Tag Archive for: Rosewood VA

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Should You Invest in Professional Photography for Your Website?

This past weekend I developed a WordPress website for a Photographer friend.  She is like a cousin to me, as in long, long, long-time family friends.  And she is a truly talented photographer.  Working with her on developing her new website made me realize how many businesses and organizations take professional photography for granted.  When really they should be using photography as a tool to build their brand’s image.

I built her website using WordPress with the exact same platform and available tools as I can use and have used to build others.   What makes her project so different however is how the quality and professionalism of the images truly makes the website look like a million dollars.

Here are my Simple Tips for Better Business Branding with Images: Read more

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Stop Thinking of Social Media as a Chore

When I meet with small business owners to discuss their online marketing strategies, there is always a collective sigh when I bring up the importance of Social Media Marketing.  They think of it as a chore.  And while I understand the logic behind it, it is also a misconception.  Small business owners need to stop thinking of social media as a chore and start recognizing it as the powerful marketing tool it is!

Yes, Social Media Marketing does have similar qualities to chores. 

Yes, it does take time, planning and follow-through to have a successful social media marketing campaign. BUT, while the steps are similar, the outcomes and advantages are much different.

Start thinking of Social Media as a Sales/Marketing Employee. Read more

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Is Your Business Listed in Online Directories for Business?

Do you have a small business?  Have you claimed your business online?  If not, you are missing out on a potentially huge online marketing strategy!  The best part is, most online directories have a free listing option.  What are you waiting for?

Online directories for business are a great place to start building your online marketing presence

Online Directories can be a great way to start getting your business noticed.  Most likely you have heard of the larger players out there like Google, Bing, Yahoo, Yellow Pages, etc.   They all have online directories available on your computer, mobile phone, tablet and even vehicle GPS systems.

Did you know most online directories for business have free listing options?

Yes! Most online directories do offer free listings.  These typically include your business name, address, phone number, a brief description of your goods/services, and can include a limited number of images.

What about paid online listing options?

Most online directories do have different tiers of paid advertising and promotion.  The inclusions can range from the ability to add a longer description, upload a menu, add more images, link to your website, offer exclusive deals through the directory, etc.  The added features range depending on the specific directory.  It’s a good idea to contact one of their customer service reps to see the best plan for your business.

What is a good place to start?

A great place to start would be… Google!  Google is the number one ranked search engine in the world.  Followed by Bing and Yahoo.  These would be great places to start claiming your business and building your listings.

Claiming Your Business

If you’ve been in business a while, chances are your business has already been populated by one of these search engines.  Once you find your listing, the next step is to claim it.  Once claimed and confirmed, you will be able to edit and update your listing to better reflect your business and start driving traffic towards you and your website.

If you would like help claiming your business online or just growing your online presence in general, I invite you to contact me by telephone or email, or through Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.  I look forward to helping you help our community!

Until next time,

Deanna

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