Tackling Marketing Overwhelm as a Business OwnerFeeling overwhelmed by the endless marketing options and strategies out there? Trust us, you're not alone. Marketing can feel like a maze, but it doesn't have to be. Let's break down how you can tackle "marketing overwhelm" and make the most out of key platforms.Start with a 1-Page Marketing PlanBefore diving into the sea of marketing platforms, create a one-page marketing plan. It's your roadmap, helping you identify your target audience and core messaging. This simple document can be your north star, guiding you through the marketing wilderness.Read our blog post about The 1-Page Marketing PlanListen to our podcast series about The 1-Page Marketing Plan - Find episodes with **1-PMP Series** in the title.Buy "The 1-Page Marketing Plan" by Allan DibThe Benefits of Key Marketing Platforms1. Your Website: Your Digital HQBenefits: - Full control over content and user experience- SEO helps you rank higher in search results- A hub for all your marketing activitiesYour website is your digital headquarters. It's the one place online where you have complete control. Make sure it's optimized for search engines (SEO) and regularly updated with valuable content like blog posts.2. Google Business Profile: Your Local BillboardBenefits:- Boosts local search visibility- Provides essential business information- Allows customer reviews that build trustIf your business has a physical location that customers come to or you are a service area business, a Google Business Profile is a must. It's like a local billboard that pops up when people search for services like yours. Keep it updated with your latest hours, services, and customer reviews.3. Facebook: The Community BuilderBenefits:- Connects you with a broad audience- Allows targeted advertising- Facilitates customer interaction and feedbackFacebook is the town square of the digital world. It's a great place to build a community around your brand and connect with a broad audience. Use it for everything from customer service to targeted advertising.4. Instagram: The Visual StorytellerBenefits:- Showcases your products/services in a visual way- Reaches a younger demographic- Allows for creative brandingInstagram is where you can let your brand's personality shine through visually. It's especially effective for products that photograph well and for reaching a younger audience.5. LinkedIn: The Professional NetworkBenefits:- Builds B2B relationships- Showcases your expertise- Helps in hiring and partnershipsLinkedIn is your go-to for anything B2B. It's where you can network with other businesses, showcase your expertise, and even find your next star employee.6. Email Marketing Campaigns: The Direct LineBenefits:- Direct line to your customers- High ROI- Allows for personalized messagingEmail marketing is the unsung hero. It offers a direct line to your customers and tends to have a high ROI. Use it for everything from product announcements to sharing valuable content.The Full-Circle ApproachRemember, these platforms should work together in harmony. Your website content can be shared on Facebook, which can be promoted through Instagram, and so on. It's all interconnected, creating a full-circle marketing approach that maximizes your efforts.Need Help? Reach Out!If you're still feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to schedule a free marketing consultation with bizmktg.com today. Schedule Now

How to Tackle Seasonality in Your Small Business: Marketing TipsSeasonality can be a double-edged sword for small businesses, especially those in the home services industry like roofing, painting, and HVAC. While the peak season brings in a flood of business, the off-season can be a challenging time. But what if you could even out the peaks and valleys through effective marketing? In this blog post, we'll explore some actionable strategies to help you do just that.Many small businesses in the home services sector experience a surge of customer demand during specific seasons. For example, HVAC services are in high demand during the summer and winter months, while painting and roofing services may see a spike in the spring and summer. However, this seasonality can lead to operational challenges, such as overwork during peak times and idle resources during the off-season.Proactive Marketing: The Key to SuccessOne of the most effective ways to tackle seasonality is through proactive marketing. Here are some strategies to consider:Email MarketingUse your email list to send out timely reminders to your customers. For instance, if you're in the HVAC business, remind your customers to get their furnaces checked before winter sets in. You can even offer special incentives to encourage early bookings.Remarketing AdsIf you've had visitors to your website who didn't convert, consider using remarketing ads to re-engage them. This is particularly effective for people who were interested but didn't pull the trigger for some reason.Showcase Your WorkUse your marketing platforms to showcase the projects you've completed. This not only builds credibility but also keeps your business top-of-mind for potential customers.Early Booking IncentivesOffer special incentives for customers to book your services in advance. This can help you manage your schedule more effectively and avoid the rush during peak seasons.Seasonality doesn't have to be a hurdle for your small business. With a proactive marketing strategy, you can smooth out demand, optimize your operations, and keep your business running efficiently all year round. So why wait? Start planning your marketing strategy today and get ahead of the seasonality curve.Need help with marketing your business. Book a free consultation with us today. We’ll assess your needs and help you come up with a plan to win online.

