Design 2 - Old City Web Services

4 Ways to Prepare Businesses for the Holidays

September 10, 2017 by anoadmin

Prepare your business for the holidays

Fall is just a few days away, and that means the holidays will be here before you know it. While it seems like we’re still in the midst of summer, people start prepping for the holidays months in advance. According to the National Retail Foundation, more than half of consumers begin research in September and October or earlier.

If you haven’t already done so, now is a great time to prepare your business for the biggest shopping days of the year. Small adjustments now could make a big impact when it comes to your overall holiday sales. Just as the number of people shopping will increase drastically, so will your competition. So, how do you stand out?

Plan out your holiday advertising.

Now is the time to plan out how you are going to spend your holiday advertising budget. Take a look at where your current customer base is coming from. What is the most effective way to reach them? There are a multitude of ways you can advertise including print publications, online advertisements such as Google Ads, advertising through websites such as OldCity.com, social media marketing campaigns, and more.

Take advantage of the biggest shopping days.

It goes without saying that there are a few days in the holiday season that seem to have become a holiday of their own. We’re talking about Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday. What makes these days so popular? Fantastic deals and the appeal of getting most, if not all, of your holiday shopping done in a matter of hours. It’s all about convenience these days.

So, how do you compete?

Know which days you want to target. You don’t have to participate in each of the four days. Choose which of the four match up with your company. For example, if you have a local boutique, Small Business Saturday would be perfect for you. And if you have an online shopping website, you could also participate in Black Friday or Cyber Monday.
Decide ahead of time which deals you will be offering. Making decisions months in advance allows you the opportunity to make sure you have plenty of inventory in stock.
Advertise this through your website, social media accounts, and emails. The only way your customers or potential customers will know about your sales is if you tell them, so spread the word.

Invest in SEO now to be found later.

We can’t stress this enough. Investing in Search Engine Optimization is key to being found online. You could have the best website, but, without SEO, it’s likely not too many people will see it. By incorporating SEO now, you’re giving your website time to build ranking among search engines – the better the ranking, the better chance your audience has of finding you.

Make sure your website is efficient and up-to-date.

The holiday season is a time to put your best foot forward and make sure your website is in order. Last year, 44 percent of shopping during Thanksgiving weekend took place online. Your website says just as much about you as your brick and mortar store does. It’s often the first impression you make to potential customers, so it’s best to make sure it reflects your business well.

Check to make sure you have the following:

Responsiveness
- Is your site easy to navigate? Does it work well on all devices?
An efficient checkout process
- Make sure your checkout process is quick and simple. A slow or complicated check out could lose a sale and a customer.
Current design
- When was the last time you updated your website or logo? Does your website reflect your business? It is important for all aspects of your business to be cohesive, and since more people will be looking at your website during the holiday season, there's never been a better time to consider upgrading your look.
Good quality photos
- When people are shopping online, they equate the quality of the photo to the quality of the product. It's really all they have to go on, so it has to be well-done.
Relevant, well-written content
- When was the last time you updated your content? Take a few minutes to read through your website. Could it use some refreshing? Well-written content not only paints a picture for your customers but also helps you with your ranking online. The organic use of relevant keywords helps boost your rankings with search engines.
Current on updates and maintenance
- Is your site working to its potential? If not, now is the best time to perform updates and maintenance on your site.

We can help.

Planning for the holidays while trying to run a business can be overwhelming. Let us help you! Whether you need an updated website, photos for your products or services, help with SEO, or a strategic marketing campaign, our team is here to help with any project you may have. Contact us today for a free consultation to help you get prepared for the holiday season!

Make an Impact with Your Rack Card

March 14, 2017 by anoadmin Leave a Comment

Our rack card designed for Animal Emergency Hospital of St. JohnsRack cards have been around for years and have become a staple of hotel lobbies, visitors centers, and, generally, anywhere there is a lot of foot traffic. Remember your last vacation to a new place? Sure, you may have planned out some spots you wanted to visit ahead of time, but as you checked in the hotel, it was probably hard not to stop at the display of brightly colored cards sporting attractions, restaurants, shops, and everything in between.

Here's the question: How did you decide which cards to pick up and which ones to ignore?

