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Category: Learn

The Impact of Missed Sales Calls & How to Track and Turn Into Opportunities

21st November 2023 blog
impact missed sales calls

While self-service and omnichannel options gain popularity, about 78% of contact centers continue to have high or medium usage of phones. This means that most customers call the business for …Read More »

How to Translate Voicemail in Multiple Languages

8th November 2023 blog
How to translate business voicemail multiple languages.

Effective communication is key to business success. And voicemail transcripts are a valuable business tool that help improve communication and operational efficiency. For global businesses providing multilingual support and linguistic …Read More »

Using Virtual Numbers to Establish a Local Presence Globally

31st October 2023 blog
virtual phone numbers being used to establish local presence in other countries.

Virtual numbers have emerged as a potent instrument for those seeking to broaden their business horizons and establish a global footprint. These numbers harness the power of cloud communications technology …Read More »

5 Call Metrics for Sales Managers

30th October 2023 blog
Important call metrics for sales managers to track.

In the ever-evolving business world, sales managers are key to a company’s success. And if you want to optimize your teams’ performance, then it’s vital to track sales call metrics. …Read More »

VoIP versus Cloud Telephony

27th October 2023 blog, Cloud Telephony
Is VoIP different than cloud telephony.

Communication is the lifeblood of any business and when it comes to selecting the right modern business phone system. When you look for a business phone solution, you’ll see various …Read More »

11 Best VoIP Providers for International Calling (2025)

17th October 2023 blog
A list of the best VoIP providers international business calling.

If you don’t already know, voice over internet protocol (VoIP) is a game changer for international calling. Why? Because VoIP technology lets you make cost-effective long-distance calls to any corner …Read More »

Cold Calling is Tough – Here’s some tips that can help!

2nd July 2019 Learn, Tips

Facing the fact that you may sound exceptionally awkward, be rejected by not-so-nice recipients, and possibly misrepresent your business interests can be enough to make you avoid cold calling altogether. However, the fact of the matter is that cold calling is a misunderstood process for businesses. In fact, those who are able to master the art of the unsolicited call may come to enjoy the power that comes with cold calling. In this article, we’ll cover a number of items that can make these cold calling tips as easy as can be, including

  • Practice Makes Perfect
  • Faking It ‘Til You Make It
  • Always Be Personable
  • Understand the Other Party’s Needs

Practice Makes Perfect

Understanding the unknown is the easiest way to eliminate fear. And the only way to understand the unknown is to encounter it time and time again to learn the parameters of it, ultimately accounting for all of the possible variables that may occur. In other words, practice makes perfect.

If this comes as a disappointment, you should realize that it is paradoxical to choose another path towards mastering cold calling. After all, how do you become better at something that you never do?

Basics of Making Those Cold Calls

However, there’s hope. Because you already have experience with making phone calls, conversing with individuals that you don’t know, and closing a sales meeting, you’ve already covered the rudiments of cold calling. The only difference is that when you’re talking to a person over the phone, establishing rapport takes a different type of approach. The tricky thing is, this approach occurs without body language, situational context, and other aspects of in-person communication. Instead, your voice and its intonation must align with your goals – something that takes practice. 

For those that have perfected a skill, such as learning a musical instrument, the process is similar. First, you’ll want to keep the stakes low. Don’t be too ambitious starting out. Even if you only make a few phone calls with mixed results, focus on areas that need improving and celebrate your successes. Next, you’ll want to gradually up the stakes beyond your current abilities. Try different approaches in pitching callers and take note of any feedback. Remember, any attempt is success and “failures“ will further hone your abilities – either way, it’s win-win.

Embracing the Thrill of the Unexpected

As you proceed, you’ll begin to gain a sense of what cold calling really is and how exciting it really is. After all, just by using your voice and knowledge, you’re able to persuade callers to align with your business objectives; a valuable skill no matter which industry you choose to work in. Even in a matter of days, you’ll consider yourself a cold calling expert!

Faking It ‘Til You Make It

Tips for cold calling is tough
Source: Stockphoto.com O#100204681926- ID#100067081677

The truth is that even the most practiced individuals still feel some sort of anxiety when calling an individual they don’t know. In order to increase your success rate, you must demonstrate confidence, even if you feel the opposite. However, there’s a simple psychological hack: Faking confidence turns into real confidence. In fact, there’s relatively no difference between believing that you are a competent cold caller than actually being a competent cold caller. When the truth of this sets in, you’ll see that “faking it” is actually just stretching your abilities beyond your current perception of yourself. 

