This month, we're featuring Belle Oaks Barn Venue! Check out their newly redesigned site below. 

Marketing is evolving daily, but blogging is a great way to consistently reach potential and current customers! Customers can find businesses easier than ever through blogs while learning more about a business and its goods. Blogs also provide another way to connect with customers through multi-channel marketing. They're a great way to create engaging and informative content at little to no cost. Check out some reasons why you should incorporate blogs into your marketing strategy!

This month we're featuring Catering Delites! They've been with us since 2012, and we're obsessed with the re-design our team was able to do with their website!

We've shared tips and tricks for what you should do when it comes to improving your business social media, but it's also important to talk about what you shouldn't do. There is a lot of flexibility with social media, and when it's used the right way it can be a great tool for creating brand awareness and developing customer relationships. However there are some things that could do more harm than good when it comes to running a business account. To help you avoid those mistakes, we've put…

When you're seeking out a new restaurant, looking for your next binge-worthy show, or searching for the perfect pair of shoes, what do you do first? Prior to your own research, you'll likely ask your friends and family for their recommendations and put your trust in their suggestions. This is essentially how a referral program works! A referral program is a low-risk, high-reward marketing tactic that relies on word-of-mouth referrals. Existing customers will direct their friends, family, and…

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools allow you to centrally manage all of your business's interactions with both current and potential clients. They can help businesses maintain contact with said clients, manage operations, and boost profitability. Your business has a better chance of expanding faster if you concentrate on the relationships that you have with individuals. CRM tools provide a better approach to control the relationships and interactions with the outside…

Email marketing is a great way to communicate with your audience and generate new leads with minimal effort. One easy way to create consistent email content is to start a drip campaign! If you're new to marketing your business or you've never spent much time on email marketing, the idea of setting up an email campaign can seem daunting. Don't worry though! We'll cover the basics for you here and you'll be planning regular drip campaigns before you know it.

It's springtime! For many of us, that means it's time to do our annual spring cleaning both at home and at the office. While scrubbing the windows and sorting through your extra inventory is important, you might want to add data cleaning to your to do list this year!

As a business owner, you probably have many tools that make your job easier. They may even be essential to get the job done! With digital marketing, it's no different. Marketing your business online can be a daunting task, but with the right tools, you could take the stress out of marketing your business while optimizing your marketing strategies.

In marketing, most of your decisions are going to be based on information you have gathered through different analysis methods. This new age of digital marketing has made it so much easier to gather information about your customers and how they interact with your brand. Tools like HubSpot, Mixpanel, and Google Analytics are all great options for doing so, but keeping up with the latest in these tools is important for gathering accurate data.

Looking for a quality, customer-approved form of content for your digital marketing? Why not give User-Generated Content a try! If you read our blogs (and you should), you'll have already learned a little bit about User-Generated Content, or UGC. It's not only a trending source of content on social media, but it's also an easy, successful form of content that keeps on giving and makes the content generation process a little easier for you! There are a lot of ways to use UGC, so we thought…

Social media is a great way to connect with customers and market your business at the same time. Real and authentic communication seems to be what consumers are looking for, but how do you engage with them in a way that's productive?

New year, new social media trends! Social media is still a big factor in marketing your business effectively. Whether you're looking to get your start in the social world or looking to make some improvements, we've got you covered! We're kicking off 2023 with a look at the top trends predicted in social media. If you haven't made any resolutions for your business yet, we recommend adding one or two of these to your list.

In the world of digital marketing and e-commerce, the first impression your customer has of you is often online. Or maybe your business is completely online and you rely solely on digital means to display your products or services. Whatever your situation may be, your product photos say a lot about your business! It's important that you display them to the highest standard possible. You don't have to be a professional photographer to take good photos or stand out—you just need to take a…

If you own a business, you need to have a business website. Websites serve so many purposes that can directly impact the success of your business. From your credibility with customers to SEO, and a lot in between; we could argue having a good website is a top three must for business owners. Still not convinced? We're prepared to back up our claim! This entire blog is dedicated to the reasons you should have a website. So without further ado, we present what makes a website essential.

Vanessa and Eloisa started Elegant Beginnings Premier Events in 2019 but had to close only a few months later due to COVID-19. Despite their setback, Elegant Beginnings is back and better than ever with new branding, certification, and a brand new website!

Many people think of marketing as a way to create brand awareness. After all, the more people that know about your brand, the better, right? Making people aware of your brand is super important and definitely a great idea, but sometimes quality is better than quantity! Our goal in marketing should be to create meaningful, long-term relationships with as many people as we can.

