Business Improvement and Social media

Here are a few best-in-class solutions for collecting data from and about your customers.

I selected this article from Curatti written by John Jantsch because it explains how to improve your marketing strategy by answering 4 questions.

Developing a marketing strategy for your business can be a challenge -- you need to know where to start and what to focus on.

Answer These 4 Marketing Questions

Many advertisers find themselves getting stuck when it comes to developing a successful marketing strategy. I agree that in order to attain your goals you need to first understand where to begin.

Jantsch provides four ways your business can discover the best plan.

Here's what caught my attention:

• Find out what your personal "why" is. As yourself how you are going to change the world and which things you want to make right. This helps you to see which gaps you are filling.

• To develop a brand story you need to understand your audience, personality, who the hero is, and what your journey will be.

• Make deliverables and expectations clear to your audience so they know what to look forward to. Remove any ambiguity in order to foster an enjoyable working relationship.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Susan Gilbert because it shows you great tools to help improve your blog, LinkedIn strategy, and lead generation.

Reach more customers and increase your subscribers with these great resources for business.

12 Tools Your Business Can Use to Drive More Sales

With the right tools you can reach more prospects. I agree that in order to build a business online it's important to take advantage of what's available.

Gilbert provides the best tools to help make your business more profitable online.

Here's what caught my attention:

• If you use Gmail for customer communication then you will enjoy adding Clearbit. This tool provides insights on your prospects such as company information and contact details.

• Build better relationships through establishing trust. Crystal gathers personality reports, and delivers professional coaching advice for improved communication.

• Convert more leads into paying customers with SalesLoft. This tool combines your marketing strategy on social media, through email, and offline sales.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Andy Capaloff because it explains how to understand your customers from their perspective.

We need to provide the same level of customer service that we would want to receive.

Improve Your Customer Relationships

In order to be a successful business we need to reach our customers where they are at. I agree that you can create a better experience by understanding their needs and desires.

Capaloff explains how to get into the minds of your customers by putting yourself in their shoes.

Here's what caught my attention:

• Ask yourself the same questions a customer would ask. Things like, "would you buy from you?" and "do your own employees with discounts make purchases from your company?"

• We are ultimately selling to people, and so we need to humanize our brand. That means we take care of the buyer before and after the sale.

• The customer experience is important no matter what size your business is. Make it easy for them to make a purchase with a helpful attitude.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Orla Forrest because it explains how to run a smart SMS marketing campaign with better results.

You can reach your prospects through specific SMS strategies.

Exploring the Mobile SMS Marketing Method

When a business sends out a marketing text message it can get either get deleted or missed. I agree that your customers will respond as you reach them with the right approach.

Forrest shows you several ways to improve your SMS marketing strategy for more sales.

Here's what caught my attention:

• You will have more coupon redemption rates if you are sending a message to an email subscriber. On demand coupons have an even greater response.

• Because almost all customers own a mobile phone it is very easy to have them act upon a promotion sent via text. People can store these in their phone and easily access them for later.

• Tailor your coupons for every day consumer related products. Be sure to personalize the message and send 3 to 4 texts a month.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Patrick Foster
 because it explains the difference between B2B and B2C in eCommerce.

It's important to know how and why customers interact on your business website.

The Difference Between Buyer Journeys and Customers

When building a business in the digital age you need to understand how your prospects are making purchasing decisions and why. I agree that both B2B and B2C play into eCommerce websites.

Foster explains what causes your customers to make a purchase and how to improve your approach.

Here's what caught my attention:

• In B2B purchasing there is always a problem that needs to be solved within a business. Buyers in this situation want to look for the best deal and product or service for their employers.

• A B2C website is usually aimed at capturing the reader's attention right away. The next step is to convince them to make a purchase.

• It takes account management to make a B2B sale work along with relationship management. In B2C it's all about customer service and followup via email. 

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Shelly Kramer because it provides insights on the way people interact on social media from their devices.

The world of technology has shifted in the way we conduct our marketing online

How Second Screen Social Affects Social Media

Most consumers use multiple platforms to get their information and make purchases. I agree that marketers should fully understand how their audience is viewing brands.

Kramer explains how we have evolved into using several different devices in our social interactions.

Here's what caught my attention:

• Americans under the age of 65 are watching less and less television each year. Television apps are now all the rage with over 200 new channels having been created.

