Alaska Website and Social Media Content is a powerful tool when it comes to lead generation. Having the right content on your website can increase the number of leads you generate. The problem that many website owners run into is that they do not know what type of content they should have to generate leads. There are a number of ideas that you can consider when it comes to content for your website.
Exposure is a vital commodity for an online business. If you can’t get your brand noticed, it will be hard to develop a sustainable enterprise. Forms of marketing have changed over the years, so it is important to reach potential customers in the places they most frequent. However, a good marketing strategy can still involve a variety of methods that reach a broad base of customers, allowing you the opportunity for maximum visibility within your niche.
The online world has opened up many industries, meaning even small businesses can gain vital exposure in a targeted manner. So how can an online business increase its visibility?
5 Mistakes Small Businesses Make in Alaska Web Design Everyone in business understands that your web presence is a vital part of small business marketing and your company brand. Whether your market is in Alaska or beyond, it’s importance is understood.
You did everything right. You wrote developed your vision, got a great looking logo, have your brand “story” to tell……and still nobody knows who you are, or what you do.
Whether you are just starting out or your business has been open for years, one thing that I’ve learned is the missing piece in most start-ups, dying, or stagnant businesses is lack of ongoing brand management. In other words, you’ve built the brand….but it has no push.
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Well, yes…….I’ll agree…….It is.
And being a small business owner myself, I get it. Although I don’t have to pay directly for a designers time, or a marketing strategy….. I do pay with MY time.
Often times, my marketing and design take a back seat to looming project deadlines. My portfolio updates are left for Christmas Breaks and strings of influenza when I’m stuck in bed. As a matter of fact, as I type this blog – I’m sick – Not a coincidence, but I digress.
Even though I am the designer, and I am the marketer, and I am the social media manager…..My business takes a back seat. I don’t give it the time it needs. I’m often the last to update my blog and branded content, last to have something meaningful posted on my facebook page, and last to interact to really track after clients.
What I’ve realized is that I’m not alone. I find that most small to medium sized businesses are in the same boat. They don’t have time to begin to figure out what they may need but they know they need something, and they realize they are losing traction by doing nothing at all.
I’ve said before, that if you have no budget you have no brand. This is the same concept as losing traction by not marketing and consistently keeping your brand in center focus.
It’s a frustrating position to be in when you are trying to keep your head above water managing the day to day operation of your business. You think of potential business ideas and see opportunities slipping by because you simply just don’t have the time to “make things happen.” You look at the well oiled machine of a business someone else is running and you wonder…how are they doing all of that and growing at the same time? You begin to feel overloaded and defeated, until you realize why you got into business for yourself to begin with. People have misconceptions about business ownership and you feel like you’re drowning.
Always caught in this catch 22 of not having enough, and needing to do more.
So….for my fellow business owners I have some food for thought for you. 3 simple steps to take to start moving in the direction of gaining traction and getting things done.
Get OFF of the focus of how to make more money, save more money or grow. First things first is that as a business owner you have to figure out who you are and where you’re trying to go. Rationalize it, analyze it, speak it, and eventually write it down! Do not ask other people (unless they are co-owners of the business) what their opinions are. You have to be able identity for yourself why you are doing what you’re doing and why your customers and potential customers should even care.
Some key things to take inventory about:
The best of the best of the BEST see the value in TEAMS. You can’t be a one woman/man show and expect to be able to take over the wingbat technology sector. You have to formulate a plan and that includes having people around you that round out your strengths and weaknesses. Key people you may need:
A sure fire way to make sure that your business grows and remains relevant is consistency. No you don’t have to come out of the marketing gate blazing trails, but you do need to have at least a small drip of movement. Small businesses are expensive to open, operate, and run but you do not want to have a brand that has zero gas behind it.
You have to utilize the vision, brand, and plan that’s been developed and consistently put that message out into the marketplace. Alaska is a small enough market that luckily it doesn’t take long for the word to get out about your business. Especially if you do things the right way.