Your customer base is made up of all kinds of people. People of different ages, abilities, sexual orientations, races, and more will likely use your services or products. So why would you only market to one demographic? The short answer is: you shouldn't! We all know how important diversity and inclusion are in a business, and that doesn't stop with marketing. How you market your business is how people see it and what you stand for; which is why you should strive to reach as many people…

A lot of marketing is about internal review. It's essential to continue working on your business from the inside; but sometimes it's good to step back and look at the big picture.

Love it or hate it, social media is a big part of our society. That means it should also play a big role in your business. A strong online presence isn't complete without social media, and the better your content on social media, the more likely you are to create brand awareness, reach new customers, build relationships, and increase potential leads.

Marketing your business can be a feat, especially if you're just starting out. From branding, to research, to resources, and more, marketing contains a lot of logistics! Keeping organized is essential to success. Going in blind is a recipe for disaster. So make sure you're prepared to do it right the first time with a solid marketing plan!

When it comes to marketing, email campaigns are a great tool for any business. You can use emails for promotion, increasing customer interaction, or even to gain new clients! To have a successful email campaign though, you need engagement. It's not enough to just send out your email, people need to open them–bonus points if you get a reaction with any links or surveys you include. This is where email optimization comes in! Not sure where to start? We've got the tips and tricks you need…

Your website is the start of a good relationship with your customers. Roughly 85% of consumers use the internet to discover and find local businesses! Additionally, 79% of entrepreneurs with a business website expect to grow at least 25% in the next three to five years. Your website acts as a one-stop shop for customers to find information about your business. So this investment is vital. Keeping your website up-to-date with good content not only keeps customers on your site longer but is…

As a business owner, you’ll spend a lot of time thinking about your brand. From the font you use to the products and services you offer, it’s important to make sure your branding is cohesive on all fronts. So how do you do that? Consistency is the key.

Brand consistency is essentially making sure everything to do with your business is on the same page. Same logos, colors, tone, and message on all your platforms. This not only helps customers recognize your business, but it…

Whether you're a restaurant owner with regulars that come in at least once a week or a plumber with customers that always call or recommend you for repair needs, every type of business can benefit from customer loyalty. In fact, it can cost up to five times more to attract new customers than it does to keep existing customers coming back. Loyal customers can also help businesses increase their profits, growth, and brand advocacy. Even if your business offers a one-time service or…

A common misconception about marketing is that it's used to simply get your name out there. It makes sense that the more customers that see your goods or services, the more customers you have buying said goods and services. However, people just knowing about your business is not enough to make them buy what you're selling. You need to influence their purchase decisions to make them pick you over your competitors.

When it comes to maintaining a small business, knowing who you sell your goods or services to can make or break your success. While it's easy to make general assumptions about the customers you might bring in, actually learning about your target audience and the best way to market to them will ensure a better outcome, and profit, for you in the long run!

Welcome to the green team! June 5th is World Environment Day, and we thought what better way to celebrate than practicing sustainability. Sustainable business is good for the environment, but it's also good for your brand! Studies show that around 60% of consumers rate sustainability as an important purchase criterion. On average, more than 34% of the population is willing to pay more for sustainable products or services. The U.S. also represents 42% of the global willingness to pay for…

When starting your business, you'll likely spend a lot of time focusing on your online presence. One of the most important, but easily overlooked aspects of that is Search Engine Optimization. SEO is THE way customers find your website when they use a search engine, and if you don't use this tool to the best of its ability, your website could be lost in the crowd.

One of the most common tips you'll get as a small business owner is being active on social media. This resource is invaluable. It's open to all (usually for free) and gives you a chance to engage with your customers, stay informed about their likes and dislikes, and seek out potential customers. If you aren't already taking advantage of that, it’s never too late to get started!

Marketing your business can be intimidating. There's a lot of things to consider when deciding how you're going to represent your brand. However, it is SUPER important to be involved in digital marketing. The internet is where everything is happening and where many people get their information. There's tons of platforms out there for you to get started, but there is one platform we recommend getting on no matter what—Google.

Reviews about your business are some of the most viewed items when a potential customer is researching you. They can make or break your first impression and help them decide whether or not they want to move forward with you. Although we've given you some tips on making the most of your business's reviews, we wanted to hone in on the importance of responding to them. Here's why you should respond to reviews:

Your website is one of the most important parts of your online presence, and most of the time it is a potential customer’s first impression of you. That’s why it’s so important to ensure you’re doing all the right things to make your website a useful tool for both you and your customers!

It's time for an invasion of the old way of doing things! The world is constantly changing, and so should your business. But making the right changes can be tough, especially when you're unsure of what's benefitting your business and what's not. That's where the SWOT team comes in! We'll show you exactly how to do this simple analysis for your business to adapt as the world changes.