Always Be Personable

If there’s one tip that you take away from cold calling, it is that maintaining a personable and enthusiastic demeanor over the phone is paramount to ensuring success. Under no circumstances should you ever be mean or forceful, as negative emotions instantly turn off most callers that will take their business elsewhere. Having a cheery voice and even smiling during the conversation will boost your success rate. It also helps to give the other party the benefit of the doubt – as long as they’re on the phone, you can help brighten the day of even the grouchiest of customers, just by empathizing with their stress and struggles. Powerful cold calling tips!

 Understand the Other Party’s Needs

Similar to always being personable, accommodating what the party your calling actually needs is pivotal to your success in cold calling. No matter how much you may try, selling something that someone doesn’t want or need are fruitless endeavors. Instead, you want to align what your company is selling with the needs of the caller. For instance, you may be dealing with a stressed out mother that doesn’t have time to hear the endless features of your product; instead, you want to show how it solves her problems and makes her life easier. Keeping this in mind will raise your success rate and provide real satisfaction when it comes to cold calling. 

Building Relationships with Customers and Gaining Their Trust

11th June 2019 Learn, Tips

If there’s one thing about being a successful business owner, it’s the need to consider who is keeping your business afloat – namely, your customers. While you may be involved in the day-to-day operations that help your organization function, considering how the customer factors into your long-term strategy often go overlooked. This is especially important for businesses that may have a popular product/service but may not have considered how to remain competitive after the initial buzz and hype has worn off. The secret? Building relationships with customers and winning their trust.

In this article, we’ll explore a number of ways that you can provide customer success and build better relationships with your customer base, ultimately gaining their trust, loyalty, and business for years to come.

building relationships with customers
Source: Stockphoto.com O#100216436886 ID#100200144052

Communication is Key

Perhaps the single most important factor in building relationships with customers is the ability to establish a relationship with your customers through direct communication. Easier said than done, of course.

First, you’ll want to offer as many ways as possible for customers to get in contact with your business and be accessible to them. This means that you should accommodate emails, live chat, in-person office hours, virtual phone numbers (domestic and international), the company’s social media presence, conference calls, discussion forums, and so forth. If a customer can’t get in contact with your business easily, expect to lose important connections.

Second, you’ll want to adjust how you communicate. Instead of just telling the customer about your business, you want to have conversations with them to create engagement. Ask probing questions, such as what they want, what doesn’t work, and then offer solutions to their problems that address these needs. Chances are if you’re hearing the same thing from several customers, there’s probably a silent majority that feels the same.

Additionally, make sure that your employees follow this same protocol of deeply listening to what customers are talking about. Customer service is often the front-line of what makes and breaks a successful company, so make sure that new employees are trained in deep listening. For extended conversation, make sure your staff returns voicemail messages, follows up on inquiries, and respond to emails promptly. All of these methods of communication will create trust with your brand.

Be Transparent

Because our world is so fast-paced, it’s not uncommon to hear how another business swindled its customer base or misrepresented its intentions from the get-go.

To be transparent, you need to keep your customers informed of any changes and be as forthright as possible. Customers are more understanding about the setbacks that a company may face, particularly if your brand has been transparent from the beginning. For instance, the founder of a company that continually addresses the customers that make the business possible can directly address possible controversies and conflicts (i.e. a price increase on products) before they escalate. And if your company is experiencing unprecedented growth, you can also make that clear to customers to show that your company is thriving thanks to their participation.

Always Exceed Expectations

Just as consumers get jaded by a company’s lack of ethics, potential customers are looking to bring companies into their lives that go above and beyond expectations. After all, your customers expect great products or services from you; otherwise, they will choose your competitors and seek solutions elsewhere.

In order to remain competitive, it is important to continually raise the bar on what your company offers to keep the spark alive and reestablish trust, again and again. One simple way to do so is to under-promise and over-deliver. It is the mistake of a new company, especially startups, to promise the world but have objectives continually delayed. By making too many promises and underperforming, you kill the trust and predictability that your business should be delivering. On the other hand, when you impress customers by keeping your word, they keep coming back.

