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5 Steps to Build a High-Converting Welcome Email Sequence

Create a high-converting Welcome Email Sequence with 5 key emails that build trust, entertain, and boost engagement right from the start.

Posted September 20th, 2024 by Jessica Granish


Did you know that 76% of people expect a welcome email right after signing up? 

Yet, over half of those emails fail to leave a memorable impression (Campaign Monitor). If you're an entrepreneur or marketer looking to make a great first impression, a simple, high-converting Welcome Email Sequence is your best friend. 

Done right, this sequence can build trust, create engagement, and boost conversions.


Why a Great Welcome Email Sequence Matters

Here’s the deal: too many businesses jump straight into sales, assuming that new subscribers are ready to buy immediately. But, spoiler alert—most aren’t! They’re looking for connection and information first. By engaging instead of pushing products, you’re more likely to create loyal fans instead of one-time buyers.

"Engagement has to come before promotion," says marketing expert Neil Patel. Your welcome email sequence is your chance to let subscribers get to know you and understand why your brand matters.

With a few simple steps, you can build a welcome email sequence that draws people in. 

Here’s the blueprint:


The 5 Essential Emails in a High-Converting Welcome Email Sequence

1. The Friendly Welcome

Purpose: Start on a friendly, personal note.
Tone: Friendly, like chatting with a friend.

How to Make It Work:

Why it matters: Welcome emails are 4x more likely to be opened than other emails (Experian), so use this moment to say, “Hey! Thanks for joining us.”
 Welcome Email Sequence

2. Your Values & Mission

Purpose: Share why you do what you do.
Content: Give a glimpse of your brand’s story, values, and purpose. Why are you here? What drives your business?
Tone: Authentic and relatable.

How to Make It Work:

Set this as the second email, arriving a day or two after the welcome.
Add links to your story page or blog if they want to learn more.
Pro Tip: Think of this email as storytelling—keep it clear and meaningful.

3. Social Proof: Success Stories & Testimonials

Purpose: Build trust by showcasing how others have benefited.
Content: Share a standout customer story or testimonial, showing real results.
Tone: Friendly but confident.

How to Make It Work:

Choose testimonials or success stories that resonate with your audience.
Fact: 70% of consumers are more likely to trust recommendations from others (Nielsen).

4. Helpful Freebie or Educational Content

Purpose: Gently encourage the subscriber to take the next step.
Content: Offer a way to connect further—like a consultation, joining your community, or checking out a product.
Tone: Friendly and inviting.

How to Make It Work:

Consider offering an incentive or exclusive perk to make this step rewarding.
Why it works: By the time subscribers get this email, they’ve gotten to know your brand, making them more likely to act.
Welcome Email Sequence

5. The Next Step (Call to Action)

Purpose: Gently encourage the subscriber to take the next step.
Content: Offer a way to connect further—like a consultation, joining your community, or checking out a product.
Tone: Friendly and inviting.

How to Make It Work:

Consider offering an incentive or exclusive perk to make this step rewarding.
Why it works: By the time subscribers get this email, they’ve gotten to know your brand, making them more likely to act.

Lead Magnet Ideas to Boost Your Welcome Email Sequence

Adding a lead magnet can make your welcome sequence even more engaging. Here are some tried-and-true ideas:

Ebook (e.g., “10 Steps to Boost Your Marketing”): Deepen their knowledge with a detailed guide.
Checklist (e.g., “5 Essentials for a High-Converting Email Sequence”): Simple, actionable, and easy to reference.
Template or Toolkit (e.g., Email Sequence Template): Practical resources that save subscribers time.
Cheat Sheet (e.g., “Quick Guide to SEO Basics”): A compact reference that’s valuable and easy to use.
Mini Course or Video Tutorial (e.g., 3-Day Course on Sales Funnels): Great for guiding subscribers through a skill step-by-step.

These lead magnets provide subscribers with useful tools, giving them a reason to keep engaging with your emails.


Tools to Build Your Welcome Email Sequence

Key Takeaways

Welcome Emails Should Connect, Not Sell
Start with a genuine welcome that feels personal. This isn’t the time for hard sales—focus on creating a friendly, inviting tone that makes subscribers feel valued.
Share Your Story & Mission Early On
Let your subscribers know why your brand exists. A simple story that showcases your values can help build a stronger connection and make your brand memorable.
Build Trust with Social Proof
Adding testimonials, success stories, or even user photos can make your emails more relatable. This social proof reassures new subscribers that others already trust your brand.
Give Value Before Asking for Anything
Offering helpful content, like a tip or guide, shows you’re here to provide value. It’s a key step in creating a high-converting welcome email sequence that subscribers actually want to read.
Make It Easy to Take the Next Step
Wrap up your sequence with a call to action that feels low-pressure and rewarding, like scheduling a consultation or checking out a resource.

These five emails, used effectively, can help turn new subscribers into engaged customers without overwhelming them. Remember, your welcome email sequence is your brand’s first impression—so keep it friendly, helpful, and real.

Comments

Jessica Granish

The Wizard Behind The Curtain, Tech And Marketing Integrator

Meet Jessica Granish, a heart-centered trailblazer in the dynamic intersection of tech, marketing, and systems integration.

Free Tech and Marketing Audit Session

How to Maximize Your Online Visibility with our Tech and Marketing 20 Min Rapid Audit.

Free Tech and Marketing Audit Session

How to Maximize Your Online Visibility with our Tech and Marketing 20 Min Rapid Audit

After our Tech and Marketing 20-Min Rapid Audit, you'll walk away with immediate insights and actionable recommendations tailored to enhance your online visibility. Discover quick wins and discover the potential for rapid growth in just a brief session!

Keep Reading...

From Seeds to Success: 6 Business Growth Strategies Inspired by Sunflowers

From Seeds to Success: 6 Business Growth Strategies Inspired by Sunflowers

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Is Bad SEO Killing Your Website Traffic? Fix These 30 SEO Mistakes.

Celebrate Summer Solstice with These 7 Business Growth Tips 🌞

Celebrate Summer Solstice with These 7 Business Growth Tips 🌞

5 Time-Saving Email Marketing Hacks for Busy Entrepreneurs (Without Sacrificing Results)

5 Time-Saving Email Marketing Hacks for Busy Entrepreneurs (Without Sacrificing Results)

7 Keys to Unlocking Email Marketing Visibility & Conversions

7 Keys to Unlocking Email Marketing Visibility & Conversions

10 Steps to Align with Google and Yahoo's Email Requirements

10 Steps to Align with Google and Yahoo's Email Requirements

© Copyright Alpine Small Business Solutions, LLC.  All Rights Reserved

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6 Business Growth Strategies Inspired by Sunflowers

From Seeds to Success: 6 Business Growth Strategies Inspired by Sunflowers

Explore how effective business growth strategies, inspired by sunflowers, can transform your company through planning, management, and innovation.

Posted August 8th, 2024 by Jessica Granish


Did you know that sunflowers can grow up to 12 feet tall in just a few months?

 Imagine if your business could achieve similar rapid growth. Running a business, much like growing sunflowers, requires strategic planning, nurturing, and adaptability. 

In this article, I will share business growth strategies inspired by the sunflower's life cycle to help you cultivate a thriving enterprise.

Many entrepreneurs feel stuck, unable to achieve the growth they dream of. Challenges such as limited resources, tough competition, and unpredictable market changes can make it seem impossible to move forward. Without a solid plan and effective management, businesses often find themselves in a rut, unable to reach their full potential.

This is where effective business growth strategies come in. By adopting a methodical approach inspired by the lifecycle of sunflowers, you can start to overcome these challenges.


Now, let’s explore how you can apply the principles of growing sunflowers to your business:


1. Planting the Seeds: Effective Business Planning

The summer solstice marks an ideal time to revamp your business direction. Arianna Huffington, founder of The Huffington Post and a prominent advocate for work-life balance, famously stated, "People think in terms of stories. It's so much easier to remember a story than a set of facts.

Take this opportunity to deeply reflect on your brand’s narrative and strategic positioning. Engage your team in insightful discussions to craft a compelling brand story and refine your strategic approach for enhancing visibility and growth.

Here are some actionable items: you can do:

Conduct thorough market research using tools like SurveyMonkey a to understand market trends and customer preferences.
Develop a business plan using Google Workspace for collaboration and LivePlan for structured planning.
6 Business Growth Strategies Inspired by Sunflowers

2. Nurturing Growth: Business Management Tips

Just as sunflowers require sunlight, water, and nutrients to grow, businesses need careful management and consistent support to thrive. Implementing effective business management strategies such as regular financial reviews, employee development, and customer engagement can significantly enhance your business's robust growth.

Here are some actionable items: you can do:

Monitor Your Financial Health Regularly: Regular financial reviews are crucial to maintaining the health of your business. They help you keep track of cash flow, assess profitability, and make informed decisions based on financial data. Adjust your budget as necessary to accommodate shifts in the business landscape or to capitalize on unexpected opportunities.
Engage with Your Customers to Build Loyalty and Gain Feedback: Customer engagement is essential for building lasting relationships and loyalty. Implement strategies to stay connected with your customers, such as regular newsletters, feedback surveys, and responsive social media interactions. This engagement can provide you with invaluable insights into customer needs and help tailor your offerings to better meet their expectations.
Invest in YOURSELF and Team Development: Your team is the backbone of your organization. Investing in their growth not only enhances their skills but also boosts morale and increases productivity.

Provide training programs, workshops, and continuous learning opportunities to help them stay competitive and proficient in their roles. This can lead to innovative ideas and improvements in processes that contribute directly to your business's success.

3. Facing Challenges: Entrepreneurial Advice

Just like sunflowers that must withstand pests and harsh weather, businesses face their own set of challenges, such as intense competition and economic downturns. 

Staying informed about market trends and fostering a culture of innovation are crucial business growth strategies that can help you navigate these obstacles.

