Tag Archives: Social Media

Growing Your Network by Engagement

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new_twitter_logoHave you ever thought about how cool it would be do have hundreds, if not thousands, of Twitter followers?  I know I have!  Engagement might be the key that we are missing.  What do I mean by engagement?   Engagement means interaction.  Search for interesting topics that you might want to get involved in, and start interacting with those people and groups.  Start following them and ask them to start following you.  Put yourself out there, and it will come back to you.

The following video is from someone I follow, and helps explain hashtags and how they can really help your social experience.  J.B.’s Morning Coach daily podcast keeps me fresh on new ideas and business techniques.  He is very informative, motivational, and makes learning the proper ways of “engaging yourself” very easy.   Take a look and tell me what you think!

Click here: http://youtu.be/5ndgMtLN2gg

Social Media Tools for WordPress

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ID-10078955We have learned that social media is the new king of marketing… but make no mistake, your website is still critical, and should serve as the central hub for all of your online marketing. It’s home!

WordPress developers have created numerous tools that can help pull together all of your online real estate.  Check out these great plugins:

Social Media Widget: So simple, and the clearest way to direct people from your website to your social media. As the name implies, Social Media Widget adds a widget to your sidebar with icon links to each of your social media outlets. Install the plugin, add the widget to your sidebar, add the URL of each of your social media pages, and you’re off and running! Tip: Set each icon to open a new page/tab so that your website remains open. You can see this plugin in action on our homepage.

Sociable: Take your Social Media integration to the next level by adding “share” buttons at the end of each page or article. You can easily configure which media you wish to use, and the connection to each happens in the background automatically. Sociable also includes “print” and “email”, allowing full control of your viewers’ sharing experience.

Pinterest “Pin It” Button: Make it easy for your site visitors to Pin your images to their Pinterest board, sharing the wealth of great content you are posting! Install it, set it, and forget it… This plugin adds a “Pin It” button to your pages, and defaults to pinning the first image on each page.

Need help? We’re here to help you bring all of your internet pieces together to create a full online marketing plan. Contact us today to discuss!

(Photo courtesy Suphakit73, freedigitalphotos.net)

Write an Article!

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post_gadget_igoogleHmm…  So I’m writing an article called “Write an Article.”  I’m already confused – are you?

At a recent networking meeting, our group was discussing ways to get a message across to our clients that (a) shows what we as professionals can do, and (b) doesn’t sound “showy” or arrogant. It’s not always easy to do! Personally, I have a lot of trouble getting up in a group setting and talking about my business, because it often feels like I am coming across as self-centered, though I’m pretty sure that’s not me.

One of the ways we can share our knowledge and gain traction with people as an expert in our chosen field is to write articles. Articles should sound comfortable and conversational, and be brief.  We all know that the human attention span for this type of thing is not what it used to be!

But, most importantly, it should offer something that people can use, on their own, to help with their business, life, etc.  In other words, something relevant.

After writing your article, you can post it on your blog, as I’m doing here.  After you’re done, post a link to your blog post on your LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter account.  Then, repeat. Do an article weekly, post it in your social media, and watch the “likes” and responses come in!  You can also promote your business a bit by leaving the article a bit open ended.  For instance: “Want to know more about writing and posting articles online?  Contact us today to learn more.”

Finally, have fun with it. You have your own unique voice, your own unique take on your industry, your own amazing personality.  Let it shine!

A New Year Approaches

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We might be inclined to take a moment and look back on 2012 and remember all that was accomplished. At NFR, that would be quite a list as many things have changed in our business over the past 12 months.

Ppbc_icon_checklistBut looking back isn’t really our style. Instead, we are looking at 2013 and planning the new year.  I hope you are thinking about the opportunities for your business in 2013, and ways you can position your business for success.

Of course, we stand ready to help with your website. As you think about your online presence for 2013, ask yourself:

  • Are your images current? (Still using that headshot from 2003?)
  • Does the design of your site reflect the quality of your business?
  • How current is your site text? (Still advertising a sale from last Spring?)
  • Does your site look good on modern computers and mobile devices/phones?
  • Does your website and print material match so that you are easily identified? (business cards, letterhead, mailings, etc.)
  • Are there website features you’ve always wanted? (e-store, video, forms, photo gallery, events calendar etc.)
  • How does your site do in a Google search?
  • Is your website connected with your LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook accounts?

It may be time to consider a new site design or a refresh. Need help? I invite you to be in touch for advice on how to make your site come alive, so that you can start 2013 with your best foot forward!

Website Checklist for 2012

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2012 is only days away… is your business ready for a new year? Is your website up-to-date?

Here is a handy list of things to think about:

  • Are your images current? (Still using that headshot from 2003?)
  • Does the design of your site reflect the quality of your business?
  • How current is your site text? (Still advertising a sale from last Spring?)
  • Does your site look good on modern computers and mobile devices/phones?
  • Does your website and print material match so that you are easily identified? (business cards, letterhead, mailings, etc.)
  • Are there website features you’ve always wanted? (e-store, video, forms, photo gallery, events calendar etc.)
  • How does your site do in a Google search?
  • Is your website connected with your LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook accounts?

Many of these items are small housekeeping things, several that you can even do on your own. Need help? I invite you to be in touch for advice on how to make your site come alive, so that you can start 2012 with your best foot forward!