Internet Presence LLC [Official Site] https://www.internetpresencellc.com/ Get Found. Look Great. Get Results! Tue, 30 Jan 2024 19:32:14 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 What is the Ultimate Traffic Trio? https://www.internetpresencellc.com/ultimate-traffic-trio/ <![CDATA[Andrew Lehrfeld]]> Sun, 28 Jan 2024 16:22:14 +0000 <![CDATA[Internet Marketing]]> <![CDATA[advertising]]> <![CDATA[digital marketing]]> <![CDATA[SEO]]> <![CDATA[social media]]> https://www.internetpresencellc.com/?p=8864 <![CDATA[

Sometimes we take for granted the ultimate traffic trio (social media, digital ads, and SEO) and assume that what’s so basic to marketers is so easily understood by all. Let's review social, digital ads, and SEO, and understand the one, singular role they all share...

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Sometimes we take for granted the ultimate traffic trio (social media, digital ads, and SEO) and assume that what’s so basic to marketers is so easily understood by all.

Let’s review social, digital ads, and SEO, and understand the one, singular role they all share…

So, you’ve got a website for your business, right?

Picture your website as a bustling downtown store. How do you get people to walk through the door? In the digital world, your best buddies are social media posts, digital advertising, and SEO. Let’s talk about their sole mission: driving traffic to your website. And not just any traffic, but the kind that’s likely to stick around and convert!

Social Media Shares: Your Digital Word-of-Mouth

Ever hear someone rave about their favorite new coffee spot? That’s word-of-mouth in action. Social media posts are the digital version. By crafting posts that resonate with your audience, you become the “talk of the town”. A share here, a like there, and voila! People start checking you out. Why? Because social media is where they hang out, get influenced, and make decisions. Plus, it’s not just about exposure; it’s about creating a community that trusts your brand. Ever seen a post and thought, “I’ve got to have that”? That’s the power of social media at work.

Digital Advertising: The Magnetic Billboard

Imagine driving down a highway and seeing a massive billboard that catches your eye. Digital advertising is that, but smarter! It lets you place your ads in front of folks who are already interested in what you have to offer. With the right ad, you can spark curiosity and direct people straight to your digital doorstep. And the best part? Digital ads can be tweaked for effectiveness, letting you reach the right crowd at exactly the right time. Think about it, wouldn’t you want to show up exactly when someone’s looking for what you offer?

SEO: The Arrow Signs Pointing to Your Store

SEO is like those helpful arrow signs on the road leading to your favorite hidden diner. It’s all about making your business’ website easy to find when someone’s looking for something you offer. By properly optimizing your site, you ensure that search engines become your best pals. They’ll put you right where folks can see you, prominently in the search results. Remember, if you’re not on page one, you’re missing out. Who doesn’t want to be the first option when a potential customer says, “I need this”?

How do you blend all these strategies together?

It’s like making the perfect smoothie: Each ingredient adds something unique and when combined, you have something that not only tastes amazing but also gives you a boost.

Take social media: When you post content that’s relatable, you create a ripple effect. People share, talk, and the next thing you know, your website’s getting visitors from all corners of the internet.

Then, there’s digital advertising. While your social media works on word-of-mouth, ads can fill in the gaps, targeting those who might not have heard of you yet. They see your ad, they click, and they’re at your virtual doorsteps.

And SEO? That’s your foundation. SEO ensures that while you’re busy getting the word out, your website is waiting to be discovered by organic traffic.
The outcome will be a blend of visitors brought together by the strengths of each strategy. It’s like having all roads lead back to your website. And we know, the more traffic, the better the chances of making relevant connections with qualified prospects.

Let’s recap — why are social media posts, digital ads, and SEO the dream team for driving traffic to your website?

  1. Social Media shares spread the word fast and build community.
  2. Digital Ads catch eyes and get those clicks from interested folks.
  3. SEO makes sure you’re the first stop during an online search.