In a growing world of technology, there are many ways to be found on the internet. Among those ways is Google. Google is the #1 leading search engine globally, thus making it an essential tool for the success of your business. Google provides several ways for companies to be found, but one of the most important tools it offers is a service called Google Business Profile.

Step up your marketing game with Instagram Reels! Social media trends are constantly changing, and we're here to keep up with them so you don't have to! We wanted to show you all the basics so you can create fun, trendy, and informative marketing materials that will get people interested!

One of the most important marketing tips when it comes to your brand is that you should strive to create brand recognition. Brand recognition is what gets people to notice you, remember you, and consider you. When you develop a recognizable brand, you will reap the benefits. So, why is brand recognition important and what are the benefits?

Did you know that there are different types of writing? You may have heard of a few like creative writing, professional writing, or academic writing, but what about strategic writing? While it might be a new type of writing for you, it's actually one that you are probably already using to an extent. Let's take a closer look:

These flowers are definitely top trending! Check out these popular flower choices for the perfect bridal bouquets this season. Florists, add these to your next flower order! ;)

One of the most common questions we get is, "How can I market my business?" While this question doesn't take a rocket scientist to answer, it does require a decent amount of thought to help find the best solution for that business. Every small business is different, and even if they function in the same industry, some tactics may work better for one company than they will for another. Combining multiple strategies to fit your needs is a great way to help increase your exposure. Below we have…

Advertising can sometimes be complex, especially when it comes to Google. But getting your brand out there in front of new customers is imperative to growing your business. Google is one of the most-used search engines for literally everything, so it's worth it when it comes to Google Ads. Although it looks like a lot to take in, we've gathered the basics to get you started!

We all know that social media has become a huge part of the way we promote and communicate with customers, but what can you actually expect to gain from using social media as a business? It's a valuable tool, that's for sure, but it does come with some limitations and it sometimes doesn't provide certain things you might want or need. Let's look at some things to consider when it comes to social media expectations:

Unique is the new trend, and we have so many ideas for you bakers, planners, and caterers out there. Check out these adorable wedding cake alternatives that will have all the wedding guests on a sugar high!

With so much content already online, you might wonder if blogging is worth all the time and effort for your business. It can be daunting, but a blog is totally worth it in the long run! Blogging is a cost-effective marketing tool that can improve your online visibility and help your business grow. You can promote your products and services, as well as share your knowledge of your industry with your customers. Not sold yet? Here are the reasons you should be blogging:

Do you struggle to get your audience to take action on your website, social media, or ads? It could be because your call-to-action doesn't impact them the way it should. Having a strong call-to-action will guide your online viewers into doing exactly what you want them to do, when you want them to do it. So how can you improve your calls-to-action? First, we need to talk about some basics:

Your goal as a business owner is to always strive for continued growth and improvement for your business. In order to do this, you have to listen to your customers and give them what they want. The problem is that you can't do that if you don't know what it is they want. That's where customer feedback comes into play.

COVID has made life crazy over the past year, with things changing drastically for everyone. With the introduction of vaccines, a lot of places are starting to transition into some level of what life was like before COVID. But with these transitions, a lot of businesses aren't sure how to go forward. But no worries! We've got some tips on how you can easily transition into a post-COVID world.

During times like these, it's even more important to utilize ways that can help get your business out there and in front of consumers. One topic we love to discuss in our marketing tips is social media, and we have something new to share! There's another way to get your products in front of your customers: Facebook Shop; and we've gathered just about everything you need to know.

Getting a message across to your potential customers has never been easier than with email. Email marketing is the perfect way to communicate with those who are already interested in your brand.

In today's market, there are thousands of products, brands, and services available to consumers across the globe. Consumers can find most products easily from numerous websites, making standing out from the crowd even more difficult than it already is. So how do you break the barrier and convince your audience to choose your product over your competitors?

Shifting your focus to selling an experience rather than just the product itself can be the first step in drawing your customers' attention…

This article, titled Spice Up Your Website With Beautiful Pictures, was originally published by our friends at Atwill Media. With such good tips on selecting the right photos for your website, we thought we'd share it!

A website has become as essential to a business as a telephone. It is your virtual business on the internet that, often times, customers see first. A website also allows you to promote yourself in more ways than you can ever imagine. Think of your website as your virtual business. When visitors come to your REAL business, you want to make a good first impression; the same rules apply when it comes to your website.

Is focusing on customer loyalty worth it? Absolutely. Customer loyalty can be the driving force behind your business! Find out more about the importance of customer loyalty, how you can get it, and the types of customer loyalty programs that might be right for you and your business.

