All posts by April Heavens- Woodcock

About April Heavens- Woodcock

Author: April Heavens–Woodcock , is the Chief Buzz Officer Touching Clients a Digital Marketing Firm that specializes in strategic online marketing development for businesses. She is passionate about helping businesses grow their bottom line with effective tools. She speaks regularly on social media, email marketing, and marketing around the East Coast.

Top Marketing Tips for Beginners

Top Marketing Tips for Beginners

Top Marketing Tips for Beginners

Being a business professional or a successful startup doesn’t mean that you’re going to be naturally skilled at marketing. Marketing is a significant field and profession all in itself, and while good marketing can always be learned, many business professionals may feel on the back foot if they’re not familiar with effective marketing techniques.

While there are always ways to improve your marketing, such as employing someone else to do it for you or learning some key skills yourself, what matters more is that it’s not neglected, even if your expertise lies elsewhere.

To allow yourself to feel more confident and comfortable with marketing, here are some top tips for beginners.

Get to Know All Relevant Channels

In order to market effectively, you first need to know which platforms and channels are available to you to use as marketing. There are many great options, but it’s also important to hone in on the ones which are best suited for your particular business and then tailor each piece of content (rather than posting identical marketing content to every platform).

Some of the key marketing channels you should be aware of include:

  • Social Media (all platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube)
  • Your own website and blog
  • Your own SEO efforts for search engines
  • Free or paid advertising
  • Guest posting

Know Who You’re Marketing To

Success with marketing isn’t just about what you produce; it’s about knowing who you’re marketing to. You can’t hope to create relevant promotional material that packs a punch if you have no idea who your target consumer is.

Therefore, consumer research is just as crucial within your marketing strategy as the content itself. Take the time to get to know your target audience, how to engage with them, the type of advertising they like to see, and how you can best connect.

Perfect Your Website 

If you’re working hard to improve your SEO and have people land on your business website, then you want that website to be the best it can be as part of your marketing strategy. Getting consumers to land on your site is half the battle; keeping them there is where you need to take that one step further.

Concentrating on building and maintaining a business website with engaging content is therefore crucial to any marketing strategy. You can also find website support if you’re struggling with time management or need professional services to help you to ensure that even after your website is built that you help close on hand.

Using and Understanding Data is Key

Putting engaging and relevant content out there is great, but you need to know whether it’s working. Therefore, within your strategy, plan for data gathering and analysis to learn how your marketing material is doing within the consumer market.

Collecting data and knowing how to analyze it is key. You can use programs such as Google Analytics to better understand your business interactions. However, you should also pay attention to feedback data on posts you make, for example.

SEO is a Must

If you’ve only heard of SEO in passing, then it’s time to familiarize yourself with it in detail. This is crucial if you’re looking for long-term success. SEO means knowing exactly how to market your business and use the right keywords to get the right attention from search engines and your consumers.

You should implement SEO into everything you do. From website content, blog posts, product descriptions, to social media posts, to name a few.

Learn what your consumers are searching for and tailor your target keywords to that.

If you’re new to the field, then a lot of initial effort will be about research. But, once you’re comfortable and confident with who your target market is, marketing will become a lot easier.

4 Mobile Apps That Let You Earn While You Shop

4 Mobile Apps That Let You Earn While You Shop

4 Mobile Apps That Let You Earn While You Shop

E-commerce is driving the American economy and that of the rest of the world. It made possible the rise of such titans as Jeff Bezos, the first centibillionaire on the planet. And we totally understand that. These days mobile apps are core to e-commerce business.

At a time when the virus is still roaming at large, people prefer to shop online. What many do not realize is mobile shopping is at the center of online sales. As over 306 million Americans are stuck indoors and adversely affected by the virus, 72% of these consumers use their smartphones to shop online.

That certainly speaks of convenience. And as you shop in-store using your mobile device, there’s that bygone conclusion the relegates mobile shopping as a money-eating machine. You’re bound to wonder if there are ways your smartphone or any mobile device for that matter, can earn you cash. And save you some.

You’re in luck. As much as mobile shopping has become the next big thing in America, a slew of apps has made it their goal to give you a better shopping experience on your smartphone. This actually means you can earn some dollars using them. Or save some.

