It's time to think about your Christmas marketing!!

If you’re like us, you’re probably sitting there thinking – where did the year go? Well..the silly season us upon us and although your customers may not be thinking about Christmas yet, as a retailer, you should be.

The Christmas period is the most significant spending period for Australians, and if you want to make sure your business is #1 on the Christmas wish list, you need to be well-prepared.

Connect with your customers

With over 60% of Australians using Facebook (Social Media News, June 2015), it has never been more important to connect with your customers online.

If you’re customers don’t like you on Facebook or follow you on Instagram, why not run a promotion this month to get connected? This will really benefit you around the Christmas period when you want your customers to know about your Christmas offers.

If you have a loyalty program, make sure all your customers know about it now. This will encourage them to consider your store first – and don’t forget to collect email addresses!!

Think about your Christmas promotions

October is the perfect time to finalise your Christmas promotions and start your pre-Christmas marketing. Social media and e-marketing are fantastic if you want to let your customers know what you have in-store and on sale.

Think about having a “gift idea” of the week, promote your Christmas catalogue across all platforms and make sure your letting your customers know about “hot gift” items for the whole family!

In order to increase your reach, why not cross promote with a complementary business. For example, if you’re a mechanic, why not promote holiday travel safety with the local tyre dealer? If you’re a beauty spa, why not team up with the local hairdresser? Support each other and encourage people to shop locally!!

Make Christmas easier

Christmas shopping can be stressful, particularly for busy people who work during the week. Now is the time to think about how you can increase the accessibility of your business to ensure you are being flexible for your customers. Have you thought about increasing your business hours mid-week? What about a late-night Christmas shopping night, or providing the ability for your customers to view, or even buy your products online?

It may also be as simple as putting “great gift ideas” together to make shopping really easy for your customers. Why not put together an e-catalogue with ideas for her, for him or for the kids? And don’t forget to promote it via social media and email!

If you’re a supermarket or butcher, post some yummy festive recipes featuring your produce. Tyre dealers and mechanics, why not post a simple car safety check-list for holiday travels. The options are endless, you just need to think outside the square, and put yourself in your customer's shoes.

Do you need help with your Christmas marketing? Contact Adloyalty today!

Smarter Marketing

A new season presents the perfect opportunity to get smarter with your marketing and boost your business at the same time.

We are going to share with you our top 4 ways you can introduce some smarter marketing in your business to achieve new growth!

Get online!!

If you don’t have an online presence, you are missing out on potential leads, and clients.

I read a statistic yesterday that said only 47.1% of Australian businesses have an online presence (Source: Australian Business Statistics (ABS): IT Use and Innovation in Australian Business 2013-2014).  

This statistic is worrying, since the level of Australian’s going online is growing every day, as is the level of Australia’s shopping online! In fact, the value of online retail continues to grow with an estimated worth of $22.1bn last year alone.

If you’re not online – WHY NOT?

Make sure you website is mobile responsive

89% of the population own a smartphone, and 60% own a tablet (2014 Australian Mobile Phone Lifestyle Index).

If you are online, you need to make sure that your website is mobile responsive. 

What does that mean? Essentially, it means that your website can be accessed PROPERLY from a mobile device.

If people need to pinch and adjust the screen to find information, they are going to lose interest. Not only that, Google may not even list you in the search results when people are looking for your products/services. 

Mobile friendly sites are now ranking higher than non-mobile responsive sites. Get mobile today.

Utilise data & stats

Businesses who will achieve the greatest growth moving forward are those who are utilising data and statistics. Data is changing the way marketers are planning for the future, basing our strategy on real facts – not our gut feeling. 

There are different ways to leverage statistics for a more data-driven marketing strategy. We are currently using data to identify challenges or ‘pressure points’ in order to understand a particular target market better. This is allowing us to develop more targeted strategies for our clients, as we can understand what makes their customers tick.

Get your database in order

It has NEVER been more important to have an up to date database. It is considered one the most valuable business resources in the current era, providing the single most targeted and cost effective form of marketing and a means in which a business can invite repeat visitation and referral.

