Be strategic

A marketing plan is crucial, and if you don’t have one you won’t have goals or a way to measure them. It doesn’t have to be complicated! Start with your main goals and figure out how to get there. The Small Business Administration (SCORE) is a good resource to help you develop a plan to grow your business overall.

Be up-to-date

Websites are the foundation of online marketing. Your Website should be up to date, hosting quality content and accessible to all before creating social media campaigns. Social media networks should then be driving traffic to your site for sales and/or leads by capturing email addresses, for example.

Be realistic

Social media produces leads, not sales, so do not expect your sales to grow overnight. Converting leads to sales takes patience, an effective marketing funnel and good customer service. There are many factors affecting sales, and they are not all online. If you are not receiving sales then take a look at the entire sales process to identify any problems.

No one person is good at everything. Social media management is a big job, online advertising is specialized, SEO is constantly changing, and content creation takes time and research. Include this in your marketing plan and outsource as needed.

Be creative

Use videos and images that will attract the right attention and calls to action for your business or nonprofit. There are great tools out there for non-designers with templates, stock images and video components. We use Canva.com, Animatron’s Wave videos and Bigstock.com, among others.

Be consistent

Marketing is a consistent effort to grow brand awareness and create trust among users. Your online audience needs to hear from you on a regular basis. Be sure to reach out regularly via social media and email with updates and information that is helpful to your followers.

Be focused

Target your audience. It may be impossible for a business on a budget to be on every social media network. You should choose the platforms where your customers are, and be active in order to grow your business online.

We want your business to thrive! Contact us for more growing tips or help with your online marketing today.  805-765-1501

More Help!

SEO and How to Create Website Leads

What is Web accessibility?

Life-saving Social Media Tips  (targeting your online audience)

7 Patient Strategies for Growing Your Business Online from entrepreneur.com

15 Tips to Grow your Business Online from wpbeginner.com

Another Small Business Internet Marketing Blog by Tina Reed Johnson

The post Grow your Business Online with 6 Simple Ideas appeared first on Tina Reed Johnson.

We all know that a Google listing for your business is crucial because hey, it’s Google.  It’s the perfect place for reviews because they are part of your listing and users can check your credibility.  Google Business Profile is necessary for local SEO (search engine optimization).  When was the last time your received a local call from someone that found you on Google?  If the answer is never, maybe it is because you don’t have a listing or it needs some work.

Does your listing say “You manage this Business Profile” when logged in with your Gmail account?  If it does, then it is already claimed but you will want to optimize your listing.  Skip to #3 below and be sure to read all the tips. If it says “Manage your Business Profile” then you need to log in to Google before claiming or managing your listing.

How to get your business listed in Google Search & Maps & Apps

1.  Go to google.com and search for the name of your business or organization and the name of your city and state.

On desktop computers, you may see your Website listing near the top of Google Search.  On the right, there should be a section with your business name, Website link, contact information, hours, reviews, and posts (if this information has been submitted). This is called the Google Knowledge Graph.

On mobile, this information will show near the top of your screen, followed by info about your Website.  Listings will appear different depending upon the device used and which Website you view it in (Google Search or Google Maps).

2.  If you have not already claimed your business, you will see a link that says “Own this business?” Click on the link and follow the instructions.

You can also use Google Maps to claim your listing for local business/organizations.  The process is essentially the same, but terminology is different.  Google Search says “Own this business?” and Google Maps says “Claim this business.”

3.  The process to manage your Google Business Profile has changed. Listings are still available on the dashboard of Business Profile Manager, but your business listing is linked directly to Google Search which is where you manage your account (see insert below).  Google Business Profile can be used to manage either a single business listing or multiple listings/locations on one dashboard.  Links are on the left under “Businesses.”

Update: Google no longer allows you to add managers to your account.

Google Listing Tips

• Make sure that you use the official name of your business that is on your business license.  Google may ask you for documentation/proof of your business name, if you do not register it correctly. This is a pain believe me, so do it right the first time.
• When claiming or managing your business on Google, use a permanent business email address. Do not use a personal email. Ensure email log-in information is documented in a central location in order for an employee or business partner to have access in the future.
  
