Looking for the answers to all of your small business marketing questions? Look no further! TMS Digital's blog is full of advice for your small business before getting started on this journey together.
Why Every Small Business Needs a Website in 2024 - Jan., 2024
In the digital age, having a website is not a luxury, but a necessity for any small and micro business that wants to grow and succeed. A website is your online storefront, your digital identity, and your most powerful marketing tool. Here are some of the reasons why every small and micro business needs a website in 2024:
- Credibility: A website gives your business credibility and trustworthiness in the eyes of potential customers. It shows that you are serious and professional about your business and that you have something valuable to offer.
- Visibility: A website helps your business get found online by people who are looking for your products or services. It also helps you rank higher on search engines and increase your organic traffic. To achieve this, you need to optimize your website for relevant keywords that your target audience uses to search for your niche.
- Marketing: A website allows you to market your business effectively and efficiently. You can use your website to showcase your brand, products, and services, and to communicate your unique value proposition. You can also use your website to generate leads, capture email addresses, and create sales funnels.
- Sales: A website enables you to sell directly to your customers, without any intermediaries or commissions. You can use your website to display your prices, discounts, and testimonials, and to accept payments online. You can also use your website to upsell, cross-sell, and repeat-sell to your customers.
- Customer service: A website improves your customer service and satisfaction. You can use your website to provide information, answer questions, and solve problems for your customers. You can also use your website to collect feedback, reviews, and referrals from your customers.
- Competitiveness: A website helps you stay ahead of your competitors and differentiate yourself from them. You can use your website to highlight your strengths, advantages, and unique selling points. You can also use your website to follow the latest web design trends and create a memorable user experience.
A website is a must-have for any small and micro business that wants to thrive in 2024. If you need help with creating and managing your website, contact us today and we will be happy to assist you.
Goodbye to Google Websites: Changes Coming March, 2024 - Jan., 2024
As per the recent announcement by Google, the Business.Site websites will be shut down on June 10, 2024. If you are currently using a Business.Site website, it will be redirected to your Google Business Profile (GBP) listing that’s associated with that website starting from March 1, 2024. To ensure that your business website remains accessible to your customers, it is recommended that you switch to a new website provider before the transition, like the locally-owned TMS Digital.
TMS Digital is your local digital marketing agency that specializes in website design and development, SEO, and social media marketing; helping businesses connect with their audience for over 25 years and are consistently ranked as one of North Carolina's top web design and digital marketing companies.
If you currently have a Business.Site and need a reliable and experienced website provider, TMS Digital is the perfect choice. You can schedule a free consultation with our team of experts to discuss your goals and get started on building your new website.
Don't wait until the last minute to make the switch. Contact TMS Digital today to learn more about how we can help you create a new website that meets your business needs and ensures that your customers can continue to find you online.
The takeaways:
TMS Digital is your local digital marketing agency that specializes in website design and development, SEO, and social media marketing; helping businesses connect with their audience for over 25 years and are consistently ranked as one of North Carolina's top web design and digital marketing companies.
If you currently have a Business.Site and need a reliable and experienced website provider, TMS Digital is the perfect choice. You can schedule a free consultation with our team of experts to discuss your goals and get started on building your new website.
Don't wait until the last minute to make the switch. Contact TMS Digital today to learn more about how we can help you create a new website that meets your business needs and ensures that your customers can continue to find you online.
The takeaways:
- March 1st, 2024, if you have a Business.Site (a Google Website), the content on your “website” will be gone and the URL will redirect to your GBP (which is confusing to people clicking on the website button).
- June 10th, 2024, the redirect ends and when – not if – someone clicks on the website button on your GBP, your URL and “website” will show as unavailable (which means the potential customer(s) are moving onto the next company)
- Call TMS Digital to keep from any of this nonsense happening to you and your company.
Exploring the Importance of Google Business Profiles for Small Businesses in North Carolina - Feb., 2024
As Johnston County's highest reviewed website developer, we strive to help create a Google Business Profile for your North Carolina small business; in the past year, there have been several updates which have kept TMS Digital from being able to fully create, claim, and verify the Google Business Profile on your behalf - like their video verification. Let's take a look at why the verification of a Google Business Profile is essential to any small business in North Carolina:
A Google Business Profile is a free and easy-to-use tool that allows businesses to manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps. It helps businesses to connect with customers, share information about their products and services, and attract new customers.
