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Why Facebook Contests Really Do Work!

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By John Boudreau

Everyone likes to win prizes and contests, especially through social media. These days, you are most likely communicating with your customer online more than you do in person. Has your business taken advantage of this? Not only are contests a great way to community build, but they also help your business show it cares about your audience. According to industry statistics, over 1 billion people are on Facebook. Knowing this, now more than ever is the time to get on board with Facebook contests. However, understanding what it takes to grow your fan base from zero to 700 takes time and patience, as well as a great marketing strategy.

Proven Results

We have seen contests gain traction on Facebook through creative, innovative ideas, which also involve different partnerships. For proven results, here are some examples you can use for inspiration:

Partee Insurance

This California insurance agency runs a game of Hangman every Wednesday from their Facebook page. How do they do this? Throughout the entire day, the staff promotes the contest, and at the end, the winner receives a stuffed cow named Cee Cee the Cow, who is the mascot of Partee Insurance! By conducting this type of contest, the agency has increased their following to well above 800 likes. However, this didn’t happen overnight or from luck. The team works hard to engage their customers on a weekly basis as well as remain creative with the words they select for the game. The consistency of this contest contributed to its success, in addition to the prize being a brand related item, which helped to further promote awareness throughout the community.

Weimer Group

The Weimer Group created strong local partnerships and incorporated those relationships into a contest. During the holiday season, the team set up a 12-week, 12-gift giveaway program, all involving local prizes. In order to run the contest, the agents used an easy promotion application. The first partner promoted was free and then the rest were $15 per promo. In the first week of the campaign, the Group was able to help one partner gain 70 “likes” in only a few days!

Fans had to enter their name, email, and “like” the page of the “partner of the week” in order to win a prize through a raffle drawing. What took the contest to the next level was how the winner was announced. The Weimer Group made personal videos for each winner, explaining exactly what the prize entailed. The dedication and appreciation the agency shows to their local partners and clients reveals how important consistency, promotion, and engagement are to a quality contest.

Rules and Regulations to Follow

So how did these agencies turn ideas into reality? They first had to follow rules and regulations established by Facebook. Failure to abide by these rules when running a contest could cause it to end before it even begins. Some of the terms and conditions are listed below:

  • If you use Facebook to administer a promotion, you are responsible for the lawful operation of that promotion.
  • If you are not sure if your promotion complies with the laws, seek out help from a professional.
  • Contests must be administered within Apps on Facebook.com, either on a Canvas Page or a Page App.
  • Promotions must include an acknowledgment that the promotion is in no way sponsored by or associated with Facebook and disclosure that the participant is providing information to you and not to Facebook.
  • You must not condition entry upon the user liking a Wall post, commenting, or uploading a photo on a Wall. In addition, do not use the Like button as a voting mechanism.

Helpful Apps to Invest In

With so many rules to follow and not a lot of experience, the stress of organizing an event could be heightened. However, to help you remain calm, you can use approved applications. The following includes apps which vary in price and functionality, but all of them make it easier to run a contest and obey the rules:

  • Easypromos (Free)
  • Wildfire (ranges from $25-$250 and $3-$5 per day)
  • Offerpop (cost of this app goes by the number of fans your page has; less than 100 fans, it is free to use)
  • Static HTML (Free)

Put Yourself Out There

With an understanding of the steps to take to run a viable Facebook contest, now you can work on engagement. Your goal should be to get your audience excited and interested in your contest, as well as your business in the process. Here are some tips to help you promote and execute your contest:

  • Offer a unique, enticing prize.
  • Social media is interactive, so your contest must be fun and entertaining. No one wants to participate in a boring game. Some good ideas to start with are photo or video contests.
  • When it comes to creating the rules, make sure they are clear, concise, and simple to follow.
  • Before, during, and after your contest, always promote it. Use all the resources you have at your disposal, including other social media outlets, your website, and blogs. You can also have your employees and partners spread the word.