• The heaviest users of social media are women ages 35 to 49 (the Generation X women). These people are more likely to make an online purchase than non-social media users.

• In order to reach your target audience you need to now have a creative approach. This means businesses can  market to both television and social media users.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by John Jantsch because it explains how buyers are drawn to stories about them -- not the brand.

Create a story that will grab your ideal customer's attention.

New Customer Approaches for Content

Stories have the power to cause large groups of people to take action. I agree that in order to reach more leads you need to approach them on their level through targeted content.

Jantsch explains how to make the story of your audience core to your brand.

Here's what caught my attention:

• Begin by knowing what your brand represents. What is the one thing that you can offer over the competition? Your message should compel your audience to care.

• Create a picture of your ideal customer or buyer persona. This will help you to better visualize who your target market is and what drives them to action.

• Use story as a narrative to guide the customer through a journey. This will show them exactly how you can solve their problems.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Katherine Crayon
 because it shows you how your website design can impact your business sales.

The look of your eCommerce website directly affects your business's revenue.

Attract More Customers with a Better Website Design

To convert your leads into sales your website needs to immediately attract visitors. I agree that both optimization and design work together to achieve this goal.

Crayon explains 10 different ways your eCommerce business can make improvements to your website.

Here's what caught my attention:

• You can track down your conversion problems by conducting a conversion audit. It is well worth the investment in order to find out where the holes are in your website.

• A slow loading speed will drive prospects away. Make sure all of your pages load quickly and that it is easy for your visitors to find your products.

• People use various devices to access websites. Find out which ones your visitors use including clicks and scrolling activity. 

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This post was sponsored by Template Monster

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Susan Gilbert because it provides insight into how to improve your email marketing with 15 different approaches.

Improve your open rates by catching the reader's attention.

Send Out Emails That Get Opened

You can improve your chances of your business emails being seen by using creativity and enticing content. I agree that this will help reduce your bounce rates and improve your reach.

Gilbert provides 15 tips in a helpful infographic with bonus tips covering email subject lines.

Here's what caught my attention:

• Tell a recent story your business experienced. Point out what you learned and how it changed your approach. People are drawn to transparency.

• Write about something simple that the reader can do right away. For example, a ten minute workout that they can begin now.

• Provide a hint about a new product release. Building anticipation makes great content and increase your sales once you launch your product.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Raymond Morin because it explains the latest results by PR Newswire in their study of CEO credibility.

How business leaders are perceived online today.

The All-Time Low of Trust in Leadership

Most people have come to distrust "the system." I agree that this raises questions on how we can better reach our community.

Morin explains the details of the study and sounds the alarm for business leaders to pay attention.

Here's what caught my attention:

• The public has generally lost confidence in all institutions of society over the last year. This is the case with 20 out of 28 countries.

• Some of the main culprits of mistrust are tax avoidance, overcharging for basic needs, and erosion of quality. There has only been a 7 point increase in the United States in 2016.

• The most credible spokespersons today are the employees. These are the people who spread the company messages and who handle customer service.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Paolo Fabrizio because it explains how to choose the right platform to handle customer service through social media.

Interacting with your customers takes attention to all digital channels where they are active.

Establish a Successful Social Customer Service System

Being attentive and involved with your customers is the key to growth and trust in your business. I agree that you can better provide for them by choosing the right management system.

Fabrizio shows you several ways to improve your customer service on social media with the right platform.

Here's what caught my attention:

• Create a plan of action before choosing a platform. This enables your business to make the right decisions at the right time -- especially when a team is involved.

• When looking at various services you will want to take a look at their capabilities. This includes omni-channel support, in-depth analytics, and whether is it fully scalable.

• There are a few things that are essential when choosing a social customer service platform. Things such as CRM integration, tasks allocation, sentiment interactions tracking, and more.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Bryan Kramer because it provides insights on how human experiences still rule over automation.

Understanding the human experience in the age of technology

Are You Relying Too Much on Automation?

We are experiencing new technological advances like never before. I agree that in order to reach your customers in the digital age you need to connect with them on a human level.

Kramer explains how to make meaningful connections and understand the balance of technology.

Here's what caught my attention:

• We are able to keep in touch with our community even more today online, but we can easily miss personal contact through this. In person meetings are still the best way to reach people.