Peter and marketing expert, Charlie White, discuss how narrowing down the focus of their marketing efforts to a specific niche can make marketing more effective. They talk about how this approach can lead to more productive conversations with potential clients, higher close rates, and the ability to charge more for tailored services.

In the business world, referrals are a potent catalyst for growth. They are not merely a byproduct of excellent service but a strategic resource that can be actively harnessed. The key to unlocking this potential lies in effectively asking for and stimulating these referrals, as demonstrated by real-world examples.Consider the story of a company whose origin was rooted in providing a service for their grandmother. This experience led to the creation of their brand mantra: “Only the best for grandma.” This phrase became a part of their brand personality and informed their approach to customer service. It also became a powerful referral tool. When customers heard this story, they were more likely to refer the company to others, knowing that they would receive the same level of care as “grandma.”Another example is a dental clinic that implemented a referral program. For every referral made, both the referrer and the referred received a $15 Starbucks card. This strategy incentivized referrals, but it also did something more. It made customers feel appreciated and empowered them to provide value to someone else. The Starbucks card was not just a bonus, but a token of appreciation for their help in growing the business.The podcast also discusses the concept of the “rule of 250,” which suggests that each person has about 250 people in their general sphere of influence. This means that each customer who refers your business potentially exposes you to a network of 250 other people. This network effect can dramatically increase the reach and impact of your referral strategy.Moreover, the podcast emphasizes the importance of specificity when asking for referrals. Instead of a blanket request for any referral, guide your customers towards the type of referrals that would benefit your business the most. For instance, if you specialize in serving home service contractors, make sure your customers know this. The more specific you are, the more likely your customers will think of potential referrals.These real-world examples and concepts demonstrate that orchestrating and stimulating referrals is not just about asking for them. It’s about creating a narrative, showing appreciation, and being specific in your requests. It’s about turning your customers into advocates for your business. By actively seeking referrals in this way, you’re not just growing your business, but also creating a community of customers who feel valued and engaged. So, if you’re looking to unlock exponential growth, start stimulating and orchestrating referrals today, and watch as your business flourishes.

In our latest podcast episode, we had an insightful conversation with Chris Goldman, a seasoned marketing strategist and business coach. The focus of our discussion was on the pivotal topic of increasing customer lifetime value, a key aspect of the 'after' section of the one-page marketing plan.Chris emphasized the importance of transforming a customer base into a fan base. He highlighted the significance of providing a world-class experience that not only retains customers but also turns them into advocates for your business. This approach, he explained, is key to unlocking the continuous lifetime value that customers can offer.We explored the concept of upselling and the positive impact it can have on a business. Upselling, when done authentically and with the customer's needs in mind, can deliver additional value to the customer and increase their engagement with your business. This strategy can be particularly effective when a business offers a range of products or services at different price points.We also discussed the importance of improving product and service quality. Businesses should always strive to enhance their offerings, not only to justify price increases but also to ensure they are meeting their customers' evolving needs and expectations.The conversation then shifted to the concept of 'reactivation' - reaching out to past customers and re-engaging them with your business. This strategy can be a gold mine for businesses, as past customers are already familiar with your brand and are more likely to make a purchase than new prospects.Finally, we discussed the importance of frequency and how increasing the frequency of purchases can significantly boost customer lifetime value. This strategy can be applied to a wide range of businesses, from car washes to dental practices.In conclusion, increasing customer lifetime value is a multifaceted process that involves upselling, improving product and service quality, reactivating past customers, and increasing purchase frequency. By implementing these strategies, businesses can build a loyal fan base that provides continuous lifetime value. Stay tuned for our next episode where we will continue to explore more strategies to grow your business.

