How to Ace Your Billing Process As a Startup

How to Ace Your Billing Process As a Startup

Running a startup tends to be many things. Exciting, yes. Challenging? Absolutely. But also, sometimes, nerve-wracking. It isn’t easy to run a business when you’re a seasoned campaigner working on an established brand. Moreso, it is not easy to create something from nothing. It is daunting. What complicates matters is that more than simply offering a great product or service is needed. You also need to handle all the associated admin — the worst is financial management.

As a startup, paying close attention to something as basic as billing is essential. The seemingly-simple process of getting paid for what you do is far more awkward than many assume, and there’s no shortage of short-lived companies that went under because they couldn’t nail their invoicing. To ensure your business doesn’t follow suit, you must prioritize proper billing.

In this blog post, we’ll provide helpful information and tips to help you ace your billing process and give your startup a great chance at succeeding. If you can choose the most appropriate billing process, implement software artfully, and master sending follow-ups, you can get somewhere. Let’s get started.

Jemully startup invoicing
Jemully startup invoicing

 

Types of billing methods

The first thing we need to cover is how you bill, which is how you determine what to charge people. Depending on your industry, this can get complicated, so you must ensure you’re using the method that best suits your company’s strengths and goals. Here are the four most common billing methods:

  • Time-based billing. Here, you charge clients based on the hours you’ve worked. This method is simple and particularly suitable for a service-based business (e.g., a consulting firm or a freelancer operating through a site like Upwork) as the time spent on a task typically correlates neatly with the value delivered.
  • Fixed-price billing. Here, you charge clients predetermined amounts for specific projects or services. This method is excellent for a business with clearly defined deliverables (e.g., a web design or software development agency).
  • Retainer-based billing. Here, you charge clients recurring fees for ongoing services, usually monthly. This method is ideal for a business that offers continuous support or maintenance (e.g., a marketing agency or an IT service provider).
  • Value-based billing. Here, you charge clients based on the value or results delivered rather than the time spent on the work. This method is suitable for a business that can demonstrate a direct impact on its clients’ bottom lines (e.g., a business consultant).

 

How to choose a billing method

Now, how can you decide which billing type is right for your startup? Here are three core questions to answer (but remember that you can always follow your gut):

  • Where will clients see your value? Think about your value proposition and what your customers expect from you. If they want results no matter how long they take, charge based on results. Regardless of whether they use it, they charge a fixed monthly rate if they wish to pay attention each month.
  • What might your clients prefer? Even if you prefer a billing arrangement it makes the most sense to you, it won’t work well if your clients hate it. Think carefully about the circumstances of your customers. Many businesses need to be financially equipped to take on big retainers, so you may need to accommodate them with project-based billing.
  • What are similar operations doing? Research the billing methods commonly used in your industry niche. You’re not obliged to follow suit, but there’s a lot to learn from how others work. Additionally, aligning with industry standards is simple and convenient and makes it easier to provide competitive pricing.

If you take these questions seriously, you can decide on a transparent and fair pricing structure that reflects the value you deliver to your clients while protecting your bottom line.

 

How to choose billing software

Handling financial matters manually is a terrible idea at this point. Software systems (particularly those featuring automation options) have become so cost-effective that there’s no reason — aside from a general fear of technology — for you to avoid them. But if you invest in billing software, you need to choose well.

Here are the key factors you need to investigate while considering which software system (or systems) you’re going to use for your company’s foundation:

  • Operational compatibility. Make sure the software you’re looking at supports your chosen billing method and can accommodate any unique aspects of your business, such as the use of multiple currencies or reliance upon complex pricing structures.
  • Automation features. The best billing software can automate tasks such as invoice generation, payment tracking, and the sending of reminder notifications. Tools like Chargebee can handle complex logic sequences, letting you account for varied circumstances. If you don’t need a feature, that’s fine — but if there’s a chance you’ll need something down the line, it’s unwise to commit to a system that won’t provide it.
  • Cost (including ROI). Billing tools vary massively in price. Some are free; others have free tiers with additional features you must pay for. Finally, others have no free levels, and you pay from the outset. Among those, budget contenders and enterprise-level behemoths are so expensive that they must be more suitable for startups. But don’t look solely at the cost: also think about ROI. In other words, there might be better options for meeting your needs. If spending more will get you more, that’s the route.
  • Learning curve. Deploying powerful software’s not a good option if no one in your business can use it effectively. A well-selected system should be easy to use, so take advantage of trial periods and request extensive user feedback before making any extended commitment.

If you take the time to select the right billing software, you can put your business in a strong position for long-term growth — so don’t rush this step.

Jemully billing and payments
Jemully billing and payments

 

Establishing clear payment terms

Smooth and efficient billing requires clear terms of conduct. If you are clear regarding what you and your clients expect you to deliver, you’ll minimize the likelihood of dealing with tricky disputes, late payments, and misunderstandings. Be sure to include each of the following components in every invoice:

  • Payment due date. You need to set a time frame within which the client is to pay, such as “Net 30” (payment due within 30 days of the invoice date) or “Due upon receipt” (payment due immediately upon receiving the invoice). If you don’t do this, they may opt to kick the can down the road, saddling you with cash flow issues.
  • Late payment fees. Clearly outline any late payment fees or penalties the client may incur if they fail to pay the invoice on time. If you do this, you must be prepared to enforce that penalty if the client misses the deadline. If you follow through, the client will continue paying attention to your terms.
  • Accepted payment methods. Indicate the payment methods your startup accepts, such as bank transfers, credit card payments, or online payments through platforms like PayPal. Supporting multiple options can make it more convenient for the client to pay their invoices, so accommodate as many as you can.
  • Payment milestones (if applicable). Consider the options for long-term contracts. One option is to break down the total cost into smaller milestones or phases for a large project or long-term contract with separate payment due dates. Smaller payment options help manage cash flow and minimize the risk of non-payment.

In addition to displaying these things in every invoice, be sure to include your payment terms in your contracts or agreements — and if you think there may be any uncertainty with the terms for a particular client, communicate clearly to ensure that they do not miss anything.

