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Email Etiquette

Email Etiquette: What Are You Actually Saying?

Email Etiquette

Email etiquette has been a skill that has been quite overlooked in today’s workplace and is a skill that is simply not focused on. This is a huge problem when it comes to a workplace setting. I want you to ask yourself a couple of questions; how many times have you sent an email without a subject line? Are you guilty of responding to emails before fully reading through them? Do you proof your emails before sending? Chances are, you probably are guilty of all of these, which most of us are. This is poor email etiquette. Don’t worry, this is a completely solvable problem! Let’s walk through these in more detail:

Email Subject Lines

An email subject line is exactly what it sounds like, the subject of the email you are sending. This is the place where you should provide as much succinct detail as possible. This space should be used to provide a clear way for the reader to know what this email is pertaining to before they even open it. Providing a detailed subject line will also help the reader if they need to refer back to this email, allowing them to easily search for it in their mailbox. Take home message, take time and craft a well thought out subject line. Make it short and sweet but still descriptive.

Reading Emails

Because we live in such a fast-paced environment, it is way too easy for us to glance at an email and respond before reading the entire message. This leads to a number of problems, including; missed content, unanswered questions, and miscommunications. This is an easy one to remedy, read the entire message in the email.

Proofing Emails

Again, because we are the right now generation and we want to move as quickly as possible, proofing gets overlooked. Well, the problem with sending a message without proofing it is you are human and will make mistakes. Slow down. Carefully read through what you are sending. Make sure it makes sense, is thorough, and clearly communicates your message.

Email Etiquette, It’s Not as Easy as it Sounds

Email Etiquette

While everything I have just gone through may sound like a no-brainer, the fact is a very high majority of people will continue to make these mistakes on a daily basis, sending emails with poor etiquette. Don’t be that guy, make a consicous effort to improve your email communication.

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Content Random Thoughts

Being Seen Online Is Not A Choice

Being Seen Online: Not a Choice Anymore

Being Online

In my field I run into a lot of business owners and I am always amazed by the large number of owners who think they have a choice in being seen online. The simple fact of the matter is in today’s world business owners no longer have a choice. What I mean here is that whether you like it or not your business will utlimately end up online in some shape or form. Now, usually when I say this I get a lot of blank stares and I can imagine people thinking, “What the heck is she talking about? Of course I have a choice!”, well the truth is no you really don’t. The reason you don’t have a choice is due to a couple things:

  • Review Websites – Consumers have the option to add your busines to numerous review websites which include; Yelp, Trip Advisor, Google+, and more. So, whether you like it or not consumers have the power to create an online presence for your business.
  • Social Media – So you don’t have an account? Well, I hate to break the news to you, but people are likely still talking about you even though you don’t have an active page.

These are just two of the means in which your business will end up online whether you like it or not. So, that means your business has an online presence that you are not managing or even acknowledging, scary right? The take home message here is when it comes to the online world you no longer have a choice, you will be online, but the question then is, “How well will you do it?”, will you choose to ignore the online world or begin to actively engage in it?

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Content Tips and tricks

Quality Content Taking Over Google

Quality Content – The Future of SEO

Quality Content

While Google continues to change its algorithm, one thing you can rely on moving into 2016 is quality content is king when it comes to being seen online. It has been proven that Google is now recognizing high quality content that is readable and user friendly, so you may find yourself asking, “So what’s the big deal?” Well, the big deal my friends is that creating killer content is more important and of higher value than ever! Because content is so important, your website should be being updated on a weekly basis, at minimum, with fresh, deep, and rich content.

In working with business owners in a number of different industries I have seen the hesitance in owners to pay someone else to write content for them as they feel it’s their business who can honestly talk about it better than them? No one, we agree! However, talking about your business is one thing, writing web friendly SEO optimized content is a completely different ball game. As content becomes increasingly more important when it comes to Google buy generic clomid searches I cannot stress to businesses enough to hire a pro to help you construct and implement a content marketing strategy.

The future of SEO is heavily weighted in creating interesting, engaging, and rich content on your website. The trick being with this content is that it still focuses around a keyword/s and is SEO optimized, there is much more that goes into creating meaningful searchable content than just jotting down some thoughts and posting them to your site.

Quality Content It’s Your Choice

Quality Content

When it comes down to creating quality content and increasing online visibility save yourself some time and energy and higher the pros. The great thing about working with us, SMIO Digital Marketing, is we are willing to be as hands on or hands off as needed. What does that mean? This means we can act solely as a supplemental resource to optimize the content you have constructed or we can step in and create a well thought out content marketing strategy and implement it across numerous digital channels.

Have questions? Contact us today: info@smiodigitalmarketing.com

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Just for fun

Content Marketing

Content Marketing, What’s The Big Deal?

So, I have been doing quite a bit of reading lately on content marketing, because as many of you know content is key when it comes to developing your online presence. The problem with content marketing is it can feel like an overwhelming task, especially to small business owners who are already stressed out by the amount of things they have to manage and oversee on a daily basis.