We've said it before and we'll say it again: in today's world, being on social media is a necessity. 74% of consumers rely on social media networks to help them make purchasing decisions. On social media, you have the ability to directly communicate with your customers, creating loyalty and getting your business out there. It's a great tool to promote new products, sales, and services, as well as showing your business's personality in a fun way. By maintaining a positive reputation online,…

Surveys are one of the easiest ways for a company to receive feedback. They help drive your business forward in more ways than one and can be an easy part of helping you make decisions as a company. In the past, collecting data was a long and strenuous process; however, recently, receiving feedback from your customers, employees, or even the general market has become easier than ever before. Surveys are an essential part of growth, and we're here to show you how you can create the perfect…

Referrals happen when a current customer of your business shares what they like about it to a potential customer. This could be a friend, family member, or even a stranger. Either way, this word-of-mouth has a huge impact on the growth of your business. We're here to teach you about the value of referrals and how to get them.

What does it mean to have brand equity? How do you manage it? What are the benefits? We're here to give you some tips on creating brand equity for your business and why it's important.

Social media can be a fantastic tool for your business. It can provide many benefits and give you an advantage over your competition. But how do you get followers and create a more loyal customer base?

We all know that customer service is one of the most critical functions of your business. Without showing your customers that you support them and hear their needs, you risk losing your credibility as a business. During 2020 we have discovered the importance of upkeeping your online business and how it can help keep you afloat when you can't be face to face with your customers. Customer service comes in many shapes and forms and should not be ignored, especially when it comes to your virtual…

The free market can be a remarkably competitive place, and if you don't know how to play your cards correctly, it's easy to be overlooked by customers who may need your products or services. Part of having a hand in this competition is the ability to be easily recognized by potential consumers. You want to stand out from the crowd and give buyers a reason to choose your brand over others. Spreading awareness can be crucial to making a name for yourself and your business. When people are…

Gaining the trust of your potential customers is a necessary step in helping your business grow. That's why building credibility is such a big deal. Credibility means that others look to you as a reliable resource and trust you to do a good job when they're doing business with you. Building credibility won't happen overnight - it has to be earned, just like respect. Establishing your credibility shows that you are committed to your business and that you're serious about providing real…

Keeping your audience engaged is extremely important, especially right now. One of the ways you can do this is by featuring a digital deal scavenger hunt! This is a fun and exciting way to engage with your audience and drive traffic back to your website. Here's how you can do your own digital scavenger hunt

In light of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses have been forced to take a step back from their usual brick-and-mortar storefronts and focus more on their online store. Though brick-and-mortar stores give a reliable location and gathering point for customers and employees, it is essential to remember that your online store is just as important as your physical one.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many parts of life as we know it for all people around the globe. The wedding industry has had to come to a standstill, forcing couples to postpone or reposition how they hold their wedding day, inherently affecting how vendors do business as usual. As social distancing hs become standard, in-person visits to brick and mortar stores have declined substantially. With many spending up to 30% more online in recent months. Though much uncertainty is in the…

In an ever-changing world, technology has taken a forefront in the way that we promote our businesses. As the market changes daily, so does the way we communicate with our customers. There are one hundred and one ways to go about promoting your business, and the best option for your brand might not the best option for other brands.

Staying connected to your customers has never been more critical. It can be difficult, especially right now, to close the distance between you and your customers. But there's a lot you can do to stay connected, especially on social media. Check out some ways you can use social media to keep communicating with your consumers.

It's no secret that the majority of the world is currently facing a crisis. While most corporations and chains will be fine and have plans in place to help them through trying times, what about small businesses? What can they do to get through this crisis? There's no easy answer, but there are a few things that small business owners can do to help ease the strain of this crisis.

One of the best ways to improve your business in every aspect is through reviews. Good or bad, it's important to pay close attention, as they make a significant impact on your brand and your business decisions. Check out our steps on how to take advantage of customer reviews!

Any business owner knows the importance of networking, but finding time in your already too-busy schedule can be difficult. We know that time is money, but devoting a portion of your week to networking can be well worth it. This is a great opportunity for you to find new business leads, potential partners for upcoming projects or events, and brand new customers. Here are a few ideas on the best ways to network for your small business.

It's so important to know what your customers expect from you so you can provide them the best experience possible. It's not always an easy task, but we're here to help! Check out some of our tips on how to exceed your customers' expectations.

Branding is a concept that is largely discussed, but difficult to definitively pinpoint. This is due to its conceptual nature. A brand is rarely ever based on objective truths, but rather subjective thoughts, feelings, and attitudes. Despite its abstract makeup, there are many steps that businesses can take to ensure their branding is impactful!

It can be hard to find the time and energy to do it all on your own. In today's world, you have to constantly churn out new content to stay relevant. Instead of getting overwhelmed and overworked, consider working with freelancers to help with the workload. Not convinced? Check out the benefits of hiring freelancers!

