Now with reviews as part of social media – being so important in the buying process for many people especially a younger demographic, reviews are as important as they have ever been.

So when your business get’s them – what do you do, right? Do you say thank you if it’s a positive one? Or do you only respond to negative reviews? In a day spent in constant bombardment of questions that just running a business generates – now what does a business owner do about the reviews they are lucky enough to get?

Yelp has just posted on their blog a video where real people say what they really think about business owners responding to reviews – both positive ones as well as negative ones. I know I’ve encouraged all my local business clients to respond to negative reviews but I’m rethinking my position of only responding to negative reviews – take a moment and listen to why these people are changing what I previously thought.

Do You Think Your Customers Aren’t Using Social Media?

Thankfully, this mindset is rapidly changing, but I still talk to potential clients who believe that their customers aren’t using social media.  It is true that social media was at one time an arena dominated by young adults and teenagers, but as the table below illustrates, that is changing.

Not only are people using social networks, they are using them for extended periods of time.  People spend an average of 4.6 hours per week on social networks.  That is more time they spend on email, news, games, or anything else on the Internet.
In fact, 1 out of every 8 minutes online is spent on Facebook.  In addition to following their Facebook news feed to keep up with their friends, people now use it as a gateway for many internet activities that once took place elsewhere.  Messaging and media sharing are more efficiently done through Facebook than email.  People use Facebook to get their news, play games, and shop for product and services.

In the same way that every business needs a website, you now need a social media presence.  You went to the Internet to meet your customers where they were.  Now they’re on social media.  They use it at home, on their phones, and even at work.  You can’t afford to be left out of the conversation.

So what are some of the reasons you have or haven’t adopted Social Media in the marketing of your business?

So why are people choosing to use video marketing rather than banner or pop up ads to advertise what they have to offer today?

Quite simply it is down to the fact that video marketing allows you to create a more personal connection with potential customers to your business. If a person is faced with a video of someone talking to them or demonstrating something they are more likely to stick with it and find out what it is about. However of course when it comes to banner and pop up ads we simply find them annoying and will completely ignore them rather than learning more about what they have to offer.

Through videos a person is able to build up some kind of rapport with the person viewing it and as a result they are more likely to gain that persons trust. The more comfortable a person feels about dealing with someone they haven’t actually met then the more chances there are of them actually wanting to know more and then making a purchase from that person.

But it’s not enough just to have any old website. You need a website that will draw traffic, aka visitors, who are surfing the web. These are visitors you wouldn’t otherwise have and they can make a huge difference in the success or failure of your online presence.

So how do you get these visitors who are surfing the web?

By your choice of words…

* in your content
* in your content titles
* in your graphics titles
* behind the scenes of your site
* in your links to other pages of your site

What kind of words?

Some words are better than others because they are searched for again and again by TONS of people. Some words, called longtail keywords, are searched for a lot yet have little competition from other sites (not as many sites use these keywords). If you use these favorable longtail keyword phrases it may mean you can land on page 1 in Google for the phrase.

The result of being on page 1 of the Google search engine is huge! Just think what it means if people find your website on the first page of their search – a marked influx of traffic and a big new market of people to market to.

We can help you find the best keywords for your website. We can also tell you where to add them to your site in all the right places. Let me know if you’d like to talk about this powerful traffic-getting technique.

The following lists 10 reasons why a person with an online site must need a separate mobile site.

1. Google owns a separate mobile site index
Since the index is separately maintained and it is quite empty, the mobile directory lacks most of the information. For instance, the directory style information is missing.

2. Your regular site is not going to cut it
A basic design difference exists between a regular and a mobile website. The screen space is very limited on a mobile. You must have identified the inconvenience of side scrolling. This inconvenience is further magnified on a mobile. Though there is the option of turning the device to lengthwise direction, the resolution is small even here. Mobile phone emulators can easily show how your regular website may look on a mobile. You can then experience the terrible experience of a mobile user. Find one here at http://www.iphonetester.com

3. Nearly 1/5 of Americans access mobile web daily
The rate is further increasing annually. It has thus turned to a competitive ground that it is now very essential to represent yourself on mobile web before your competitor does.

4. Mobile web is expected to surpass desktop web in just five years
Mobile web is being used and adopted at a very rapid pace than the desktop. Hence it is certain that the expected growth will be reached much faster. It is obvious that a vast majority of your site visitors will be on a mobile in the near future.

5. In 2009, $1.6 billion was obtained from purchases in mobile devices
This is the most motivating information regarding mobile web. In case, millions of people are using mobile web and not purchasing anything, most commercial sites need not worry about their mobile existence. But the current statistics prove purchases from mobile devices are already in billions. Though studies prove that consumers are less confident in making purchases from a mobile than from a desktop, spending levels are increasing owing to the increasing comfort levels.

6. 93% of Americans own their mobile phones.
Though not all the mobile phones have internet access capabilities, it is the current trend. Internet accessibility is available not only in smart phones but also in some standard phones. But in the future, it is probable that all phones have some online access.

