Archive for Social Media

Have You Made the Switch Yet?

webdesignsmallWebsite Redesign in Order?

Google has introduced it’s latest algorithm in February. They want to make websites user friendly for all devices. Mobile, tablet and computer. If you’re looking at redesigning your website, contact me today.

It’s really easy to see when someone hasn’t touched-up their website in a while, especially with all the new devices.

Do yourself a favor… Do not neglect the first impressions of your website for either potential customers or employees. Remember that many people (including ourselves) judge a company by their website.

If you know you need a responsive website and you don’t even know where to start or you’re afraid of how much it’s going to cost you, contact me!

Helene

http://www.rainandcompany.com

Your Online Presence

The importance of online presenceI am simply speechless when I see companies without a website or any online presence at all.  I personally don’t use the phone book anymore… I use the internet.

Having a website is a must now a days if a company wants to grow or remain competitive, but incorporating social media is also very important.  Social Media is not just to tell people what you had for breakfast that day. Businesses across the world are using social media to spread the word of their products/services and expertise.

It’s pretty simple… the more content you have online about your business, the more likely your content will be discovered by someone who is looking for  what you have.

Creating an online presence is the first step, but engaging customers with reviews, experiences and having them talk about your product…that’s golden!

If you need help with your online presence or want to expand beyond your website, visit us at http://www.rainandcompany.com

Until next time!

Helene

Blogging Boldly and Confident

Is Blogging Right for My Company?

That’s a great question and I believe that every company should first, have a website in place.  Blogging for a company is a great idea and can generate a lot of interest… if done correctly.

Be Organized with Your Content

Always begin your blog with the end in mind.  I always recommend that people ask the question “What is your main objective?” and take it from that point.  A blog should not be too long and should have several headers, an image and bullet points.  When you blog with a main objective in mind, add the main topic of your blog and the headers should be the organized content that follows. Begin a blog with the knowledge of what kind of blog it is.  Are you setting it up as a teaching tool or are you simply passing on good information?

Why Bullet Points Are Important

Bullet points create an organization to your blog.  Even if a reader is scanning through your blog, he/she will remember the content if you have bullet points.  Here’s an example below:

  • Create interesting content and keep it real
  • Discuss relevant issues in a manner that is easy to comprehend
  • Don’t take yourself too seriously, have fun with your blog
  • Keep it short, people don’t like long blogs

For more information on how to blog boldly, listen to Life Improvement Radio on Wednesday, December 12th at 10:00am EST.

For more information, please contact me at Integrated Marketing USA

Until next time, have fun blogging!

The Power Of Visual Content

Use Graphics to Your Advantage

With today’s social media outlets, companies have immense opportunity to tell different stories with pictures. It simply amazes me that some companies choose to go on the cheap to save a buck and produce ineffective graphics and marketing pieces.  The following venues are pure opportunities to promote your product/services and paint a picture that a thousand words can’t do!

  1. Your Website
  2. Facebook Page
  3. Youtube Videos
  4. eNewsletter
  5. Flyers/Brochure
  6. Blog
  7. Twitter
  8. Pinterest
  9. LinkedIn
  10. Google+
  11. SO MANY MORE…

First Impressions Really Count!

Do you know that it takes a twentieth of a second for someone to decide if a website is appealing or not according to researchers at Carleton University.  The results stunned researchers, because they were expecting a few seconds or less than a minute.

Impressive Facts

Source: http://www.mbooth.com/framed/

Make your website golden and see how you too can use the right graphics to your advantage!  Make it a great week!

Helene

Owner/Founder of Rain and Company Marketing Group

Integrated Marketing Solutions

 

Focused Marketing

One Thing vs Many Things

Most of us would consider ourselves multi-taskers.  When neuro-scientists conducted some research, they found that issues that deal with attention and consciousness, it is best to focus on one thing versus many things.  Bottom line is if you want customers to remember your product and your brand, don’t make your customers multitask when you’re trying to get their attention on your product or service.

Motion Attracts Our Attention

Have you ever noticed how some TV infomercials use very animated speakers? You could be presenting to a group, TV commercial, one-on-one, use motion to grab your audience’s attention. Focus your movement where you want their eyes to focus on- Where there is movement, someone is looking!  Videos are becoming more and more important in companies advertising campaigns- include the product/service with motion.

I hope you have a great week!  Keep your advertising to the point and simple to read at a glance.

Until next time,

Helene

Owner/CEO of Rain and Company Marketing Group– Integrated Marketing Solutions!

 

Customer Engagement Rules

Ongoing Dialogue

Customer engagement is no longer a series of one-off experiences—it’s an ongoing dialogue. Companies should develop ‘listening skills’ in this new social media age. It means listening  to customers who are already having conversations about brands –yours and others—in traditional online channels as well as over the social Web.

Keeping it REAL

Those conversations need to come across in a genuine and human way- keep it real. Important elements to invest into are to establish trust and form relationships through open, honest interactions over time.interactions that create positive experiences and outcomes for your customers.

Proactive outcomes include participating in the online conversations, solving problems, answering questions, hearing ideas and giving positive feedback while supporting them.

Responding

Responding to the customer’s feedback is critical- Unlike just a few years ago, the customer now has all the tools to be in the drivers seat. Businesses can benefit by staying engaged with customers or potential customers who talk about your products/services.