Therefore, you need to continually exceed customer expectations faster than anticipated and ahead of schedule (if possible). As a side effect, if your company does experience unforeseen delays and setbacks, you are able to still have a timeframe in which to still deliver on your promises. Similarly, you may want to add additional items at no charge, samples for new products/services your company offers, and coupons that come from a spirit of gratitude and generosity.  

Show Genuine Appreciation

It is important to show appreciation for your customers, particularly the ones who have extended their own loyalty in your brand for a long time and/or have been with your company since the beginning. There are a number of ways that you can accomplish this, such as offering long-time customers a loyalty discount program, exclusive deals, and freebies. For smaller companies with VIPs, you can write handwritten letters with specific details to show that you spent the time and effort to convey your deep gratitude for their business.

 

Is Your Virtual Number Provider Big on Credibility? How to Tell if You’re Getting the Best Services

3rd June 2019 Learn, Technology

Checking the credibility of a business or provider is an important step in building a long-lasting working relationship with any organization. Though most companies can look good on a TV commercial, sales brochure, or other marketing collateral, these types of materials most often only provide the consumer with a snippet of positive information. Truly getting to know an organization and the people who run the organization requires research, observation, and time. Building a relationship with an organization and learning about the people, products, and track record of the business will increase the likelihood that you will get what you paid for.

For example, many businesses are turning to virtual phone numbers for their communications. Is your virtual number provider big on credibility? How to tell if you’re getting the best services involves some time investment, but it’s well worth it. Here are a few ways:

Reach out to the Better Business Bureau (BBB)

The Better Business Bureau exists in order to help maintain an ethical marketplace where buyers and sellers trust one another and consumers are able to have confidence in the companies they choose to do business with. Checking with the Better Business Bureau to verify the credentials for a business prior to purchasing any products, using any services, or entering any kind of business agreement with the company helps in establishing a trustworthy and solid relationship.

Search for and Read Consumer Reviews

Reading what others think about a company is easier than ever, thanks to the Internet. Many people share their experiences whether they are good or bad, provide ratings and comments, and even provide when specific inquiries are posted. This can be very helpful when doing your due diligence to determine if a company is credible.

Ask for Feedback From Family and Friends

Reaching out to ask family members, friends, and neighbors about a particular organization prior to scheduling a service or purchasing a product or service can help to narrow down the businesses that you should do business with and which ones you shouldn’t. Your family and friends will typically know the quality you expect, so having these types of conversations with people you already trust can save you money and time.

Access Consumer Reports

Reading consumer reports to learn more about companies is one of the oldest and most widely trusted sources when it comes to learning about products prior to buying something. This is the same when you are purchasing a service and looking into a company. So, when determining credibility, going to consumer reports as a reference is an obvious choice. Looking for basic information on the Consumer Reports website, www.consumerreports.org, you have the option to subscribe to the service for specific ratings and other important information. Subscribers are also able to take advantage of online discussion forums to converse with others about products and services, ask questions, read reviews, and share reviews of their own.

How to Tell if You’re Getting the Best Services
Source: Stockphoto.com O# 100006653347 ID#100200144052

Other Ways to Learn About a Business Include:

Google Searches

When almost anyone has a question about anything these days, they turn to Google. Putting the company name into a Google search will help you discover a plethora of things, from reviews to feedback pages to articles mentioning the company and more. The trick is to decipher which sources are credible or not, so don’t automatically believe everything that comes up in your search. Read up on the company from multiple sources and draw your own conclusions from what you gather.

Check the Company’s Website

It is fairly easy for anyone to put up a webpage, so the fact that a company has a website is not the only determining factor in figuring out if they are credible and legitimate or not. Check to see that contact information listed on the website is accurate. If there is no way to contact a company, that is typically a red flag. You can look up registration information for the web address using a website called who.is.

Ensure Modes of Payment Offered Are Secure

Another important determining factor is whether the company offers secure modes of payment. PayPal and Google Pay are a couple of commonly used secure modes of payment. A truly legitimate company will offer these types of options because they know it offers the customer an extra layer of protection and confidence in the organization.

Before deciding on a virtual number provider or any other type of company you need to do business with, it is important to do some research and look to ensure that the company is big on credibility. This will help you to trust the company and support a solid relationship between you and the organization.

