I recently did a survey of what type of social media our readers are using.

Very few use Pinterest (yet). It works especially well for Business to Consumer.

Here are a few reasons why you should use it for your business:

- 70 million users worldwide
- Drives more traffic than Youtube, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+ COMBINED!
- 20% of users have purchased something they've used on Pinterest & they spend on average over $ 220.
- It's free!

So how can Pinterest help drive traffic to your website?

- Ensure you have great content & headlines on your website & blogs: have a call to action / deal etc.
- Have great images for your website and Pinterest (clear, close-up, well-lit) to encourage people to share it.
- Each image you put on Pinterest links to a specific page on your website so you can measure it. (this is a great way to measure it)
- Include the Pin it button under each image / blog post.
- Include your Pinterest profile on your website.

Give it a go and let me know how you get on! www.pinterest.com

Till next week, Marijke

Most small businesses use some kind of social media (mostly Facebook) to help them market their business and communicate with their customers.

But as the number of social media options grows, many struggle to decide what to use and how to do it well.

I would start from your customers' point of view. Simply ask them what type of social media they use. It could be through a short questionnaire with just tick boxes.

If you're not using one of the social media options that your customers are using, then it's time to look it as it could be a great way to reach more of your customers!

Simple really...

Till next week, Marijke

I found the following infographic online. It has some great (and simple) tips on what works on Facebook. Enjoy & till next week!
Marijke

PS the Marketing for Success Programme is starting in Te Anau tomorrow - very exciting!  www.smartraining.co.nz

First of all, I'd like to wish you a wonderful 2014, filled with happiness, good health and business success.

A new year always inspires people to set new goals. A goal can be achieved by creating new habits.

Setting goals is easy, but achieving them, sticking with it is the hard part.

Write a list of things you want to achieve this year.

Here are a few simple ways to create new habits, whether it be related to your business or your personal life, the principle is the same.

1. Only work on 1 habit at a time (1 per month). Start with a small one that can be achieved relatively easily and that you will enjoy doing. If you want to get fitter, don't start running 10km a day, but start with a 20 min walk daily. If you want to become more focused at work, instead of checking your emails 10 or 20 times a day, create a habit where you check and reply to emails say only 3 times a day.

One habit 1 created 4 years ago was starting this weekly marketing tip!

2. Stick to this habit EVERY DAY. Write it down, or put it as a reminder where you can see it and just stick to this tiny habit EVERY DAY. Don't ever miss 2 days in a row as you are likely not to create a good habit. Just stick to the daily routine.

3. Be accountable. To yourself by ticking it off a list (or in your diary) every day and by telling someone else.

After 1 month, you will have created a new habit and this feels amazing! Now you can move on to the next one. (Of course, you'll need to stick to the first one as well!)

Next week, the Marketing For Success Programme is starting. This programme is set up to help you reach your goals in business and your life.

There are a few places left, so if you're interested, go to www.smartraining.co.nz

Till next week, Marijke