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), there are over 900,000 small businesses in North Carolina, accounting for 99.5% of all businesses in the state. With such a large number of small businesses, it’s important to stand out from the competition. A Google Business Profile can help small businesses in North Carolina to do just that.
Here are some reasons why a Google Business Profile is important for small businesses in North Carolina:
A Google Business Profile is a free and easy-to-use tool that allows businesses to manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps. It helps businesses to connect with customers, share information about their products and services, and attract new customers.
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), there are over 900,000 small businesses in North Carolina, accounting for 99.5% of all businesses in the state. With such a large number of small businesses, it’s important to stand out from the competition. A Google Business Profile can help small businesses in North Carolina to do just that.
Here are some reasons why a Google Business Profile is important for small businesses in North Carolina:
- Increased visibility: A Google Business Profile can help small businesses to appear in Google Search and Maps results, making it easier for customers to find them.
- Improved customer engagement: A Google Business Profile allows businesses to share important information with customers, such as their hours of operation, phone number, and website. It also allows customers to leave reviews and ratings, which can help businesses to improve their products and services.
- Better search engine optimization (SEO): A Google Business Profile can help small businesses to improve their SEO by providing accurate and up-to-date information about their business. This can help them to rank higher in search results and attract more customers.
- Free advertising: A Google Business Profile is a free tool that allows businesses to advertise their products and services to potential customers.
-
Creating a Google Business Profile is easy and only takes a few minutes. Simply go to the Google My Business website and follow the instructions to create a profile for your client’s small business. Once the profile is created, make sure to keep it up-to-date with accurate information and respond to customer reviews in a timely manner.
In conclusion, a Google Business Profile is an important tool for small businesses in North Carolina. It can help businesses to increase their visibility, engage with customers, improve SEO, and advertise their products and services for free.
Call our team today to learn more: 919-553-9042
Social Media Management vs Social Media Marketing: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters - Mar., 2024
Social media is a powerful tool for any business that wants to reach and engage with its target audience, increase brand awareness, generate leads, and boost sales. However, not all social media activities are the same, and there are two main terms that you need to understand: social media management and social media marketing. In this blog post, we will explain what these terms mean, how they differ, and why they are both important for your business.
What is Social Media Marketing?
Social media marketing is the use of social media platforms to promote a product or service. It involves creating and sharing content that is specifically designed to achieve a certain goal, such as increasing brand awareness, generating leads, driving traffic, boosting sales, or building customer loyalty. Social media marketing can help you:
What is Social Media Management?
Social media management is the process of creating, scheduling, publishing, and monitoring content on various social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, etc. It also involves interacting with your audience, responding to their comments, questions, and feedback, and building relationships with them. Social media management can help you:
How Do Social Media Management and Social Media Marketing Differ?
Social media management and social media marketing are both essential for any business that wants to grow and succeed in the digital age. However, they are not the same thing, and they require different skills, tools, and strategies. Here are some of the main differences between them:
Do You Need Both Social Media Management and Social Media Marketing?
Social media management and social media marketing are not mutually exclusive, but complementary. You need both of them to create a holistic and effective social media strategy for your business. Here are some of the reasons why you should remain active across social platforms as well as invest in a social media marketing campaign:
Social media management and social media marketing are both vital for your business success. If you need help with creating and managing your social media strategy, contact us today and we will be happy to assist you.
What is Social Media Marketing?
Social media marketing is the use of social media platforms to promote a product or service. It involves creating and sharing content that is specifically designed to achieve a certain goal, such as increasing brand awareness, generating leads, driving traffic, boosting sales, or building customer loyalty. Social media marketing can help you:
- Reach a large and diverse audience and expose them to your brand name, logo, products, and services
- Establish your brand as an authority and a thought leader in your industry
- Create a two-way communication with your audience and foster a sense of community and loyalty among them
- Drive more traffic to your website and landing pages and generate more leads and sales for your business
- Reduce your marketing expenses; social media marketing options are both affordable and effective
What is Social Media Management?
