Even the strongest businesses in the world have had their weak moments. Maybe things aren’t going so well with your business at the moment. Perhaps it’s just one factor of your business that isn’t performing as well as it should be. If we look at the most common elements that come into play when things aren’t going amazingly for any given business, it quite often has to do with poor Internet marketing.
Many business owners are becoming cognizant of just how important Internet marketing is. But a lot of them are making a bunch of mistakes. One of those mistakes was assuming that Internet marketing would bring them immediate success and riches. This sort of attitude betrays a sort of ignorance about how Internet marketing really works and how it should be approached. This can cause a lot of errors when it comes to the marketing campaign as a whole.
So perhaps it’s time that you took a serious look at your Internet marketing campaign! If your marketing hasn’t brought you the return you were hoping for, then it’s crucial that you take a close look at things and perhaps rethink your approach. After all, most digital marketing methods out there aren’t exactly cheap. And that’s fine, as long as it can actually bring results, right?
Internet marketing isn’t the magic wand that a lot of businesses seem to think it is. It needs to be done properly. You can throw all the money you want at your campaign, but if it’s going in the wrong direction then you might as well be throwing your cash into a black hole. We’re going to take a look at some of the most common and severe fundamental problems that many modern businesses have with their digital marketing approach. If you start to get feelings of recognition as you read through this article, then it might be time for you to make some serious changes to your marketing techniques!
Overestimation
I made a brief mention of this above, but it’s worth going into a little more detail. Essentially, a lot of businesses out there massively overestimate the power of Internet marketing. Yes, if done right, it can be very powerful. But the fact of the matter is that Internet marketing is vulnerable to many of the same sort of flaws you see in any other medium.
Internet marketing isn’t going to guarantee you a truckload of new customers. A lot of people understand this when it comes to working with advertising in other media, because they’re more used to have ineffective, say, a television advert or a newspaper advert can be. Most people will probably overlook those sorts of ads, right? Well, the same goes for most kinds of Internet marketing. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t invest in them! It just means that you have to be careful not to commit one of the most common mistakes in this field: that of overestimating the results you’re going to get.
Temper your expectations! You may even have started reading this article because you thought you would get hundreds of thousands of new customers from your campaign. This sort of thinking may have given you a false impression of the success of your campaign: it might be that it’s working as good as it can – it’s just that your expectations are unrealistic!
The DIY approach
A lot of business owners seem to be working under the assumption that Internet marketing is easy. They’re also looking for any way they can find to save some money. Well, it’s true that it’s possible to do your own Internet marketing. And, with that in mind, you can cut a lot of costs if you do take this approach. But the fact is that Internet marketing is much more complex than many of these business owners realize.
If you want to take on this task by yourself, then you should really be an expert at this sort of thing. If you’re not, you could be wasting a lot of time with ineffective marketing techniques. Remember that the right Internet marketing company has a lot of connections in the marketing industry, whereas you’re likely to have none at all. If you do want to take this approach, then you should make sure you really know what you’re doing. Look into taking an online course in digital marketing to boost your skills and knowledge.
The substandard marketing company
Having said all of this, working with a bad marketing company could be even worse than taking the reigns yourself! While there’s a lot to be said about the many problems that overconfidence in your own abilities can bring, there is also much to be said about putting too much confidence in the hands of those who claim to be experts. Just as in any other industry, there are companies in this field that simply don’t know what they’re doing. Not every Internet marketing business is some angel that will be able to save your business.
You need to make sure that you’re signing up to work with an incredibly good Internet marketing company. These guys don’t come cheap, after all! You need to keep an eye out when it comes to these companies, because there are a bunch of potential problems that could really put a spanner in the works. What if their customer service is terrible? What if the methods they use to get results work only in the short term? And what if they’re using ‘black’ techniques? (More on that in just a moment!) You should ensure that you’re checking the online reputation of these companies, as well as the feedback they’ve received from previous clients.
Villainous techniques
Perhaps you’ve heard the term “black hat” before when you’ve explored the realm of Internet marketing. You may even know that it’s bad, though you’re not entirely sure why exactly that is. As clichéd as it may be, “black” Internet marketing techniques are bad and “white” Internet marketing techniques are good – or, perhaps, to be more accurate, “black” is illegal and “white” is legal. (And we’re talking in terms of search engine rules, not the actual judiciary reality of the real world!)
Essentially, “black hat” or “black label” Internet marketing methods (and they’re usually SEO-based) actively use the sort of techniques that spam search engine algorithms with the sort of content that used to provide shortcuts to the very top of search engine rankings. Keyword stuffing, false leads, and unethical link sharing and selling are all parts of this game. Of course, black hat and black label SEO don’t often produce results, because companies like Google are very wise to their games these days. So you need to ensure that you’re looking into white hat and white label SEO if you want your campaign to go anywhere in the long-term.
“SEO” and “social media” are just buzzwords, right?
An alarmingly common problem is that business owners often find themselves trying a little too hard to go against the grain. Yes, you should be unique in your approach. But it’s possible to take that too far. If you’re of the opinion that SEO and social media are mere buzzwords as opposed to things that can actually help your marketing in big ways, then you’ve definitely gone a little too far from the beaten track!