Content Marketing

I cannot say it enough times, business owners should do what they are good at and that is running their business. Why spend countless hours trying to do something you are not passionate about? There is no reason to, you can hire the pros, like us at SMIO to do it for you! Content marketing is our bread and butter, so to speak, meaning almost everything we do online for clients all circles back to creating a great content marketing strategy. For example, updating a blog on a regular basis, and being active on social media both require a plan of attack when it comes to content. Ultimately your online success boils down to a well thought out content strategy. If you are a business owner I want you to ask yourself right now, what is my content marketing strategy? Do I have a content marketing strategy? For many of you the answer will probably be something like, well kind of…and that is simply not good enough if you want to give your competition a run for their money.  I cannot stress it enough, hire the pros to do what they do best and you can stick to what you do best – running your business.

Want more information on content marketing? Contact us today!

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Uncategorized

Social Media Myths

Social Media Myths

Social Media Myths

While the world of social media continues to change and grow it can feel extremely overwhelming to try and keep up with.  The average Joe may find themselves struggling to understand which networks do what, which network you should be on, and in general how the heck to keep up with the trends. Business owners especially fall victim to this, as in this current day you must have an online presence, such as through social media, or your business will not have a chance to stand up against the competitors.  So, let me break down some common social media myths that will definitely help in understanding the wild world of social media.

Myth 1 As a Business Owner You Should Be On Every Network – Many of you may assume that in order to have an online social media presence you should have an account on every network – Not true! The secret of becoming successful in social media is to do your homework on what networks make sense for you to be on and this is where hiring someone to do social media for you can save you a ton of time and energy.

Myth 2 Social Media Is Not Important – Whether you like it or not social media is overtaking how businesses now market their products as Facebook, Twitter, and even Instagram ads are more popular than ever…you know why? Because that is where your audience is, they are on social media. As a business owner it is extremely important that you put aside your personal feelings about social media and think about your audience. Ignoring personal feelings can be difficult and hiring a social media manager can be very beneficial to trust the experts to do it for you.

Myth 3 Most of The Social Media Networks Are Just Fads – This is an interesting myth as it is somewhat true. I say that this is an interesting myth as many social networks are fads that will fade in and then out of popularity. However, that being said in order to have a competitive online edge you have to stay up to date with the trends. This will involve work, meaning reading up on what is going on in the world of social media to determine what is the next big network your business needs to be on.

Take away message, social media is growing and constantly changing. As a business owner there simply isn’t enough hours in a day to stay up with these social media trends on top of what you do best, owning your own business. So, take a second and think about how valuable your time is…my guess would be it’s pretty darn important. Contact us today to learn more about hiring a social media manager and begin saving yourself time and energy while you watch your online presence grow!

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Uncategorized

Social Media Help

Get Social Media Help Now!

Social media can be quite intimidating for users who are not “tech savvy” or simply have no interest. That is why if you are a small business owner it is extremely important to hire someone to do the dirty work for you. Not having an online presence via social media is a huge mistake. This is a mistake as the vast majority of the population is actively engaged in social media on a daily basis,and as a business owner you want to jump on this band wagon!

What Is The ROI Of Social Media?

Social media helpYes, it is true that social media may not have the highest ROI, however, creating an online presence has numerous benefits besides directly making you money. Having this online presence will greatly affect the way your desired community sees you, meaning they will begin to acknowledge you as an actual person not just a name. You also can begin to connect with your followers and make personal connections. These connections are so important because people like to feel like they can trust someone when they buy from them. Meaning, the eventual goal is to create trusting online relationships with your followers in hopes of turning them into customers. So, what are you wasting time for? Start develop your online presence, however, don’t do it alone! Get some help!

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Random Thoughts Tips and tricks

Hiring a Social Media Manager

Hiring a Social Media Manager

If you have ever considered hiring an agency or individual to manage your social media, you should first be clear on what it is these professionals do.  A good social media manager is an individual that will take over the entire management of your social media accounts creatively discerning how to increase the success rate of your social media platforms.  This strategy will be different for everyone.  For example, I worked for a boudoir photography studio as there social media manager and I created an online presence which was geared towards women expressing their sensuality.  In contrast, I have managed an outdoor recreation company specializing in zip lining and their strategy for gaining an online following was obviously much different.  A social media manager should take all the work out of managing your social media platforms for you and you should be able to watch the success of your social media platforms increase as a result.

Quit Wasting Time!Social Media Manager

If you are a small business owner, an entrepreneur or just someone who could use help successfully managing your social media, quit wasting time and hire someone to help you.  Hiring a social media manager has far more benefits and there are ways in which you can keep the costs relatively low.  However, a cautionary note do your homework first!  Do not hire the first company or independent contractor you find, this is a mistake.  Shop around and check out what is available for social media management services.

Before hiring a social media manager, be sure to ask yourself:

  • What is my budget?
  • How much time weekly do I want to put into social media?
  • How can my business or personal life improve from hiring a social media manager?
  • What do I want to accomplish with social media?

Hire a Social Media Manager!