Are you collecting customer details? If so, make sure you are collecting email addresses! Run a competition to build your existing database, or install a sign-up function on your website and Facebook. There are plenty of ways to grow your database, and when you do, make sure you start utilising it to grow your business. Work smarter, not harder.

Do you want to work smarter, not harder?? Check out our website today! Make sure you also like us on Facebook to see more smarter marketing tips!

Website Development...what you need to know!!

For the last 12 months, Adloyalty have been developing websites for businesses throughout the Central West and beyond. We have learnt many lessons along the way, which has led us to write this blog. We aren't fond of 'salesy' blogs, but we can't help it. This blog will focus on the benefits of having your website developed by a local agency (ahem....Adloyalty) as opposed to contracting an agency from another state, or even worse...overseas!!

Access!!

The plus side of having us develop your website? ACCESS!! We make ourselves available for our clients to ensure the website building process is as seamless and efficient as possible. This avoids breakdown in communication and allows us to not only build your website, but great client relationships as well. 

We like to think that we go above and beyond for our clients to make sure they are delivering a fantastic online experience for their own customers.


In house team. Full service agency.

We develop all of our work in-house. We don't contract our work out, meaning we can control the outcome every time. You are in OUR workflow, not someone else's.

Being a full service agency delivering marketing and business consultancy to the entire Central West means your business also benefits from our extensive strategic marketing and digital experience, as well as our market research.

We don't just build your website. We know how your customers access information and we drill down on your target audience to ensure that the information (and images) you are presenting resonates with them. We know the types of information that your customers will be searching for, and we ensure your business will be there when they do. 

We also have the smarts to know how your website can act as a beneficial online selling platform, and make sure you are being seen as the subject matter experts in your field!

Bespoke and user friendly designs

We don't use templates. What differentiates us from our competition is our ability to create bespoke 'one-off' websites that gives your business a point of difference. This also avoids your website being identical to someone else in your field! We don't like template platforms that lock you into a 'box,' they simply don't allow you the design freedom. 

Once we have briefed your website, we deliver two concepts for you to consider, allowing you the flexibility to choose tailored designs and functionality to ensure your business stands out from the crowd.

We also want to make sure that once your website is complete, you can actually use it!! Our platforms allow you to access the website in real view, so you can actually see where you are editing text, and changing images. Genius, we know :)

We're good people, and we are great at what we do.

Last, but certainly not least, we are good people. Most of us grew up in Central West NSW and we love our clients. We work hard to ensure your business is delivering a fantastic online experience, and you are receiving the biggest bang for your buck. 

So what are you waiting for? Click here to see our latest websites, or give us a call today on (02) 6344 1931 to ensure your website is kicking goals!!

Master Digital Marketing - The 4 Digital C's

Stage 4 - Connections

Marketing today is a collaborative effort - both internally and externally. If you are an organisation still questioning Social Media because you are afraid you are going to lose control. 

You already have. 

People are already making comments about you, so you may as well be a part of the conversation.

We established years ago that brands were controlled by the consumer, not marketing departments. This is just the next evolution.

As individuals and businesses we need to maximise the number of users - "Connections" - who will interact with your Content, Conversations and Community. 

It is equally as important that you continue to evaluate which platforms your prospects and influencers are using. Test and identify which works best for you.

Connect with us today to discuss how we can make Digital Marketing work harder for you.

Master Digital Marketing - The 4 Digital C's

Stage 3 - Community




People always want to be a part of a community. This is how we feel safe, and this applies even more when we are customers.

Speaking of communities, who has heard of Birds Nest?

Right, gentleman I am going to bring you up to speed. Birds Nest is an online fashion retailer based in Cooma. Cooma isn't even a destination, it's on route to the snow. 

At last check, they had 92,000 fans in their online community. And every morning - fellas you may be checking the news or the weather - she is checking the Outfit of the Day. Every morning, Birds Nest send it out to their "online community" so she can purchase the whole ensemble including the necklace and the shoes. Just sayin.'

Have you thought about how you can build an online community?

