It is said that we are exposed to over 3,000 messages a day (through emails, videos, tv, radio, internet, signs, advertising, etc. etc.)
It is amazing how most of them you don’t even notice – unless it is something we’re looking for. Think about the messages in the last few days that you remember . There will probably be only be a few that you remember. These are often the messages that go viral, that are funny or interesting enough that people will pass them on. Your customers won’t remember your message unless you can get it to ‘stick’. Here are 4 few ways to make your message stick: · Don’t overload people with information – keep it simple! That’s what I try to do with these weekly tips – just 1 useful (well, hopefully!) tip a week. · Make it personal, create that ‘emotional connection’. For example, fundraisers for third world charities often focus on 1 child and name him/her too, rather than on the millions of hungry people. · Tell a story – people tend to remember stories rather than features. Case studies are great too or how a customer has been transformed or benefited by your product/service. Ensure your story is credible! The story I wrote about ‘DIY Marketing Real Estate’ was read by a large number of people! · Surprise them! If you can provide people with something surprising, funny, or cute they tend to remember it more. These messages tend to get forwarded and go viral. So, when you are writing a newsletter, blog, website content or advertising copy, keep these things in mind! Till next week, Marijke
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Well, I’ve done it! It’s sold!
I set a goal to sell my Commercial unit by the end of November and I’ve achieved that goal. I actually had an offer within two weeks, it’s just taken a little while to finalise ‘the deal’! How did the buyer find out about the unit being on the market? This marketing tip database! It’s a list of hundreds of small to medium sized businesses with many of them the target market for the unit. So whenever your market a property or a product, decide who your ideal customer would be and where you can find them. It’s no use advertising in newspapers and other mass media as you will pay for targeting ‘everyone’ (unless you want to reach ‘everyone’). Try to be a bit more creative than that! The result for me was that I had several high quality potential buyers! The other marketing activities I carried out were: - Developed a nice looking flyer and distributed around the area - Set up a page on my website with detailed information about the unit a potential buyer needed with nice photos etc. I had a domain name www.unitforsale.co.nz pointing directly at that page. This way, I could measure how many views that domain had too. - A FOR SALE sign on the building with my phone number and the www.unitforsale.co.nz website - Listing on Trademe (this was the most expensive part at $ 399) What were the advantages for the buyer? - The feedback I’ve had is that buyers prefer dealing with the owner of the property as they know the property best! - A much better price as no commission was involved. The next time I’m selling a property, I will do the marketing again myself! Till next week, Marijke More than ever before, the web is about content. If you provide good content on your website and through your social media, it is more likely to get shared. This will grow the awareness of your business and increase sales.
I did some research to find out what type of content gets shared most. Here we go:
Till next week, Marijke PS: there are a few places left on the Marketing for Success Programme starting soon - click here for more info! Up to 50% funding available. Here are 5 tips to keep visitors to your website longer, with the ultimate aim to convert them to customers!
1. Use audio or video. Instead of using LOTS or text, people prefer to look at a short video or podcast. Give it a go! 2. Keep the info short with links to other pages on your website with more detailed information. E.g.: FREE 2 hour workshop: How to increase your international visitor numbers. Click here for more info! 3. Make text more readable. Break text up with headings, subheadings and images. You can also use bold and colours for text to make it easier to read! 4. Include a call to action that will benefit them: give them a special if they sign up for a newsletter (that way, you can direct future traffic to your website through your newsletter) 5. Embed social media. If you use Facebook, Pinterest, Youtube, Instagram, Twitter, you can include live feeds into your website. This makes it easier for visitors to your site to have a look at your social media pages without having to leave your website. Have a look how you could improve your website, make a list of things you’d like to action and plan to do it! Till next week, Marijke
A very simple (bit important!) little tip this week: plan a few minutes this week to check all the links on your website. There is nothing more annoying for a visitor to your site to click on a link and end up on an error page (a 404 error message page, check out the funny video below!)
Also, ensure that external links (links that go to another website) open in a new page, so you don't lose visitors off your site. That's it for this week! Just plan & do it! Till next week, Marijke Click here to learn more about the FREE 2-hour tourism marketing workshop: Effective ways to grow your international visitor numbers! (4 Sept 2014 in Lumsden and 5 Sept in Invercargill) Over the last week, I have been looking at dozens of websites. There are a few things that can be improved easily to make your website more user-friendly and personal.
Here we go: 1. Have your name on your website. It's amazing how many websites don't have a contact person on it! We all like to deal with people (especially if you offer a personalised service such as a tourism product). 2. Have your photo and your staff's photos on the website. It makes it a lot more personal to see who your dealing with! Many websites have 'About us' pages, but only have information about the organisation! Under the 'About us' page, I expect to find information about the people who work there! 3. Make it easy for people to contact you! Have your email address and contact details on every page. It's amazing how many websites don't even have an email address, just a contact form! 4. An email with your domain name is more professional than a gmail or other free account. I have several, for example marijke@smartraining.co.nz . And a little plug for the 12-month 'Marketing for Success Programme' starting in July. It's our best programme ever! It's about setting business goals and achieving them! The programme is accredited by New Zealand Trade & Enterprise with up to 50% funding available. Check out www.smartraining.co.nz now! (testimonials & info) You'll love it! (pass it on to others too! Thanks :) Till next week, Marijke Do you use Facebook as a marketing tool for your business - or intend to use it more?
Did you know you can embed Facebook on your website? It encourages people to like your page and it's an easy way to keep your website content up to date! To view an example of embedded Facebook page, go to the Radfords Motel website: http://www.radfordsmotel.co.nz/radfords-facebook-page.html Have a great rest of your week! Marijke Recently, Nielsen conducted a study on what type of content on websites most influences consumers.
They looked at: Branded Content - this is content you put on your website yourself about your product or service User Reviews - these are reviews by your customers of your product Expert Reviews - reviews done by experts about your product. On your own website, you will be saying how wonderful your product is, combined with beautiful photography, videos etc. This is all nice, but what people are most influenced by is if someone else says how wonderful you are! The research indicated that Expert Reviews have the most impact. This could include winning a relevant award or an endorsement by a celebrity. Idea: a video clip of a credible 'expert' will help your customers make a purchase. User Reviews are second. This includes sites like Tripadvisor (if you work in tourism) or customer reviews on your website. So, how could you influence your customers with Expert and User Reviews? Till next week, Marijke
Have you seen the above icons on websites? They are share icons and encourage people to share content on your website.
It's a great way to increase quality traffic to your website! By having a range of share options, the visitors to your website will share your content with their preferred social media platform or by email. To add this to your website, go to: www.sharethis.com and follow instructions. And.. it's free! PS: have a go and share this page! Till next week, Marijke Here we go:
1. Contact information: your address, email and phone number. (these should really be on EVERY page!) And while we’re at it, ensure these are also on the automatic signature of your emails! 2. An overview paragraph (or a couple) clearly outlining what you do or sell (with relevant keywords of course!) 3. Stunning images that represent what you do or sell! 4. A video on your homepage increases conversion. 5. Clear navigation with working links, including a BOOK NOW or BUY NOW button. Check your links regularly to ensure they work! 6. An email signup box: One effective way to encourage customer loyalty is with a regular newsletter. Services such as Mailchimp offer simple ways of doing this. 7. Social media links: Help customers stay in touch by providing links to your social media accounts right on your front page. Use recognizable icons linked to Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or LinkedIn. Till next week, Marijke |
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AuthorMarijke Dunselman. Click here to read more about us! |