 

How to nail your invoice design

Beyond being content-complete, a good invoice should have a professional design. Putting some effort into the design will serve your brand well and make your invoices more likely to prove effective. Aim to achieve each of the following:

  • Remove any unnecessary elements. Talking about your mission statement or including illustrations will only help some. Keep things simple and efficient.
  • Follow your brand guidelines. Use your brand logo, colors, font, shapes, and spacing conventions. Make the document unmistakably yours.
  • Make your contact details clear. In addition to your business name and logo, you need to include clear contact information. Include at least an email address and a phone number, and list your office hours and response times (work hours are even more critical to establish in the era of working vacations).
  • Smartly list the services or products delivered. Provide detail about the chargeable items, but don’t skimp on the details either. Make it easy for clients to know what they’re paying for and why.
  • Explain your preferred course of action. What is your preference for how they pay and when? If you explain what you’d like them to do (in addition to what you need them to do), they’ll most likely be willing to oblige you.
Jemully manage followups
Jemully manage followups

 

How to manage follow-ups

Some clients may still miss payment deadlines even with clear payment terms and professional invoices. Effectively managing invoice follow-ups can help you recover outstanding payments while maintaining good client relationships. Here are some tips for managing invoice follow-ups:

  • Send automated reminders. Use your billing software to automate reminder notifications, sending them a few days before payments are due (and a few days after those due dates if you have not received payment).
  • Reach out on schedule. It may be necessary to reach out to clients who’ve yet to make their payments, but if you do so, adhere to a schedule. You could send a friendly email after a week, a formal reminder after two weeks, and a final notice after four weeks.
  • Balance persistence and professionalism. While it’s important to be persistent in collecting overdue payments, you mustn’t be unprofessional or discourteous. A client may be willing to pay but facing financial difficulties, in which case prodding them would only sour the relationship. Remember that you can allow flexible payment arrangements or accept alternative solutions.

 

The importance of monitoring progress

Regularly monitoring and evaluating your billing process is essential for identifying areas that need improvement and ensuring its ongoing efficiency. Tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) and making data-driven decisions can optimize your billing process, reduce late payments, and improve your startup’s financial performance.

To effectively evaluate your billing process, consider tracking the following KPIs:

  • Days Sales Outstanding (DSO). This metric measures the average number of days it takes for your startup to collect payment after issuing an invoice. A high DSO could indicate inefficiencies in your billing process or issues with your payment terms.
  • Percentage of overdue invoices. Monitoring the proportion of outstanding invoices in relation to total invoices can help you identify trends and potential issues with your invoicing and follow-up processes.
  • Invoice dispute rate. Keeping track of the number of disputed invoices can provide insights into potential inaccuracies or inconsistencies in your billing process. This documentation is essential as such issues could leave clients needing clarification or dissatisfied.

Once you’ve identified areas needing improvement, take appropriate steps to address them. You may need to refine your payment terms, improve your invoicing and follow-up processes, or offer additional payment options. Continuously monitor your KPIs to assess the effectiveness of any changes and make further adjustments as needed.

 

Wrapping up

In this blog post, we’ve covered numerous parts of acing the billing process. We’ve looked at choosing the suitable billing method, implementing billing software, establishing clear payment terms, streamlining invoicing and follow-ups, and regularly evaluating your billing process.

However daunting billing may seem, you mustn’t forget that you have all the resources you need to get it right and make it sustainable. If you follow the advice covered here and give your best effort, you should be able to get where you want to go. Good luck!

5 Things Nobody Tells You About Working From Home

5 Things Nobody Tells You About Working From Home

Once upon a time, working from home was a lovely dream for the average worker. Those at the top of the professional pyramid have always had the option of avoiding offices, of course, but building a middle-class career has long meant accepting a static desk (likely in an inconvenient location). During the worst of the midweek slog, there was joy in imagining working from a sofa. But, there are a few things about working from home that nobody tells you in advance.

Then came the one-two punch of robust internet infrastructure and a global pandemic. With technology making it possible for most people to work remotely and lockdowns forcing companies to accept that they didn’t need people to be office-based, things changed massively. Before the pandemic, only 5 percent of the American workforce worked from home. Now, nearly 30 percent of all work is remote. And ever since then, working from home has been a standard option. Some forecasters suggest that as much as 39% of global knowledge workers will work hybrid (hybrid is a combination of remote and in-office) by the end of 2023.

This is great news. It’s inarguably true that having the freedom to work from home if you want to work remotely is a spectacular addition to the world of employment. And you surely want to — right? Well, it’s not quite that simple. There are some things you need to know about working from home if you’re going to make a long-term decision about your working environment, and we’re going to look at five of them in this post. Let’s get started.

Jemully working from home ergonomics
Jemully working from home ergonomics

1 – Ergonomics matter

We all know about health and safety concerns. Sitting at a certain angle, taking regular breaks, and setting your display at the ideal height benefits your health and well-being. There is a wide range of actions to make your working environment comfortable. Arguably, most workers need to focus more attention on this area, lest they discover it was a mistake to overlook the physical setup of their remote working environment.

Admittedly, you might not discover this for a while, and during that time, you’ll assume that it’s all overblown. Indeed, you tell yourself that you don’t need an ergonomic setup, and that your workspace is adequate. Maybe ergonomics is essential for some people, such as those lacking strength and flexibility. However, you can forge ahead with the most basic setup imaginable.

Then, one day you discover that working in a slumped, unsupported position is not a good idea. Once physical issues develop with your hands, arms, or back, it’s more difficult to address them. So if you’re going to work from home, take your setup seriously — before you have to undo practices that harmed you.

 

2 – It’s easy to cage yourself

Picture the scene: you are focused on your work all day. You’re primarily motionless in a “cubicle” as you complete your tasks; you look forward to leaving your workplace at the end of the day. Finally, you’re unleashed! Skip to the next day. Where are you? In the same place, essentially motionless at your desk, with the same confining postures with the same unchanging views.

Part of the idea that you feel stuck in a cage is mental. We all get stuck in routines, and sitting at the same desk daily is routine. But another part stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of working from home. When you work remotely, you can work from almost anywhere. “Not overseas,” you might object. However, I have three words for you: employer of record.

If you’re thinking, “What is the employer of record supposed to mean?” you should follow that link. But the gist is that any company can hire people anywhere. For example, working for a Spanish company not only doesn’t require you to be in Spain (or prohibit you from working vacations). But, working for a Spanish company also does not require you to be based in Spain. Sure, you might need to convince your employer to accommodate a big overseas move, but if you want to escape, then why not try? In today’s working world, knowing that most boundaries are gone gives you flexibility and won’t limit your options.

Jemully remote work fake commute
Jemully remote work fake commute

3 – You give up commuting when you work remotely

Say goodbye and good riddance to an exhausting drive through dense traffic. Parting is such sweet joy. If you commute by train, you find them expensive and only available at inconvenient times. Get away from a tedious commute when you work from home. You get more free time and reduce expenses. What’s not to love about those two perks?