Why not utilise tools such as Facebook Groups? This closed conversation platform can allow you and your customers to share ideas and issues. One of our clients identified an industry sector that they wanted to work more closely with, so they are now doing this. They now have a far greater understanding as to what this groups pain points are, and where they need assistance. 

Think about your customer base, and whether creating a community would benefit them...and you!!

Want to join our online community? Subscribe today!!

Master Digital Marketing - The 4 Digital C's

Stage 2 - Conversations

This month, we will be talking you through Digital Marketing, and how utilising the 4 C’s could revolutionise your business. Stage 2 – Conversations.

Social Media is SOCIAL. Don’t lose sight of this. Don’t keep banging on about your product – particularly if it isn’t funny, doesn’t evolve a cranky cat or in seriousness – doesn’t offer the recipient value.

Social Media users want to talk WITH you at least as much as they want to listen to you. And they expect attention, interaction and answers!

Campaigns are OUT Conversations are IN

Hands up those that regularly join discussions on LinkedIn or Twitter. As businesses we need to be part of the conversation, otherwise how do we build awareness for our subject matter expertise.

More conversations, less promotion. We need to Monitor, Listen, Understand and Act. The quicker you get back to them, the better. And if someone takes the time to Comment, Acknowledge it with a Like.

Create monitoring streams around keywords and phrases. Look for interest cues like “want”, “need” and “love”. Check Social Mention regularly.

Find industry influencers, join their conversations. Set up google alerts and start a conversation of your own.

And remember.....CAMPAIGNS ARE OUT. CONVERSATIONS ARE IN.

Want to start a conversation with us? Click here to find out more.

Master Digital Marketing - The 4 Digital C's

Stage 1: Content Marketing

In May, our very own Caddie Marshall presented at the Central West Business Summit. Her topic? Mastering Digital Marketing. In this presentation, Caddie discussed the decline in the 4 Marketing P’s, and the rise of the 4 Digital C’s.

This month, we will be talking you through Digital Marketing, and how utilising the 4 C’s could revolutionise your business. Stage 1 – Content!

We have all seen the word content floating around, usually with the word ‘marketing’ on the end. So what is Content Marketing?

It’s a strategic marketing approach focused on creating and distributing valuable, relevant and consistent content to attract and retain a clearly defined audience and ultimately, to drive profitable customer action. That’s a mouth full.

Basically, it is the information about your product or service, and their benefits. It’s what your customers and potential customers are looking for when they are in the actively seeking or are in the research phase of a purchasing decision.

Content should ALWAYS be the focus of your digital marketing. If there is no content, you’re not being found, and most importantly, you’re not making it to the next round of Conversation!

Beyond being found, your content needs to be engaging enough for people to want to Like It, Comment on it and better still - Share it. It needs to offer value.

You don’t need to create all of your content – we are all becoming curators of information.  As humans it is in our makeup to Share Ideas. This is how we have evolved. And it will be how businesses evolve.

SO, remember to invest the time to review trending topics to capitalise on what is popular and topical and participate in conversations. HINT: Check trending #hashtags. 

Adloyalty are "Masters" in Digital Marketing. Click here to read about our services that could help take your business to the next level.

Central West Business Summit - Worth the Climb

Event Organisers Tamara James, Caddie Marshall and Dannielle Jenkins with Keynote Speaker Michael Pascoe

The Central West Business Summit last Tuesday bought together the best of the best. Over 155 people congregated at the Orange Ex-Services Club for the inaugural event, representing over 100 different businesses across 15 industry sectors.

Presented by marketing & business consultancy Adloyalty and workforce specialists, PulseHR the Summit featured an entertaining post-budget review from Michael Pascoe, as well as presentations from business experts from Adloyalty, PulseHR, Telstra, BEC, AusIndustry and Regional Development Australia.

 “We are so pleased with the level of attendance and support from local businesses, from varying growth industries across the Central West such as manufacturing, mining, construction, health & education.” Everyone embraced the opportunity and really enjoyed the day.” Event Coordinator, Dannielle Jenkins said.

Key topics & business issues that were discussed included Digital Marketing & Business Tools, HR, Finance & Investment & Business Planning.