Without the use of SEO and social media, you’re throttling the efficacy of your digital marketing campaign. And I mean really throttling. Like, Homer-Simpson-choking-Bart-Simpson level throttling. SEO and social media are what help your digital marketing breathe and expand to new corners of the Internet. Don’t try to be so unconventional that you don’t use these at all.
Problems with your business
And so we come to the least fun possibility of the lot. The one that’s probably the hardest the solve of all of them. Let’s say your marketing isn’t actually flawed. Perhaps you’re working with the best Internet marketing company in the business. You’ve invested in all the correct tools and employees, and at a reasonable price, too. You have all the data you need to make the right decisions. But business still doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. An SEO audit didn’t reveal any problems with your marketing approach, so what could the problem be?
Unfortunately, it could very well be the case that the problem is with your business. After all, all the great marketing in the world simply isn’t going to help you out that much if your website, product, or service really isn’t that up to scratch.
But how exactly can you tell if this is the problem? Well, this is why you need powerful analytics for your website and Internet marketing campaign. If people are being directed to your business in droves, then you should be able to tell. If they are, but not enough people are actually clicking through to complete a purchase, then this is a sign that something is wrong with what you’re offering, or how you’re offering it, as opposed to something being wrong with the marketing itself. In this case, you’re going to have to do some market and customer research in order to pinpoint the problems you’re having!
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Nobody wants to come to work to be unhappy. More importantly, when you consider how much time your employees actually spend in the workplace, you can appreciate the need to need for your team to be happy at work. An unhappy and stressful work environment can have a very real impact on the mental health of your employees. As a business leader, you have a duty of care to ensure that the health and happiness of your team are maintained at a high standard.
From a business point of view, creating a happy workplace means that you will have a more productive team. There will be less sickness due to stress, and your team will work together in a more effective manner.
But, how do you prevent internal conflict and problems that stem from the way that the company is managed? Here are some ways that you can create a harmonious workplace.
Get Outside Help
If there are signs of any conflicts within the workplace, or the way that you are running the company seems to be bringing about stress and unhappiness, then this could end up being quite costly.
Seeking external help will mean that you get an outsider’s point of view. And a company that deals in dispute resolution and litigation solutions will be able to provide operational support and advice from a legal standpoint.
Have Policies In Place To Protect The Team
Many insecurities and stresses in the workplace stem from concerns over the fact that there are no policies that allow the team to feel secure. By making sure that all of their rights are taken into consideration in their contract and in the company policies and procedures will ensure that they feel secure and protected.
Foster A Policy Of Open Communication
Your employees have a right to know as much as possible about their workplace. Of course, there will be matters that they don’t need to know. However, if there are changes that may occur, consulting with your team and being open about them well ahead of their implementation will provide the time for any adjustments.
Be sure that you have an open-door policy, where you are approachable and free to answer any questions or deal with any concerns that your employees may evert have.
Encourage Your Team To Celebrate Each Other’s Successes
Success is something that should always be celebrated. You need to make sure that you create a workplace where this is standard practice.
As habits and behaviors are learned parrot fashion, you need to lead by example. Find the time each week to point out the success of the team, but also to highlight different personal successes. Don’t just focus on the same people each week though, and try and demonstrate a variety of skills and successes to celebrate.
A great way of encouraging your team to share in each other’s success is to create a noticeboard where they can leave positive thoughts about other members of the team. A ‘motivation station’ is great for building morale and making sure everyone feels part of the team.
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Many people are using the world blockchain these days. So much so that the phrase has become a buzzword. Currently, ASX blockchain companies are providing these services to users.
Finance and business executives often joke that the word blockchain placed at the end of the company name is enough to increase the share price of any entity at least twofold.
Jokes apart, it is a fact that more than 50% of companies are using – or planning to use – the blockchain technology, which gives a boost to the relatively nascent market.
Before we discuss its business benefits, we should first find out what blockchain really means, and what value it has to offer.
Blockchain Technology Defined
Blockchain technology is simply defined as a list of records known as blocks linked through cryptography. Each block contains transaction data and a time stamp.
It was first introduced for circumventing the traditional banks and financial institutions and satisfy their fears regarding unregulated money, making its way into the mainstream.
Blockchain technology authenticates and enforces financial transactions. Every aspect of the transaction, from creation to settlement, is carried out in real-time.
Businesses can use this technology for making and receiving payments, store data on clouds, or executing agreements.
In the article below, we will discuss some benefits of blockchain technology for businesses.
1. Money Transfer and Payments
This is perhaps the most widely known use of blockchain. With the help of this technology, businesses can carry out payments and transfers. Blockchain offers a secure and safe transfer of money anywhere in the world with a very low fee.
There are no intermediaries involved in blockchain transactions which usually charge high commissions, and also cause slowdowns in the process.
A business that has clients or employees in different parts of the world can carry out instant crypto-currency transfer in a cost-effective manner.
There are some organizations, including Abra and Bitage, who are spearheading the blockchain money transfer phenomenon.
2. Supply Chain Management
Most people in business abhor paperwork. They think that it stalls their speed and decreases their efficiency. When the matter is urgent, paperwork becomes a burden.
For businesses that are involved in supply chain management, logistics, or shipping, blockchain allows opportunities to bypass delays created due to excessive paperwork, and track all the shipments in real-time.
3. Transparency of transactions
Blockchain technology has allowed transaction histories to be more transparent. The reason is that it is a distributed ledger.
The same documentation is shared with all the participants involved in the transaction. There are no separate copies for each user.