• If you are having trouble claiming your business listing but need to make a change, try submitting an edit as a Google user. If Google finds the change request reasonable and accurate they will hopefully accept and make the change for you.

How to Increase Engagement

Google recommends changing or adding information frequently–once a week is ideal.  Posting, updating info and adding photos will also help increase the status of your listing.  The top three listings for keyword searches are in the Google Local Pack, above organic search listings. 

Fresh, attractive images will entice users to click on your listing.  New images, photos and/or videos should be uploaded on a regular basis.  See Add photo on the image above.

Add a new post under Add update on the Google Search page with your listing, after you have logged in to manage your account. You can be really creative with your posts, and use similar posts to your social media channels. You can also add links to your Website on your post within the text or below under a call to action (see Learn more on the sample post above).

Your customers can help by posting reviews under Write a Review, or help make a needed change to your listing under Suggest an edit, and even uploading their own photos under Add a Photo on Google Search. Be sure to reply to customer reviews by thanking them and adding a personal comment.

Note:  You can’t delete customer photos directly.  You need to flag the individual photo under the Photos tab and have a good reason for deletion, such as an inappropriate photo. Google will delete photos at its discretion.

More Help!

Google Maps Reviews

Your Google Accounts

Another Small Business Internet Marketing Blog by Tina Reed Johnson

The post How to Connect to Customers with Google Business Profile (Google My Business) Update 2023 appeared first on Tina Reed Johnson.

Let’s step back and think of the way that you view your page.  Is it a place for people to get customer service, tips and advice?  Or are you using it as a way to broadcast periodic updates?

A valuable page will keep users interested and engaged while giving updates, as well as helpful advice and feedback to your users (or whatever your page goal is).  As you build your fan base you want users to keep receiving page notifications.  This means thinking of ways to keep users involved (for example, experimenting with new content!).

For now though, try these simple but important ways to increase your Facebook fans and page likes!

Simple but important ways to increase Facebook followers

1. 1. Add social media links to your Website

Social media icons with links to your accounts need to be in easy to find locations.  Include icons in your site headers for design consistency and for maximum results.

This may seem obvious, but do not include icons and links to inactive social media accounts.  You can always add them back when you are ready!  (Now may be a good time to delete Google Plus links that are no longer active, as the platform winds down in 2019.)

Tip:  Consider adding a Facebook badge or other social plug-ins on your site (content and comment feeds, like and share buttons, embed Facebook videos, etc.).  Facebook developers site

1. 1. Cross promote social media accounts

Make sure to let followers know about your other social accounts.  Post links on your other networks letting users know how to find you on social. You can even do videos or slideshows or use animation to grab user’s attention.  Be sure to post all of your links in about/info sections of your pages (Facebook, LinkedIn).

Tip:  Don’t forget to post videos on your YouTube Channel, Vimeo and/or Website!

1. 1. Add social media links to your email signature

Add a signature to your emails using software like WiseStamp.  Include your name, title, business name, phone number, Website address, photo or logo and social media links/icons.  Wisestamp.com has free and paid versions.  You can even add your most recent blog link or call to action with animation!

1. 1. Add social media icons to marketing materials

Announce your presence on social media, don’t assume that users will automatically search for you! Add social media icons to your online and print promotional materials (landing pages, advertisements, business cards, brochures, flyers, invoices, etc.). Ensure the icons are legal to use and don’t violate copyright law (see Hootsuite link below).

Tip: Design your own custom icons!

1. 1. Try the mail

If you are a local business or organization, consider mailing catchy, colorful postcards in your community to get attention.  Stay in touch with potential customers online by offering them something valuable or useful for lead generation.

Tip: Include Facebook event page links for RSVPs to your event mailer.  This is a way to gauge interest in your offer. Be sure to ask users that respond to your event to like your main Facebook page.

More Help!

Free email signature generator by Hubspot (quick and easy with a few marketing questions)

Canva.com graphic design software (stock photos & templates for non-designers, with print service)

Free (and legal!) social media icons and guidance at Hootsuite

Another Small Business Internet Marketing Blog by Tina Reed Johnson

The post 5 More Ways to Increase Facebook Followers appeared first on Tina Reed Johnson.

