Connect with us

Business

Keeping Up With The Current Marketing Trends

Published

on

business email verifier

Marketing is a big deal in business. As a business owner, you’ve got to have an image; you need to ensure that when people see your company, or hear its names, they’re going to know and recognise you. Of course, as a small business, this can be something that’s hard to pull off from the start.

Which is why marketing is of such use to us, especially in a hyperconnected world like our own. Thanks to the use of tech and the internet, you have a better chance than ever before for building a brand, and making sure any profits you’re capable of bringing in are consistent and renewable.

In 2020, there’s all kinds of marketing trends a business will need to watch out for, and correctly utilize for their own gain. After all, the digital age moves quickly, and knowing what works and what doesn’t is key for business success.

So, with that in mind, here are some of the main marketing trends for this year and beyond. Some old, some new, some a little revamped here and there; if you need the inspiration for your advertising campaign, take it from here.

Think About Your Inbound Marketing Tactics

Inbound marketing is a lot more relevant to today’s world than outbound marketing, and that’s something to keep in mind. As the world starts to move faster, and we have more and more things to do in our daily lives, we need our adverts to be as disruptive as possible. And with inbound marketing, you can ensure that your business is always seen as a help, rather than a hindrance. 

Inbound marketing can be used to both attract and engage customers; it’s a versatile marketing trend that any and all businesses can make use of in a variety of manners. Even the use of chat support on your website can be seen as a form of inbound marketing – customers are already here for you, and now’s your chance to engage them for repeat sales in the future.

Setting up a mailing list, and providing people the option to sign up with their email address on their own terms, is another great way to ensure the people are on your side. They have given you permission to contact them in a non invasive way, and now is your chance to create email content that’s eye catching from the subject line alone. It might not bring in huge numbers, but it certainly gives a small business some reliable numbers to make use of!

And one of the best ways to market in an inbound manner is to create content.

Create Some More Content

Content comes in many forms, and in order to keep up with the current marketing trends, you are going to need to be versatile in terms of content creation. After all, you can run a blog, you can be active on social media, and you can even post to Youtube and other video hosting sites in the hope to go viral with a video you have made.

Content marketing is a big deal, simply because it holds a lot of power on the internet, and all kinds of people can recognise good content when it comes across their platforms of choice. If you find yourself on a person’s social media timeline through no fault of your own, because a friend of theirs has shared it or retweeted/reblogged it, you are going very little in terms of disruption!

Content means your consumers become your biggest marketing advocates. If they like something you put out there, they are going to show it to their friends with just a few simple clicks. That could bring hundreds or even thousands of new people on board – it is a cycle, after all.

Attend Local Events

Local events can be game changers for small businesses. Even when you have a website, and thus the entire world’s market at your disposal, there is nothing quite like being a success in your own local area. You want the people in your community to know who you are, and to believe in you and your ambition, and then come along to shop with you and keep the wheels of local economy turning!

And when it comes to your local area, you are going to need to be present. It is a marketing trend that is as old as the concept of business itself; a few local business owners getting together in one place, to be convenient for customers, collaborators, and investors alike.

But how do you manage to draw the eye at local or regional events, when the floor is swarmed with visitors and other businesses and organisations trying to bring everyone over to their booths? You can always depend on the use of eye catching imagery, and some handy, tried and tested marketing equipment.

For example, banners with your company name, image, and number on them can stand above the crowd, and they are not too hefty to maneuver either, which is great for businesses that need to set up more than one.

Keep an Eye on Your SEO

And finally, make sure you keep up with SEO trends. If you want to publish anything online, you need to be sure it’s relevant via the use of keywords, even going so far as viable hashtags that put you immediately in the right place for all to see.

Improving your SEO strategy is another great way to make use of inbound marketing. The right words and phrases, used again and again, can ensure you’re pushed to the top of the search results over a period of time. Sure, there most likely won’t be instant results, but for a strong marketing campaign in the future? This is the tactic for you.

Keeping up with current marketing trends means you have an eye on the future. You will be able to see where your business needs to go before you’ve even put a plan in place, and that is the kind of thinking that guarantees a small business moves on.

Student @ Advanced Digital Sciences Center, Singapore. Travelled to 30+ countries, passion for basketball.

Continue Reading
Comments

Business

Do’s and Don’t’s of Firing People

Published

on

As a business leader one of the hardest things that you could do is fire an employee. Of course, it sounds like an easy thing to do if the employee is rightfully deserving of being fired, but it is a lot easier said than done. Is a decision that many managers actually lose a lot of sleep over, because it’s such a difficult undertaking. 

No matter what you do though, whether you are firing somebody because they are just not the right fit for your business, or you are dismissing an employee for gross misconduct, legal issues can arise that could do damage to your business. HR professionals across the country will tell you that there are many different ways of gracefully terminating an employee’s contract, but there are some do’s and don’ts that you could do to make it an easier process that can help you deal with it. Let’s take a look at a few of those below.

