Category: Strategies

Before you can start effectively marketing to your target customers, you need to know who they are. However, basic demographics like their gender, age and annual income aren’t going to suffice; you also need an insight into the nitty-gritty of what makes them tick.

If this idea makes you uncomfortable, it might be because you can’t figure out how you are supposed to learn about people in such depth without giving rise to privacy concerns. Fortunately, there are a fair few answers to this conundrum…

Go undercover in online communities your target customers frequent

There’s no shame in lurking like this to see what these people are saying about your industry or niche when they don’t think you are listening in. Still, you should be careful where exactly you do eavesdrop.

As an Inc. article explains, while software firms should peruse sites where the tech-savvy gather, like Quora, you might be better off looking at certain Facebook groups if you offer parenting solutions instead.

Keep track of hashtags on social media

These can include hashtags relating to your industry, not to mention those that are simply trending, but you reckon could have some relevance for your own offerings.

For example, what if you are a clothing retailer and there are certain hashtags for a music festival that is coming up? You could consider using these hashtags in social media posts drawing attention to clothing items you stock that would look just right when worn by music fans on a festival field.

Question target customers directly about what they want

Yes, it might initially sound like something of a ‘it might just be crazy enough to work’ point. However, when it comes to getting valuable opportunities for soliciting customers’ thoughts, you could need to put in a certain amount of legwork.   

You could, for example, use a platform like ON24 Forums to hold your own virtual networking events – and keep attendees so engaged that they don’t even realize how much they are letting slip about themselves.

Piggyback on what other people have found out

One Entrepreneur article calls this “entry-level market research at its finest”, adding that you could consult case studies and psychological analyses from sources including market researchers, industry reporters and even, to a certain extent, sociologists.

You may find that competitors of your company have undertaken and published market research of their own – in which case, why not take advantage of it? You could also look closely at how these businesses reach out to their potential customers.

Consider what products and services your target customers are already using

Many people might be loyal to specific brands because they continue to fulfill certain practical needs. So, if you have established what brands people are buying from, you can proceed to investigate what products and services are in particularly high demand. 

Many members of your target audience might casually mention these in online conversations, making it easier for you to figure out if – or just how – you could beat other companies at their own game.

When you want to foster improved loyalty in your customers, you shouldn’t underestimate your customer service’s influence.

One statistic shared by Business News Daily reveals that 93% of customers are likelier to make repeat purchases from businesses that excel in customer service.  

This helps to explain why, as numbers cited by CustomerThink indicate, companies offering the best customer service outperform others by up to 80%. However, why could unified communications prove the secret weapon in your loyalty-boosting arsenal?

Unified communications ties together various communication channels 

Unified communications (UC) enables users to access and use a range of communication channels via one management system. The channels in question can include text messaging, voice calling and emailing.

Therefore, once you have a UC system, you will be able to flick through these options quickly and seamlessly without ever having to abandon one device for another. All of this adds up to a smoother experience for customers who get in touch with you.

You can improve your First Call Resolution (FCR) rates 

Naturally, when a customer calls you to obtain your help with an issue, it would be convenient for you to resolve it on that one call. This type of resolution is known as First Call Resolution (FCR) — and UC can make it much easier to achieve. 

That’s because, if you can’t rectify the caller’s problem by yourself, UC would let you speedily connect a work colleague who is capable of helping you.

The customer can choose how to contact you 

The customer probably has their own preference of how to make the initial enquiry with you. Fortunately, once your business has a UC system unifying all of the communication methods listed on your corporate website, you will need to check only one place to see the enquiry.

UC can also enable you to efficiently switch the customer between channels. For example, if the customer calls but gets cut off, they could easily recommence the conversation via email. 

UC delivers better audio quality 

This is compared to the audio available with traditional telephony, and can give the caller the impression that the customer service agent is speaking to them privately rather than in a crowded, bustling office. 

According to research mentioned by CustomerThink, 82% of consumers appreciate feeling as though they are having a private call with customer service agents. The improved sound quality offered by UC can thus increase customer satisfaction and, as a result, assist in spurring sales.

UC is also cost-effective  

For example, not only would a UC system from the telecoms giant Gamma be fantastic for enhancing your communications, this solution would also be easily scalable. 

