Tag Archive for: Business Success

Unleash the Power of Evergreen Marketing: How to Build a Sustainable Online Presence

Unleash the Power of Evergreen Marketing: How to Build a Sustainable Online Presence - By David Lee-Schneider, Done DigitalDone Digital

Marketing planning can feel overwhelming sometimes, given the myriad of channels, techniques, and trends to stay on top of. Today, I want to share some valuable insights on how you can unlock the incredible power of evergreen marketing to build a sustainable online presence for your business and provide you with some practical tips and strategies that will help you grow your business more effectively without relying on short-term tactics. So grab a cup of coffee, and let’s get started!

After exploring a myriad of different marketing strategies over the last decade, I can confidently say that evergreen marketing is the secret sauce many business owners are missing. Unlike temporary fads, evergreen marketing focuses on timeless strategies that keep delivering results long after you have implemented them. This not only leads to better long-term results, but actually frees you up from constantly having to worry about attracting new customers.

The Power of Evergreen Marketing vs Marketing Trends

Imagine this: Your business consistently attracts new customers, generates high-quality leads, and enjoys a steady stream of revenue—all while you focus on what you do best. That’s the power of evergreen marketing. I’d like to share three fundamental principles to help you build a sustainable online presence that will drive continuous growth for your business.

1. Focus on Value

The first principle of evergreen marketing is to prioritise value. Put yourself in your customers’ shoes and ask, “What problem am I solving for them?” Create content, whether it’s blog posts, videos, or social media updates, that provides practical solutions and valuable insights. By consistently offering value, you’ll establish yourself as a trusted authority in your industry.

2. Build Authentic Connections

In the digital world, authenticity is key. Don’t be afraid to show your personality and let your unique brand shine through. Engage with your audience on social media, respond to comments and messages, and foster genuine connections. When people feel a personal connection to your business, they are more likely to become loyal customers and brand advocates.

3. Repurpose and Refresh

Evergreen marketing is all about getting the most out of your content. Rather than creating something once and forgetting about it, repurpose and refresh your existing content. Update blog posts with new insights, turn popular blog articles into videos, or transform customer testimonials into engaging social media posts. By recycling your content, you’ll extend its lifespan and reach a wider audience.

The Power of Evergreen Marketing: By focusing on timeless, proven strategies, you can save valuable time and budget while achieving better results.

The Power of Evergreen Marketing: By focusing on timeless, proven strategies, you can save valuable time and budget while achieving better results.

By implementing these evergreen marketing principles, you’ll create a solid foundation for your business’s online presence. You’ll attract a steady flow of organic traffic, nurture long-term relationships with customers, and establish your brand as a trusted authority in your industry. Say goodbye to the stress of constantly chasing after the latest marketing trends and embrace the power of evergreen marketing.

Are you ready to take your business to the next level with evergreen marketing?

We’re here to help! Contact Done Digital today for a free consultation or website audit. Our team of experts will provide you with a tailored strategy to build a sustainable online presence and drive long-term growth. It’s time to free yourself from the rat-race of trying to keep up with the latest marketing trends and embrace the opportunity to unleash the power of evergreen marketing in your business!

Click here to schedule your FREE Growth Strategy Call today

Remember, building a sustainable online presence takes time and effort, but the rewards are well worth it. Embrace evergreen marketing, and watch your business flourish in the digital landscape, not just today, but for years to come.

by

Website Design Tips: How to Craft a Captivating Online Presence for Your Brand

Website Design Tips: How to Craft a Captivating Online Presence for Your Brand - Done Digital Marketing BrisbaneDone Digital

A captivating online presence is a prerequisite for business success. As consumers increasingly rely on the internet to discover and engage with brands, the design of your website plays a critical role in shaping your online reputation. A well-crafted website not only attracts potential customers but also builds trust, credibility, and brand loyalty. In this article, we will explore the importance of crafting a captivating online presence through effective website design.

Now, let’s outline key points and lessons that business owners should consider creating a website that leaves a lasting impression on visitors and contributes to their overall online reputation.

Understanding the Impact of Website Design on Online Reputation

In the competitive online marketplace, your website is often the first point of contact between your brand and potential customers. The design of your website significantly impacts how visitors perceive your business and influences their decision to engage further. A poorly designed website can leave a negative impression, leading to a damaged online reputation. Conversely, a well-crafted and visually appealing website can evoke trust, credibility, and a positive perception of your brand.

User Experience and Navigation

A captivating online presence starts with a user-friendly website that provides a seamless browsing experience. Visitors should be able to navigate your website intuitively, find the information they need effortlessly, and have a pleasant interaction with your brand. By prioritising user-centric design principles, such as intuitive navigation, clear and organised content, and fast-loading pages, you can enhance user experience and keep visitors engaged.