Here are some actionable items: you can do:

Stay Informed About Market Trends:
Regularly update yourself on industry trends and market dynamics. This knowledge allows you to anticipate changes and adapt your strategies promptly, ensuring you remain competitive and relevant.
Create and Support a Culture of Innovation:
Encourage creativity and new ideas within your team. An innovative culture not only generates unique solutions to challenges but also propels your business ahead of the curve. This can be facilitated through brainstorming sessions, innovation workshops, and incentivizing creative ideas.
Develop Contingency Plans:
Prepare for potential risks and uncertainties by developing contingency plans. This involves identifying possible business threats and creating strategic responses to mitigate these risks before they become issues.

4. Reaching for the Sun: Small Business Success

Like sunflowers that always turn towards the sun for growth, businesses must focus on their goals to achieve success. Setting clear objectives, tracking progress, and continually refining strategies are vital business growth strategies that align with long-term growth aspirations.

Here are some actionable items: you can do:

Set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) Goals:
Clearly define what you want to achieve with your business in a way that allows you to measure success and progress. SMART goals provide direction and help prioritize actions.
Track Your Progress:
Regularly monitor how well you are doing against your goals. This not only helps maintain motivation through celebrating small wins but also ensures you stay on track.
Continuously Evaluate and Refine Your Strategies:
The business landscape is always changing. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your strategies ensures they remain effective and relevant.

5. Branching Out: Sustainable Business Growth

As sunflowers mature, they spread their roots and reach out, symbolizing how successful businesses should expand their customer base and explore new markets. 

A survey by Gartner highlights that companies focusing on customer experience in their expansion strategies can outperform their competitors by nearly 80% in terms of sales and profitability. 

This emphasizes the importance of sustainable growth, which often involves diversifying product lines and enhancing marketing efforts to capture a broader audience. 

This can be achieved by identifying new market opportunities, diversifying your product line, and enhancing marketing efforts—key business growth strategies for any thriving business.

Here are some actionable items: you can do:

Identify New Market Opportunities:
Stay consistent in the happenings around you, your brand and your industry and their emerging trends and gaps in the market. Use market research to identify opportunities where your business can offer something unique or superior.
Diversify Your Product or Services:
Expanding your offerings can attract new customer segments and reduce the risk associated with relying on a single product or market. Consider complementary products or services that align with your brand and meet the evolving needs of your target audience.
Allocate Resources to Marketing and Sales Efforts:
Invest in marketing strategies that effectively communicate the value of your new offerings. Utilize both digital and traditional marketing channels to reach a broader audience and drive growth.

Tools and Resources:

Google Analytics:
Google Analytics provides invaluable insights into customer behavior and market trends. Understanding where your traffic comes from and how users interact with your website can help you make informed decisions about where to focus your expansion efforts.

By following these actions and leveraging powerful tools like HighLevel and Google Analytics, your business can navigate through successful expansion phases, growing and thriving much like a sunflower in an open field.


6. Harvesting the Rewards: Tips for Business Development

Finally, just as sunflowers are harvested for their seeds, successful businesses reap the rewards of their hard work. 

"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows. It's what sunflowers do.This quote by Helen Keller, an American author, political activist, and lecturer who overcame the adversity of being blind and deaf, embodies the resilience and focus needed in business. 

Her wisdom encourages us to concentrate on the positives and opportunities for growth, much like a sunflower consistently turns towards the sun.

Here are some actionable items: you can do:

Use Data Analytics to Gain Insights on Market Trends:
Analyze data to understand customer behaviors, preferences, and emerging market trends. This helps in making informed decisions that align with customer needs and market demands.
Implement Feedback Loops to Continuously Improve Your Offerings:
Regularly collect and analyze customer feedback to refine your products and services. This iterative process ensures your offerings stay relevant and competitive
Focus on Building Long-Term Customer Relationships:
Cultivate strong relationships with your customers through excellent service, consistent engagement, and loyalty rewards. Long-term relationships lead to repeat business and can turn customers into brand advocates.

In Conclusion

Running a business is like growing sunflowers—it all starts with planting the right seeds through effective planning. Nurturing growth with ongoing management, facing challenges with adaptability, and always reaching for your goals are crucial steps. 

By branching out and sustaining growth, and finally, harvesting the rewards through continuous improvement, you can achieve remarkable success using these business growth strategies.

 
Are you ready to see your business grow like a sunflower? Get your Free Tech and Marketing Rapid Audit today! This Tech and Marketing 20-Min Rapid Audit is designed to provide you with immediate insights and actionable recommendations tailored to enhance your online visibility. 

Contact us now to get started on your journey to business success

Comments

Jessica Granish

The Wizard Behind The Curtain, Tech And Marketing Integrator

Meet Jessica Granish, a heart-centered trailblazer in the dynamic intersection of tech, marketing, and systems integration.

Free Tech and Marketing Audit Session

How to Maximize Your Online Visibility with our Tech and Marketing 20 Min Rapid Audit.

Free Tech and Marketing Audit Session

How to Maximize Your Online Visibility with our Tech and Marketing 20 Min Rapid Audit

After our Tech and Marketing 20-Min Rapid Audit, you'll walk away with immediate insights and actionable recommendations tailored to enhance your online visibility. Discover quick wins and discover the potential for rapid growth in just a brief session!

Keep Reading...

5 Steps to Build a High-Converting Welcome Email Sequence

5 Steps to Build a High-Converting Welcome Email Sequence

Is Bad SEO Killing Your Website Traffic? Fix These 30 SEO Mistakes.

Is Bad SEO Killing Your Website Traffic? Fix These 30 SEO Mistakes.

Celebrate Summer Solstice with These 7 Business Growth Tips 🌞

Celebrate Summer Solstice with These 7 Business Growth Tips 🌞

5 Time-Saving Email Marketing Hacks for Busy Entrepreneurs (Without Sacrificing Results)

5 Time-Saving Email Marketing Hacks for Busy Entrepreneurs (Without Sacrificing Results)

7 Keys to Unlocking Email Marketing Visibility & Conversions

7 Keys to Unlocking Email Marketing Visibility & Conversions

10 Steps to Align with Google and Yahoo's Email Requirements

10 Steps to Align with Google and Yahoo's Email Requirements

© Copyright Alpine Small Business Solutions, LLC.  All Rights Reserved

(Step 1 of 2)

Complete The Form Below to get started...

To start the process of your Tech and Marketing 20-Min Rapid Audit

We process your personal data as stated in our Privacy Policy. You may withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any of our emails.

Close
Is Bad SEO Killing Your Website Traffic

Is Bad SEO Killing Your Website Traffic? Fix These 30 SEO Mistakes.

Is Bad SEO Killing Your Website Traffic

Discover the top 30 SEO mistakes killing your website traffic. Learn how to fix these errors with actionable tips to boost your rankings. Optimize your site and attract more leads today!

Posted July 15th, 2024 by Jessica Granish


Key Takeaways in this Article:

Understanding SEO Fundamentals: Recognize the importance of SEO in improving website visibility and attracting customers.
Avoiding Common SEO Mistakes: Be aware of detrimental SEO errors, such as neglecting mobile optimization, keyword stuffing, and ignoring user experience.
Optimizing Content: Prioritize high-quality, relevant content creation and regular maintenance to engage users and enhance search rankings.
Technical Optimization: Address technical issues like site speed, crawlability, and broken links to ensure optimal website performance.
Local and Social Integration: Optimize for local search and integrate social media to amplify content reach and improve search engine authority.
Continuous Improvement and Patience: Embrace a mindset of ongoing monitoring, adaptation, and patience to navigate the evolving landscape of SEO effectively.

Are you struggling to achieve the desired results from your SEO efforts? Do you feel like your website is not getting the attention it deserves? 

You're not alone. Many service-based businesses and online entrepreneurs face similar challenges when it comes to optimizing their websites for search engines, often falling into common SEO mistakes that can severely impact their website traffic. 

In this comprehensive guide, we'll unveil these pitfalls and equip you with the knowledge to sidestep them, propelling your website to the top of search results.

Understanding SEO:

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the art and science of improving your website's visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs). 

The higher you rank for relevant keywords, the more likely potential customers will discover your business. However, SEO mistakes can sabotage your efforts, making it harder to achieve your goals.

The Cost of Common SEO Mistakes:

SEO mistakes are costly. A recent survey by Moz revealed that 64% of marketers struggle to get their content to rank on the first page of search results. This translates to missed opportunities, stagnant growth, and ultimately, lost revenue.


Here are 30 SEO Mistakes and what you can do to avoid them:

1. Neglecting On-Page Optimization

Is your website suffering from neglect in the on-page optimization department? 

Don't fret; it's not too late to turn things around. Start by conducting a thorough audit of your website's on-page elements, including title tags, meta descriptions, and heading tags. 

Ensure that each page is optimized for relevant keywords and provides valuable content to users.

Actionable Tip: Utilize tools like Yoast SEO or SEMrush to analyze and optimize your on-page elements effectively to avoid common SEO mistakes.


2. Ignoring Mobile Optimization

Is your website mobile-friendly? In today's mobile-first world, ignoring mobile optimization can be one of the most detrimental SEO mistakes you can make. Take the time to ensure that your website is responsive and provides a seamless user experience across all devices.

Actionable Tip: Use Google's Mobile-Friendly Test tool to check if your website meets mobile optimization standards and make necessary improvements.


3. Overlooking Quality Content

Are you prioritizing quantity over quality when it comes to content creation? This is a common SEO mistake. It's time to shift your focus. Invest in creating high-quality, relevant content that addresses the needs and interests of your target audience.

Actionable Tip: Conduct keyword research using tools like Ahrefs or Moz to identify topics of interest to your audience, and create content that provides valuable insights and solutions.

Is Bad SEO Killing Your Website Traffic

4. Neglecting Technical SEO

Is your website plagued by technical SEO issues? Don’t let these SEO mistakes go unaddressed. Take the time to audit your website for technical issues such as site speed, crawlability, and broken links.

