Tag Archives: Social Media Marketing

Business, Marketing

Branding A Hobby: Why Simple Marketing Is Worth The Investment Of Time

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In this day and age of blogging, vlogging, Youtube channels, and social media platforms, people can turn a weekend hobby into something more serious, that if there is a demand for it could lead to bigger and better opportunities that could result in making a profit. Many of these hobbyists continue chugging along, putting countless hours into something they love, but have a hard time getting noticed due to bigger or more experienced blogs, bloggers, or Youtube channels. To remedy this, there are resources and tools at the disposal of these people to help grow their following base, and create that interest that’s been lacking without simple marketing techniques.

Because you’re on the Internet, social media is the best way to go when creating exposure. Also known as social media marketing, sharing content on your social media platforms that connect to your blog or YouTube channel will pay immediate dividends, especially when it comes to Twitter. Hashtags can be used to reach like-minded individuals who are actively searching for content in that particular hobby, and you can connect with those people as well to grow a socially engaged audience. By posting on Twitter, you’re also putting out content that could be read by companies or professionals in the industry that your hobby is a part of, something that you can’t do on Facebook as easily since you’d have to look to advertising.

Twitter alone can be a powerful tool to help grow a following. With Facebook, you can share not only your content but the content of other blogs and businesses in that field. Commenting regularly on posts and giving out quality, well thought out opinions can also create exposure, as other commenters might be interested in what other information you could provide. But don’t spam these Facebook pages with, “Like our page” or other generic comments that could prove to be costly in both the short and long term.

The biggest mistake some Youtubers make is that they don’t promote their social media pages. A majority of the views videos get on Youtube are from people who don’t have Youtube accounts of their own, which means they won’t be subscribing and will not receive notifications when you post a new video. That’s where promoting your Facebook page and Twitter account is important. At the end of each video mention your social media accounts and what they offer that might be different from Youtube, give them a reason to follow. Make the viewers aware that you’re on other sites where you can be reached or followed anytime, anywhere.

The 21st century has been very kind to hobbyists, and it’s important to take advantage of the opportunities technology has given you. Social media marketing takes some time and effort, but if you’re willing to put in the time to post blog articles and YouTube videos, you certainly have enough time to grow a following on social media and get the exposure you deserve.

Business, Marketing

When Is It Time To Own The Content And Information You Share?

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You’ve probably been in the lunch room during college or at work and hear the smart person quoting other people’s work, but because no one knows what that person is talking about, he or she is deemed smart. The same can be said for bloggers, and in this case, it’s extremely important to not just quote other people’s work without putting your own two cents into the conversation and topic. Bloggers and aspiring professionals in a particular industry must separate themselves from the endless amounts of books they’ve read and start owning the knowledge they have while also giving credit to where it’s due.

I’ve mentioned before in a previous article that I am a follower of Gary Vaynerchuck. His insight and knowledge in the social media marketing world has been far ahead of everyone else’s, as he’s made bold statements concerning certain social media platforms and a few months later he’s correct. He also has a weekly vlog and podcast that answers viewers’ and listeners’ questions, which in the process answers the questions I have on branding my own business and blogs. In conversations with friends, I give credit to the knowledge I share to Vaynerchuck, but I don’t quote every word.

What Gary and other entrepreneurs who have blogs and share content have done is laid the foundation for further expansion and vertical growth. The minute I don’t put my two cents in, and expound upon the knowledge he’s sharing, I’m stunting my own professional growth while also showing my audience that I can’t think for myself. Bloggers are in a sense entrepreneurial, in that they’re willing to work hard to display their talent in a particular industry and grow their passion into something more than a hobby. With that said, many bloggers only quote others and do not put their opinion into the topic, making them no different than someone else’s blog and cheating themselves out of the opportunity to share an opinion that could change the industry they write about.

For the car enthusiasts out there, you’ve most likely read countless articles with the same opinion towards Cadillacs. Whether these beliefs are true, why isn’t there a blog or news outlet that test drives their cars, writes an accurate review, whether it will change the mind of the reader or not, and go against common belief.