There are a few people who enjoy the commute. You may find something undeniably nice about commuting. The journey gives you time to think; necessary travel prevents your attention from wandering. You can gather your energy before you start your workday and decompress when you head home. The result is a satisfying first step back into your home in the evening.

Others who enjoy the commute find it allows them to take extra steps during the day and do some people-watching. Even if you never strike up a conversation during your commute, simply being around other people makes some people feel more connected to society. If you feel a sense of loss concerning your commute, consider creating a fake commute by adding a 20-minute walk before work and at the end of your day.

 

4 – Your home loses its shine

Whatever area you call home is your haven: the one place you can feel relaxed and comfortable. As your domain, it’s under your control and filled with good memories: playing games, watching movies, and laughing with friends and family. So what happens when you bring work into that area?

The work becomes more pleasant: you enjoy familiar surroundings and have more freedom to step away from work for a few moments. But just as the environment lightens the work, the work weighs on the environment. Slowly, your home stops feeling like a safe area for retreat, and it becomes a place of relaxation and work, making it suboptimal for when you want to get away from anything that even reminds you of work.

If your home has always been your refuge, then think about where else you could build a refuge while working from home. An eatery you enjoy, a public park you can visit, or a friend’s house. Your mental health needs to have somewhere to let your guard down and fully get away from work.

Jemully working from home at night
Jemully working from home at night

5 – The days get longer.

When you subtract the commuting time, reschedule the mandatory breaks, and clear out the previously-unavoidable last-minute exchanges, you end up with a significantly-shortened workday. You’d think, then, that a typical day of work would speed by relative to office drudgery — yet that isn’t often the case. In truth, the day often feels longer.

There are many reasons for this, but the biggest is that you miss many office-based conversations that soak up time. A minute here, a minute there, five minutes catching up with someone, ten covering what you’re getting for lunch. These are the interactions that keep you engaged and going.

And when you don’t have the variety of an office around you (the buzz, the hustle, and/or bustle), the only distractions that come along are the kind of pulling you away from work for extended productivity-busting periods instead of reassuring interludes. That means you need to add the variety, and take control and build them into your day. Only you can break up your day and throw in enough twists and turns to keep the clock advancing, so if you start feeling tedium, make some changes.

Differences Between Digital Advertising and Marketing

Differences Between Digital Advertising and Marketing

Digital advertising and digital marketing are two misunderstood terms, and many people think the terms are interchangeable. However, while they share some similarities, they are distinct in their approach and purpose. Here, we explore the differences between digital advertising and digital marketing services.

 

What is Digital Advertising?

First, digital advertising refers to promoting products or services using digital channels such as websites, search engines, social media, email, and mobile apps. Digital advertising involves using various ad formats, such as banner ads, text ads, video ads, and sponsored content. The main objective of digital advertising is to increase brand awareness, generate leads, and drive sales.

Breaking Down the Different Types of Digital Advertising:

  1. Search Advertising: This type of digital advertising involves placing ads on search engines such as Google, Bing, and Yahoo. These ads appear at the top of search engine results pages and display based on specific keywords.
  2. Display Advertising: This type of digital advertising involves placing banner ads, video ads, and other visual content on websites, social media platforms, and mobile apps. (For more information, check out this article comparing Search Ads and Display Ads.)
  3. Social Media Advertising: This type of digital advertising involves placing ads on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Social media ads can take various forms, such as sponsored posts, promoted tweets, and sponsored stories.
  4. Video Advertising: This type of digital advertising involves placing ads on video-sharing platforms such as YouTube, Vimeo, and Dailymotion.
Jemully Online Advertising
Jemully Online Advertising

What is Digital Marketing?

Then, we turn our attention to digital marketing. Digital marketing is a broader term that encompasses various digital channels, sometimes including digital advertising, but not always. Digital marketing involves using multiple online channels to promote products or services, build brand awareness, and engage with customers. The main objective of digital marketing is to create a robust online presence that drives awareness and supports conversions.

Breaking Down Digital Marketing

  1. Content Marketing: This type of digital marketing involves creating and sharing valuable content such as blog posts, videos, infographics, and ebooks to attract and retain a clearly defined audience.
  2. Search Engine Optimization (SEO): This type of digital marketing involves optimizing a website’s content and structure to rank higher in search engine results pages.
  3. Email Marketing: This type of digital marketing involves sending targeted and personalized emails to a list of subscribers to promote products or services, build customer loyalty, and drive sales.
  4. Social Media Marketing: This type of digital marketing involves using social media platforms to build a community, engage with customers, and promote products or services.
Jemully Brand Awareness
Jemully Brand Awareness

Key Differences Between Digital Advertising and Digital Marketing

  1. Objectives: Digital advertising primarily generates leads, increases brand awareness, and drives sales. Digital marketing, on the other hand, is focused on building brand awareness, engaging with customers, and driving conversions.
  2. Channels: Digital advertising mainly focuses on promoting products or services through various ad formats on digital channels such as search engines, social media, and websites. Digital marketing, on the other hand, uses multiple digital channels such as social media, email, search engines, and content marketing to engage with customers and promote products or services.
  3. Tactics: Digital advertising relies on paid media, such as pay-per-click (PPC) advertising and display advertising, to promote products or services. Digital marketing, on the other hand, relies on various tactics such as SEO, content marketing, and social media marketing to build brand awareness, engage with customers, and drive conversions.
  4. Strategy: Digital advertising generally focuses on short-term goals such as generating leads and driving sales. Digital marketing, on the other hand, is focused on long-term goals such as building brand awareness, establishing a solid online presence, and building customer loyalty.
In conclusion, while digital advertising and digital marketing share some similarities, they are distinct in their approach, purpose, and tactics.
Kit Mullins Author
Kit Mullins
About the Author

Kit Mullins, co-owner of Jemully Media, LLC, has been a leader in digital marketing for more than twenty years. A writer, designer, and developer, Kit enjoys travel, photography, and Bible study. With six kids and fifteen grandkids, she has no choice but to find ways to be creative.

4 Tips to Ensure Your Business is Visible Online

4 Tips to Ensure Your Business is Visible Online

The scope of possibilities that the internet affords new small business owners as well as established small business owners has never—nor will ever—be replicated. However, along with the vast possibliities, you face a high level of competition to make your business visible online. This competition extends well beyond your locale as you compete against brands from across the country for visibility.

For your company’s website and associated social media channels to be as achieve a good page rank in the search engine results, we recommend the following four tips to increase your opportunities for success and growth.