In other words, you could, as when and necessary, extend or rein in the amount of UC infrastructure available to your business — meaning that you can avoid paying for more of that infrastructure than what you genuinely need.

The financial savings consequently made can allow you to increase your spending on other aspects of the business, a tactic that can help with customer loyalty.

When luxury brands are mentioned, certain words come to mind. Craftsmanship, exclusivity, and the price tag of course. Names such as Ferrari, Hermes, and Cartier may also occur. The most successful luxury brand in the world in 2021 was Louis Vitton Moet Hennessey. The revenue for the LVMH Group that year was around $75.7 billion.

The most successful brands can sell simply because of their logo or branding. Iconic and timeless are two other words that might be attached to some of the biggest luxury brands, but sometimes the exclusivity that a brand may want to express can go awry.

The luxury brand, Burberry, suffered unwanted attention in the UK as it was adopted by C-list celebrities and individuals who were not the demographic that the brand sought. It took Burberry many years to shake off the ‘chav’ tag that their famous check pattern had become attached to.

Incidentally, Burberry had a revenue of nearly $4 billion in 2021 and was in the top ten most successful luxury brands. So, how do luxury brands become successful, and if their star slips as Burberry’s did for a while, can they re-establish their exclusive status?

How do luxury brands become successful?

There are a number of steps and strategies that luxury brands follow to achieve success in key areas. Below are some of the factors and strategies for improving the reputation and success of a luxury brand.

Use a brand consultant

Utilizing a brand consultancy, or bringing in an expert in this field can help build a long-term strategy for success. Hiring a manager for brand consulting will help with analyzing the business and improving its performance against competitors in the same field.

These consultants will implement brand strategies, and marketing, introduce solutions and provide analysis. They will help to establish the true value of the brand.

Find a niche

Luxury brands have to appear exclusive. The most successful brands have what is known as a high symbolic value. While the craftsmanship will be expected to be high and the materials of the best quality, there is a value associated with luxury brands that go beyond the literal cost.

Luxury brands can become desirable when they have a high symbolic value. This represents status, culture, and any number of other factors including being on trend, or being limited in numbers.

Establish an emotional connection

Establishing your brand’s symbolic value is vital. The success of a brand is often due to perception. How consumers perceive your brand can add to its growth and value. When Burberry was adopted by an unwanted demographic, it lost that air of exclusivity, and the perception was that anyone could wear the brand.

An emotional connection is also critical for a luxury brand. Marketers and brand consultants will try to establish a link with consumers’ emotions and desires. A strong brand story can help to introduce ways to make customers engage with your brand. A marketer will look to make the brand aspirational, and even appeal to an individual’s ego.

Strong IP protection

The brand needs to be protected from imitators and plagiarism. Luxury brands have all had their clothing copied and their logos reproduced for inferior fake products. Gucci, Armani, and Rolex fakes are sold all over the world, and this has a huge impact on revenues.

It is expected that the global counterfeiting industry will be worth $4.2 trillion by the end of this year. Clothes and shoes are some of the most pirated items as they are easy to replicate. Shoddy counterfeit clothes not only hurt revenues, but they can damage the perception and symbolic value of a brand.

Use influencers

Luxury brands are using influencers more as they adjust their marketing strategies to modern consumer trends. Now with the growth of ecommerce, more luxury products are being sold online, and not just in traditional outlets.

Major global firms grow brand awareness with an influencer through social media. A luxury brand can link up with the right creators to produce aspirational lifestyle posts. It is estimated that for every $1 spent on influencer marketing, a return of $5.20 will be gained.

Establish a differentiation strategy

This is an important and necessary strategy for luxury brands. Not only does the brand need to appear exclusive, but it also needs to be unique. Take Louboutins’ red sole feature for instance. A differentiation strategy means that a brand has a unique selling point, and is clearly recognizable.

Summary

Some other factors will help establish a luxury brand’s success or failure, but these are some of the more vital steps to take.

The quality of luxury branded products is expected to be superior, and the craftsmanship will help to establish trust. An emotional connection is vital, and when this happens, luxury brands will see it purely because of the name and logo behind it.

Small businesses often find themselves struggling to keep up with their larger competitors. It can be challenging to compete with companies that have more resources at their disposal, but it is not impossible. This blog will discuss some tips that small businesses can use to stay competitive.

1) Keep track of your competitor’s prices and offerings.