• We are always on the hunt for more context and meaning. This is necessary to fully understand someone -- these subtleties are not possible with communication online.

• With the rise of chatbots we can lose the art of persuasion. Humans still crave understanding, and knowing that your business is actively listening to them.

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Image: Courtesy of TechCrunch.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Tony Zambito because it explains how outdated buyer insights can affect our B2B sales.

You can reach your prospects through a better understanding of why customers make a purchase.

Exploring the B2B Buyer Journey

The digitization of business has changed the buyer landscape significantly. I agree that your customers will respond as you reach them where they are at.

Zambito shows you several ways to gain better insights on your prospects and how to improve your B2B sales.

Here's what caught my attention:

• B2B companies have to come to the realization that they are living within their own digital bubble. This includes over-reliance on activity-based data intelligence.

• Digital transformation is felt mostly in channels and distribution. For example, the way consumers purchase a book is now far different than in the past.

• Cloud-based platforms are now affecting how people take action and make decisions. A new virtual dependence is emerging merging users and buyers into one.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Robin Singh because it explains how to create a knowledge based website.

Your readers are seeking information that they can learn from.

Grow Your Website with a Knowledge Base Approach

You can increase your sales by offering solid information. I agree that it's beneficial to include valuable content on your website.

Singh provides 9 reasons your business should include a knowledge based strategy.

Here's what caught my attention:

• High quality content helps you to support your customers better. This increases the satisfaction rate as you place yourself in their shoes.

• Google will find your website valuable when you publish helpful content. This will increase your search ranking as a result.

• There will be fewer support requests when you offer informative articles on your website. When customers find what they are looking for there is no longer a need to ask for help.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Joan Selby because it provides insights into how to effectively create a strong email marketing plan.

It's important for your business to have an effective email marketing plan in order to generate more sales.

Email Marketing Success Strategies

In order to reach more prospects you need to produce quality communication. I agree that it's important to pay attention to any errors and spelling mistakes.

Selby explains the most serious blunders marketers can make in their email campaigns and the right approach to take.

Here's what caught my attention:

• In order to make a true impact include strong visuals in your emails. This is because most people use their mobile devices to read your messages.

• Avoid writing something that is over-promotional. Instead, appeal to the customer's needs and how your business can help them.

• Limit the amount of text in your emails in order to improve your open rates. Make your message clear, concise, and to the point.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Paolo Fabrizio because it explains how to answer your customers the right way online.

Some words can "add fuel to the fire" when it comes to engaging in customer service.

Improve Your Customer Communication

You can answer your customers with the right response. I agree that you can foster better relationships by using the right wording.

Fabrizio shows you several ways to improve your online communication for better feedback and results.

Here's what caught my attention:

• Take responsibility of handling an issue even if the person is not actual customer. Help them to take action and then follow up with them.

• Go the extra mile when it comes to a making a purchase -- even if the product is not currently available. Do whatever you have to do the help the experience become a positive one.

• Instead of just explaining a policy try to find an alternate solution. There may be something better for the customer to take advantage of.

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Good post on what makes a brand shareable on social media

Good post on what makes a brand shareable on social media

I selected this article from Curatti written by Joan Selby because it provides insights into how to effectively use video and multimedia to capture your audience's attention.

Bring more to your content marketing through the power of interaction.

Visual Content Marketing Success Strategies

A blog post can stand out from the rest by including a strong video that captures the reader's attention. I agree that you need to include visuals in order to take your marketing to the next level.

Selby explains the impact of interactive content on your business marketing reach.

Here's what caught my attention:

• Get into the thinking of your customer through infographics, educational webinars, 'how to' videos, ect.. The establishes awareness for your brand.

• Make your titles interesting and compelling. Then the reader will want to take the time to take action such as engaging in a poll or quiz.

• Find the best channels to distribute your interactive content. Don't waste your time by publishing to a dead network.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Megan Arevalo because it explains how customer opinion can increase your business sales.

Most online shoppers will read a review first before making a buying decision.

Improve Your Sales with Online Reviews

Feedback has the power to make or break a sale for an online shopper. I agree that in order to be successful you need to encourage positive reviews.

Arevalo explains how to leverage customer opinion in your favor.