1. Connect or follow friends and clients from your personal profile.  Spend 10 minutes a day sending friend requests or connecting. Be sure to make personal posts to stay connected.

Facebook tip:  Invite friends to like your business or organization page directly from your Facebook page. 

2. Send out a professional monthly email and include your social media links.

Facebook tip:  Add an email signup form to your Facebook page. This is especially important if your social media objective is to build your email list! (You may also add a button at the top of your page that lets people email you directly.  Emails are not automatically added to your email list, but you can add them to your email system manually if you have permission to send them email.  Always ask first!)

3. Advertise to a targeted audience for a fixed amount per month. This will greatly increase the number of people reached through your social media page.

Facebook tip:  Facebook continues to make it difficult to reach followers of your own page without spending money on advertising.  The most simple way to advertise on Facebook is to boost a post, or you can create a more robust ad campaign with different images or videos.

4. Ask clients for testimonials, and remind them they can give you reviews/recommendations on Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, Yelp, etc. whatever their preference is.

Tip:  Specify that you may also use their words on your Website and other marketing materials.

5. Ask people that call, email or come to your location to follow you on social media.  (“A great way to stay in touch with us is to follow us on Facebook…”)

Note:  Never give an incentive or bribe for reviews or to connect.  Bribes are considered unethical and poor business practice.  In addition, it can potentially cause harm to your business and online accounts.

Remember, it’s quality not quantity with social media and Facebook followers that counts.  It’s better to have fewer followers that are engaged, than many followers that are not.

More Help!

Thinking about Facebook Advertising?

http://tinareedjohnson.com/social-media/google-local-reviews/

Another Small Business Internet Marketing Blog by Tina Reed Johnson

The post 5 Ways to Increase Facebook Followers Part 1 appeared first on Tina Reed Johnson.

We often receive calls from site owners that want help marketing their website, but have not updated it for several years and may be having trouble with SEO.  If you are behind the technology curve, common concerns are that your Website may not be:

1. Secure

Out-of-date code can leave the site open to security and privacy issues with user data, such as online forms that require personal information and credit card data.  Users should never give personal information such as contact information, birth date, social security number or financial information online unless the Website shows the “https:” and lock symbol on the browser.

Tip:  EU (European Union) sites must adhere to new online security regulations by May 25, 2018, or be subject to stiff fines.  See GDPR link below.

2. Mobile friendly

Your audience may be trying to access your site via smart phones or other online devices and having trouble reading content and navigating.  If they have to scroll too far down or across to see text, and the site is too hard to read they will quickly abandon your site and search for a competitor.

3. Loading properly or quickly

Old and cumbersome code can slow down the load time of your site.  Your site may not even be loading at all, or is not compatible with certain Web browsers.  Without regular site updates and maintenance your site can be inaccessible and users may be receiving site loading errors such as “Not found, error 404.”

Google ranks Websites according to these criteria, among other factors.  Before we even consider how to attract site traffic and address SEO, these issues must be resolved.  Your site must also be up to date with great content that is helpful to users and search engines (but that’s another story!).

We welcome questions about your Website.  Please comment below or contact us on social Tina Reed Johnson on Facebook.

More Help!

Web Design Love it or Hate it

WordPress Web Accessibility

Top 3 Factors of Successful Websites

GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) Requirements

Another Small Business Internet Marketing Blog by Tina Reed Johnson

The post SEO & How to Increase Website Leads appeared first on Tina Reed Johnson.

Remember the Irish Spring soap jingle “fresh and clean as a whistle?”  You want users to think of your Facebook page as fresh and lively, not stale, or out-of-date!   Updating your Facebook cover or header is a great and easy way to update its look.  Here are some tips to help.