Actionable Tip: Use Google Search Console to identify and fix technical issues on your website, and regularly monitor your site's performance using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights.


5. Neglecting Local SEO

Are you overlooking the power of local SEO? Don’t miss out on potential customers in your area by making this common SEO mistake. Optimize your website for local search by creating and optimizing Google My Business listings, obtaining local citations, and earning positive reviews from satisfied customers.

Actionable Tip: Use Moz Local or BrightLocal to manage and track your local SEO efforts effectively.


6. Failing to Monitor and Adapt

Are you failing to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of SEO? It’s time to make monitoring and adaptation a priority to avoid SEO mistakes that could hold your website back. Stay informed about industry trends and algorithm updates, and be prepared to adjust your SEO strategy accordingly.

 
Actionable Tip: Subscribe to industry-leading SEO blogs and publications, attend SEO conferences and workshops, and utilize SEO tracking tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs to stay ahead of the curve.


7. Keyword Stuffing

Are you stuffing your content with keywords in an attempt to boost your search engine rankings? This outdated tactic is one of the most common SEO mistakes and can harm your website's credibility and user experience. Instead, focus on naturally incorporating keywords into your content in a way that enhances readability and provides value to your audience.

 
Actionable Tip: Use keyword variations and synonyms to create diverse and engaging content that resonates with both search engines and users.

8. Neglecting Image Optimization

Are you overlooking the potential of image optimization for SEO? Images play a crucial role in enhancing user experience and can also contribute to your website's search engine rankings. Ensure that your images are properly optimized to avoid SEO mistakes like neglecting descriptive file names, alt tags, and compressed file sizes.

 Actionable Tip: Use tools like Adobe Photoshop or online image compressors to reduce image file sizes without sacrificing quality, and incorporate relevant keywords into your image file names and alt tags.

9. Neglecting Image Optimization

Are you neglecting internal linking within your website? This SEO mistake can reduce your site's overall performance. Internal links not only help users navigate your site more easily but also distribute link equity throughout your website, improving the visibility of your content in search engine results.

 Actionable Tip: Incorporate relevant internal links within your content to guide users to related topics and pages on your website, and use descriptive anchor text that includes relevant keywords.

10. Neglecting User Experience (UX) and CRM Integration:

Is your website providing a seamless and intuitive user experience? 

Poorly designed websites with confusing navigation, slow load times, and lack of personalized customer interactions can lead to high bounce rates and lower search engine rankings.

A quality CRM can help you better understand customer behavior, manage interactions, and tailor content to meet their needs, which enhances the overall user experience. Prioritize user experience by optimizing site speed, improving navigation, integrating a CRM to personalize interactions, and ensuring mobile responsiveness.

Actionable Tip: Implement a CRM system like HighLevel to track user interactions, analyze customer data, and personalize your website's content and user experience based on this data.

11. Ignoring Social Media Signals

Are you disregarding the influence of social media on SEO? Social signals such as likes, shares, and comments can indirectly impact your website's search engine rankings by increasing brand visibility and driving traffic. Don’t make the SEO mistake of neglecting social media. Engage with your audience on social media platforms to amplify your content and improve your website's authority.

 Actionable Tip: Develop a comprehensive social media strategy that includes regular posting, engagement with followers, and sharing of high-quality content to boost social signals and enhance your website's SEO performance.

Is Bad SEO Killing Your Website Traffic

12. Neglecting Local Citations and Reviews

Are you neglecting the importance of local citations and reviews for local SEO? Consistent and accurate business information across online directories and review platforms can improve your website's visibility in local search results and build trust with potential customers.

 Actionable Tip: Claim and optimize your business listings on popular review platforms such as Google My Business, Yelp, and TripAdvisor, and encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews to enhance your online reputation and local SEO efforts.

13. Neglecting Schema Markup

Are you overlooking the potential of schema markup to enhance your website's visibility in search results? This SEO mistake can result in missed opportunities for rich snippets, which can improve click-through rates and overall search visibility.

 Actionable Tip: Use Google's Structured Data Markup Helper to generate schema markup for your website's content, and incorporate relevant schema markup types such as articles, products, and events to provide search engines with valuable context about your content.

14. Overlooking Long-Tail Keywords

Are you focusing solely on broad, high-volume keywords in your SEO strategy? This common SEO mistake can lead to missed opportunities. Long-tail keywords, which are longer and more specific search queries, often have lower competition and higher conversion rates. By targeting long-tail keywords related to your niche, you can attract highly relevant traffic and improve your website's search rankings.

 
Actionable Tip: Use keyword research tools like SEMrush or Keyword Planner to identify long-tail keywords with moderate search volume and low competition, and create targeted content around these keywords to attract qualified traffic to your website.

15. Neglecting Content Updates and Maintenance

Are you publishing new content but neglecting to update and maintain existing content on your website? Content decay over time can negatively impact your website's search rankings and user experience. Avoid this SEO mistake by regularly auditing and updating your existing content to ensure it remains accurate, relevant, and valuable to your audience.

 
Actionable Tip: Create a content maintenance schedule to regularly review and update existing content on your website, and incorporate new information, statistics, and insights to keep it fresh and engaging for your audience.

16. Ignoring Link Quality

Are you solely focused on building a high volume of backlinks without considering their quality? Low-quality backlinks from spammy or irrelevant websites can harm your website's credibility and authority in the eyes of search engines. Prioritize building high-quality backlinks from reputable and relevant websites to avoid this SEO mistake.

 Actionable Tip: Use backlink analysis tools like Ahrefs or Moz to identify and disavow low-quality backlinks pointing to your website, and focus on building relationships with authoritative websites in your industry to earn high-quality backlinks naturally.

17. Forgetting About Localized Keywords

Are you neglecting the importance of localized keywords for businesses targeting specific geographic locations? This SEO mistake can prevent your site from ranking higher in local search results and attracting customers in your target area.

 Actionable Tip: Incorporate localized keywords strategically into your website's content, meta tags, and headings to optimize it for local search, and create location-specific landing pages to target customers in different geographic areas effectively.

18. Lack of HTTPS Encryption

Are you neglecting website security by not using HTTPS encryption? Websites without HTTPS may be penalized in search rankings, and users may be wary of sharing personal information on insecure sites. Migrate your website to HTTPS to ensure data security and avoid this SEO mistake.

 Actionable Tip: Obtain an SSL certificate from a trusted certificate authority and install it on your web server to enable HTTPS encryption for your website.

19. Overlooking Video Optimization

Are you ignoring the power of video content for SEO? Video content is increasingly popular among users and can improve engagement metrics on your website. Avoid this SEO mistake by optimizing your videos with relevant titles, descriptions, and tags to enhance their visibility in search results.

 Actionable Tip: Host your videos on platforms like YouTube or Vimeo and optimize them with descriptive titles, detailed descriptions, and relevant tags to improve their search visibility.

20. Neglecting User Engagement Signals

Are you disregarding user engagement signals as part of your SEO strategy? Metrics like bounce rate, time on site, and click-through rate provide valuable insights into how users interact with your website. Avoid this SEO mistake by improving user engagement through creating high-quality content and optimizing your website for a positive user experience.

 Actionable Tip: Monitor user engagement metrics in Google Analytics and identify areas for improvement on your website, such as optimizing page load times, improving navigation, and creating compelling calls-to-action.

21. Ignoring Social Media Integration

Are you overlooking the impact of social media on your SEO efforts? Social media signals, such as likes, shares, and comments, can indirectly influence your website's search engine rankings. Avoid this SEO mistake by integrating social media into your overall digital marketing strategy to amplify your content and increase its reach.

 Actionable Tip: Promote your content on social media platforms and encourage social sharing by adding social sharing buttons to your website and blog posts.

Is Bad SEO Killing Your Website Traffic

22. Failing to Optimize for Voice Search

Are you ignoring the rise of voice search as a popular way for users to find information online? Voice search queries are often longer and more conversational than traditional text-based searches. Avoid this SEO mistake by optimizing your website's content for voice search by creating FAQ pages, using natural language, and targeting long-tail keywords.

 Actionable Tip: Research common voice search queries related to your industry and incorporate natural language phrases and long-tail keywords into your website's content.

23. Skipping Local Business Directories

Are you missing out on opportunities to improve your local SEO by neglecting local business directories? Listings in local directories like Yelp, Google My Business, and Bing Places can improve your website's visibility in local search results and attract customers in your area.

 Actionable Tip: Claim and optimize your business listings on popular local directories and ensure that your business information is accurate and up-to-date.

24. Neglecting Website Accessibility

Are you overlooking the importance of website accessibility for SEO? Websites that are accessible to users with disabilities not only provide a better user experience but may also receive a ranking boost in search results. Avoid this SEO mistake by improving website accessibility by following WCAG guidelines and ensuring that your website is navigable and usable for all users.

 Actionable Tip: Use accessibility tools and plugins to evaluate and improve your website's accessibility, and prioritize features like alt text for images, descriptive headings, and keyboard navigation.

25. Not Utilizing Structured Data

Are you missing out on opportunities to enhance your website's appearance in search results with structured data markup? Structured data markup provides search engines with additional context about your content, enabling rich snippets and enhanced search results. Implement structured data markup for your website to avoid this SEO mistake and improve visibility and click-through rates.

 Actionable Tip: Use Schema.org markup to add structured data to your website's content, such as product reviews, recipes, events, and FAQs, and test the markup with Google's Structured Data Testing Tool to ensure accuracy and validity.

26. Lack of Localized Content

Are you neglecting to create content tailored to specific geographic locations? Localized content can help you target audiences in different regions and improve your website's visibility in local search results. Avoid this SEO mistake by creating location-specific landing pages, blog posts, and resources to attract local customers.

Actionable Tip: Conduct keyword research for local terms and create content that addresses the unique needs and interests of audiences in different geographic areas.