Social media management is the process of creating, scheduling, publishing, and monitoring content on various social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, etc. It also involves interacting with your audience, responding to their comments, questions, and feedback, and building relationships with them. Social media management can help you:
- Maintain a consistent and professional online presence for your brand
- Provide customer service and support to your audience
- Increase customer satisfaction and loyalty
- Gain insights into your audience’s preferences, needs, and challenges
- Identify and collaborate with influencers and advocates in your industry
- Manage your online reputation and handle any negative feedback or crisis
How Do Social Media Management and Social Media Marketing Differ?
Social media management and social media marketing are both essential for any business that wants to grow and succeed in the digital age. However, they are not the same thing, and they require different skills, tools, and strategies. Here are some of the main differences between them:
- Social media management is more focused on creating and maintaining a positive and engaging online presence for your brand, while social media marketing is more focused on creating and executing campaigns that drive specific results for your business.
- Social media management is more about building and nurturing relationships with your audience, while social media marketing is more about influencing your audience to take a desired action.
- Social media management is more of an ongoing and long-term process, while social media marketing can be a short-term and goal-oriented process.
- Social media management requires more creativity, communication, and customer service skills, while social media marketing requires more analytical, strategic, and data-driven skills.
Do You Need Both Social Media Management and Social Media Marketing?
Social media management and social media marketing are not mutually exclusive, but complementary. You need both of them to create a holistic and effective social media strategy for your business. Here are some of the reasons why you should remain active across social platforms as well as invest in a social media marketing campaign:
- Social media management can help you build a solid foundation for your social media marketing efforts, as it can help you create a loyal and engaged audience that is more likely to respond to your marketing campaigns.
- Social media marketing can help you leverage your social media management efforts, as it can help you reach a wider and more targeted audience that is more likely to convert into leads and customers.
- Social media management can help you optimize your social media marketing efforts, as it can help you monitor and analyze your social media performance, evaluate your results, and identify what worked well and what needs improvement.
- Social media marketing can help you amplify your social media management efforts, as it can help you create and share more valuable and relevant content that showcases your brand value proposition and differentiates you from your competitors.
Social media management and social media marketing are both vital for your business success. If you need help with creating and managing your social media strategy, contact us today and we will be happy to assist you.
Y2K is Back in 2024 - Mar., 2024
Hey all you 90s kids, this one’s for you! We’re already a quarter into 2024, and we’re seeing a resurgence of a trend that’s as nostalgic as it is futuristic: the Y2K effects in web design. It’s a throwback to the days when the internet was a new frontier, and now, it’s being reimagined.
Y2K Aesthetics – A Blast from the Past Meets the Future The Y2K aesthetic is a visual homage to the turn of the millennium—a time when the world was brimming with neon colors, geometric shapes, a sense of wonder about the future, and fanny packs… Today, web designers are tapping into this rich vein of nostalgia, blending the old with the new to create web experiences that are both familiar and fresh.
Why the Y2K Revival? There’s something about the Y2K era that captures the imagination. Ahh, I can just hear the buzz of dial up just writing this. Whatever the reason, the Y2K aesthetic is making waves across various areas, from fashion to graphic design, and now, web design.
Key Elements of Y2K Web Design:
The Future is Retro: As we embrace the Y2K effects web trend for 2024, we’re not just looking back—we’re also looking forward. This trend is more than just a revival; it’s a redefinition of what it means to be modern. It’s a reminder that the future is not just about new technology but also about the emotions and memories that technology evokes.
So, whether you’re a 90s kid or not, the Y2K web trend is a celebration of the past and a vision of the future, all rolled into one. Get ready to see more websites that dazzle with a digital aesthetic that’s both retro and radically new. Welcome to 2024, where the past is present, and the future is now.