Consistency in Branding and Messaging

Consistency in branding and messaging is crucial for creating a cohesive and memorable online presence. Your website should align with your brand identity, incorporating your brand’s colours, fonts, and visual elements. Consistent messaging throughout the website, reflecting your brand’s values, mission, and unique selling propositions, builds brand recognition, fosters trust, and contributes to a strong online reputation.

Compelling Visual Design

Visual design is a powerful tool to capture visitors’ attention and leave a lasting impression. Use high-quality images, videos, and graphics that resonate with your target audience and reflect your brand’s personality. Compelling visual elements should communicate your brand story effectively and evoke emotions that align with your brand values. A visually captivating website design enhances user engagement, encourages visitors to explore further, and establishes a positive online reputation.

Craft a captivating online presence for your brand through effective website design. Learn the key points, lessons and more in this article!

Mobile Responsiveness and Accessibility

With the increasing use of mobile devices, having a mobile-responsive website is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Your website should adapt seamlessly to different screen sizes, providing a consistent and optimised experience across devices. Additionally, prioritise accessibility features to ensure that individuals with disabilities can access and navigate your website easily. A mobile-responsive and accessible website demonstrates your commitment to inclusivity, improves user experience, and strengthens your online reputation.

Clear Call-to-Actions

A captivating website should guide visitors towards desired actions, whether it’s making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or contacting your business. Incorporate clear and strategically placed call-to-action buttons that prompt visitors to engage. Well-defined call-to-actions not only improve user experience but also increase conversions and contribute to a positive online reputation.

Wrap-up

Crafting a captivating online presence through effective website design is an essential endeavour for businesses in the digital age. Your website serves as a virtual storefront, influencing how potential customers perceive your brand. By prioritising user experience, consistency in branding and messaging, compelling visual design, mobile responsiveness, accessibility, and clear call-to-actions, you can create a website that engages visitors and establishes a positive online reputation. Remember, a captivating online presence sets the stage for business growth and success in today’s competitive marketplace.

Ready to create a captivating online presence for your brand? Contact Done Digital today and book a free strategy call. Don’t miss out on the opportunities that a captivating online presence can bring!

by
,

How To Delight Your Customers And Build a Stellar Online Reputation

Delight Your Customers: How To Build a Stellar Online Reputation - Done Digital Marketing BrisbaneDone Digital

In today’s digital landscape, where online reviews and opinions hold significant weight, building a stellar online reputation has become a crucial aspect of business success. A strong online reputation not only helps you attract new customers but also fosters loyalty among existing ones. It’s essential to understand that in the age of the internet, your brand’s reputation is constantly being shaped by customer experiences and feedback. In this article, we will explore the importance of building a stellar online reputation and provide actionable insights on how businesses can delight their customers to achieve this goal.

The online reputation of a business can make or break its success. Research shows that a significant percentage of consumers rely on online reviews and ratings before making purchase decisions. A negative online reputation can deter potential customers, while a positive one can attract them like a magnet. Moreover, an excellent online reputation builds trust, credibility, and customer loyalty, contributing to long-term business growth. By proactively managing and delighting customers, businesses can create a stellar online reputation that sets them apart from the competition.

Consistent Excellence in Customer Service

Delighting customers starts with providing exceptional customer service consistently. Train your staff to deliver personalised experiences, actively listen to customer concerns, and resolve issues promptly. When customers feel heard and valued, they are more likely to share positive feedback, contributing to a strong online reputation.

Actively Encourage and Monitor Online Reviews

Online reviews have a profound impact on your reputation. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on platforms relevant to your industry. Respond promptly and professionally to both positive and negative reviews, showcasing your commitment to customer satisfaction. Monitoring reviews allows you to address concerns, rectify issues, and demonstrate your dedication to continuous improvement.

Embrace Transparency and Authenticity

Transparency is a crucial element in building a stellar online reputation. Be honest and upfront in your communications with customers. Admit mistakes when they occur and take responsibility for resolving them. Demonstrating authenticity helps foster trust and loyalty among your customers, strengthening your reputation.

Learn how to build a stellar online reputation and delight your customers. Discover the importance of online reviews and more!

Engage on Social Media

Social media platforms provide an excellent opportunity to engage directly with your customers. Respond to comments, messages, and mentions promptly and professionally. Use social media to showcase your brand’s personality, share valuable content, and address customer inquiries. By actively engaging on social media, you demonstrate your commitment to customer satisfaction and build a positive online presence.

Deliver Personalised Experiences

Customers appreciate personalised experiences that cater to their specific needs and preferences. Leverage customer data and insights to tailor your products, services, and interactions. Whether it’s personalised recommendations or targeted marketing campaigns, providing a personalised touch shows customers that you value their individuality and fosters a positive online presence.

Proactively Seek Feedback

Don’t wait for customers to voice their opinions; actively seek feedback through surveys, emails, or other channels. Regularly collect customer insights to understand their evolving needs and expectations. Address any issues or concerns promptly and use feedback as an opportunity to improve your products and services continually.