28. Lack of Content Promotion and Email Marketing:

Are you failing to promote your content effectively after publishing it? Simply creating great content isn't enough; you need to actively promote it to reach your target audience and attract backlinks. Email marketing is a powerful tool that can help distribute your content directly to your subscribers, driving traffic back to your website and boosting engagement. Additionally, share your content on social media, reach out to influencers and industry experts, and participate in online communities and forums to increase visibility and engagement.


Actionable Tip: Use email marketing platforms like  HighLevel or ActiveCampaign to create targeted email campaigns that promote your latest content, offers, and updates. Ensure your emails include clear calls-to-action that drive readers back to your website.

29. Ignoring Website Analytics

Are you neglecting to monitor and analyze your website's performance using analytics tools? Website analytics provide valuable insights into user behavior, traffic sources, and conversion rates, enabling you to make data-driven decisions and optimize your website for better results. Regularly review key metrics like traffic, bounce rate, conversion rate, and user engagement to identify areas for improvement.

 Actionable Tip: Set up Google Analytics or another analytics tool for your website and regularly review reports to track performance and identify opportunities for optimization.

30. Lack of Patience and Persistence

Are you expecting instant results from your SEO efforts? This is one of the most critical SEO mistakes you can make. SEO is a long-term strategy that requires patience, persistence, and continuous effort. It takes time to see significant improvements in search rankings, traffic, and conversions. Stay committed to your SEO efforts, continue implementing best practices, and monitor results over time to achieve long-term success.

 Actionable Tip: Set realistic goals and expectations for your SEO efforts, track progress regularly, and celebrate small victories along the way to maintain motivation and momentum.

In Conclusion

By avoiding these common SEO mistakes and implementing the strategies outlined above, you'll be well on your way to boosting your website's visibility and attracting a steady stream of qualified leads.

SEO can be a complex and ever-changing landscape. If you're feeling overwhelmed by these SEO mistakes, don't hesitate to schedule a call with our SEO experts. We can help you craft a personalized SEO strategy tailored to your specific business goals and ensure your website conquers the search engine battlefield.

Comments

Jessica Granish

The Wizard Behind The Curtain, Tech And Marketing Integrator

Meet Jessica Granish, a heart-centered trailblazer in the dynamic intersection of tech, marketing, and systems integration.

Free Tech and Marketing Audit Session

How to Maximize Your Online Visibility with our Tech and Marketing 20 Min Rapid Audit.

Free Tech and Marketing Audit Session

How to Maximize Your Online Visibility with our Tech and Marketing 20 Min Rapid Audit

After our Tech and Marketing 20-Min Rapid Audit, you'll walk away with immediate insights and actionable recommendations tailored to enhance your online visibility. Discover quick wins and discover the potential for rapid growth in just a brief session!

Keep Reading...

5 Steps to Build a High-Converting Welcome Email Sequence

5 Steps to Build a High-Converting Welcome Email Sequence

From Seeds to Success: 6 Business Growth Strategies Inspired by Sunflowers

From Seeds to Success: 6 Business Growth Strategies Inspired by Sunflowers

Celebrate Summer Solstice with These 7 Business Growth Tips 🌞

Celebrate Summer Solstice with These 7 Business Growth Tips 🌞

5 Time-Saving Email Marketing Hacks for Busy Entrepreneurs (Without Sacrificing Results)

5 Time-Saving Email Marketing Hacks for Busy Entrepreneurs (Without Sacrificing Results)

7 Keys to Unlocking Email Marketing Visibility & Conversions

7 Keys to Unlocking Email Marketing Visibility & Conversions

10 Steps to Align with Google and Yahoo's Email Requirements

10 Steps to Align with Google and Yahoo's Email Requirements

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Summer Solstice with These 7 Business Growth Tips

Celebrate Summer Solstice with These 7 Business Growth Tips 🌞

Summer Solstice with These 7 Business Growth Tips

Explore 7 actionable strategies to harness the energy of the summer solstice for business growth, inspired by personal reflections and expert insights.

Posted June 20th, 2024 by Jessica Granish


As an online entrepreneur, have you ever felt the pull of the summer solstice? Is it something that you align with at all? Is it part of your Q2 and Q3 business growth goals? 

For me, the summer solstice is more than just the longest day of the year—it's a time of renewal and reflection. As a typical Colorado girl, I enjoy the chance to garden, go to concerts, and escape to the mountains.

 
The summer solstice also holds a special place in my heart because my parents' wedding anniversary always fell right around that time. Even though my mom passed away in 2013, we continue to honor everything they built together, which contributed to the magic of the summer solstice.

 
This blend of personal significance and my passion for business inspires me to infuse the same energy and renewal into my business. While all these strategies are impactful, #6 is my personal favorite


Here’s how you can leverage the energy of Summer Solstice for growth in your business:


1. Revitalize Your Business Vision

The summer solstice marks an ideal time to revamp your business direction. Arianna Huffington, founder of The Huffington Post and a prominent advocate for work-life balance, famously stated, "People think in terms of stories. It's so much easier to remember a story than a set of facts.

Take this opportunity to deeply reflect on your brand’s narrative and strategic positioning. Engage your team in insightful discussions to craft a compelling brand story and refine your strategic approach for enhancing visibility and growth.

Here are some actionable items: you can do:

Schedule a half-day retreat with your key team members to revisit and revise your business vision.
Conduct a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) to identify areas of improvement and opportunity.
Develop a  content strategy that aligns with your brand story, leveraging storytelling techniques to connect with your audience and enhance brand visibility.
People think in terms of stories. It's so much easier to remember a story than a set of facts.

2. Embrace Innovation and Creativity

The heightened energy of the solstice can lead to innovative breakthroughs. Encourage brainstorming sessions and out-of-the-box thinking to solve challenges and explore new opportunities. 

Studies have shown that companies fostering a culture of creativity are significantly more likely to outperform their peers in revenue growth. Embracing innovation will propel your business forward with fresh ideas and solutions.

Here are some actionable items: you can do:

Organize a weekly brainstorming session where team members can share new ideas without judgment.
Use tools like mind maps, like a Miro board to visualize and develop these ideas further.
Implement a "creative hour" each week where employees work on passion projects related to your business.

3. Set Some Stretch Goals

Just as the summer solstice brings the longest day of the year, it's the perfect time to bask in the glow and set your sights on stretch goals. Research indicates that dreaming big can lead to greater happiness and productivity. Encourage your team to harness this energy by setting goals that inspire and excite.

 
Setting what is called stretch goals are ambitious objectives that challenge individuals or teams to achieve significant accomplishments beyond regular targets. Yes, you try to reach them, but they offer bigger vision energy and even if not fully achieved, they are something to work towards.

For instance

Normal Goal: Increase monthly sales by 10% over the next quarter— be steady like a turtle.

 
Stretch Goal: Launch a product so irresistible that it doubles our website traffic and attracts a significant buzz, like a surge of eager customers flocking to a new ice cream truck in summer.

Here are some actionable items: you can do:

Host a "Dream Board" party where team members create vision boards filled with their personal and professional aspirations.
Facilitate a brainstorming session with a twist—encourage everyone to share their wildest ideas without limitations.
Break down these ambitious goals into smaller, actionable steps using the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) criteria to ensure clarity and progress.

4. Strengthen Team Connections and Celebrate Success

The long summer days provide an ideal backdrop for celebrating achievements and encouraging team spirit. Plan engaging activities that bring your team together, creating bonds and boosting morale. 

Recognizing milestones during this vibrant season enhances team cohesion and motivation. Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, wisely notes, “Fun is one of the most important—and underrated—ingredients in any successful venture.”

Here are some actionable items: you can do:

Organize a team-building event such as a company picnic, outdoor adventure, or team sports activity to build camaraderie.
Celebrate milestones with small office gatherings or virtual parties for remote teams, ensuring inclusivity.
Establish a "wall of fame" or digital recognition board to showcase team accomplishments, nurturing a sense of pride and motivation.
Fun is one of the most important and underrated ingredients in any successful venture.

5. Enhance Transparency and Clear Communication

Just as the summer solstice brings clarity and brightness, prioritize transparency within your business. Open communication channels ensure everyone understands and aligns with the company’s vision and goals. Honest and clear communication builds trust and collaboration among team members, essential for success.

Here are some actionable items: you can do:

Implement regular all-hands meetings where updates and progress are shared openly....and make it fun. Nothing worse than a dingy ol' meeting just to have a meeting. Have a theme, dress up, play a game. Have fun with it. 
Create a virtual suggestion box or platform for anonymous feedback to encourage participation from all team members.
Celebrate milestones in transparency, such as successful project launches or achieving team goals, to reinforce the importance of open communication.

6. Take Time Off to Recharge

Taking time to unplug and enjoy the summer with friends and family is crucial for long-term success. While work is important, recharging allows you to reconnect with your business with renewed energy and perspective. As Lily Tomlin, an American actress and comedian, once said, "For fast-acting relief, try slowing down." 

This advice highlights the importance of stepping back, disconnecting from work, and embracing moments of relaxation. By incorporating regular downtime into your schedule, you not only boost your well-being but also enhance your ability to make sound decisions and open your mind and heart to a lot more creativity and creative opportunities.

Here are some actionable items: you can do:

Schedule regular breaks and vacations throughout the summer for yourself and encourage your team to do the same.
Create a company policy that promotes a healthy work-life balance, such as flexible work hours or mental health days.
Plan team outings or retreats that allow everyone to unwind and bond outside of the work environment.

7. Recognize and Reward Success

The summer solstice is a time of celebration and abundance. Recognize and reward the hard work and achievements of your team. Regular acknowledgment of accomplishments fosters a positive and motivated work environment. 

A study by Deloitte revealed that companies with recognition programs have 31% lower voluntary turnover.

Here are some actionable items: you can do:

Create a recognition program that regularly celebrates employee achievements, such as monthly awards.
Give shout-outs during meetings to highlight individual and team successes.
Offer tangible rewards like gift cards, bonuses, or extra time off to recognize outstanding performance.