Y2K Aesthetics – A Blast from the Past Meets the Future The Y2K aesthetic is a visual homage to the turn of the millennium—a time when the world was brimming with neon colors, geometric shapes, a sense of wonder about the future, and fanny packs… Today, web designers are tapping into this rich vein of nostalgia, blending the old with the new to create web experiences that are both familiar and fresh.
Why the Y2K Revival? There’s something about the Y2K era that captures the imagination. Ahh, I can just hear the buzz of dial up just writing this. Whatever the reason, the Y2K aesthetic is making waves across various areas, from fashion to graphic design, and now, web design.
Key Elements of Y2K Web Design:
- Neon Colors and Glitch Effects: Bright and bold, these elements grab attention and create a dynamic, energetic vibe.
- Geometric Shapes: Reminiscent of early digital graphics, geometric shapes add a retro-futuristic feel to layouts.
- Matrix-Style Text: Evoking the iconic digital rain from the Matrix movies, this style adds a touch of cyberpunk to the mix.
- Pixelated Elements: A nod to the early days of digital graphics, pixelation brings an edgy, techy quality to designs.
The Future is Retro: As we embrace the Y2K effects web trend for 2024, we’re not just looking back—we’re also looking forward. This trend is more than just a revival; it’s a redefinition of what it means to be modern. It’s a reminder that the future is not just about new technology but also about the emotions and memories that technology evokes.
So, whether you’re a 90s kid or not, the Y2K web trend is a celebration of the past and a vision of the future, all rolled into one. Get ready to see more websites that dazzle with a digital aesthetic that’s both retro and radically new. Welcome to 2024, where the past is present, and the future is now.
Why Hire a Web Design Company When I Can Get a "Free" Website From [Insert DIY Company Name Here]? - Apr., 2024
Free website services might sound appealing, but the reality is they often come with hidden costs. You might get a few basic pages hosted on their platform, but to have a truly independent website with your own domain name, a unique design, analytics, removal of the builder name from the URL, and removal of ads - all require additional fees. Often, these fees add up to more than what you'd pay with a low-cost hosting company that provides those features from the start.
Not only that, but, at the risk of sounding crass, there’s a reason each of us are in business. You’re not a web designer. If you were a web designer, you’d have your own digital marketing company. You'd be the one writing this blog. But you’re not a website developer; you’ve perfected your craft. By trying to also be the head of digital marketing at your company, you’re taking away valuable time from your company which could be better spent speaking with customers, replying to customers & reviews, headed to appointments, and most importantly, time spent figuring out & keeping up with the latest digital marketing trends leads to time spent away from your family.
Okay, so why choose TMS Digital over the rest?
Sure, we’re not the cheapest – but we also don’t want to be the cheapest. We’re also definitely not the most expensive in town. Our pricing can be as low as a cup of coffee per day from the nearest Speedway or upward of the daily Iced Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha from Starbucks. Some of our “competitors” in the area having the Starbucks analogy as their starting price… So why the difference in price? You might expect better customer service from the more expensive options, but that's not always true. At TMS Digital, we're a small, locally-owned business with lower overhead costs. This allows us to offer competitive pricing without sacrificing on personalized service. We may not have a 24-hour customer service line like some large companies (but let's be honest, “customer service” is kind of an oxymoron when it comes to these big guys), but you'll always be working with a dedicated professional right here in North Carolina.
If you're looking for a cost-effective website solution with a human touch, contact our team at info@tmsdigi.com or 919-553-9042 and let's discuss your needs.
Not only that, but, at the risk of sounding crass, there’s a reason each of us are in business. You’re not a web designer. If you were a web designer, you’d have your own digital marketing company. You'd be the one writing this blog. But you’re not a website developer; you’ve perfected your craft. By trying to also be the head of digital marketing at your company, you’re taking away valuable time from your company which could be better spent speaking with customers, replying to customers & reviews, headed to appointments, and most importantly, time spent figuring out & keeping up with the latest digital marketing trends leads to time spent away from your family.
Okay, so why choose TMS Digital over the rest?