Setting specific goals for your contest can help you remain true to your mission and business’ values. No matter what kind of prize you offer your customers, the fact that you were able to keep them engaged and energized is the biggest prize of all! Most importantly, have fun with the whole process, because no idea is too out of the box. Your audience will appreciate your efforts to reach out and understand their needs!

Author’s Bio: John Boudreau, COO and Co-Founder of Astonish, has been in the insurance marketing and technology business for nearly 10 years. He works closely with local insurance agencies across the country to understand what works and what doesn’t in an attempt to increase their share of the digital landscape through online marketing tactics and a robust customer relationship marketing tool. For more information on client results, visit Astonish’s list of business profile reviews. Before Astonish, Boudreau honed his problem-solving abilities while working as an environmental analytical chemist. He also founded Ion Marketing Group, a digital marketing company focused on the real estate industry. An avid musician, John plays the drums, the bass and the guitar.

4 Online Business Ideas that Don’t Require Incorporation

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By Ken Myers

The availability of internet access has minimized the complications that come with starting a traditional business, and it’s easier than ever to provide products and services to the public. Online businesses are subject to many of the regulations and tax laws that storefront businesses abide by, but one main advantage is that there are certain services and products you can deliver without needing to go through the formal process of incorporating. With some business idea lists reaching well over 100, the possibilities are astonishingly numerous; however, we’ve shared four ideas that anyone can do below:

Content Management

Social media marketing and management, copywriting, ghostwriting, technical writing and transcription are just a few types of content management services you can do online. The first step to tackling this career goal is to validate yourself as a professional freelance writer. Businesses and employers who need your writing skills are going to be looking for a polished portfolio and examples of previously published work. The fact that you can work for a number of clients as a sole proprietor or as an independent contractor is what makes this business so attainable. If you were to really take off, you could leverage your services by expanding and outsourcing to other writers for larger projects.

Blogging

One of the most popular and straightforward ways to make money off the internet is through blogging. Even hobby bloggers have started monetizing their blogs. Many bloggers host ads and get paid every time one of their visitors clicks on one. If a blog has an exceptionally high amount of traffic, you can give advertisers the option to place unique ads directly on the blog. Sites like Pay Per Post bridge the gap between bloggers who write for an audience and advertisers who want to reach those readers.

A blogger can also sell products as an affiliate. You can become an affiliate by marketing an eBook or reviewing an online service such as HootSuite or GoToMeeting, and then provide an affiliate link (be sure to properly disclose) that users can click to sign up. If you have a blog with high traffic or you’re interested in starting a niche blog, affiliate marketing can supplement your income. 

Multilevel Marketing

If you’re looking for a business that will make you money and give you the chance to flex your marketing muscles at the same time, then you may want to invest in an MLM, or multilevel marketing company. Amway, ACN, Thirty-One, Organo Gold, Empower Network and Scentsy are among the reputable companies that you could buy into. By signing up as an independent distributor for an MLM, you save on the substantial startup costs that it would normally take to start another business. Also, much of the work has been done for you in an MLM. The most enticing benefit is the residual income that you can earn from commissions, which means you get paid on a recurring basis from a transaction that took place once.

The companies that offer services instead of products make earning residuals incredibly easy. ACN, for instance, offers cell phone and cable packages. Every time that a customer pays a bill, the sales rep who sold that package gets paid time and again. However, the MLM business model is a bit controversial and receives split reviews around the internet community. There are many individuals who see enormous results from their businesses, and there are those who stand on the other end of spectrum, struggling and failing to close enough leads to make their investment worthwhile. If you’re a natural marketer and find a company with a product or service that you believe in, consider giving it a shot. Just do your research first and use your own judgment about whether or not it fits your budget and the time you can dedicate to the business.

eCommerce and Dropshipping

As an alternative to offering creative services, you can sell your own products through your website or another eCommerce platform. Maintaining an online store is not for the faint of heart, though, especially if you plan to operate on a third party platform like Etsy, Amazon or eBay. There will be a steep learning curve because these companies make constant revisions to their websites and procedures. One benefit of using them, however, is that they do much of the marketing for you.