 

1 – Strengthen Your Marketing Strategies

First and foremost, identify your business goals. Then, take the time to put together a cohesive advertising and marketing strategy to achieve one or two key brand goals. As you develop your marketing strategy, do not shrink back from ambitions goals. Yet, keep your goals within the range of what is attainable. Small successes   along the way lead to long term gains.

To get you started, here a few simple tips to include as elements in your strategy. These elements work together to improve your online company’s marketing strategies:

  • Identify your key target market
  • Determine a set budget for each marketing and advertising strategy
  • Utilize innovative apps and software programs to save you time
  • Define your key roles of each employee to carry out the strategy
  • Maximize your reach on social media through paid advertising campaigns

 

2 – Optimize Your SEO. Watch Your Metrics. 

Next, boost your brands’ visibility online through Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and monitor the SEO metrics. SEO efforts are a necessary factor for your website to achieve a good page rank. These efforts take time to show results in your SEO metrics, but are well worth the effort if you create web pages that are well written, well designed, and technically sound. The higher your web page appears on the search engine results pages, the more likely a potential customer or client will discover the products and services you provide.

In addition, another important SEO (search engine optimization) tactic worthy of your attention is to develop quality backlinks to your company’s website. One way to ensure an ever-growing number of backlinks is to deliver content marketing as one of your marketing strategies. This practice increases the likelihood of users returning to your website frequently, resulting in more time on your site and a an increased domain authority.

Jemully Regular Content Updates
Jemully Regular Content Updates

3 – Automatically Arrange Regular New Content Uploads 

Regardless of the size of your small business, regular content updates that provide answers for your potential customers is advantageous. When Google returns search results, Google’s desire is to provide their searchers with content that is helpful. Therefore, if you invest in publishing fresh content for your site regularly, Google will find your site fits their business goals.

As a reminder, with all of this discussion about online visibility, it goes without saying that you need a good internet provider that delivers reliable service. Choose your internet provider wisely and stay informed of key phrases that will help you understand their services. It helps to familiarize yourself with techy terms such as latency, ping, and jitter when choosing an internet provider.

Now, back to the other marketing tips to help with your online visibility. In regards to social media, just as with your content updates on your website, we recommend that you post fresh content regularly. You may outsource this time-consuming step to an agency, or manage the social media channels for your business yourself. If you choose the latter, invest in social media applications such as Hootsuite. With Hootsuite you schedule social posts and upload content to keep your customers and clients engaged. Regular posting plus engagement builds brand loyalty.

 

4 – Hone and Develop Your Company Voice

Finally, as part of your marketing strategy, ensure that your business has a well-defined brand voice. Not sure what that is? Brand voice is defined as the distinct personality your brand takes on in all communications. Brand voice serves to portray your business in a certain way to your customers. As a defining characteristic of your marketing strategy, it allows you to connect with a specific audience that wants or needs what your company has to offer.

Connection to your audience and engagement is at the heart of an online company’s success. Even if you are positive of your products’ or services’ superiority over the output of your industry rivals, you will struggle if you fail to engage with new and potential customers alike.

To cultivate a loyal customer base and, furthermore, to entice new customers to your business, make sure your unique selling point clearly emphasizes your brand’s voice.

Is Your Home an Optimal Work Environment?

Is Your Home an Optimal Work Environment?

Is Your Home an Optimal Work Environment? The answer to this question depends on your opinion of remote working. Some people prefer the structure, discipline, and collaboration of working in an office with others. But, if you have the self-discipline and enjoy the flexibility that remote work affords, your home may be the workplace of choice.

 

What does an optimal work environment look like?

The answer to this question is a personal one that depends on your personality, work style, and work preferences. One option many remote workers strive for is to mirror what you typically associate with the office. This mirroring includes a dedicated workplace, a desk, and the tools you need to complete tasks. For example, a computer, printer, whiteboard, and file storage. Others prefer the freedom to be more mobile to work from the couch, the kitchen table, or the patio. 

Some employers are more concerned over your productivity than your working location. In such cases as these, you may have the freedom to travel and work from a remote vacation spot. A working vacation has its unique pros and cons that require its own set of disciplines. The option to adapt your workspace to your unique desires is one of the reasons that working from home appeals to so many employees.

 

Your Working Space

Some people thrive in the stressful, fast-paced environment that some work cultures offer. The employee who thrives on input and working with others derives energy from others. However, those who tend to be more introverted may view the organized chaos of some workplace environments as stressful. Introverts might not be able to imagine anything worse – which could be why they opted for a home environment in the first place. It might be that countering the stress of the job with a calming and quiet environment can help to focus and increase productivity.

 

Jemully Media optimal home work environment
Jemully Media optimal home work environment

Other Ways to Optimize Your Home Working Environment

In addition to a calm and quiet work environment, you have more flexibility in your work location. If you are setting up your remote work location for the first time, you might consider these tips for good communication. For those who work in front of a computer screen for long hours each day, your eyes can suffer damage. If you are concerned about your eye strain, position your workstation near a window, where you can periodically look outside and give your eyes a rest. This practice relieves tension in your eyes and increases productivity. “Paradoxically, staring out the window can increase productivity. It can take us momentarily away from our work’s hectic pace and immediate pressure and allow a different form of knowledge to emerge.”

 

The Tools at Your Disposal

Whether or not you believe a worker is only as good as their tools, it can be good to have the best available. This is less of a concern in an office as you work with means provided to you by the company. This is different for those who work in a home environment, especially those who are contract workers. When you are responsible for providing your equipment, working with the best tools can increase productivity. Quality tools benefit you and those you work for.

First, some tools worth investing in are subscriptions to cloud services, an ergonomic chair, a standing desk, and a reliable laptop. When it comes to connectivity, check your area for the best and most reliable Internet service. For example, those who live in the San Diego, California area might look into fiber internet near San Diego that allows you to work as efficiently and unencumbered as possible.

 

Self-Control, Structure, and Distractions

Not only does everyone have different styles of working by themselves, but their jobs also demand different structures. While one person might have a more typical 9-5 routine, an hour in the middle of the day for lunch. During work time, they are required to stay at their desk and complete their tasks. Others might have more flexibility of movement within. the office and more flexibility in their schedules.

This flexibility can undoubtedly be a blessing – allowing you to work as you prefer, finish your tasks quickly, and spend the rest of the day as you desire. Many choose to use the flex time with family, exercising, or running errands. However, to make the most of the potential that comes from a remote working environment, you need to have an element of self-control. This self-control can allow you to apply your personalized structure to the day, overcome the inevitable distractions around your home, and create a routine that works well for you.

What Can Complement Your Digital Marketing?

What Can Complement Your Digital Marketing?