CamFind

Have you ever had that feeling when you see something you want but don’t know where to get it? Well, that problem right there is what CamFind is all about. And the solution is visual search. Indeed, this recognition technology is changing the way we shop. Small wonder it’s making waves online.

It’s one of the top mobile apps that is simple. CamFind makes shopping a cinch. You can get vital information on a product just by taking a picture of it. Not only will the app identify the product, but also, and perhaps most importantly, it will show you where to buy one.

Even better, you get price comparisons. That way you can buy a product at the best deal possible. You just have to take a picture of your desired product and voila, you get results. 

If you’re thinking CamFind, available free both on iOS and Android, is only good for consumer items, think again. You can also use it for real estate. It can provide key information with regard to houses and properties. By doing so, you get the price, address, and history of the house. But that’s no all. You even get pictures of the interior.

In a way, this can help lessen your burden when you want to zero in on a property. Also, it is a great tool so you can process your home loan from the best mortgage companies. In effect, buying a house becomes a breeze.

ShopSavvy

 And now for one of the top cash-earning mobile apps. Unlike CamFind, ShopSavvy relies on bar codes. So to get the best deals, you just have to scan a bar code of a product. And voila the app will show you which retailer can give you the best price. We’re talking about a bazillion products from over 40,000 stores, Amazon and Walmart including.

But that’s not all there is to it. You can also earn as much as 20% cashback when you buy through the app. Though not a regular feature, this scheme is deployed by some stores now and then. Additionally, you can also track the price of your favorite product. You can arrange an email to be sent to you every time a good deal comes. So you can buy the product at the best price.

Ibotta

If you want to enjoy some money back when you shop, then theIbottaapp is for you. The good news is this app is free for both Android and iOS. This app also works with top retailers in the country.

To get some cash, just scan your receipts. You can also save deals. Or better yet, access app-specific deals so you can save some. With Ibotta, you can scan your receipt so you can get bonus money back for featured offers. Take note that Ibotta can give you cents back for specific items. Instead of pictures or scan codes, you scan receipts here. A scanned receipt confirms your purchase. After which balance will be added to your buyer account (set it up). You get to cash out when the amount reaches $20.

Slickdeals

Wouldn’t you want to be notified when a prized item goes on sale? Of course. You would choose to be the first to know if you can, right? That’s what this app does.

5 Reasons Companies Are Investing In Podcasts

5 Reasons Companies Are Investing In Podcasts

5 Reasons Companies Are Investing In Podcasts

It hasn’t been long since podcasts first gained attention. A while back, they’re just another feature that mobile users tend to ignore; but, now, it’s an entirely different story.

So, what is a podcast exactly?

It came from the terms ‘iPod’ and ‘broadcast.’ It’s an informational type of audio meant to be a syndicated series that listeners can download all at once, per week, or even per season. The feature started in 2004, but was not in the best interest of listeners. However, it gained a fair amount of attention when the media itself sparked the beginning of its fame and popularity.

As of 2021, podcasting is one of the most effective advertisements used in business. Despite its existence somehow hidden and mostly discovered through word of mouth, it has already contributed significantly to the corporate world. Corporate groups have already ensured their businesses’ success through podcast investments.

How can audio information media be a vital player in industries?  It would seem questionable, but the most priceless asset is more than it meets the eye in hustling. Find out why below.

 

1. Podcast Listeners Belong To Higher Income Bracket 

 

According to blogger stats, 21% have a 100k household income or higher, and about 41% have a 75k heightened. Companies that aim to reach greater heights in terms of profit, shares, and territory will always strive for well-off households that can afford them. This reveals that there’s a higher chance of this set of demographics to purchase advertised content. Moreover, 51% of the listeners are four-year degree holders, strengthening the pool of prospects for competitive companies.

 

2. 93% Of Podcast Listeners Are Social Media Users

 

It’s no secret that social media influences the direction of the market—this has been proven time and time again. About podcasts, almost all the listeners are active on social media platforms, which are an excellent opportunity for engagement and promotion. Social interactions users can already affect the fluctuation of mentions. How much more if almost everyone does the same?  It’s an advertisement by the users for the users. It would be a waste for companies to pass up such a brilliant method of gaining potential customers.