Content is King and Consistency is Queen!
Contact Bianca Frank Design today to see how we can help increase your brand equity!
Bianca Frank Design offers a comprehensive brand and brand development package that can be utilized to begin or reinvigorate your small business marketing strategy. Whether you are in need of small business marketing strategies, graphic design, brand design, web design, or just need brand or design consultation on where to start. Drop a note and we will be in touch soon.
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The concept that you have to spend money to make money is true. Without marketing, people don’t know who your small business is or what you do. These tips can help you market your small business on a budget.
While you do need to spend some money on your marketing campaign, you don’t need to spend a lot of if you properly focus your efforts. You want the most bang for your buck and depending on your market, that might be an ad or commercial or it might be buying branded t-shirts and other swag. It may help to do some research and determine the most effective way to spend your money.
The biggest idea here is to ensure that you are doing something, because doing nothing ensures you 100% that there will be no return on investment. Having worked with large and small budgets a like, it’s imperative that you stay consistent. Ways you can stay consistent, on a budget:
This sounds daunting but it really isn’t. There are a lot of great online templates to utilize to get you started. Here’s a simple spreadsheet that I’ve created. Nothing major, just a start.You will notice, I’ve left Monday open. As a small business owner myself, I’ve learned leaving Monday free for the organization needs of the week and fixing any weekend issues is vitally important. Avoid scheduling tasks on Monday if you can avoid it.
If you say the same thing over and over and over, your message (in it’s entirely) whether you are advertising on your website, Google ad words, print magazine, radio, or tv is saying the same thing. Eventually people will link who you are with what you do, and that’s the point. I tell some of my clients that the time that you get tired of hearing your message, the better that you are on the right track.
Stop reinventing yourself at every marketing turn. Say the same thing. Simplify your message and stay consistent. If you don’t have a message, it’s time to take a step back and define your vision statement.
Your vision statement is the basis for all of your marketing efforts and from where your brand voice should be resonating from.
Yes, Blogging. Even if you feel that you aren’t gaining any traction with your website, consider it an investment. You have to add content to grow your exposure online. Substantial content shows your expertise in the industry, your commitment to your service or product, and offers your customers information they may not know otherwise. What benefits does blogging on a regular basis offer to your business? Well here are some taken from (source)
Regular Blogging Gets More Clients to Your Existing Business
When you publish in-depth blog posts that help potential clients/customers solve their problems, they come to trust you and respect you as an expert in the field. If they want more help than a blog post can offer, then they’re likely to be interested in hiring your business.
A successful blogger gains a wide audience of people who trust and respect them.
You have the ability to gain influence and show your credibility in your industry when you have a voice about your own brand.
But over time, as you write more posts and share more of your expertise, you’re website will change from ‘just another blog’ into a powerful demonstration of your knowledge in a field. When somebody visits your site and sees the insights you’ve shared on a subject, along with the community of people who respect and seek that insight, it will be clear that you’re genuinely an expert in the field.
One of the best ways to get your small business name in the press is to do some good deeds!Hold an event or sale that benefits a local charity, get your employees on board for a volunteer effort, or be a part of a community event by donating goods or services.
Using free social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to get your company name out there is a great way to market your small business.
There is strength in numbers and this is true of marketing endeavors as well!
If there are companies in your area you could partner with to advertise and it would be mutually beneficial, you should take these opportunities.Some examples include restaurants that offer discounts when patrons bring in a movie ticket stub from a nearby theater.
The restaurant gets advertising on the ticket stubs and movie goers may be more likely to go to dinner and a movie if they get a deal out of it. Your small business can have an effective market campaign, even on a budget!
Contact us today to see how we can help!
Bianca Frank Design offers a comprehensive brand and brand development package that can be utilized to begin or reinvigorate your small business marketing strategy. Whether you are in need of small business marketing strategies, graphic design, brand design, web design, or just need brand or design consultation on where to start. Drop a note and we will be in touch soon.