Design ideas for renewing your Facebook cover

• Change with the seasons – Spring, summer, fall & winter photos or images can be tied into content themes for your page
• Update for holidays – There is no shortage of holidays or special days of the year to celebrate (keep it manageable by rotating select holidays with a couple basic page covers monthly)
• Promote specials, coupons, giveaways – Go easy on the text & promotion (don’t turn users off with too much info)
• Show special events or dates like openings, sales, anniversaries or milestones
• Use video or a slideshow! –These are cool options to catch attention & share more about your products/services

Not a graphic designer?  Keep it simple by uploading a nice photo appropriate for your page, or use a site like Canva to design your Facebook covers.

Not a videographer?  Use our choice, Wave, which offers stock photos, videos & music.

Remember copyright laws and either use your own images or purchase stock photos!  See stock photo guidelines on our blog.

Lacking inspiration?  Check Pinterest for cover ideas!

Cover design tips & technical info

• Don’t use too much text, Facebook wants this space image-based
• Include contact info such as a Website URL or phone number in your cover images (you can mix it up & see what works best)
• Add your logo (if not using logo in profile image, remember that people need to see people behind the brand!)
• Your call to action (CTA) can part of your cover & another CTA can be a button at the top of your page
• Cover image displays at 820 x 312 pixels on desktop &  640 x 360 pixels on smartphones
• Use png format if using text and/or logo for images (otherwise jpg for photos should be fine)
• Social platforms are constantly changing sizes of headers & profile images – check specs often!
• Videos should be between 20-90 seconds at 820 pixels x 462 pixels
• Slideshows use up to 5 photos of 400 pixels x 150 pixels

If you’d like, leave us a comment with your Facebook page URL. We’ll check it out and let you know what we think!

More Help!

Facebook how-tos:

Page cover photo & cover guidelines & dimensions

Cover video

Cover slideshow

Another Small Business Internet Marketing Blog by Tina Reed Johnson

The post Fresh Facebook Cover Design appeared first on Tina Reed Johnson.

So…your Facebook organic posts aren’t “working.”  It’s no secret that social media managers turn to Facebook advertising to get more reach.  Facebook has become a pay-to-play platform, after years of successfully offering pages free of advertising.

Ads are one solution to get your products and services in front of users. They can be an effective way to improve engagement, and turn fans into customers if done well.  Facebook ad rates are still reasonable overall, and advertising can beat hours of work to ensure your content is seen.

Tip:  Research first to find out if Facebook is right for your industry, product or service.  Social media is not one-size-fits-all!

Facebook offers a great advertising opportunity because of the ability to target users.  Targeting is based on options you choose, including demographics, interests, behaviors and geographic areas.

For example, you can specify women aged 25-35 in California, with an interest in destination weddings and honeymoons; stay at home DIY, dog-owner dads; or Spanish-speaking, foodie, business travelers in the U.S.  You can also narrow down your focus to people that are traveling or live in certain areas.

However, in order to take advantage of targeting, you must know your audience or customers.  You probably already have an idea of the demographics of your best customers.  Put that information to use by specifying who is to see your ads.

Facebook Ads Manager, and other ad software, helps determine what demographics, interests and other factors are driving the best ad response.  Then you can make adjustments based on results.  This helps save time and money, and helps focus on the best audience for your Facebook page.

Get started here:  https://www.facebook.com/business

Things no one tells you before you start Facebook advertising

Do you have an active page, with regular, quality posts?  Are you following a content strategy?  Consistent, timely content that is of interest will help you stay in touch with new fans, and help encourage engagement.

Your Website should also be in good shape, so that you won’t chase away prospective customers once they link to your site.  Helpful content relevant to user’s needs, up-to-date contact information, and working links are crucial to bringing in online leads.

What results do you want from your ad efforts?  Setting your expectations up front will help determine if advertising is working for you, and help you make changes to drive results.

You will need a plan.  What is the reason you want to bring users to your Web or Facebook page?  Do you want them to purchase something, sign up for a newsletter, or something else?  Maybe your ads are to create awareness of your brand, or get event RSVPs.  Include calls to action to tell users what you want them to do, try to lead them through the process and give enough information so they can make an informed decision.

There are many advertising options from which to choose, and you will have to figure that out before you create your ad campaign.  You will also want to plan ways to keep in touch with people that have responded to your ads.  Email marketing is a great way to do that, but you will need to collect those email addresses!