 

3. The Podcast Is The Mainstream Of 2021

 

The podcast remodeled the field of content marketing. By the time it has begun to gain steady media progress, about 20% purchased products or services simply from hearing them on podcasts. From 2019 up to the present, leading podcast companies have made moves to expand and innovate.

A podcast is also one of the priorities in technological advancements. This seems to uphold the claim that podcasting soared at the top against other forms of content marketing. As it sets the standards, it could not also allow itself to fall behind the race. Concrete plans are already being made to allow podcasting to run most, if not all, of the marketing arena.

 

4. Revenues Reach Billions Of Dollars

 

Business Investment

Of course, the corporate world won’t easily invest in something. unless there’s absolute merit, and it just so happens that podcasts guarantee such extreme conditions. Last 2019, iHeart Media raked USD$3.68 billion in revenues, Spotify, €6.76 million, and the National Public Radio, USD$283.4 million. These numbers prove just how much companies get from this new form of audio information media. There’s no doubt that it’s worth investing in.

Aside from that, due to the taxes, subscriptions, and even the profit gained from those who purchase products due to podcasts’ influence, the circulation of money aids economic growth.

 

5. Podcast Is Portable 

 

What truly separates podcasting from usual promotion and advertisement is that it’s found almost anywhere. Unlike in televisions, billboards, and newspapers wherein there’s a designated area for promotion, podcasts are portable and user-friendly.

Statistics show that 52% listen to podcasts in their cars, 46% listen to them while traveling, and 40% do so during walks, runs, and even biking escapades. Aside from it having a broad scope of audience, podcasting also encompasses different types of locations and lifestyles. It is no wonder why companies are so eager to invest their money in podcasts.

Conclusion

The rise of podcasts has rocked both business and entertainment. With its growing popularity, podcasting still has a part to play in world economics for the next 20 years or more, if humans don’t get tired of it. Or, maybe, people could develop something better. Who knows?

But, as of now, podcasting is setting the bar higher when it comes to advertisements and promotions. As the leading source of revenues in the ad department, companies continue to invest in it in hopes of earning more and expanding their empire indefinitely.

The Best Ways To Save Time In Your Business

The Best Ways To Save Time In Your Business

The Best Ways To Save Time In Your Business

They say that time is money, and in most businesses, this is certainly the case. This means you need to divide up your time effectively. Especially as this will allow you to be productive. Which in turn, allows you to be successful, and make more money. When you can allocate your time in the right way, you’re able to do everything you need to do. Thereby, giving time to enhance your reputation, and make a profit.

However, it can be hard to use your time in the most effective way when you’re busy working on your business. Before you know it, you’ve spent far longer on one element than you should have, meaning there is less time for everything else. At some point, something will have to give. If this is how you’re feeling, it’s time to be more objective; step back and look at how you’re using your time. Then come up with ways to save more time in some areas so you can allocate more to others. Here are some of the ways you can do this.

Invest In New Tech 

New technology is emerging all the time, and much of it is specifically for business owners. There are many different kinds of technology that will enable you to free up time. Either because they take on the tasks you’re currently doing themselves, or they help you do the work in a more efficient, effective way.

Customer service is an ideal example of where new tech can be useful. You may not have time to answer every email and query as it comes in or even to respond to every order. Remember, you need to deal with the other day-to-day tasks of running your business, but your customers need you too. What can you do about this? You can invest in new tech that will help you; a chatbot on your site, and automate your email responses. Or, perhaps a bespoke answering service could help you keep your customers happy.

New technology can be helpful in every area of your business, and it’s the perfect way to free up time.

Prioritize Your Tasks 

Sometimes the reason you’re losing so much time is that you’re not able to prioritize your tasks and use the time you have effectively. You might even find you’re beginning to multitask in an effort to get everything done. However, since multitasking is ultimately not effective (and can even be damaging), it’s far better to prioritize your tasks and work in the most productive way for you and your business.

One of the best ways to do this is to use Gantt Chart tools. This chart can help you determine which tasks need to be done by when and create a digital to-do list that gives you a timeframe to work by. You can use this for yourself and your team. Thereby, ensuring that everyone is productive and doing what they are meant to do at all times.