Building a Professional Name for Yourself: Why Credibility is so Important

16th May 2019 Learn, Tips

In today’s market, brands and products are introduced at super speeds. Research indicates that approximately 250,000 products are launched per year and these products have an average of an 85 to 95 percent failure rate. While new brands come and go, some stand out and last. At the root of being a brand that lasts, is credibility and trust. Trust and transparency rank even higher than product quality. This brings us to the topic of building a professional name for yourself and why credibility is so important.

Customers are wary of scams and shady marketing tactics and they are more often basing their purchasing decisions on how genuine they believe a company to be. Unfortunately, many companies do not practice authenticity and instead try to build their companies on what they believe customers want to hear. Listening to customers, however, is not all about repeating back to them whey they say. This is not the path to building a professional name for yourself. It is not about trapping customers with empty promises. Instead, it is about steadfastly proclaiming what you believe in and then taking a step back to see who is drawn to the message.

Brands that are authentic are able to establish and maintain a loyal following. In discussing building a professional name for yourself, it should be part of the business’s core to maintain authenticity and produce results and outcomes based on this. Customers will then share their experiences with their friends and family and if the company stays true to their message and continues to provide products or services that are in line with customers’ expectations, you will develop a brand that will stand the test of time.

If you are thinking of launching a startup or introducing a new brand, here are some points which are key to building a professional name for yourself.

Clearly define your mission and values. This could take a while to mull over. You will need to choose which values you are ready to commit to unwaveringly and you will want to convey this with clear messaging.

Do not half-heartedly commit to something that you are not fully prepared to embrace. Customers will see through this and credibility will not be established.

Determine how and where you will showcase your authenticity in establishing credibility. Whether it is online with social media or your blog or behind the scenes interactions with others, really get to know your audience and allow them to get to know you as well.

Keep your messaging consistent. The messages that you are sending out through marketing, promotions, and social media should be completely in line with the in-person experience that you are providing to customers.

Prepare for opposition. When a business gains a certain level of publicity, this often attracts backlash. Do not let this distract you or discourage you from your values and mission. Stay true to your messaging, your core beliefs, and you will gain the respect you deserve from those around you. Loyal customers will continue to support you based on the trust and credibility you have established.

Why Credibility is so Important
Source: Stockphoto.com O#100186311516 ID#100200144052

Credibility in leadership is just as important as establishing credibility in the brand. Actively engaging, as a leader, in actions that follow the same value system as the brand is a critical part in establishing credibility and trust for your brand. Again, acting with integrity, being consistent, communicating, caring for others, being committed and inspiring others as a leader will support you in building a professional name for yourself as well as establishing credibility and trust.

In the end, launching a business and building a professional name is about being true to your values, expressing those values unwaveringly, and following through on promises to customers and clients. For those who adopt this method in embracing authenticity for establishing a business or a brand, you will find that building a company on a solid foundation provides lasting and tremendous stability that is unparalleled, no matter the challenges that lie ahead.

Sounding Professional When Customers Call Your Business

15th May 2019 Learn, Tips

How many times have you dialed the phone number to a business’ customer service department and been greeted by someone who sounded like they were less than enthused to answer your call? It happens often, unfortunately, but businesses do not realize how much this can hurt them. Just because a customer service representative is on the phone all day does not mean that they have to be bored and sound really unhappy. The proper telephone etiquette and some enthusiasm can go a long way in sounding professional when customers call your business – ultimately giving your business a reliable appearance.

Here are a few tips for sounding professional when customers call your business to help you make each phone interaction with your customers an amazing customer service experience:

Using the right phrase will start a conversation off on the right foot. Beginning a conversation with good morning, good afternoon, or a similar greeting and thanking the customer for their call is a great way to start. Stating your name and then asking them how you can help them comes next. Also, it is important to be friendly, upbeat and act like you love your job while providing the best customer service to them. This can all be heard in the tone of a customer service representative’s voice, as well as in the words that are chosen in speaking to customers.

The Power of Positivity

Positivity is also paramount. Ensuring a customer that you will work diligently to resolve whatever issue they have called about and that it will be solved as quickly as possible is important. If you are not able to resolve the issue yourself, ensuring the customer that you will then find someone who is able to is important as well. Saying something like, “I am sorry that you are dealing with this issue, but we will figure this out and resolve this for you as soon as possible” exudes positivity versus sitting on the phone and telling a customer, “I just can’t figure this out” or “I don’t know what the problem is and I am not getting anywhere with this.” Fill your conversation with positive statements, no matter how challenging the issue is to resolve.