If you know what your competitors are offering, you can be sure to offer a competitive price. You can also use this information to identify areas where your business has an advantage. For example, if your competitor sells products online, you might focus on selling in-store or vice versa.

You should also keep an eye on your competitor’s marketing efforts. This will give you some insight into what strategies are working for them and which ones are not. For example, if you see that they are having success with a certain type of marketing, you might want to consider using that same strategy.

Of course, it is important not to get too caught up in what your competitors are doing. Instead, you should always focus on what is best for your business and your customers.

2) Go Digital

In today’s day and age, businesses need to have a strong online presence. If your competitor is online and you are not, you are already at a disadvantage. Even if you are both online, you must ensure that your website is up-to-date and easy to use. A Digitale Transformation is key to success in the modern market.

Your website should be designed with your customer in mind. Make sure that it is easy to navigate and that all of the information they need is readily available. If you have a brick-and-mortar store, make sure that your website provides directions and contact information.

In addition to having a website, you should also make sure that you are active on social media. This is a great way to connect with potential and current customers. In addition, you can use social media to promote your products or services, share special offers, and much more.

If you are not sure how to get started with social media, there are plenty of resources available that can help you. There are also many digital marketing agencies that can help you create an effective online presence for your business.

Digital marketing is essential for all businesses, but it is especially important for small businesses. You can level the playing field and compete with larger companies by utilizing digital marketing techniques.

3) Offer Superior Customer Service

One of the best ways to differentiate your business from your competitors is to offer superior customer service. If your customers have a positive experience with your business, they will likely come back and recommend you to others. There are many ways that you can improve your customer service, such as:

-Offering a loyalty program

-Making it easy for customers to contact you

-Responding quickly to customer inquiries and complaints

-Offering discounts or coupons

-Sending thank you notes or cards

 By offering superior customer service, you will be able to build a strong relationship with your customers. This will help you retain existing customers and attract new ones. 

These are just a few tips that small businesses can use to keep up with their larger competitors. It is important to always focus on what is best for your business and your customers. You can level the playing field and compete with the big guys by offering a competitive price, superior customer service, and utilizing digital marketing techniques. 

Are you planning to start a WordPress website with the lowest budget? If yes, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we will show you how to start a WordPress website with the lowest budget.

WordPress is the most popular content management system in the world. It powers over 35% of all websites on the internet. WordPress is free and open-source software released under the GPL license.

Creating a WordPress website is easy and anyone can do it without any technical knowledge. However, starting a WordPress website can be expensive if you don’t know how to do it on a budget.

In this article, we will show you how to start a WordPress website with the lowest budget. We will also share some tips on how to save money when starting a WordPress website.

So, let’s get started!

Starting a WordPress Website on a Budget

The cost of starting a WordPress website can vary depending on your needs. If you want to create a simple blog, then you can do it for free. However, if you want to create a more complex website, then you will need to spend some money.

Here are the three things that you need to start a WordPress website:

• Domain Name
• Web Hosting
• WordPress Theme

Let’s take a look at each of these items in detail.

Domain Name

A domain name is your website’s address on the internet. It is what people will type in to visit your website. For example, our domain name is wpbeginner.com.

You can buy a domain name from a domain registrar like Namecheap, GoDaddy, or Hover. Prices for domain names start at $9 per year and can go up to $100 or more.

However, if you use our exclusive Namecheap link, then you can get a domain name for just $2.99 per year.

Web Hosting

Web hosting is where your website lives on the internet. Think of it like renting a space for your website from a landlord (the web hosting company).

We recommend using WordPress-specific hosting companies like WP Engine or Kinsta. Prices for web hosting start at $3.95 per month and can go up to $100 or more per month.

When it comes to web hosting for WordPress, I don’t recommend going for cheap web hosting because they are simply not reliable. Plus, on contrary, most managed WordPress hosting solutions are not extremely pricey (unless you are using their highest hosting plans).

You can check out WP Engine hosting plan here or my personal favorite, Kinsta hosting plans here.

WordPress Theme

A WordPress theme is a collection of files that work together to create the design and functionality of your website. There are thousands of free and paid WordPress themes available.

We recommend choosing a theme from our expert-pick list of the best WordPress themes.

If you want to save even more money, then you can use a free WordPress theme. Just keep in mind that free WordPress themes usually have limited features and customization options.