As a business, competition is everywhere. But in the case of rack cards, your competition is literally inches away. It's easy to get lost and looked over if you make a misstep in the design process.

So, how do you make your card stand out and get picked up?

We're here to help.

Just like with any other way of advertising your business, rack cards can be a useful marketing tool if done right and taken seriously. People make their choices in seconds of what they like and don't like - that's how long you have to make an impact.

Our rack card designed for Pearl of the Sea Luxury Bed & Breakfast

Here are our top qualities for an eye-catching rack card:

Make a good first impression

Most of the time in a rack card display, very little of the card is actually visible upon first glance. That's great to keep in mind when you are in the design process. If you only have about a 2 in. by 4 in. space to get someone's attention, how are you going to do it? A good rule of thumb is to instantly let someone know who you are. Typically, putting your logo at the top is a good choice. Sometimes, business owners put pictures at the top, but it can get confusing. Let's say you own a kayaking company and put pictures of people kayaking. Sure, customers instantly recognize kayaks, but that still doesn't tell who you are.

Use strong pictures

People are visual creatures. Striking photos have a better chance of getting their attention in a matter of seconds than words. So, think about that when designing your card. Your main image needs to feel strong and make an impact while also conveying what your business is all about. It doesn't matter how beautiful your picture is if it is irrelevant to your business. Pictures are worth a thousand words, and if you get it right, that means less words you have to use to get your point across. For example, if you own a restaurant known for its amazing dishes, it would make more sense to showcase your best food than to show the dining room for your main image.

Display your company name prominently

If you're going to make the effort of designing, printing, and distributing a rack card, it's important to make sure people know who you are immediately. Don't make them search for your logo or company name. While this may seem like common sense, it can also be a common mistake. It's easy to get caught up in the pictures, text, and bright colors and forget that your name isn't front and center. Don't bury it in the text or at the bottom of the card. If people see pictures and paragraphs but no company name, it can lead to confusion and too much work for a customer.

Keep it clear and concise

When it comes to rack cards, less is more. Just as your picture and logo need to quickly relay who you are, so do the words you choose to use. Flooding people with text will turn them off quickly from reading your card. Give them the main things they need to know about you. And remember, you have two sides to the card, so don't feel like you have to fit everything on one side.

Important things to include:

Short phrase supporting your mission
Phone number
Website
Address
Photos that express who you are
Something you want to feature as one of the top assets of your business
Coupons can also be a great addition to attract new customers

Make sure it is up to date

If you've updated your brand or website, it is important to make sure all of your marketing materials are current as well. This prevents confusion, keeps things uniform, and gives you a chance to highlight new fun things about your business!

Other uses for rack cards

Hand them out if you are at a convention promoting your business
Use them to hand out if you sponsor events
Give them to new clients when they visit you for the first time

Before you print

Make sure you know how you will be using your cards. This will give you a good idea of the quantity you will want. Also, be sure if you plan on putting your cards in other businesses or visitors centers that you go through the proper protocols beforehand. Each place of business has a different set of rules for allowing people to display their cards.

Rack cards don't have to be complicated. Let us help you! At Old City Web Services, we concentrate on putting together stunning designs that convey who you are. We work with you throughout the design process to stay true to your mission and vision. Visit our Work page to see other rack cards we've designed for our clients. Contact us for a free consultation to get started!

Tips for an Eye-Catching Business Card

March 7, 2017 by anoadmin Leave a Comment

Business cards - every professional has one, but how many of them actually make an impression? Having business cards is common sense as a professional, but if you're not putting thought into them, you're missing the point.

Instead of thinking about a business card as just another thing you have to do in business, think of it this way: Your business card is a visual representation of your company and an extension of your brand.

So, answer this question: When you hand someone your card, what reaction will they have?

If your card is like all the other ones they've received, it's likely to end up in the trash instead of in their wallet.

A business card isn't just a means of giving someone your contact information. If they keep it, they'll likely see it again in the future which will keep you on their mind.

So, how do you stand out and utilize your business card as an extension of your company's marketing?