Sure, we’re not the cheapest – but we also don’t want to be the cheapest. We’re also definitely not the most expensive in town. Our pricing can be as low as a cup of coffee per day from the nearest Speedway or upward of the daily Iced Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha from Starbucks. Some of our “competitors” in the area having the Starbucks analogy as their starting price… So why the difference in price? You might expect better customer service from the more expensive options, but that's not always true. At TMS Digital, we're a small, locally-owned business with lower overhead costs. This allows us to offer competitive pricing without sacrificing on personalized service. We may not have a 24-hour customer service line like some large companies (but let's be honest, “customer service” is kind of an oxymoron when it comes to these big guys), but you'll always be working with a dedicated professional right here in North Carolina.
If you're looking for a cost-effective website solution with a human touch, contact our team at info@tmsdigi.com or 919-553-9042 and let's discuss your needs.
What's the Point of a Maintenance Plan for Your Small Business Website - Apr., 2024
Every so often, we find ourselves being asked “How much for you to just build it?”
To which, we respond with the following:
A) If you’re going to do something, do it right; leading us to...
B) It does you no good to have a website with no ongoing maintenance.
Having a maintenance plan for your website is crucial for several reasons:
Security: Regular maintenance ensures that security patches and updates are applied promptly. Vulnerabilities can be exploited by hackers, leading to data breaches or other security issues.
Performance: Over time, websites accumulate unnecessary information and outdated code. Regular maintenance optimizes performance by cleaning up and streamlining resources.
SEO: Search engines favor well-maintained sites. Regular updates, fresh content, and responsive design contribute to better search engine rankings.
User Experience: Broken links, slow loading times, or outdated content frustrate users. Maintenance ensures a smooth experience, improving user satisfaction and retention.
So when we get asked “Why can’t you just build it?” think about this:
You wouldn’t purchase a car and never bring it in for an oil change, would you?
You wouldn’t get a plant and never water it, would you? Or at least, if you did either of those things, you wouldn’t expect the car to run well and don’t expect that plant to live long - even cacti need water.
A maintenance plan safeguards your website’s security, enhances performance, boosts SEO, and provides a positive user experience. Book online today or give us a call to learn more about making the most of your digital presence:
919-553-9042
To which, we respond with the following:
A) If you’re going to do something, do it right; leading us to...
B) It does you no good to have a website with no ongoing maintenance.
Having a maintenance plan for your website is crucial for several reasons:
Security: Regular maintenance ensures that security patches and updates are applied promptly. Vulnerabilities can be exploited by hackers, leading to data breaches or other security issues.
Performance: Over time, websites accumulate unnecessary information and outdated code. Regular maintenance optimizes performance by cleaning up and streamlining resources.
SEO: Search engines favor well-maintained sites. Regular updates, fresh content, and responsive design contribute to better search engine rankings.
User Experience: Broken links, slow loading times, or outdated content frustrate users. Maintenance ensures a smooth experience, improving user satisfaction and retention.
So when we get asked “Why can’t you just build it?” think about this:
You wouldn’t purchase a car and never bring it in for an oil change, would you?
You wouldn’t get a plant and never water it, would you? Or at least, if you did either of those things, you wouldn’t expect the car to run well and don’t expect that plant to live long - even cacti need water.
A maintenance plan safeguards your website’s security, enhances performance, boosts SEO, and provides a positive user experience. Book online today or give us a call to learn more about making the most of your digital presence:
919-553-9042
Branding v. Marketing v. Advertising
What's the Difference? - May, 2024
As a small business owner, navigating the world of promotion can be confusing. While often used interchangeably, marketing, branding, and advertising are distinct tools with unique roles:
Marketing: This is the big picture. It's the overall strategy of promoting and selling your products or services. It involves understanding your target audience, their needs, and developing ways to reach them effectively. Marketing encompasses a wide range of activities, from research and content creation to email marketing and social media engagement.
Branding: This is your business's personality. It's crafting a unique identity that sets you apart from competitors. This includes defining your values, mission, and visual elements (logo, colors, etc.). Branding builds trust and recognition, making customers remember and connect with your business.
Advertising: This is the paid promotion of your brand. It involves creating and placing ads on various platforms like TV, radio, social media, and search engines. Advertising aims to generate awareness, interest, and ultimately, sales for your products or services.