Installing WordPress

Now that you have all the required items, it’s time to install WordPress. Don’t worry, this is very easy and anyone can do it without any technical knowledge.

First, you need to log in to your web hosting account and go to the control panel (also called cPanel).

In the control panel, you will see a section called “Website Builder” or “1-Click Installer”. Click on that.

On the next screen, you will see a list of popular website scripts that you can install with just a few clicks.

Scroll down and find WordPress. Click on the “Install” button next to it.

On the next screen, you will need to choose the domain name where you want to install WordPress. If you have only one domain name, then it will be pre-selected for you.

Leave the “In Directory” field blank unless you want to install WordPress in a subfolder like /blog.

Now, click on the “Install Now” button and WordPress will be installed on your website.

You will see a success message with your WordPress username and password. Write this down or click on the “Show Password” button to reveal it.

Now, click on the “Log In” button and you will be taken to the WordPress login page.

Enter your WordPress username and password to log in to your WordPress dashboard.

Once logged in, you will be redirected to the WordPress admin area or dashboard. This is where you can manage your website.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed WordPress on your website.

Next, let’s take a look at how to start using WordPress to create your first website.

Bonus: One of the most affordable WordPress plugins every website owners need to use is Thrive Themes. It offers a full solution that allows you to turn your website into a money-making machine.

Creating Your First WordPress Website

Now that you have installed WordPress, it’s time to create your first WordPress website.

Don’t worry, this is very easy and anyone can do it without any technical knowledge.

First, you need to log in to your WordPress dashboard.

Once logged in, you will be redirected to the WordPress admin area or dashboard. This is where you can manage your website.

On the left hand side of the dashboard, you will see a menu with different sections.

Hover over the “Pages” section and then click on the “Add New” link.

This will take you to the WordPress editor where you can create a new page.

Enter a title for your page in the “Enter Title Here” field.

Then, start writing your page content in the main editor area.

You can use the toolbar to format your text, add images, and more.

Once you are done, click on the “Publish” button to publish your page.

Now that your page is published, you can view it by clicking on the “View Page” link.

You can also preview your page by clicking on the “Preview” button.

Creating Your First WordPress Blog Post

In addition to pages, you can also create blog posts in WordPress.

To create a new blog post, hover over the “Posts” section in the WordPress dashboard and then click on the “Add New” link.

This will take you to the WordPress editor where you can create a new blog post.

Enter a title for your blog post in the “Enter Title Here” field.

Then, start writing your blog post content in the main editor area.

You can use the toolbar to format your text, add images, and more.

Once you are done, click on the “Publish” button to publish your blog post.

Now that your blog post is published, you can view it by clicking on the “View Post” link.

You can also preview your blog post by clicking on the “Preview” button.

Creating Your First WordPress Website Menu

The next thing you need to do is create a menu for your WordPress website.

A website menu is used to link to different pages and sections on your site.

To create a new menu, hover over the “Appearance” section in the WordPress dashboard and then click on the “Menus” link.

On the “Menus” page, you need to give your menu a name and then click on the “Create Menu” button.

Now, you can add pages, blog posts, and other links to your menu.

Once you are done, click on the “Save Menu” button to save your changes.

Your menu will now be displayed on your website.

Creating Your First WordPress Widget

Widgets are small blocks of content that you can add to the sidebars and other areas of your WordPress website.

To add a widget, hover over the “Appearance” section in the WordPress dashboard and then click on the “Widgets” link.

On the “Widgets” page, you will see a list of available widgets on the left hand side.

To add a widget to your website, simply drag and drop it into one of the sidebars or other widget areas.

Once you are done, click on the “Save Changes” button to save your changes.

Your widget will now be displayed on your website.

Congratulations! You have successfully created your first WordPress website.

Now that you know the basics of how to use WordPress, you can start exploring more advanced features and functionality.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me!

Lawyers, if you’re not paying attention to your online presence, you’re going to get left in the dust. These days, most people find their lawyers online, and if you don’t have a strong web presence, you’re going to lose out on business. In this blog post, we will discuss 7 game-changing tips that will help strengthen your online presence and attract more clients!