We are only a few weeks away from Valentine's Day, which is the perfect opportunity for some fun marketing strategies. Show your customers some love with discounts, creative emails, entertaining events, and more. Check out our ideas and get some inspiration!

I'm sure you've heard the phrase "You've got to spend money to make money." While this might be true for some, it's definitely not the only way to make money - especially if you own a small business. Marketing on a budget can be done, and done successfully! Take a look at our guide on how to get the biggest marketing bang for your buck.

Word-of-mouth advertising has long been a great form of marketing for businesses. It has proven to be quite successful, with 90% of consumers stating that they trust recommendations from people they know. But the world of word-of-mouth has seen some changes since the Internet has come around. Check out how this advertising technique has evolved in the last several years:

It's very important that your business puts out valuable content for its consumers. Your marketing strategy is crucial in helping the company get sales, which is why you should be spending just as much time and effort working on it. Writing content that has a purpose takes more than content creation because you want to show authenticity and effectively communicate what your business stands for. Don't be afraid to get involved and start building a purpose-driven marketing strategy!

Millennials are a very broad group, consisting of people born between 1981 and 1996, which makes those individuals aged 23 through 38 in 2019. Because this generation is so large and subsequently diverse, it can be hard to pin down exactly how to market to this generation.

While marketing to millennials can present its challenges, it’s well worth the work. Before you jump in, the first thing you should do is learn more about millennials. Here’s some information that might be helpful:

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Did you know that in 2018, there were one billion active monthly users on Instagram? That’s a 200 million user increase from 2017. Instagram has been consistently growing its popularity, which means it's a great platform for businesses to reach their target audience. But how can businesses effectively reach their consumers on Instagram? With a consistent posting schedule and actionable captions! Over 70% of companies in the U.S. have an Instagram profile. If you don't have one already,…

2020 is right around the corner. With the new year fast approaching, it's the perfect time to take advantage of this occasion with festive promotions. If you're here looking for inspiration, we've got you covered. Keep your customers happy and your business thriving with these New Year marketing ideas!

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas is the perfect time to spread some cheer and promote your service or venue. Keep reading to learn valuable holiday marketing techniques that will help increase event bookings and sales this season.

Generation Z has been left out of many businesses' target audience because many consider this group of consumers too young to market to. We believe this is quite the mistake since the oldest members of this generation were born in 1997. Many of these consumers are already in the workforce or close to it. Excluding Generation Z from your marketing efforts could be a grave mistake, so we have a few suggestions for how your business can reach these new potential customers.

Give Them A Purpose

Gen…

Customized advertising is everywhere and many businesses are taking advantage of this opportunity. When it comes to marketing, consumers expect content to be catered to them. So how can you translate that to your marketing strategy? We have a few steps that can help you through the process of content customization.

Is Snapchat really the place for businesses to be spending their time and money? While this may not be the right move for everyone, it's definitely the place for those in the wedding and event industry. This social platform has a few promotional avenues that can help you take your business to the next level. Connect with your target audience in a brand new way with Snapchat!

Did you know that YouTube is the second most popular website in the world? This platform has risen in popularity with its abundance of video content and can be a great marketing tool. Video marketing is a strategy your business should be using. It's the perfect way to promote your business by showing off your products and services in a professional video. Get the exposure you've been looking for with YouTube:

Wedding and Party Network recently had the opportunity to support and attend NEA Bride Wars, a competition hosted by Houston’s, a local event venue. At the event, each bride and their team were competing for the ultimate prize—a luxury wedding!

After a day full of fun and games, one lucky bride, Summer Gardner, won a exclusive wedding package that included an 8-hour wedding accommodation for 100 guests at Houston’s event venue, the DJ Silver Package from Suspence Entertainment,…

Email marketing is still a popular marketing strategy, and for good reason. While many may be wondering if this form of marketing is worth their time, we're here to tell you it is. Why? Because it works. Email marketing can turn potential customers into paying customers and first-time buyers into lifetime supporters. Still not convinced? We have proof that this strategy really works:

Onboarding new customers is a very important process - you want to make sure your first encounter with them is a good one. Many may be under the impression that as soon as you've won them over - aka, they've made their first purchase - that's all that needs to be done, but we beg to differ. Did you know that 40-60% of digital users will open an app once and never log on again? If you want to truly win customers over, you need to establish an effective onboarding plan. Here are a few tips to…

You don't have to be a big corporation to utilize sponsorship marketing. Sponsorship marketing is a great advertising strategy and can lead your business to more exposure. Not only that, but you can help out your community in the process. You don't have to have a huge budget to make a positive impact - just your time can be enough. Check out our suggestions for using sponsorship marketing.