  • Do get everything in order before you fire them. From evidence as to the reason they are fired, to the paperwork for them to leave the business, get everything in order so that there are no loose ends. For a firing to go smoothly this needs to be prepared in advance. Before you terminate the employee, you need to be able to prevent any misunderstandings or even accusations of illegal activity going on. Follow the policies and procedures in place of your organization and if necessary, consult a lawyer. Secure computer files, make sure you pull together all in performance appraisals and written warnings as any other correspondence that you might need. You should also make sure that you have all of the payroll information in place so that you can reassure the person being fired that they will be paid according to the law.
  • Do choose a private space. Let’s be honest, nobody wants to be fired from their job. It leaves a bad taste, it’s nothing to be proud of, and it can be embarrassing for the employee. When you are dismissing somebody, you need to choose the right time and place and make sure that there are no eavesdroppers. It’s always a good idea to do it as early in the week as possible at the end of the day so that you minimize impact to your business. If an employee depends on the company or their colleagues to get home, it just makes good sense to ensure that they are not going to be left stranded.
  • Don’t fire somebody with an audience around. As we mentioned before, anybody in your business has a right to privacy. Doing it in front of an audience will be poor behavior on your part as an employer. It also won’t help people in the office to feel comforted by the idea that they may not be next. Use an official meeting space, as it’s a private and neutral location that is free from any disruption.
  • Don’t forget to toe the line. If you terminate an employee on parental or medical leave, or you terminate an employee who is pregnant, you are going to open yourself up to a lawsuit. Toe the line when it comes to the law and make sure that you are firing somebody with all of your ducks in a row in advance.

Terminating an employee’s contract is not easy, but sometimes it needs to be done.

Continue Reading

Business

Best Strategies to Create an Comfortable Atmosphere in Your Restaurant

Published

on

Creating an inviting and comfortable atmosphere in any restaurant is essential for success. Customers often form their first impression of the restaurant based on its ambiance, and if it isn’t pleasant or enjoyable, they are less likely to come back. It’s important to consider all aspects that can make up a positive dining experience — from the decor to the music playing in your establishment to the service you provide. Here are some strategies that will help you create an atmosphere that customers won’t forget.

Decor:

The key to creating a cozy environment is by designing decor that reflects your restaurant’s style and promotes relaxation. Think about what kind of mood you want customers to feel when they enter your restaurant — from the lighting to the art on the walls to the decorations that adorn your tables. Depending on the cuisine you serve and the atmosphere you want to create, consider investing in muted tones or warm colors for a calming effect or bright and vibrant shades for an energetic vibe.

Music:

The music playing in your restaurant can make all the difference. Too loud music can be overwhelming and uncomfortable, while music that’s too quiet won’t create an inviting atmosphere at all. Consider investing in a music player for restaurant so you can control what music is played and when it starts and stops. You should also consider whether you want to provide live or recorded music. Live music will usually give customers a sense of authenticity and provide them with something to enjoy during their meal, while pre-recorded songs can help set the background without being distracting.

Service:

Your service can be just as important as the ambiance in creating a memorable experience. Make sure your staff is well-trained, friendly, and attentive to guests’ needs. Ensure they understand your restaurant’s standards and expectations — from proper table setting etiquette to how glasses should be filled. Customers greatly appreciate being treated with respect and kindness, so make sure your waitstaff is not only efficient but also shows genuine care for their customer’s satisfaction.

Atmosphere:

Creating the perfect atmosphere requires more than just the decor, music, and service — it also includes small touches that will make your restaurant stand out. For instance, consider offering complimentary snacks or appetizers to customers while they wait for their meals to arrive. You can also provide warm towels after meals as a sign of endearment and appreciation. Additionally, choosing linens with exquisite patterns or using fresh flowers on each table will add even more charm to your restaurant’s atmosphere.

Continue Reading

Business

Turn Your Passion into a Career: How to Make Money Doing What You Love

Published

on

Many dreams of turning their hobby, passion, or creative outlet into a career. It’s a beautiful idea, but it can take time to figure out where to start. Here’s a guide on successfully turning your hobby into a career. 

Do Your Research 

Before you turn your hobby into a business, please research and find out what the industry looks like, your potential customers and their needs. Next, consider your strengths, skills, and knowledge and decide how to use them in this new venture. Finally, consider what makes you unique in the industry and how you can market yourself. 

Take A Strong Career Test

A Strong Career Test can help you identify your ideal job and the type of environment you would flourish in. In addition, knowing this information can give you an idea of what kind of business to start and whether it’s something you’d be passionate about.

Think About Finances and Legalities 

Once you have an idea of what you want to do, consider the financial aspect – are there any costs associated with getting started? What sort of budget will you need? Will there be any tax implications? It’s also essential to think about the legal side of things – if necessary, consult with a lawyer specializing in business law so that you understand all the regulations associated with starting up and protecting your intellectual property rights. 

Create a Business Plan 

Now that you have researched and considered the legalities and finances involved, create a business plan that outlines all this information. Make sure it includes short-term and long-term objectives to keep track of your progress over time. Be realistic when setting targets for yourself – don’t aim too high at first because this could set you up for failure if it doesn’t pan out. Also, consider whether or not there is potential for growth or expansion once your business gets off the ground. This may include marketing strategies such as social media campaigns or investing in advertising materials such as brochures or flyers. 

Start Networking 

Networking is essential when launching any new business; it’s about building relationships with people who may be interested in your offer. Start by reaching out to family, friends, and acquaintances who may already know about your business or service offering; they may even be willing to share it with others! Additionally, join online groups related to your area of expertise – these are great places for exchanging ideas with like-minded people and potentially finding potential customers/collaborators/mentors/partners, etc. Finally, attend events such as trade shows or conferences where relevant topics are discussed – these are ideal opportunities for making connections within the industry that could prove beneficial down the line! 

Turning your hobby into a career is no small task, but it can be approached thoughtfully and strategically! Please research the industry thoroughly before beginning to understand its nuances; familiarize yourself with the legalities of running a business; create a viable yet ambitious business plan; network extensively (both online & offline). And never give up! With dedication & hard work, anything is possible.

Continue Reading

Trending