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So many misconceptions about being self-employed and owning your own business. Here are a few I’ve experienced in my business life that maybe you can connect to also.
Anyone who is an entrepreneur, or has started a small business of any kind, has had to deal with the perception that because they own a business, they must be rich. Oh how I wish this was true. And, logically thinking, if it was, then the small business failure rate wouldn’t be running at around Y1-25%, Y2-36%, and Y3- 44% (staticbrain.com).
Although, most start-ups begin on varying budgets, the idea here is that most entrepreneurs are entering into this area of their lives because of one of two things. Either necessity, or passion. The biggest being passion. Most entrepreneurs will tell you that it’s the elusive desire to work for themselves, provide a much needed product or service, or the freedom of being their own boss.
I actually started my business in design from a desire of both necessity and passion. My necessity pushed me further into growing my business and that passion kept me consistent in my desire to grow as a business owner. Both for financial and personal freedom.
Whatever the reason may be, assume that at the start most entrepreneurs are barely making ends meet. That most are definitely fearful of what their financial future looks like. That they have risked a great deal in order to have taken this leap to pursue their passion in entrepreneurship.
So to be safe, this would not be the best time to be hitting them up for a loan. In fact, if you are friends or family with a new small business owner in your circle….take them to lunch. Trust me, they will appreciate it.
It’s not unreasonable to think that self-employed individuals definitely have some flexibility in their schedules. As a matter of fact that’s one of the greatest benefits of working for yourself.
However, don’t confuse that with “copious amounts of time” it’s just not reality. Honestly the opposite is true. Especially if you’re building your business with sweat equity. You literally don’t have “hours” you work because you are willing to work at any hour for pretty much any client. Ok, well that doesn’t sound great, but you know what I mean.
As a designer, the term “starving artist” takes on an entire new meaning. I understood that I was willing to take any job, any specs, and pretty much at any rate just to get SOMETHING in the works.
Anytime you perceive “free-time” in all reality is lost opportunity to work. Small Business owners will learn either by reading what I’m saying, or learning the hard way, that they have to stay busy. There is always work to do, even if it’s building your business. You should always be your first client.
I mean you’ve been a friend since 1st grade why wouldn’t I give you something for free? Well, probably for the same reason that you can’t go into your job and give them a week worth of free employment. If the purpose of your business is to make money then I will charge you. You won’t get free work, whether a friend or family member. If you’re making money in your venture, then expecting free design work really isn’t fair.
One lesson I learned early is if you DO discount a rate, show it on the invoice. Not to let the client know how much they are saving, but to show the value of the work they received. Nothing hurts your business worse than you undervaluing your product or service. Sure it may be necessary to cut your rate, put a product on sale, in order to get the customers attention….but don’t do it blindly. Make sure your client knows they got a deal. Yes, even friends and family.
Ok, so I’m not a complete stickler. I’d be lying if I said I never work for free for friends and family, but I’ve found a way to incorporate that into some specific boundaries that I have established for myself and my business.
The first area that I work for free for friends or family are life events. Graduation Announcements, Wedding Invites, Funeral Programs etc….. I WILL design these for free. I don’t know why, I’ve just never felt right about charging for these. Maybe it’s the sentimental part of me, but if I can be a part of the atmosphere of the event, then I’m more than honored to do this work. That one for me was always a no brainer.
The Second, I am open to consider doing free work for ANY company/business/event that is a not-for profit business. It’s at my discretion and according to my availability. I do like to take on pro-bono work at least a few times a year, or when business is slow. It’s also a great source of inspiration because most non-profit work, in design at least, serves to be a great source of design exploration.
There’s a ton of freedom with design work in this field because the majority of people you are working for appreciate you helping them, and it feels good to do it. I’ve heard of designers using this as a means to gain exposure for their business. idk, I guess that’s ok, a free plug. But if you’re doing pro-bono work it should be done without any strings attached (and that means no notoriety). Of course, you find your boundary and work within them.
