When you have a rural small business, your clientele and target customers are clients are likely spread out and difficult to categorize in any one specific group. Marketing with social media to such a wide variety of people can be a challenge, as knowing how to appeal to a diverse group of people is never an easy task. Here are three basic tips to keep in mind when marketing with social media. As you get more familiar with your target market’s presence on social media sites, you will get a better idea of how to tailor these tips for your specific needs. [Read more...]
07
Oct 2010
3 Tips for Marketing with Social Media as a Rural Small Business
October 7, 2010 By 2 Comments
13
May 2010
Using URL Shorteners to Make Your Work Easier
May 13, 2010 By 1 Comment
It has happened to me several times; I’ve been talking to someone about Bit.ly or a URL shortener and realized they have not been introduced to this feature. Let’s take a minute, go over the basics of URL shortening, and help you get the most out of this social media tool. [Read more...]
05
Jan 2010
A Gift for the Social Media Enthusiast in Your Life
January 5, 2010 By 1 Comment
Belated holiday gifts, Birthday, or early Valentine’s Day ideas…
Need a great gift idea for that special someone in your life whose own life is encompassed by social media efforts? While an ergonomic computer chair is a great idea, I guarantee you that the best thing you can give them is the gift that keeps on giving.
I’m talking about writing an article on your blog or a guest article for someone else; no strings attached. Take your passion and writing skills, and donate a little time toward something that really matters. We’ve all had requests from others to write an article about this or that. Think of your friends, clients, and colleagues; then go back through your notes or emails and follow through with a few requests.
If you haven’t had any recent requests for guest articles, then choose a few topics that you LOVE and write from the heart. Give a shout out or a link to someone who you care about who also has a common interest or expertise in that area. There is no better way of expressing your gratitude and best wishes for 2010 than to create positive, helpful, and inspiring content for others.
photo credit: smajee
02
Aug 2009
Large corporate chains have extremely strict rules, 
regulations and guideli
nes outlining the presentation of their brand. These well-established brand names are designed to engender specific feelings and reactions in their targeted customers. As a small business, social media provides you with the same opportunity to establish a solid and recognizable brand name for your company, with added benefit. As a small company without the stringent requirements handed down by the corporate office, you have the freedom to establish any kind of personality you’d like for your small business. [Read more...]
04
May 2009
If you were to stop every marketing initiative you have going on right now – would it make a difference in your business? If you canceled your newspaper ads, radio ads, brochures, website, social media sites, etc. – would your sales suffer? For most businesses, the answer is yes. We spend a lot of money to market and advertise our businesses. Many of us have had the same marketing plan for years. We do what we are comfortable doing. Sadly, what we are comfortable with is spending money in the same places our competitors spend their money. [Read more...]
I am President and Chief Evangelist for Vivid Image - a web design and social marketing firm located outside of Minneapolis, MN. 