Sounding Professional When Customers Call Your Business
Source: Stockphoto.com O#100168582646 ID#100200144052

Pay Attention to the Energy You Give Off

Displaying energy through the sound of your voice also goes a long way. Even if it is super early and you have not had your coffee yet, sound like you are excited to speak with them and be of service to them through the resolution of their issue. Even if they are agitated and possibly raising their voice, it is your job to remain calm, energetic, and positive.

Being patient is another principle part of sounding professional when customers call your business. If you happen to ask the customer a question, be patient and wait for them to give you an answer. Do not talk over a customer. Talking over a customer is not only rude, but it may also cause you to miss out on hearing something very important that they are trying to convey to you. If you talk over a customer, they will need to repeat themselves and this will not only potentially aggravate a customer, but also force things to take a longer period of time to resolve. Remember to wait patiently for their full response.

Dealing with distractions in an appropriate way is another tip to sounding professional when customers call your business. There will always be distractions. It is part of life, no matter if you are working from a call center, your own office, a home office, or some other location. How you deal with those distractions is key. Callers know if you are distracted. From the moment you answer their phone call to the moment the call has ended, your one and only focus should be on the customer you have on the phone, their explanation of their needs, and how you are going to go about resolving any issues and fulfilling their needs. It is important to be attentive and helpful and treat the caller in the same exact way that you would want to be treated.

Just as displaying energy and positivity is important, the tone of your voice in demonstrating energy and positivity is just as important. Customer service agents should examine how they sound when they answer the phone. You should sound happy. Practicing with other coworkers in training can help customer service agents to hear themselves and adjust, if needed, accordingly.

Sounding professional when customers call your business is critical to the vitality and growth of a business. Remember that the person on the other end of the call is a human being and they are calling for help, guidance, answers, and to determine if they will invest in your brand or not. Make sure conversations are kept professional, focused, and upbeat from beginning to end.

How to Earn a Reputation Based on Credibility in Your Industry

13th May 2019 Learn, Technology, Tips

There are a number of traits that can help a business earn a reputation to become more successful. Credibility is at the top of that list. Credibility means others look to your company as a reliable source and if others rely on you, they trust you and do business with you, and this propels your business ahead.

Being credible means that you establish and nurture a very specific set of qualities. It really doesn’t make a difference which type of organization or industry you are in – these qualities work the same across the board.

Learning How to Earn a Reputation for Credibility: Step by Step.

If you are serious about establishing yourself as credible, here are some tips regarding how to earn a reputation based on credibility in your industry:

1. Build trust: If you are wondering how to earn a reputation based on credibility in your industry, you have to start with trust. In order to cultivate credibility, you have to build trust, earn it, and maintain it. If people like you, they will trust you and they will be more willing to do business with you. The trust you build with your market is more important than your bottom line.

2. Become an expert: Being competent within your industry means having the ability to analyze a situation and develop several potential solutions. Being confident in your capabilities is important so that others know they can count on you.

3. Consistency: Another important tip regarding how to earn a reputation based on credibility in your industry is related to consistency. Everything that your company states and does should be consistent. The messages that your organization is sending out, the actions that you take as an organization, and the things you allow in your organization should all be in complete and total alignment. In figuring out how to earn a reputation based on credibility in your industry, this should be carefully considered as people do not trust a person or company that “flip flops.” They feel safe with consistency, knowing what to expect, and whom they can rely on.

4. Authenticity: In mapping out how to earn a reputation based on credibility in your industry, you need authenticity. When trying to earn trust, you cannot rely on the “fake it until you make it” approach. This will lead to disaster. The basis for establishing yourself as a leader and your business as a leading organization is a solid foundation that offers others long-lasting stability, no matter what challenges are faced.

5. Sincerity: Being credible equals being sincere. This means that you don’t necessarily say everything that you think, but you do mean everything that you say. True sincerity requires commitment and a willingness to be unmovable and straightforward no matter what.

6. Respect: Truly considering the feelings of others could mean everything to them. Treating others with respect because they deserve it and understanding why that is important is paramount. Respect earns credibility.