Monitor and Manage Online Presence

Maintaining a stellar online reputation requires vigilant monitoring of your brand’s online presence. Regularly search for mentions of your brand, track social media conversations, and use online monitoring tools to stay updated. Address any negative mentions or misinformation promptly and take proactive steps to manage your online reputation effectively.

Final Thoughts

Building a stellar online reputation is a continuous process that requires dedication, attention to detail, and a customer-centric mindset. By consistently delighting your customers, actively managing online reviews, and embracing transparency, you can shape a positive perception of your brand in the digital world. Remember, a strong online presence not only attracts new customers but also builds trust and loyalty among existing ones.

Ready to take your online reputation to new heights? At Done Digital, we can help you bring your brand to life and make it shine online! Book a FREE strategy call with one of our marketing consultants for a complimentary consultation.

by

Unlocking Success: Harnessing the Power of Personalisation in Email Marketing

Email Marketing? No problem! Discover the power of personalisation in email marketing to boost engagement, conversions, and business success.

In today’s digital era, email marketing remains a cornerstone of successful business communication. However, the sheer volume of emails flooding our inboxes makes it increasingly challenging to capture and retain the attention of recipients. To break through the noise and make a lasting impact, marketers need to leverage the power of personalisation in email marketing. In this article, we will explore how personalisation can revolutionise your email marketing strategy, drive engagement, and unlock remarkable success. Get ready to embark on a journey to harness the true potential of personalised email marketing!

Understanding the Impact of Personalisation on Email Marketing

In a world of generic messages and one-size-fits-all approaches, personalisation stands as a beacon of distinction. By tailoring your emails to individual recipients, you can create a sense of exclusivity and relevance that captivates their attention. Moreover, it’s important to delve into the statistics and research that highlight the undeniable impact of personalisation on key email marketing metrics. This includes open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates. Brace yourself for eye-opening insights that will inspire you to take your email marketing to new heights.

Getting to Know Your Audience: The Foundation of Personalisation

Understanding your audience on a deeper level is the foundation of effective personalisation in email marketing. Collecting and analysing customer data, including demographics, preferences, and behavioural patterns, is key to unlocking valuable insights that shape your personalised approach. By harnessing the power of data-driven segmentation, you can divide your audience into distinct groups based on their interests, purchasing behaviour, or engagement history. Additionally, this segmentation allows you to create hyper-targeted messages that speak directly to the unique needs and desires of each segment.

With the right strategies and tools in place, you can gain invaluable insights into your audience’s motivations, pain points, and aspirations, enabling you to craft personalised emails that truly resonate with them. By investing time and effort in understanding your audience, you lay a solid groundwork for effective personalisation that drives engagement, builds trust, and ultimately boosts the success of your email marketing campaigns.

Personalisation Techniques that Drive Engagement

Now that you have a solid understanding of your audience, it’s time to unleash the power of personalisation and take your email marketing to the next level! Let’s start with the basics: addressing recipients by their names. It may seem simple, but personalising your subject lines with a touch of individuality can make a world of difference. Imagine the impact of seeing your own name in the subject line—it instantly grabs attention and creates a sense of connection. We’ll explore clever ways to incorporate personalisation beyond just names, making your subject lines feel tailor-made for each recipient.

Moreover, discover how to dynamically populate your email content with relevant information based on each recipient’s preferences, previous interactions, or browsing history. Whether it’s showcasing recommended products, displaying location-specific offers, or even adapting the email layout to match individual preferences, dynamic content adds that extra touch of personalisation that captivates and engages your audience.

Remember, personalisation is not just a buzzword—it’s the secret sauce that sets you apart from your competitors and cultivates meaningful relationships with your subscribers.

Email Marketing? No problem! Discover the power of personalisation in email marketing to boost engagement, conversions, and business success.

Automation: The Secret Sauce to Scalable Personalisation

Personalisation doesn’t have to be a daunting task that consumes all your time and resources. In fact, with the magic of marketing automation, you can unlock a whole new level of efficiency and scalability in your email campaigns.

Picture this: You set up a series of automated workflows that respond to your subscribers’ actions in real-time. Whether they’ve abandoned their shopping cart, downloaded your latest e-book, or shown interest in a specific product, your automation system is ready to deliver the perfect follow-up email tailored to their exact needs.

But it doesn’t stop there. Marketing automation allows you to create dynamic workflows that adapt to each individual’s behaviour, sending relevant messages at the right time. From welcome sequences that make a memorable first impression to nurturing campaigns that guide leads through the sales funnel, automation ensures that every subscriber receives the attention they deserve.

Optimising and Measuring Personalisation Success

To ensure that your personalised email marketing campaigns continue to deliver exceptional results, it’s crucial to embrace a mindset of continuous improvement. This means rolling up your sleeves and diving into the fascinating world of A/B testing, metrics analysis, and gathering valuable feedback.

