Business Improvement and Social media

I selected this article from Curatti written by Tony Zambito because it explains how outdated buyer insights can affect our B2B sales.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 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 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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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 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 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 Timothy (Tim) Hughes because it provides insights on how to best approach buyers through persona marketing.

Many potential customers do not make a purchase decision due to a lack of information and too much confusion about a product or service.

How Persona Marketing Affects Your Bottom Line

People respond when we listen and help solve their problems in a clear and effective way. I agree that businesses need to understand what their leads are looking for and why in order to better reach them.

Hughes explains what exactly persona marketing means from the customer's perspective.

Here's what caught my attention:

• Selling today is about social -- this means that businesses need to connect with their audience and engage them in conversation. It's people who make decisions -- not companies.

• Top performing sales agents use both research and social media to reach their prospects. These people are change makers and influencers who are looked up to as a trusted source.

• It is not persona marketing that is to blame for a lack of interest. Businesses can mislead or confuse their potential customers through a lack of information and attention.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Mark Thomasson because it provides several methods on how to be successful in generating more sales for your eCommerce website.

Detailed planning and preparation will help you drive more customers online.

Run a Successful eCommerce Website

When building a business online you want to prepare the same way you would for a brick and mortar one. I agree that in order to attract customers you need to include cohesive elements.

Thomasson shows the right elements that need to be in place in order to have a sales generating website.

Here's what caught my attention:

• Once you grasp the attention of your visitors with a mixture of eclectic content you can attract more leads for future sales. Includes stories from your target market along with original photos.

• Include creatively written descriptions with a major line of products for more sales. Use tracking tools to measure your results.

• There are a variety of commerce platforms to choose from for your business. Ready-made options can help you get started right away.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Paolo Fabrizio because it explains how to successfully engage your customers with great service on social media through mobile technology.

Improving customer service online is beneficial to growing your business.

Better Social Mobile Customer Experience

Your social media connections have specific expectations that need to be met. I agree that your business can better provide for your customers by understanding how they communicate on mobile.

Fabrizio shows you several ways to improve your customer service strategy through social mobile.

Here's what caught my attention:

• Interactions over social/mobile have gone up over the last few years. This has raised the bar on customer expectations as far as the speed of response and resolutions.

• It's important to know which social networks your customers are engaging in the most. This includes what type of device they use such as a laptop, tablet, phone, ect.

• Do not underestimate instant messaging apps for customer service. According to a report by Software Advice 75 percent of adults aged 35-44 in the U.S. look for support via their mobile devices.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Jenn Herman because it provides new insights into how to better connect with your Instagram community.

It's important to know who your followers are more than how many.

Improve Your Communication on Instagram

Mobile audiences are looking for authenticity. I agree that you can appeal to your prospects with benefits and rewards that show them you care.

Herman shows how to get to know your Instagram followers better in order to provide value.

Here's what caught my attention:

• The best type of follower can mean several things. It includes those who engage with your posts, how influential they are, and how likely they are to make a purchase from you.

• If you have been using Instagram for a while take a look at the activity that has already taken place to discover who your followers are. Make sure they are intersted in what you have to offer.

• Attract better followers through creative posts. Engage with your community and ask them questions. Tag specific people in your posts when mentioning something about them.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Raymond Morin because it provides predictures on consumer behavior in the next two years.

The influence of buyers has dramatically changed and will continue to evolve.

Understand The 'Generaction C' Consummer

Customers are more connected online than ever before. I agree that in order to grab their attention you need find out what they are looking for in a brand.

Morin shows the latest changes in consummer behavior and how to best meet their needs and desires.

Here's what caught my attention:

• The trust meter has gone down over the last few years. Today people rely on review and recomendations -- especially from family and friends.

• Content that is spread through social media has become the main source of information. These outlets are priority over traditional media.

• With mobile platforms like Snapchat and Instagram consummers now want instant information. This has also created an emergence of niche bloggers to meet the demand.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by John Jantsch because it provides insight into how to achieve your goals in generating new clients.

Lead funnels are great, but you still need a client generation system in place.

Why Your Business Is Not Experiencing Enough Sales

Building a profitable company takes several marketing methods in order to be truly effective. I agree that client lead generation is an essential part of growing your bottom line.