7. Accountability: In order to establish credibility, you have to be accountable for your actions and decisions. When making mistakes, it is important to own up to them and correct anything that stands as an error.

8. Loyalty: Credibility is connected to serving and protecting others. When you have the best interests of others in mind, and this is clear, this tends to build loyalty and credibility.

9. Honesty: In figuring out how to earn a reputation based on credibility in your industry, it is extremely important to be honest. Total transparency is a fundamental keystone to business and it is at the core of credibility.

10. Communicate: Communication is at the core of establishing credibility. This means that you need to make sure you are effectively communicating the vision of your business, helping your market to understand what sets you apart from your competition, and helping to carry your brand message through each of your marketing initiatives. This is also important within your organization, in building credibility with your staff and other team leaders.

Earn a Reputation Woman on Laptop
Source: Stockphoto.com O#23559 – ID#100070154817

Credibility Builds Better Business

Credibility as a business leader allows your staff to look at you as a reliable resource for decision-making and information. A leader that is credible has gained the respect of their peers and their staff by displaying positive and strong attributes. Credibility translates into improved employee morale, improved staff performance, and the ultimate success of an organization. Credibility is essential in building relationships within your industry as a business leader and as a brand.

Whether you own a brick-and-mortar shop, a virtual consultancy, or another kind of business, all businesses need to display honesty and credibility in order to gain trust and earn a reputation based on credibility within the industry they are in. Credibility has to be earned. It takes time and consistency to establish it, along with an effort to maintain it, but it is necessary on the ultimate path to success.

Why Inspiring Trust and Trusting Others are Important Leadership Skills

9th May 2019 Learn, Tips

To trust others and to inspire trust in others is a top trait to look for when finding a leader for your team. It’s not an easy thing to learn; it is dependent on the ability to stabilize a precarious scale that can easily tip in one direction or another. For example, those that are too trusting can get duped very quickly, and those that don’t trust enough will lose the faith of those around them. Even great leaders have lost the trust of their followers at one time or another. However, the key is to know how to gain that trust back.

Personality Traits for Leadership

Many different personality traits make up a great leader. However, trust is among the most important. If you can get the handle of balancing trust just right, then you can become an inspiring leader.

The Importance of Trust

The first thing that a successful leader must do is be trustworthy themselves, which means that they must be able to inspire those around them to trust them. Being known as an honest person can help with difficult situations, especially in the event a crisis needs to be remedied at work.

Another aspect of gaining trust at work is that trust works both ways. Everyone around you won’t trust you until you believe in them yourself. You may have the reputation of a trustworthy person, but that is shot if you begin to show to your team that you do not trust them to make decisions or work on certain things. Managers who behave in this way are often overworked because they don’t believe in anyone enough to lean on them when the person in management has been given too much work for them to handle on their own. When a manager doesn’t trust his team enough to lighten his own workload, then he will become drained and begin to victimize himself. When a manager refuses to trust his employees with tasks, the work environment can start to tip unfavorably. The employees will become lazy or demoralized.

A photo of a leader building trust within his team.
Source: Stockphoto.com O#23559 – ID#100030374487

A More Effective Team

Leaders who can inspire trust will be much more successful. These people have an understanding of how to organize their work and strategize what is placed in front of them. They know their team members’ strengths and weaknesses which means they can delegate work tasks accordingly. These managers are well-liked by their teams because no one is afraid to approach these people with a problem. They feel like their voice is heard and that inspires workers to be more outspoken and excel faster since they are more comfortable at their job. Managers who trust others also learn about those that they work with. With knowledge of everyone’s abilities, these managers create the most cohesive teams. And the bottom line is that managers who inspire confidence and trust help build morale throughout the entire company.

The fine line between trusting and going overboard is thin, and those in managerial and leadership positions should be conscious of this. When a leader trusts their employees too much, the employees will often see how much they can get away with under this leader. All leaders must still do their due diligence in spotting the moments when an employee will take advantage.

Keep a lookout for managers and leaders who put too much intention behind being well-liked in the office. A manager must maintain a delicate balance between likability and being dominant.

When looking for types of managers who would excel in a leadership position, always look to those who are trustworthy and inspire trust. It is essential that the people you choose to lead your company are balanced and honest. These people must also be aware that trust can be broken. Again, it is all about balance when choosing the right leader for your company. They must understand that the reality is that although they might be a trustworthy individual, that does not mean that every person around them is as well. You must be able to decipher between giving someone the benefit of the doubt and letting them get away with something.