Here are our top tips for an eye-catching business card:

Think outside of the rectangle

The standard business card is a horizontal rectangle. It makes sense. It fits easily into a wallet. But it's become so commonplace, that it can easily get lost among others. An easy fix for this is to play around with different shapes and sizes of cards. A small change in shape can make a big difference. Recently gaining popularity is the square business card - some of which have rounded edges. If you think about it, it's not really that much of a change. But the shape will catch someone's attention. What if you made a card half the usual size? While you might not be able to fit as much information as a typical card, you'll probably make a bigger impact.

It's all in the details

Cardstock is one of the most common types of materials used to make business cards. While there's nothing wrong with using cardstock, people are used to it. It's the norm. This gives you another opportunity to stand out. During the design process, think about texture and thickness of the card. Giving someone a card that feels different and has more weight to it will help increase the chance that they will actually examine the card. This way, you're playing into two of a person's senses instead of one. Even a change as simple as making your card vertical as opposed to horizontal will cause you to stand out.

Have fun with it

If there ever were a time to take risks, it would be with your business card. Creative risks can pay off big time, especially if those you hand your cards to receive stacks of them per week. If you give them something they haven't seen before, you're going to stand out in the best way.

Ultimately, your card should represent who you are. Your business is unique, and your card should be as well. Design should be a fun process. If you're a photographer, use one side of your card to showcase your photography. If you own a painting company, make one side look like a paint swatch. If you are a writer, you could make your card look like a typewriter. The options are endless.

The perks of hiring a designer to craft your card:

You get a unique design.
They can take your ideas and turn them into reality.
You will end up with a quality product you'll be proud to hand out.

Here at Old City Web Services, we focus on creating unique designs that reflect who you are and make an impact. Contact us to schedule a free consultation and let us help you come up with a timeless design today.

How to Compete with Large Companies

February 28, 2017 by anoadmin

If you own a small business, you may think that your only competition is fellow small businesses. That couldn't be further from the truth. These days, there are so many options for consumers. This means customers can afford to be picky and shop around. Chances are, there are other businesses doing what you do within a short drive. Customers will most likely read reviews and check out your website or social media before stepping foot in your store.

If people are going to give you their business, they want to know that they're making the best choice. And with large corporations out there who obviously have a great marketing plan and national and international followings, this can be intimidating. But it doesn't have to be.

So, how do you stand out and prove you're their best choice?

Design and Branding

You don't have to have a multi-million dollar budget to make a big impact. It isn't about how much money you spend but how you spend it. It's about making your budget work for you and working with the right team to help guide you to success. Investing in a quality logo and clean website can put you on the same level as the sizeable companies you're competing with. When it comes to who to give their business to, first impressions could not matter more. A professional looking brand builds trust with a consumer. They make the correlation between quality of brand and quality of product or service. If your brand isn't quite up to the level of your competition, they might associate that feeling with what you have to offer.

Advertising

So, maybe you don't have a nationwide following - that's ok. Once again, it's not about how much money you spend but about where and how you spend it. Effective advertising is all about knowing who your target audience is and investing in ways that will get their attention. Are you a hotspot for tourists? Then it might be a great idea to place advertisements in city maps and hotel rack cards. Facebook advertising is also a handy tool that allows you to set your own budget, how long you'd like your ad to run, and the exact audience you'd like to target. There is no concrete way to advertise. It all depends on your business and your mission.

Social Media

Social media is one of the easiest ways to get on top of your game with your customers. While you can do paid advertising on social media, there are many ways to utilize the free services available to your advantage. Social media really allows you to be involved in your community, connect and build relationships. Anyone can advertise a business, but it takes effort to do it effectively. Today's consumers are focused on connections and authenticity.

Show some behind-the-scenes shots of what it takes to make your business run.
Introduce customers to your team members.
Do a customer appreciation spotlight.
Ask for your customer's input on products and services.

As a small business, you have the advantage of knowing your customers and being involved on a daily basis. Use that to your full advantage.

Involvement with community/target audience

One of the best ways to market your business in your community is to partner up with other businesses. If you have a chocolate shop, maybe pair up with a wine bar for a chocolate and wine tasting event. If you have a bakery, talk to local coffee shops to see if you can sell some of your baked goods at their shop and, in return, sell their coffee at your shop. Partnering with area businesses is a great way to get your name out there, network with other entrepreneurs, and have customers associate your name with other reputable companies. It's a win-win.