Train Your Employees 

As a business owner, you really don’t have to do everything yourself. It may have begun that way, but as time has gone on and you’ve grown, you have employed people. Thereforem you need to use them in the most time-saving and effective way. Rather than trying to do everything yourself, it’s crucial that you are able to let go of a little control and delegate the work. You’ll be amazed at how much time you can save when you do this, allowing you to work on the areas of business that are going to help it grow while the day-to-day running can be left to your team.

Of course, in order for this to happen in the right way and to save you time rather than add to your burden (and to preserve the reputation of your business), training is key. Give your staff the training they need. Then ask them to do tasks that relate to that training, and everyone will be able to work in the right way, boosting your business hugely.

Modern Maintenance: How to Keep Your Home Maintained Through Apps

Modern Maintenance: How to Keep Your Home Maintained Through Apps

Modern Maintenance: How to Keep Your Home Maintained Through Apps

Approximately 87% of the US population claimed that they want to purchase a home. 100 million of these people want to buy a home in five years and officially have a home title. While 27 million people claim that they want to do it this year. More and more Americans are seeing the benefits of owning their own home. It’s certainly good to have a place that you can call your own. However, you should know that the investments don’t stop the moment you have purchased your home. You still have to spend a couple of thousand dollars maintaining it.

Not many Americans are prepared for the expenses and the maintenance needed once they have purchased the home of their dreams. This leads to miscalculations and eventual bankruptcy. By knowing this, you should be prepared for the future of your home. Thankfully there are modern ways you can do this. One of them is through apps.

Home Management Apps

Everyone lives a busier life when compared to this before. Work has become way longer, and some people are willing to do longer hours for the sake of better pay. This better pay may go into debts they might have gained throughout the years or the recent mortgage they have gotten for their new house. This leaves very little time to maintain one’s home. If you found yourself in this dreadful situation, it’s time to consider using home management apps.

Home management apps offer a lot of services to homeowners. If you want particular areas of your home monitored, you can do so by having these apps. You can use these apps to give you certain manuals for different appliances. You can even use them to recall malfunctioning ones. Moreover, these apps can help you schedule various things, such as cleaning and repairing your home.

There are a lot of things these apps can do for you, even if you’re not home most of the time. These apps can also keep track of insurances you might have for your home. If your home was manufactured, then it should have home insurance. Some home management apps can confirm this for you. It may even help you set up a home insurance policy if you need it.

Home management apps can also help you out with your garden by monitoring the plants you have registered in it. By registering your plants into the app, you can know various things about it, such as taking care of it, how much water it needs, and what kind of fertilizer you can put in it. So if you’re looking to maintain both your home and your garden, these apps can help you out with that.

Furniture Apps

If you’re looking to furnish your home or maintain the current furniture you have right now, then you should consider downloading some furniture apps on your phone.

Buying furniture can be a hassle, especially during this pandemic when you can’t visit retail stores. This can be a nightmare if you’re looking to furnish your home with new pieces of furniture or if you’re planning to return some broken furniture to the shop. Thankfully, there are furniture apps that can help you out with that.

Furniture apps such as IKEA mobile have various functions that can help you maintain and furnish your home. Apps like this can help you visualize how some pieces of furniture can fit your house and if they actually fit in. Some apps even offer free delivery of the furniture to your home, making it great for this pandemic. Some of these apps can even hand you a manual by simply taking a picture of the box. This can help you out if you’re planning to assemble the furniture by yourself.

Furniture apps are great if you’re planning to add some new furniture into your home. It can also help you maintain and replace your furniture for years to come, without needing to go out and visit the retail store.

Smart Devices

Almost every American household nowadays is using smart devices to maintain their home. It’s a cheap and efficient way to ensure that your home’s appliances are functioning at an optimal level while also reducing expenses.

Smart devices are fairly cheap when compared to their significant impact on your home. They can monitor your electric usage, turn off appliances that you don’t need, and even clean your own home. There are many things these smart devices can do, and they work well alongside smart device management apps. Through these apps, you can manage all your appliances at home, even your HVAC and lighting systems as well. So you can schedule them when you need them.

If you don’t have these apps on your phone, you’ll be missing out a lot on your home maintenance. If you don’t maintain your home and appliances, your expenses may inflate in the next few years. Make sure to have these apps available on your phone to maintain your home the best way possible.