Are you ready to mix these ingredients for your website’s traffic boost? Start with one, get comfortable, and then add the others. Before you know it, traffic will be flowing and your website will be the talk of the internet town.

So, what are you waiting for?!

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3 “Secret Questions” to Ask a Website Developer https://www.internetpresencellc.com/3-secret-questions-to-ask-a-website-developer/ <![CDATA[Andrew Lehrfeld]]> Wed, 01 Nov 2023 14:58:07 +0000 <![CDATA[Internet Marketing]]> <![CDATA[Web Design]]> <![CDATA[digital marketing]]> <![CDATA[internet presence]]> <![CDATA[website]]> https://www.internetpresencellc.com/?p=8770 <![CDATA[

Do you know the three secret questions to ask a website developer if you're in the process of updating your website (or building one for the first time)?

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Do you know the three secret questions to ask a website developer if you’re in the process of updating your website (or possibly building one for the first time)?

Most people looking for a website developer fall into a trap — they ask to see the website developer’s portfolio. They might even mistakenly believe that they’re looking for a website “designer”.

But that’s the dumbest thing a business owner could do.

Why? Because designs are easy, and most of the time, the website developer is going to work off of a template that’s close to what the business owner wants, anyway. The real key is to find an Internet Marketer, and I’m going to tell you how to do that.

Here are the three “secret questions” which will reveal whether or not the website developer you’re considering is actually an Internet Marketer with your best interests in mind:

  1. Question: Will I own my website outright, or will certain features stop working if I end our relationship?

    It’s common practice for some website companies to offer a “too good to be true price” only to lock you in to subpar customer service once you sign-on with them. One of the ways these unscrupulous website companies work is to “cripple” certain functionality on your website if you decide to leave them. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is – nobody can build a sustainable business by selling cheap websites. Instead, choose a company you can trust that offers a fair price.

  2. Question: Will my website and blog articles be custom written for me, or will I find the same content on other websites you manage?

    Everyone wants their website to rank prominently and show-up on the search engines. Following Google’s “Best Practice” recommendations for search engine ranking is a “no-brainer” therefore. In their recommendations, Google specifically frowns on website content that’s copied from some other website, stressing the importance of delivering fresh, relevant content to readers instead. That’s why you should never, ever, publish content on your website or blog that appears on another website. And yet, many website companies will provide “boilerplate” content and blog articles for their customers’ websites, instead of developing fresh, relevant content like they should. Instead, choose a company that puts you first.

  3. Question: Will my website list all the things that we do, or will it explain who we serve and the benefits of partnering with us?

    Let’s face it: nobody really cares about all the things you can do — they care about what you can do for them. So don’t make the same mistake everyone else makes. Instead of developing a website that’s all about you and your company, develop one that’s all about your customers and how you will help them — that’s what people care about. Don’t talk about the services you provide; talk about the benefits. Choose a website developer that understands your vertical market and knows how to communicate your unique story and value proposition to your audience.

You may also be interested in:

What’s the Secret to Writing a Great Blog for Your Website?

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Do you struggle to tell your story? https://www.internetpresencellc.com/do-you-struggle-to-tell-your-story/ <![CDATA[Andrew Lehrfeld]]> Sun, 01 Oct 2023 16:53:50 +0000 <![CDATA[Internet Marketing]]> <![CDATA[storytelling]]> https://www.internetpresencellc.com/?p=8721 <![CDATA[

Despite storytelling being an important part of marketing, and despite marketing being the business that I'm in, I still struggle with telling my own story.

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One of the most difficult things I have faced in business is how to tell my own unique story.

Despite storytelling being an important part of marketing, and despite marketing being the business that I’m in, I still struggle with telling my own story. Partly, this is due to how difficult it is finding the time, since I tend to work on my clients’ needs ahead of my own. But partly it is figuring out what element of my story would be of interest to others.