If you feel like your website is not performing as well as it could, then we have a solution for you - optimization. Optimization strategies can improve your websites' visibility online, ensuring you have a better ranking on Google. Check out our tips on how you can optimize your company website.

While many of us use social media messaging every day, this popular online tool has other great uses that marketers have recently been taking advantage of. Consumers almost always have some form of technology on hand, so using messaging apps for business purposes can be a huge advantage for those that use them. Not convinced? Check out how you can implement this strategy into your marketing plan.

Eye-catching visuals for social media are an important part of your marketing strategy because they catch the attention of your online audience. But what if you lack graphic design experience? No need to worry - we have a solution! Canva is the perfect tool for any marketer. It's an easy-to-use online design program that can help you design graphics for all your promotional needs. Not sure where to start? Check out our tips on using Canva:

Retention marketing is a successful strategy for many marketers, with several businesses reporting an increase in customers' lifetime value. By consistently keeping customers happy, you'll bring in a larger number of sales, which is why retention strategies are so important. Did you know that it costs seven times more money to attract new customers than it does to keep existing ones? Using these strategies could save you some major cash and help you build relationships with your customers.…

While the majority of businesses have developed a marketing strategy, many are missing a key part. Did you know that 63% of businesses do not have a content strategy? It's important to establish a plan for the content you want to put out. In doing so, you're more likely to achieve your main goals as a business. But what is involved in developing a successful content strategy?

Connecting with your audience is more important than ever before. Did you know that 91% of business-to-business marketers are using content and social media marketing to build relationships with their consumers? As a business, your most important goals are to maintain existing customer relationships, acquire new ones, and listen and communicate with consumers. When you are actively doing these things, you are more likely to expand your consumer base. Whether you know it or not, people are…

Looking for a new way to enhance your marketing strategy? Raise brand awareness with this popular approach - influencer marketing! Influencers are people with the ability to impact consumer purchases based on their position, knowledge, authority, or audience relationship. This strategy is wildly successful because established influencers are highly respected and listened to by their audience. Consumers crave reviews - they need proof that you can offer them a high-quality product or service…

You may have seen this acronym before, but do you know what it means? SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is the approach used to help increase a website's search engine ranking. This is essential for businesses because it can help boost consumer traffic to your website. SEO can easily improve your visibility online - here are a few benefits:

Instagram has continued to rise in popularity over the years, with both consumers and businesses. In fact, 25 billion companies use Instagram for business around the world. The reason businesses have flocked to this social platform is because of the 200 million users that view at least one business page every day. Instagram's audience is actually more engaged than those on Facebook and Twitter. If you don't have Instagram for business, that's okay. We have a few steps to help you get started.

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Social media continues to grow and adds new features every day. Because of this, what works for you today might not work for you tomorrow. Navigating social platforms can get complicated and frustrating, but the benefits of using them for your business are worth it. The hardest part is understanding what organic and paid social media are, and why they're different. If you can understand these two important concepts, it will make using social media for marketing much easier.

Content marketing has taken over the advertising world throughout the last several years. While outbound advertising has become less and less appealing to consumers, blogging has become quite successful. This inbound technique helps customers see the value in your products and services without being overwhelmed by sales talk. Check out the benefits that blogging can give your small business:

Did you know that 43% of business owners have no idea what blogging is and currently don't blog for…

Social media advertisements may not be new, but they are constantly changing. While your current marketing strategy might be working for you, it doesn't hurt to re-evaluate and improve. Optimizing your promotions is a great way to increase your exposure and reach new customers. Check out why this is so important:

The most popular and successful social platforms for ads at the moment are Facebook and Instagram. Many businesses are choosing these as their preferred method of advertisements.

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Many businesses set goals for themselves that help motivate employees to achieve certain milestones. However, without the right knowledge and information, you could end up setting unattainable goals that lack boundaries. Whether you're about to start fresh or are re-evaluating your goals, there are a few steps that will help you through the goal-setting process:

Animoto is a video creation service used to create visual content to increase your business's online presence. Perfect for beginners and experts alike, this program can elevate your videos and boost your marketing efforts. Check out how Animoto can help your business:

Many large corporations that are household names started from humble beginnings. Their success came from great ideas, lots of hard work, and steadfast dedication. Turning your small business into a corporate powerhouse doesn't have to be just a dream - it can be a reality. Check out these small business success stories that show anything is possible:

Attending conventions is a great opportunity to speak to new potential customers and investors, and can open up new doors for you and your business. Get the most out of attending with some of our suggestions:

Now more than ever consumers are turning to online services, making digital marketing a powerful form of advertising. With constant changes in internet trends, the best way to stay on top of your competition is to know what online marketing strategies are up next. Here are the hottest internet trends you should be prepared for:

Gaining the trust of your customers and translating that trust into a long-term relationship is very important. Your customers want to feel valued and feel like their business matters to you. When your consumers feel appreciated, they are more likely to remain loyal to your brand. Check out these suggestions on how to improve customer loyalty:

Owning a small business has different challenges than owning or managing a larger corporation. While bigger companies have access to plenty of resources, most small businesses have much smaller budgets. Marketing with that small budget has its difficulties, but it can be done. Check out these cost-effective ways to strengthen your marketing strategy.