I think it’s important to not turn into a tyrant or scrooge, when you become a small business owner. Which means staying faithful to the friends and family that were faithful to you. Give back from your passion what you can. I’m not saying give away at the extent to damage your business venture, but “give-back” should constitute at least some value of your services and yes the recipients of that should be your closest friends and family members and those within the community that could benefit from what you do.
For some reason it seems like if you own a small business, long lost friends, family members, ex-colleagues, and old high school sweethearts…. reach out to you in order to find employment. U.S. Small Business Administration show small firms employ just over half of the private-sector workforce and created nearly two-thirds of nation’s net new jobs over the past decade and a half.
Now with that kind of figure, of course one would assume that we’re always hiring just because our neon open sign is lit, and we have purchased our business license. NOW, let’s understand that the term “small business” is a broader term on a national level than the small business I’m discussing. The SBA considers firms with fewer than 500 employees a “small business.” I’m discussing the mom & pop shops and the one-woman shows.
It costs money to hire an employee. Even one, and even minimum wage. There are taxes involved and most of the time the help we need isn’t in the menial tasks that we COULD potentially hand off to someone else. We need help in the areas that are usually more technical, more strategic with a specialized skill set.
So, is the first line of jobs available for my business going to be someone who can answer my phone, send out my invoices, or respond to emails like an administrative assistant? Not likely, because what I need are skill sets that will expand upon the businesses and services that I’m offering or wanting to offer my clients.
So for a designer, I’m looking to hire employees like an accountant, business strategist, blogger, content strategist, web developer. These as you can see are all specialized skill sets. Once I’m in a place to not have to answer emails personally to clients, well then this blog will no longer apply.
I swear it took me YEARS, and I’m not exaggerating to say YEARS to convince my family (especially my mother) that I had legitimate “clients”. That my design business was no longer just something I did for fun. That I literally worked with large corporations and legitimate business heads in areas of technology, real estate, service industry, media, etc…
For some reason, it’s hard for people to see the person I used to be, and the business person I’ve grown into . Honestly, I’ve had a tendency to keep my business and my family separate for a lot of the formidable years of business growth, because I didn’t want my already insecure spirit to be shaken. It’s hard being in business for yourself. It’s even harder to not have the people closest to you fully on-board with your vision.
Keeping your business plans, your expectations, hopes and dreams limited to a trusted “few” is something I highly recommend. Your business is honestly to be protected, and sometimes that protection needs to be implemented against a well meaning Aunt Sally, that thinks your business hopes are “cute”.
Until a point where your business is speaking for itself, so to say, keep it under wraps. Even Jesus was kicked out of his hometown because those that saw him growing up weren’t geared towards seeing him as anything other than the child he had been. This is a great lesson for business as well. Keep it under wraps. Let your family and the outside world see it’s growth from their own perspectives. All in due time.
Anchorage Alaska Business Advertising Design Strategy
It can’t be said enough – a cohesive message across all of your marketing platforms will ensure your business’s advertising is consistent. If a client goes to your Facebook page, it should have the same look and feel as your own website. Print material should have a flow of ideas, language, and presentation that represents your company’s message as well as agrees with the rest of your advertising efforts. Design is the visual way to ensure all of these media outlets match and give off the same vibe, tone and voice of your company.
While creating advertising on your own may save you money, it won’t save time and it won’t give your business the polished, professional appearance it needs to get the results you want. Even if you have one simplified ad created by a professional to express your message, reusing that ad in multiple media outlets will still allow you to keep costs down as well as maintain a professional appearance. You can also hire a designer on a retainer basis, where you utilize their knowledge and feedback to ensure your materials are as effective as possible.
As a consumer, we all have multiple options on what company we choose to hire or purchase from. However, most people are drawn initially toward the advertisements that look most professional and put together. Think about how you choose from your available options. Without more information to assess the different options, the better design will draw you in. It looks better, and in turn expresses a more credible company and/or service.