At Old City Web Services, our mission is to help our clients succeed and stand out. We offer comprehensive design and development services that allow our customers' businesses to live up to their full potential. Once we've helped build your brand, we offer marketing services as well. We can put together a unique marketing plan just for your business. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us show you how we can help your business succeed!

4 Reasons To Hire A Graphic Designer

February 21, 2017 by anoadmin Leave a Comment

DIY - you hear it all the time. Whether it's on home improvement shows or starting up a business or even building a website. When you have your own business, money is a top priority, so it can make sense to go the "do it yourself" route. The more work you can do yourself saves you money and, in turn, makes you a bigger profit, right? Well, not always.

While cutting corners and being frugal are admirable endeavors, there are some scenarios in which hiring a professional will save you from a major headache down the road. One of the scenarios when it's best to leave it to the professionals is when doing graphic design for your business.

Why Should You Hire A Graphic Designer?

Time is of the essence

As a business owner, you know that time has value. While your mind is going in a million directions trying to run your business, it can be hard to give any one area 100 percent of your undivided attention. A lot of business owners who are crafty try to design their logo or website themselves. But what ends up happening is you spend your whole day running your business and then try to work on it a little in your very rare spare time. Running your business is obviously what takes precedence and makes it easy to put your branding on the back burner. Your logo, website, and graphics represent who you are. This is how your business makes its first impression. A graphic designer does this for a living. This is their area of expertise. They have the time to give your project all of their energy to make it the best that it can be. The way your business comes across online can positively or negatively impact your potential customers' view of you.

Saving money up front could cost you later

There are many website builders and people offering low-cost logo design services out there. For many, this can seem like just the answer they've been looking for. Why pay more if you can get it done super cheap and easy, right? Well, this is a good time to remember the saying,"If it seems too good to be true, it probably is." Website builder sites make building a website look so simple you could do it in your sleep. With easy-to-navigate templates and simple, appealing design, you could have your site up in a day. But with this quick fix comes some downfalls to be aware of. With sites like Wix, you can't take your website with you. They own your domain. So, if you want to leave Wix later on, you're not taking your website with you. This essentially means starting over. As for your logo design, outsourcing to a low-cost designer could mean a smaller bill upfront but trouble later. That designer might be just turning out designs from templates with slight variations, meaning that your logo isn't truly unique. Original design has a much longer lifespan than something that was done halfheartedly which means fewer redesigns for you to worry about.

When you hire a designer, you're also hiring their experience

A seasoned designer might be able to come up with your logo after just one meeting. This doesn't mean that their services are worth any less because they did it quicker. That means that their years of experience have led them to the moment of creating your brand. Think about it. Designers create and hone their craft daily. Design is their life's work and passion. A good designer is constantly learning and trying new things. They are on top of the latest trends and know the do's and don'ts of the industry. Many people can use design programs, but it takes a professional to have the experience and knowledge to create something timeless and meaningful with them. When a designer creates your brand, they get to know your business and your target audience. They take your mission and vision and turn it into an icon people will recognize for years.

Your design will be as unique as you are

By going with templates and pre-made designs, you might find something close to what you're going for but you might not ever be able to truly express your business' vision. A designer can set you apart by custom-creating your look. Your website can be specific to your needs instead of you having to fit your business to a template. It is built from the ground up with you in mind the whole time. Yes, this takes time. But if you are building a custom house with specific measurements, wouldn't you rather it take more time to get exactly what you want than a quick job that leaves something to be desired? Designers can combine your vision with their knowledge to create something truly unique which will make you stand out from your competition.

At Old City Web Services, our mission is to help our clients be as successful as possible. We meet, discuss their current situation, and give suggestions as to help make their brand be the best it can be. We know deciding to build a website or revamp a logo is a big decision, so we stand with our clients every step of the way. We never try to give our clients more than they can handle - we give them what they need. When you decide to do business with us, you are not just a customer but part of our family. We promise to take care of you and give you a result you can be proud of. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you stand out!

What Your Website Says About You

February 14, 2017 by anoadmin Leave a Comment

You may think your business makes its first impression when people step foot through your door.