Every participant in the transaction must agree on the documents, which will not become valid until there is a consensus. If a single change is needed in any document, it will mean changing all the existing and subsequent records after obtaining confirmation from all participants.
This system of affirmations and confirmations maintains the accuracy and transparency of the data. This also means that the data on the blockchain is more accurate than similar data shared through papers.
Blockchain can be understood with the help of Google Docs. There is a document that is available to many people who can make changes and save them. The same document is available to every user. However, there is just one difference. No single user can delete previous entries made in the document. They can only make additions.
4. Safety and Security
Blockchain technology is way more secure than the traditional systems of record keeping. First of all, every transaction must be agreed and affirmed by all participants before it is properly recorded.
Secondly, once approval is received from all participants, the transaction is encrypted, and then connected with the preceding transactions.
Thirdly, the information encrypted through this process is not stored in a single computer. Rather, it makes its way into a network of computers belonging to participants involved in these transactions. The availability of the same data on many computers across different geographical locations renders it impossible for hackers to attack all of them simultaneously.
The sanctity and security of data are imperative to every organization, whether it is healthcare services, banks, financial institutions, or government entities. Blockchain technology offers a novel way of sharing information without the fear that it will be compromised in any way. The risk of unauthorized access or activity or willful fraud is almost non-existent through blockchain.
5. Better management of inventory
Blockchain technology offers a complete and concise record of every monetary transaction that takes place in your business.
It also offers the opportunity to connect with every other part that you are dealing with, whether it is your supplier, clients, warehouse, or a retailer.
Everyone who is part of the network has the same data available to them. Since the information is similar to everyone, there is little room for confusion regarding the transactions that took place at each end. This leads to much better management of inventory as compared to the traditional method where every participant has their own set of documents that are reconciled with the rest at the end of any given period.
It will be useful to note here that the world’s largest shipping company, Maersk, is currently using blockchain technology for handling its workflows. The company started using blockchain after it found out that a simple shipment involved hundreds of interactions between different people across the globe, hindering speed and efficiency.
With the help of blockchain, the company is able to keep and process that data of its thousands of containers scattered all over the globe with ease and efficiency.
The Final Word
Initially, blockchain was envisaged as a technology that would support the Bitcoin. However, as time passed, experts suggested that it may have many more advantages. Currently, it is being discussed that blockchain may fundamentally alter the internet itself.
Gradually, with time, blockchain tore the boundaries of money-related transactions and became a distributed ledger phenomenon.
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You must have heard of a market research agency that examines factors that can affect your sales. This makes you wonder why it is crucial to carry out market research in the first place. And how does your business benefit from such an analysis?
Market research is an essential aspect of running any business either when it is being established, or when a running company is seeking ways to beat its competitors. The results of the research offer you the required data which can be utilized for making useful commercial decisions in the future.
In the article below, we will discuss some critical reasons why market research is necessary for any business.
1. Offers Better Understanding of Your Niche Customer Base
There are many questions on which your entire business, its revenue, and eventual profitability hinges:
Who is the buyer of your product/service?
What is the frequency of your product sale?
What kind of people constitutes your niche market?
Do they have a specific requirement that is fulfilled by your product/service?
Are there any substitutes for your product?
Many such questions form the backbone of your entire planning, production, and sales strategy. If you can answer these questions correctly, you will have a much better understanding of your own business, the demand for your product, and how you can run your business successfully.
With the help of market research, you can not only figure out your niche market, but you can also pin down your specific customers.
Once you have mapped out the profile of niche customer, you will be able to identify the actual size of your market correctly. You will also get to know why and when people will buy your product/service.
Moreover, you will be able to understand the demographics of your niche market. It will enable you to plan and develop rewarding campaigns in the future.
2. Offers Knowledge Regarding your Competitors
Competitors can chip away at your niche market, and decrease your sales. It usually happens because they carry out market research before you do.
To remain in the market, you also need to carry out research and beat your competitors at their own game. Market research assists you in identifying how many players are there, and which ones are winners. It also allows you to find out your weaknesses, and even that of your competitors. But, most of all, you will get to know what your successful competitors are doing to attract the customers towards themselves. This knowledge can be used for updating your own product/service and your overall business dealings. Knowing your competitors is a crucial aspect of running a successful business, and thorough market research allows you to remain informed about your customers at all times.
3. Offers Product Knowledge
Of course, all the fuss is about sales, and sales are based on your product. Market research is a must before you launch your product. The market research carried out before the formal launch of your product, should let you know about its existing demand. You should also know its exact cost as well as the estimated revenue that you will be generating through the sales of this product.
If you have thoroughly carried out your market research, you will be able to make the wisest business decisions. This research will also refrain you from incurring unnecessary costs on a product, or producing something that has minimal demand. There is no guaranteeing the success of your product before it has been introduced into the market. But, there are ways through which you can be reasonably sure about its future. The market research allows you to understand the dynamics of the market you have chosen to enter, and whether your product has a future in it.
4. Offers Unexpected Opportunities
Like in every other thing in life, change is inevitable in business. And the ones that can manage this change can survive the market. Everyone must have heard about Kodak. It used to be a giant in the camera film industry. When the time of digital cameras was arriving, the company was advised to switch towards this new phenomenon, but the owners of the business refused to change their course and continued making camera films.