In the world of business, the customer experience is paramount. This concept is beautifully explored in Allan Dibb's "The 1-Page Marketing Plan," specifically in chapter seven, which is dedicated to delivering a world-class customer experience. This chapter offers a wealth of insights that can help businesses transform their customer interactions and create loyal, satisfied customers.Here are some key points: The Importance of the 'After Phase': The period after a customer has made a purchase is crucial. It's during this phase that businesses have the opportunity to deliver a world-class experience. This involves not just selling customers what they want, but also giving them what they need. Using Technology to Reduce Friction: The author highlights the importance of using technology to make the customer experience smoother. A prime example is Apple's introduction of the iTunes store, which made it significantly easier for customers to get music onto their iPods, thereby boosting sales. Becoming the Voice of Value: Businesses should aim to continuously provide valuable information to their customers. This enhances their experience and relationship with the brand. Whether you're a dentist sharing oral health tips or a plumber advising on what not to put down the sink, providing valuable information can help deliver a world-class experience. Sharing the Effort that Goes into Products or Services: The author encourages businesses to tell customers about the effort that goes into their products or services. This can make the product or service more appealing and create a sense of appreciation among customers. For instance, Guinness turned the long pouring time of their beer, initially seen as a negative, into a positive by emphasizing the effort that goes into pouring the perfect pint.Delivering a world-class customer experience involves more than just selling a product or service. It requires providing additional value, reducing friction with technology, and educating customers about the effort that goes into your offerings. By doing so, businesses can create loyal customers and even turn them into cheerleaders for their brand.

Have you ever wondered why some businesses seem to have a magic touch when it comes to converting leads into sales? Well, buckle up, because we're about to dive into a podcast conversation between Peter and Chris Goldman, a business coach and marketing strategist, that's as enlightening as it is entertaining. They discuss the art of lead conversion, drawing insights from Allan Dib's book, "The 1-Page Marketing Plan."The conversation starts with a bang, defining leads as potential customers who have shown interest in your product or service. But here's the kicker: they compare the process of converting leads into sales to buying a gumball from a gumball machine. Yes, you read that right. A gumball machine. Apparently, people buy from companies and individuals they know, like, and trust, just like they would trust a gumball machine to dispense a gumball after they insert a coin. Who knew business could be so... chewy?Next, they discuss the importance of positioning your brand, product, or service correctly. They share a hilarious story about a world-renowned violinist, Joshua Bell, who usually earns a thousand dollars a minute for his performances. But when he played at a subway station for an hour, he only made $32. Why? Because the commuters didn't recognize him or understand the value of his music. It's like playing Mozart at a Metallica concert – it just doesn't fit.The conversation then shifts to the importance of value in your products or services. They argue that businesses should not just sell a service or a product, but also sell themselves as a guide, a champion, and a helper for their customers' success. It's like being a superhero, but instead of saving the world, you're helping customers find the perfect product or service.The podcast ends with a discussion on transitioning from a pest to a welcome guest. They emphasize the need to bring value to customers' lives and position oneself as a helper rather than someone desperate to make a sale. They compare it to proposing marriage on a first date – it might work once in a blue moon, but it's not a strategy you want to stake your business on.Chris shares his experience with door-to-door sales. He explains that the key to success in this field is not to be a pest, but a welcome guest. He shares a quirky technique that involves knocking on the door four times (apparently, any more or less is a turn-off), backing away from the door, and looking down the street. As tempting as it is to peek through the window, he advises against it. Let the homeowner size you up first. When they ask, "Can I help you?" that's your cue to introduce yourself. It's like playing a game of "Knock, Knock, Who's There?" but with the potential to make a sale at the end. This unconventional approach turns the tables, making the homeowner the initiator of the conversation, and positioning the salesperson as a responsive helper rather than an intrusive pest. So, if you ever find yourself selling door-to-door, remember: four knocks, step back, and let them make the first move. It's a dance, not a sprint!In conclusion, converting leads into sales is not just about making a quick sale. It's about building trust, positioning your brand correctly, and providing value to your customers. It's about transitioning from being a pest to becoming a welcome guest in your customers' lives. And if all else fails, remember the gumball machine.