Think again.

Your website is your first impression

In the day of smartphones and ever-changing technology, people often form their opinion of you without even leaving their couch. Think about it - whenever you want to go out to eat, you pull out your phone or laptop and search your options.

How do you decide where to go?

Usually, the websites highest up on the list are more apt to get your attention. So you go to the potential restaurant's website. If it looks inviting and up-to-date, you're more willing to take it seriously as an option than if the website looks like it was built in 2007 and never updated, right? That's because your website is the face of your business. You may think that a website is just something you have to have as a business owner, but the truth is that an impressive website has the ability to build your customer base and make you stand out among the competition.

"Having a well-designed site is just as important as having a well-kept brick and mortar store."

- Bobby Jones, Art & Design Director at Old City Web Services

Up-to-date websites build consumer trust

When a customer visits your website, they equate the quality of your website with the quality of your products. Although you may provide excellent service and amazing products, if your website doesn't reflect it, you'll have a difficult time convincing prospective customers otherwise. For instance, if you run an e-commerce site and the check out page is out of date and difficult to navigate, how many online transactions do you think you would miss out on? Potential customers might not feel secure entering their card information. It is important to present a professional and efficient website so customers feel safe.

Modern websites help you compete with large companies

If you are a small, local business, you might think your only competition is other small businesses. But really, all businesses in your industry are your competition. If you run a local coffee shop, you are not only competing with other small coffee shops and cafes but also large corporations who have nationwide and international followings. Customers will compare your service to theirs. What do they gain by going to you? Is it better service or quality? Maybe a better price? You may not have the same budget as a large corporation, but you can still create a website that can compete with them. If you present something modern and updated, potential customers will give you more attention and think of you as a more legitimate company.

So you need a new or updated site? Let us help.

We are in the business of helping businesses succeed. We are constantly developing, updating, and maintaining websites for our clients to ensure that their online presence is the best it can be. We offer free consultations which allow us to get to know you, your business, and how you would like to present your company online. Contact us today so we can help you stand out among the competition!

Fresh Start: Your Web Design Relationship Guide

January 3, 2017 by anoadmin Leave a Comment

With a new year comes New Year’s resolutions, a time of evaluating your current life choices and seeing where improvements should be made. Whether it’s eating healthier, having a new gym routine, putting yourself back into the dating game, or improving relationships, it’s all about making the best choices for your life.

As we evaluate what brings positivity to our lives, it might be best to look and see which connections make your life better and which ones you could do without. Your relationship might have seemed like something straight out of a movie at the beginning. They might’ve seemed like your knight in shining armor when you met them, but they could’ve lost their luster. They’ve never been perfect, but you’ve been afraid that you won’t find someone who can do what they do. What if we told you there could be someone better out there for you?

Reading this you might ask yourself, “Wait a minute, is this a relationship blog or business blog?” We’re glad you asked! It’s both. Your relationship with your web development company is one of the most important relationships you have as a business owner. While you may be comfortable with your current situation, it might be time to move on to something better. New year, new you as they say.

Come along with us in our “Fresh Start” blog series as we show you what a healthy business relationship looks like and all that a reputable web design and development company can offer.

In this blog series, we’ll cover topics such as:

How to decide if a company is a right fit for you
Signs you’re in a healthy relationship with a company
When it’s time to break up and move on

5 Ways to Maintain a Good Online Reputation

October 25, 2016 by anoadmin Leave a Comment

5 Ways to Maintain a Good Online Reputation

In a time when technology is in every facet of our lives, your business' online reputation means just as much, if not more, than the impression you make in person. Think about it. Before you go somewhere or try out a new product, what's one of the first things you do? You do an online search. And if that search has positive results, you're more likely to try that product, visit that store or eat at that restaurant, right? You should focus just as much time marketing your business online as you do in other areas of your advertising strategy.

Here are five things to keep in mind when you're trying to cultivate an online presence that makes others take note:

1. Sustain cohesion among platforms

Repetition across all platforms reinforces who you are as a company. This means your information should be up-to-date and accurate. Take the time to go through your website, social media accounts, and listings and see what information needs updating or improved. A uniform look across your platforms will increase your professionalism among consumers. Your current logo should be represented across all facets of your online presence. People are visual, and seeing your logo in multiple places will keep you on their mind.