As a business owner, you likely have a detailed digital marketing plan and have poured most of your energies and efforts into developing this. In that case, you might have yet to consider other types of marketing that compliment your digital campaigns.

Here, we examine three complementary marketing efforts – billboards, flyering, and events –  that support your digital strategies and incorporate offline advertising to support your digital campaigns in 2023.

 

Billboards

Most of your customers use the internet and likely interact with your digital marketing campaigns. However, some customers use social media sparingly and might not see the campaigns you are putting out. Also, studies show that people have a short attention span when they browse the internet. In fact, new research indicates that potential customers remember a piece of marketing they have spotted when they are out and about. Billboards are highly effective forms of advertising. This type of advertising reinforces the digital marketing that flows through their feeds on social media. In addition to digital marketing, consider using billboard advertising to convey your message and get people interested in your business. Billboard advertising benefits those trying to market their business within a local community. For example, one method to consider is posters and advertisements on Nashville billboards. These grab the attention of thousands of people who walk and drive past each day.

 

Flyering

Next, we focus on another form of offline advertising to support your digital marketing – business flyers or flyering. Flyers can be posters, mail-outs, or hand-outs. Typically, flyers are typically colorful 8.5″x11″ promotional pieces that grab the readers’ attention. They can be mailed out to a mailing list developed by your business or mailing lists can be purchased to target specific zip codes within a city. Flyers catch people’s attention in their own homes, where they might have more time to look at the products and services that you offer. Also, you can use flyers to direct them to your website or further information online. In addition to these benefits, potential customers see your offers, as you place flyers directly into their hands. Many cafes and restaurants might also be happy to stock your flyers for you and spread the word about your company.

Jemully flyer poster
Jemully flyer poster

Events

Lastly, consider hosting events to bring attention to your business and drive traffic. Events give you an opportunity to raise awareness of your business. Likewise, you stand before your participates to share your knowledge and showcase products. Some business owners prefer to offer free events. But, you may opt for a ticketed event.  Next, consider the venue. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Choose from an online event, one on your business premises, or select an event location such as a meeting room or conference center. When you run an event, make sure that you have enough flyers and business cards on send digitally or hand to give out to those who may be interested in what your company produces and sells.

Finally, in developing a marketing strategy, it is wise to use multiple channels that incorporate both marketing (brand awareness and engagement) and paid advertising campaigns. In addition to digital marketing, consider investing in billboard marketing, flyering, and other types of offline marketing that can draw customers into your business and ensure that people know that your business exists. Reach your widest audience by expanding your marketing footprint to compliment your digital strategies. 

Essential Tips for Setting Up Remote Workers

4 Essential Tips When Setting Up Remote Workers for the First Time

A situation rarely touches every industry and all businesses, but that’s precisely what the COVID-19 pandemic did. It’s true that, in the early days and months, many businesses shuttered, and employees transitioned to an online work environment. And while situations have improved and many workers are now back in the office, many companies now see the value in remote working and are adopting it permanently.

If you own a business that has yet to dip its toes in a remote environment and are ready to make the transition, there are ways to make things smoother. Here are four essential tips when setting up remote workers for the first time.

Provide Staff with the Needed Hardware and Software

The leading equipment staff will need to be productive in a home office is a computer or laptop loaded with the necessary software. They need access to all the same programs, tools, files, and data as they would in the office. You want a streamlined experience wherein remote workers can do their job without obstacles and barriers.

While some employees may already have a personal computer at home, they shouldn’t use it for work-related purposes. Using personal devices can compromise digital security and privacy that the business is careful to adhere to.

Communicate Your Expectations Clearly

Just because your staff is working from home doesn’t mean you have to alter your expectations. You need to discuss with them what you expect regarding their work hours, the tasks they will do, how to communicate with other employees and departments, whom to contact when they need assistance and more. You should offer the same training to employees in the office and those who work from home.

Regularly Check In with Remote Workers

Because you want to create a collaborative environment wherein everyone is on the same page and communicates with each other, it’s also wise to check in regularly with remote staff. Many managers choose to hold daily, weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly video meetings so everyone gets a chance to chat, discuss challenges and obstacles, compare progress on projects and tasks, and more. You don’t want staff to feel disconnected, so this is a great way to prevent that.

Outsource IT Services – Cut Back on Downtime

Downtime is something every business tries to avoid, as it results in a loss of revenue. What happens when your employees are located offsite, so you can’t be there physically to troubleshoot? It is wise to outsource your IT solutions to a professional company. The professionals will look after all digital security issues, computer networking, streamlining processes, and monitoring. A professional company that manages your IT frees your employees to focus on their jobs, not the technical end.

A Remote Workforce Can Be a Wonderful Thing

Remote employees offer businesses many advantages, which is why so many companies choose to go this route. For example, many remote workers seek the flexibility of work location. This flexibility promotes positive mental health through job satisfaction and increased productivity. Knowing how to set up a remote workforce and ensure things get off to a good start is essential.

The Benefits of Tools for Graphic Design

The Benefits of Tools for Graphic Design

The world of design changed dramatically in the last few years. Back then, designers had to work for weeks and even months to have their designs printed on T-shirts, posters, and other printables. While today, you only need a smartphone and the internet to develop digital strategies that print onto anything. The tools for graphic design also took to a modern turn. An artist used to need only a pen, paper, and a few coloring materials to create unique designs. Nowadays, a computer set-up, the internet, and design software are necessary to produce striking designs.

The demands of the modern design industry now require more than just pure creativity and skill. Artists must also be adept at using graphic design tools that will stand out in their fields. Only those who have learned to take advantage of the different tools for graphic design will help hone their skills and successfully conquer the diverse challenges of being a modern designer.

Let us take a look at how tools that graphic designers use help build a successful career in the field of design.

 

The Evolution of Graphic Design

One of the earliest pieces of evidence of the existence of humanity is the colorful cave paintings from hundreds of decades ago. Those paintings depicted what life was like back then, and the characters consisted of humans, animals, and their surroundings. During the early civilizations, Egyptians used hieroglyphics for communication, and the graphics mostly contained icons of the sun, the pyramids, animals, etc. Even then, it was clear how humans respond well to visuals.

It was in the 20th century when images for communication started to become universal. Graphic signs use point directions, relay messages, and connect people with brands. Media growth is primarily the reason for the emergence of graphic design. Brands felt the need to stand out and knew that having stunning graphics to present their products is the way to go.

Moving on to recent years, graphic design has become an integral part of visual communication. It can be seen across platforms, both online and offline. It became such a rewarding career for artists and other visually-minded individuals.

