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  • Top Facts Entrepreneurs Should Know About Digital Marketing Strategies

    Top Facts Entrepreneurs Should Know About Digital Marketing Strategies

    If you are a business owner, then you need to learn about marketing. You won’t be able to bring exposure to your business without it. Due to the fact that most people use smartphones and computers on a daily basis, digital marketing is the most effective form of marketing available today. Digital marketing can make it easier for you to reach out to your audience directly. However, just because digital marketing is highly effective, that does not mean that it’s easy to master.

    This post will tell you some things that you need to know about it.

    Professional Support

    Digital marketing is a full-time job. It’s very unlikely that you’ll be able to develop and implement a marketing plan while simultaneously running your business. A digital marketing specialist will be able to create and implement a new marketing action plan for you, while you focus on running other areas of your business. Many business owners make the mistake of trying to do everything themselves to try and save money, but this inevitably leads to mistakes being made. A marketing specialist will be able to use the unique plan that they have developed for you to bring exposure to your business.

    Marketing Technique

    There are many different marketing strategies that you can consider using. Some of the most effective ones use social media as a tool. If you are going to market your business yourself (or want to educate yourself about marketing so that you can make your objectives clear to a marketing specialist) then you need to take the time to learn about all of the various techniques and strategies that there are. Some of these will be covered in the remainder of this post.

    Using Social Media

    As mentioned in the previous section, social media is one of the best places to market your business. The reason that social media’s so effective is because it gives you an opportunity to reach out to your audience directly, with no intermediaries. You can actually pop up in people’s inboxes (although that isn’t recommended). Businesses create pages for themselves where they can advertise new products and give clients updates. Additionally, businesses employ influencers to market products for them. Influencers are social media celebrities with large audiences, who ‘influence’ them into supporting their sponsors.

    Remaining Consistent

    Whatever marketing technique or strategy that you employ, you need to remain consistent. The worst thing that you can do when you are marketing your business is to suddenly stop. In addition to remaining consistent in terms of actually marketing your business, you also need to make sure that your marketing branding is consistent across all platforms. Inconsistent marketing can be very confusing for consumers and can actually be enough to stop them from purchasing products from you. A marketing specialist will be able to help you to ensure that your marketing is consistent on your website, social media pages, and anywhere else.

    Content Marketing

    Content marketing is one of the web’s leading marketing solutions. It involves the creation of content, which is then used to market one’s business. The most common type of content is written content. You can post answers to questions on sites like Quora, and then advertise your business at the bottom of your answer. You can also post long-form articles relative to your niche on your website and on other people’s blogs. Make sure that the content that you create is well thought through and most importantly of all, accurate. If you post inaccurate content then your audience won’t think that you’re an authority in your niche, and as a consequence, won’t want to do business with you.

    SEM

    SEM stands for search engine marketing. Two of the internet’s leading marketing solutions, SEO and PPC, fall under the SEM umbrella. SEO stands for search engine optimization and PPC pay-per-click. If you hire a digital marketing specialist, then they are most probably going to use these two strategies to market your business for you. Out of the two, SEO is the most effective. SEO can help you to increase your site’s ranking on the major search listings. When people search keywords relevant to your niche, if their SEO efforts have been effective, then you will be one of the first businesses that searchers see.

    Mobile Optimisation

    You won’t be able to rank highly on the internet if you haven’t optimized your site for mobile use. Mobile optimization is arguably one of the most important metrics when it comes to SEO. The reason for this is that a very large number of internet users use it on their mobile devices. A lot of people shop on their mobile phones, too. The reason that a lot of people shop on their mobile phones is that it’s easy to make purchases using one’s phone, since mobile devices give people the ability to store their card details, and also alternate between the site they are buying products from and their online banking app.

    Email Marketing

    Email marketing is another highly effective strategy. However, before you can begin marketing yourself through emails, you need to have a large email subscription list. You cannot under any circumstances buy people’s email addresses. Sending unsolicited marketing emails can get you into a lot of trouble. In the past, it was acceptable to do this. This is no longer the case, though. The best way to get customers to sign up for your site’s email list is to give them a discount code when they do.

    Devaluing Brand

    Finally, make sure that you don’t devalue your brand through your marketing. A lot of businesses use promotional sales and discount codes to convert leads. Unfortunately, holding too many sales or giving too many codes away can leave your customers feeling like your brand isn’t worth much. Once you have devalued your brand in the eyes of customers, it will be very hard for you to restore it or undo the damage that you have done.

    Marketing is vital to your success. Out of all modern marketing methods, digital marketing is the most effective. If you are going to digitally market your business, then it is best to hire a marketing specialist to do it for you. A marketing specialist will know all of the most effective strategies and techniques.