In Conclusion

As summer unfolds, let the spirit of the solstice guide your business to new heights. Embrace the metaphor of peak energy and light as a guiding principle for growth and innovation. The solstice reminds us that at the height of light and potential, endless opportunities for success arise. 

Align your business strategies with this vibrant energy, and watch as your business flourishes in this season of abundance.

Are you ready to take your business to the next level? 

Book a free, no-strings-attached strategy call with us today. 

Limited spots are available, so seize this opportunity to start your journey towards a brighter, more successful business future.

Comments

Jessica Granish

The Wizard Behind The Curtain, Tech And Marketing Integrator

Meet Jessica Granish, a heart-centered trailblazer in the dynamic intersection of tech, marketing, and systems integration.

Free Tech and Marketing Audit Session

How to Maximize Your Online Visibility with our Tech and Marketing 20 Min Rapid Audit.

Free Tech and Marketing Audit Session

How to Maximize Your Online Visibility with our Tech and Marketing 20 Min Rapid Audit

After our Tech and Marketing 20-Min Rapid Audit, you'll walk away with immediate insights and actionable recommendations tailored to enhance your online visibility. Discover quick wins and discover the potential for rapid growth in just a brief session!

Keep Reading...

5 Steps to Build a High-Converting Welcome Email Sequence

5 Steps to Build a High-Converting Welcome Email Sequence

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5 Time-Saving Email Marketing Hacks for Busy Entrepreneurs (Without Sacrificing Results)

5 Time-Saving Email Marketing Hacks for Busy Entrepreneurs (Without Sacrificing Results)

7 Keys to Unlocking Email Marketing Visibility & Conversions

7 Keys to Unlocking Email Marketing Visibility & Conversions

10 Steps to Align with Google and Yahoo's Email Requirements

10 Steps to Align with Google and Yahoo's Email Requirements

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5 Time-Saving Email Marketing Hacks for Busy Entrepreneurs (Without Sacrificing Results)

 Email Marketing Hacks

Five strategic email marketing hacks designed to help busy entrepreneurs streamline their email campaigns and boost engagement without compromising on results, emphasizing the importance of batching content, automating sequences, using templates, repurposing content, and leveraging data analytics.

Posted June 1st, 2024 by Jessica Granish


Are you tired of feeling like you're wrestling with your inbox instead of running your business? As entrepreneurs, time is our most precious asset, and yet, it often feels like we're drowning in a sea of emails. But fear not! Today, I'm here to share with you five game-changing email marketing hacks specifically designed to rescue you from the overwhelm and reclaim your time, all while boosting your business's bottom line.

 
Today, I'm here to offer a lifeline – five game-changing email marketing hacks that are tailor-made to rescue you from this overwhelm and help you take back control of your time. But first some statistics…


The Staggering Stats of Email's Power:


Before we dive into the juicy hacks, let's prime the pump with some stats that'll make your inner Marketer roar:

Email boasts a staggering ROI of 3200%. That's like turning every dollar you spend on email marketing into 32 bucks. Not too shabby, huh? (Source: DMA)
66% of consumers make a purchase after receiving an email. Boom! Email converts, baby. (Source: Epsilon)
Segmented email campaigns generate 58% more revenue per email. Niche down, personalize, and watch your profits soar. (Source: Mailchimp)

Hack #1: Batch Like a Boss:

Remember that feeling of dread when you face a blank email template, knowing you have to craft a masterpiece before the next client call? Ditch the panic and embrace the power of batching. 

Block out a dedicated chunk of time (think Monday morning coffee hour) and churn out a month's worth of email content in one go. It's like baking cookies: preheat the creativity oven, whip up a batch of engaging topics, and store them in your email platform's drafts for later deployment.

Here are some actional things you can do:

Schedule a sacred time: Block out a dedicated time slot for email content creation. Think "Monday Morning Creative Coffee Hour" or "Thursday Thunderstorm Content Brainstorm."
Pick your favorite productivity tools: Use apps like Trello, Asana, or even a simple Google Doc to organize your email ideas
Brain dump all those brilliant topics: Jot down every possible email topic that comes to mind, no filtering required.
Craft compelling calls to action: Write irresistible CTAs that drive clicks and conversions.
Schedule your emails in advance: Use your email platform's scheduling feature to send emails at optimal times.

Hack #2: Automate Your A.I. Assistant:

Email sequences are your secret weapon for nurturing leads and driving conversions on autopilot. Set up automated email series that welcome new subscribers, educate them about your products, and gently nudge them towards purchase. 

Your email platform will do the heavy lifting, freeing you to conquer other entrepreneurial mountains.

Here are some actional things you can do:

Welcome new subscribers with open arms: Create a warm welcome email series that introduces your brand, values, and offers.
Educate and nurture leads: Develop automated email sequences that provide valuable content, build trust, and guide subscribers towards purchase.
Trigger emails based on behavior: Set up automated emails that respond to specific actions, like abandoned carts, product views, or website visits.
Personalize for a touch of magic: Use dynamic content blocks to personalize emails with names, interests, or purchase history.

Hack #3: Template Transformation:

Stop reinventing the wheel with every email! Craft killer email templates for different campaign types (welcome series, product promotions, abandoned cart reminders) and customize them like you're dressing for a red carpet event. Add your unique brand voice, sprinkle in some witty copy, and voila! Instant email magic, minus the time suck.

Here are some actional things you can do:

Design visually appealing templates: Use design tools like Canva or your email platform's built-in templates to create eye-catching visuals.
Structure for clarity and conversion: Ensure clear navigation, prominent CTA buttons, and mobile responsiveness.
Incorporate your brand personality: Inject your unique voice, tone, and style into every template.
Test and refine: Send test emails to yourself and colleagues to ensure formatting and functionality are flawless.

Hack #4: Repurpose, Repurpose, Repurpose!

Content is king, but creating it from scratch can be a royal pain. Don't let that blog post you wrote gather dust in the digital attic! Repurpose snippets of your best content into bite-sized email nuggets

A paragraph from your latest article can become a catchy email intro, and a customer testimonial from your website can shine in a newsletter segment. Recycle, reuse, and reap the email marketing rewards.

Here are some actional things you can do:

Transform blog posts into email gold: Extract key points, quotes, or statistics from your blog posts and create engaging email snippets.
Share customer testimonials: Showcase glowing reviews and success stories in your emails to build trust and credibility.
Repurpose social media content: Repackage your best-performing social media posts into email format.
Link back to your original content: Drive traffic to your website or blog by including links in your emails.

Hack #5: Data-Driven Mastery:

Knowledge is power, especially in the realm of email marketing. Don't just send emails and hope for the best. Dive into your platform's analytics to uncover insights that can propel your campaigns forward. 

Whether it's improving open rates, refining subject lines, or enhancing CTAs, harness the power of data to optimize your strategies and witness your engagement soar.

Here are some actional things you can do:

Track open rates, click-throughs, and conversions: Analyze these metrics to identify what's working and what needs improvement.
Experiment with different subject lines: Test variations to see what resonates with your audience.
Optimize email send times: Analyze your audience's engagement patterns and adjust delivery times accordingly.
Segment your lists for targeted campaigns: Customize your emails based on subscriber interests, demographics, or purchase behavior.

In Conclusion

Remember, entrepreneurs, email marketing isn't a necessary evil, it's a potent weapon in your arsenal. These hacks are your secret sauce, ready to transform you from inbox gladiator to Zen master of automation. Embrace them, unleash your inner email alchemist, and watch your engagement soar. Your time is precious, your content priceless, and inbox domination awaits.

Sign up for your FREE 20-minute Email Marketing Audit today. We'll analyze your current strategy, pinpoint roadblocks, and map out a personalized roadmap to inbox domination. No strings attached, just pure marketing gold waiting to be mined. 

In just 20 minutes, you'll get:

Personalized feedback on your current email practices.
Expert insights to boost engagement and results.
Some actionable steps you can leave the call with to optimize and maximize your deliverability.

Book a Call Now and release the email marketing beast within your business! 

Comments

Jessica Granish

The Wizard Behind The Curtain, Tech And Marketing Integrator

Meet Jessica Granish, a heart-centered trailblazer in the dynamic intersection of tech, marketing, and systems integration.

Free Tech and Marketing Audit Session

How to Maximize Your Online Visibility with our Tech and Marketing 20 Min Rapid Audit.

Free Tech and Marketing Audit Session

How to Maximize Your Online Visibility with our Tech and Marketing 20 Min Rapid Audit

After our Tech and Marketing 20-Min Rapid Audit, you'll walk away with immediate insights and actionable recommendations tailored to enhance your online visibility. Discover quick wins and discover the potential for rapid growth in just a brief session!

Keep Reading...

5 Steps to Build a High-Converting Welcome Email Sequence

5 Steps to Build a High-Converting Welcome Email Sequence

From Seeds to Success: 6 Business Growth Strategies Inspired by Sunflowers

From Seeds to Success: 6 Business Growth Strategies Inspired by Sunflowers

Is Bad SEO Killing Your Website Traffic? Fix These 30 SEO Mistakes.

Is Bad SEO Killing Your Website Traffic? Fix These 30 SEO Mistakes.

Celebrate Summer Solstice with These 7 Business Growth Tips 🌞

Celebrate Summer Solstice with These 7 Business Growth Tips 🌞

7 Keys to Unlocking Email Marketing Visibility & Conversions

7 Keys to Unlocking Email Marketing Visibility & Conversions

10 Steps to Align with Google and Yahoo's Email Requirements

10 Steps to Align with Google and Yahoo's Email Requirements

© Copyright Alpine Small Business Solutions, LLC.  All Rights Reserved

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Complete The Form Below to get started...