As the design industry developed, the tools for graphic design also became more advanced. These tools are what designers use to highlight their skills, impress new clients, and build successful careers as modern designers.

 

Benefits of Tools for Graphic Design

jemully graphic design tools

1 – Saves money

Since the demand for graphic designers is high, you pay for professionals who will use their expertise in things like color selection and experienced know-how in areas like the psychology behind font selection to do the design work for your brand. This could set you back thousands of dollars in a year if you hire more people to be a part of your design or marketing team. Concerning this problem, a more innovative solution is to provide your existing graphic designer/s with the best tools for graphic design.

Most of these tools are much cheaper compared to paying for a full-time designer. Even if you are on a tight budget, you can find design software that is perfect for your needs. Removal.AI, for example, allows you to pay for only the number of images you need to remove backgrounds. It relieves you of the burden of paying a professional for a job that only takes a few seconds to complete when using the software.

2 – Saves Time

One of the most critical resources of a designer is time. There is only so much you can do in the number of hours you will work. Being limited with time can affect the output quality of your designs. You must also choose between spending more time on the design process or doing other vital tasks, like creating marketing campaigns.

With design tools, you can save more time since the design process reduces the time in half or even more. It gives you plenty of time to manage other aspects of your business without worrying about compromising the quality of your designs.

3 – Increases productivity

Creating any graphic design requires time, effort, and flexibility. This could mean a designer is limited by how much he can do in a certain period when completing designs. For this reason, tools for graphic design reduce time in the design process. Most of these tools utilize prefabricated templates that allow you to customize the design according to project specifications. All you need to do is choose the template that reflects your industry and then personalize it to fit your brand.

Good design software also has functionalities that are more than bringing good design to the table. Some software gives you access to analytics, allowing you to check your performance. As you monitor your design and modifications, you spend your time and resources wisely.

4 – High-Quality Visuals

Professional graphic designers design the top tools that graphic designers use. They are considered experts in the graphic design industry, so they know very well how important it is to produce the highest quality of visuals. Thus every tool is made with careful consideration of the final output.

With different tools for graphic design, there is more allowance for design innovation. It will be easier for them to experiment with new techniques using different design features. The beginner-friendly features also ensure that even design newbies can create stunning visuals without stressing too much about the process.

5 – Helps Streamline Design Workflow

The beauty of design tools is that they allow you to work better and not more complicated. It will enable you to see the flaws of your workflows so you can make smarter decisions and increase the overall efficiency of the design process. The most helpful thing about using design tools is that they let you automate repeatable steps, dramatically improving productivity. It also allows you to work on the more complicated tasks rather than get bottlenecks in doing repetitive actions.
You will feel more energized to create even better designs when you can improve your workflow. Every design becomes an adventure because you get to break down a formerly long design process and work out solutions to help you produce the best designs.in 

10 Tools That MANY Graphic Designers Use

Since you are now aware of the benefits that graphic design tools can bring, it is time to start using them. Here is a list of graphic design tools that professional graphic designers use in creating noteworthy designs:

1 – Kittl.com

kittl It used to be that only the most talented graphic artists can create stunning designs. When you have Kittl, you can create unique designs in minutes, even if you need to gain the skills and talent of a good designer. Kittl has plenty of design tools and access to hundreds of design assets, like illustrations, icons, and textures, that you can use to make mind-blowing designs.

Some of Kittl’s best features include advanced text editing that you can use to transform texts, magic recoloring that lets you choose trendy color palettes for your designs, and ready-to-use design templates that you can customize to fit both personal and commercial projects.

Billed annually for only $10 a month, you can access all premium templates, unlimited vector exports, and 1GB of upload space when you subscribe to a Pro plan. The expert plan at $24 a month and the Business plan at $79 a month, both billed annually, are the most cost-effective choices for professionals and experts that need more premium features and bigger upload space.

2 – Removal.AI

removal.ai The background removal process is one of the most time-consuming parts of using images for design. Yes, anyone can do it using almost all kinds of design editing software, but it would take a lot of time and effort. Instead of wasting precious time, you can use Removal.AI to automate this tedious process. Aside from the superb image removal feature, this tool also works as a powerful image editing software. After removing their backgrounds, its built-in photo editor will let you enhance your photos further.

With Removal.AI, you can choose how many background removal credits you pay for a month. The more credits you pay, the lesser the cost for each image becomes. 40 photos per month credit, for example, will cost $5.99 or $0.15 per image. On the other hand, five hundred images per month credit will cost only $63.99 or $0.13 per image.

3 – Renderforest.com

Most brands are doing social media marketing because it is one of the most effective ways to increase engagement. Renderforest is one of the best tools for creating social media content, and it helps you create stunning visuals that can quickly drive engagement. From YouTube intros to mockup generators, logo makers, and even website builders, Renderforest has something for everyone. Whether you’re a professional creative or a beginner looking to make your mark on the web, Renderforest makes it easier than ever before to get the job done quickly and beautifully.

With a wide range of easy-to-use templates, you can create stunning visuals without worrying about coding or design experience. The drag-and-drop editor makes it simple to customize your design and play with fonts, colors, and images until you find what you want. Plus, you can access a library of royalty-free stock photos and videos to make your project stand out from the competition.

What makes it so valuable is that there are plenty of social media templates to choose from. They categorize by industry, which is also helpful.

You can choose the Lite, Pro, and Business plans at $9.99, $19.99, and $29.99, respectively. All plans offer attractive features and differ mainly in the amount of storage, video quality, and support.

4 – Designstripe.com

designstripe It is a bit daunting to design illustrations from scratch. After all, you need to mind not only each design element’s meaning but also the output’s quality and aesthetics. Good thing that Designstripe has plenty of illustration templates that are perfect for any design project. Aside from illustrations, you can also use Designstripe to create attractive mockups for your products, apps, and website.

Although it gives users free and unlimited access to freestyles, you can only fully appreciate Designstripe when you subscribe to the Pro plan at $20 monthly. With this plan, you can enjoy unlimited access to free and premium styles, full-scene customization options, and multi-format downloads.

5 – Drawkit.com

What makes Drawkit a little bit better than other illustrations creators is that it has plenty of illustration types. Aside from the simple illustrations, there are sections for 2D and 3D illustrations. You can also choose from hundreds of icons and animation templates that you can use to create exciting designs.

Drawkit offers two subscription plans, the Pro plan at $79 a year and the Pro-Lifetime at a one-time payment of $295. Both plans give you unlimited access to all content plus early access to new content. The only difference is that the Pro-Lifetime gives you lifetime access, which means you can enjoy all premium illustrations and mockup templates forever.