We delve deeper into Allan DIB's revolutionary book, "The 1-Page Marketing Plan," turning our focus to nurturing leads. Remember, marketing is a journey comprising three phases - the before, during, and after phase. Today, we're stationed in the realm of 'during', the crucial juncture when your prospect already knows you, and you've got their attention.Our discussion is anchored in Chapter 5 - nurturing leads. In the preceding episode, we ventured into the art of capturing leads, a method of getting potential clients to willingly part with their information, creating a gateway for your follow-ups. With email being the most efficient prospecting tool, we're keen to explore the digital strategies for nurturing leads.Every time you click on an enticing ad and submit your email for more details, you essentially subscribe to a company's lead nurturing program. The firm stores your details and initiates various campaigns aimed at securing your patronage. But here's the key: knowing who your target market is and understanding their purchasing readiness is the cornerstone to effective marketing.Many companies focus solely on the immediate 3% ready to purchase. But an often overlooked, yet significantly larger section of the market is the 30% who may be interested but aren't yet ready to buy. That's a tenfold increase in your market base. Nurturing these leads requires consistent engagement, value addition, and refrain from hard-selling to avoid alienating them.Successful nurturing means when they're ready to buy, they think of you first. How? By offering compelling, valuable content via emails, blog posts, and social media. The first content type we explore today is the "Honest Buyer's Guide" concept, borrowed from the prolific marketer Seth Godin. Picture it as the ultimate guide to your service - dentistry, law, accountancy, roofing, plumbing, or home remodeling. The goal? To help your leads navigate their needs, with your brand as their trusted companion.In this journey of nurturing leads, patience and understanding are vital. Winning over the 30% who are 'interested but not yet ready to buy' might be a slow process, but remember - it’s these relationships that often prove to be the most enduring and profitable in the long run. Your persistence and care will pay off when they're finally ready to buy, and it's your name that will be at the forefront of their minds.

You've got to stop hunting for quick sales and instead, think like a farmer - cultivate potential customers who might not be ready to buy right now but could be valuable in the future. And how do you do that? With the sneaky yet super effective "ethical bribe." This means offering your potential customers irresistible goodies like e-books, webinars, or tip sheets, in exchange for their contact info - a magnet for leads!Learn 3 things every business owner needs to know about capturing leads.

Marketing is an essential aspect of any successful business, but with so many platforms and channels available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. In the fourth episode of our series about “The 1-Page Marketing Plan” by Allan Dib, we delve into the third box of the plan, which covers how to reach your prospects through effective advertising.In this episode, business coach and marketing strategist Chris Goldman joins host Peter Wilson to share expert insights on the best advertising strategies for your business. Here are the main takeaways from their conversation:Identify your target market and craft your message before investing in advertising.Avoid wasting money on advertising that doesn't resonate with your prospects.Think like a farmer, focusing on long-term value rather than quick gains.Have a website to serve as your online real estate.Identify where your prospects are most likely to be found, such as through Google search ads.Implement call tracking and form submission tracking on your website to measure the effectiveness of your advertising campaigns.Focus on getting the names of your prospects, rather than just getting your name out there.Utilize various platforms for effective advertising, including social media ads, video ads, radio, podcasts, and even snail mail advertising.By following these key steps, you can develop a well-rounded marketing approach that avoids over-reliance on a single method. The 1-Page Marketing Plan by Allan Dibb provides further guidance for businesses looking to achieve marketing success.If you're interested in learning more about how to develop a successful marketing plan for your business, book an appointment for a free coaching session with Peter and Chris today. They'll provide personalized insights to help you reach your target audience and achieve your marketing goals. [Book Your Free Coaching Session]

Want to learn how to craft the ideal marketing message for your business? As part of their continuing series on the “1-Page Marketing Plan” book by Alan Dib, Chris Goldman and Peter discuss the right way to create messaging that resonates with your customers.Tips on crafting your ideal marketing message include:Focus on being clear and authentic before being cute and cleverUnderstand the customer, the company, and the problem being solvedCreate a coherent message to prevent customers from focusing solely on priceEmphasize benefits of working with the company and consequences of choosing alternativesAim for transformation in customers’ lives through the business offeringsRecommended resources:One Page Marketing Plan by Alan DibBuilding a StoryBrand by Donald MillerNarrative Gym by Park Howell and Randy Olson

Peter interviews SEO expert Paul Lee about the impact of AI, specifically generative AI like ChatGPT, on SEO and content creation. Paul shares that while AI has gained significant attention and has become more advanced, it's not going to put SEO experts out of business. Instead, he believes AI can be a useful tool in the content creation process.Paul mentions that Google has stated there is no penalty for using AI-generated text, as long as the content is helpful. He has used AI to generate topics, subtopics, and questions related to specific subjects but found that it produces generic text when asked to write complete content. AI can be valuable in initial research, especially when the writer is unfamiliar with a topic. However, Paul warns that AI-generated content should be checked for accuracy, as it can sometimes provide confidently incorrect information.

