

• Customization options
• Scalability
• User experience
• Affordability and
• Mobile accessibility 

Top Marketplace Platforms

1. BigCommerce

Most suitable for small-to-medium sized businesses, BigCommerce’s dashboard is very straightforward and user friendly.

Pros:

• Fully hosted
• Easily accessible
• Unlimited product listings
• Unlimited bandwidth & file 
• Integrations with shipping and POS software
• No transaction fees

Cons:

• You have to pay for 24/7 customer service.
• They are expensive compared to competitors. 
• Customer orders don’t come with tracking information.

2. Shopify