6 – Easil.com

Creating on-brand marketing materials is a common task for designers, and Easil is a great tool for such a task with its innovative drag-and-drop editor. With minimal effort, you can start any design using premade templates and use your brand kit to create branded images and graphics. It’s flexible locking permissions, and design workflow lets you define which design elements can be edited by other team members. Aside from the 30-day free trial account, Easil offers the Easil Plus plan at $7.50 per user per month and the Easil Edge at $59 per user per month. Both plans give access to Easil’s innovative design tools, access premium templates, and the additional Edge Design Guarantee for the Edge plan. You may also contact the team for a tailored package with a dedicated account manager.

7 – Flexitive.com

Omnichannel design production is necessary for brands that delve into online marketing efforts. It is the only way to have a wider reach and ensure that target customers are well-informed about the brand, no matter what platform they are using.

Since it is time-consuming to create different design variations for every platform, Flexitive allows you to automate the process and help with omnichannel design production and distribution. With its Dynamic Design Production (DDP), you can quickly generate design variations that will work across platforms.

Flexitive has two plans that are perfect for any design team size. The Teams plan at $59 per user per month is ideal for small teams creating omnichannel designs for any platform. It has 100GB of cloud storage space per user, access to the design library, a responsive drag-and-drop design editor, and much more. For more prominent organizations that need design production automation, the Enterprise plan at $89 per user per month is the most suitable option. Each user will have 200GB of cloud storage space, access to global shared libraries, and other cool perks.

8 – Pixelied.com

You don’t need to hire a new designer when you want to create graphics for your business as long as you have Pixelied. This tool has a full suite of image editing tools that will help you instantly create stunning designs. Because of its easy-to-use online graphic editor, you do not need advanced design skills to make it work. It also has a vast library of professional templates you can personalize for branded content.
Pixelied has one of the most affordable subscriptions for online tools for graphic design. The Pro plan is only $4.9 monthly, while the Pro+ is only $8.25 monthly. Both come with many premium perks, like AI image generation credits, BG remover, access to premium content, priority customer support, and more.

9 – Adobe Illustrator

As a leading organization for photo editing solutions, we must mention Adobe before ending this list of graphic design tools. Adobe Illustrator sets the bar high with its powerful features for creating illustrations, logos, infographics, icons, and more.

The monthly plan costs $31.49 a month, but you can avail of the discount when you pay annually at only $20.99 per month. However, one of the downsides of using this tool is that newbies will have to deal with a steep learning curve. It is mainly suited for advanced users.

10 – Creasquare Creative Studio

Creasquare Creative Studio is an all-in-one creative design tool for creating stunning visuals. It offers a comprehensive suite of advanced and intuitive features that allow users to create eye-catching designs in no time easily. With Creasquare, you can turn your ideas into reality with just a few clicks.

Users love Creasquare Creative Studio because it allows them to easily create stunning visuals with access to an extensive library of professional templates, stock images, and illustrations. It’s incredibly intuitive for beginners but powerful enough for experienced designers. Plus, it’s available on both the web and mobile devices.

Creasquare also offers a range of features designed to help professionals achieve their creative goals. It includes an AI-powered background removal tool, vector drawing capabilities, and a range of filters and effects. Additionally, users can collaborate with others in real-time on projects, allowing teams to work together seamlessly from anywhere.

Conclusion

It is only with modern tools for graphic design that designers can create superb designs that improve the overall user experience and interface. These design tools are more than just a means to create innovative designs. They also ensure that designers work smartly by providing ways to improve their workflows and increase productivity.
The tools for graphic design also help standardize design practices to help brands deliver consistent designs across their marketing strategies. By being familiar with ground-breaking tools, you can enjoy numerous and lasting benefits as a designer.

Author Placeholder
About the Author

Name:  Jenn Pereira
Email:  jennpereira13@gmail.com

Most Effective SEO Strategies for HVAC Contractors

Most Effective SEO Strategies for HVAC Contractors

If you are an HVAC contractor, you should not follow the most traditional SEO techniques and strategies to rank your business. SEO for HVAC requires some strategies that work specifically for your industry. Here are some of the best unique strategies to help HVAC contractors.

 

SEO for HVAC UTILIZES A Diverse Backlink Portfolio

First, it is important to understand, SEO is evolving. Therefore, some of the traditional approaches to SEO may not be the most effective path for the HVAC industry. For example, some of those early methods attempted to trick search engines by stuffing related keywords into the content of the page. This practice is no longer acceptable. Search engines will block your efforts and occasionally block the whole website if you adopt those types of practices today.. So, now you need to use various types of links to leave random footprints that are untraceable by the search engine’s algorithm. This method is known as link diversity.

With link diversification, page rank eliminates roadblocks. As you run an HVAC enterprise, do not risk losing the rank in SERPs. It can have a strong negative impact on your business and make you lose a significant consumer base. Therefore, you cannot build your links based on specific keywords that are easily traceable by search engines, and in this case, you also have one good option to hire an SEO Agency that can help you to build your online presence and optimize your website to boost traffic and ranking

There are many forms of diversified links that you can adopt for your website. Some may directly affect your pages; some will take an indirect approach. All of them will provide you with a shield of randomness that will make the pattern unrecognizable and prevent your website from being penalized.

 

Youtube SEO for HVAC Companies

As an HVAC contractor, your ultimate target is to reach more potential customers. Over the last two decades, video content has been increasingly important. Correspondingly, the number of people on YouTube is ever higher, and recent stats show over two billion users log in to Youtube monthly. This audience is worthy of your marketing attention.

To understand a video, Google relies on the text. Hence, for your video to appear in the search results, you must carefully produce the text of the video and make it SEO-friendly. 

What should you consider while creating  your Youtube SEO and to maximize the number of views? Here are some key points:

  • Closed captions – Instead of Youtube ASR captions, upload high-quality closed captions.
  • Descriptions – Choose an accurate description of your content while considering the terms and phrases that your consumers will use to search.
  • Keywords – Include your keywords in all the possible fields.
  • Translate – For global use, translate your content with subtitles.
  • Transcripts – Add the audio transcript to your video, which will likely contain relevant keywords to boost your SEO ranking.
  • Monitor Activity – Closely monitor your viewers’ activity to boost your ranking
Jemully SEO Search

Advanced Technical SEO

Advanced technical SEO enables your website to be easily understood by search engines. It also allows search engines to crawl, index, and render web pages. Enterprise businesses thrive when there are more consumers. And with advanced technical SEO, web pages are more likely to climb higher in the search results. Technical SEO promotes the organic growth of your website.

