In a lot of the e-marketing and regular marketing that I have been reading about, it mentions email campaigns. I've been wondering what all that means and really entails. Like, I expect to get emails from companies that I know about and actively signed up to get their emails. But how do I reach people who might not know about my company yet?
Campaign monitor.com has a very visually appealing site with lots of good information on how to get going with an email campaign. It doesn't really expand on HOW to get the emails, other than ones you already have.
Neilpatel.com does go in depth a little more but still really relies on getting people to give you their email once they are at your site. One thing that was mentioned was making sure that your email is whitelisted, so that it doesn't get automatically blocked by major service providers.
More reading suggests that if you don't have a site or are starting out, you'd need to spend some money on an Opt-in list. And basically spam people that way. It could be dangerous, as target customers might have a negative opinion after getting your email in their junk mail or it might pay off and get someone to look at your site who you might not have gotten to by other means.
Sunday, November 18, 2018
Sunday, November 11, 2018
More on Marketing
Marketing online is such an easy way to go about marketing your company or your brand. This goes beyond a simple social media presence and looks at things like email campaigns and search engine marketing.
It isn't enough just to have posts and followers and "likes". Those clicks need to be able to turn into real revenue, either by customers buying things from your site or through pay-per-click advertising.
Content has to be in the right area at the right time.
Do you get in on a mailing list and send out 1000 emails? Do you piggy back off of a like minded other company, ideally one more successful than you? Do you pay to have your website featured on the first page of search engine listings?
7 Different types of Digital Marketing offers some ideas and suggestions.
Advantages and Disadvantages is another good site. They point out the disadvantages of e-marketing and only having an online presence. Sometimes people still want to have hands on , face to face time with a product and don't only want to interact online. Also, it takes time to keep everything online updated. It needs to stay fresh and current or can slip from the minds of potential customers, especially during the start up.
It isn't enough just to have posts and followers and "likes". Those clicks need to be able to turn into real revenue, either by customers buying things from your site or through pay-per-click advertising.
Content has to be in the right area at the right time.
Do you get in on a mailing list and send out 1000 emails? Do you piggy back off of a like minded other company, ideally one more successful than you? Do you pay to have your website featured on the first page of search engine listings?
7 Different types of Digital Marketing offers some ideas and suggestions.
Advantages and Disadvantages is another good site. They point out the disadvantages of e-marketing and only having an online presence. Sometimes people still want to have hands on , face to face time with a product and don't only want to interact online. Also, it takes time to keep everything online updated. It needs to stay fresh and current or can slip from the minds of potential customers, especially during the start up.
Sunday, November 4, 2018
Passive income for the winter
Now that we are coming up on Thanksgiving and working our way into winter, the garden slows down. That also means the income from anything growing on the farm slows down or outright stops.
We're still eating from the garden but we don't mind eating the tomatoes (because yes, we still have tomatoes growing) that have blemishes, or the turnips that are the size of a volleyball. Those are products that while perfectly fine to eat, aren't as easy to work with for the average consumer.
Last week, I shared some information about getting involved in stock photography and this week I'm thinking more on how to turn a blog into income.
There are a lot of blogs out there already and it would be an easy thing to add some of the pictures I'm already taking for the stock photos, to the blog. That would be a very niche way to separate my blog from others. It would take a lot of research into what is out there already and what is doing well, to determine what might be lacking. At this point, I think other than basically being willing to start documenting from the ground up, the only other difference is geography. I'm not sure of any others in the North Alabama/Southern Middle Tennessee area. So we'd just have a different perspective.
Being so close to the state line also offers twice as much learning about rules and regulations. All that can be shared in a blog, as well as the steps taken. But, this is only good if people can find your blog. One easy way is to pay to have the blog listed or actually get a domain name and real website. Basically, if it can't show up in an internet search, it doesn't exist. This is one of those "takes money to make money" types of things. This site, offers some nice things like tracking how many readers your page gets. It also offers "AdSense" which allows targeted ads to be in the blog, which can generate income.
Another way is to do a review or share a favorite brand or product. Mention enough times how much a certain brand of fencing or trowel or whatever works for you and you can turn that into a link where if your bases buys through the link, you get a little kickback.
It all still goes back to marketing principles and how to get your name and product out there, even if your product is a blog.
We're still eating from the garden but we don't mind eating the tomatoes (because yes, we still have tomatoes growing) that have blemishes, or the turnips that are the size of a volleyball. Those are products that while perfectly fine to eat, aren't as easy to work with for the average consumer.
Last week, I shared some information about getting involved in stock photography and this week I'm thinking more on how to turn a blog into income.
There are a lot of blogs out there already and it would be an easy thing to add some of the pictures I'm already taking for the stock photos, to the blog. That would be a very niche way to separate my blog from others. It would take a lot of research into what is out there already and what is doing well, to determine what might be lacking. At this point, I think other than basically being willing to start documenting from the ground up, the only other difference is geography. I'm not sure of any others in the North Alabama/Southern Middle Tennessee area. So we'd just have a different perspective.
