I’m a marketing consultant who is going to tell you to be on alert when looking to hire a marketing firm or consultant. And the reasons are aplenty. Every week I consult with small business owners, in client meetings, the workshops I run, and as an advisor at the Small Business Development Center here in […]
Smart Marketing During a Crisis: 8 Helpful Posts You Should Read
There is no doubt we are in strange and stressful times. The one-two gut-punch of the global pandemic and recession is hitting businesses hard. But I continue to look at our current situation from a marketing perspective. What’s a marketer to do? I do have details on how I’ll be helping (coming soon!) but for […]
How Much Should Website Design Cost? (10 Factors you Must Consider First)
Do you want to know how much a new website will cost your business? If so, you can get all the details in this post. It not only details how much a website design will cost but it also provides 10 key factors you need to think about before you hire a website designer. The post includes a free checklist. Learn more >
The Best Way to Research Your Competitors
Would you like to know how to identify your key competitors and conduct competitive research? This post details the key marketing areas to focus on when researching your competition. It also provides an outline on research basics so you can get started today. Competitive research should be a part of your marketing plan >
How to Build an Effective Marketing System for Your Small Business (In 4 Steps)
Small business owners often ask the following question: I want to create marketing that brings REAL results (more sales and business growth). Where do I start? Well, I’ll tell you where most people start. Over the years I’ve had many kick-off meetings with business owners, partners, marketing directors. And, there is still a common theme […]
How to Develop Your Core Marketing Message
Step 7 in this series took a deep dive into crafting an ideal client persona. Equipped with that intel along with everything you’ve learned in steps 1-7, it’s now time to focus on the epicenter of your content – your core marketing message. Continually communicating your core difference is what your ideal customer wants to […]
How to Create an Ideal Buyer Persona
How do you create an effective marketing plan? By focusing on the buyer’s needs first. Most business marketing is an unending cascade of “we’re so great, you must hire us” content with little focus on a potential customer’s concerns. “This is who we are. This is what we do. And because we do it better […]
A 7-step SEO Strategy to Build the Best Website for Your Business
In today’s world of modern Search Engine Optimization (SEO), content marketing, and sophisticated web design, you must consider the power of each to develop a website that delivers what you need. 1. SEO makes it easier for people to find you. 2. Content gets them to know, like, and trust you. 3. And the design […]
How to Create Your Visual Branding Elements
I think branding is a business’s most important asset. I do. And, as I’ve detailed with steps 1-4 in this series, branding is waaaaay more than a pretty little logo slapped up on a slick website. You’ve created your unique business vision, discovered your ideal customer, created a positioning statement, and started writing your copy. […]