To boost your advanced technical SEO, you can follow the following steps:

  • Sitemap XML and JSON format
  • Schema.org markup
  • .htacess file configuration for SE index
  • SSL end-to-end user encryption
  • 4XX and 5XX Error fixation
  • 301 and 302 redirection

Target Local Searches with Local Landing Pages and Listing

If you have an enterprise business that reaches across the country or expands internationally, we recommend adopting local SEO practices to target your consumers regionally. For a company at the enterprise level, consider the needs of the local consumers and provide them with a solid solution.

Local landing pages and listings are valuable tools that assist your site in appearing in local searches. Landing pages targeted to a local audience bring engagement to your website from every location where you are conducting business. Furthermore, you can quickly adapt the variation of your SEO strategy for each locality and provide your consumers with the optimum solution.

Remember, even a local business is your competitor if you run an enterprise. If you want your business to prosper, start from a small locality to achieve the optimum benefit.

 

Measure SEO Performance

Top-notch SEO strategies provide you with some of the benefits you seek. To achieve your desired outcome, monitor your data and rank. Keep track of where you are soaring and failing.

SEO is ever-changing. Some strategies are that work today become less effective as search algorithms change. It is wise to keep an eye on the variables. Here is a list of a few things that can give you a good idea to measure your SEO performance:

  • Organic Session (number of unique visitors, have to set cookies to restore session data)
  • KW ranking shifting (top-ranking/LSI/branded or non-branded etc.)
  • Leads/Conversion (Add to Cart conversion/checkout etc.)
  • Page Load time
  • Crawl errors
  • And many other KPI indicators such as CPR, CPV, CTR, ROI on the project, Bounce Rate, Exit page Ratio, Page Speed, Heat Map (unorthodox somewhat), and Social Share.

As your business grows, grow the techniques you use to measure your SEO performance. A small dip in one location’s rank can seriously affect your overall ranking. So, please keep them in check all the time.

Content Ideas for Your Law Firm’s Website

Content Ideas for Your Law Firm's Website

Are you looking for ideas to build your law firm’s website authority and strengthen your SEO? Or, perhaps you want to build a new website for your firm. A solid website is a key, foundational piece to your digital marketing plan. So, you are thinking along the right lines. Get your website beefed up so it can serve as an anchor to your other marketing efforts. Investing in your website sets your firm apart from the rest.

As you look at your website, one of the first things to consider is whether or not you have all the “static” pages your site needs. That term “static,” when used to describe website pages, might seem unfamiliar, but these pages are something you see all the time. These are pages whose names are displayed on the tabs that appear across the top of most websites. A “Home Page” is a static page. An “About Us” page is a static page. The same is true for “Contact Us,” “Site Map,” or any of several other possible pages, including “Gallery” pages. These pages are called “static” because they change very seldom.

As you probably guessed, there are pages on websites that are not static. Any news articles one posts on a website is not static content. Rather, content that is timely and that educates or inspires or entertains your website visitors is normally grouped under the rubric of “blogging.” Blogposts help you attract visitors to your website. Static content tells them what kind of website they have found. Static pages identify the main features, not just of the website, but of your company as well.

 

SUGGESTED PAGES FOR your LAW FIRM’s WEBSITE

So, when we talk about “static pages,” we’re talking about the core content that describes your firm and relates its history and identifies its values. With law practices, the static pages explain your areas of practice and tell about each attorney.  If you would like to know if your law firm has covered all the bases on your static pages, here is a list of more than fourteen static web pages you may want to consider (NOTE: the Communication Disclaimer and Privacy Policy may not help your SEO, but the other pages listed below will help ).

  • Home Page
  • About Your Firm (History)
  • A page highlighting each attorney
    • Bio
    • Education
    • Areas of Practice
    • Awards
    • Associations
    • Interests
    • Community Involvement
  • Areas of Practice
    • Each area is defined to help the potential client
    • List of your attorneys who practice this area of law
  • FAQs
  • List of Clients (example: Corporate Law clients)
  • Blog (individual blogposts themselves are not “static” content, but the page where they live is itself a static page)
  • Videos
  • Testimonials from Clients
  • Giving Back
  • Contact Page with a location map
  • Areas We Serve
  • Achievements and Memberships
  • Specialty Features
    • Secure Client Portal
    • Financing
    • Pay Online
    • Live Chat
  • Communication Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
Jemully - Law Firm Website Clients

WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR LAW FIRM’S WEBSITE, DON’T FORGET THE SEO

We would be remiss to visit with you about the pages of your law firm’s website without some discussion of search engine optimization (SEO). Without SEO it will be much more difficult for your website to be found by your potential clients.

We are strong advocates of the strategy that your website should be the hub of your online presence, and the focal point of the digital marketing efforts for your law practice. To establish your hub, we recommend, in addition to the foundational static pages of your site mentioned above, the creation of good, shareable content that is written with keyword value and customer education in mind. This content is best served to your audience in the form of blog articles.

Blogging, sometimes called inbound marketing or content marketing, is a key tactic that many of the most successful websites employ. Blogging for the purpose of marketing takes planning, organization, and time to make a significant impact on your website traffic; you won’t jump to the top of the search page results in a short period of time because it is a building process. It is an investment in the future of your firm that pays good benefits in the long run in terms of new clients and profits.

GOOGLE’S VIEW OF WEBSITE CONTENT

As we reflect on the SEO building process, we acknowledge the need to satisfy Google’s demand for quality content. Google places value on websites that provide answers to the questions Google searchers ask. More importantly, Google wants a website to be viewed as helpful to their searchers. For this reason, it is always important that you are writing your content to serve your customers, not to satisfy Google. Because, in serving your customers, you actually are satisfying Google.

Therefore, we recommend that your firm develop a strategy that incorporates a plan to produce a variety of informative, and even entertaining, content for potential clients. The list of topics for such articles can be pulled from the questions your own clients frequently ask. We suggest that you put together helpful articles, guides, news, and even eBooks that engage your audience of potential clients and will also draw Google’s much-wanted attention to your website over time. And, if you need help with compiling a list of questions, we can give you a hand by doing some research to determine common questions that are queried on Google.

Kit Mullins Author
Kit Mullins
About the Author

Kit Mullins, co-owner of Jemully Media, LLC, has been a leader in digital marketing for more than twenty years. A writer, designer, and developer, Kit enjoys travel, photography, and Bible study. With six kids and fifteen grandkids, she has no choice but to find ways to be creative.