Your business is underway – your premises, products and staff are all organised. Now it’s time to look at a process to keep winning new business for the months and years to come – Welcome to Blogging!
Blogs are an excellent way to catch the attention of your target customers and search engines on an ongoing basis.
Nearly 80% of companies that use blogging reported acquiring customers through blogging. The more content pages a site has, the more leads it gets (HubSpot, 2018).
Blogs should provide ‘added value’ to readers – meaning they will learn something relevant and useful to them, and realise you are an expert in the area they are interested in.
Whilst we all hate being sold to, free answers to questions bugging us is a whole different tea party.
Blogs must be well-structured, include images and keywords, and solve a problem for your ideal clients.
For example, a recruitment company may offer tips on retaining top performers; a commercial finance broker may explain how to match finance types to business needs.
Brand awareness is vitally important – blog posting lets you show a human side of your business, and give a sense of your values and personality.
Blogging helps you develop a strong online presence, and engage with customers.
It provides a way for you to discuss issues concerning your prospects, and build up their trust.
For example, a car repair garage could post a blog on ‘What Your Mechanic Expects You To Know’, to remove any intimidation a new client might feel visiting their premises.
Search engines love fresh, relevant content, and rewards it with higher search results visibility. Blogging is the most straightforward method of creating new online material.
Regular blog posts provide Google and the others with more pages from your domain to index, and more internal links for PageRank to crawl.
This gives your target market more opportunities to find you, and also for you to rank for your keywords.
70-80% of users ignore paid ads and only focus on organic results. (Search Engine Journal)
A really powerful benefit of blogging is the opportunity it gives readers to share the link to your blog with their contacts, both directly and via social media and E-Mail.
94% of people who share posts do so because they think it might be helpful to others. (Impact)
Having high-quality inbound links to your website is key for SEO success.
When you provide dependable blog resources, you naturally accumulate inbound media links, as authors and bloggers reference your content in their articles.
Roughly one in ten blog posts are ‘compounding’, which means that over time you continue to win web traffic from that blog (Hubspot).
Evergreen content is particularly likely to be picked up and scaled by search engines in this way, and continues to generate new leads without any additional investment.
To grow a business you need to hone productivity and maximise sales processes. Tech Tools provide efficient ways to raise profile, win customers, organise staff, and protect your company.
Use our blog to discover how tech tools can assist business growth, and learn the benefits and drawbacks involved.
– improves overall team communication, final project quality, and customer satisfaction
– creates deliverables on-budget and on-time
– provides linked package functions and pre-designed report templates
– every task is assigned to a specific person with a deadline. Team members can see who is responsible, if they will complete on time, and be alerted in advance to possible delays
– visibility on each person’s tasks allows redistribution if over- or under-worked
– replaces e-mail and multiple document versions with online, real-time collaboration on tasks
– team members access and store project assets and information through the mobile PM app
– helps resolve problems, such as slipped deadlines, by automatically rescheduling tasks
– tracks time spent on projects and integrates with billing systems
– allows fast identification of issues, and tracking of their fixing and testing
– produces analytical reports describing and visualising data and results
It’s important to find the project management tool that best fits your business.
Work out who will use it and what the business needs are, to identify essential features and interfaces.
PM Software gives an overview of current projects plus detailed information on work underway to progress them.
Reporting features vary – most provide budget and resource (workers, materials, money) management, some offer, for example, time tracking and status reports.
People involved in a project use the PM app to see their designated tasks, update their progress, enter time spent and share documents.
Check the software integrates with your existing systems where necessary, for example, in recording labour hours and expenses, messaging, and task setting, and that is is as customisable and intuitive as needed.
Many PM solutions include storage space for uploading files into the workspace for team viewing and discussion.
They often have an option to connect to third-party online storage services, such as Box, Google Drive, or OneDrive, so files can be linked or uploaded from them.
Consider choosing software used by clients and companies you work with, to co-ordinate easily with them, saving time and money.
PM Software can have impressive features and capabilities, but these might over-complicate basic functions like adding and updating tasks, which may reduce team compliance and increase costs.
Use free trials to test usability – get team feedback on preferences, problems and work impact.
The benefit of a good PM system is that your team logs into one workspace and has everything at hand to get work done.
This might include a prioritised to-do list, all necessary assets, colleague notes, a calendar of deadlines, live-chat, integrated or connected communications, a place to find answers, and billing tools.