The lack of personal input is why blogs fail. Yes, SEO, social media, and writing content consistently will get you noticed, it’s the unique content that brings value to the reader that creates a loyal following and growth in views and exposure. Own the content and information you’re providing. If there is an interesting news story or article in an industry that excites you, put your opinion or input into the content that you share. Not only will that make for a better read, but you now have a double-dose of content for the reader to digest; the original content and the two cents you provide that will make the viewer think about their biases.

Bloggers have the opportunity to be innovators and entrepreneur-like thinkers. Use the social media outlets and blogging tools to help promote your content. Don’t be that person who is considered smart because you can quote big words from a book, be insightful while also being smart. Give the reader quality content and they’ll return. Being unique is how people remember who you are, and always have that mentality whether you’re a blogger or a business owner.

Business, Marketing

Small Businesses Can Learn A Lot From Colonial Entrepreneurs

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shopping @ the greenhow store
happy via / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND

If you live in or near a city that was a major hub for one of the Thirteen Colonies, there is much more history to learn that doesn’t pertain to the Revolution, but more importantly how small businesses operated in the 18th century. While I know there will be a few who will roll their eyes because there is the perception that these business methods are outdated in the 21st century. That attitude couldn’t be more wrong. The way these entrepreneurs lived and worked on a daily basis can easily be applied to how we conduct business with other small businesses today.

In the 18th century, what was marketing? There was no yellow books yet, newspapers were only a handful of pages thick at best, printing presses were just becoming the revolutionizing method of the distribution of news, and the town cryer wasn’t one of those TV marketers who yells at the screen to buy the product now. So how did small businesses acquire clients, besides being on a street with a lot of foot traffic? It was being selfless, while also looking to gain a profit for themselves.

In a day in which we all want everything, and have this attitude as to what the other person can do for me, business owners and entrepreneurs of the 18th century were more concerned about helping their neighbors and fellow business owners than we are today. Small businesses were connected through the needs that they offered and services they provided. If the butcher needed clothes, the small clothing store made them and delivered it to him; and when the clothes store owner needed meat the butcher would then help that individual.

While this sounds like one of those feel good stories where everyone in the town is all wearing smiles, there is a process to this way of business that supersedes the business transaction itself. Both stores and business owners will get exposure through word of mouth. If someone asks the butcher where he got those clothes, he refers that person to the clothing store he got them from, and the business cycle continues to spin from there. In the 21st century however, we’re more concerned about making the quick business transaction, cash the check and move on to the next client. By building strong business relationships with other small businesses as the colonials did, the endless referrals from that happy customer will be worth more than the ROI on a marketing campaign.

Even in the relative modern world, during the 1920’s and 1930’s, this way of business was still alive, and the endless cycle of helping the business owner next to him, which created referrals and exposure for both companies were highly effective. When big businesses took over, we all lost what American entrepreneurship and business was all about. Yes, it was nice to make a profit off a client, but by helping the fellow businessman, these entrepreneurs grew their customer base because the butcher’s customers would then buy clothes from the clothing store, and vice-versa. There was no need to spend a few thousand dollars on a marketing campaign when their real marketing was through being active in the local community and by shopping in local stores.

People will say that those days are over due to distribution of work and how less connected we are, despite the fact that the internet and social media were supposed to make us closer. If you’re a small business owner, and a fellow business owner asks for your services, don’t just see the cash that you’ll make, but find a way to help that business owner too. We all discuss how important it is to make a lasting impression, and by helping someone who didn’t ask, this will leave a lasting impression that helps your business and that other person’s business as well.

The key to being successful is to be selfless and give back to those who are keeping your business dreams alive. 18th century history probably put you to sleep in class, but the way those people conducted business and their lives is certainly worth looking into and learning. Just remember, without those first entrepreneurs, none of us would be where we are today.

Business, Marketing

When Is Subscription Based Content Really Necessary?

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RSS Subscribe button
Scott Monty / Foter / CC BY-NC

If you’re a blogger, entrepreneur, or experienced professional in your niche market, when is it the right time to implement opt-in forms and pop up subscription ads to grow your following base? This question is brought up by a lot of novices, and even people who’ve blogged for a while want to know how to gain an upper hand on competition, or as Gary Vaynerchuck says, they’re looking for the right hook.