2. Keep things current

Nothing says you're stuck in the past like a dated website or logo. Although people may be used to seeing the designs you came up with 10 years ago, that doesn't mean new customers will be all that comfortable with it. People judge your business from the first time they click on your home page. If you have a modern look, you are sending the message that you are current and knowledgeable about what is going on in your industry and can tackle whatever comes your way. Bringing new life to an old logo, adding a modern touch to your website, or revamping the copy on your website can make a big difference in the eye of the consumer and build trust between you and your audience.

3. Utilize online reviews

Reviews are useful to have for multiple reasons. First of all, they increase your search engine optimization which will bring more people to your website. Good, quality reviews help persuade consumers to invest in your business. If people are backing your services up with testimonials, new customers are more likely to trust you and give you their business.

4. Take advantage of online listings and directories

Although having a website and social media accounts are great tools to use to get your name out there, you also need to make sure that you are taking advantage of online listings. You should be listed on no less than 5 listings to effectively spread company awareness. Some examples are Bing, Google, Yahoo!, Yelp, and the Yellow Pages. Being a part of these listings increases your SEO which will bring more customers to your site. It also builds your name and accreditation within your field.

5. Make sure your site is mobile friendly

As the capabilities of mobile devices are increasing, more people are choosing to go to their smartphones versus their laptops for information. If people can do everything they need to do on their phone, shouldn't checking your website be one of them? Giving customers the option of browsing your site on their phones allows for one more way for you to get through to them. It is important to know what percent of people are viewing your site on a desktop, mobile devices, and tablets. A good way to track these numbers is by using Google Analytics, a service that tracks and reports website traffic. This is an invaluable tool when it comes to marketing and getting the most out of your website. If you need help getting started with Google Analytics, our team can help get you set up as well as teach you how to read your analytics reports.

Could your online presence use an update? Contact our team, and we would be happy to talk with you about ways we can help improve your overall online experience.

Holiday Planning For Your Business

October 18, 2016 by anoadmin Leave a Comment

Why Does Holiday Planning Matter?

Fall is here and that means holidays are right around the corner. Consumers who haven’t already done their holiday shopping will be frequenting the shops and websites more often than normal in preparation for the gift-giving season. So, how do you stand out from the competition and catch their attention at such a crucial time of the year? We’ve put together a list of things you can do right now to prepare for the crowds to come.

Make sure your website can be found easily online

How is your SEO? Your Search Engine Optimization is what helps people find you online. If your SEO needs work, it is better to go ahead and get it done now in plenty of time for the holidays.

Is all the information on your website up to date as well? Take the time to thoroughly check your site for accuracy and try to look at it from a consumer's point of view. Make sure all of your contact information is correct and your services and shop items are current.

Prepare your website & online shop for heavy traffic

Is your store fully stocked? Do you have high-quality images and descriptions of all your items? People are visual especially when shopping online. People want to know exactly what they're getting, so make sure you're giving them all of the information necessary for them to make a purchase.

Check the back end of your website to make sure it is working efficiently. People shop online for convenience, so slow load times can have a major impact on the consumer experience. If people are forced to wait for something, there is a chance they will go to a competitor who can offer them faster service. If your site isn't working as well as it could be, now is the time to perform updates and maintenance.

Give your website/ads a festive look

There’s no better way to put someone in the holiday spirit than by putting snowflakes on your landing page or a Santa hat on your logo.

Save room in your budget for print advertising

The tradition of the vast ad-filled newspaper on Thanksgiving Day is something worth investing in. How can you stand out among everyone else? That would be an ideal time to think of a clever marketing strategy. The holidays one of the best times to get the most out of your print advertising budget.

Make a holiday gift-giving guide or service guide

The holidays are a stressful time for shoppers. Putting together a cohesive guide of what to buy will not only make their shopping easier but will also help them visualize gift ideas they might not have thought of otherwise. This is also a unique way to push products or services. Bundling items for a discounted rate can also be a smart way to increase sales. It’s a win-win for you and the consumer. Take advantage of it.