Design an implementation plan to help team members learn and use the new PM application in their daily workflow.
Costs
Photo by Markus Spiske temporausch.com on Pexels.com
Providers usually charge either a flat monthly rate or a rate per user. Generally teams with over 10 people will save by choosing a flat rate plan.
Most offer a substantial discount for committing to a full year rather than paying monthly.
Often platforms aimed at small businesses will charge a flat monthly rate, whilst those that prefer larger enterprises typically have a per-user-per-month fee structure.
Additionally, PM platforms with many permissions levels – such as for executives, portfolio managers, project managers, and team members – suggest they are aimed at larger companies.
Complexity of features, number of users and storage space will determine price.
Some PM systems have free versions, which limit the number of projects managed, features and storage space available. For example, Teamwork Projects, Zoho Projects and TeamGantt.
Access to web-based PM software is through the internet, with data stored via remote hardware. Installed PM software is stored to local computers and servers.
Risk management involves the identification, evaluation, and mitigation of risks, and is often included in PM solutions, specifically focused on risks to a project.
Separate risk management software covers full company risk assessment and implementation.
Projects are a specific type of work with a start date, end date, and deliverables – as opposed to ongoing work with no clear beginning or end date, and recurring tasks, such as answering calls or fixing glitches.
Workflow management software assists ongoing work, and is more flexible and less prescribed than PM software.
It is sometimes treated as a standalone tool, and other times incorporated into PM apps, for example, Asana.
Or it may have PM apps within it. Workfront and Podio allow the addition of workflow management tools. Kanban
Kanban is a type of workflow management system.
Traditional Kanban systems use cards along boards, labelling the task a card represents, the work needed on it, and when it is due.
Cards travel along the board from “to do,” “doing,” and “done.” Kanban software digitizes the process for ease of use and collaboration.
Kanban apps are used by software development teams.They visually display and help control the amount of new work taken on before current work is completed, to avoid overload.
Gantt Chart PM Software
Gantt chart project management software is used to make bar charts that visually display work to be done in a designated time, critical paths, task relationships, progress, and baselines to track deviations.
Look for software with extra features such as project planning, collaboration and resource management.
Task Management Software
Project management apps do include task management features in them, but standalone task management apps are available if sufficient to requirements.
Apps allow assignment of tasks to individuals, adding descriptions, deadlines, and attached documents to each, but not necessarily as part of a larger project.
Task-management apps work well for ongoing work.
Collaboration Software
Collaboration software is different from true project management software, which is more specific.
Collaboration software has many different apps and services, from video conference calls to letting two people type on a document at the same time.
Modern PM services often include native communication and collaboration tools, and may allow connection to collaboration apps your team already uses, such as Slack or Google Docs.
Project Portfolio Management Software
Project portfolio management focuses on the big picture – projects are grouped together into portfolios, for example, by company, department, or sector.
Whereas PM software supports individual projects but doesn’t provide an overview of all projects.
They may share similar features, such as collaboration, budget and task management.
Impressive number of tools and third-party integrations. Best at keeping teams on track and in-step through every phase of a project.
Most intuitive task management system and mobile app. Comprehensive reporting tools. Best third-party integrations, such as Slack and Hipchat, Google Drive and OneDrive, and Jira and GitHub.
Steeper learning curve, but enormous library of resources and tutorials.
Visually pleasing “mindmap” interface, storage compatibility such as Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox, and Box built in, affordable pricing for small teams, intuitive.
Lacks functionality for bigger teams, less communication and development third-party integrations, subpar mobile app.
Rumour has it Video Marketing is essential for winning new website traffic. By posting fantastic videos on Social Media, viewers want to click on your website link to find out more. They also stay longer on your website – good news for converting a visit to a sale.
Videos are an exciting way to tell your story, show off your products, and educate customers about your benefits.
81 percent of people say a brand’s video has convinced them to purchase a product (WyzOwl). But What Should You Post?
Be inspired by our Guide featuring brilliant examples of different types of Video Marketing Posts:
1. Educational Posts
What To Do: Help potential customers understand how to use your product and its value to them.
Why: 95 percent of people have watched an explainer video to learn more about a product or service (Wyzowl).
Example: Dropbox Intro Video
This explainer video shows how Dropbox lets users access all their documents in one place, wherever they happen to be, and the benefits of this service.