There are other stores for creative products similar to Etsy that feature your products to their viewers. Zazzle, Cafepress and Artfire are among them. These websites will deduct a percentage of your profit, so if you want to retain as much of your earnings as possible then you can always set up your own store. Volusion and BigCommerce are web tools that you can use to construct an online store entirely from scratch. The end result is a site that uniquely fits your own brand and allows customers to check out directly from your website.

Both eCommerce options will require a financial investment. Selling your products will not be a get-rich-quick option. In fact, none of these online business ideas will take off overnight. If you choose a line of work that best fits your interests and lifestyle, though, the overall process will be much more smooth and, hopefully, profitable.

Share Your Thoughts
What is your experience with starting an online business? Do you have any other ideas for attainable business opportunities? If so, share them in the comments!

Author’s Bio: Ken Myers is a father, husband, and entrepreneur. He has combined his passion for helping families find in-home care with his experience to build a business. Learn more about him by visiting @KenneyMyers on Twitter.

5 Tips for Trimming the Office Budget

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Running a small business is expensive – very expensive.

Saving little bits of money here and there can make all the difference to your overall profit come year-end. There are hundreds of small ways to save money, but when it comes to saving big, there may be a few things you’re missing.

With that in mind, here are five ways to trim your office budget and start saving loads of money each year.

1. Save on utilities

Utilities are one of the largest expenses for an office. By turning up the AC just a few degrees, you can save hundreds per month. Always turn off computers and electronic equipment when not in use, switch to energy-efficient light bulbs, install light sensors in break rooms and restrooms, and consider switching to solar panels if you can afford it. Keep in mind, solar panels are very expensive upfront but will save you thousands over the years. They also can be used as a deduction on your taxes.

2. Save on marketing

Another large office expense is money spent on advertising and marketing. Keep track of where every dollar goes and take note of what methods are the most and least effective for you. For example, are you still sending customers fliers in the mail? If so, you may want to switch to sending e-fliers, instead. E-fliers are quick to make and even quicker to mail out, not to mention the amount you’ll save on paper and stamps. A great way to market your business is via social media. Build a Facebook page, Twitter account, company website and blog to attract and retain customers.

3. Save on office supplies

If you’re in need of new office supplies, which account for 20% of expenses on average, don’t just buy the first thing you see. Look for deals, ask for discounts or buy used. If you’re really looking to save money, consider leasing the larger equipment that you need. This saves you money upfront plus allows you to “test” the product before committing to it. Also, only buy equipment and supplies that you absolutely need. Too many businesses wind up wasting money on technology that never gets used.

4. Save on taxes

Small businesses can write off almost everything nowadays. When it comes time to do your taxes, be as thorough as possible to ensure you’re not missing any deductions. Some less common deductions include utilities in your home (if you have a home office), insurance premiums, retirement accounts, office equipment, bad debt (money people owe you), travel expenses and even clothing (if used for business purposes). Consider hiring an accountant if this isn’t something you wish to take on yourself.

5. Save on staffing

Each year, re-evaluate your staffing needs. Who are the top and bottom performers in your company? Are there any positions you could possibly combine into one role? Is each staff member doing their job efficiently and improving your company, or are they simply taking up space? By evaluating your staffing needs each year, and possibly firing or replacing a few employees, you’ll not only save your company tens of thousands of dollars but you’ll also have a company that’s better-run and managed.

Photo credit: scu.edu

About the Author: Sarah Brooks is a freelance writer living in Glendale, AZ. She covers topics on budget help, personal finance and small businesses.

5 Tips for Marketing My Small Business

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Running a small business can be quite the task for even the most accomplished entrepreneur.

Marketing a new business, or a business that is looking to grow, can be one of the most important factors in whether or not the business venture is successful.

So, how can you go about marketing your small business so that it is clicking in all cylinders? Among the items to focus in on include:

Utilize Testimonials

Testimonials are one of the most powerful marketing tools out there.