Here's what caught my attention:

• A positive review can help improve your search engine ranking and boost your business up to the top pages of Google. This provides customers quick access to your business online.

• About 68 percent of millennials prefer online reviews to advertising. Authentic and positive feedback can increase your business sales by as much as 18 percent.

• A good review can encourage customer engagement. This is due to the fact that they will be more willing to take another step with your business.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Michael Brenner because it provides insight on how to build an authentic brand that your audience will love.

Make your brand more attractive by humanizing the persona.

Effectively Reach Your Target Market

Trusted recommendations can help attract customers to your brand. I agree that you can accomplish this by creating incentives for influencers to share what you have to offer.

Brenner goes over how to improve the 'likability' factor for your business marketing.

Here's what caught my attention:

• Many people don't trust anyone trying to sell to them. You need to humanize your content in order to reach them in an trustworthy way.

• Talk to your customers in real-time, one-on-one. Answer their questions with helpful advice when they visit your website.

• We are not influenced by celebrities --- we take notes from each other. Encourage your community to make referrals and leave positive reviews.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Wade Harman
 because it shows you how your website performance can impact your influence and sales.

Your landing page directly affects your business's bottom line.

Your Website May Be Lagging Behind

To convert your subscribers your website needs to run efficiently for your visitors. I agree that a poor execution will drive down precious sales.

Harman provides an explanation on how this can directly affect your bottom line.

Here's what caught my attention:

• A website that crashes due to a lack of scalability will lose customers. This is enough to send them shopping at the competition instead.

• You can go out of business if too many potential buyers are leaving. This will impact your marketing campaign as well if you're not keeping up with the demand.

• A poorly run website could lose loyal customers. Repeat buyers are the bread and better to many online businesses.

Selected by Jan Gordon for Curatti covering Curation, Social Business and Beyond

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Susan Gilbert because it provides insight into how to improve your email marketing with 15 different approaches.

Improve your open rates by catching the reader's attention.

Send Out Emails That Get Opened

You can improve your chances of your business emails being seen by using creativity and enticing content. I agree that this will help reduce your bounce rates and improve your reach.

Gilbert provides 15 tips in a helpful infographic with bonus tips covering email subject lines.

Here's what caught my attention:

• Tell a recent story your business experienced. Point out what you learned and how it changed your approach. People are drawn to transparency.

• Write about something simple that the reader can do right away. For example, a ten minute workout that they can begin now.

• Provide a hint about a new product release. Building anticipation makes great content and increase your sales once you launch your product.

Selected by Jan Gordon for Curatti covering Curation, Social Business and Beyond

Image: Courtesy of 123rf.

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Read full article here: http://ow.ly/ny2K309v0f0

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Tony Zambito because it explains how to digital transformation has changed the way businesses understand their customers.

The new digital-centric world and customer reach.

New Customer Approaches Emerge in the Digital Age

If your business has been online for any amount of time you already know how emerging trends have changed the customer journey. I agree that in order to reach them you need to approach them on their level.

Zambito explains different methods of reaching your audience in the midst of a digital age.

Here's what caught my attention:

• Just sixteen years ago the business landscape was very different. Today digital technology has shifted buyer persona development and insight gathering.

• In order to reach customers today there needs to be new thinking and new approaches in place. This needs to go beyond analytics tools and outdated sales practices.

• The what, how and why of your audience must now be measured through observation. Words are far less effective in measurement -- it's action that counts.

Selected by Jan Gordon for Curatti covering Curation, Social Business and Beyond

Image: Courtesy of 123RF.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Martin Shervington because it explains how to successfully connect with your customers.

True marketing today is based on customer service online

Bring More to Your Clients

Being active and involved with your customers is the key to growth in sales. I agree that your business can better provide for them by staying on top of questions and feedback.

Shervington shows you several ways to improve your customer service strategy through relationship building.

Here's what caught my attention:

• When using social listening your business will need to pay attention to both the facts and the emotions of your community in order to be effective in meeting their needs.

• Evaluate your current sales process and how you are following up with your customers. Find out what results this is producing -- more than likely this can be improved upon.

• If your company includes a team or employees make use of their knowledge and expertise. This provides a friendly atmosphere for your clients.

Selected by Jan Gordon for Curatti covering Curation, Social Business and Beyond

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