Eventually, other companies that were making digital cameras beat this giant and grabbed its market shares with the help of technologically advanced products. Another example is Netflix. This video-streaming giant grabbed the opportunity presented by the advent of the internet and grabbed the video-rental market.
If you are conducting regular market research, you will be able to seize all those opportunities that open in the market due to a change in public preferences, the introduction of a new product, or merely a technological advancement.
5. Offers Opportunities for Business Expansion
Market research allows you to help you understand the changing preferences of the customers and makes necessary amendments in your product merely satisfy these demands. You also get to know if there are opportunities for expansion within your niche market.
Business owners can keep track of their competitors, create and develop objective-based marketing campaigns, and take advantage of the changing market dynamics.
Another great advantage of carrying out regular market research is that you can take stock of all problems before they even occur. It offers an opportunity to either mitigate them before they occur or solve them as soon as they pop up.
The Final Word
Research allows business owners to obtain insight into the dynamics of your niche market and identify the needs of your existing and prospective customers.
It also allows you to run cost-effective operations that affect your bottom-line profitability.
Carrying out regular market research is imperative for running a profitable business, that is why every expert in this field recommends it.
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Bill Gates once said, “If I had just one dollar, I would spend it on public relations.” Well, what are the odds of that happening? But in this statement, we clearly understand the importance of Public Relations.
They are an essential tool to manage the communication between a company and society to build and maintain it’s a representative and positive image.
A company makes use of public relations through a set of strategic communication actions. They coordinate to create and strengthen links with the public and consumers. The top-ranking PR Agency in Sydney uses informative feedback to achieve fidelity with their clients.
The job of any PR agency is to assess consumer behavior, categorize company policies, and plan future actions. You need to make sure that the agency you are choosing for your business has these qualities:
Experience of the agency in the sector
Experience has undoubtedly been the most cited quality. You have to look mainly at the experience, not only of the agency but of the team that will take care of your account. Specialization in specific markets is almost always a guarantee of success.
Must have oomph
Pay attention to the kind of work the agency does. Excessive experience can cause the agency to fall into routines, to do the same thing for every business they manage. Make sure your business does not lose its uniqueness as it will cause your public image to lose freshness and originality.
A stable client portfolio
Isn’t it strange that certain agencies lose clients very quickly? You don’t want any unpleasant surprises. Excessive customer turnover can be a reasonable indication of poor operation. On the contrary, other agencies have a very high level of loyalty with their client portfolio, with whom they have been working for many years.
Investigate the results with other clients.
It is a piece of straightforward advice that many forget. It is essential to ask the agency what were the results of the campaigns they had done for clients similar to your company. Some agencies continue to live from the fame achieved in other times when, at present, their level of competence is well below. Don’t forget this recommendation: ask other clients of the agency to assess their satisfaction with it. It doesn’t cost money and can save a lot of trouble.
A qualified team
Some clients complain that after the initial phase in which top executives of the agency serve them, they are then ‘abandoned’ in the hands of less experienced professionals. You need to make sure experienced professionals manage your business. Having new agents maintain your work who are not familiar with the challenges businesses face may harm your company.
The price
Especially in the current crisis, this factor takes on a unique role. You may find a cheaper company more attractive at the beginning of your business, but this is a recipe for disaster. The quality of the PR Agency should not be compromised, as it is critical to your business.
Local or International
You need to ask this question as to what is best for your business. Will a multinational agency understand your business better or a local agency? A specialized agency that will appreciate your business or one that provides integrated communication services? And concerning size, what will be most effective for your company: a large, medium or small agency?
Know what your PR agency should do for you
You need to understand the responsibilities public relations agency has towards you. Their work is not just limited to the management of events or to communicate the news or changes that your company has.
When a company, from any industry, suffers a crisis, it is essential to know how to handle it and communicate what is necessary with the public. Not managing the business crisis correctly, can make it unfavorable for the company, which can even damage its image and reputation.
What is it that makes your business unique? Why are your customers loyal to you? What are the KPIs of your business which attract clientele? Identify and highlight the differentiators between you and competitor companies.
These key factors place public relations agencies in one of the marketing investment items each year. In 2016, revenues from employing PR services accounted for nearly $ 14 billion worldwide, according to data from the University of Southern California.
A great PR strategy
Your chosen PR agency must not be all words and no work. Make sure they understand your vision and share it while managing your business. Establish a realistic work plan which profits your company. Primarily your public relations strategy should stand out. Describe communication objectives and actions that propel your company towards success.
Through the right approach, a company can create a close relationship with its target so that the company becomes a reference for the product or service it offers.
All great companies have a PR agency. Managing public relations is a fundamental part of preserving the right image of the company.
With the market as competitive and broad as the current one, many companies are selling similar services and products. To maintain credibility and loyalty with customers, you need a good public relations strategy to position ourselves in the mind of the consumer.
Crisis Management Strategies
Sometimes an organization or company is suffering a disastrous event that affects its public image. Public relations should repair the damage to the image, and communicate how they will devise strategies to solve the problems.
Final Words
Make sure the PR agency you choose knows the latest trends and uses social networking as a tool for your business. In the 21st century, you cannot make public relations with models of the previous century. Pay close attention to how influencers, bloggers, tweets, social networks can affect your business.