1. Make sure your website is up-to-date and informative

Your website is often the first impression potential clients will have of you and your law firm, so it’s important that it makes a good one! Make sure your website is well-designed, easy to navigate, and contains relevant and useful information about your firm and practice areas. Additionally, be sure to keep your site updated regularly with fresh content, such as blog posts or articles. This will show potential clients that you’re active online and help them get to know you better.

Finally, don’t forget to include strong calls to action on your sites, such as contact forms or appointment scheduling tools. This will make it easy for interested clients to get in touch with you and take the next step in hiring you as their lawyer.

2. Invest in search engine optimization

Search engine optimization (SEO) is a must if you want your law firm’s website to be easily found online. By optimizing your site for relevant keywords, you can make sure that your site appears as high as possible on search engine results pages (SERPs). Looking for professional local SEO help for lawyers is important because research shows that most people don’t click past the first page of results when they’re searching for something online. There are a number of different ways to optimize your site for SEO. Start by doing some keyword research to find out which keywords potential clients are using to find lawyers like you. Then, incorporate those keywords into your website content, titles, and meta tags. You can also use other marketing channels, such as pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, to help drive traffic to your site.

By investing in SEO, you can make sure that your law firm’s website is seen by potential clients who are actively searching for legal services online.

3. Use social media

Social media is another powerful tool that you can use to reach potential clients and build your online presence. Having active social media accounts shows potential clients that you’re tech-savvy and up-to-date on the latest trends. Additionally, social media provides an opportunity for you to share content from your websites, such as blog posts or articles, with a wider audience. You can also use social media to connect with other professionals in your field and build relationships that could lead to referrals down the road.

Not sure where to start when it comes to social media? Try creating profiles on the most popular platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+. Then, start sharing relevant and interesting content with your followers. By using social media, you can reach a larger audience of potential clients and connect with other professionals in your field.

4. Make sure you choose a niche

In order to stand out from the crowd, it’s important that you choose a niche for your law firm. When potential clients are searching for a lawyer, they often use specific keywords related to their legal needs. If you focus on a specific area of law, such as personal injury or family law, you can make sure that your firm comes up when potential clients are searching for those terms. By choosing a niche, you can show potential clients that you’re an expert in the field and that they can rely on you for all their legal needs.

If you haven’t already chosen a niche for your firm, now is the time to do so! By focusing on a specific area of law, you can attract more potential clients and build a strong online presence.

5. Start blogging

Blogging is a great way to attract potential clients and build your online presence. When you blog, you have the opportunity to share your expert knowledge with a wider audience. You can also use keywords to optimize your blog posts for SEO and make sure that they’re easily found by potential clients who are searching for information online. Additionally, blogging gives you a chance to show off your personality and give potential clients a glimpse into who you are as a lawyer. By starting a blog, you can demonstrate your expertise, connect with potential clients, and build your law firm’s online presence.

6. Join relevant online forums and local community

One of the best ways to build your online presence is to get involved in your local community. There are a number of different ways to do this. You can start by claiming your Google My Business listing and ensuring that all your information is up-to-date. You can also join relevant online forums and participate in discussions related to your area of law. Additionally, you can attend local events and meetups related to your field. By getting involved in your community, you can show potential clients that you’re knowledgeable and invest in the legal needs of those around you.

7. Make sure your website is mobile-friendly

In today’s day and age, it’s important to make sure that your website is mobile-friendly. With more and more people using their smartphones and tablets to access the internet, you need to make sure that your website can be easily viewed on these devices. Additionally, Google now uses mobile-friendliness as a ranking factor in its search algorithm. This means that if your website is not mobile-friendly, it could be penalized in Google search results. As a result, potential clients may have difficulty finding your site when they’re searching for legal services online.

To ensure that your website is mobile-friendly, start by checking Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test tool. This tool will analyze your website and let you know if there are any issues that need to be fixed. Once you’ve made the necessary changes, you can re-run the test to make sure that your site is now mobile-friendly. By making sure your website is mobile-friendly, you can improve your chances of being found by potential clients online.

By following these tips, you can build a strong online presence for your law firm. By creating profiles on social media sites, joining relevant online forums, and optimizing your website for mobile devices, you can reach a wider audience of potential clients and show them that you’re an expert in your field. Additionally, by blogging and getting involved in your local community, you can demonstrate your personality and commitment to those around you. By taking these steps, you can build a strong online presence for your law firm and attract more potential clients.