7. 5% of the top 500 online retailers possess a mobile site/ iPhone app
It will be rather surprising to know that the number is so low. However, this is great news to those who are outside this 5% range. If your ranking is not as high as expected, this may mean that your competitor may be in a better position. And if you are currently reading this, it is obvious that you are a step ahead in your industry.

8. Budgets for mobile marketing is expected to cross $6.5 billion in 2012
Spending on mobile advertising is a major indicator of the current industry status. If a marketer is ready to spend his hard-earned money by displaying products and services on mobile web to capture audience, there must be a good reason behind it. Besides, if they are planning to increase the budgets, it is obvious that their previous investments have been successfully paid off.

9. Internet users are using it on an average of 13 hours a week, which was just 7 in 2002
As internet usage improves irrespective of the device employed, accessibility is the next target factor that will be aimed on to increase the usage. Previously, only desktop or laptop was employed to access internet, but currently the internet-enabled mobile phones have made the accessibility very easy and mobile.

10.There are more than 2 billion mobile phones estimated worldwide
nuff said.

 

If you would like to see what your mobile site might look like – we’ll make a quick mockup based on your current site – no cost, no obligation. Its much more affordable than you could imagine and soon no business will be able to afford NOT to have one. Use the form to the right of the site and see your business at just the right size for a phone. Click here to talk with us about your mobile website.

If you’re like most people, then you probably have a personal facebook account, where you keep track of your friends and family. You might have located an old high school sweetheart, or found out that your old nemesis from sixth grade is now a preacher in middle America.

Whatever the case may be, facebook is a fun way for people to connect.

It’s also extremely addictive – and that makes it a super effective marketing tool – one of the best, least expensive ways to build loyalty. While you might be one of the few folks who does stay off facebook in your personal life, people like you are few and far between. Let’s take a closer look at why facebook is such an important part of any social media marketing campaign for small, local business!

Build Loyalty

Have you ever noticed that the more stake you feel you have in something, and the better relationship you feel you have with an entity, the more likely you are to feel loyal toward it? Whether your company offers a certain type of service or a certain product, having a presence on facebook and inviting your customers and potential customers to join will help you build a loyal following.

Facebook Accounts Build Themselves

Well, not really – you do have to interact to make the most of facebook. But, as social media marketing goes, facebook is easy.

Here’s an example:

You build a facebook profile with basic information about your business and a few snazzy snapshots.

Now you’re up on facebook, but you don’t have any friends yet.

Don’t worry – they’ll show up.

Once you’ve gotten your profile up, it’s time to start looking for people you know. Go through your customer list, and look for them on facebook. Invite these people to be friends or fans! Once you have some friends or fans, invite them to participate in a special offer – let’s say you have a coffeehouse:
Facebook Friday! Friends and Fans get a latte for $2. Come in and see our new fireplace!
You’ll be swamped on Friday, and you’ll be building brand loyalty through social media marketing. So, take a look at facebook, see what different companies are offering, and come up with your own plan. If you are pressed for time, consider hiring a consultant to help you with this aspect of marketing your business via social media – you’ll be thrilled with the results.

To be effective search engine optimization must include a social media factors. Get in touch with an seo consultant.

Related Articles

On the other hand, you can run an effective email marketing campaign that your customers will enjoy. Let’s take a look at what a good email marketing campaign is, and why it works so well for businesses of every size.

What Is Email Marketing?

Email marketing is a method for telling customers or potential clients about a product, service, or combination of the two, that you have. It’s a way to give them insight about what is going on with your business, and it’s a great way to build a good working relationship with them.

This is particularly true if you have a consumable product or service.
The fact is, people have a lot on their minds, and they are constantly barraged with a whole host of messages from every direction. Failing to communicate with your customers puts you at risk of being forgotten.

How Does Email Marketing Work?

While it is possible for a business owner to send out little reminders to a group of customers on a regular basis, doing it the old fashioned way is not the best use of your valuable time.

Here’s the best way to do it:
1) Come up with a message, or set of messages. You might run regular sales or service specials, or want to promote a lunch or dinner special for your restaurant on a regular basis.
2) Remember, talk to people like they’re your friends, because in the end, they are. Customers can make or break your business, and you want them to love you. Make your message friendly.
3) Take advantage of an email autoresponder.

Load your email contacts into the autoresponder, and get your message to your customers.
Just like every other aspect of online marketing for small businesses, using email marketing and autoresponders  is something that requires a certain amount of finesse.  Get together with your online marketing specialist, and create a specialized plan that will work wonders for your business!

Hey, I’m working on a way to use video with email. If you’re interested in using this for your local business, let’s talk -

To discover what email autoresponder we use, check out Chimp Mail – there’s a free version.

What is Social Media Marketing?

In a nutshell, social media marketing is a form of marketing your business via platforms labeled ìsocial media. Sites like Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, and LinkedIn might be things you have heard of and you might very well have noticed certain types of businesses using these platforms to create excitement about the products and services they have to offer.