In his book, The End of Marketing, the author Carlos Gil talks about the need to “humanize” our businesses — which means putting a face to our businesses and, yes, telling our unique stories. So just how do we humanize our businesses in this era of social media and the Internet?

The struggle to tell my story began.

Shortly after graduating college in the mid 80’s, I found myself working in a family business that was in its second generation. Not all family businesses make it successfully into a second generation, so this was something to be proud of.

I used to promote the business’ long history and longevity in all of the marketing and advertising I wrote for the company. “Longest-established” service of our kind; “most experienced in the industry”, etc., etc.

Then one day, a manager in the company approached me and said, “Andy, the only person that cares how old this company is, is you!”.

This was a hard message for me to hear, because it meant that what I thought was our unique story didn’t, in fact, matter at all.

Turns out that what our clients really liked wasn’t how long we had been in business, it was how much I cared about their businesses.

Fast-forward to today, and I find the exact same thing: my Internet Presence clients don’t really care about how much experience I have or how long ago I began — they care about how I treat them.

People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.

So my unique story doesn’t have to do with longevity or innovation (even though I have easily been working in this field longer than most); it has to do with caring. And that’s just the start — like any story, there are many chapters to this one.

My unique story is that I have been on both sides now, that I’ve sat at both ends of the table, and that I provide a level of care and participation that a much bigger company can not. I also bring a unique perspective — I’ve been both the client and the partner.

What’s your unique story?

More on this topic:

Get Through the Noise

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How to Attract the Best Talent for Your MSP Firm https://www.internetpresencellc.com/how-to-attract-the-best-talent-for-your-msp-firm/ <![CDATA[Andrew Lehrfeld]]> Thu, 17 Aug 2023 13:05:27 +0000 <![CDATA[Internet Marketing]]> <![CDATA[News]]> <![CDATA[advertising]]> <![CDATA[attraction and promotion]]> <![CDATA[connecting]]> https://www.internetpresencellc.com/?p=8653 <![CDATA[

For MSPs, recruitment has shifted from company-controlled to candidate-driven. Digital platforms make a compelling case to potential hires.

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How to attract the best talent has been on the minds of MSP business owners lately.

In a recent, unscientific poll I took of MSP leaders here in the Northeast, “staffing” was the #2 business problem reported by MSP owners and keeping them up at night (“cybersecurity” was #1).

Specifically, owners of MSPs reported that there is currently a massive talent gap in the IT industry, making it challenging for MSPs to acquire skilled staff. Not being able to find the right talent might hurt the quality of services they render.

So it is important to know that in an ongoing quest to attract the best talent for your MSP firm, a robust online presence is not just an option; it’s a necessity.

For Managed Service Providers (MSPs), talent recruitment has shifted from a company-controlled process to a candidate-driven one, with potential candidates often researching companies before they apply. As such, you must leverage digital platforms to make a compelling case to potential employees.

Attracting the Best Talent for Your MSP

Here are seven (7) areas I believe you should be focusing on right now:

Branding Your MSP through Your Website

The first contact point between your prospective employees and your business is usually your website. Therefore, it should effectively communicate what you stand for – your vision, mission, core values, service range, and, importantly, your company culture. A “Career” section highlighting the benefits, growth opportunities, diversity, employee testimonials and list of available positions will attract highly skilled IT professionals to your team.

Optimizing Your LinkedIn Profile

The LinkedIn platform has emerged as a go-to hub for IT professionals looking for job opportunities. A vibrant LinkedIn Company Page showcasing your company culture, services, projects, and testimonials from happy customers or employees can strengthen your MSP’s placement as an ideal workplace. Regular posts about open job positions can directly attract potential job-seekers.

Social Media – Showcasing Your Company Culture

Your MSP’s social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, are vital tools. Beyond product promotions and customer service, these platforms should reflect your organization’s culture, value, team-building events, community outreach, and other social activities. Such glimpses into your work environment can humanize your MSP and paint a picture of what life is like within your firm, convincing top talent to come on board.