While distinct, these concepts are interconnected:
Understanding these differences and how they work together is crucial for small businesses. By utilizing these tools effectively, you can create a strong brand, reach your target audience, and ultimately achieve your business goals.
Marketing: This is the big picture. It's the overall strategy of promoting and selling your products or services. It involves understanding your target audience, their needs, and developing ways to reach them effectively. Marketing encompasses a wide range of activities, from research and content creation to email marketing and social media engagement.
Branding: This is your business's personality. It's crafting a unique identity that sets you apart from competitors. This includes defining your values, mission, and visual elements (logo, colors, etc.). Branding builds trust and recognition, making customers remember and connect with your business.
Advertising: This is the paid promotion of your brand. It involves creating and placing ads on various platforms like TV, radio, social media, and search engines. Advertising aims to generate awareness, interest, and ultimately, sales for your products or services.
While distinct, these concepts are interconnected:
- Marketing forms the foundation: It provides insights into your target audience and helps define your brand identity.
- Branding shapes advertising: Your brand messaging and visuals guide the creation of effective and memorable ads.
- All work together: To succeed, your marketing strategy, brand, and advertising campaigns need to be aligned and work in unison.
Understanding these differences and how they work together is crucial for small businesses. By utilizing these tools effectively, you can create a strong brand, reach your target audience, and ultimately achieve your business goals.
The Importance of Listing Management & Why it Matters to Your Small Business - May, 2024
Domain, check. ✅
Website, check. ✅
Website maintenance, check. ✅
Listing management, check. ✅ Maybe? If you haven’t yet invested in our listing management (aka Local SEO) service, it’s probably time you do. If you’re already capitalizing in Local SEO, we’re just going to do a little recap here of the importance of listing management and the benefits this service presents for your small business.
Imagine your small business like a hidden gem in a crowded city. Listing management is like putting up signs all over town pointing people towards your store. Here's why it's important:
Simply, listing management, aka citation management, aka local or off-page SEO, is a crucial part of online marketing for small businesses. It helps you get discovered, build trust, and ultimately attract more customers.
Contact our team today to learn more about our Local SEO services.
Website, check. ✅
Website maintenance, check. ✅
Listing management, check. ✅ Maybe? If you haven’t yet invested in our listing management (aka Local SEO) service, it’s probably time you do. If you’re already capitalizing in Local SEO, we’re just going to do a little recap here of the importance of listing management and the benefits this service presents for your small business.
Imagine your small business like a hidden gem in a crowded city. Listing management is like putting up signs all over town pointing people towards your store. Here's why it's important:
- Helps people find you: When your business information (name, address, phone number) is listed accurately across various online directories (think Google Maps, HotFrog, Yellow Pages, etc.), it's like putting up multiple signs saying "Hey, I'm here!". This makes it easier for potential customers searching for businesses like yours to discover you.
- Boosts your credibility: The more consistent your business information is across different platforms, the more reliable you appear to search engines and customers alike. It's like having multiple people vouching for your existence and legitimacy.
- Improves your search ranking: Search engines like Google use citations to understand your business better and determine where you should rank in local search results. So, the more accurate and widespread your citations are, the higher your business might appear when people search for businesses like yours in their area.
- Drives more traffic and customers: By being easily found online, you increase the chances of people visiting your website, calling you, or coming to your physical location. It's like having more people following those signs to your hidden gem!
Simply, listing management, aka citation management, aka local or off-page SEO, is a crucial part of online marketing for small businesses. It helps you get discovered, build trust, and ultimately attract more customers.
Contact our team today to learn more about our Local SEO services.
Don't Rent Your Online Presence: The Power of Organic Search - June, 2024
Building a strong online presence is crucial for businesses today, and organic search offers a powerful set of tools to achieve that:
- Sustainable Growth: Forget short-term bursts of traffic. Organic search fuels long-term visibility that keeps your website attracting visitors.
- Smarter Investment: SEO requires effort – and often a robust budget – but it pays off. Compared to the volatile costs of paid ads, organic search offers a more cost-effective approach in the long run.