Hope this information is helpful and food for thought.  Need assistance?  We are only a call away.

More Help!

Facebook Blueprint – Marketing Courses

How to set up an Effective Facebook Ad Campaign

6 Ways I use Facebook Ad Targeting

How to Maximize your Facebook Reach by Social Media Examiner

The post Thinking about Facebook Advertising? appeared first on Tina Reed Johnson.

Tis the season to give!  Please consider giving to children and families in need in our local area.  Ventura County, California is in the 805 area code.  Be generous!  Gift giving may come back to you in ways you might not expect. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Toy Drives

Action Foundation
*YMCA Breakfast with Santa
Bring an unwrapped toy
8-10am Saturday, December 10, 2016
3760 Telegraph Rd, Ventura

*Casa Pacifica
805 Startups Holiday Gift Drive
Monetary or in-kind donations
Sponsoring 5 Families and 23 Children
Donation form
(Sorry, Amazon wish list is unavailable.)

…also Casa Pacifica Angels Holiday Boutique
Accepting items such as men’s wallets, watches, sport team memorabilia, cologne, perfume, key chains, flashlights, candles, bath products, etc. for children to purchase with behavior bucks for their family, teachers, social workers.
Drop off between 8:30am –  5:30pm
1722 S. Lewis Road, Camarillo
(805) 366-4014

Children’s Services Auxiliary of Ventura County
Spark of Love Toy Drive
Unwrapped toys or sports equipment or check to nonprofit above (please consider infants and teens)
Drop off by December 24, 2016
Any VCFD fire station
Volunteer Opportunities Available

Toys for Tots (Marine Corps program)
Unwrapped toys worth at least $10
Drop off by December 17, 2016
*SpiceTopia, 576 E. Main Street, Ventura
*Ventura Toyota, 6360 Auto Center Drive, Ventura  (Receive a $25 gift card)
Toys R Us Donation form
http://port-hueneme-ca.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/default.aspx

UCLA Children’s Hospital
Sky High Sports
One free hour of jumping with unwrapped toy
Accepting until January 8, 2017
166 N. Aviator Drive, Camarillo
(805) 484-6300

Food Drives

Cheers for Children
Food donations through *Ventura Unified School District
Dry and canned items accepted at schools locations through December 15, 2016
Or monetary donations (check to nonprofit above)
Volunteer opportunities available

*Food Share
4156 Southbank Road, Oxnard, CA 93036
Donation form
(First week of December, FoodShare Can-Tree Collection at The Collection in River Park)

Vons
Purchase pre-ready bags for $7 at your local store!  They distribute.

Other

*Salvation Army
Give cash to Bell Ringers at a store near you
Donation form

iPhone App:  Ring a Bell

*Please support Ventura Chamber of Commerce Members

The post Gift Giving in the 805 this Holiday Season appeared first on Tina Reed Johnson.

According to Wikipedia, “Web accessibility refers to the inclusive practice of removing barriers that prevent interaction with, or access to websites, by people with disabilities. When sites are correctly designed, developed and edited, all users have equal access to information and functionality.”

As your customers or audience are aging or develop challenges you will want to build your Website properly so that access won’t be limited or exclusive.

I am a Web developer for Tina Reed Johnson where we use WordPress web software for websites.  And, anytime we evaluate a site, we look for certain elements of usability and web-based standards for all people.  That’s why, today, we are looking at Web accessibility, and explaining the principles of theme development.

Video on Web Accessibility

From the WordPress Accessibilty Handbook Quick Start Guide

From the WordPress Theme Handbook on Web Accessibility:

A WordPress theme should generate pages that everyone can use — including those who cannot see or use a mouse. The default WordPress theme generates content in a fairly accessible manner but, as a theme developer, you need to maintain these accessibility standards in your own theme. Although web accessibility can be a complex subject, it boils down to only four principles — that content must be:

Perceivable
Content must be available to all — no matter what user agent is employed or what senses the user lacks.

In other words, understandable by the computer (user agent) and the person (user) who needs help understanding the website.  The computer needs to know how to “show” the website to the user and the user has to be able to make sense of the information.