A/B testing, also known as split testing, is like having your very own email marketing laboratory. It allows you to experiment with different variations of your emails to see which elements resonate best with your audience. From subject lines and call-to-action buttons to layout and colour schemes, every little detail can make a significant impact on engagement and conversions.

However, testing alone is not enough. You need to become best friends with your email metrics. Dive deep into the data to understand what’s working and what needs tweaking. Metrics like open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates hold the key to unlocking valuable insights. Furthermore, analyse the performance of your different email versions, track the behaviour of various audience segments, and identify patterns that can guide your decision-making. With data as your compass, you can navigate the vast sea of personalisation possibilities and steer your campaigns toward success.

Final Thought

Personalisation in Email Marketing has emerged as a game-changer, enabling businesses to deliver targeted, relevant messages that resonate with their audience on a personal level. By unlocking the power of personalisation, you can enhance engagement, boost conversions, and cultivate lasting relationships with your customers. Embrace personalisation as a cornerstone of your email marketing strategy and prepare to witness the extraordinary impact it can have on your business’s success.

Ready to take your email marketing to the next level? Let Done Digital be your trusted partner in unlocking the full potential of personalised and engaging email campaigns. Contact Done Digital today and let’s create email marketing magic together!

by
,

Unlock the Power of Customer Feedback for Small Business: 5 Reasons Why it Matters

Discover how customer feedback can help your small business succeed in today's competitive market and drive growth in your business!

As a small business owner, you may be wondering why customer feedback is so important. After all, you may have a good product or service, and your customers seem to be happy with what you offer. However, customer feedback can provide valuable insights that can help you improve your business and grow your customer base. Here are five reasons why customer feedback is essential for small businesses:

Improve customer satisfaction

As a small business owner, one of the most valuable assets you have is your customer base. Without happy and satisfied customers, your business won’t grow and succeed in the long run. That’s why customer feedback is so important. By listening to your customers and taking their feedback seriously, you can uncover valuable insights that can help you take your business to the next level.

Customer feedback can help you understand what your customers truly value and what they are looking for in a product or service. By addressing these needs and wants, you can create a more personalised experience for your customers that will keep them coming back for more.

Moreover, customer feedback can also help you improve your overall customer service. By understanding where customers may be experiencing issues, you can address them and make changes that will improve the experience for future customers. This can not only increase customer satisfaction but can also lead to positive reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations, which can attract new customers and increase revenue.

Identify areas for improvement 

Customer feedback can also help you identify areas where your business may be falling short. For example, if you receive feedback that your customer service needs improvement, you can take steps to address this issue. By making changes based on customer feedback, you can improve your business and ensure that you are meeting the needs of your customers.

Furthermore, when customers feel heard and valued, they are more likely to become loyal brand advocates. By taking the time to listen to their feedback and make improvements, you demonstrate that you are committed to providing the best possible experience for your customers. This can lead to increased positive reviews, word-of-mouth referrals, and even repeat business.

Discover how customer feedback can help your small business succeed in today's competitive market and drive growth in your business!

Build trust

In a world where customers have countless options at their fingertips, it’s important to show that your small business is invested in their satisfaction. By actively seeking out customer feedback, you demonstrate that you value their input and want to create the best experience possible for them. This not only helps build trust and loyalty, but it can also attract new customers who are looking for businesses that prioritise customer satisfaction. And, let’s face it, in the age of social media and online reviews, word of mouth can make or break a business. 

By taking customer feedback seriously and implementing changes based on their suggestions, you can create a positive reputation for your small business and stand out in a crowded market. Ultimately, customer feedback is a powerful tool that can help you create a culture of customer-centricity, drive growth, and establish your business as a leader in your industry.

Stay ahead of the competition

In today’s fast-paced business world, staying ahead of the competition is more important than ever. Customer feedback can give you a unique edge in this regard, as it can provide valuable insights into what your customers want and need. By actively seeking out customer feedback, you can gain a deeper understanding of your customers’ preferences, pain points, and expectations. This knowledge can be leveraged to make strategic changes to your business that set you apart from your competitors.

For instance, if your customers consistently provide feedback about a particular feature that they would like to see in your product or service, you can work to implement it before your competitors do. This can give you a first-mover advantage and help you capture a larger market share. Additionally, by addressing common customer complaints, you can improve your brand reputation and win over customers who may have had a negative experience with your competitors. In short, listening to customer feedback can help you stay ahead of the curve and thrive in today’s competitive business landscape.

Drive innovation

Finally, customer feedback can help drive innovation in your small business. When you listen to your customers and take their feedback into account, you gain valuable insights into their needs and preferences. These insights can help you identify new trends and opportunities that you may not have otherwise considered, and provide you with the inspiration and motivation to create new products or services that meet the changing needs of your customers.