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Internet Marketing Failing? Let’s Take a Look at What You’re Doing Wrong
/in Online Marketing and Website Development/by StrategyDrivenEven the strongest businesses in the world have had their weak moments. Maybe things aren’t going so well with your business at the moment. Perhaps it’s just one factor of your business that isn’t performing as well as it should be. If we look at the most common elements that come into play when things aren’t going amazingly for any given business, it quite often has to do with poor Internet marketing.
Many business owners are becoming cognizant of just how important Internet marketing is. But a lot of them are making a bunch of mistakes. One of those mistakes was assuming that Internet marketing would bring them immediate success and riches. This sort of attitude betrays a sort of ignorance about how Internet marketing really works and how it should be approached. This can cause a lot of errors when it comes to the marketing campaign as a whole.
So perhaps it’s time that you took a serious look at your Internet marketing campaign! If your marketing hasn’t brought you the return you were hoping for, then it’s crucial that you take a close look at things and perhaps rethink your approach. After all, most digital marketing methods out there aren’t exactly cheap. And that’s fine, as long as it can actually bring results, right?
Internet marketing isn’t the magic wand that a lot of businesses seem to think it is. It needs to be done properly. You can throw all the money you want at your campaign, but if it’s going in the wrong direction then you might as well be throwing your cash into a black hole. We’re going to take a look at some of the most common and severe fundamental problems that many modern businesses have with their digital marketing approach. If you start to get feelings of recognition as you read through this article, then it might be time for you to make some serious changes to your marketing techniques!
Overestimation
I made a brief mention of this above, but it’s worth going into a little more detail. Essentially, a lot of businesses out there massively overestimate the power of Internet marketing. Yes, if done right, it can be very powerful. But the fact of the matter is that Internet marketing is vulnerable to many of the same sort of flaws you see in any other medium.
Photo courtesy of Infusionsoft Sales & Marketing via flickr
Internet marketing isn’t going to guarantee you a truckload of new customers. A lot of people understand this when it comes to working with advertising in other media, because they’re more used to have ineffective, say, a television advert or a newspaper advert can be. Most people will probably overlook those sorts of ads, right? Well, the same goes for most kinds of Internet marketing. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t invest in them! It just means that you have to be careful not to commit one of the most common mistakes in this field: that of overestimating the results you’re going to get.
Temper your expectations! You may even have started reading this article because you thought you would get hundreds of thousands of new customers from your campaign. This sort of thinking may have given you a false impression of the success of your campaign: it might be that it’s working as good as it can – it’s just that your expectations are unrealistic!
The DIY approach
A lot of business owners seem to be working under the assumption that Internet marketing is easy. They’re also looking for any way they can find to save some money. Well, it’s true that it’s possible to do your own Internet marketing. And, with that in mind, you can cut a lot of costs if you do take this approach. But the fact is that Internet marketing is much more complex than many of these business owners realize.
If you want to take on this task by yourself, then you should really be an expert at this sort of thing. If you’re not, you could be wasting a lot of time with ineffective marketing techniques. Remember that the right Internet marketing company has a lot of connections in the marketing industry, whereas you’re likely to have none at all. If you do want to take this approach, then you should make sure you really know what you’re doing. Look into taking an online course in digital marketing to boost your skills and knowledge.
The substandard marketing company
Having said all of this, working with a bad marketing company could be even worse than taking the reigns yourself! While there’s a lot to be said about the many problems that overconfidence in your own abilities can bring, there is also much to be said about putting too much confidence in the hands of those who claim to be experts. Just as in any other industry, there are companies in this field that simply don’t know what they’re doing. Not every Internet marketing business is some angel that will be able to save your business.
You need to make sure that you’re signing up to work with an incredibly good Internet marketing company. These guys don’t come cheap, after all! You need to keep an eye out when it comes to these companies, because there are a bunch of potential problems that could really put a spanner in the works. What if their customer service is terrible? What if the methods they use to get results work only in the short term? And what if they’re using ‘black’ techniques? (More on that in just a moment!) You should ensure that you’re checking the online reputation of these companies, as well as the feedback they’ve received from previous clients.
Villainous techniques
Perhaps you’ve heard the term “black hat” before when you’ve explored the realm of Internet marketing. You may even know that it’s bad, though you’re not entirely sure why exactly that is. As clichéd as it may be, “black” Internet marketing techniques are bad and “white” Internet marketing techniques are good – or, perhaps, to be more accurate, “black” is illegal and “white” is legal. (And we’re talking in terms of search engine rules, not the actual judiciary reality of the real world!)
Photo courtesy of freezelight via flickr
Essentially, “black hat” or “black label” Internet marketing methods (and they’re usually SEO-based) actively use the sort of techniques that spam search engine algorithms with the sort of content that used to provide shortcuts to the very top of search engine rankings. Keyword stuffing, false leads, and unethical link sharing and selling are all parts of this game. Of course, black hat and black label SEO don’t often produce results, because companies like Google are very wise to their games these days. So you need to ensure that you’re looking into white hat and white label SEO if you want your campaign to go anywhere in the long-term.
“SEO” and “social media” are just buzzwords, right?
An alarmingly common problem is that business owners often find themselves trying a little too hard to go against the grain. Yes, you should be unique in your approach. But it’s possible to take that too far. If you’re of the opinion that SEO and social media are mere buzzwords as opposed to things that can actually help your marketing in big ways, then you’ve definitely gone a little too far from the beaten track!