Take some time today and discover how you can engaged with your customers!

Make it a great day

Helene

Owner/founder of Rain and Company

 

Engagement Marketing- Four Key Factors

What does Engagement Marketing Really Mean?

More and more companies are using the term Engagement Marketing.  It has a nice sound and most people would understand that the topic is about getting potential customers engaged. The question is HOW?

Most People Don’t Marry Strangers

Today’s social media allows people to research, evaluate, talk to, comment and much more. Some advertisements that are oftentimes loud, intrusive and simply put, white noise are also relevant.  Let’s compare engagement marketing to a potential marriage. There are four key factors that are crucial for effective engagement marketing.

Connect/Meet

A connection is necessary. It could be over the internet, in person, through a referral, an ad, phone call or something else.  At this point…. first impressions are made by the potential customers. This stage is all about the looks!

Inform/Get To Know

This factor is the show and tell. What are the needs? What are they looking for? How do we differentiate ourselves from the competition? Many companies don’t address how they differentiate themselves at all- this is important. Share your testimonials on your website. Establish your brand and what your company stands for (loud and clear). Many businesses simply list their services and products when they should really focus on the benefits of their products and services.

Entertain/Courting

Several discussions take place and trust begins to be established. If you have the product/services the potential client is looking for, develop a friendship, find common ground and make it personal.

Share/Refer

This one is big- this speaks of your reputation, your services, your customer service…. and you’re not the one doing it… the customer does it for you IF you’ve engaged properly!

When I work with clients, they are more than just another person I encounter. I want every single business that I work with to do well and succeed. I spread the word about their businesses and they do the same about mine.

Engagement marketing is more than just a term, it’s an investment. Many companies want this, but are not willing to invest the time and money to “wow” the potential customer.  With the current economic conditions… many companies are bringing the circus along to wow their potential customers. Don’t be afraid to be give it your all in this phase.

If you are looking for web-designer that has a purpose and plan or a marketing plan that will differentiate your business, contact us at http://www.rainandcompany.com

Make it a great week!

Helene

Founder of Rain and Company Web Design and Marketing Group

 

 

 

 

Eight Tips to Increase Views Of Your eNewsletter

Keep It Simple!

We all get them… I’m talking about the e-Blasts that usually end up in the trash! The average open rate according to MailChimp is between 33.52% to 13%

The clean and simple look with relevant headlines is the way to go if you want to draw attention!

Eight Tips

Here are eight important tips for your e-Blasts:

1.The most important item is a large relevant image with a message

2. Have ONE goal and one purpose pertaining your product/services

3. Offer tips, news or relevant information

4. Add links to your social media sites. (small icons please!)

5. No over-crowding allowed! Keep you images clean and captions short

6. Make it fun and entertaining- No one wants to be bothered with blah,blah,blah

7. Give them a reason to check out your website and don’t forget a call to action.

8. Don’t be afraid to buy nice images that are relevant and grab attention

The most important item on my list are the images. Create your image as if that was the only thing people will see and read from your newsletter (because that is the case for most e-Blasts!)

Have fun with your e-Blasts!

Helene

Owner of Rain and Company

http://www.rainandcompany.com

Passion is Contagious- Spread It Around!

What Are You Passionate About?

One of the main characteristics a good sales person possesses is passion! You can be a business owner, an employee or a contractor- if you are passionate about what you do, it shows and you can spread that passion to others around you!

Are Your Employees Passionate?

Zappos is big on making sure their employees are passionate. They understand that importance and role that passion plays in their companies. Tony Hsieh, Zappos’ CEO states that “We want people who are eager to live the Zappos lifestyle and promote the Zappos culture- not a typical nine-to-five office employee.” A job is more than just a job. Let’s face it, we spread many hours on the job. The team at work should be passionate about the product/service and company.  Is that the case with your company?  If not, what can you do about it?

Passion Says It All!

When business owners and employees are passionate about the company, product or service, that spreads to the customers who in turn can spread the word to their friends and family!

Don’t just live your life day by day- be passionate about what you do for a living. If you’re a business owner, look around your company. If there is no passion…. you have a perfect opportunity to make a difference!

Have a great day!

Helene

http://www.rainandcompany.com

Keep Things Interesting!

List Your Benefits

No, I’m not talking about the medical and 401k employee benefits here!  I’m talking about listing the benefits of using your company!  I encourage companies to focus on the benefits of their service(s)/product(s) rather than list what they do.

The Potential Client Will Read On…

If you begin to list the benefits of using your company, the potential client will pay attention because that’s what (he/she) is searching. Always think like the potential customer when putting together a flyer, banner, blog, etc… If you’re not sure, ask one of your clients and tell them to be honest!  When companies simply list the obvious of what they do, it’s just noise that means absolutely nothing. Listing the benefits on the other hand, is more appealing!

Stir Things Up- Make it Interesting!

I have a great example for you. Generally speaking, gas stations are not known for their clean bathrooms. In putting together an ad campaign, this gas station decided to use the very ” pet peeve” of dirty bathrooms, and turn it around. They are now well renowned for their beautiful bathrooms…. and yes, they sell a lot of gas too.

Make it a great day and keep things interesting!  If you need help with your marketing or web design, contact me helene@rainandcompany.com

Helene