2. Proof It Works Posts
What To Do: When creating video success stories focus on the story of your customer and the success they achieved from using your product.
Why: Video provides social proof for your product, with customer testimonials have the highest effectiveness rating for content marketing at 89% (WebDam).
Example: Hubspot Airstream Customer Video
HubSpot prove the quality and relevance of their products by positive testimonials from their interesting customers. The satisfied customer explains how their solutions make business life easier and assists their growth plans. 3. Entertaining Posts
What To Do: Get people to laugh or smile.
Why: The content should intrigue them to investigate your brand further.
Example: Metro Dumb Ways To Die video
The title piques curiosity and makes us want to learn more. Although it has a serious safety message, the video uses humour to engage the viewer, which resulted in it going viral and reducing Metro fatalities. 4. Inspirational Posts
What To Do: Capture breath-taking views, reveal awe-inspiring moments, or produce motivational content.
Why: It grabs people’s attention, and is a powerful way to associate your product with personal success for the viewer.
Example: Nike Dream Crazy video
Nike uses motivational videos to create positive associations with their brand and provide consumers with interesting material to develop body, mind and soul.
5. Customer Support Posts
What To Do: Help users answer frequently asked questions, saving them time and saving you resources.
Why: Short videos are more useful than written instructions to most people nowadays, so you improve your customer service and likelihood of retaining the customer from the start.
Example: Fitbit How To videos
Fitbit shows the power of video to answer customer enquiries. They have pages of video content providing answers to FAQs and tutorials.
6. Webinars
What To Do: Add real value to a viewer, don’t be overly-sales focused. Include audience interaction, exciting visuals, an event hashtag and a Q&A session.Webinar content can be reused to attract new attendees. Choose topics that address problems your target audience face.
Why: Webinars position you as thought leader and are a great qualified lead generation tool. Make webinars available for free and require attendees to submit information in exchange.
Example: Dev Ops Webinars
This Dev Ops provider uses webinars to help their target market understand and use their services, featuring company representatives and recognised thought leaders to promote their brand and add value for viewers.
What Else To Know About Video Marketing:
– Measure with analytics tools which Social Media platforms and video types get you most views, website traffic, and sales, and ask for customer feedback
– Make videos short and add captions because most people watch on mobile phones without sound
– Front-load compelling content and key messages to catch viewer’s attention quickly
– Match video types to audience expectations – for example, people scroll through Facebook to be entertained
– Optimise for search engines – host videos on your own domain before sharing to social media sites, enable embedding on your video for inbound marketing links, use video sitemaps, use captions, add relevant keywords in your video titles, tags, descriptions, transcripts
– Team up with online influencers who have loyal followers and appeal to your target customers
– Use targeted ads to reach various different user group demographic
– It’s all about subtlety – it shouldn’t feel like advertising
Find Out More:
-https://www.wyzowl.com/brands-winning-video-marketing-2018/Wyzowl
For quality website SEO development and blog writing services, please visit http://www.brilliantbusinessblogs.com or e-mail jan@brilliantbusinessblogs.com
“I spent a lot of time avoiding feelings. And now I have no time left for that.” ― Brad Pitt
MARIO ANZUONI / REUTERS
The actor explained to GQ Style that he started going to therapy after his divorce from Angelina Jolie. He advised that you need keep looking until you find the right professional for you.
“This is a disorder that affects millions of people and I am one of them,” she said. “If my revelation of having bipolar II has encouraged one person to seek help, then it is worth it. ”
“It’s a really wonderful thing to be able to talk to someone who doesn’t judge you.” – Katy Perry
STEPHANE CARDINALE – CORBIS VIA GETTY IMAGES
The artist recently live streamed a session with her therapist on YouTube, where she discussed her struggle with suicidal thoughts. She explained to KIIS FM that therapy is an excellent tool for her emotional wellness.
” I’ve done therapy all my life when times get stressful. It really helps me deal with stuff” – Halle Berry
Photo: AP
Halle Berry disclosed she has been in therapy on an ‘as-needed’ basis for over 3 decades to help cope with her alcoholic abusive father.
This helps her ‘mask’ her problems from her loved ones and stops her taking it out on them. ‘My mother knew the value of providing me with the outlet of an unbiased person to talk to, so I’ve done that all my life when times get stressful. It really helps me deal with stuff,’ said Berry.