Without the use of SEO and social media, you’re throttling the efficacy of your digital marketing campaign. And I mean really throttling. Like, Homer-Simpson-choking-Bart-Simpson level throttling. SEO and social media are what help your digital marketing breathe and expand to new corners of the Internet. Don’t try to be so unconventional that you don’t use these at all.
Problems with your business
And so we come to the least fun possibility of the lot. The one that’s probably the hardest the solve of all of them. Let’s say your marketing isn’t actually flawed. Perhaps you’re working with the best Internet marketing company in the business. You’ve invested in all the correct tools and employees, and at a reasonable price, too. You have all the data you need to make the right decisions. But business still doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. An SEO audit didn’t reveal any problems with your marketing approach, so what could the problem be?
Unfortunately, it could very well be the case that the problem is with your business. After all, all the great marketing in the world simply isn’t going to help you out that much if your website, product, or service really isn’t that up to scratch.
But how exactly can you tell if this is the problem? Well, this is why you need powerful analytics for your website and Internet marketing campaign. If people are being directed to your business in droves, then you should be able to tell. If they are, but not enough people are actually clicking through to complete a purchase, then this is a sign that something is wrong with what you’re offering, or how you’re offering it, as opposed to something being wrong with the marketing itself. In this case, you’re going to have to do some market and customer research in order to pinpoint the problems you’re having!
Ways To Create A Harmonious Workplace
/in Managing Your People, Talent Management/by StrategyDrivenNobody wants to come to work to be unhappy. More importantly, when you consider how much time your employees actually spend in the workplace, you can appreciate the need to need for your team to be happy at work. An unhappy and stressful work environment can have a very real impact on the mental health of your employees. As a business leader, you have a duty of care to ensure that the health and happiness of your team are maintained at a high standard.
From a business point of view, creating a happy workplace means that you will have a more productive team. There will be less sickness due to stress, and your team will work together in a more effective manner.
But, how do you prevent internal conflict and problems that stem from the way that the company is managed? Here are some ways that you can create a harmonious workplace.
Get Outside Help
If there are signs of any conflicts within the workplace, or the way that you are running the company seems to be bringing about stress and unhappiness, then this could end up being quite costly.
Seeking external help will mean that you get an outsider’s point of view. And a company that deals in dispute resolution and litigation solutions will be able to provide operational support and advice from a legal standpoint.
Have Policies In Place To Protect The Team
Many insecurities and stresses in the workplace stem from concerns over the fact that there are no policies that allow the team to feel secure. By making sure that all of their rights are taken into consideration in their contract and in the company policies and procedures will ensure that they feel secure and protected.
Foster A Policy Of Open Communication
Your employees have a right to know as much as possible about their workplace. Of course, there will be matters that they don’t need to know. However, if there are changes that may occur, consulting with your team and being open about them well ahead of their implementation will provide the time for any adjustments.
Be sure that you have an open-door policy, where you are approachable and free to answer any questions or deal with any concerns that your employees may evert have.
Encourage Your Team To Celebrate Each Other’s Successes
Success is something that should always be celebrated. You need to make sure that you create a workplace where this is standard practice.
As habits and behaviors are learned parrot fashion, you need to lead by example. Find the time each week to point out the success of the team, but also to highlight different personal successes. Don’t just focus on the same people each week though, and try and demonstrate a variety of skills and successes to celebrate.
A great way of encouraging your team to share in each other’s success is to create a noticeboard where they can leave positive thoughts about other members of the team. A ‘motivation station’ is great for building morale and making sure everyone feels part of the team.
5 Benefits of Blockchain Technology for Businesses
/in Risk Management/by StrategyDrivenMany people are using the world blockchain these days. So much so that the phrase has become a buzzword. Currently, ASX blockchain companies are providing these services to users.
Finance and business executives often joke that the word blockchain placed at the end of the company name is enough to increase the share price of any entity at least twofold.
Jokes apart, it is a fact that more than 50% of companies are using – or planning to use – the blockchain technology, which gives a boost to the relatively nascent market.
Before we discuss its business benefits, we should first find out what blockchain really means, and what value it has to offer.
Blockchain Technology Defined
Blockchain technology is simply defined as a list of records known as blocks linked through cryptography. Each block contains transaction data and a time stamp.
It was first introduced for circumventing the traditional banks and financial institutions and satisfy their fears regarding unregulated money, making its way into the mainstream.
Blockchain technology authenticates and enforces financial transactions. Every aspect of the transaction, from creation to settlement, is carried out in real-time.
Businesses can use this technology for making and receiving payments, store data on clouds, or executing agreements.
In the article below, we will discuss some benefits of blockchain technology for businesses.
1. Money Transfer and Payments
This is perhaps the most widely known use of blockchain. With the help of this technology, businesses can carry out payments and transfers. Blockchain offers a secure and safe transfer of money anywhere in the world with a very low fee.
There are no intermediaries involved in blockchain transactions which usually charge high commissions, and also cause slowdowns in the process.
A business that has clients or employees in different parts of the world can carry out instant crypto-currency transfer in a cost-effective manner.
There are some organizations, including Abra and Bitage, who are spearheading the blockchain money transfer phenomenon.
2. Supply Chain Management
Most people in business abhor paperwork. They think that it stalls their speed and decreases their efficiency. When the matter is urgent, paperwork becomes a burden.