- Building Trust: People trust organic results more than paid ads; it's been estimated that a whopping 94% of online consumers skip over paid ads! Ranking high in organic search renders your business as a reliable source, leading to more clicks and conversions.
- Attract the Right Audience: No more scattershot marketing. Organic ranking helps you target consumers actively searching for what you offer, ensuring you get high-quality leads genuinely interested in your products or services.
- Dominate Your Niche: Consistent SEO propels you to the top of search results, leaving competitors behind. Become the go-to authority in your industry and watch your business thrive.
If you’re looking to build trust with your consumers, rank higher in search results, and gain more traffic and visibility for your business, give TMS Digital a call today for your complimentary SEO audit.
Stop Casting a Net, Start Spearing the Right Fish: Why Defining Your Target Market is Your Secret Weapon - June, 2024
Kirstyn Yancy
A couple of weeks ago, I was meeting with a referral partner, newly full-time in his new venture. I asked him “Who’s your target market?” His response, not surprisingly given the timeline of his venture was, ”Everyone!” ERR! WRONG! So, instead of hitting the buzzer and saying “No sir, that’s wrong.” I went on to say, “I know you’re hungry, but whether you know it or not, that's not true. So let me ask a new question: What are you most passionate about?” That resonated with Mr. New Business Owner.
In the wild world of business, especially for startups and small businesses, the initial temptation is often to be everything to everyone. You might think, "The more people I reach, the better!" But here's the truth bomb: everyone is not your customer. In fact, trying to be a jack-of-all-trades to a scattered audience is a recipe for wasted resources and marketing fatigue.
The key to unlocking sustainable business growth lies in a powerful concept: defining your target market. This isn't some marketing mumbo jumbo – it's a strategic laser focus on the specific group of people most likely to resonate with your brand, products, or services. Here's why it's your secret weapon:
- Sharpen Your Message: Knowing your ideal customer allows you to craft targeted messaging that speaks directly to their needs, wants, and pain points. Generic ads that try to appeal to everyone end up appealing to no one. But a laser-focused message resonates deeply with your target market, making them feel understood and propelling them towards conversion.
- Boost Your Marketing ROI: Marketing budgets are precious, especially for new businesses. When you define your target market, you can allocate resources strategically, focusing your marketing efforts on the channels and platforms most frequented by your ideal customer. This targeted approach delivers a higher return on investment (ROI) compared to a scattershot approach.
- Fuel Product Development: Understanding your target market allows you to develop products and services that directly address their unique needs and preferences. It's like having a built-in customer focus group, guiding your product roadmap and ensuring you're creating solutions that resonate with the market you're targeting.
- Build Stronger Brand Loyalty: When you speak directly to your target audience and solve their specific problems, you foster trust and connection. This builds brand loyalty, turning one-time customers into repeat buyers and passionate brand advocates.
So, how do you identify your target market? The answer lies in research and analysis. Look at demographics, interests, pain points, and online behavior to create a detailed profile of your ideal customer. Once you have a clear picture, you can refine your brand messaging, tailor your marketing strategies, and ultimately, unlock sustainable growth for your business.
Remember, it's not about reaching everyone – it's about reaching the right people. By defining your target market, you stop casting a net and start spearing the right fish – the ones who will propel your business toward success.
Speaking of propelling your business towards success, once you’ve narrowed down your target market, you’ll need the proper digital marketing team to help get your small business in front of that market. TMS Digital’s team has the experience & expertise in Web Design, Development, and SEO strategies to drive your business up the internet superhighway and take the exit(s) toward your target clientele. Give us a call today at 919-553-9042 or Book Online today to learn more.
First Impressions: The Online Dating Profile of Your Business - July, 2024
Kirstyn Yancy
Cast your mind back to your most recent first date. (Yes, even if it was decades ago – those memories stick!). What were you wearing? Did you just throw on the first thing in your closet and hope for the best? Absolutely not. First dates are all about putting your best foot forward, making a positive impression that sparks a connection. You likely spent time picking out the perfect outfit, styled your hair, and yes, even showered! (Hopefully!)