” I probably should have sought professional help long before I actually did” – Emma Thompson
PHOTO: AP
Thompson told Radio 4 that during the 1990s, when she starred in 7 films and went through a divorce from Kenneth Branagh: “I don’t think I did stay sane, actually. It was tough. I think I probably should have sought professional help long before I actually did, for all sorts of reasons”.
For quality website SEO development and blog writing services, please visit http://www.brilliantbusinessblogs.com or e-mail jan@brilliantbusinessblogs.com
You are a therapist who views your service as a vocation – yet you still need to find clients to survive as a business.
It can seem distasteful to ‘win’ clients, as therapeutic relationships are trust-based and so incompatible with ‘selling’ your service to potentially vulnerable individuals.
So how do you maintain your values and also run a sustainable practice?
1. Plan Your Business Goals
Working towards pre-defined goals is a powerful way to grow your business on your terms. Lynn Grodzki http://www.psychotherapy.net/interview/building-therapy-private-practice notes that as therapists often have not trained in developing business plans, so make do with whatever comes their way.
However, if you have calculated the number of client sessions needed per month to cover outgoings, and the number of enquiries needed to convert to client sessions, you can work out what activities are needed to generate this work pipeline and be pro-active.
2. Define Your Niche
Being pro-active also has the great advantage that you can define a specific niche you are passionate about working in, and work to attract these types of clients to you.
There is information overload everywhere, so it is crucial you are known for something specific, for example, PTSD in children, OCD in professional women, post-natal depression, pain management in retirement, anxiety in male teenagers.
This is both for your ideal clients to find you and for your referral network to introduce you with confidence as the expert.
Once you value what and how you individually offer support, confidence you can make a significant improvement to clients’ lives follows.
4. Charge the Right Fees
Many Counsellors under-charge. Lynn Grodzki explains ” it’s very common for therapists to have negative belief systems about money. Profit means financial gain, and service means being of assistance. When you are in private practice, you’re doing both. You have to have a way to reconcile this inside yourself and in your practice.”
”Learn to be comfortable charging a fee that reflects your worth and your area’s market”, practitioner Randy J. Paterson, author of the 2011 book “Private Practice Made Simple” advises http://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2011/11/private-practice.aspx.
”Remember your hourly rate encompasses business costs including your phone, computer, materials, utilities, rent, professional costs and time spent outside therapy working on a client’s case”.
”Charging a healthy rate for your services can actually promote good therapy as it encourages both therapist and client to focus and work harder”, Dave Verhaagen, managing partner at Southeast Psych, adds.
Another idea is to offer a set number of ‘pro-bono’ sessions per month to satisfy your social values – offsetting usual fees against those for economically-challenged clients.
5. Market Yourself
“You need to get over the idea that your clinical competence alone will sell your practice,” says Paterson. “Ultimately it will, but not at the start”. Think about marketing as necessary to ensure your business stays around to continue assisting people with your skills.
Once you have identified your ideal client, work out where to interact with them – such as giving talks to dedicated support groups, joining relevant online forums to contribute your expertise, and writing regular blogs to demonstrate your niche expertise and credibility (and improve your SEO).
These activities – along with a social media presence – make potential clients aware of you and provide a chance to assess if they could work with you.
A photo is crucial, as is at least a basic website, giving details of your qualifications and experience. A variety of professional directory listings (especially Google My Business) with a stand-out tag line will also help people find you online.
6. Build An Introducer Network
Meet and build relationships with people who could refer clients to you, such as physicians, allied health professionals, educators, community organisers.
Counselling is about trust. If clients trust the introducer, and the introducer trusts you, this helps build trust in the counselling relationship.
Zur Institute recommends approaching potential referrers as a professional-helper who has valuable information and services to offer, such as:
assisting with burnout among police staff
supporting teachers in coping with disruptive children
relieving overwhelmed doctors in taking chronically depressed people out of their waiting rooms
helping local newspaper editors fill their newspaper with intelligent commentary on local/world events
the creative opportunities are endless once you are confident of your value and your chosen niche.
For quality website SEO development and blog writing services, please visit http://www.brilliantbusinessblogs.com or e-mail jan@brilliantbusinessblogs.com
For quality website SEO development and blog writing services, please visit http://www.brilliantbusinessblogs.com or e-mail jan@brilliantbusinessblogs.com
