3 Things For November 3rd, 2024
No one wants to break up!, We’re still blogging., Taking care of Google Business.
Breaking up is hard to do
How long do you hold on to something you no longer want because the price you’re paying (cash or otherwise) doesn’t outweigh the painful conversation/experience of the breakup?
This could be a monthly subscription (there is no cancellation button but a number you must call), a community or networking commitment you made long ago that has run its course, a vendor that no longer cares or delivers, or a circumstantial relationship when the circumstances have passed but the obligation persists. There was value, but the value has since diminished, and yet we hold on because, well, breaking up is hard to do.
I find myself in positions like this; you likely do too, and most certainly our customers do as well…..about us! And eventually, if “not feeling the love” lasts long enough, they will leave us, and by the time we realize it, it will be too late. The decision is made, the cognitive load is relieved, and most likely, nothing we have to say will change their mind.
It’s not enough to always deliver value; customers need to know and feel the value is being delivered. We can’t say we love you once; we have to say it again and again. We have to check in, we have to care, and we have to show that we care in a way that is heard. (Understanding love languages isn’t just for home life; it’s for work life too).
We don’t want to break up, and they don’t want to break up. Make it so it’s not even a conceivable option.
PS: It’s Thanksgiving this month. If you’re a customer, referral partner, friend or maybe all three, THANK YOU! I hope I’ve told you lately because I am grateful for you and our relationship…this month and every month.
How a Blog Can Boost Your Business
A ‘blog’ represents a section of your website featuring informational articles, industry insights, and company updates. When they first emerged in the 80s and 90s, blogs primarily served as online diaries for writers and journalists. Today, they have evolved into essential business tools that combine marketing strategy, customer engagement, and content distribution.
A business blog can be called anything and is often referred to as “news,” “updates,” or “information” on a website. Its main purpose is to demonstrate your expertise and industry knowledge. Regular, high-quality content shows potential clients that you understand their needs and can provide effective solutions. By providing valuable insights, you position your company as a trusted resource in your field.
Optimizing Search Performance
A blog is often considered the most effective way to optimize organic search (SEO) because it provides a consistent stream of fresh, relevant content. This regular updating signals to search engines that your website is active and valuable. Through strategic content development, you can target a wider range of keywords and build backlinks from other sites. Multiple blogs organized with categories and tags create a network of relevant information that search engines recognize and reward with higher rankings.
Converting Visitors to Clients
Effective blog content guides potential customers through the decision-making process. As marketing expert Marcus Sheridan notes, “If you don’t show it, it doesn’t exist.” Rather than making generic claims about your business, your blog allows you to demonstrate your expertise through concrete examples and helpful information. This approach naturally leads readers toward your products or services, seeing them as solutions to their needs.
Developing Strategic Content
Successful business blogging requires a thoughtful approach to content creation and maintaining consistent publishing schedules to keep your audience engaged. Focusing on relevant industry topics that address your audience’s specific needs and questions, data-driven insights, and visual elements will build trust and establish your brand as a reliable source. And by monitoring which topics generate the most interest and tracking your blog’s impact through traffic analytics, conversion rates, and engagement metrics, will help guide future content development.
Building Success
A well-crafted blog helps you share expertise, build customer relationships, and enhance your online presence by integrating with your social media, email newsletters, and other marketing channels. More than just a collection of articles, it’s a strategic asset that drives growth, establishes authority, and creates meaningful connections with your target market.
Visibility & Credibility with Your Google Business Profile
Having an online presence is non-negotiable for most local businesses. One of the most effective and cost-free tools to increase your visibility and credibility is a Google Business Profile.
Google Business Profiles are a free online listing that helps businesses show up on Google Search and Maps when people look for services nearby. It allows you to showcase essential information and interact with customers through reviews, posts, and updates. It’s a digital storefront that boosts visibility, builds credibility, and connects businesses with local customers.
If you are looking to find your profile, find the link here.
The key to a strong profile is keeping it active. Consistently updating your business hours (don’t forget to update for Holidays), adding photos, sharing posts, and providing timely responses to reviews all create a positive customer experience and help your profile grow. Strive to update your profile once a week.
A strong Google Business Profile can boost your visibility and search ranking. When customers search for products or services in their area, businesses with a Google Business Profile are more likely to appear at the top of search results and on Google Maps. This increased visibility ensures that potential customers can easily find and contact your business, driving more local traffic and potentially new customers your way.
Your Google Business Profile displays the essentials of your business, helping customers know exactly what to expect and regular updates on your profile signal to Google that your business is active and relevant, which improves your ranking. Adding keywords related to your business and industry helps Google connect you with relevant customer searches. Google Business also offers insights that help you understand customer behavior, giving you analytics that can help guide your marketing strategy.
A Google Business Profile is a powerful tool that brings value to businesses by enhancing visibility, building credibility, and creating meaningful customer interactions and it helps you stand out in a crowded digital space. Setting up and maintaining your profile requires a little bit of effort but yields significant returns, making it an essential part of any business’s online presence.