  • With inflation set to linger, here is how businesses can be protected from it

    With inflation set to linger, here is how businesses can be protected from it

    It is a sign of how quickly inflation has increased that, from May 2021 to May 2022, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 8.6%, as noted on the Entrepreneur website. 

    However, high inflation is hardly an issue limited to the United States, as 60% of advanced economies have been battling the same problem. If you run a business, you could have seen many of its ongoing costs rise — but how can you help yourself to rein them back in?

    Streamline your expenses as far as practically possible 

    When you look closer at your corporate running costs, you could notice that not all of them are strictly necessary. For example, if you are currently sourcing, say, your office space and online connectivity separately, you might be able to save money by obtaining them together.

    Keep in mind that renting a serviced office from BE Offices would give you access to a dedicated workspace, high-speed Wi-Fi, onsite recycling points and free telephone calls, too.

    Encourage your clients to pay you sooner 

    Doing this can help you to improve your company’s cash flow, as you wouldn’t have to wait quite as long before paying vendors and investing in previously unexplored opportunities. 

    However, the especially crucial word here is ‘encourage’. You don’t want your clients to feel under too much pressure to pay you earlier than usual, as they are likely to be facing their own struggles with inflation. 

    So, you could gently nudge these clients in the right direction by offering discounts for early payment, and start requesting upfront deposits just for larger products or services.

    Foster competition between vendors 

    You need to get supplies from somewhere, but that ‘somewhere’ doesn’t necessarily have to be the same vendor time and time again. In fact, it can pay off handsomely if you strike deals with multiple vendors.

    That way, if one of them raises their prices, you could switch to a different vendor — and perhaps, in the process, incentivise the original vendor to do what they can to reverse their price hikes. 

    Keep as many of your existing employees as possible 

    You might already be committed to doing this, but there could remain a need for you to redouble your efforts. That’s because your employees are likely to have been hit hard in the pocket as a result of inflation-driven increases in prices attached to everyday items.

    Hence, these employees could be eager for a rise in their salaries. If you are unable to pay your workers more, you could instead offer them perks that would incur less expense for you personally — such as a wealth of remote-working options.

    Implement cost-saving practices that you would likely be able to sustain 

    According to a recent New York Federal Reserve survey mentioned by NBC News, consumers anticipate the annual inflation rate sitting at 5.7% by the fall of 2023. 

    That figure is much higher than the Federal Reserve’s 2% target — underlining how important it is that, as a business owner, you plan for the long haul with your inflation-proofing measures.

  • Do You Have a Medical Service Business? Here Are Some Marketing Tips to Follow

    Do You Have a Medical Service Business? Here Are Some Marketing Tips to Follow

    Making it as a medical business in this competitive market can be tough. Because of the pandemic, the medical industry has seen a boom with more businesses popping up all over. If you want to make it in this industry, you need to be resourceful and get creative with how you run your brand. One way to stay ahead of your competitors is through a strong brand image and marketing. 

    Whether you run a small medical practice or sell supplies, there are a few key things to know if you want to be successful. To help you along the way, here are some tips and tricks to help get your brand out there. Follow these marketing tips and take your medical business to newer and greater heights this quarter!

    Get the right person on the job

    Whether you’re a small or large business, it can be hard finding the right person for the job. In some cases, it’s better to call on professionals to help you craft the perfect marketing strategy for your business. Whether you deal in medical supplies or supply mental health services, you need someone who knows how your work operates. 

    Different branches of medicine provide different services which need to be marketed accordingly. Managing medical records and behavioral health marketing are not the same and need different tactics. Whether you choose to outsource or market in-house, you need to put only the best, most qualified people for the job.  

    Use consistent branding

    If you want to push your business out there and make it stay in the minds of your customers, you have to create a consistent brand. You have to create a brand identity that is consistent and sticks out from your competitors. Whatever service your business provides, you need to build a strong and recognizable brand to promote awareness.

    To create a consistent brand, you first need to determine what your medical brand is all about and what makes it unique. What does your business have to offer, how does it do things differently from other brands, and what makes it stand out? Once you figure this out, use it to pave the way for your marketing strategy. 

    Create a strong website

    In 2022, your medical service business needs to get with the times and have a strong online presence. You need to create a strong website that will represent your business and what it provides. If potential customers and patients can find what they need from your website, they’ll be all the happier for it. Never underestimate the power of strong web design and an easy-to-navigate website.

    A good addition to a strong website is to have a strong and informative blog for your business. A blog that is regularly updated and maintained can serve as a powerful marketing tool. Use it to post updates, interact with patients, and gather intel on how you can improve your business and the service you provide. 

    Look into 

    Another way to make use of modern technology for your brand is to look into SEO techniques. Most businesses today get the majority of their customers from online searches. If you want to get your brand out there, you have to optimize the way potential customers find you online. 