For businesses that are involved in supply chain management, logistics, or shipping, blockchain allows opportunities to bypass delays created due to excessive paperwork, and track all the shipments in real-time.
3. Transparency of transactions
Blockchain technology has allowed transaction histories to be more transparent. The reason is that it is a distributed ledger.
The same documentation is shared with all the participants involved in the transaction. There are no separate copies for each user.
Every participant in the transaction must agree on the documents, which will not become valid until there is a consensus. If a single change is needed in any document, it will mean changing all the existing and subsequent records after obtaining confirmation from all participants.
This system of affirmations and confirmations maintains the accuracy and transparency of the data. This also means that the data on the blockchain is more accurate than similar data shared through papers.
Blockchain can be understood with the help of Google Docs. There is a document that is available to many people who can make changes and save them. The same document is available to every user. However, there is just one difference. No single user can delete previous entries made in the document. They can only make additions.
4. Safety and Security
Blockchain technology is way more secure than the traditional systems of record keeping. First of all, every transaction must be agreed and affirmed by all participants before it is properly recorded.
Secondly, once approval is received from all participants, the transaction is encrypted, and then connected with the preceding transactions.
Thirdly, the information encrypted through this process is not stored in a single computer. Rather, it makes its way into a network of computers belonging to participants involved in these transactions. The availability of the same data on many computers across different geographical locations renders it impossible for hackers to attack all of them simultaneously.
The sanctity and security of data are imperative to every organization, whether it is healthcare services, banks, financial institutions, or government entities. Blockchain technology offers a novel way of sharing information without the fear that it will be compromised in any way. The risk of unauthorized access or activity or willful fraud is almost non-existent through blockchain.
5. Better management of inventory
Blockchain technology offers a complete and concise record of every monetary transaction that takes place in your business.
It also offers the opportunity to connect with every other part that you are dealing with, whether it is your supplier, clients, warehouse, or a retailer.
Everyone who is part of the network has the same data available to them. Since the information is similar to everyone, there is little room for confusion regarding the transactions that took place at each end. This leads to much better management of inventory as compared to the traditional method where every participant has their own set of documents that are reconciled with the rest at the end of any given period.
It will be useful to note here that the world’s largest shipping company, Maersk, is currently using blockchain technology for handling its workflows. The company started using blockchain after it found out that a simple shipment involved hundreds of interactions between different people across the globe, hindering speed and efficiency.
With the help of blockchain, the company is able to keep and process that data of its thousands of containers scattered all over the globe with ease and efficiency.
The Final Word
Initially, blockchain was envisaged as a technology that would support the Bitcoin. However, as time passed, experts suggested that it may have many more advantages. Currently, it is being discussed that blockchain may fundamentally alter the internet itself.
Gradually, with time, blockchain tore the boundaries of money-related transactions and became a distributed ledger phenomenon.
Presently, the demand for blockchain in businesses has been increasing exponentially. The demand for blockchain is expected to shoot up by more than 75% by 2022.
Five Reasons Why Market Research is Necessary for Your Business
/in Marketing & Sales/by StrategyDrivenMarket research is an essential aspect of running any business either when it is being established, or when a running company is seeking ways to beat its competitors. The results of the research offer you the required data which can be utilized for making useful commercial decisions in the future.
In the article below, we will discuss some critical reasons why market research is necessary for any business.
1. Offers Better Understanding of Your Niche Customer Base
There are many questions on which your entire business, its revenue, and eventual profitability hinges:
Many such questions form the backbone of your entire planning, production, and sales strategy. If you can answer these questions correctly, you will have a much better understanding of your own business, the demand for your product, and how you can run your business successfully.
With the help of market research, you can not only figure out your niche market, but you can also pin down your specific customers.
Once you have mapped out the profile of niche customer, you will be able to identify the actual size of your market correctly. You will also get to know why and when people will buy your product/service.
Moreover, you will be able to understand the demographics of your niche market. It will enable you to plan and develop rewarding campaigns in the future.
2. Offers Knowledge Regarding your Competitors
Competitors can chip away at your niche market, and decrease your sales. It usually happens because they carry out market research before you do.
To remain in the market, you also need to carry out research and beat your competitors at their own game. Market research assists you in identifying how many players are there, and which ones are winners. It also allows you to find out your weaknesses, and even that of your competitors. But, most of all, you will get to know what your successful competitors are doing to attract the customers towards themselves. This knowledge can be used for updating your own product/service and your overall business dealings. Knowing your competitors is a crucial aspect of running a successful business, and thorough market research allows you to remain informed about your customers at all times.
3. Offers Product Knowledge
Of course, all the fuss is about sales, and sales are based on your product. Market research is a must before you launch your product. The market research carried out before the formal launch of your product, should let you know about its existing demand. You should also know its exact cost as well as the estimated revenue that you will be generating through the sales of this product.
If you have thoroughly carried out your market research, you will be able to make the wisest business decisions. This research will also refrain you from incurring unnecessary costs on a product, or producing something that has minimal demand. There is no guaranteeing the success of your product before it has been introduced into the market. But, there are ways through which you can be reasonably sure about its future. The market research allows you to understand the dynamics of the market you have chosen to enter, and whether your product has a future in it.
4. Offers Unexpected Opportunities
Like in every other thing in life, change is inevitable in business. And the ones that can manage this change can survive the market. Everyone must have heard about Kodak. It used to be a giant in the camera film industry. When the time of digital cameras was arriving, the company was advised to switch towards this new phenomenon, but the owners of the business refused to change their course and continued making camera films.