Being so close to the state line also offers twice as much learning about rules and regulations. All that can be shared in a blog, as well as the steps taken. But, this is only good if people can find your blog. One easy way is to pay to have the blog listed or actually get a domain name and real website. Basically, if it can't show up in an internet search, it doesn't exist. This is one of those "takes money to make money" types of things. This site, offers some nice things like tracking how many readers your page gets. It also offers "AdSense" which allows targeted ads to be in the blog, which can generate income.
Another way is to do a review or share a favorite brand or product. Mention enough times how much a certain brand of fencing or trowel or whatever works for you and you can turn that into a link where if your bases buys through the link, you get a little kickback.
It all still goes back to marketing principles and how to get your name and product out there, even if your product is a blog.
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Diversifying revenue streams
One way that I've read about as an income stream is to take pictures for stock photos. There is a big market for that and like anything, there are some pictures that are worth more than others.
In this Business Insider article, they say to take pictures of "business, education, lifestyle, medical — anything that happens in life, if you take a picture or video of it, people need it".
Unsurprisingly, there are businesses that are built around taking valuable stock photos and also business that help newcomers to the game get their pieces sold.
It seems like such a fun thing to do on the side. A lot of people would love to be a photographer or really enjoy taking pictures and to find out you don't have to be some professional with several thousand dollars invested in gear and training, is really exciting.
"A 2017 Creative Trends Report from Shutterstock showed a rise in nostalgia-related images, and content around cybersecurity and VR." Also, pictures of people who look like every day people and from all walks of life are in demand.
In my real life, I currently work for a steel mill and I know pictures inside the mill would be in high demand. Any new publications we have internally all use the same handful of pictures - for years. Of course, any pictures taken would have to not show a company name or logo and couldn't show any proprietary technology.
This picture was taken by the woman interviewed in the article and it is one of her higest selling pictures - it is of her kids and their friends, at a festival.
Something to think about, if you are already taking pictures for marketing - take a few more and try to sell them as stock photos!
In this Business Insider article, they say to take pictures of "business, education, lifestyle, medical — anything that happens in life, if you take a picture or video of it, people need it".
Unsurprisingly, there are businesses that are built around taking valuable stock photos and also business that help newcomers to the game get their pieces sold.
It seems like such a fun thing to do on the side. A lot of people would love to be a photographer or really enjoy taking pictures and to find out you don't have to be some professional with several thousand dollars invested in gear and training, is really exciting.
"A 2017 Creative Trends Report from Shutterstock showed a rise in nostalgia-related images, and content around cybersecurity and VR." Also, pictures of people who look like every day people and from all walks of life are in demand.
In my real life, I currently work for a steel mill and I know pictures inside the mill would be in high demand. Any new publications we have internally all use the same handful of pictures - for years. Of course, any pictures taken would have to not show a company name or logo and couldn't show any proprietary technology.
This picture was taken by the woman interviewed in the article and it is one of her higest selling pictures - it is of her kids and their friends, at a festival.
Something to think about, if you are already taking pictures for marketing - take a few more and try to sell them as stock photos!
Sunday, October 21, 2018
Researching for Marketing
It has been incredibly interesting to do the research for starting a CSA in my area. in my case, i'm not trying to re-invent the wheel but I can definitely look at making the wheel better and getting it into the right hands. It has been reassuring to see that others have had the same idea and been able to make a go of it. It is also nice that there is a real community there of people who want to see other like minded people succeed in that area, as well. It might seem a little counter-intuitive to share your successes and failures but right now, CSA's and Farm to Table is growing enough that there is plenty of room for people to join and participate.
It does mean that marketing, specializing and diversifying are very important. If you start off like every other company, who will want to buy from you? What will set you apart? Most people will look at longevity and price, and probably not in that order. Money talks and people want to save where they can. That also means spending wisely and not buying from a company that won't delivery or that isn't tested and tried.
In the arena of new business, word of mouth and reviews will make such a difference.
It does mean that marketing, specializing and diversifying are very important. If you start off like every other company, who will want to buy from you? What will set you apart? Most people will look at longevity and price, and probably not in that order. Money talks and people want to save where they can. That also means spending wisely and not buying from a company that won't delivery or that isn't tested and tried.
In the arena of new business, word of mouth and reviews will make such a difference.
Sunday, October 14, 2018
Growing your business
It seems a little strange to be thinking about how to grow a business that hasn't started yet but there needs to be room for growth and development. A business can adapt and change and needs to, to survive.
One woman, Sheri Salatin, is the marketing director at Polyface Farms. She talks about how they had to diversify on their farm business. They had eggs and whole chickens. They firmly didn't want to cut up chickens and process them more but by listening to customers they realized that a lot of customers wanted the chickens processed more, either due to time or they really didn't realize that chickens had bones. They noticed a huge increase in sales, once they started cutting up their birds.
