KMWeb Designs – Online Marketing Tips For Your Website

Like last weeks post on business cards, stationery is a very inexpensive way to market your business professionally. From letterhead, envelopes, postcards and note cards, there are lots of opportunities to brand your business and ensure you are directing people to your online presence.

In everything that you do, you should always have at least three things on your print pieces: Your company name, your email address and your website. Above and beyond that, your name, address and phone number would also be important to have.

My biggest stationary expensive comes at Christmas time, where I have always hand written holiday cards to my clients (we’ll talk more about that later). That said, a personal note to your best customers during the summer months, on a branded postcard or note card, may be a great reminder that you are thankful for their business, and you won’t be competing for their attention like you would around the holidays.

If you decide to dive into postcards, you may want to look at designing and mailing an oversized card. These are typically 8.5 x 5.5 (versus the standard 5.5 x 4 size). It might cost you a few extra bucks, but it will help you stand out from all the other mail businesses are getting. Remember, like all other print marketing, your messages should be concise and to the point.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure that your stationary carries your online brand into the print world. I’ve seen too much stationary that makes no mention of the company’s online presence, and that’s just missing a great opportunity.

Leave a comment and let us know how you are using stationery to promote your business!

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I’ve used business cards since day one. In fact, I had my own cards before I even took on my first web design client. It’s such a simple concept that I think a lot of people undervalue their importance, especially in this digital age. It’s certainly a marketing tool that every small business owner, ministry and organization should be using, but let’s take a few minutes to think about how we’re actually putting those cards to use so they don’t collect dust in that fancy card holder you spouse picked up.

The biggest question you should ask yourself is how your business card is working for you? Beyond some contact information that can easily be entered into a phone or contact list and then discarded as quickly as it was given, does your card hold any other value?

What if the back of your card encouraged people to refer your services? If you sell merchandise online, what if you added a 5% off coupon code on the back? Adding a reminder to subscribe to your newsletter, or visit your blog, would be another great way to add value to your business card, making it work for you.

Any time I mail a contract out to my clients, or cards around the holidays, I make sure to include three of my business cards. As my business grows, more and more of my leads are generated by referrals, and having a few extra cards handy ensures my clients can easily recommend me to others if they wish. I also make sure to have a number in my wallet and a few in each of my cars. I never know when an opportunity will come to talk about my business and I’ve always been disappointed when I can’t execute on the question, “do you have a card?”

Another way to use business cards is to take out the personalization and simply use them as a cheap way to market your business. Think of it as a mini postcard that can easily fit in a pocket or wallet. My wife and I started a coupon site a few years back called shopestores.com and to help promote it, we designed a simple, two color design that included the logo, tagline and a short sentence talking about the site. Over the years, we’ve handed out thousands to friends and family, inserted in bills we’ve paid, left at restaurants with the tip and other miscellaneous places. It’s a great way to talk about your business without having to talk about your business.

Of course, the downside of business cards is that they are pretty hard to track their effectiveness. But thankfully, they are cheap to produce and easy to hand out. I would recommend many of the online printers like VistaPrint.com or UPrinting.com. I recently purchased 2500 cards for under $60 (with shipping). And if you need help with design, just let me know. You can view some more examples of our business card and stationary designs here.

At the end of the day, your business cards should be working for you and doing more than simply sharing your contact information. If not, you are missing out on a wide range of opportunities.

Remember, it’s up to you to keep the conversation going. I’ll be back soon with more weapons for your guerrilla marketing arsenal.

The Power of Social Media Marketing: Grow Your Business

In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives. It has transformed the way we communicate, connect, and share information. However, social media is not just limited to personal use; it has also become a powerful tool for businesses to reach and engage with their target audience. If you are a business owner looking to expand your reach and boost your brand, social media marketing is the key to unlock the doors of success.

The Influence of Social Media

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and others have billions of active users. These platforms offer a massive opportunity for businesses to connect with potential customers and build a loyal following. By leveraging the power of social media marketing, you can effectively promote your products or services, increase brand awareness, and drive sales.

Social media allows you to engage directly with your audience through various means such as posts, comments, likes, shares, and direct messages. This direct interaction builds trust, fosters relationships, and creates a sense of authenticity for your brand. By consistently delivering valuable content and engaging with your followers, you can establish yourself as an industry leader and gain a competitive edge.

The Benefits of Social Media Marketing

Social media marketing offers numerous benefits for businesses, regardless of their size or industry. Here are some key advantages:

• Increased Brand Visibility: With billions of users scrolling through their social media feeds every day, you have the potential to get your brand in front of a vast audience.
• Targeted Advertising: Social media platforms provide powerful targeting options that allow you to reach your ideal customers based on demographics, interests, behavior, and more.
• Improved Customer Engagement: Social media enables real-time interaction with your audience, allowing you to address their queries, respond to feedback, and build lasting relationships.
• Cost-Effective Marketing: Compared to traditional advertising methods, social media marketing can be significantly more cost-effective, making it accessible to businesses with various budget sizes.

Maximizing Your Social Media Marketing Strategy

To harness the full potential of social media marketing, it’s essential to develop a well-rounded strategy. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Define Your Goals: Determine what you want to achieve with your social media marketing efforts. Whether it’s increasing brand awareness, driving website traffic, or generating leads, clear goals will guide your strategy.
2. Know Your Audience: Research and understand your target audience’s preferences, interests, and pain points. This knowledge will help you create content that resonates with them and encourages engagement.
3. Create Engaging Content: Share valuable and relevant content that educates, entertains, or inspires your audience. Mix different types of media, such as text, images, videos, and infographics, to keep your content fresh and engaging.
4. Consistency is Key: Regularly update your social media profiles with fresh content. Consistency helps maintain engagement and keeps your brand at the forefront of your audience’s mind.
5. Track and Analyze: Use social media analytics tools to monitor the performance of your campaigns. Analyzing data will help you understand what works best for your audience and refine your strategy accordingly.

Conclusion

Social media marketing has revolutionized the way businesses connect with their customers. By utilizing social media platforms effectively, you can amplify your brand’s reach, build a loyal customer base, and ultimately grow your business. Embrace the power of social media marketing and unlock the gates to success. Remember, “the marketing heaven” lies within your grasp.

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