Innovation is crucial for small businesses to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced and constantly evolving market. By utilising customer feedback to drive innovation, you can create unique and compelling offerings that stand out from the crowd and attract new customers. Additionally, by staying ahead of the curve and meeting the changing needs of your customers, you can build a strong reputation as a forward-thinking and customer-centric business.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, customer feedback is a powerful tool that can help small businesses improve their marketing efforts and stay ahead of the competition. It provides valuable insights into areas where your business is succeeding and where improvements can be made, which in turn can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty. Ultimately, customer feedback is an essential component of any successful small business marketing strategy, and should be a priority for any business looking to grow and thrive in today’s dynamic marketplace.

Discover the power of digital marketing today with Done Digital. Visit our website to learn more about how we can help your business succeed online!

by
,

Small Business Growth Unlocked: Top 5 Obstacles and How to Crush Them

Small Business Growth Unlocked: Top 5 Obstacles and How to Crush Them - Done Digital Marketing

Achieving small business growth is the name of the game for entrepreneurs, but sometimes it feels like you’re chasing a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. If you’re feeling the frustration of slow progress, it’s time to sleuth out what’s holding you back. In this article, we share five common culprits stalling growth of small businesses, and how to outsmart them.

1. Missing a clear vision and strategy (like a ship without a compass)

Small business growth needs a clear vision and strategy, or else you’ll be sailing in circles. Take the time to map out your destination and chart the course by defining your goals, target audience, value proposition, and marketing tactics. With a solid plan, you’ll be well on your way to business success.

In addition to crafting a solid plan, it’s essential to regularly review and adjust your business strategy to ensure you stay on course. As you make progress and learn more about your market, customers, and competitors, you may uncover insights that warrant fine-tuning your approach. Regularly revisiting your business vision, objectives, and tactics allows you to pivot as needed, keeping your small business nimble and responsive to the ever-changing landscape. With a dynamic strategy that evolves alongside your business, you’ll chart a path to sustainable growth and long-term success.

2. Not-so-awesome customer experience (uh-oh!)

Customer experience is like the secret sauce for small business growth. If your customers aren’t delighted, they won’t come back for seconds or tell their friends. Make sure you’re providing top-notch customer service, keeping your promises, and responding to feedback like a pro. Spice things up with customer loyalty programs, personalised experiences, and insightful feedback tools.

Moreover, remember that communication is key in enhancing customer experience. Keep your customers informed and engaged through regular updates, newsletters, and social media interactions. By proactively addressing their needs and concerns, you’ll foster long-lasting relationships, build trust, and ultimately create a loyal customer base that fuels your small business growth. Embrace the power of a positive customer experience and watch your business soar to new heights.

3. Lacklustre marketing (time for a makeover!)

Effective marketing is like the fuel that powers small business growth, but not all strategies will rev your engine. If your marketing isn’t driving results, it’s time for a pit stop to reevaluate your approach. Ensure you’re targeting the right audience, using the best channels, and delivering a message that resonates. Consider joining forces with a professional marketing agency to turbocharge your strategy.

Additionally, don’t shy away from experimenting with different marketing tactics to find the perfect mix for your business. Explore the world of content marketing, email campaigns, social media advertising, and search engine optimisation to maximise your reach and impact. Use the right tools to continuously track your marketing performance through key metrics and analytics, allowing you to fine-tune your approach and make data-driven decisions. By staying agile and adaptable in your marketing strategies, you’ll fuel your small business growth and leave the competition in the dust.

Small business growth is no accident. You need the right strategy and team to make it happen.

Small business growth is no accident. You need the right strategy and team to make it happen.

4. Trying to do it all yourself (calling in reinforcements!)

Trying to juggle every aspect of your business single-handedly can put the brakes on small business growth. While it might seem cost-effective initially, it can lead to burnout and a stalled engine. Instead, recruit a dream team by delegating or outsourcing tasks to experts who can knock them out of the park, freeing you up to focus on strategic planning and building customer relationships.

Embracing collaboration and teamwork not only eases the burden on your shoulders but also brings diverse skillsets and fresh perspectives to the table, fostering innovation and problem-solving in your small business growth journey. Cultivate a positive work culture that encourages open communication, mutual support, and ongoing professional development. By investing in your team and leveraging their strengths, you’ll create a powerhouse capable of overcoming challenges, driving growth, and propelling your business towards long-term success.

5. Resisting change (embrace the winds of change!)

The business world is like a kaleidoscope, constantly changing and offering new perspectives. If you don’t adapt, your small business growth might hit a standstill. Keep your finger on the pulse of industry trends, emerging technologies, and customer preferences, and be ready to shift gears when needed. Embrace change, take calculated risks, but never lose sight of the finish line.

In this ever-evolving landscape, building a culture of learning and adaptability within your organisation is crucial for sustained small business growth. Encourage your team to stay curious, attend workshops, and engage in industry-related events to stay ahead of the curve. Foster an environment where ideas are valued, and experimentation is welcomed. By instilling a growth mindset and promoting resilience, you’ll ensure that your business is well-equipped to navigate the dynamic market, seize new opportunities, and emerge stronger in the face of challenges, propelling your small business growth to greater heights.