Sheri Salatin also speaks about knowing who you are marketing to. In their business, they realized that 90% of shoppers and food shoppers are women. As such, they need to market more to women. And they need to understand how women think and behave. Notably, most women are talkers. So they make an effort to talk to women and get away from the "beep" society that we live in. She says we get beeped at everywhere. Beeps at the checkout at the store, at the gas station, anywhere. Take the time to talk to your customers.
She also says part of this talking includes saying thank you. Thank you for your time, Thank you for your business.
She says to look at marketing in smaller, more manageable bites. Tell a friend, then another friend. Don't try to get 1000 people at once. Get one. And then one, and then one more. It will grow from there.
One woman, Sheri Salatin, is the marketing director at Polyface Farms. She talks about how they had to diversify on their farm business. They had eggs and whole chickens. They firmly didn't want to cut up chickens and process them more but by listening to customers they realized that a lot of customers wanted the chickens processed more, either due to time or they really didn't realize that chickens had bones. They noticed a huge increase in sales, once they started cutting up their birds.
Sheri Salatin also speaks about knowing who you are marketing to. In their business, they realized that 90% of shoppers and food shoppers are women. As such, they need to market more to women. And they need to understand how women think and behave. Notably, most women are talkers. So they make an effort to talk to women and get away from the "beep" society that we live in. She says we get beeped at everywhere. Beeps at the checkout at the store, at the gas station, anywhere. Take the time to talk to your customers.
She also says part of this talking includes saying thank you. Thank you for your time, Thank you for your business.
She says to look at marketing in smaller, more manageable bites. Tell a friend, then another friend. Don't try to get 1000 people at once. Get one. And then one, and then one more. It will grow from there.
Sunday, October 7, 2018
Impulse buying
Impulse buying is something that I think everyone is guilty of but some more than others.
It is hard to resist the BOGO call sometimes!
Impulse buying can be anything from gum or candy at the check out lane to clothes or electronics that seems to be on sale and can't be passed up - they are too good of a deal!
I think the idea of a deal or sale makes the shopping seem more urgent, since it is suddenly a limited time offer. This is used in many areas including car sales. How many people have been car shopping, been undecided and have had the salesperson tell them that the price is only good that day or that week? Lots of people, I imagine.
The thrill of the deal and the pressure makes people more susceptible to giving in to that impulse.
Marketing91 has an article with their 9 ideas that elaborate on impulse buying.
Some people are more prone to enjoying shopping and getting a rush and some emotional fulfillment from any kind of shopping, including impulse buying.
Some people are lured in by a well designed display. Either calm and orderly or brightly colored, either tactic can work, for the right audience.
Other factors that help are time and money. Simply put, if you have the time to shop - you will.
If you have the disposable income at hand, you'll find a way to spend it.
of course, that doesn't always stop some people. Which is why we have sch a huge credit card industry and so many people in debt. But that is another discussion.
One other area of impulse buying that I hadn't given much thought to is basically peer pressure. A friend or loved one will encourage you to get that item. Treat yo' self! You deserve it! It looks good on you! I'd get it, if it were me. You alone might not go on a shopping spree in the newest store, but once your friends are all getting several items, it seems that you are almost obligated to get something, as well.
Basically, pay attention to your shopping patterns. Make a list and stick to it. Never shop hungry or bored. Or maybe, allot yourself a budget - $5 for impulse buying.
It is hard to resist the BOGO call sometimes!
Impulse buying can be anything from gum or candy at the check out lane to clothes or electronics that seems to be on sale and can't be passed up - they are too good of a deal!
I think the idea of a deal or sale makes the shopping seem more urgent, since it is suddenly a limited time offer. This is used in many areas including car sales. How many people have been car shopping, been undecided and have had the salesperson tell them that the price is only good that day or that week? Lots of people, I imagine.
The thrill of the deal and the pressure makes people more susceptible to giving in to that impulse.
Marketing91 has an article with their 9 ideas that elaborate on impulse buying.
Some people are more prone to enjoying shopping and getting a rush and some emotional fulfillment from any kind of shopping, including impulse buying.
Some people are lured in by a well designed display. Either calm and orderly or brightly colored, either tactic can work, for the right audience.
Other factors that help are time and money. Simply put, if you have the time to shop - you will.
If you have the disposable income at hand, you'll find a way to spend it.
of course, that doesn't always stop some people. Which is why we have sch a huge credit card industry and so many people in debt. But that is another discussion.
One other area of impulse buying that I hadn't given much thought to is basically peer pressure. A friend or loved one will encourage you to get that item. Treat yo' self! You deserve it! It looks good on you! I'd get it, if it were me. You alone might not go on a shopping spree in the newest store, but once your friends are all getting several items, it seems that you are almost obligated to get something, as well.
Basically, pay attention to your shopping patterns. Make a list and stick to it. Never shop hungry or bored. Or maybe, allot yourself a budget - $5 for impulse buying.
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