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7 Keys to Unlocking Email Marketing Visibility & Conversions

7 Keys to Unlocking Email Marketing Visibility & Conversions

Email marketing is not just about sending messages; it's decoding the language of engagement. In every open, click, or unsubscribe, there's a narrative—unlocking it is the key to transforming your inbox into a strategic powerhouse.

Posted January 26th, 2024 by Jessica Granish


Do your email marketing messages vanish into the void, devoured by the black hole of unread inboxes? Is your email marketing lacking the essentials it needs to succeed? According to McKinsey, a staggering 70% of emails sent by B2B businesses never even get opened. 😱 It's enough to make you want to rip your hair out. But what if your inbox isn't a curse, but a treasure trove waiting to be unlocked? 📧✨

The truth is, within every inbox lies a buried map to explosive growth. Every unsubscribe, every open, every click whispers a story about your audience, a hidden pathway to skyrocketing ROI. But it's locked away, guarded by robotic blasts and generic, one-size-fits-all campaigns.

 
Forget the doldrums of uninspired spam. Today's email marketing thrives on strategic agility and personalized experiences. It's about cracking the code of your audience, building meaningful relationships, and transforming your inbox into a launchpad for success.


Lets decode the these
7 crucial keys:


1. Foundation in Analytics and Monitoring:

Drowning in data? You're not alone. 59% of marketers struggle to navigate the inbox analytics flood. Ditch the guesswork! Continuously monitor three key metrics:

Authentication records: Are your emails reaching inboxes or languishing in spam folders? Check SPF, DKIM, and DMARC protocols to ensure your emails come from a trusted source.
Engagement metrics: Opens, clicks, and unsubscribes tell a story. Monitor these insights to understand what resonates with your audience and what falls flat. Use A/B testing to identify winning content and subject lines.
Deliverability performance: Are your emails bouncing back or hitting inboxes? Track bounce rates and delivery rates to assess your sender reputation and identify technical issues.

Actionable Steps:

Set up automated dashboards to track key metrics in real-time.
Invest in analytics tools that go beyond basic open rates and delve deeper into audience behavior.
Schedule regular reviews of your analytics data to identify areas for improvement.

2. Feedback Loops: Your Real-Time Radar:

Don't get lost in the inbox wilderness! Email service providers offer feedback loops, your real-time radar for spotting disengaged audiences and avoiding spam storms. These insights let you:

Tweak content: Ditch duds, amplify hits, and keep audiences hooked. Analyze unsubscribe reasons and negative feedback to identify content that turns people off. Refine your messaging and tailor it to different segments.
Dodge spam flags: Stay squeaky clean and land in coveted inboxes. Monitor spam complaint rates and implement best practices for email authentication and list hygiene.
Build sender cred: Deliver like a pro and watch your reputation soar. Respond promptly to unsubscribe requests and maintain a high engagement rate to improve your sender score.

Actionable Steps:

Enable feedback loops in your email service provider and review them regularly.
Create targeted segments based on feedback data to deliver more relevant content.
Implement double opt-in for email signups to ensure a clean and engaged list.

3. Adjusting the Sails: Metrics for Course Correction:

Like a ship adjusting its sails to navigate changing winds, your email strategy requires periodic adjustments. Analyzing key metrics such as bounce rates, open rates, and click-through rates guides your course correction. It ensures your emails not only reach the intended destination but also resonate with your audience.

 
Remember: Subject lines can make or break (64% open based solely on headline!). A/B test different subject lines and formats to find what grabs attention.

Actionable Steps:

Set benchmarks for your key metrics and track progress over time.
Identify areas where your performance is lagging and experiment with different strategies to improve.
Use heatmaps, and click tracking tools to, like Hotjar understand how recipients interact with your emails.

Hotjar is a freemium tool that is a web analytics and feedback tool that helps website owners understand user behavior through features like heatmaps, session recordings, surveys, and feedback forms. It provides valuable insights to optimize the user experience and improve website performance.


4. Adaptation in a Dynamic Landscape:

Email marketing is a living voyage, not a static map. Regularly rechart your course – authentication protocols, content formats, and engagement strategies – to navigate evolving currents. Embrace new technologies and adapt to changing audience preferences.

 
Remember: Security matters (85% of B2B buyers prioritize it!). Stay updated on the latest authentication protocols like DMARC and implement best practices for data security to build trust with your audience.

Actionable Steps:

Stay informed about emerging trends and technologies in email marketing.
Conduct competitor analysis to see what others are doing and identify opportunities for differentiation.
Regularly review your email strategy and adjust your approach based on new data and insights.

5. Looking Back to Move Forward: The Value of Hindsight:

Past campaigns hold buried treasure! Analyze them to identify winning strategies and avoid hidden reefs. This retrospective view steers your future emails towards profitable shores.

 
Remember: Personalized emails bring 6x the rewards! Analyze past campaigns to identify segments that responded well to personalization and replicate those successes in future campaigns.

Actionable Steps:

Conduct post-campaign reports to analyze performance and identify areas for improvement.
Look for patterns and correlations between specific content elements and engagement metrics.
Segment your audience based on past engagement data and tailor your messaging accordingly.

6. Beyond the Digital Sea: Tangible Impact Ahoy!

Robust email management extends beyond the digital realm; it has a tangible impact on your brand reputation, customer engagement, and regulatory compliance. Navigating the complexities of email regulations, ensuring data security, and maximizing deliverability fortify your business against potential pitfalls.

 
Remember: Customer churn costs! The average cost of losing a customer is 5 times the cost of acquiring a new one. Building strong customer relationships through effective email management reduces churn and boosts customer lifetime value.

Actionable Steps:

Align your email strategy with your overall brand story and voice to create a consistent experience across all channels. This fosters trust and brand recognition, leading to increased customer loyalty.
Nurture leads and customers through well-designed email sequences that educate, engage, and convert. Use automated workflows to trigger personalized emails based on specific actions or milestones, keeping your audience engaged and moving towards your desired outcomes.
Implement customer segmentation and personalization to deliver relevant content that resonates with individual preferences and needs. This can include welcome series, abandoned cart reminders, targeted product recommendations, and birthday greetings. Personalization not only increases engagement but also drives higher conversion rates and revenue.

7. Embracing a Holistic Approach:

In essence, email management is not merely a series of technical tasks; it's a holistic approach to fostering growth, building meaningful customer relationships, and ensuring a positive impact on your bottom line.

 
Remember: Omnichannel integration unlocks success! 72% of marketers report that integrating email with other marketing channels improves campaign performance. Aligning your email strategy with your overall marketing approach optimizes your reach and impact.

Actionable Steps:

Develop a unified marketing strategy that combines email with other channels like social media, content marketing, and paid advertising. Create consistent messaging and user experiences to maximize awareness and engagement.
Track and analyze the performance of your campaigns to identify areas for improvement and optimize your overall marketing strategy. By understanding how different channels work together, you can make data-driven decisions to increase ROI and achieve your marketing goals.
Invest in marketing automation tools that streamline your email marketing efforts and integrate with other channels.

In Conclusion

By embracing a holistic approach to email management and integrating it with your overall marketing strategy, you can unlock its true potential as a powerful tool for driving growth, building loyalty, and achieving lasting success.

As you navigate the evolving landscape of business communication, a strategic focus on effective email management stands as a key driver for your continued success. Embrace the future of your email marketing success by taking proactive steps today. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting, I'm committed to assisting you in seamlessly adapting to the evolving landscape of email standards.

Don't wait for email purgatory to strike! Take control of your deliverability TODAY with a FREE 20-minute no-strings consultation and email audit!

In just 20 minutes, you'll get:

Personalized feedback on your current email practices.
Expert insights to boost engagement and results.
Some actionable steps you can leave the call with to optimize and maximize your deliverability.

Book a Call Now and let us work with you towards a more robust and effective email marketing future.

Comments

Jessica Granish

The Wizard Behind The Curtain, Tech And Marketing Integrator

Meet Jessica Granish, a heart-centered trailblazer in the dynamic intersection of tech, marketing, and systems integration.

Free Tech and Marketing Audit Session

How to Maximize Your Online Visibility with our Tech and Marketing 20 Min Rapid Audit.

Free Tech and Marketing Audit Session

How to Maximize Your Online Visibility with our Tech and Marketing 20 Min Rapid Audit

After our Tech and Marketing 20-Min Rapid Audit, you'll walk away with immediate insights and actionable recommendations tailored to enhance your online visibility. Discover quick wins and unlock the potential for rapid growth in just a brief session!

Keep Reading...

5 Steps to Build a High-Converting Welcome Email Sequence

5 Steps to Build a High-Converting Welcome Email Sequence

From Seeds to Success: 6 Business Growth Strategies Inspired by Sunflowers

From Seeds to Success: 6 Business Growth Strategies Inspired by Sunflowers

Is Bad SEO Killing Your Website Traffic? Fix These 30 SEO Mistakes.

Is Bad SEO Killing Your Website Traffic? Fix These 30 SEO Mistakes.

Celebrate Summer Solstice with These 7 Business Growth Tips 🌞

Celebrate Summer Solstice with These 7 Business Growth Tips 🌞

5 Time-Saving Email Marketing Hacks for Busy Entrepreneurs (Without Sacrificing Results)

5 Time-Saving Email Marketing Hacks for Busy Entrepreneurs (Without Sacrificing Results)

10 Steps to Align with Google and Yahoo's Email Requirements

10 Steps to Align with Google and Yahoo's Email Requirements

© Copyright Alpine Small Business Solutions, LLC.  All Rights Reserved

(Step 1 of 2)

Complete The Form Below to get started...

To start the process of your Tech and Marketing 20-Min Rapid Audit

We process your personal data as stated in our Privacy Policy. You may withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any of our emails.

Close

10 Steps to Align with Google and Yahoo’s Email Requirements

While the new email requirements primarily target large bulk senders, it's essential for all email senders to take note. What applies to high-volume senders today may become a requirement for all in the future.