Thought Leadership

A solid reputation as a thought leader in the MSP space can also draw industry-leading competence. Regularly publish informative, relevant, and up-to-date articles, blog posts, videos, and podcasts. Participate in industry webinars, make keynote speeches at IT events, and engage in online discussion forums. As you display your prowess, you simultaneously make a compelling case to potential IT recruits about the opportunities to learn and grow within your firm.

Indeed and Glassdoor Profiles

Optimizing your profiles on job-seeking platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor is vital. Both platforms allow former and current employees to review their employers. Stellar reviews on these platforms will naturally attract top talent. Regularly engage with these reviews, thank those who leave positive reviews, and respond constructively to negative feedback, showcasing your commitment to improving employee satisfaction.

Employee Advocacy

Your current employees can become powerful marketing tools. Encourage them to share job listings, events, and company updates on their personal social media channels. Job seekers usually trust employees’ views more than employer branding. Potential IT professionals can get a first-hand look at your company through these shares, attracting them to explore opportunities with your firm.

SEO and Paid Advertising

Invest in SEO and online advertising to extend your reach. Google for Jobs, for instance, is excellent for job postings. Plus, with search-engine-optimized job descriptions, your listings can appear in searcher’s results, making it easier for IT professionals to find them.

Your Internet presence forms the backbone of your recruiting strategy, especially when attracting the best IT talent for your MSP. As an MSP, staying current with these methods can not only help you appeal to exceptional IT professionals, but also retain them long term.

Remember, a well-developed online presence enables passionate IT professionals to visualize their future and aspire to contribute to building a shared vision.

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How to Respond to Negative Reviews https://www.internetpresencellc.com/how-to-respond-to-negative-reviews/ <![CDATA[Andrew Lehrfeld]]> Sun, 16 Jul 2023 15:52:16 +0000 <![CDATA[Internet Marketing]]> <![CDATA[online reviews]]> https://www.internetpresencellc.com/?p=8646 <![CDATA[

How you respond to a negative review impacts not only the reviewer, but all the sets of eyes that come afterward.

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How you respond to a negative review impacts not only the reviewer, but all the sets of eyes that come afterward. And believe it or not, the same premise applies to negative review response as it does to positive reviews.

Seeing a business handle a particularly challenging review online suggests that management is proud of their business, and willing to go the extra mile to maintain their reputation!

Make potential clients see the light with these four steps: apologize, promote, get offline, keep it simple.

How to respond to negative reviews

1. Apologize and sympathize

The first step towards fixing a problem is acknowledging that one occurred. Regardless of what happened, a simple apology and sympathy for your customer’s experience goes a long way.

2. Promote

So the famous crab cakes weren’t up to par the day this particular customer visited. If they’re what you are known for, why not reiterate that? “Our crab cakes are usually a hit, we’re sorry to hear that they weren’t up to par when you visited!”

3. Move the conversation offline

Don’t open a can of worms. Keep the lid on tight by offering the reviewer the chance to reach out via phone, email or both.

4. Keep it simple

Avoid specifics and don’t ask questions. Those conversations are much better served in a space away from the prying public.

One last pro tip: leave your business name, location and category out of this. You don’t want your negative reviews showing up in search!

negative review response

Now that wasn’t so bad, was it?

You can use software to pull in your reviews from all over the web so you can respond quickly. If you don’t have time, our Reputation Management tools will do it for you.

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5 Strategies MSPs Can Adopt to Encourage Online Reviews https://www.internetpresencellc.com/5-strategies-msps-can-adopt-to-encourage-online-reviews/ <![CDATA[Andrew Lehrfeld]]> Thu, 06 Jul 2023 16:37:57 +0000 <![CDATA[Internet Marketing]]> <![CDATA[advertising and marketing]]> <![CDATA[attraction and promotion]]> <![CDATA[Google]]> <![CDATA[online reviews]]> <![CDATA[social media]]> https://www.internetpresencellc.com/?p=8639 <![CDATA[

Positive online reviews can significantly boost a company's reputation, providing a reliable indication of the quality of services or products offered.