AusIndustry also took the opportunity to discuss their funding opportunities for businesses in key industry growth sectors across the Central West as a part of the Entrepreneurs Infrastructure Programme.

“There is funding available for certain industry groups within the Central West, which is very exciting for regional growth & development. Please visit business.gov.au for more information.” Dannielle said.

The Summit also featured a Business Expo, which showcased key services available to take business to the next level. Exhibitors included Adloyalty, PulseHR, Skillset, AusIndustry, Telstra, Australian Institute of Company Directors, Phocas Software, Prime7, Adbox, Yates Baker Mclean and Xero. This also provided businesses with an opportunity to network and see what else is out there to help achieve growth & success.  

“Networking is such a vital part of doing business in Regional NSW, and allows you to be exposed to greater opportunities for growth. We have seen an incline in business networking groups such as Renweld and the Orange Young Professionals, both of who had representatives attend on the day.” Dannielle continued to say.

The Summit team have also heard some fantastic feedback, which has reinforced the need to host an annual event. 

“Based on the level of interest, we are very excited to announce that the Summit will return in 2016! Meet you at the top!!” Dannielle concluded.

If you would like to register your interest, please visit www.centralwestbusinesssummit.com.au

The results are in for the "Pre-Summit Survey"

This week, we emailed a survey to all businesses who will be attending the Central West Business Summit. 

This is the analysis so far.

The leading key industries that will be in attendance at the Central West Business Summit are manufacturing and business services. 

The majority of businesses attending are located in the Central West Region and reaching as far as the Gold Coast. 

Over half of attendees have an organisational structure of fifteen or less, followed with just under half of businesses with under 200 employees. A small segment of participants will be representing enterprises of plus 500 employees. 

The primary area of expertise participants are hoping to benefit from is Marketing, with 70% of attendees citing this. These are followed very closely with social media, digital marketing, employee/skill development, website development, strategic planning, industry networking, funding and organisations processes. 

Guests of the Central West Business Summit are staying current within their specific industry knowledge and best practice through the medium of industry newsletters, industry websites, industry groups, industry publications and conferences. 

80% of attendees have indicated their business confidence level ranges from 'OK' to 'Good'. 

60% of respondents have stated that they will invest in marketing for the future growth of their business. 50% have expressed organisational processes & systems followed closely with skills development, infrastructure and strategic planning. 

Stay tuned!!!!

Accelerating Regional Economic Development

The Central West Business Summit on May 19 will focus on economic development, and how businesses can capitalise on opportunities to grow their bottom line. Both the regional and national economy will be under the spotlight, with Michael Pascoe delivering a Post-Budget Review, and AusIndustry’s Sally Palmer discussing regional economic development and funding opportunities.

“AusIndustry’s session will look at recent national and local economic data as well as reports and industry trends that inform and impact regional development.” Sally Palmer stated.

Focusing on case studies and initiatives from other regions, Sally will be discussing how businesses in Central West NSW can capitalise on opportunities closer to home.

I think it’s important to provide stimulus for growth and identify opportunities to promote competitive advantage in the Central West.” Sally Palmer stated.

Keynote Speaker, Michael Pascoe will also be focusing on the economy, bringing a wealth of knowledge as one of Australia’s most respected and experienced finance and economic commentators.  As well as delivering a Post-Budget Review, Michael will also be discussing identifying opportunities for the local economy.

 “People are generally so busy running their business - head down, tail up in making it work – that they can lose perspective about the big picture and get swamped by headlines mainly designed to scare them rather than inform. The Central West Business Summit is a great chance to lift your head from the dashboard to see where we’re going.” Michael said.

Michael’s aim is to both inform and entertain Summit attendees, whilst encouraging them to clear their heads and think beyond immediate problems.

 “Just when most economic and political headlines are at their gloomiest in years, there are some green shoots appearing for our economy, opportunities for those willing to seize them. The Central West Business Summit should highlight some of those – an economic boot camp for Orange.” Michael continued to say.