Posted January 12th, 2024 by Jessica Granish


In the ever-evolving realm of email marketing, 2024 promises to be a pivotal year as Google and Yahoo roll out mandatory email requirements that could impact the delivery of your emails. In this blog post, we'll explore why these changes are happening, why they matter to every email sender, and provide a comprehensive checklist of five crucial steps to ensure compliance.

Why Google and Yahoo are Changing the Rules for Bulk Email Senders

Authentication has always been a best practice in email marketing, but not all senders have embraced the necessary tools to safeguard their emails. Failure to authenticate emails leaves room for bad actors to impersonate domains and engage in phishing, which can significantly harm a sender's reputation.

Google and Yahoo are taking a proactive stance to protect their users from spam and unwanted emails. Recognizing the critical role of proper email authentication, they have elevated it from a best practice to a non-negotiable requirement. To ensure your emails continue reaching the inbox, compliance with key authentication and spam prevention practices is paramount.

This includes:

Authenticating emails using DKIM, SPF, and DMARC.
Providing a one-click unsubscribe option and honoring unsubscribes within two days.
Reducing spam and maintaining a spam complaint rate under 0.3%

Why These Changes Matter for Every Email Sender

While the new requirements primarily target large bulk senders, it's essential for all email senders to take note. What applies to high-volume senders today may become a requirement for all in the future. Operating in the "barely compliant" zone is not a thoughtful or growth oriented strategy, even for smaller senders or those dealing primarily with transactional emails.

Whether you send a handful or millions of emails, prioritizing domain protection, spam prevention, and adherence to deliverability best practices is crucial for maintaining a healthy email program and keeping subscribers safe.

Avoiding the Spam Folder:
The infamous spam folder, a virtual purgatory for emails deemed unworthy by filters. Landing in this digital abyss means your message might never see the light of a recipient's inbox. It's the nemesis of email marketers, a place where even well-intentioned emails can find themselves, lost and unseen.

Navigating spam filters is crucial for ensuring your messages reach their destination. Understanding the factors of the dreaded spam folder is the first step in the battle for inbox visibility.


Checklist: 10 Steps to Ensure Compliance


Step 1: Understand Your Sending Domains

Before sending emails through Postmark, ensure your domains are authenticated. Validate individual email addresses or authenticate entire domains by making necessary DNS tweaks. Head to the Sender Signatures tab to review the status of each domain.

Step 2: Authenticate with Custom DKIM

Implement custom DKIM signatures to confirm your legitimacy as a sender and verify message integrity. Add a TXT record to your domain's DNS following Postmark's guidance.

Step 3: Authenticate with Custom SPF

Replace Postmark's default Return-Path domain with your own to enhance SPF authentication. Set up a custom Return-Path by adding a CNAME record to your DNS.

Step 4: Set Up DMARC

Implement DMARC to monitor email senders using your domain and instruct receivers on handling unauthenticated emails. Even if you're not a high-volume sender, setting up DMARC is recommended.

Step 5: Register with Google Postmaster Tools

Register your domain with Google Postmaster Tools to monitor spam complaint rates. Keep your spam complaint rate below 0.3% to maintain a positive sender reputation.

Step 6: Segment Your Email List Strategically

Divide your email list based on user demographics, preferences, and behavior. Implementing targeted segmentation allows for personalized content delivery, increasing the relevance and impact of your messages.

Step 7: Implement List Hygiene Practices

Regularly clean your email list by removing inactive or disengaged subscribers. A clean and focused list improves deliverability and reduces the risk of spam complaints.

Step 8: Monitor Email Deliverability Metrics

Regularly track key deliverability metrics, such as bounce rates, open rates, and click-through rates. Analyzing these metrics provides insights into the performance of your email campaigns and helps identify areas for improvement.

Step 9: Conduct A/B Testing

Implement A/B testing for different elements of your emails, such as subject lines, content, and call-to-action buttons. Analyzing the results allows you to refine your email strategy for improved engagement and effectiveness.

Step 9: Conduct A/B Testing

Review and optimize your unsubscribe process to make it as straightforward as possible for users. This not only ensures compliance with regulations but also contributes to a positive user experience.


Understanding DKIM, SPF, and DMARC

Email authentication methods—DKIM, SPF, and DMARC—are the foundation of securing your email communications.

DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail): This cryptographic authentication method adds a digital signature to your emails, verifying that they come from a legitimate source and have not been tampered with during transit.
SPF (Sender Policy Framework): SPF specifies which servers are authorized to send emails on behalf of your domain. It helps prevent spammers from forging your domain in the "From" address of their messages.
DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance): DMARC builds upon DKIM and SPF by providing a policy framework for email authentication. It allows domain owners to specify how their emails should be handled if they fail authentication checks and provides reporting on these actions.

Impact on Email Deliverability and Engagement

Adhering to these email authentication standards directly impacts your email deliverability and engagement metrics.

Deliverability: Proper authentication signals to email service providers that your emails are legitimate, reducing the likelihood of your messages being marked as spam or ending up in recipients' junk folders.
Engagement: By following best practices, you enhance the overall user experience. Subscribers are more likely to engage positively with authenticated emails, leading to improved open rates and click-through rates.

In short, email authentication is not just about compliance; it's a fundamental strategy for ensuring your emails are delivered and well-received.


Email Marketing Software Compatibility

Ensure your email marketing software supports and facilitates the implementation of DKIM, SPF, and DMARC.

User-Friendly Interfaces: Look for platforms with user-friendly interfaces that simplify the process of setting up and managing authentication protocols.
Automated Configuration: Some platforms offer automated configuration options, streamlining the setup of DKIM and SPF records in your DNS.

Understanding how your chosen email marketing software integrates with these authentication methods can save time and make the implementation process smoother.


Continuous Monitoring and Adjustments

Implementing email authentication is not a one-time task; it requires continuous monitoring and adjustments.

Regular Audits: Periodically audit your authentication records and configurations to ensure they remain up-to-date and aligned with best practices.
Feedback Loops: Leverage feedback loops provided by email service providers to monitor recipient feedback, especially regarding spam complaints. Use this data to refine your email practices.

Regularly revisiting and adjusting your approach to email authentication ensures ongoing compliance and optimal performance.


Tips for Maintaining a Low Spam Complaint Rate

Maintaining a low spam complaint rate is crucial for sustaining a positive sender reputation.

Engaging Content: Craft engaging and relevant content to reduce the likelihood of recipients marking your emails as spam.
Segmentation: Segment your email list based on user preferences and behavior to send more targeted and personalized content.
List Cleaning: Regularly clean your email list by removing inactive or disengaged subscribers to minimize the risk of spam complaints.

By implementing these tips, you not only improve your spam complaint rate but also foster a healthier relationship with your subscribers.


Upcoming Industry Trends and Predictions

Looking ahead to the future of email marketing, several trends and predictions are on the horizon:

Enhanced Personalization: Expect a continued emphasis on personalized and targeted email content to meet evolving customer expectations.
AI and Automation Integration: The integration of artificial intelligence and automation tools will become more prevalent, allowing for smarter and more efficient email campaigns.
Stricter Security Measures: Anticipate additional security measures and standards being introduced to combat evolving threats and protect user data.
Interactive Email Experiences: Email content will become more interactive, with the integration of quizzes, polls, and other engaging elements to enhance user interactivity.

Keeping an eye on these trends allows you to stay ahead of the curve, ensuring your email marketing strategies remain effective and innovative in the ever-changing digital landscape.


In Conclusion

Adapting to these changes is not just a necessity for compliance but a strategic move to safeguard your sender reputation and ensure the continued success of your email campaigns in 2024 and beyond.

In the dynamic landscape of email marketing, adapting to industry changes is not just a necessity but a strategic move to safeguard your sender reputation and ensure the continued success of your campaigns. As you embark on the journey to meet Google and Yahoo's new requirements, remember that the process of upgrading your email authentication practices can be complex, but you don't have to navigate it alone.

I'm here to help you seamlessly transition to the enhanced standards set by Gmail and Yahoo. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or just starting, making these upgrades is a proactive step towards safeguarding your email program's health and ensuring your messages reach the right audience.

Don't wait until issues arise; take charge of your email deliverability now. If you have questions, need assistance, or want to ensure your email marketing practices are in top shape, I invite you to book a call with me. Let's collaborate to elevate your email marketing strategy and propel your business forward. Your success is just a call away.

Book a Call Now and let us work with you towards a more robust and effective email marketing future.

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Jessica Granish

The Wizard Behind The Curtain, Tech And Marketing Integrator

Meet Jessica Granish, a heart-centered trailblazer in the dynamic intersection of tech, marketing, and systems integration.

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14 Opportunities and Ideas to Help Add Additional Income During the Pandemic

Hello loves!  I wanted to share some information that may be helpful for those that recently were laid off and/or you are looking to supplement your income during and beyond the Convid-19 Pandemic. Like many online business owners,  I have a unique birdseye view because of the work that I do and the business I run. None of it is a secret or a ninja trick, and much of it you already have likely heard about, so most of it is just a re-iteration.  

I have compiled a list of 14 opportunities and ideas to help add additional income during the pandemic for yourself and your family in these times of uncertainty.  

As we start to do more and more delivery and curbside shopping, eating and etc… we will see that we simply do not have the force to support it.  Here are places that you can look into if you are looking for work.

1) Grocery stores are hiring and their services are in high demand.  Check into Clicklist and Instacart shoppers particularly

2) Doordash and Uber Eat Drivers – Even Pizza Delivery as well

3) Talk to your local marijuana dispensers and liquor stores – See about helping them with their curbside services…and in some cases delivery options

4) Amazon warehouses are hiring as well as drivers and customer service agents.  Amazon alone is providing over 100k jobs

5) Become a secret shopper.  I know that times are different right now, but there are many online secret shopping opportunities, for instance, customer service secret shopping with Expedia.  The restaurant and retail store options won’t be available (unless they pivot) is my guess, but there are other opportunities. Let me preface that this is NOT a huge moneymaker, but it is great for supplemental income. https://www.bestmark.com/  I always had fun with secret shopping and I think you could too.

