Focus Group: Website Strategy!!
Two Focus groups: Economic Development and Network Sitcom Read more 
Dred Blogging? Yes!
But you want a successful website?
Then you need content… best way to get enough content is to blog.
I admit! I am definitely reluctant to blog. There are a list of reasons that come quickly to mind. I don’t consider myself a writer. Other than high school english, I haven’t had any schooling. And what of interest do I have to say? Nothing that is ready for a trade journal, magazine, or newspaper. Do I have enough time? Can’t put more than an hour into this. And who will read it? Not sure anyone will. But I do have a target audience. My target audience are the small business owners who are very busy and put all their energy into their business. And it is to those small business owners who believe they aren’t writers, believe no one is interested, fear they may make errors, believe they don’t have time, and much more that little voice in our heads whispers that causes us to stop. 
It is to you, the entrepreneurs of our community I am speaking! Share your knowledge online with us through blogging. I spend a good part of my time talking to you in my office. You know a lot of stuff! And you are passionate and driven! AND you need to continually focus your message to the continually changing business world. Why does a customer choose to buy from you! Talk on the blog about what you are talking about in your store. See what the responses are…or the questions. Immediate primary research by going directly to your community.
So I am done for today! This took 30 minutes. Came pretty quickly because it is a subject I have talked about lately to several people. Blog about what you are thinking about, talking about, or are excited about. Makes it easy. And remember, it isn’t going on the front of the NY Times. It isn’t even going on the front of the Livingston Daily Press & Argus. But it just might have an effect on someone. Someone might read it. And it will add content that is connected to your website to improve your SEO!
So trust me. Have the passion to build a business? You have much interesting to say! And so do your employees or others on your team. Bring your online presence to life by talking about your day-to-day business world.
Let me know if you would like some feedback. But mostly go with your intuition. Write simply. Don’t write to impress. And decide to blog on a regular basis!
Behaviors and Attitudes in Livingston County
Opportunity to Speak at the Entreprenuer’s Forum
Just back from the Entrepreneur’s Forum where the focus was on website and social media strategy at Cleary University. Because most businesses attending the program are selling to Livingston County residents, I decided to get the latest research on the behaviors and beliefs that provide information to bring into a marketing plan.
The following list of behaviors and beliefs prevalent in Livingston County residents.
- Try to buy goods produced by own country
- How I spend time is more important than money
- Advertising to kids is wrong
- Like spending most time home with family
- Only go shopping to buy something I really need
- Prefer to buy products from specialty stores
- Prefer specialty stores because of employee knowledge
- Prefer specialty stores because they have the best brands
- Always look for brands
- Like to stand out in a crowd
Don’t just settle for general demographic information. If you know the lifestyle, beliefs, and attitudes, incorporate that information into your website and social media posts. Decisions are made quickly and often for emotional reasons. Your customers care about their time, they care about buying quality products produced close to home, and they love a great experience where they can get the help they need and products they recognize. Be sure to let your customers know you can offer both the products and the experience they want!
Livingston County shoppers care about where the products you are selling are made. They also treasure their time and both shop and research online. Get this information upfront when you think about content on your website. Highlight locally produced goods and educate about the quality and image of your brands. Always think through your customer’s eyes!!
To discuss ways to incorporate this information into your marketing strategy, contact Nancy Johnson, 810-227-5086.
Feeling Empowered Today?
Ever feel like you are stuck? Yes! Know what turns that all around? Find something that provides you a new option, opens up a new door, or do something you never thought was possible.
I came home one Friday night and decided to check out how to set up a blog. And during the process learned I could set up a website and blog and was hooked! I had put too much time into trying to make an old, outdated website productive. Definitely didn’t have the bells and whistles that makes it so much easier today! Read more
Monthly Report to the City of Brighton DDA on September 18th
Website/Social Media report to the City of Brighton DDA Tuesday! Great to be a part of a team working for the good of a community.