Don’t miss out – Register now at www.centralwestbusinesssummit.com.au

All businesses will also be given the opportunity to attend a free session hosted by AusIndustry after the Summit, which will focus on how businesses can benefit from the Entrepreneurs Infrastructure Programme. For more information, please visit the Central West Business Summit website.

Meet you at the Top!!

Working together to grow Regional NSW

The Central West Business Summit will bring together business leaders and industry experts from across Regional NSW. It is a great opportunity for businesses to identify opportunities, and provides an ideal platform to canvas current challenges and network with like-minded businesses. It is also a time to appreciate our region, and discuss more ways we can grow and develop Regional NSW.

Regional growth and development is a collective task, with businesses now looking at more efficient ways to maintain sustainability and position themselves as industry leaders in the marketplace. The business environment has also changed so fundamentally, that there is a need for us to change the way we find and ultimately attract more customers and clients to our business.

“Businesses need to be focusing on ways they can capitalise on current opportunities and minimise risks facing their business.” Pulse HR’s Workforce Specialist, Tamara James said.

Opportunities such as Digital Marketing, Government Growth Grants and Workforce Evolution are just some of the topics that will be discussed at the Central West Business Summit.

“We will also be providing the opportunity for businesses to register for sessions after the Event to learn more about funding opportunities such as AusIndustry’s Entrepreneur’s Infrastructure Program and more!” Event Coordinator, Dannielle Jenkins added.

As a region, Central West NSW presents many great opportunities for business and investment. With lower overheads and living costs, there is greater opportunity for businesses to secure and maintain sustainability. Regional communities also tend to be more digitally connected communities, as this is how we access products and services.

“It’s time to think globally but act locally – the Summit is about appreciating Central West NSW as a region and the fantastic businesses we boast.” Dannielle continued to say.

The Business Enterprise Centre will also be discussing doing business in turbulent times, which will address shared challenges that Central West businesses face and ways of overcoming them.

“There is a great cross-section of topics, and we want to make sure the day is inspiring, motivational and of tangible value. All Event Partners are united in the fact that we need to ensure we are developing confident businesses that achieve growth targets, employ more people and therefore contribute to the economic vibrancy of our communities.” Tamara concluded.

Tickets are selling fast – make sure you don’t miss out! Register now at www.centralwestbusinesssummit.com.au

Unique opportunity for Central West business owners!

There is a rare, and very exciting opportunity for business owners in regional NSW coming in May. The Central West Business Summit.

Presented by Canowindra-based marketing & business consultancy Adloyalty and local workforce specialists, Pulse HR, the Summit presents a unique opportunity for businesses, and one not to be missed!

Adloyalty and PulseHR have been working closely with businesses throughout the Central West, which has uncovered shared issues and pressure points for our region’s businesses.

“It is our shared goal to address these challenges to ensure that we, as a collective, are developing confident businesses that achieve growth targets, employ more people and therefore contribute to the economic vibrancy of our communities.” Director of Adloyalty, Caddie Marshall said.

The Summit, which will start at 9.30am on Tuesday 19^th May at the Orange Ex-Services Club, is a must attend event for Business Owners, Managers, Executives and BDM’s in Central West NSW.  

“We have secured Michael Pascoe as a Keynote Speaker, who will be delivering a Post-Budget review in terms of what it means for business and how businesses in regional NSW can leverage key opportunities. Michael will also be hosting our Panel Discussion, which presents a fantastic opportunity for businesses to have those burning questions answered by business experts.” Caddie continued to say.

Other hot topics that will be discussed at the Summit include Business Growth Strategies, the Australian Dollar, Digital Marketing and Doing Business in Turbulent times.

Tickets are on sale now, and can be purchased through the website www.centralwestbusinesssummit.com.au. 

If you would like to be a part of the Summit, there are opportunities available for businesses to partner with the Event. Please visit the website for more information.

Meet you at the Top!!

Building strategic partnerships key to business success

The current business environment has never been more competitive. We all need to look at smarter, more efficient ways to grow our business. In fact, the business environment has changed so fundamentally, that there is a need for us to change the way we find and ultimately attract more customers and clients to our business.