Accelerate your business growth with Done Digital by your side

If your business isn’t zooming ahead as fast as you’d like, don’t throw in the towel. By tackling these common hurdles and leaping over them with grace, you’ll set yourself up for success and reach your growth goals. Stay focused, remain agile, and never stop learning!

Ready to put the pedal to the metal? Schedule a free strategy session with one of our marketing consultants today and find out how to accelerate your business like never before.

by
, ,

10 Changes You Can Make to Improve Your Business Dramatically

Every business owner wants their business to thrive. But to Improve your business, you can’t just rely on sheer luck. There are certain fundamentals of running a business that simply can’t be skipped. Here are a few changes you can make to running your business to dramatically improve performance and push you to the top of the pack.

1. Giving Back to Improve Your Business

While this may sound a little counterintuitive, one thing you can do to improve your business is to give back. Ensure you have a life mission reflecting your need to make a difference in the lives of others. Money should not be the main motivation because it’s usually a non-monetary purpose that will help you keep going during challenging times and bring you the self-satisfaction, and happiness that you are looking for. Giving back to your local community will also increase support for your business. What are some ways in which you can give back? Can you contribute to a good cause? Donate products or services? Provide guidance to other local businesses?

2. Practice Physical Activity

This may not seem business-related, however, engaging in physical activity is one of the best ways to improve your quality of sleep, boost brain chemistry, become more creative, and clear your mind. It also helps to boost your longevity, happiness, and health. This will have a direct effect on how you think and operate your business, so you can be more productive in growing your business.

3. Self-coaching

When we think of coaching, we usually think of being coached by someone else. But becoming your own coach and maintaining a positive inner dialogue can be one of the most significant changes you’ll ever make in your life. It’s easy to slip into negative self-talk and go down the slippery slope of self-blame and self-pity. But if we want our business to be successful, then we need to develop a positive outlook on things, become our own best friend and coach ourselves through the tough times.

4. Be Willing to Do What It Takes

True success rarely comes without sacrifices. So, make it a habit to show up every day. Commit to the long haul and be willing to devote your energy and time to work toward your goals. Identify time-consuming distractions that take your focus away from your business and life. Do at least one thing every day to move you closer to your goals. Of course, in order to do so, we need to first get clear on what our goals are. Click here to learn how to write a business vision to gain clarity and motivation.

5. Love What You Do

I’ve found that the most successful business owners I work with have dedicated their lives and businesses to what they do best and love most. As a result, they create wonderful businesses that bring joy and add value to their customers. Are you creating a business that you truly love or are you merely focused on making an income? The good news is, it’s possible to do both!

6. Start a Journal

Another thing you can do to improve your business is to start journaling. Regularly write down your thoughts and ideas, so you can translate them into tangible form. Writing offers us a different perspective on our desires, our current state, our goals and helps us reflect on our mistakes. Don’t just get busy going down the wrong path. Make time to reflect and redirect your efforts to ensure you arrive at a place you actually love.

7. Improve your Business by Making Lists

Lists are amazing. They help us capture goals we want to accomplish and stay on track when we feel a little lost. Learn to work with different lists for the upcoming day, week, month, and year. Be sure to prioritise the items on your lists, so you can allocate your time and effort to what’s most important to you at any given time. When we write down our dreams and desires we turn them into goals, which significantly increases our chances of actually achieving them.

8. Learn to Listen

Listening is an important skill in business. Whether it’s our customers, partners or the people we work with, actively listening will offer us a deeper understanding to ultimately make better decisions. Regularly collect honest customer feedback to truly understand their needs and tweak your business accordingly. Learn to use their language, rather than jargon. No one wants to buy from someone they don’t understand.

9. Practice Clearing Your Mind

As business owners, we often have to wear multiple hats, which can become quite overwhelming at times. It’s important to make time to clear our minds every now and then to stay focused. Learn to make quick decisions that are conclusive to avoid cluttering your mind with unfinished business. The habit of constantly delaying our decision-making can have a huge impact on our well-being. While it may not always possible, try to make it a habit to never leave work without a clear mind. Lots of small unfinished decisions can quickly build up and prevent us from focusing our energy and headspace on the truly important ones.

10. Find Ways to Leverage Your Time

Lastly, find ways to make better use of your own time. Just because you do something better than anyone else, it doesn’t mean that it’s the best use of your time. Today, many business and marketing processes can be completely automated. In his book ‘The Four Hour Work Week‘, Tim Ferris suggests we delegate any tasks we can to free up our own time and headspace. But before delegating any tasks, we should see if it’s possible to automate them instead. Automation allows us to save vast amounts of time and significantly reduce operating costs. Automation not only helps us simplify running our business but also be more profitable.

As a marketing consultant, I help business owners to automate all of their marketing activities, so they can focus on running their business without worrying about where new customers are going to come from. If you would like to have a chat about how you can grow your business faster and more effectively, book a free strategy call with me here.