Is the “ideal customer” for your business anyone? If so, you are making a big mistake.Peter and Chris examine why identifying your ideal customer base is essential to a successful marketing plan. Their conversation is guided by the principles laid out in Alan Dib’s book “The 1-Page Marketing Plan.”They explain how to use the Personal Value Profitability (PVP) method to identify your ideal target market  based on personal fulfillment, value to the marketplace, and profitability.Want to get a free copy of “The 1-Page Marketing Plan” by Alan Dib? The first 25 people that send an email to free@bizmktg.com will receive a free copy of the book. Note: Open to U.S. residents only and we will only ship to U.S. postal addresses.

Peter and Chris Goldman discuss the importance of business goals, marketing, and growth. They are both one-page marketing plan coaches and will be sharing their insights on marketing tactics in upcoming podcast episodes. The conversation emphasizes the need to prioritize business goals over marketing goals, with the latter being driven by the former.Peter highlights that businesses should always strive for growth, as natural attrition occurs and standing still can lead to being overtaken by competitors. He suggests that aiming for double-digit growth (10% or more) is a good mindset for businesses to adopt. Additionally, maintaining a growth mindset can help businesses continually improve and stay competitive.Chris agrees that growth is crucial for businesses and adds that it’s not just about money. The conversation implies that setting smart growth goals can lead to a more successful and sustainable business in the long run.

After recently returning to work after maternity leave for the second time, Emily has learned a lot about gracefully returning to work after an extended leave. Peter and Emily discuss how to set yourself and your team up for success before, during, and after an extended leave.

Peter Wilson, President of bizmktg.com, shares how to be more consistent in online marketing efforts and provides five tips for doing so.Being consistent over time can lead to huge results in a company's brand and marketplace presence; his client saw a 10X increase in website visits after 5 years of content creation.Intention is important when it comes to creating content; businesses should know why they are doing what they're doing with respect to their marketing before starting anything.Creating a content calendar and sticking with it helps keep consistency going strong as well as using social media scheduling tools like Buffer which makes posting easier without having real-time posts every day/week/month etc..Repurposing existing popular blog posts or other pieces of content into different formats such as podcasts or videos also helps maintain consistency while providing new material for customers & prospects alike .Finally, tracking analytics will help reinforce the value behind being consistent since numbers will improve over time if done correctly

Katlyn Ferguson and Peter discuss how to get your business ready for 2023. Katlyn is the founder and owner of Citizen Virtual Business Services, a virtual bookkeeping service. Learn how she approaches business planning with her clients and how to apply it to your own business.ResourcesContact Katlyn:Citizen Virtual Business ServicesLearn more about bizmktg.combizmktg.com

Overall, how is your business doing in 2022 vs. 2021?For 2022, what is one accomplishment in your business you are proud of?What are your expectations for your overall business results in 2023 vs 2022?These are a few of the questions we asked in our 2023 Business Outlook Survey.Listen in as Peter and his guest, Chris Goldman, review this year’s survey results and share their own perspectives.

What's new in SEO? Peter and SEO Expert, Paul Lee, discuss two things businesses need to know if they rely on digital marketing to drive their business results.First up, Google updates and what they mean for businesses. Second, Google is retiring Google Analytics next year. Learn what you need to do now to prepare for that change.

Whether you’ve been working from home for a few months or several years, you can always use a few tips. Three team members at bizmktg.com, Emily, Chris, and Marcel share their pro tips for working from home with Peter.Have any tips for working from home? Let us know by sending an email to podcast@bizmktg.com.Items mentioned in this episode:Original Xiaomi LED Desk Lamp Smart Remote Control Dimmable Table Lamps Desklight Support Mobile Phone App Control 4 Lighting Mode,Flicker-free LightAvailable on AmazonSecura 60-Minute Visual Timer, Classroom Classroom Timer, Countdown Timer for Kids and Adults, Time Management Tool for Teaching (Green & White)Available on Amazon