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Online reviews play a pivotal role in shaping consumers’ decisions.

Positive online reviews can significantly boost a company’s reputation, providing a reliable indication of the quality of services or products offered.

For Managed Service Providers (MSPs), online reviews offer a platform to showcase their expertise, customer service, and user satisfaction. Therefore, it is crucial for MSPs to garner positive reviews that can drive their business forward.

Here are five ways MSPs can encourage online reviews:

1. Deliver High-Quality Service

First and foremost, MSPs need to ensure that they are offering world-class services that significantly benefit their customers. High-quality service delivery is key to achieving customer satisfaction. A satisfied customer is more likely to share positive feedback about your services. Your clients are your assets; nurture them. By focusing on skill, proficiency, promptness, and customer-centric approaches, MSPs can create an ambiance of trust and reliability, encouraging customers to leave positive online reviews.

2. Request Reviews

Many satisfied customers won’t think of leaving a review unless they are prompted to do so. To tap into this resource, MSPs need to implement simple and polite strategies for asking for reviews. This can be done via email follow-ups, during conversations or by embedding a review link on the website. Products to manage the entire reviews process are also available. MSPs can emphasize the fact that customer feedback is vital for improving their services.

3. Respond to Reviews

Whether positive or negative, responding to all reviews reflects an MSP’s dedication to customer service. A personalized, humble response to positive reviews makes the reviewers feel valued and appreciated, thus establishing stronger bonds with them. These stronger relations can motivate customers to continue posting positive reviews, helping to attract future prospects. Addressing negative reviews promptly and professionally can turn a displeased customer into a satisfied one, adding to positive feedback in the long run.

4. Reward or Incentivize Reviews

You should not pay for reviews, however you can consider setting up a system that rewards customers for leaving reviews. Such a system offers a way to appreciate the time and effort customers put into reviewing your MSP services. Incentives like discounts on next purchases, bonus services, or appreciation notes can encourage more customers to write comprehensive and positive reviews.

5. Leverage Social Media

In addition to review-specific websites like Google My Business and Yelp, MSPs should use social media platforms to their advantage. Actively engaging with customers on these platforms can foster a more robust online presence. Regular updates regarding services, answering queries, and receiving feedback would not only show a proactive side of the business but also provide an open, user-friendly platform for customers to share their positive experiences.

Positive online reviews are essential for the growth and sustainability of MSPs. By delivering impeccable services, requesting reviews, responding to feedback, incentivizing reviews, and harnessing the power of social media, MSPs can encourage their satisfied customers to contribute valuable positive reviews, thereby driving their online reputation. Ultimately, the goal is to foster an environment that values customer feedback and leverages it for mutual growth and advancement.

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Why Lawyers Should Focus on Website Marketing Over Social Media https://www.internetpresencellc.com/why-lawyers-should-focus-on-website-marketing-over-social-media/ <![CDATA[Andrew Lehrfeld]]> Mon, 12 Jun 2023 15:23:02 +0000 <![CDATA[Internet Marketing]]> <![CDATA[law firms]]> <![CDATA[social media]]> <![CDATA[website]]> https://www.internetpresencellc.com/?p=8609 <![CDATA[

Social media offers a tempting opportunity to reach a wide audience, but a well-designed website should remain the primary focus for law firms.

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In the digital age, professional service providers like lawyers are faced with multiple choices when it comes to marketing their practices. Social media platforms offer a tempting opportunity to reach a wider audience inexpensively, but investing in a well-designed website should remain the primary focus for law firms. Read on to discover why a firm’s website is more crucial than social media in not only building credibility and authority but also in securing a steady stream of new clients.

