By Muizz Basra Key #1: A Great Website First, a high-performance website is a must. It should be user-friendly, quick and engaging. This does not mean it needs to be expensive. Key #2: SEO Work (It never stops)! Next up: Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is key in enhancing online visibility and attracting the right audience. Fundamental SEO practices include thorough keyword research, optimizing website content and ensuring a user-friendly website experience. Key #3: Online Directories Online directories are third on our quick hit list. Everything from Google, Yahoo and Bing business listings to specialty directories that are specific to your [...]

By: Katherine Galliani   Creating compelling content that drives results for local business owners involves a combination of understanding the target audience, delivering valuable information and utilizing effective marketing strategies. Here are ten quick tips to get your SMB on the path to great content marketing!   Identify the target audience: Begin by understanding your local business’s target audience. Consider demographics, interests and pain points to tailor the content effectively. Define clear objectives: Determine the specific goals of the content. Is it to increase brand awareness, drive website traffic, generate leads or boost sales? Clearly defined objectives will help shape [...]

by Alex Rothers As a small business owner, you are probably familiar with using social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and YouTube to promote your brand and communicate with your customers. However, there is one platform that you may not have considered before - WhatsApp. WhatsApp is not just a messaging app for personal use but also an excellent tool for small business owners to connect with their customers. With over two billion users in more than 180 countries, WhatsApp is the world's most popular mobile messenger app and the third-most-popular social media forum, behind only [...]

By Molly Heitz   The digital world is everchanging, and it can be challenging for local business owners to stay on top of it. They are often overtaxed just running their businesses' day-to-day, and some digital tactics can be complicated for those without training. As such, here are a few emerging and popular digital tactics that can help your local business grow.   SMS Marketing   SMS Marketing can be a great way to connect with your clients directly through texts. Once opted-in, you can use SMS messages to engage with your clients. The uses of SMS marketing include promotions, [...]

By Molly Heitz   The impression that customers have of your brand after interacting with it is known as the customer experience. Creating top-notch client experiences leads to repeat business and loyal customers. Getting into a consumer's mind is a great way to brainstorm effective customer experience tactics. If you were the consumer of your business, what would make you inclined to convert to consumer status? Every interaction your clients have with your brand should be part of the relationship you work to build with them. Brands can increase customer satisfaction, loyalty and trust by better understanding the customer journey. [...]

By Molly Heitz   The marketing funnel is a crucial part of the marketing process. This model of marketing outlines the most straightforward process that customers take in their purchasing process. The marketing funnel helps you provide the most relevant information on the most effective channels at the right time. This model's most significant benefit is simplifying the customer journey while making it easier for companies to follow.   So, what is the marketing funnel?    The marketing funnel, or the conversion or sales funnel, represents your buyer's journey from expectation to a customer, combined with the tools and processes [...]

By Molly Heitz   Face-to-face marketing is a great way to reach customers, especially for local business owners. From industry trade shows to special events, this is a great way to reach your clients while putting a face to your brand.   What to Do First When brainstorming ways to reach your target audience through face-to-face marketing effectively, you will want to consider your branded look. This typically involves a table set up, booth or display.   Ask yourself three questions as you get started:   First, what's the budget? Can I create my "dream booth display," or is money [...]

By TE Cunningham   Have you been dreaming of starting your own business? Go for it! We love working with entrepreneurs and local business owners at TLC Marketing Consultants. That said, there is a reason that so many new businesses fail in the first five years; it takes a good idea, good planning and good execution. If you are considering taking the leap, here are ten quick pointers for getting started on the right foot!   Research, Research, Research Did we say it enough times? You want to examine whether there is a need for this type of business in [...]

By TE Cunningham Do you have a project you keep putting off because it is so overwhelming that you just don’t know where to start? That’s a problem for many SMB owners, who are time-challenged, and task overloaded. A former boss once told me to review my to-do list each morning and do the thing I most didn’t want to do- first. It was great advice. It helped avoid situations that could be stressful and delays in getting tasks completed. It also helped me get organized when handling that, which was overwhelming. Organization is key to not losing it on [...]