7 Comments/by
, ,

Seven Things to Emulate from Successful Entrepreneurs

Tips for Business Owners from Successful Entrepreneurs - Done Digital Marketing BrisbaneDone Digital

Have you ever wondered how some entrepreneurs get so much work done in a single day? It can even leave you wondering what it is you are doing wrong when apparently we all have the same 24 hours as Richard Branson or Oprah. For starters, working smarter and harder may not be the formula for success after all, which leaves you wondering what is. Here are 7 ways in which successful entrepreneurs do so well to make sure they get to the top.

1. Successful Entrepreneurs Love Their Work

A smart and successful entrepreneur is in his or her element when doing work they are passionate about. Inspiration and passion are very powerful when combined and the only way you can do excellent work is if you love what you do. Find something you are passionate about and stick with it regardless of distractions or being sidetracked.

2. Successful Entrepreneurs are Focused

Smart entrepreneurs know to stay focused and have a clear vision of what they want, which helps to actualize this vision. Visualization is quite powerful because it is not simply about seeing what you want but also about feeling them. Smart entrepreneurs feel what it is like to be at the top and not the journey it will take to reach there. They view their journey as one that embodies greatness while transporting them towards their destiny. Smart entrepreneurs connect with their visions daily through meditation, quiet walks, mantras, or vision boards, whatever works.

3. Successful Entrepreneurs Set Realistic Goals

It is great to have big goals but they can be harder to achieve. Smart and successful entrepreneurs accept their current position and start with smaller steps while maintaining focus on the ultimate vision. It is easier to achieve your goals when they are broken down into workable phases such as weekly goals or 3-month challenges. Establish daily activities that are relevant to taking you closer to your goals.

4. Successful Entrepreneurs Have a Deep Desire to Succeed

Smart entrepreneurs have the drive to achieve their goals and succeed at what they do. It is what sets successful entrepreneurs apart from the rest of the crowd. This hunger fuels them and keeps them energized to push their businesses to the top.

5. Successful Entrepreneurs Keep Learning

Successful entrepreneurs rarely stay the same as they were when they started out. It is important to invest in developing your business and yourself so you can become a successful entrepreneur. Their passion to grow, expand their businesses, and learn, is naturally in their blood. You can learn through seminars, summits, coaching, books, programs, or furthering your education. You can also learn from entrepreneurs who have gone before you on ways to develop and grow your business to help you also become a source of inspiration.

6. Successful Entrepreneurs Have Mastered Their Minds

Mastering your mind is perhaps the most important way to keep growing. You will not be able to flourish and expand until you become comfortable doing things that challenge you. Your thoughts have the power to become a reality as long as you gain some perspective on them and speak positively to yourself. Face your fears head on so you can move on to greater things.

7. Successful Entrepreneurs Network with Like-Minded People

Smart entrepreneurs choose their company very carefully and they have great support from like-minded people who offer inspiration and keep them accountable. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals is a surefire way to drive your business towards greater heights.

If you are looking to join a network of like-minded entrepreneurs, check out Entrepreneur Network Australia – a website that features hundreds of helpful articles with tips on how to better grow and operate your business. Be sure to join their Facebook group to join the conversation! 

 

2 Comments/by
, ,

Seven Marketing Assumptions That Can Hurt Your Business

In order for your business to succeed, you need a clever marketing strategy. Unfortunately, most companies hold some marketing assumptions that can restrict their ability to promote their services and products in a cutthroat marketplace. The idea of marketing is quite obscure because marketing is the base for various methods of business promotion. Therefore, it is easy to confuse the real purpose of marketing with the concept of it. There are many reasons why companies seem to think marketing is not the right move for them. If you do not work in the profession, marketing can seem expensive and exotic, with creatives whose aim seems to be to throw money at different projects. Marketing is actually crucial to a number of strategic initiatives. If you have growth goals for your business, be it for market expansion, an extension of your product line, or diversification, then you need to have a proper understanding of what marketing can do for you.

7  Common Marketing Assumptions:

Listed below are the assumptions that can restrict the efficiency of your market plan causing you to miss out on sales opportunities.

1. Small Businesses Do Not Require a Marketing Plan

A marketing plan gives you a master plan for how you will introduce your business to the market. It helps you outline your target audience, budget, offers, tactics, channels, and messages. If you do not have a cohesive, integrated plan, you may be wasting your prospects money if not confusing them. Any business, no matter how big or small, should plan its marketing to ensure the best return on investment.

2. Running Ads is the Only Marketing Plan You Need

Even though an advertising campaign can be relevant as a marketing tactic, it is only but a tactic. Ads are just one of the various ways you can convey your message to your target audience. You should have an integrated plan spelling out different tactics and how they will work harmoniously to help you achieve, sales, lead generation, and awareness.

3. You Already Know What Your Customers Think

People similar to your current customers are your ideal prospects so you need to understand the customer completely. You can gain insight on your customers by conducting customer research courtesy of a professional, independent resource.