The Power of a Professional Website

A Showroom for Your Brand

Law firms are built on reputations and relationships. Your website serves as a platform to showcase your expertise, commitment to clients, and proven track record – in short, your brand. It highlights your achievements, successful cases, testimonials, and even attorney biographies, allowing potential clients to make informed decisions. While social media profiles can offer some of this information, they lack the depth, sophistication, and professionalism that only a well-crafted website can provide.

Comprehensive Control

On social media platforms, you’re sharing space with countless others, including competitors. There’s limited control over how your content is displayed, with algorithms governing what shows up and changes happening frequently. However, a website gives you complete control over the content, presentation, and user experience, enabling you to differentiate your practice from others and maintain a consistent image.

More Opportunities for Conversions

A well-designed website is not only informative but also persuasive, guiding visitors to take action. From contact forms to live chat, there are multiple opportunities for potential clients to reach out and engage with your practice. Social media platforms, in comparison, may not provide as many opportunities for direct engagement or persuasive prompts aimed at converting visitors into clients.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

When people search for legal services, they turn to search engines, primarily Google. By investing in a professionally designed website optimized for search queries, you’re increasing your chances of reaching clients at the precise moment they’re looking for assistance. On the other hand, social media platforms are not the primary search destination for legal services, making them less effective in capturing search-driven demand.

Longevity and Stability

While social media platforms come and go, a website can be a lasting online presence that always remains under your control. Algorithms and policies change frequently on social media, which may render your profile less effective over time. By maintaining a strong website, you are not only cementing your presence in the online landscape but also ensuring long-term stability and accessibility for potential clients.

The Limitations of Social Media Marketing for Lawyers

  1. Time-Consuming Efforts: To be consistently successful, social media marketing requires substantial time and effort. From creating engaging content to responding to comments, an active social media presence demands ongoing commitment. While you may acquire some clients via social media marketing, the return on investment in terms of time spent might not justify the effort when compared to a well-designed website that works effectively 24/7.
  2. Less Professional Perception: While social media does offer an informal and interactive platform to connect with your audience, it’s generally not the most suitable format for professional service providers like lawyers. People looking for legal assistance expect a certain level of professionalism and gravitas that may not translate well on casual social media platforms. A website, on the other hand, can establish the appropriate professional tone and instill confidence in your practice.
  3. Privacy and Confidentiality Concerns: Lawyers must consider their ethical obligations when it comes to client confidentiality and privacy. While it’s possible to manage social media presence responsibly, potential clients might be hesitant to engage through social platforms due to inherent privacy risks. A secure website with encrypted communication channels (such as email and chat) can offer a more suitable alternative for sensitive client interactions.
  4. Targeting a Specific Audience: As a lawyer, you’re likely targeting a specific group of clients – those in need of legal representation or advice. While social media platforms boast millions of users, not all of them are looking for lawyers or legal services. By focusing your marketing efforts on your website, you can more effectively attract and engage individuals actively seeking legal assistance.

Conclusion

While social media may offer some benefits in terms of reach and costs, it falls short when compared to a professional website for lawyers. By investing in your website, you can not only establish a lasting online presence and brand image but also effectively capture clients actively searching for legal services. Although incorporating social media marketing in parallel may augment your website marketing efforts, it should not be the primary focus for a law firm.

Instead, dedicate your marketing resources to building a strong, authoritative, and persuasive website that solidifies your practice’s online presence and converts visitors into clients. Such an investment, in the long run, will prove to be the most effective marketing strategy for legal professionals navigating the competitive digital landscape.

Related:

Do Law Firms Need Internet Presence?