Building strategic partnerships is an effective way of attracting more clients and an integral step to growing your business. It provides you with new leads, increases your business profile and boosts your reputation within your industry sector. More importantly it delivers business ambassadors who recommend and sell your talents on your behalf.

This week, we will be looking at different ways you can build strategic partnerships to help deliver long term benefit to your business.

Networking Events

Attending networking events is an excellent way to make new connections with like-minded people and an essential step to building those long term, valuable relationships.

Adloyalty, in partnership with PulseHR are hosting the Central West Business Summit on the 19^th May 2015 which will provide businesses throughout the Central West with the ideal platform to canvas opportunities and challenges. 

This Event will also provide businesses with the ability to network with complementary businesses and potential clients, whilst having access to renowned business experts and speakers.

“Our Keynote Speaker is Michael Pascoe, who brings with him a wealth of experience within the financial and business growth sector. It is a fantastic opportunity for businesses, as Michael will also be providing a Post-Budget Review.” Director of Adloyalty, Caddie Marshall said.

For more information, please visit www.centralwestbusinesssummit.com.au

Industry Associations and Groups

It is important to build relationships with those who work in a similar field in order to generate potential leads, clients and referrals. We recommend looking for businesses or associations with common goals so you can provide them with a solution to enable them to achieve that goal sooner. An example of this is Renweld, an engineering consortium based in Orange NSW who have come together with the shared goal of showcasing the region’s capabilities in order to win larger projects in the Central West.

Journalists and Media

The media are major industry influencers, and need to be a part of your overall alliance strategy. To gain media coverage of your business, it is important to develop and maintain a professional relationship with journalists and there are several ways you can build relationships with journalists, we recommend the following:

• Do some research on their work – find out what makes them tick
• Add them to your email database and start sending them relevant content such as your company newsletter and latest news
• Follow them on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter and comment/like their posts to start the conversation
• Get to know the reporters at your local media outlets such as newspaper and TV
• Go the extra mile and ALWAYS meet their deadlines
• Stay relevant and most importantly, topical

Adloyalty are a full-service marketing agency based in Central West NSW. If you need help developing strategic partnerships, visit our website or give us a call on 6344 1931 today!

It's 3/4 review time - Is it time to think about your strategic position?

March is 3/4 review time and everyone is busy preparing their budget for the new financial year,  Whilst you're looking at your targets and and analysing whether you've hit them, you need to think about your strategic position in the market place.

Have you thought about where you want your business to be in 3, 5 or even 10 years-time? 

Do you need framework to help guide you through your next set of challenges? 

Do you want to define your Unique Selling Proposition?

A Strategic Plan looks at all elements of your business to determine what is possible, and then narrows it down to the things it is actually GREAT at doing.

“Successful businesses are those that are able to identify what they can be great at, as opposed to trying to achieve greatness in all areas – it’s about focusing on one single area and growing from there.” Director of Adloyalty, Caddie Marshall said.

Adloyalty work with businesses to define their guiding principle, values and vision, helping to translate this vision into shared objectives and an achievable implementation plan for the future.

“We are a firm believer in a 360 degree, ‘whole of business’ approach. Your strategic plan must guide your business throughout its life in all circumstances, irrespective of changes in its goals strategies or people. It must be visionary, simple, confident and most importantly shared.” Caddie said.

As a business preparing yourself for the future, you need to look at the following:

Determine where you’re at:

This involves looking at your current market position, analysing your pressure points, your core business and most importantly, your capacity to deliver.

“The most important factor we ask our clients to look at is their internal talent and capacity. Having the right team behind your business is absolutely crucial, and an essential step to defining your guiding principle.” Caddie continued to say.

When establishing a Strategic Plan, no matter what size your business is, you need to measure and evaluate true capacity. If you do not have the internal capacity or have limited capacity to develop that internal talent, then you need to really look at where you’re at, and how you can get to where you want to be.

Identify where you want to be and what’s standing in your way

When initiating your planning you need to focus on where you want your business to be in 2 years-time. Then think about why you currently can’t achieve that goal. Is it market conditions? Is it capacity? Is it cash flow? Is it simply awareness of your business? Identifying where you want to be will help to set the direction of the business, clearly defining the guiding principle and vision. From here, you can identify priorities and set a clear implementation plan with success metrics to ensure you know when you’re winning.