Video streaming might sound a little intimidating, but it has become a great tool for marketers. It's no secret that video content is one of the most popular forms of content these days. In fact, 95% of marketers are relying on live video. Easily elevate your marketing efforts by adding video content - you won't regret it! Not convinced yet? Here's why you need live video marketing:

When you go live, your audience is given the ability to interact with you while you're filming. People love…

Did you know that there are 25 million businesses around the world using Instagram for business? Did you also know that 200 million users go to at least one business profile a day? Instagram's audience is engaging much more than many other social platforms. Don't miss out on this marketing opportunity - get started using an Instagram business page with our steps to get you started!

In today's world, if you're not marketing on the internet, you're missing out on a large audience of potential customers. While managing your business and maintaining a solid presence online can be difficult, developing a digital marketing plan can make the process go as smoothly as possible. Not sure where to start? We have a few steps to help guide you!

Social media has become a huge part of marketing. These platforms are great tools for your business if you know how to use them to your advantage. Don't miss out on new customers! Define a marketing plan for using social media in your marketing efforts; the extra time spent doing this will be worth it. Take a look at our guide on how to develop a successful social media plan.

Including photos of your products and services are crucial when it comes to attracting new customers. Images serve a purpose in gaining more exposure and traffic. Businesses that incorporate product photos are more likely to get almost double the number of views than ones without. Photos also help bring your products and services to life. Adding visuals seamlessly captures consumers' attention and easily displays your merchandise.

Not sure how to upload photos on your WPN Storefront?…

Having a successful brand is the best way for businesses to differentiate themselves from others in the same industry. The stronger your brand, the more likely consumers will recognize you and want to consistently purchase from you. While it can be hard work, developing a recognizable brand is well worth it. Make a name for yourself with these tips on creating a brand identity.

The Internet can be quite intimidating if you're unfamiliar with it, but learning the ropes and utilizing this platform for marketing purposes can be a great advantage. Twitter can help you achieve your marketing goals and expand your business. Not sure how? Check out our guide on using Twitter to craft a successful marketing strategy.

Pinterest has become a valuable business tool. With hundreds of millions of users on Pinterest, overlooking this social platform could be a serious mistake. About 50% of U.S. millennials use Pinterest, as well as 68% of U.S. women aged 25 to 54. While a large percentage of users are women, according to Pinterest 40% of new users are actually men. Pinterest is a gold mine for those in the wedding and party industry and incorporating this social platform into your marketing strategy will…

What are the Best of the Best Badges? They are for Wedding and Party Network vendors who are considered the best of the best in their category in their area. So if you have been chosen as one of our Best of the Best, what do you do now? Show off your badge proudly by downloading it from your Wedding and Party Network dashboard! We have a few ideas on where you can place badge.

In November, we went to Wedding MBA in Las Vegas and had an absolute blast! This month, we are headed to San Diego for The Special Event.We are so excited to see everyone there, and we can't wait for this show. But, we do know that there are some things that we have learned from going to Wedding MBA that we think you should know about before going to conventions- everything from what to bring to what you should wear!

Instagram is a social network that allows people to upload photos and videos and share them with their followers. You can like, comment, and tag other users in posts and even send messages to other users.

Unlike Facebook, Instagram is all mobile based. You can view users' profiles and posts on a computer, but you can't post from one. You have to use the app on a smartphone or tablet to post to your Instagram account.

This blog will walk you though the basics of creating a post for your…

Bridal shows are awesome experiences for members of the wedding industry. There are numerous opportunities, but if this is your first show, you may feel a little overwhelmed. What do I bring? Who do I bring? How do I best showcase my business? Even for seasoned veterans of the bridal show scene, it never hurts to have a few reminders to make sure you have all that you need.

Bridal shows and expos are full of opportunities for wedding vendors. If you have never attended a bridal show, you should consider it. The return on your investment is more than worth it. Here are just a few of the benefits of attending a bridal show.

You've heard of spring cleaning, and tidying up for warmer weather, but did you know you should also freshen up for winter as well? You have probably already changed out your seasonal products and displays if you have a storefront. Now is also the time to do some updating online!

Last week we walked you through the basics of creating a marketing plan. After you create a marketing plan, you have to be able to effectively measure you ROI (return on investment) to decide if the plan is working. Continue reading to learn more about measuring your ROI, and why it's important.