Jantsch explains why these techniques are important to attract the most leads and conversions.

Here's what caught my attention:

• You don't just want leads -- you want customers. You need  steady flow of the right people targeted for your business niche, not just a large influx of prospects.

• Build a system that generates a consistent appointments -- at least 10 to 12. Make sure these are qualified leads who are interested in what you have to offer.

• Create valuable content that will resonate with your audience. This is the workhorse for your lead generation system.

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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 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 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 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 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.

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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 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.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Wade Harman because it provides insights on compelling your audience to buy through the psychology of scarcity.

Consumers want to grab the next great product before it goes away.

How Scarcity Marketing Affects Buying Decisions

When products become a hot commodity online your customers will be more apt to make a purchase. I agree that understanding the psychology behind this can help your business leverage an effective marketing plan.

Harman explains the power behind this principle with the right methods to use.

Here's what caught my attention:

• The first thing to discover is what makes your audience tick -- what are their needs and desires? Use social listening tools to discover their conversations and questions.

• The fear of missing out is a powerful tool that businesses can take advantage of. When you limit something people tend to want it even more.

• It is worthwhile to adjust your advertising message to show the benefits to your customers. Emphasize the opportunity they would be leaving behind if they don't take advantage of it.

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Lead/Featured Image: Pixabay.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Asad Ali because it provides the latest information to help you improve your business website design.

Use this infographic to help your business stand out online.

Design Tips For Business Websites

In a competitive online world there are many different ways you can help capture and retain visitors. I agree that both your content and images need to be informative and attractive.

Ali goes over several website design tips that can help you attract more customers.

Here's what caught my attention:

• You need to have a clear Call to Action (CTA) such as specials, email newsletters, how-to guides, ect. Interactive tools are another great way to attract more leads.

• Give people at least 15 minutes to consume your content. Make sure the design is appealing by breaking up the text with images.

• When a visitor arrives to a business homepage they want to see information on the products and services first. Following that is the contact information, company information, testimonials, and then last is the marketing and social media channel links.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Tony Zambito because it provides insights on how digital and online information has transformed content marketing.

The idea of strategizing content has diminished over the last few years due to mobile and technology trends.

Why Context is More Important Than Content

Content should be tailored for your audience and what makes sense to them specifically. I agree that you can reach more people by reducing the amount of information being presented to them.

Zambito explains the basics of context in how it relates to today's online consumer.

Here's what caught my attention:

• In order to be effective marketers need to understand the method of a connected series of stories. These should involve goal-directed behaviors and activities of buyers.

• When it comes to effectively using context timing is critical. It's about what buyers are experiencing over time rather than a specific trigger.

• Understanding the goals of your audience will help you move toward context. Not doing so can lead to content marketing failure.

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Image: Courtesy of Tony Zambito.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Susan Gilbert because it explains how to improve your sales with target market research methods.

How to create a game plan to reach more customers for your business.

Increase Your Sales with Target Market Research

If your business has not seen enough growth then the problem might be in a lack of knowledge about your community. I agree that in order to get seen you need to find the right prospects for your niche.

Gilbert explains different methods of honing in on your target market for the best results.

Here's what caught my attention:

• It's important to use both quantitative data and qualitative data to maximize your research. This information provides insights such as consumer behavior and psychology.

• Good research enables you to be a great problem solver for your potential customers. As you offer them the right solution they will become a loyal tribe to your company.

• Use information from your blog and social media to add to your insights. Keep in mind the human factor and changing trends in your industry.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Veronica Hunt because it shows five A/B testing results from online stores.

You can gain a lot of useful knowledge through research of your eCommerce business.

A/B Testing for Online Businesses

It's important to get an accurate assessment of your website and sales. I agree that testing results can help us learn what is valuable to our customers.

Hunt shows us that the right information and metrics can provide a solid measurement baseline for improvement.

Here's what caught my attention:

• In the first test the number of sales increased after removing the promo code block. Customers left the website to search for deal codes on Google.

• During the third test revenue increased slightly when competitors' higher prices were placed next to the lower prices. If you prices are only slightly higher then you may lose your customers to the competition.

• The fifth experiment involved placing video on the landing page. The conversion rates increased by 4 percent -- using visuals can help your bottom line.

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