Once you have a clear idea of the answers to these questions, start shopping around!  Then after doing your homework, hire someone to do the “dirty work” of social media.  Meaning, have a professional successfully manage all of your social media platforms so you don’t have to!  Stop wasting time and energy on managing social media and get someone to do it right for you.

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Random Thoughts

Start Using Instagram Now!

Instagram Bandwagon

instagramI think we all need to jump on the Instagram bandwagon.  I have recently become a little obsessed with Instagram and if you are not a user yet you need to be.  Instagram is a great app created for sharing photos.  This app not only allows you to share photos, but it allows you to make small tweeks and edits to your photos right before you post them.  Why would you want to utilize this app?  Well, not only for personal usage it is great for staying connected with individuals, but this  can be a valuable tool for organizations to market their product.  Now in order to use Instagram as a marketing tool, you must go about this tactfully.  No one wants to see boring advertisements or sales pitches.  No one is going to follow you if they feel like all you are trying to do is sell them something.  Make an effort to come across as charming, funny, and personable.  Most organizations fall flat here.  I have seen way too many businesses use social media for pushing sales, while yes the end result is to get the consumer to buy, you first have to get them drawn in.

Draw them in through content that is:

  • Sharable
  • Funny
  • Entertaining

How To Use Instagram As A Marketing Tool

Instagram is a very underutilized tool.  Most businesses have stuck with the normal social networks to market themselves such as Twitter and Facebook.  However, human beings are visual creatures with short attention spans.  The best way to market your product through social media is through quick attention grabbing visuals. Instagram has been designed for this.  Cautionary note this may seem very time consuming to constantly be on the look out for fun and entertaining things to post and also to keep connected with your audience through replying to any posts, well that is because it is.  So, hire someone to do it for you.  The only way to guarantee success through social media is to hire a professional.  Check out SMIO today to hire someone to manage your social media platforms for you!

 

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Random Thoughts Tips and tricks

Social Media Manager – Taking the Dirty Work out of Social Media

Taking The Dirty Work Out of Social Media With a Social Media Manager

Have you ever stopped to think how much actually goes into managing and up keeping a social media page?  Well, it is a lot of work, and many of us simply do not realize how much energy it really takes to successfully manage a social media page, even just one page.  Too many times have I seen individuals, small businesses, and/or large organizations lazily manage their social media pages and then condemn social media for not working for them.  Well….lets pause here for a moment and ask the question, why do you think it is that social media is not working for you?  The answer to this question is that you are not putting in the time, effort and strategy it takes to successfully mange a social media page.  That is why, organization like SMIO Digital Marketing exists. We are skilled professionals that specialize is managing your social media for you. There are a number of benefits of hiring a social media manager and one of the greatest benefits is that these extremely skilled and creative individuals can help develop your online presence and grow your online community. This is not an easy task, it is definitely the “dirty” work of social media, as it involves being constantly aware of who your audience is, what you are posting, and what your goal is in what you are posting.  Whether you realize it or not social media is not simply just mindless posting, there is a vast amount of strategy that goes into the creation, maintenance, and building of successful social media platforms.

social media managerBuying a Fan Base

Now, I am well aware fans can easily and inexpensively be bought, but in the long run what are you gaining?  Not much really, all you have really gained is the appearance of having a successful page, but with no real engagement or audience reach.  I think that buying a fan base is a great way to get your platform started, but with out continually putting in time and effort into your social media sites, it will not matter how many fans you buy.  I strongly encourage any small business and/or large business to hire a trained professional to manage their social media sites, as this is a relatively inexpensive and will save you time and energy in the long run.  I also guarantee you will see the benefits from hiring a social media professional not only from saving yourself time and energy, but also you will begin to see your social media sites excel.

 

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Random Thoughts

The Future of Social Media

history of social media
History of social media

Is Facebook the Next My Space?

Noticeably we can see that social media is changing rapidly and has vastly changed since its creation. For example, take a look at Facebook alone, when Facebook was first designed is was solely created to be a form of communication between college students, requiring anyone to join the network to have a college (.edu) email address. However, Facebook grew and adapted to allow all users to use this application, and thus rapidly grew in popularity. However, research has now shown that Facebook is actually decreasing among users, especially the younger generation, namely teenagers. Now, I think most of use can remember, another social network that was once widely known and popularity, known by the name of My Space, which is no longer even relevant. Well, my point is that because of the face paced nature of online networking and social media usage, is Facebook the next My Space, will it be soon phased out? If so what is next? What will the next latest and greatest social network platform look like?

My Prediction

I predict that the next latest and greatest craze to social media, the next Facebook if you will, being very visual in nature, much like Instagram, Snapchat and Vine.  And also fast paced like Twitter, catering to our new generations shortened attention spans, therefore, allowing us not having to take the time to actually read through heartfelt time consuming posts, but gather everything we need in a limited number of characters.  I also anticipate the next latest craze incorporating more Facebook like qualities of giving users the ability to establish deeper more intimate relationships with one another through allowing a chat like feature, some sort of messaging feature, or a way to individually make connections with one another.  Therefore, within the next few years, I anticipate that the next latest and greatest social media network will be a hybrid of what has already been done successfully.  What do you think the next greatest social network will look like?