Do you know what a hashtag is? Or how to use them? Do you remember the very first time you heard the term “Hashtag?” Nowadays, if you are even slightly aware of social media, then you know what a hashtag is. Not only have they become a key component for getting your marketing message out on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms, but the word has even been added to the Oxford English Dictionary! You may know what hashtags are, but do you know how to use them? Well, here is a quick primer that will explain everything…
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Get as much work done in as little time. This is the overriding goal in your head when you’re a small business owner. Time is money. If you only have a few hours every day to get everything done, you’re going to need to be super-efficient. Unfortunately, there are a ton of little, but essential tasks that can get in the way of your efficiency. For example, social media. Why You NEED Social Media Social media is a crucial part of every digital marketing strategy. Being on all of the major social media networks is how you reach out to…
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Do you have an Instagram account set up for your business? If not, you’re missing an incredibly valuable opportunity to connect with potential clients and customers in a way that is unique from every other social media channel. Instagram is currently the most used social media network out there today, with over 800 million monthly users. Even better, these are highly engaged users! They are actively looking for content, services, and products, all of which you and your small business could provide them with. So the 800 million dollar question is… Why aren’t you on Instagram yet? Is your small…
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The days of simply reading and liking social media posts are over. The most active and engaged social media users spend time asking questions, starting conversations about topics that are important to them, and sharing content that is meaningful to them. If your business wants to engage in meaningful conversation on social media, you need these top 4 tools. 1. Be Professional But Not StiffThink of social networking as virtual cocktail parties: charm, wit, and jokes are encouraged while maintaining professional boundaries and keeping the conversation relevant to all involved. There is an element to this type of conversation that…
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The impact social media has on online retails sales grows greater each year. While social shopping and sharing may only lead to a small percentage of sales, the number of sales is growing. Additionally, social media clicks, referrals, and shares accounts for more retail traffic than any other online route. Let’s take a look at the numbers to better understand how social media marketing and networking impacts your business. Facebook is the leading social commerce platform, responsible for 50% of all social referrals and 64% of total social revenue. It is the #1 social platform for sharing articles, business pages,…
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One of the best ways to generate new business is by tapping into your target market through another business that caters to it. I am not talking about poaching clients from a fellow business, but strengthening your network of small businesses in your market so that together you can offer clients a complete package of services and/or products, which results in a win-win-win for you, your clients, and your fellow business owners. Business to business, or B2B, networking offers all kinds of benefits for entrepreneurs including increased brand exposure, greater professional credibility, and more efficient marketing leading to higher profits.…
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Small businesses need to market to their audience effectively—period! In the days before social media and the internet, companies spent huge sums on visual ad campaigns that involved billboards, painted signs and posters, TV and magazine ads, and eventually commercials. Nowadays, this type of marketing is not only old-fashioned and expensive but becoming irrelevant, too. The majority of consumers read their morning news on a tablet, shop online, and communicate with friends and colleagues throughout the day via email, social media, and smart phones. While TV commercials and magazine ads are still a costly, chic way to market, the majority…
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As the owner of a virtual assistant firm specializing in social media, implementing a strategy that engages my clients’ community while maximizing exposure is key. Since social media management is very time consuming, busy business owners can literally spend all day building their communities on Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Pinterest, Twitter, YouTube and their blog! Most business owners don’t have time to stay on top of this vital way to grow their business. When it comes to maintaining the social face of your business, a virtual assistant can be invaluable: a virtual assistant can handle all your social media marketing including…
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