SEO Tips : Mobile Friendly Websites

For some time now Google has been making recommendations around the mobile experience; so it's really no surprise that it's now becoming a part of their algorithm.

One point we should highlight since writing that article, is that Google has refined its interpretation of 'Mobile Friendly'. Simply being able to use your site on a mobile device (i.e. not using flash etc.), is no longer sufficient; the new algorithm requires that you now either need a dedicated mobile site, or a mobile responsive site in order to gain Google favour.

So what does this actually mean? 

7 Tips for Better Face to Face Networking Results

Here is a cool stat for you from a great infographic from Virgin Entrepreneur:

95% say face to face meetings are essential for long-term business relationships.

Now I know we are all virtual professionals, and I've done my fair share of hiding behind my computer screen.

'I don't do in-person meetings.'

'I don't do Skype or Facetime.'

'Thanks for the invitation to coffee, but I only do phone meetings.'

'You can only reach me via email. It's how I work.'

I've said these things to my clients and potential clients. I still say them!

BUT in terms of networking, there are many cases where meeting face to face (either in a small business setting or a large event) can really fast-track your business relationship.

The statistic above is a very interesting take on the perception of business owners.

Trust is built more easily face to face. The whole process is just faster.

How Can Email Marketing Help My Business?

You simply cannot have a good online marketing plan if you don't involve yourself with email marketing. Email marketing, when done correctly, will enable your business to attract new customers, keep existing ones, up-sell, cross-sell and cut costs. Let's take a look at some of the specific ways that email marketing can help your business.

It Allows You To Automate Your Business

If you're running a small business, you're probably busy doing lots of different tasks. An email marketing autoresponder acts like your silent salesperson who works for you 24/7.

How To Grow Your Business Via Social Media

As a business owner, you should at least have a basic working knowledge of what social media marketing is all about. You should know how to connect with people, especially your target market, through it, to create excellent content that moves people to act, and to create relationships.

You develop your business and it should all starts with being active on the social networks that matter and never let the customers forget about you. One way to continue reminding them that you're still around is to make some noise on your social pages.

The marketing is about communicating with your target audience, informing them about your business, and eventually getting them involved. It could produce customer feedback, leads, and the opportunity to give them excellent customer service. But you will not get the response that you are hoping for unless you share your information the right way.

There are a few steps that you need to follow if you want to use it to help your business grow.

Top 10 SEO Strategies for Your Online Business

1) Adding a Schema

Letting know Google of your company's location, about your company, reviews etc. through schema.org will win you more rankings in Google search. Add schema.org as a markup to the code of your website. Schema tells the search engines what your data means, not just what it says. The content on your website gets indexed and returned in search results. But with schema markup, some of that content gets indexed and returned in a different way. Schema.org is a collaborative, community activity with a mission to create, maintain, and promote schemas for structured data on the Internet, on web pages, in email messages, and beyond which makes it easier for webmasters and developers to decide on a schema and get the maximum benefit for their efforts.

Click here to add a Schema

Why Social Media Is Important to Your Small Business

1: It finds your customers and builds clientele

Many of us use Social Media on a regular basis. We use it to stay on top of what's trending, follow our favourite businesses, post our personal beliefs and so much more. I'd like to think of Social Media as the new "office water cooler" --- People are out there talking and they are waiting for your business to show up so they can discuss what you have to offer.

Customers need to trust a business, service or product before purchasing. People tend to trust their friends and loved ones more than anyone else. So, if your customers hear from someone trustworthy, about your product or service, it is reasonable to believe that they are more likely to purchase what you are selling. You could very reasonably market your products and services using, mostly, word of mouth.

Want to manage your social media better? Click here.

Why Your Business Can't Ignore Facebook Groups

Facebook is the social headquarters of the internet. Facebook groups are an excellent place to hook up with people in your industry and potential customers. When you open a group on Facebook, you can enjoy a very easy-going, community relationship with your followers.

The benefits of setting up a group on Facebook for building your online business, blog and brand are plentiful. 

Here are just 5 of them.