We all know it’s easier and more cost effective to keep a customer than to find a new one, yet when it comes to customer retention, we’re often too busy running the business to build that relationship. Yet, it’s easy to do, after all, the customer, or client, that has already bought from you is prequalified, likes you and should be easy to win over when it comes to the next sale. More importantly, if you can get them to love you and what you do or offer, they can help you grow your business, for little cost.

Big brands such as Nike, Apple, Waitrose or Boden spend a lot of time and money on their existing customers. Whether it’s ensuring the customer experience and interactions with the brand are exactly as they should be to encouraging existing customers to come back, engage and purchase again. It’s a continuous cycle where the brands are encouraging their customers to get involved and become more entwined with their values, ethos and what they stand for. When the customer reaches a certain point, measured in a number of ways, they become an “advocate” and will happily promote the brand over and above the competitors. (Continue reading…)

Social media tools are integral in measuring the success of your online marketing. The problem is though, they are still in their early days. At times, it can be difficulty to see the full scope of your marketing with the limited tools that are currently available.

Measuring the results of an online campaign is really important. Firstly, it helps you to determine your return on investment. It also helps you understand which strategies are working and which are not, as well as helping you to plan the next campaign.

If social media is a part of your ongoing campaign then you may find that you need to manage multiple social networks such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Not to mention that within these separate networks you may have more than one account. (Continue reading…)

Utilising small business online marketing can return excellent results for a small investment. For many small businesses, budgets are tight and all marketing needs to be as effective as possible. One of the best ways to do this is to reach your potential clients online.

Why online marketing works for small business

One of the greatest benefits of online marketing is that it is cost effective. For a fraction of what you might spend using printed media such as advertisements, leaflets or direct mail, you can reach thousands more potential customers online. There is much you can do to promote your business that doesn’t cost a penny, and many campaigns that you only need to pay for on performance which means you can make your marketing budget go even further. (Continue reading…)

Business social networking is one of the latest online marketing trends. The social networks offer a lot of potential for your business, whether you want to use Facebook to promote your products or LinkedIn to make contacts with potential business partners. Social networks offer businesses free – or very affordable – ways to reach new customers and develop relationships with existing ones.

How are other businesses using social networking?

Maybe you’re wondering how business social networking could work for you. All you need are some examples to get your ideas started, so here’s how other businesses are using social media: (Continue reading…)

Social networking comes in many different forms, the most popular of which allow people to communicate with tens, hundreds, or thousands of friends at once. There are lots of different social networks available online today, and almost all of them can be helpful for online businesses. Even some traditional brick-and-mortar businesses such as accountants have started networking campaigns with excellent results.

When you work with online networking, you get a whole web of customers advertising for you. More people are relying on the opinions of friends, family members, and acquaintances than ever. Think about it. Would you rather trust an impersonal television ad or the word of a friend who knows what you love? (Continue reading…)