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Don’t Build Your Home on Someone Else’s Land https://www.internetpresencellc.com/dont-build-your-home-on-someone-elses-land/ <![CDATA[Andrew Lehrfeld]]> Tue, 09 Nov 2021 18:43:24 +0000 <![CDATA[Internet Marketing]]> <![CDATA[internet presence]]> <![CDATA[social media]]> https://www.internetpresencellc.com/?p=7966 <![CDATA[

Last week, I saw a poll online that asked the question, “Is it necessary to have a website, or is a presence on social media sufficient?”. I thought the answer to this question was fairly obvious, but the responses were varied enough that I believe this question is worth asking again: Is it necessary to [...]

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Last week, I saw a poll online that asked the question, “Is it necessary to have a website, or is a presence on social media sufficient?”.

I thought the answer to this question was fairly obvious, but the responses were varied enough that I believe this question is worth asking again:

Is it necessary to have a website, or is a presence on social media sufficient?

Build your home on social media …

Some respondents said, in effect, that social media was so dominant today that it’s all any business really needs. These respondents argued that today’s customers and prospects don’t even bother looking at a business’ website anymore — they go straight to the business’ social media pages.

I think that’s true to a certain extent — buyers certainly do spend a great deal of time on social media and some social media platforms certainly do appeal to particular demographics and audiences out there.

Or build your home on the web …

However, I believe that your business’ website is just like your online storefront — it’s the first thing most people see when they go looking for you; the place they go to vet you and decide whether or not they’re going to engage with you.

Others who responded to the poll took my position a step further. They said, in effect, “Don’t build your home on someone else’s land.” In other words, what you build on social media belongs to the social media platforms; only your website belongs to you.

Don’t forget — your social media content lives online only at the pleasure of the social media platform — it could all go away overnight, or rules and policies could change that impact your visibility.

Your business’ website, on the other hand, is truly yours — as is your business’ domain name, assuming you have registered one.

Don’t build your home on someone else’s land.

So the scenario that makes the most sense is to build a solid foundation for your business online through a business website you can be proud of, and to use social media as a place to communicate with the fans of your business. Remember that your social media content (your posts, shares, videos, etc.) all reside on “rented space”!

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Can You Learn from Every Experience? https://www.internetpresencellc.com/can-you-learn-from-every-experience/ <![CDATA[Andrew Lehrfeld]]> Wed, 25 Aug 2021 14:25:56 +0000 <![CDATA[Mindfulness]]> <![CDATA[connecting]]> <![CDATA[mindfulness]]> https://www.internetpresencellc.com/?p=7890 <![CDATA[

I have come to believe that everyone with whom we interact was placed on our path for a reason; that every situation we encounter was put in front of us for a reason. The real challenge, of course, is to discover what that reason is. How can we learn from every experience? In every area [...]

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I have come to believe that everyone with whom we interact was placed on our path for a reason; that every situation we encounter was put in front of us for a reason.

The real challenge, of course, is to discover what that reason is.

How can we learn from every experience?

In every area of business, for example, I find that I do things a particular way because it was suggested to me.

For example, I use the catchphrase “Digital Marketing Done-for-You” on my website not because I came up with the idea, but because a client of mine once said, “Can’t you just do it for me!” after hearing me explain the value of Internet marketing.

Another colleague used to say that he likes to “take some ground every day”. What did he mean by that?

He meant that he wants to move forward and grow his business by a little bit every day.

I remember hearing those words as though they were spoken just yesterday, and if I never run into those people again, I will always remember what they taught me.

Who is in your orbit?

Your orbit is the circle of people that revolve around you each day — your “bubble of people”.

I find that I am possessive of my orbit — I don’t want to give it away, open it up, or share it unless the person I’m sharing it with has something to offer.

I get my best ideas from the people in my orbit, and I expect to give back and be a valuable contributor to theirs. Some members of my orbit are good at problem-solving and offering timely advice, while others share gems of wisdom that I hear but may not appreciate until later.

Sometimes the answer is “No”

A colleague of mine used to say that you should always answer a question by saying “yes” and then go on to qualify your response if need be. “Don’t use negative words,” he cautioned. Answering a client’s email with the words “No problem” was to be avoided because both of those are negatives.