Types Of Digital Marketing For Your Small Business

21st March 2019 Learn, Technology

Small businesses are known for being creative and finding organic approaches for expanding their company. Most times, those small companies became big once they harnessed the power of digital marketing and shifted their focus to the worldwide web to build a loyal customer base.

The return on the investment of time and money into digital marketing is highly favorable when considering the reach and affordability of digital marketing services in competition for new clients.

In the following article, we’ve listed four digital marketing avenues every small business should explore. You can substantially reduce the time you invest into these methods by teaming up with digital marketing experts.

Not only are these types of digital marketing for your small business affordable, they are also scalable, which means everyone should be taking advantage of them!

An Optimized Website

A website is the most critical aspect of digital marketing. Your website is how you share the most details about your business and products. A fully integrated website also serves as the source of your blog posts and should link to your email marketing campaigns.

But your website needs to act as more than an information source. Many times, small businesses make the mistake of creating a website without optimizing it for consumers. The internet offers an endless source of information. It would be difficult (and almost impossible) to bring a high amount of traffic to your website if you relied solely on word of mouth.

Another valuable type of digital marketing for your small business is search engine optimization (SEO). Integrating multimedia content, such as podcasts produced by a B2B podcast company, can improve user engagement and contribute to better SEO rankings. Search engine optimization is a strategy that ranks your company higher in search engine results based on your industry and specific keywords. When your company shows up on the first page of Google, you’re likely to get more leads and close more sales. Reaching out to industry and expert bloggers is another effective strategy to improve your website’s reach and build a network. By connecting with influential bloggers, you can drive more traffic to your site and enhance your online presence. Just be sure to avoid common blogger outreach mistakes.

Optimize your website for viewing based on current technology and consumer trends. Tablets, cell phones, and personal computers are the primary sources for web browsing. Personal computers are still a mainstay, but 63% of people are now visiting websites from their cellular devices.

This means your website must be fully functional for mobile browsing because you could lose business if your website is only compatible with laptops and desktop computers.

digital marketing
Source: Stockphoto.com O#23559 – ID#100033125311

Social Media

Social media is one of the most popular types of digital marketing for your small business, and research continues to prove that it is much more than a fad. Today, business marketers working to stand out in the digital space must take social media seriously and acknowledge the fact that most consumers are now online and using social media to research brands. Customers are also sharing personal experiences with businesses on social platforms.

With a strong social media presence, you’re more likely to inspire new customers to reach out to you. Being active on social media also allows you to research your company name and see how consumers feel about your products and services. Build loyalty by directly sending offers and thank you’s to users mentioning your business. Likewise, you can generate more positive feedback by publicly responding to customers with problems or questions. This shows that you are willing and ready to help.

Pay-Per-Call Marketing

Pay-per-call marketing is similar to pay-per-click (PPC) advertising. The only difference is as a business you pay for every call made, instead of every click. Pay-per-call ads have call buttons giving viewers the option to call the business. The goal of this marketing strategy is to drive phone calls directly from digital campaigns. In other words, to quickly connect with interested customers on the phone. You can even use a toll-free number for this marketing campaign to make it even easier (and free) for callers to contact your business.

Success in pay-per-call marketing requires a clear understanding of target audiences, strategic ad placement, and crafting compelling calls to action that prompt immediate phone responses. Furthermore, it is vital to track and analyze call data to optimize campaigns continuously. Pair this with strategic outbound calling to connect and follow up with prospects and customers, providing responsive care and support.

Free Webinars and Podcasts

Ebooks and guides are well-known for attracting quality leads, but webinars continue to move to the forefront. Webinars are valuable types of digital marketing for your small business because they allow viewers to learn valuable information quickly at no cost. Furthermore, webinars help you stand apart as a thought leader in your field. Furthermore, a webinar can place you above competitors because potential customers will appreciate that you were willing to provide them with value at no cost.

You don’t have to share valuable information for a fee online. Just inviting newcomers to learn something new can inspire them to learn more about your business. Provide real value and you’re far more likely to gain email subscribers who look forward to updates from your company. Keep them engaged after the webinar with email newsletters, blog posts, and insider deals.