Create a social media campaign unique to you

Choose a theme you’d like to base your campaign around, whether it be thankfulness, giving or family and run with it. Incorporate your theme into all holiday-related posts. Cohesion and repetition is a useful way to stay on someone’s mind.

Send a holiday card to your clients

This is an excellent time to remind your clients that you’re around. People renew budgets at the beginning of the year, so this is a great time to advertise new things you’re doing in the new year!

You've made your list and checked it twice. Now, what? Whether you need an updated logo, a more efficient website, a clever holiday campaign, or updated print advertising, we at Old City Web Services are here to help. No matter how big or small, we will take your project under our wing to make it the best it can be. Contact us today for a consultation. We'd love to hear from you!

10 Ways to Establish Your Business

September 26, 2016 by anoadmin Leave a Comment

Being a new business has its challenges, one of the biggest being establishing yourself in the community. A loyal client base and name recognition are vital to your success. Without the support of those around you, failure comes closer to becoming a reality than a fear. So, how do you make your startup stand out before it sinks?

Take advantage of free listings

This is a no brainer. Putting your company’s name out there as many ways as you can for free should be a top priority. Directory listings and community calendars are great resources for the community and an excellent way to get your name out there. This takes minimal time and effort and helps establish your business among other longstanding companies in the area.

Make sure you know your target market

Take a second to sit down and really think about who your target demographic is. Who are you marketing to and how are you doing so? Are they more likely to be on social media or flipping through the latest newspaper? Spending all the time and money in the world in marketing won't make a difference if your audience never sees it.

Utilize social media

Let’s face it. Everyone is on social media these days, and as a business, it is becoming an essential way to reach consumers. Luckily for you, social media is a free and effective way to interact with customers from all over. Depending on what your business is and the age group of people you are trying to reach, you can choose the best social media platforms to reach them.

Start a blog

Think that you shouldn’t start a blog because you’ll run out of things to talk about? What if you are a very specialized business? Not a problem. A company blog is a useful platform to produce content related to your industry. Relevant content will promote you as trusted resource for your trade. Example: Say you run a gym or are a personal trainer. You don’t have to use your blog just to talk about your services. Use your platform to talk about health advice, innovative exercises, and client transformations, etc.

Implement SEO into your website

Search engine optimization is the action of making your website rank for search keywords and phrases that pertain to your website/business. It is important to have the keywords and phrases viewers are searching for installed properly on your website. If done correctly, more people will view your website which will result in an increase in business. Search engines rank your website based on common search terms, the age of your site information, site links, and the relevance of your content.

Create your Google Business listing

Listing your business on Google will make sure your business appears easily when people are searching for you on Google. You can add pictures, and people can leave reviews which add to your credibility.

Take advantage of customer testimonials

When a customer has a good experience with you, don’t be afraid to ask what they thought of your service. Testimonials are one of the best ways to build credibility with potential clients.

Send out emails

Putting customers on an email list is a great way to reach out to them long after they've left your website or store. This gives you the opportunity to tell them about the variety of services you offer, updates from your company, and news in your industry.

Get involved in the community

How do you expect the community to know who you are if you don’t try to get to know the people in it? The more people see your name associated with the community, the more they will come to know you as a local establishment. Sponsor or participate in community events. Donate or give discounts for first-time clients. Give clients an initiative for referring customers. Give back to the community. Serving others is not only great for your staff but is also a wonderful way to get to know the locals.

Network as much as possible

Getting involved with different organizations within the community is essential. Some of your biggest allies in the business world are fellow business owners. The Chamber of Commerce should be at the top of your list for business networking. The St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce’s mission states they are dedicated to improving the business environment in St. Johns County by focusing on Economic Development, Business Advocacy, Member Education, and Business Promotion. Service organizations such as United Way or Rotary are also excellent ways to get involved in the community.

How We Can Help

Here at Old City Web Services, we are dedicated to helping businesses thrive. Don’t know where to start? We offer many services that can help you out.

We can:

Perfect your marketing strategy to reach your target audience
Tune up or revamp your website
Write content for your company’s blog
Assist you with SEO and Google listings
Assist with print design and much more.

Go to our website, call us, or schedule a consultation with our team to see how we can help you get settled and succeed today.