    SEO is one of many useful tools you have at your disposal to push your business to the front. Do some research and construct your online content with optimal phrases and keywords to push it to the top. Optimize your online content so that it’s informative, easy to understand, and find. Whatever work your business does in the medical sector, you can use SEO to your advantage. 

    Have a responsive online presence

    It’s one thing to have an online presence whether through social media, a website, or a blog, but it’s another to be responsive online. As a business in the medical industry, you need to be in tune with the wants and needs of your clientele. 

    To be responsive, you have to be on top of your online presence, reply to emails, messages, and comments fast. You need to connect with your audience on a personal level and listen to what the public says. Being present and responsive online shows that you value your clientele and that you’re a reputable business. Stay engaged with your audience online and you won’t have to work as hard to gain new customers.

    Listen to your patients

    The easiest way to market to your target audience is to provide for and listen to your patients. Your patients and customers are the driving force behind your business and you need to listen to them if you want to do a good job. To listen to your patients, you need to have a good idea of what they want, and then try to supply that. 

    To do this you need to have an open line of communication with your patients and keep up with it. You need to make the business and medical services that you supply inclusive and accessible. Focus on improving the patient’s experience with your brand, and you cannot go wrong!

    Make the most of reviews and feedback

    Last but not least, no good marketing strategy is complete without feedback. Feedback and reviews are powerful tools that you can use to further your brand. By being in tune with what your clientele wants, and aligning your brand with it, you can further your business. 

    You can collect feedback in many ways, from asking customers and patients directly to questionnaires, or comments. Once you’ve gotten the feedback or reviews, you need to compile it into usable data to help you better your brand. Never underestimate the power of feedback if you want to put your medical service business on the map. 

    So there you have it! Now that you’re all caught up, you’re ready to market your business like a pro! To propel your medical service business forward, you need to hire the right person for the job. Create a strong brand image and use consistent branding to get out there. Use technology through building a strong website, SEO, and creating a responsive online presence. Listen to your patients, focus on their experience and remember to make the most of the feedback you receive. Keep these tips in mind and your medical business is sure to be a success!

  • Out of insight, out of mind? How to (discreetly) learn more about your target audience

    Out of insight, out of mind? How to (discreetly) learn more about your target audience

    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.

  • Here is How to Lower or Avoid Customs Duties as a Commercial Buyer

    Here is How to Lower or Avoid Customs Duties as a Commercial Buyer

    It is not easy to avoid the duties. However, an invoice can help you pay less. So, the seller should make a copy of the invoice containing information about your shipment items. It should also contain the units in the items and their total value. For example, instead of “phone accessories’, the invoice should contain more details like a specification of the accessories, quantity, and the country the items have been manufactured. Marking the source of the items is vital since items from specific countries are normally duty-free. You can go for electronic documentation, where the importer of record is forwarded to the customs duty officials. This way, you don’t have to worry about your papers getting destroyed.

    Call the Seller If You Get a Custom Duty Notice

    When the package reaches the port, more duties may be added than you owe. It is important to call the seller if they have paid the duties and explain the situation. The seller will then handle things from their side so that you will not pay more. Remember, customs cannot release the package until you pay the duties. It is one rule of importing items. So, work with the seller to ensure you don’t pay more than you should.

    Get a Detailed Invoice for the Shipment

    It is not easy to avoid the duties. However, an invoice can help you pay less. So, the seller should make a copy of the invoice containing information about your shipment items. It should also contain the units in the items and their total value. For example, instead of “phone accessories’, the invoice should contain more details like a specification of the accessories, quantity, and the country the items have been manufactured. Marking the source of the items is vital since items from specific countries are normally duty-free. You can go for electronic documentation, where the invoice is forwarded to the customs duty officials. This way, you don’t have to worry about your papers getting destroyed.

    Use the Help of a Customs Broker

    If the seller does not have a broker, find one for yourself. A broker will significantly figure out the classification of your goods and ensure they are well-prepared. The broker will then place the items with the freight carrier. All these processes ensure you don’t pay more duties than you owe. However, you require a customs broker that delivers to meet this need. The broker is familiar with codes that classify items. Therefore, they will look at the items you want to be shipped and classify them using the code. This way, you will not pay more than you should.

    Ask the Freight Firm to Forward the Shipment

    If you have not indicated your address and asked the freight company to forward the shipment to your location, you will have to go and pick it up yourself at the port. Driving to pick them up can be inconvenient and will cost you more. If your business is located near the port, picking up your items can be economical. However, if you live far away, consider picking them up within 15 days. The items should also be forwarded within 15 days, after which they will be hauled to the warehouse. Once it gets to the warehouse, you will need to pay more for storage. Therefore, avoid these additional costs by instructing the freight company to forward the items to your location.