Are you wanting to up your business's marketing strategy, but don't know where to start? It's easy to create a simple markeing strategy when you know the basics. And we mean basics. Start with the 5 W's: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and then you can throw in your How.

Small Business Saturday is scheduled for November 26th this year. This is a great opportunity for your business to draw in customers with limited time specials and promotions. If you haven't already begun planning for Small Business Saturday, now is the time to begin developing your marketing strategy. Here are a couple of tips to help you have a successful Small Business Saturday.

The digital age has made things increasingly more difficult for brick and mortar storefronts. The ability to go on the internet and order just about anything and have it delivered to your doorstep is a luxury that many people use. How do you keep your store on track, or ahead of the online competition? A website. This is one tool that gives your brick and mortar store front an advantage in this digital era. Need more convincing? Here are 5 reasons you need a website.

Marketing can seem very scary, especially if you are a small business owner who does it all on your own. Where do you begin? Do you really need all that "stuff"? Should you hire someone to do it in-house? Or maybe a company to do it for you? Here a few tips to help you out!

Snapchat is a rapidly growing social network that allows its users to take pictures (Snaps) and post them to their Story or send them to their friends directly. It is unique because the Snaps disappear from your Story after 24 hours, and disapper instantly after being viewed when sent directly to a friend.

While many brides are just now celebrating their wedding day, many more are planning their spring wedding, or will become engaged during the holiday season. Now is the time to begin preparing yourself for the latest wedding trends. Here is a glimpse at the florals we expect to be prominent in 2017!

Something most professionals dread hearing, "I'm just going to do it all myself. It can't be that hard." Except for professionals do it every day, all day, and know just how difficult planning an event, wedding, or crafting beautiful decor and flowers can be. So in the age of the Pinterest crazed, DIY bride, how do you, as professional, embrace this type of bride?

In the wedding planning process, flowers usually come later, after the dress has been purchased, venue chosen and caterer booked. That may leave florists wondering how they can up their wedding A-game. In the latest edition of Florists' Review, Teresa P. Lanker's article Polish Your Presentation, and Book More Brides shares six tips for florists to help book more brides, and we would like to share them with you! Even if you are not a florist, many of these tips can be applied to different…

With social media and review sites like Yelp, customer service is more important now than ever. One bad review may not cause drastic damage to your business and its reputation, but several bad reviews can run your name into the ground.

If you have been concerned about the future of the event planning industry, this should give you a boost! Four teenage entrepreneurs in Sioux Falls, SD have successfully started a party planning business, and it is pretty impressive.

This post was written by Caleb Hennington and originally appeared on FGMarket's "What's the Buzz Blog." View it here, or click here to learn more about FGMarket!

You've probably heard the terms inbound and outbound marketing plenty of times during your career. Most of the time, these are terms that marketing and PR people like to throw around just to impress anyone that's hearing (at least, that's how I look at it).

Have you ever stopped to consider what these terms mean though, and what…

What can YOU do for ME?

In the service industry, this is a question you probably hear frequently. When a client comes to you, they are searching for a solution. You have to figure out how you can provide that answer.

Crisis, it happens when you least expect. The $200 flower arrangement you spent hours on was destroyed. The hand-painted details on their ten tier wedding cake aren't the exact shade of Tiffany blue the bride wanted. There is an emergency in your own family, but you are obligated to help someone else.

Too many times businesses are faced with a crisis and don't know how to handle it. They have no plan in place, so when crisis does strike, they are left with the short end of the stick.

Pinterest can be a very powerful tool for businesses. Pinterest is especially valuable for those looking to reach brides, but the benefits aren't just for wedding planners. Pinterest has become a hub for everything from the latest styles to the DIY market. Here are some of the basics of Pinterest to get you started!

Millennials currently make up one of the largest buying markets in the country. According to Forbes, this includes $200 billion in annual buying power. As a generation that doesn't adhere to the traditional rules of marketing, this has left many businesses wondering how to reach such a dominant market.

Wedding cakes are often seen as the focal point of a wedding reception. Personalization is what each bride and groom is seeking lately, and their cake is no exception. Our wedding experts are bringing you the latest trends in the cake world that we expect to take off in the coming months, and they aren't what you'd expect!

Our world is more and more frequently becoming virtual. More people look online for businesses now more than ever before. This is why your business must have an online presence. If not, you may be losing out on some serious business.

Gone mobile? If not, you should!

Mobile is quickly becoming the new internet! You may be surprised how many visitors are finding you through mobile.

Here are some tips for preparing yourself for effective media work in your community.

Call To Action - words used to prompt immediate action of the reader. In marketing, this could mean buying, subscribing, joining or any other action you would like them to do.