With the help of a designer, you can see real results when you utilize proper design techniques in your advertising. Markets have many different trends and the design style that is effective in each will fluctuate based on any number of factors. Your target demographic, what your product or service is, or where you are connecting with your audience are all areas a professional designer can assist you. In turn finding a professional designer can not only gain you results but will also maximize your marketing dollars. After all, you get what you pay for.
The whole point of advertising is getting the results you want, which usually calculate to more clients! Make sure you are investing as much time in sending the right message to your audience, as they are in choosing to use a credible business for their needs.
Not sure where to start with design for your Anchorage business? Contact us today to see how we can help turn your message into a client!
Your Alaska business’s web presence is an important part of your business success.
Whether you use the web just for providing contact information or updating your customers on everything related to your business, there are a few things you should consider.
You need to ask yourself what is the goal of your presence on the web? Some websites and social media pages are simply informational- a customer searches for a service and gets your FAQ and contact information. Simple. Other websites house information on products, events, customer portals, or athlete bios such as Joey Junker. Other considerations for your web strategy include more elaborate social media which is an excellent marketing tool when used correctly.
Whether you are targeting new clients over existing clients with your web strategy, you will need to consider how information is being portrayed. New clients want to know about the company- the mission, the reputation, and the product.Existing clients want to know about upcoming specials, events, or news that they care about. Targeting new and existing clients is important and keeping a balance between these two targets will give you maximum exposure.
If you are a new company starting out, targeting new clients right now, over the next 3 or 6 months, or even a year, your web presence will need to adapt. An existing customer base has already seen the new company marketing.They want to see your plan for change and they want to see any new and exciting things happening with your company.
Working along with a designer for your logo and website, talk about your options and goals and make sure you are portraying the vision you want your clients to see.
Contact us today to see how we can help develop your Alaska business web strategy!
The idea behind any company branding is to catch your customer’s eye and get them to ask more questions. Your Anchorage Alaska Brand, Logo Design or Graphic Design needs a unique feel to stand out in the crowd. A few tips can help take your Alaska brand to the next level!
There are many Alaska companies that play into the weather and terrain of Alaska when putting together their brand.Images of mountains, ice, water, trees, and other natural touches can be found in many, or even most, Alaska branding. It doesn’t mean you can’t use these motifs, but make them your own with uncommon colors, textures, or accents that take your brand from ordinary to extraordinary.
Don’t forget, your business is already unique by itself. Your brand should reflect your own unique vision and message, meaning it will have its own unique feel without too much effort!Play into the things you like and that speak to the audience you’re targeting.
Once you have figured out the way you want to make your Alaska brand unique, use different or unusual marketing tools.For example, typical bottled water companies might use water bottles to advertise their company. What about ice cube trays? Key chains are common advertising but those with fun and custom shapes or bangles are usually the ones that end up on everyday key rings.Some of the different tools may be more expensive since they aren’t standard but the cost is worth it if you are constantly getting word of mouth advertising from your clients.
Make sure to pick something about your business that makes it the most unique and different and play those differences up! Your customers will appreciate the efforts!
Some examples of some great Alaska Brands that are not specifically calling attention to the typical motifs:
Bristol Bay Native Corporation | Steamdot | Food Bank of Alaska | the 49th Supply Co. | Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau
These are companies that Bianca Frank Design was not a part of creating, however, they are inspiring Alaskan brands that have stepped away from the “Alaska” status quo and I admire each of these brands for that reason.
Do you need help defining and designing what makes your brand different? Contact us today to talk!
Bianca Frank Design offers a comprehensive brand and brand development package that can be utilized to begin or reinvigorate your small business marketing strategy. Whether you are in need of small business marketing strategies, graphic design, brand design, web design, or just need consultation on where to start. Drop a note and we will be in touch soon.
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