4. There is No Need to Market to Your Customers

You should never assume that just because you have customers they are yours for the keeping. Your customers need to be reminded constantly of why they should keep buying from you and not your competitors. Promote to your customers and your prospects too.

5. That Marketing Channel is Too Costly for You

Marketers usually make wrong assumptions about the cost of marketing avenues like direct mail or advertising. You should not cross out a channel because you assume it is too costly. Explore all your options intensively and you might discover that you can access channels that you thought were unaffordable.

6. You Do Not Need Social Media

Regardless of what you sell, the one thing you can be sure of is that your competitors, prospects, and customers are using social media actively. If you do not participate, you will be left out of conversations that could be shaping your marketplace.

7. You Need to Cut Your Marketing Budget because Sales are Down

This is one of the marketing assumptions business owners usually do. They say tough times call for tough decisions but cutting your marketing budget should not be one of these tough decisions. Effective marketing may actually help you come out of a slump with your sales so if you do not continue engaging with prospects and customers, one of your competitors will be ready to take your place.

1 Comment/by
, ,

Nine Things Successful Business Owners (Who Are Actually Happy) Do Differently

While some business owners struggle to keep their businesses afloat, others appear to flourish even in the most difficult times.

For some, a common complaint seems to be that referrals simply aren’t enough to drum up business anymore. The interesting thing is that most of these same business owners are not trying anything different to market their businesses even though the market clearly seems to have changed. On the other hand, there are business owners who have seen exceptional business growth all through the year and not just any kind of growth either; I am talking about stellar growth.

So what are the things that set successful business owners apart? Here are nine things successful business owners do differently.

1. They Don’t Focus on the State of the Economy

Instead, they focus on how it alters buying behaviours exhibited by their customers without letting the despondency of it depress them. If your services or products are genuinely useful or helpful, then you will definitely find people who are willing to buy from you regardless of the economic conditions.

2. They Offer their Customers Something New

If you find that people aren’t buying what you’re selling, even though they used to, this could be an indication that you need to change things up. The obvious reaction would be to cut your prices, but this will devalue what you are offering. Instead, try adding value by developing new packages out of services and products you already own or updating your current offerings. You could go as far as to offer something entirely new such as training programs, new product bundles or products, an eBook, or even a workshop. Be creative and don’t be afraid to think outside the box. All successful business owners do.

3. They Don’t Just Guess

Successful business owners don’t guess. Conduct a survey and collect customer feedback to discover what they want, so you can offer products and services that are in high demand. You can use free or low-cost online surveys or provide your customers with an in-person questionnaire. Honest customer feedback will help you make better decisions in your business and reassure you when you are on the right track. Be sure to always rely on facts and numbers and stop guessing.

4. They Take Advantage of New Technology

The digital space has grown rapidly in recent years and I am sure you have used one tool or another in your own business. So why not use it to improve your online presence? The social networking tools at your disposal also make it cheaper for you to effectively market your business. Social media allows you to expand your reach and maybe even have fun in the process. However, it is crucial that you actually have a game plan. Download your free social media blueprint to put your entire content strategy on autopilot.

5. They Constantly Grow Their List

Ensure you have a list of your current and previous customers that you keep in touch with, not to mention new prospects. This will help them remember and get to know your business better. Of course, you can collect contact information in your office or over the phone and send out print materials. But to truly leverage your time and tap into your list’s full potential, you should have an offer and sign-up system on your website as part of your marketing strategy and then keep in touch using smart email automation. Why restrict yourself? You can even use both methods to supercharge your list growth.

6. They Offer Value

People expect more value for their money and time today than ever before, so focus less on selling your services and products and more on offering helpful solutions in your marketing strategy for better results. The more value you give, the more people will want to buy from you.

7. They Do Mixed Media Marketing

Develop a marketing plan and strategy that allows you to use multiple tactics or media channels to reach your target audience instead of focusing on just one. Ask yourself where your ideal customers hang out and how to best engage with them on their preferred platform. Then develop a strategy to direct them onto your own list.

8. They Never Stop Learning

Times are changing and you need to stay updated on what is new and working currently but you cannot do this if you are always busy in your business. Successful business owners understand the importance of taking time out of their business to learn and grow. Network, take part in seminars or read new material to meet new people and learn new things about the industry. Check out this list of 6 TED Talks every business owner must watch.

9. They Don’t Do It All Themselves

And finally, you probably don’t have time to learn about everything it takes to run, grow, and promote your business, particularly online. You may end up hitting a wall whereby your business will cease to grow; you will burn out, and feel exhausted. Hire an employee or virtual assistant to help you with repetitive tasks. Engage a professional marketing consultant or digital agency to help you develop and implement a sound marketing strategy that will save you time and headspace. If you’d like to have a chat about how to best grow your business, you can book a free strategy call here.

There you have it. Nine things that will not only help you become more successful in your business but happier as well.

3 Comments/by