However, I find that sometimes “No” is the appropriate answer, and we should not be afraid to use it when necessary. That’s because sometimes the question we’re asked comes out of frustration or confusion, and it’s our responsibility to use that as a learning experience.

How can you learn from every experience?

I believe that today I do learn from every experience. I do that by listening carefully and trying to understand what it is that the client or person in my orbit most needs right now. If I can’t determine that on my own, I will often ask, “What’s the one thing I can do that would help you the most?”. That question, the pause that inevitably follows, and then the response to my question, are key elements that help bring mindfulness into my day.

How do you remain relevant? How do you bring value to every experience?

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Perfect Storm for Marketing Your Business https://www.internetpresencellc.com/perfect-storm-for-marketing-your-business/ <![CDATA[Andrew Lehrfeld]]> Mon, 31 May 2021 13:42:32 +0000 <![CDATA[Internet Marketing]]> <![CDATA[advertising and marketing]]> https://www.internetpresencellc.com/?p=7732 <![CDATA[

If ever there was a perfect storm for marketing your business it would be now. All of the elements necessary for creating that ideal environment in which to grow your business are upon us — let’s take a look. When we think about the elements that are needed in order to make marketing as successful [...]

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If ever there was a perfect storm for marketing your business it would be now. All of the elements necessary for creating that ideal environment in which to grow your business are upon us — let’s take a look.

When we think about the elements that are needed in order to make marketing as successful as it can possibly be, we tend to think of:

  • Economy – is money available with which to market our businesses?
  • Demand – are people wanting our products and services and are they able to buy?
  • Outlook – does the near-term look good to market, or is it foreboding?
  • Environment – are affordable marketing opportunities available for small businesses?

 

Let’s take a look at each of those individually…

Considerations for Marketing

How does the Economy impact the perfect storm?

The American economy is good right now — the country is re-opening in many places following the pandemic, and people are anxious to get back to work. Loans, grants, and other programs have helped many businesses through the most difficult times, but even businesses that struggled mightily to hang on are looking forward with confidence to getting back to business. The future looks hopeful.

Is the perfect storm impacted by Demand?

Many people held-off buying those things that could wait — they didn’t travel, they stayed put; there was much uncertainty. But as the economy comes back to life, there is pent-up demand for products and services. Just look at the number of people traveling over this Memorial Day holiday — the demand is certainly there!

Is the Outlook generally good or bad?

I haven’t spoken to a single individual who is not absolutely looking forward to the near- and long-term future. There is still some uncertainty because we see COVID variants emerging in areas, but the vaccines appear promising at protecting against even those. Rather than hunkering down the way we did last year at this time, people are living their lives again.

Does the Environment contribute to the perfect storm for marketing?

Here is the most exciting part of this perfect storm: there are more opportunities to market small-to-medium size businesses than ever before, and the cost of marketing online has never been as affordable as it is right now.

From traditional search engine marketing (SEM), to cross-platform capabilities such as Geo-Fencing, Retargeting, and Contextual Targeting, what we know about our prospects and their behavior online allows us to laser-focus our marketing dollars on just those individuals and businesses most likely to be interested in our products and services. This makes marketing more efficient and cost-effective than ever before.

Businesses that are Marketing Right Now are Thriving

I have always encouraged small business owners to market their businesses consistently, as marketing is only effective when it is done over time. There’s no telling when someone is going to be ready to buy your product or service, and it’s imperative that you remain front-of-mind.

Several clients have told me that their business is up about 20% over last quarter, and that the first two quarters of this year are some of the busiest they have ever seen. I attribute this to pent-up demand, and the perfect storm for marketing that we’ve been discussing here.

This is not the time to hide your head in the sand — invest in getting the word out, try something new. If you need ideas or help, call me anytime at 2035474421.

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Why Doesn’t Our Marketing Work?

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