    Follow Your Shipment

    It is advisable to track your items during transit to know where they are and when they arrive. You can contact the seller if the tracking number is not working. So, set an alert that will notify you about the shipment’s location. This way, you don’t need to keep looking up the tracking. If you bought valuable items, you should go for courier services if the shipment insurance does not provide enough coverage. You will pay more for the service, but you will be assured that your package arrives safely and on time.

    Furthermore, you will not pay excess duties. Most businesses that buy valuable items hire couriers to deliver them to their doorstep. So, find a reliable one and compare their services to ensure you get an affordable one. Remember, prices differ with couriers, so comparing them is crucial.

    Summary

    International shipping is a serious business that you must be cautious with. Customs can confiscate or delay shipment if the value of your items is more than you have listed or if you cannot pay the duties. The best thing to do is to follow the rules and avoid importing banned items. Most importantly, use the help of a reliable customs broker to make things easier.

  • Top Ways To Make Money in Real Estate

    Top Ways To Make Money in Real Estate

    Making money in real estate isn’t as hard as you might think. The real estate market is booming, and the numbers show it. Real estate investing is a wise investment. It can be a great way to grow your wealth over time, but it’s also a lot of work.

    And anyone who wants to succeed in this game has to know how to make money in real estate. Creating multiple revenue streams is key for anyone looking to build their financial future.

    Here are the BEST ways you can make money in real estate:

    #1 Long-Term Renting

    Long-term renting is one of the most popular ways to make money in real estate. If you can find a property that is already rented and get your hands on it, you can start making money immediately. You will have all the necessary equipment and cash flow to buy additional properties.

    You must track what is happening with your rental properties to know how much money is coming in and going out on each property. You should also check on your tenants once a month or every few weeks to ensure they are doing well and paying their rent on time.

    Considering managing your tenant is a hassle, consider easy property management software. It is an all-in-one, easy-to-use App for landlords to manage all their properties. The App will let you know all your tenants’ details, who they are, how long they have been living on the property, and what they pay monthly. You can also track their progress regarding paying rent on time or even if they are behind on payments.

    #2 Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

    Real estate investment trusts (REITs) invest in real estate, including apartments and commercial properties. REITs can be bought on the stock market and traded like any other stock. When you buy shares of a REIT, you’re buying shares in that company’s property portfolio.

    As an investor, you can expect to receive regular dividends from the earnings your REIT earns from its properties. The returns from these dividends are usually higher than those from bonds or other investments because they’re based on rental income rather than interest payments.

    You may also have the option to participate in special distributions by voting for which properties will receive funds from the profits of the REIT’s portfolio.

    #4 Invest in Commercial Real Estate

    Commercial real estate (also known as industrial real estate) is a broad term for buildings and other real estate used for commercial purposes. These properties include shopping centers, office buildings, warehouses, and hotels. Commercial real estate is usually leased or sold to companies or individuals who want to use the space for their own needs.

    There are many types of commercial properties available for investment. Some examples include:

    Shopping Centers: Shopping centers are often found near major highways and other major roads, so people can easily access them for shopping purposes. They may also have large parking lots with space for cars and trucks. Some shopping centers have restaurants or other food service businesses on site so that customers can eat while they shop.

    Office Buildings: Office buildings are designed to meet several different needs, such as business offices, manufacturing facilities, and distribution warehouses. Many office buildings offer high ceilings so that lights can be installed above them, which helps create a professional atmosphere in the building’s interior spaces. They may also include conference rooms or other meetings where businesses can meet with their staff.

    #5 Real Estate Investment Groups

    Real estate investment groups are another way to start investing in real estate. These groups include investors who share the same goals and motivation as you. They provide a place where you can learn more about real estate, make new friends, and build your network with other like-minded individuals.

    There are many different types of real estate investment groups:

    Buyers Groups: These groups are people who want to buy or build homes. You can join these groups if you have experience buying homes or want to learn more about them. Most groups require that members already have wealth or income to qualify for membership.

    Sellers Groups: These groups are composed of people who own houses but aren’t sure how much money they’ll be able to get for their home when it comes time to sell it. You can join these groups if you’re looking for a buyer for an existing home or if you want to learn how much your house is worth so that you can price it properly when it comes time to sell it.

    Investors Groups: These groups are made up of investors who want to be able to invest in different kinds of properties. You may be able to find one that works with properties in your area, or maybe there’s one that connects with other cities where you would like to invest as well! If this interests you, consider joining one of these investment groups today!

    Final Thoughts

    We hope you’ll be able to take advantage of these simple strategies for building wealth via real estate investing. And if you have any strategies of your own, please share them in the comments section below.