Email Marketing

Email marketing has picked up where traditional mail brochures left off and offers much more convenience. Email marketing is among the most effective types of digital marketing for small businesses. The average return on investment into email marketing is 122% and more than 20% of people check their emails more than five times each day. Add your company email to marketing business cards and share at networking events, conferences, and exhibitions.

Combine email marketing with a webinar or email course series to keep readers intrigued and looking forward to the next email. Let emails serve as an outlet for readers to get to know you. Further engage them with personal stories and business-related lessons. These tactics will increase the likelihood of purchases when new products are announced.

Not sure if you‘re ready to invest in digital marketing? We’ve got a solution: there are usually interns who are looking to learn by working for recommendations or as a trial for a long-term position. Another option would be taking the time to learn the fundamentals of digital marketing and try it without assistance.

Call To Action As An Art Form

20th March 2019 Learn, Technology

Whether your main advertising platform is the internet, television, or printed publications, a call to action (CTA) is necessary to inspire audiences beyond viewing your materials to becoming active participants who are willing to make a connection with your brand.

When you think of a call to action in its simplest form, you likely think of terms like:

  • “Call today”
  • “Click this link”
  • “Buy now”

These calls to action are well-known, but a CTA has to be much more to be impactful. Business owners can’t rely on CTA’s with a cut and dry approach because the internet now connects competing businesses on a global scale. Your business is unique and every element of your messaging must stand apart from your competitors.

We should view the call to action as an art form instead of treating a call to action as a command or instruction. To help you along the way, we’ve compiled some of the most valuable tips to note as you strive to approach your call to action as an art form.

Humanize The Language

Advertisements are everywhere, and many are ignored. The ads with call to actions that go viral and gain organic traction share common traits. The content is interesting and doesn’t rely on robotic language.

Treating your call to action as an art form means it should resonate with viewers. Strike an emotional chord by adding the human element of personality through your wording because consumers are more likely to take action when they can relate to a brand.

For example, instead of saying “BUY NOW,” change the wording to “GIVE US A CALL. WE’RE ALWAYS HERE TO HELP.” No one wants to feel as if your primary purpose is to profit by selling them a product. Buyers want to know you have something valuable to offer. The way you use your words relays that message.

Paint A Picture With Your Content

Buyers must believe your business is worth the investment before they take action to support your company. The CTA should be part of a body of content that translates beautifully through words, imagery, or video. If your call to action is an art form created for your target customers, it can be effective on any advertising platform.

Are you looking to sell a new product? Don’t just say how valuable your product is, show it. Review written content and scripts to find the strongest adjectives and replace them with full descriptions. When using television or coverage radio, let personality, design elements, and quality lead the way.

call to action
Source: Stockphoto.com O#23559 – ID#100091094362

Embrace Transparency

Some of the most iconic artists lived a life of mystery and intrigue. But today’s artists and business owners must display their artistry through their social prowess. The art of business requires high-quality services and transparent business owners. One of the best ways for a business owner to show transparency is by being accessible.

Potential customers shouldn’t have to work to find you or connect with you. Strategically using your call to action as an art form should always include convenient means of communication, such as your phone number and email address.

Will you be prepared to quickly respond when someone takes action and contacts your business? Always make sure your hours of operation are clear for callers and respond to written inquiries and voicemails within 24 hours. If you’re working with a team, ensure that they are well-trained and have the necessary tools to assist customers.

Viewing your call to action as an art form is the first step to connect with customers. Exceptional customer service is what will lead to sales and business expansion. This is so many small and large businesses use virtual phone numbers.

Business owners can forward virtual phone numbers to mobile phones and create extensions for team members, allowing everyone to work remotely and in an organized fashion. The response rate is even faster through additional options such as transcribed voice to email service.

When using your call to action as an art form, know that everyone who contacts won’t be in your local calling area. Consider a phone number that is not specific to one area code. Using a local phone number often results in fees and confuses long-distance customers, deterring new callers from contacting you.

Have A Consistent Style

When famous artists releases new work, their fans can spot it before the name of the artist is announced. Such artists have a strong presence through their recognizable style. Your call to action must also have a style of its own, but that style must be in line with your branding.

Consistent branding will keep your business relevant – even when your brand is not the star of the show. Being recognizable will naturally attract new clientele and maintain the interest of your loyal customer base when partnering with another company, attending events, or working with sponsors.