The point is, you cared about what the other person thought. You wanted to present yourself in a way that created a positive first impression.
Your online presence functions the same way. When someone visits your website – whether from a referral or organic search – they're essentially checking you out. They're on a "first date" with your business, evaluating whether you're a good fit for their needs. Are you the type of business they want to get involved with?
Unlike a real-life relationship, where people might overlook initial red flags, online users have a lower tolerance for imperfection. They're not already "married" to your business, willing to overlook a messy website or outdated content. Consumers today expect professionalism and polish. They want to see a business that takes itself seriously, one that's invested in creating a positive user experience.
Think of your website as your online dating profile. It's your chance to showcase your brand, highlight your offerings, and convince potential customers that you're the perfect match for their needs. You want to win them over, not scare them away. Invest in a professional website design, create engaging and informative content, and make sure your online presence reflects the same level of care and attention you would put into a real-life first date.
Remember, a positive first impression on your website can lead to a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship with your customers.
Don't let a neglected online presence be the deal-breaker that sends potential clients running for the hills.
Give us a call today at 919-553-9042 or Book Online today to learn more.
What Do They Mean When They Say You Have SEO?
Demystifying Search Engine Optimization - July, 2024
Kirstyn Yancy
So, earlier this week, I met with a networking colleague and the topic of their website came up. They informed me of the rankings they like, the rankings they don’t like, where they want to see movement, yada yada. I asked, “What kind of SEO are they (their current website provider) performing?” Not surprisingly, the response was, “I don’t know; we just signed up for SEO.”
Well, y’all, those words can be very deceiving. There are different forms of SEO. If a company tells you your website will be built with SEO, or they’ll be performing SEO on your website etc., okay, cool, what kind?
I’m sure as a small business owner you’ve gotten 1,000’s of phone calls regarding your website and/or SEO, right? I know, the phone calls can be annoying, but some of us are actually calling to help when we see poor SEO. While it sounds hi-tech, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is simply the practice of improving your website's visibility in search engine results. The higher you rank, the more likely people are to find your business online.
But hold on, SEO isn't a magic switch you can flip. It's a multifaceted strategy with different approaches - and a trustworthy web design and SEO company will be upfront about the type of SEO they offer and their specific work system. Let's break down the different forms of SEO:
Technical SEO: This ensures the technical foundation of your website is sound and search engine crawlers can easily access and index your content. It includes factors like website speed, mobile responsiveness, and structured data markup.
Technical SEO is the foundation of any good website. If you don’t have at the very least Technical SEO, good luck getting your website found – even with a by-name search.
Off-Page SEO: This focuses on building your website's authority and credibility in the eyes of search engines. This can involve link building (having other reputable websites link back to yours), social media engagement, and online reputation management. This is our Listing Management service.
On-Page SEO: This focuses on optimizing the content and structure of your website itself. It involves things like keyword research, optimizing page titles and meta descriptions, using relevant headers and subheadings, and ensuring your website is mobile-friendly. Choose 10 keywords and three competitors to track in cities of your choice to increase your organic ranking.
Why Does Knowing the Type of SEO Matter?
Different SEO strategies require different skillsets and resources. A reputable web design and SEO company will explain their specific approach and what you can expect. Here are some red flags to watch out for:
- Companies guaranteeing #1 rankings: Search engine algorithms are complex and constantly evolving. Guaranteeing a specific ranking is simply not possible.
- Vague promises of "SEO magic": Building SEO takes time and effort. Companies offering a quick fix are likely using black hat techniques that can actually harm your website's ranking in the long run.
Finding the Right SEO Partner:
Look for a web design and SEO company near you – shop local! – that offers a transparent and ethical approach. They should be able to explain their SEO strategy in clear terms, tailored to your specific industry and target audience.
Here are some questions to ask:
- What type of SEO do you specialize in?
- How will you track the success of your SEO efforts?
- What is your process for reporting results?
By understanding the different forms of SEO and asking the right questions, you can ensure you're partnering with a company that will help your website reach its full potential and attract more qualified leads.
Reach out today to find out more about our SEO services: 919-553-9042 or Info@tmsdigi.com