Activate your team

The greatest asset to any business is their team. It is important that your team are involved throughout your strategic planning process to ensure you’re building the culture that you want and sharing your vision with your whole team.

“Shared values and working towards a common goal is vital to businesses, no matter how big or small. Values should be more than a poster on the wall – they need to be deeply embedded in the business, its actions and its decisions.” Caddie continued to say.

If you need to revisit your current strategic plan or are looking for guidance on initial steps in the process, give Caddie Marshall and her team at Adloyalty call today 6344 1931 or visit our website www.adloyalty.com.au 

Navigating the Digital Landscape

Digital is not a phase we are all going through, it’s a trend that is taking businesses by storm and those who don’t embrace it will miss out. It is no longer a question of should we embrace digital, it’s when will we embrace it?

Many of our clients are confused by the whole idea of digital marketing, so we have decided to provide a "Digital Roadmap" of sorts, starting at the top. 

Websites

Websites aren’t new. In fact, they have been around for over 20 years (if my research is correct). A website is your online identity, and when integrated with social media & other digital activity, can define your online brand.

A website is your digital shopfront, with people more likely to go online and research your business before they make a purchase or interact with your brand. Think about your own shopping behavior and how it has changed from even just 12 months ago.

One of the biggest mistakes we see is assuming people will be able to find your website. Unless you’re promoting it, or utilizing the right tools, they just won’t.

You need to be asking your website designer (or yourself) the following questions to ensure your receiving bank for your digital buck:

• Do I have Google Analytics installed?

• Is SEO built into every page on my website?

• Is my website taking advantage of keywords?

• Am I integrating all my social media platforms?

• What links can I take advantage of to ensure my website is ranking high?

You should also be ensuring that your website is mobile responsive!

What we mean by this is, can your website be easily accessed from a mobile phone? Yes, it loads on a mobile phone, but how easy is it to navigate? Do you have to pinch the screen to view the content? Yes? Then it’s not mobile responsive. See some examples below.

Apps

Apps have revolutionized the way we access content on a day to day basis. When sitting down to write this I thought – “Do I even use apps?” – in short…yes. I use them every day, without even thinking about it. I use apps for my banking, social media, the weather, searching online….heck I even downloaded a torch app to find my way through my handbag!

Now I’m not saying every business needs an app, because they don’t. Apps are meant to be an add-on or an enhancement to an existing online platform such as a website. The whole idea is so your app exists on someone’s phone and they don’t need to go looking for you online, like they need to do with a website. They are also handy to directly target your audience through the use of push notifications and updates.

Before you invest money into an app, you need to ask yourself the following questions:

• What is the purpose for your app?

• Is it going to be helpful for customers?

• Is it going to improve your customers experience & access to your products/services?

• And an obvious one....will you customers use it?

Content Marketing

You may have heard this word floating around, and basically content marketing is the art of communicating to your customers and prospects without selling! It is all about creating and distributing valuable and relevant content utilising videos, articles, infographics, webinars and blogs. We would always recommend that content marketing frames your marketing strategy in terms of ‘themes.’ This allows for a consistent communication to your audience as well as positioning your business as subject matter experts!

Direct Marketing

This isn't a new concept either – think catalogues and sales flyers. It has now simply been replicated online through the use of email, which also isn’t new.

89% of people say that email marketing is their primary channel for lead generation, and we would have to agree. If done correctly, email marketing can deliver the greatest return on investment.

If you want to learn how to utilize direct marketing, contact us today!

Social Media

The majority of businesses are on social media now right……right?? It is the most cost-effective way to build ongoing relationships with your customers online, whilst also increasing brand awareness. It allows you to communicate directly with your audience and ultimately generate new leads. It is the modern word of mouth.

There are so many options when it comes to social media – Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Google +, Instagram, Pinterest, Linkedin…………. You don’t need to be on all of them!! Spend the time to understand which platform your customers are using and click here to read more about each individual platform.