They show a potential customer that you have successfully met the needs of someone who was looking for the same type of service.

You can utilize these by posting them on your website, or including them in periodic information that you send out to new and returning customers. Testimonials allow potential customers to trust your company to deliver on the promises that you have made about the quality of your service.

The other benefit of testimonials comes through word of mouth marketing.

When people are excited about the service they have received from your company they will be eager to share their experience with others.

This is one of the most powerful forms of advertisement because there is often nothing in it for the person sharing the information. This allows a level of trust which is difficult for direct advertisements to rival and often converts new business into loyal customers.

Ask Customers for Recommendations

Even customers who are thoroughly pleased by the service that your business provided often won’t share their experience with others. This can be remedied by a simple call to action on the part of the business.

By simply asking return customers to submit a review on the internet, or tell their friends about the business, you can often find new customers who will become stable business.

By making the request you let your customers know that you would appreciate their support in a tangible way. This is often all they need to start spreading the word about the benefit you have provided to them through your business.

Stay in Contact

The best way to convert one time shoppers into returning customers is to reach out and invite them to return.

Often people simply forget about the service that was provided by your company because it didn’t take up a significant amount of their time. By reminding them of their pleasant experience with your company you can ensure that they will return if they ever need your service again.

You can achieve this through an e-mail list, or simply a follow-up phone call to see whether their visit was satisfactory. The more they think about your business, the more likely they will be to return.

Make Your Company Stand Out

A lot of companies are trying to market themselves as the best in their field. The only way to be successful in beating out the competition is to make sure that your marketing strategy stands out from the competition.

You can do this by creating attention catching flyers or e-mails, handing out free promotional items, or creating an inspiring video campaign centered around the service that your company provides. This can be one of the more crucial aspects for marketing your small business correctly.

Target Your Advertising

Your small business probably has an ideal consumer who has very specific attributes.

If you are a sports equipment company you are trying to sell to athletes. If you are a surgeon you are targeting people who need surgery. Understanding the demographics of your target audience is very important when it comes to attracting new customers.

Figure out who your ideal customer is and then decide which marketing medium will be the most likely to reach them. This can be the difference between a successful marketing campaign and an unsuccessful one.

By following these tips for marketing your small business correctly you will be a step ahead of your competitors. This will allow you to get your message to the right people in order to convert them into loyal, returning customers.

Marketing your small business correctly could be the best decision you make for your growing enterprise, so get started today.

As a small business owner, what are the most successful ways you market your company?

Photo credit: rhinomarketresearch.com

About the Author: Thomas Verdone is an author who covers a wide range of topics, including finance, fitness, personal development, and Bluegreen Resorts.

Your Brand Voice – Which Social Networking Site is the Best For You?

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By Ryan Connors

The first step in deciding which social networking sites are best for promoting your blog is really learning more about who your ideal readers are. If you don’t know who you’re talking to, how can you know where to find them? By identifying your blog’s “brand” identity before you start any type of marketing regimen you’re saving yourself tons of time and effort in wasted research.

Whether you write a food blog, a tech blog, or even a parenting blog, there’s a social outlet perfectly suited to your customer base. Below we take a look at some of the most popular social networking sites and break down which sites are best for which types of blog.

So, which social networking site is best for you?

FACEBOOK

Facebook is the granddaddy of social networking and it’s still a great place to be. If you’re going to engage in only one type of social networking, Facebook should likely be it. The site provides the most opportunities for marketing and a diverse array of ways to promote your blog. Odds are, your customers are on Facebook if nowhere else.

TWITTER

Twitter is a terrific platform if your blog industry is fast-changing. When you have a constant need to put out new content (“Check out this cool new product!” or “New blog post!”), Twitter is the place to be. It’s also a good network to use if you plan on interacting with other bloggers a lot. If you’re going to be on Twitter, however, be sure you can commit to updating daily at the very least.