Being a follower of entrepreneurs and fellow marketers, how I subscribed to their content were all different. For some, it was through word of mouth and being recommended by friends or family to read articles from people who provided invaluable insight. Others, such as Gary Vaynerchuk, had such great content that they were willing to share without forcing readers to give e-mail addresses. This certainly made a lasting impression, as the quality of their content is what kept me coming back for more, and not because there was exclusive content offered. For the remaining few, I subscribed because there would be no other way to view their full content and insight.

I’m personally a believer in the idea of posting quality content that attracts readers and followers, and with that quality content, those readers voluntarily subscribe. As a reader who is hungry for knowledge, I’m turned off by the pop up opt-in forms, which is one of the reasons why I don’t go subscription based at this point in time with my own blogs. Anyone can add an opt-in form to their site, but very few are able to post content that is valuable to the consumer of that content. It’s one thing to get views, but it’s quite another to have that viewer continuely come back over a period of days, weeks, and months. It’s safe to say that a loyal follower who visits your site every day won’t need a subscription to learn of new content, unless you’re exclusively on YouTube.

Social media has certainly played a role in how people learn about a blogger or entrepreneur, as Facebook and Twitter have become the extended arm of a subscription button. While it’s nice that you have thousands of e-mail addresses on a subscription list, how many of those e-mail subscribers are opening and reading them?

This is why I’m more focused on quality content. The quality of my work is what’s going to drive traffic to my sites and social media accounts, and while I post on WordPress, the subscription tab is always there for people to voluntarily sign up for updates.

In the final analysis, I feel that the people who play the subscription card too much come across as a pushy marketer that consumers can’t stand. If you have insightful and quality content on your sites, you’ll have a more meaningful group of followers who are willing to interact, share, and recommend your content to their friends and family.

Blogging, Business, Marketing

Social Media Is So Much More Than Likes, Retweets, and Endless Statuses

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For us millenials, social media can have many different meanings. It could be used for keeping in touch with friends, chatting with other people who share our interests who may live across the country, or marketing for our own businesses or companies we work for. But when it comes to how we use these platforms universally, we’re cheating ourselves out of growing as individuals, maybe not in a social sense, but in a business and career sense that can propel us to levels previous generations could only dream of.

Most likely you’ve had a hobby or passion, but never made it into something more, such as a career. For instance, being from Boston I was an avid Boston Celtics fan, and some of my friends described my fanhood as unhealthy. For years I watched basketball, constantly learning every aspect of the game which made me grow as a fan to a journalist. After starting my first ever blog, Bostonbball.com, I began writing constantly and growing a following that eventually led me to an editor job at HardwoodHoudini.com, which is a blog on the Fansided Network.

Eventually it was time to move on and that’s where my passion for marketing grew as I picked up experience from running social media accounts for my own blog and the blog I was an editor for. The path that lead to me to marketing, and later starting a business, wouldn’t have been paved for me had I not used social media to my advantage.

Some of you may be reading this who have a hobby or passion, and speaking from experience, I say start writing about whatever it is that makes you happy. Become the guru, a leader, the go-to man of your hobby and begin to acquire a following. Make yourself an expert in your field and people will notice.

With social media, your articles and small blog posts can be shared across the globe, reaching people that would have never heard your name otherwise. We have an opportunity, more than any other generation, to make a passion into a career, as long as it can be sustainable and profitable in the long run. Sites such as Medium, WordPress, and Tumblr can help distribute your content, and don’t just rely on one site, use them all! Someone who read your article on Medium may have never heard of your blogs on other sites, and right there you may have just acquired a reader and follower for life.

As an entrepreneur, and someone who wants to help others pursue their dreams and goals, I share this info because as a generation, we don’t use social media correctly, or in reality we use it selfishly. If you want to be selfish, share the content from your blog posts and start showing your friends, co-workers, and followers that you have experience in your field and that you are worthy of their attention!

Business, Marketing

The Information and Resources Needed To Succeed Is In Front Of Us

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Not a productive workspace
boltron- / Foter / CC BY-SA

Whether it was studying for a history test, searching for information about your favorite car, or wanting to pick up and learn new moves on the basketball court, all the answers and resources were right in front us. The same can be applied when starting a business or making that hobby into something more. Sports teaches us a lot, from where hard work and dedication gets you, to learning the importance of teamwork and going through adversity together that makes you stronger as a team. Yet there is one aspect of our love of sports that’s never applied to in the real world, our answer to someone telling us we can’t.

