A Guide to Creating Your Google+ Local Page
Google Plus Local pages can be a confusing topic when you first find out that there are Google+ brand pages and they aren't the same thing. Don't worry, you aren't alone.
Read moreGoogle Plus Local pages can be a confusing topic when you first find out that there are Google+ brand pages and they aren't the same thing. Don't worry, you aren't alone.
Read moreRepeat after me... "I don't need a website, I need web marketing." Say it again. Again. Again... You get the point? The difference may not be clear to you yet. The difference between a website and web marketing, is like the difference between tactics and strategy. Your web marketing efforts should entail a strategy of some kind, with your website being one of the tactics you are employing as part of the overall strategy. Confused? That's ok! Let's get unconfused... Think of it this way. A website is one tool in the web marketing toolbox. Unfortunately, that tool is no longer enough to do the job on it's own. It needs some complimentary tools to be effective. At minimum, you need prospects to find your website when they are looking for the solution you offer to their problems. At minimum, you need to be available in the main "feeding grounds" for solutions that your prospects use. SEO - Search Engine Optimization Guess what. People use Google a lot. So much so, that you had better ...
Read moreEvery business wants to make connect more to its customers and increase its chances of gaining new customers. “Bing Places for Business is a free service that allows you to add or claim your business listing on Bing and be found by millions of Bing users searching online” Bing. It is simply another outlet for businesses to connect with Internet users and is an excellent opportunity to gain more customers.
Read moreIn honor of Memorial Day, the protocol 80, Inc. offices will be closed on May 26, 2014. Enjoy the weekend with your friends and family and remember to honor our fallen veterans.
Read moreWe all want to generate more leads, prospects and sales, right? Whether you are a manufacturer, rural tourism promoter, service provider or non-profit, you are all looking for more leads, prospects and sales. Your sale may be a donation or an actual exchange of money for goods/services. The bottom line is, you want to generate more leads and prospects that convert to sales.
Read moreWe cannot stress enough the importance of data to any marketing initiative. The more data you have the more you understand where your efforts succeeded and failed and you have amazing data to build your future strategies on what you know instead of just shooting from the hip. We're going to assume that you already have Google Analytics installed on your website, which is good, but now you have the power to know more. It's now time for anyone with a website to get started with Google Universal Analytics and Google Tag Manager.
Read moreA common rumor in marketing and on the Internet is that email is on the way out and will surely be replaced by social media. This is not surprising considering the fact that at the beginning of 2014, 72% of all internet users were on social media. Most Internet users know just how easily and quickly information spreads over social media. In fact, sharing content can be done with the click of a button on various social media sites and that content has the potential to reach millions of people at astonishingly low costs.
Read moreAs a reminder, the Google Partners Connect event that we are hosting at our office will take place on May 21st from 2pm-3pm EST. There is still time to RSVP. This event is a great opportunity to learn how to grow your business. The topics are focused on helping small businesses find success online. This event will be free and refreshments will be provided. Afterwards there will be time for an open discussion and questions if you would like to learn more. Want to see more details about the event? You can find additional details here.
Read moreThis morning I came across a lengthy article that I would categorize as a MUST READ for any small business or organization with a website and a desire to have your web presence produce results for you. The article, which is a borderline manifesto entitle, 'One Trick Ponies Get Shot And other stories: Digital marketing strategy done right', speaks at length about what a true digital marketing strategy is, and is not. It speaks to many marketing fundamentals that a lot of small businesses just don't know. I would go so far as to say many medium sized businesses don't know these fundamentals. At least that has been our experience. 8 Properties of a GOOD Marketing Strategy http://www.portent.com/onetrick/#chapter2 This section hits on what so many businesses miss with their website redesign or implementation of the various web marketing tactics, overarching business objectives. The Marketing Stack: Organizing Your Strategy http://www.portent.com/onetrick/#chapter3 This section does a ...
Read moreThese days just having a website is not usually enough. If that's how you see your online presence, my guess is you probably aren't generating and leads or sales from your website...it probably just sits there. A complete online marketing strategy will allow you to reach more individuals, when they are looking, where they are looking, on any device, convert them to a sale or lead, and track them every step of the way. Sounds good, right? Of course it does. But you still may not be convinced. Need more convincing? Check out our infographic below with some stats that just might start changing your mind. Please feel free to share using the embed code below the image. Just in case you aren't a visual person, here are a few key stats!
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