LINKEDIN

Is your blog more professionally-focused than personal? If the information you put out pertains to businesses more than individuals (or perhaps to individuals engaged in business) then LinkedIn may be a great spot to invest in. LinkedIn allows you to post content, start discussions, and even endorse other members for certain skills. More than that, though, it can be a great data mine to come up with your next blog topic or to find out what people in certain industries are talking about.

PINTEREST/INSTAGRAM

Pinterest and Instagram are similar enough that they can be grouped together, although you should probably focus your efforts on one or the other to avoid repeat content on two sites. If your blog features lots and lots of photos, whether of hair, houses, or ham sandwiches, a photo-sharing platform is a smart choice. Be sure you can update regularly and that you’ve got the conditions (and a good enough camera phone) to take sharable photos. And learn the power of hashtags before you begin.

YOUTUBE

Many people don’t consider YouTube a “social networking” site but it absolutely is. If you’re not consistently producing videos, YouTube is not the place for you; however, it’s worth considering if you write about a subject matter that’s video-friendly. For example, if you run a craft blog, why not post informational videos on how to best use certain products? The great thing about YouTube is that production quality doesn’t have to be high – as long as the quality of your content is.

Deciding which social networking site is right for your blog promotion is up to you, but it’s always smart to research before you spread yourself too thin. In general, choose two to three sites to focus all your effort on and ignore the rest. It’s better to be a big presence on one or two sites than a tiny presence on ten.

Author’s Bio: Ryan Connors is a product manager at BizShark.com, with 5 years experience in online marketing and product development. In addition to web related businesses, he also enjoys the latest news and information on emerging technologies and open source projects.

Don’t Sweat the Page Views

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By Michelle Rebecca

Yes, today’s online business leaders have it hard. There’s a ton of competition and a lot of complexity involved in dealing with certain kinds of market realities. It’s hard to monetize a web project the way that businesses monetize other kinds of investments and campaigns.

However, some of those who are promoting a business and its products or services online can get too wrapped up in various kinds of technical fixes for these issues, and may tend to disregard the bigger picture. Meanwhile, big companies like Google are trying to promote big-picture thinking that adds to the general quality of the Internet.

Effective Online Management and User Interest

Even though online business owners know that Google has made a raft of changes to its algorithms, punishing content mills and other generic SEO sites, many of those managing web projects are still obsessed with the idea that they can manipulate page rankings through metrics like keyword placement metadata and back linking.

Busy managers who want results without coordination simply plug page view analytics into automated job managers that they think will force outsourced marketing or content people to spit out the magic formula for growth. What these businesses are neglecting is the idea that natural interest is derived naturally from creating actual benefits for Web viewers.

Preserving Traditional Practices… and Branching Out

It’s not that businesses need to disregard all of their analytics or drop all of the market research. Targeted content and user analysis has its place. But beyond just micro-managing technical results, web project managers who free up content producers to explore new avenues connected to “the meat space” (the off-line world) can see a lot of improvement in their return on investment.

Time and time again, online entrepreneurs who take risks have seen their sites blossom as the consumer audience for a particular industry starts to read more, link more, and share more of what they have to offer. This generates web results in a system with longevity, where yesterday’s linking and page optimizing created quick floods of web traffic that taper off when Web viewers understand they have simply been directed by a search term.

Web project managers who understand all of these new dynamics often source projects differently. Instead of getting a low dollar bid for a few landing pages or some generic high-volume domain SERP optimization, they hire industry professionals and qualified freelance journalists to create actual content that explores the flesh and blood realities of an industry and offers readers material from the real world rather than rehashed phrasing from a Google analytics result.

That can drive a lot more vitality and power into a web campaign than anything dreamed up in an SEO laboratory.

Author’s Bio: Michelle is a blogger and freelancer. She’s written about almost every topic under the sun, and loves constantly learning about new subjects and industries while she’s writing. In her spare time she enjoys spending time outdoors with her dogs. Check out her blog, SocialWeLove, and follow her on Google+.