If you are looking at making some extra money in the online sphere here are some pretty great options. 

6) For online work look into https://jobs.sykes.com/ , these are customer service jobs that you can do from home.  You must have a dedicated phone line (not a cell phone) and highspeed internet. 

7) Working Solutions is another home-based customer service opportunity as well – www.workingsolutions.com/

8) United Health Care for those that work in more of a medical field, they are hiring to help with the influx of calls that are coming in.  

9) If you have a special craft, like content writing, graphic design, etc… you can look into www.upwork.com  or www.guru.com and if you make and sell your own goods, look at facebook market place, www.etsy.com and www.ebay.com.   

10) I realize that the stock market is a pretty scary place right now, but it also offers a lot of opportunities.  Stocks are at a record low right now. The market will not be this unstable forever and it is guaranteed that there will be a boom (just don’t know when).  The beauty of that is if you can get in at a cheap buy-in, like now, it could provide a huge return in 6-months. Only look into this if you feel empowered to do so.  You can start up through Robinhood, which is a free platform for buying and selling stocks in the stock market. It is pretty intuitive and if you use this link you can earn free stock to start your journey with. Truly investing in stock (if you have the means) now might set you up for life. It could be like buying Amazon in 1997 if you get my drift!  For Robinhood, though, it doesn’t require any investment right now, just sign up, get your free stock and start dabbling. Use this link to get your free stock >>> https://bit.ly/freerobinhoodstock-jg 

11) For those that are toying with taking their business or ideas to Facebook, I have a free mini-training “8 Ways to Revive your Facebook Business Page Organic Reach” that you can take. It is a tiny bit outdated, but the content is still very relevant. www.va.alpinesbsolutions.com  

12) If you are looking to take your vision into an online setting and getting serious about taking this time to pivot instead of panic, I would like to offer up some of my time to help you brainstorm. While I do have limited time,  I still would like to offer up my own time as a resource. I am offering free 30 minute consults for a limited amount of folks (no strings attached, just value, value, value) the rest of the month. Private message me if you are interested.  

13) I am also working on some additional free training and webinars to help people with making supplemental income online or to finally start your own online business journey.  If you have a topic you would like me to touch on or have someone in the community talk about, please private message me or put your request below.

14) Lastly (for now), I would love to create a container for those interested to network together and join in on the opportunity to join think tanks, masterminds, engagement circles, and other self-promotion threads so we can all build each other up, stay connected, and love one another.

Do you have things to share or add to my list, please do? The more the merrier. The more information we can put out there the better.  I will continue to harvest more ideas around this as the days and weeks unfold.  

For those that are in a position to help, please help people, offer your time and what resources you can. This is a time to band together, practice impeccable hygiene, be compassionate and remember we are all in this together.  Do not lead in fear…keep being amazing and I am rooting for those that are having a hard time. Please share with someone that you think might benefit from this information as well. I love you!

Mindset Impacts Everything

Mindset impacts everything. Our thoughts, energy and most of all, the actions we take.

More than 30 years ago, Carol Dweck and her colleagues became interested in people’s attitudes about failure. After studying the behavior of thousands of students, Dr. Dweck coined the terms “fixed mindset” and “growth mindset” to describe the underlying beliefs people have about learning and intelligence. What is a growth mindset vs a fixed mindset? Glad you asked!

  • Growth Mindset: Intelligence can be developed
  • Fixed Mindset: Intelligence is static; “fixed trait.”

 

Growth Mindset

  1. Embrace challenges
  2. Persist in the face of setbacks
  3. See effort as the path to mastery
  4. Learn from criticism
  5. Find lessons and inspiration in the success of others

Individuals who believe their talents can be developed (through hard work, good strategies, and input from others.) As a result, they achieve more success because they worry less about looking smart and they put more energy into learning.

Fixed Mindset

  1. Avoid challenges
  2. Give up easily
  3. See effort as fruitless
  4. Ignore useful negative feedback
  5. Feel threatened by the success of others

Those with a fixed mindset spend their time documenting their intelligence or talent instead of developing them. Excessive concern with looking smart keeps you from making bold, visionary moves. If you’re afraid of making mistakes, you’ll never learn on the job and your whole approach becomes defensive.

-H3-

Whether you’re aware of it or not, you keep a running account of what’s happening, what it means, and what you should so. Our minds are constantly monitoring and interpreting. That’s just how we stay on track. Mindset frames the running account of what is taking place. It guides the whole interpretation process.

The fixed mindset creates an internal dialogue that is focused on judging. And people react with feelings of anxiety, depression, or anger. Or superiority. “This means I’m a loser.” “This means I’m a better person than they are.” “This means I’m a bad wife.” “This means my partner is selfish.”

An internal monologue of a growth mindset person is not about judging themselves or others. They listen for learning and constructive action: “What can I learn from this?” “How can I improve?” “How can I help my partner do this better?”

Change Your Mindset

Changing from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset is not like surgery; you can’t remove a fixed mindset and replace it with a growth mindset. You must work on nurturing a positive, growth mindset. These are tips from Dr. Dweck, herself:

  1. Learn to hear your fixed mindset, “voice.”

As you face criticism, you might feel yourself getting angry at the person giving you feedback. The other person might be giving constructive feedback, but you hear “I’m really disappointed in you. I thought you were capable but now I see you’re not.”

  1. Recognize that you have a choice.

How you interpret challenges, setbacks, and criticism is your choice. You can choose to interpret them as signs to ramp up your strategies, stretch yourself and expand your abilities.

  1. Take the growth mindset action.

As you approach a challenge, choose to say: “I think I can learn to with time and effort.” “If I don’t try, I automatically fail.” “If I don’t take responsibility, I can’t fix it. Let me listen and learn what I can.”

Practice hearing both voices, and practice acting on a growth mindset. Nurturing a positive, growth mindset creates profound changes in your personal life and determines your ceiling of success. Your Mind is a garden, your thoughts are the seeds. You can grow flowers, or you can grow weeds.

Need help nurturing that mindset contact me today!

What is Facebook Live? 6 Tips on How to Use It

While Facebook Live has been available for a while for elite users, the tool finally made its way to the average user. Facebook is beginning to push for users to take advantage of this great tool, even altering the Facebook News Feed algorithm so Live Videos rank higher. As a result, the tool is growing in popularity in the marketing world and is becoming a new resources social media marketers need to take advantage of. Using Facebook Live is relatively simple, but there are a few tricks of the trade to ensure the live videos meet a marketer’s goals.

What is Facebook Live?

Facebook Live allows users to share live video from their mobile devices. The option is included in the iOS app so there’s nothing you need to download. Individuals create a Facebook Live video from their personal account, and marketers can create this video and then share it to their organization’s page.

Mark Zuckerburg’s goal for Facebook Live is for the tool to offer “a way for people to have a more authentic and intimate experience sharing about their lives.”

This goal, of course, fits right into a marketer’s efforts to humanize their organization and foster relationships with their audience. Marketers can use Facebook Live in a variety of ways: sharing a daily/weekly message, hosting a question and answer session with someone, sharing breaking industry or company news, sharing industry secrets, walking audiences through the steps of a how-to, product or service demo, providing a behind the scenes glimpse, the list goes on and on!

fblivestream7 Tips on How to Use Facebook Live

Part of the beauty of Facebook Live is the opportunity for spontaneity by organizations-but that doesn’t mean marketers should abandon any planning or strategy! Marketers can be intentional about how they create videos to ensure they gain the most marketing bang for the buck when they create scripted or spontaneous videos. The tips below will help you be as effective as possible when creating Facebook Live videos, and follow the timeline of before the live video, during the live video, and after the live video.

  1. Identify the focus and purpose of the video. You don’t need to write a script word for word, but as with any social media marketing effort you do need a clear understanding of why you are doing it. Ensuring your video has a clear and concise focus prevents it from becoming a convoluted rambling video that will bore audiences. Articulating the purpose of the video helps shape the direction of the video, and provides a foundation for measuring whether the goal of the video was met.
  2. Inform followers of an upcoming live video. Make sure your followers know you are planning on streaming and what time they can expect the video with a simple post (“live streaming our fundraising event in an hour”). To kill two birds with one stone, you can later tweak that informative post to make it the description of the video when you create it. You can even have views subscribe to know when you are going live.
  3. Pursue variety in the video itself and among the videos you create. In each video, vary your voice and use front and back cameras to change up the scenery to keep your audiences engaged. Utilize a variety of topics and structures when you create videos. Just like you wouldn’t follow the same Facebook post structure each day, don’t fall into a predictable video pattern either.
  4. Interact with followers. During the live streaming, viewers can send in comments. When relevant, acknowledge individual users and answer their questions or respond to their comments. Give them a personal shout out! This is a great, simple way to really strengthen that relationship and show your organization’s devotion to its consumers.
  5. Include a call to action. Always. Always. Always. In your marketing you want your customer to DO something. Give them a task. Give them somewhere to go. Every social media effort needs a call to action, and live videos are no different. A call to action can be as simple as encouraging people to visit a website, sign up for your newsletter, or send them to your lead page. But use a call to action to keep the relationship going.
  6. Edit the video. After the video is published, go back and make sure the thumbnail, category, and call to action clearly represent the video’s focus. Always be thinking of your brand. Does this video match what you want to represent?
  7. Play around with various broadcast lengths and times. Just as you should be with post creation, vary up the length of video and the time you stream to see when your audience is most responsive.

fblive2
Make sure you go Live often and be creative. Have fun with it and enjoy getting to know your fans!

Facebook Live offers many different uses for marketers to reach their audience in an engaging and personable way. If you know you want to take advantage of this great tool, but aren’t sure how to get started or want guidance, Alpine Small Business Solutions is here for you! We’d love to help guide you through Facebook Live video (or any other aspect of business building). Just shoot us an email or call us on up!