Eventually, other companies that were making digital cameras beat this giant and grabbed its market shares with the help of technologically advanced products. Another example is Netflix. This video-streaming giant grabbed the opportunity presented by the advent of the internet and grabbed the video-rental market.
If you are conducting regular market research, you will be able to seize all those opportunities that open in the market due to a change in public preferences, the introduction of a new product, or merely a technological advancement.
5. Offers Opportunities for Business Expansion
Market research allows you to help you understand the changing preferences of the customers and makes necessary amendments in your product merely satisfy these demands. You also get to know if there are opportunities for expansion within your niche market.
Business owners can keep track of their competitors, create and develop objective-based marketing campaigns, and take advantage of the changing market dynamics.
Another great advantage of carrying out regular market research is that you can take stock of all problems before they even occur. It offers an opportunity to either mitigate them before they occur or solve them as soon as they pop up.
The Final Word
Research allows business owners to obtain insight into the dynamics of your niche market and identify the needs of your existing and prospective customers.
It also allows you to run cost-effective operations that affect your bottom-line profitability.
Carrying out regular market research is imperative for running a profitable business, that is why every expert in this field recommends it.
Things to consider before choosing the best PR agency
/in Marketing & Sales/by StrategyDrivenThey are an essential tool to manage the communication between a company and society to build and maintain it’s a representative and positive image.
A company makes use of public relations through a set of strategic communication actions. They coordinate to create and strengthen links with the public and consumers. The top-ranking PR Agency in Sydney uses informative feedback to achieve fidelity with their clients.
The job of any PR agency is to assess consumer behavior, categorize company policies, and plan future actions. You need to make sure that the agency you are choosing for your business has these qualities:
Experience of the agency in the sector
Experience has undoubtedly been the most cited quality. You have to look mainly at the experience, not only of the agency but of the team that will take care of your account. Specialization in specific markets is almost always a guarantee of success.
Must have oomph
Pay attention to the kind of work the agency does. Excessive experience can cause the agency to fall into routines, to do the same thing for every business they manage. Make sure your business does not lose its uniqueness as it will cause your public image to lose freshness and originality.
A stable client portfolio
Isn’t it strange that certain agencies lose clients very quickly? You don’t want any unpleasant surprises. Excessive customer turnover can be a reasonable indication of poor operation. On the contrary, other agencies have a very high level of loyalty with their client portfolio, with whom they have been working for many years.
Investigate the results with other clients.
It is a piece of straightforward advice that many forget. It is essential to ask the agency what were the results of the campaigns they had done for clients similar to your company. Some agencies continue to live from the fame achieved in other times when, at present, their level of competence is well below. Don’t forget this recommendation: ask other clients of the agency to assess their satisfaction with it. It doesn’t cost money and can save a lot of trouble.
A qualified team
Some clients complain that after the initial phase in which top executives of the agency serve them, they are then ‘abandoned’ in the hands of less experienced professionals. You need to make sure experienced professionals manage your business. Having new agents maintain your work who are not familiar with the challenges businesses face may harm your company.
The price
Especially in the current crisis, this factor takes on a unique role. You may find a cheaper company more attractive at the beginning of your business, but this is a recipe for disaster. The quality of the PR Agency should not be compromised, as it is critical to your business.
Local or International
You need to ask this question as to what is best for your business. Will a multinational agency understand your business better or a local agency? A specialized agency that will appreciate your business or one that provides integrated communication services? And concerning size, what will be most effective for your company: a large, medium or small agency?
Know what your PR agency should do for you
You need to understand the responsibilities public relations agency has towards you. Their work is not just limited to the management of events or to communicate the news or changes that your company has.
When a company, from any industry, suffers a crisis, it is essential to know how to handle it and communicate what is necessary with the public. Not managing the business crisis correctly, can make it unfavorable for the company, which can even damage its image and reputation.
What is it that makes your business unique? Why are your customers loyal to you? What are the KPIs of your business which attract clientele? Identify and highlight the differentiators between you and competitor companies.
These key factors place public relations agencies in one of the marketing investment items each year. In 2016, revenues from employing PR services accounted for nearly $ 14 billion worldwide, according to data from the University of Southern California.
A great PR strategy
Your chosen PR agency must not be all words and no work. Make sure they understand your vision and share it while managing your business. Establish a realistic work plan which profits your company. Primarily your public relations strategy should stand out. Describe communication objectives and actions that propel your company towards success.
Through the right approach, a company can create a close relationship with its target so that the company becomes a reference for the product or service it offers.
All great companies have a PR agency. Managing public relations is a fundamental part of preserving the right image of the company.
With the market as competitive and broad as the current one, many companies are selling similar services and products. To maintain credibility and loyalty with customers, you need a good public relations strategy to position ourselves in the mind of the consumer.
Crisis Management Strategies
Sometimes an organization or company is suffering a disastrous event that affects its public image. Public relations should repair the damage to the image, and communicate how they will devise strategies to solve the problems.
Final Words
Make sure the PR agency you choose knows the latest trends and uses social networking as a tool for your business. In the 21st century, you cannot make public relations with models of the previous century. Pay close attention to how influencers, bloggers, tweets, social networks can affect your business.