Operable
Users must be able to move around and operate the final site effectively — irrespective of whether they use a mouse or not.

The user can provide input or navigate on website via the keyboard (using tab keys for example) or another input device (like Dragon Naturally Speaking software).  The user can, also, easily view information (like using JAWS screen readers or close captioning) on the website.

Understandable
The content should be presented in a manner that supports understanding — including supporting the construction of a mental model of the site for screen reader users. Similarly, the site’s operation (navigation menus, links, forms etc.) should be easily understandable. Building a theme that incorporates known user behaviours (such as underlining links within the main content area) helps in this respect.

One of the reasons we updated our WordPress website is to make it more understandable or easier to navigate.  In fact, there are now many accessible WordPress themes out in the WordPress community, unlike a few years ago.  So, update away!  Your readers and customers will thank you.

Robust
Content must be equally available across a wide range of user agents. Disabled users may employ a range of hardware and software solutions (commonly referred to as “assistive technology”) to allow them to access the Web – including screen reading & voice recognition software; braille readers and switches (single input devices).

A common theme (no pun intended for you WordPress users) is to use web standards like HTML and CSS.  HTML and CSS are the brick and mortar in the world of websites and are standard technologies in use in today’s online connected world.  Since every disability is different, the meaning of robustness implies that all user connected devices a disabled person uses should work.

Lastly, a quote from Tim Berners-Lee about accessible websites on the World Wide Web Consortium (or the W3C, a open standards-based committee):

“The power of the Web is in its universality.
Access by everyone regardless of disability is an essential aspect.”
Tim Berners-Lee, W3C Director and inventor of the World Wide Web

So, what do you think about web accessibility?  Are you ready to make your website universally readable to everyone?

More Help!

Check Your Accessibility with WebAIM (bottom left search box)
Google Accessibility Home Page

Another Small Business Internet Marketing Blog by Tina Reed Johnson

The post Web Accessibility and Your WordPress Website (Updated 2019) appeared first on Tina Reed Johnson.

Marketing yourself as a political candidate is a lot like marketing your business.  Impressions are everything.  You may only have one chance to grab one’s attention so you want to make it count.  Consider these marketing tips!

Marketing Tips – #1 Good, Bad or Ugly, We Need to Know Who You Are

Many candidates for office don’t submit their photo with their statement in voter information guides.

Do you do business with someone you don’t know?  Not having a candidate photo and expecting people to vote for you, is similar to expecting people to do business with a gray head on LinkedIn.  If you are in business and want to make money, people need to know who you are.

Tip:  If you are not in a spaghetti western, you better smile! (We would have used Clint’s photo, but his images are copyrighted! ; )

Marketing Tips – #2 Take a Stand and Lay Down the Law

Many more candidates have NO information in their statement.  Even if you know what they look like, you know nothing about what they stand for.   Do you provide a business description on your Website and social?  People want to know about you and your business.  Can they trust you?  What is your background?  Can you help by solving a problem?  Give them something to consider in your About section.

Tip:  Don’t just talk about your products or services.  That doesn’t make the cut!

Marketing Tips – # 3 Use Horse Sense

A candidate’s statement, “I am on Facebook” doesn’t help voters, especially if there is no Facebook link.  Make good use of precious seconds to gain attention.  Provide the best information appropriate to your audience.

Marketing Tips – #4 Rope that Doggie!

Be careful about glaring errors.  We saw in one statement a title “United Senator.”  That isn’t the same as a “United States Senator.”  Proofread and circle typos and make corrections before going to print (or online).  A statement full of typos can affect whether you land that next vote, client or calf.

Marketing Tips – #5 Last, but not Least

It is a big NO-NO to mix politics or religion with business.  We see this all the time on social media.  If you represent a business, you’d best refrain from posting your political or religious views.  That is a sure-fire way to alienate prospective, and long-term customers.

More Help!

These marketing tips also apply to your business:

7 Ways to Effectively Market Your Candidate

If you enjoyed this blog, make my day and give your input with a comment below.  Yee haw!

Another Small Business Internet Marketing Blog by Tina Reed Johnson

The post Marketing Tips and the Election appeared first on Tina Reed Johnson.