Why is Social Media Marketing Successful?

Social media marketing at its finest helps businesses to connect with existing clients and potential customers on a whole new level.  People find things they like, and they share them with others.
As the sharing continues, the businesses that use social media marketing to their advantage see amazing growth and find that their interactions with their clientele are, overall, much more positive.

What Kind of Businesses Should Use Social Media Marketing?

Whether you have an apple orchard or a dairy farm, a restaurant or a bike shop, an auto dealership or a nightclub,  a midwifery practice or a life insurance company, social media marketing should be part of your overall picture.   Simply put, there is no type of business that cannot put social media marketing to work!

Let’s pretend for a moment that you have an apiary.  You and your honey bees spend summers growing flowers and making honey.

How can social media marketing work for you?

First, you connect with people who are interested in what you have to offer.  You don’t make them come to you – you link to them.   Linking to other businesses is helpful, so in your case, let’s make friends with local restaurants, bakeries, greenhouses, and farmers.  They’re out there!

Now that you are friends with them, you can attract their friends.  You’re suddenly very popular – and people want your honey.  They find out you sell honey online, and they order it like crazy.  Now, you keep the buzz going. Fogive the pun!

Keep putting pictures of your gardens and videos of your bees up on your Facebook page.  Make it fascinating.  Show your passion, and share your interest in keeping bee populations healthy – sell honey and related products all at the same time.  As you do this, you’ll find you’ve got the kind of clients you want and need – and best of all, you don’t need to do much to make this happen.

No matter what kind of business you have, get in touch with a social media marketing expert and put them to work.  You’ll find the rewards are absolutely amazing.

If you have need of consultant or would like to speak with someone your social media marketing plan or  how you can use Facebook as well as the other social media sites, call us at Austin SEO Company. With the emerging importance of social media in search results, explore how these actions can spur the growth of your business with new clients and business and lower your marketing costs.

Related Information:

• On the surface, it’s a way to get existing and potential customers to interact with your website.
• It’s an entertaining way for you to get your message across.
• At best, it’s a great way to improve your overall SEO picture.

Social video marketing is nothing like those old TV commercials – instead, it combines gripping images and motivational text or music to make your customers feel they need to do two things: heed your call to action, and share your message with people they feel would appreciate what you have to offer.

What Social Video Marketing Is Not

Social video marketing is not a standard commercial.   A film crew does not come to your place of business and build a highly choreographed visual press release.   In fact, most social video marketing for small businesses takes place with the help of a good internet marketing specialist and a few people who have the talent to put a quick, entertaining video together.  Quick cameras like the Flip and others like it make the process of producing and editing short films a snap!

Social video marketing is not spam.

Some businesses make the mistake of being overly forceful, which is something you definitely don’t want to do the most effective social video marketing campaigns are those that people actually WANT to watch.

What Social Video Marketing Is

Putting out a black and white definition of social video marketing is nigh impossible.   It’s different things to different people.  The best social video marketing doesn’t really even look like marketing to most consumers, which is precisely why it is so effective.

Here are just a few things that define social video marketing:

* Social video marketing triggers a psychological response.  It creates a need, and a drive to interact.  You want your customers to see your videos and think,  “Wow! I need to share this!”
* Social video marketing uses platforms that are already in place.

YouTube and Facebook are two examples of places where effective video campaigns enjoy red hot success.
People are always watching, sharing with friends, and taking action.
* Social video marketing is all about you and your business.

It is original, fresh, and often funny or gripping in some other way.

We’ve just barely covered the tip of the iceberg in this introduction – find out more by talking with your online marketing specialist.

He or she can give you even more specific insight about how to use this incredible tool to make your business more successful than you ever imagined it could be.

Ok so I don’t just want to know WHAT is happening on Google Tags – I seek to understand the why they would cease the program.

Why would Google cancel its monetization on one of its MOST popular programs – the local google listings where businesses can seem to jump out from the natural searches?

First, let me show you what I mean by local listings  – and you can see the tag and map etc.

See these stand out from the usual search engine results listing ten webpages per search result page.

So what’s happening.

I believe its a because they can command more from a Google Boost Pay Per Click Ad. You pay per click but its based on what Google thinks a click is worth. You pick a level of exposure and choose a ceiling of the maximum number of clicks for which you want to pay.

A Google Boost Ad is like an adwords ad but LOOKS like a natural search result listing. See this one below -

Interesting to note -

Google Boost is a pay-per-click advertising option to feature your Google Places listing.  The main reason why a business would want toutilize  Google Boost is to ensure search customers can easily see your outstanding customer review counts.

So you probably don’t want to do this if you have a lot of negative reviews.

And if you have a lot of negative reviews, let’s get them tended to and maybe get more positive ones to push them down. Oh, and there’s a right way and a wrong way to do this – do it the way Google doesn’t like and you’ve killed your google places listing. If you need help, shoot an email over and let’s see what you may have to do.

And if you’re using Google Boost, how is it is working for you? I’d like to know.