In the business world we’re constantly told we can’t; we can’t compete with the big companies; we’re not going to acquire clients because the more experienced business will attract them with their flashy website or ads they use. It wasn’t too long ago when we were in high school and felt the disappointment of not making one of the sports teams. However, even without consciously thinking about it, you got back up and started playing pickup basketball, or got a group of friends together and played a game of tackle football. You said, “Yes I can”, to the coach and the players who made the team, but you also continued to pursue what you loved, playing the one sport that made you happy despite not being a good player.

In that time your love for that sport grew, and it didn’t become a chore because that’s what you loved to do, which showed to the people around you. You might ask how this relates to business. In business, you’ll always hear the word no or you can’t because you weren’t gifted with an ability, or you didn’t have the right qualifications because you had the wrong degree. However, just as with sports, this business is your passion, and you’re willing to learn whatever is necessary to make it work. That information can be researched on the Internet, but the resources that are at you disposal that can make your dreams a reality are already in front of you, but you have to make it work.

For the kid who loved basketball, all he needed was a basketball court, sneakers, and hoop to continue playing the sport he loved, even if he didn’t make the team. Or the car enthusiast who loves talking about the newest vehicles on the road, has endless videos on Youtube to watch, countless magazines to read, and may even have a few cars at his disposal to drive and write a few reviews on to show his knowledge in that field.

Small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs have resources in their fields that can help them become experts and experienced companies and business owners. The idea that you have to be an expert from day one is a lie. For those who scratch and claw their way to success, they’ll be better for it in the end because they went through those battles and experiences. What kept them in the game was the passion to be successful in something they loved.

Business, Marketing

Not Having A Website For Your Business Is A Costly Mistake

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Boston Web Worx

Boston Web Worx

In the age of social media, Yelp, and Angie’s List, some might think that websites for small businesses may have lost their effectiveness, but that belief couldn’t be more wrong. As an owner of a web design business, BostonWebWorx, I’m constantly looking for businesses that desperately need a website or a redesign, but more often then not, I’m noticing small businesses, especially in the contacting industry, just advertising and using Yelp, Angie’s List, and the Yellow Pages. While it seems that business owners have bought into the social media age, they’re missing out on one key component to a marketing strategy that helps them stand out, a website.

The biggest issue with this is the fact that these companies are just one of millions trying to compete with others who may have a better looking profile on these sites. Not only are they competing for clients, they’re competing against themselves to have a more enticing profile, and that’s a complete waste of energy. There is a belief that since we are in the 21st century, websites have become obsolete because a Facebook or Twitter profile can provide all the necessary information for clients and customers. But with this attitude and flocking towards modern marketing, the door is wide open for a strong, classy website that portrays you as a professional business that exudes experience and class.

Anyone can create a good looking Facebook or Twitter profile by having a nice cover and profile photo, and a strong statement consisting of 140 characters, but the real selling point is when you show your client that you’re offering much more with a quality website. You’re showing that you’re not some young social media marketer behind the scenes posting content on a profile everyday, but you’re a legitimate business that presents itself with class and shows the customer that you’re going to provide them with the best service or product that your competitors can’t offer.

Don’t get me wrong, having accounts on all social media platforms is great for brand awareness, but those profiles can’t reflect one quality, and that’s professionalism. Your websites needs to be where the traffic for your social media sites ends up, and that’s where you make the final sale. You’re basically leaving a breadcrumb trail on the Internet, which eventually ends up at your site with all the contact information and further reasons as to why that customer should choose your business.

Let’s also remember that while businesses are becoming “social” with their customers, they’re forgetting that there still needs to be the final call to action, and that’s to make the sale. With a quality web design, and strong message, you’ll stand out from all the other small businesses in your industry. For those of you in the contracting field, while you’re still competing with other businesses, you have the one card that makes all the difference, the website.

Don’t become a victim of the game where you start out competing on Yelp or Angie’s List; your website needs to be on the front page, at least first or second on this list after searching your company on Google. Too often do I see Yelp and Angie’s List first and no business website, and that is a major mistake that puts you in the backseat, while the other businesses who do have websites of their own are driving the car and they’re getting all the attention and looks. Become the driver of your own vehicle, get the attention that you deserve and provide the quality service that your customers deserve, because you have the experience and professionalism to give it to them.