Business Improvement and Social media

I selected this article from Curatti written by Tony Zambito because it explains how outdated buyer insights can affect our B2B sales.

You can reach your prospects through a better understanding of why customers make a purchase.

Exploring the B2B Buyer Journey

The digitization of business has changed the buyer landscape significantly. I agree that your customers will respond as you reach them where they are at.

Zambito shows you several ways to gain better insights on your prospects and how to improve your B2B sales.

Here's what caught my attention:

• B2B companies have to come to the realization that they are living within their own digital bubble. This includes over-reliance on activity-based data intelligence.

• Digital transformation is felt mostly in channels and distribution. For example, the way consumers purchase a book is now far different than in the past.

• Cloud-based platforms are now affecting how people take action and make decisions. A new virtual dependence is emerging merging users and buyers into one.

Selected by Jan Gordon for Curatti covering Curation, Social Business and Beyond

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Read full article here: http://ow.ly/JPQr30cap5v

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Robin Singh because it explains how to create a knowledge based website.

Your readers are seeking information that they can learn from.

Grow Your Website with a Knowledge Base Approach

You can increase your sales by offering solid information. I agree that it's beneficial to include valuable content on your website.

Singh provides 9 reasons your business should include a knowledge based strategy.

Here's what caught my attention:

• High quality content helps you to support your customers better. This increases the satisfaction rate as you place yourself in their shoes.

• Google will find your website valuable when you publish helpful content. This will increase your search ranking as a result.

• There will be fewer support requests when you offer informative articles on your website. When customers find what they are looking for there is no longer a need to ask for help.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Joan Selby because it provides insights into how to effectively create a strong email marketing plan.

It's important for your business to have an effective email marketing plan in order to generate more sales.

Email Marketing Success Strategies

In order to reach more prospects you need to produce quality communication. I agree that it's important to pay attention to any errors and spelling mistakes.

Selby explains the most serious blunders marketers can make in their email campaigns and the right approach to take.

Here's what caught my attention:

• In order to make a true impact include strong visuals in your emails. This is because most people use their mobile devices to read your messages.

• Avoid writing something that is over-promotional. Instead, appeal to the customer's needs and how your business can help them.

• Limit the amount of text in your emails in order to improve your open rates. Make your message clear, concise, and to the point.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Paolo Fabrizio because it explains how to answer your customers the right way online.

Some words can "add fuel to the fire" when it comes to engaging in customer service.

Improve Your Customer Communication

You can answer your customers with the right response. I agree that you can foster better relationships by using the right wording.

Fabrizio shows you several ways to improve your online communication for better feedback and results.

Here's what caught my attention:

• Take responsibility of handling an issue even if the person is not actual customer. Help them to take action and then follow up with them.

• Go the extra mile when it comes to a making a purchase -- even if the product is not currently available. Do whatever you have to do the help the experience become a positive one.

• Instead of just explaining a policy try to find an alternate solution. There may be something better for the customer to take advantage of.

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Good post on what makes a brand shareable on social media

Good post on what makes a brand shareable on social media

I selected this article from Curatti written by John Jantsch because it explains how buyers are drawn to stories about them -- not the brand.

Create a story that will grab your ideal customer's attention.

New Customer Approaches for Content

Stories have the power to cause large groups of people to take action. I agree that in order to reach more leads you need to approach them on their level through targeted content.

Jantsch explains how to make the story of your audience core to your brand.

Here's what caught my attention:

• Begin by knowing what your brand represents. What is the one thing that you can offer over the competition? Your message should compel your audience to care.

• Create a picture of your ideal customer or buyer persona. This will help you to better visualize who your target market is and what drives them to action.

• Use story as a narrative to guide the customer through a journey. This will show them exactly how you can solve their problems.

Selected by Jan Gordon for Curatti covering Curation, Social Business and Beyond

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Paolo Fabrizio because it explains how to use social customer service to better connect with your customers.

Integrating digital channels can help you improve your sales and customer relations.

Make Better Connections Through Social Customer Service

You can nurture your customers each and every day. I agree that you can reach them through specific platforms and technology.

Fabrizio shows you several ways to improve your social customer service with mobile and other social channels.

Here's what caught my attention:

• The use of smart phones has changed the way buyers interact with businesses. Mobile makes it faster and more comfortable to get the answers we need.

• Your brand can't afford to to waste time and money on the wrong digital platforms. It's important to carefully choose the best one for your business before taking on too much.

• Leverage live video events to answer your customers' pressing questions. This increases brand awareness and spreads the word about your business.

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Read full article here: http://ow.ly/O1E0309EFxJ

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Susan Gilbert because it provides insight into how to improve your email marketing with 15 different approaches.

Improve your open rates by catching the reader's attention.

Send Out Emails That Get Opened

You can improve your chances of your business emails being seen by using creativity and enticing content. I agree that this will help reduce your bounce rates and improve your reach.

Gilbert provides 15 tips in a helpful infographic with bonus tips covering email subject lines.

Here's what caught my attention:

• Tell a recent story your business experienced. Point out what you learned and how it changed your approach. People are drawn to transparency.

• Write about something simple that the reader can do right away. For example, a ten minute workout that they can begin now.

• Provide a hint about a new product release. Building anticipation makes great content and increase your sales once you launch your product.

Selected by Jan Gordon for Curatti covering Curation, Social Business and Beyond

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Read full article here: http://ow.ly/ny2K309v0f0

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Tony Zambito because it explains how to digital transformation has changed the way businesses understand their customers.

The new digital-centric world and customer reach.

New Customer Approaches Emerge in the Digital Age

If your business has been online for any amount of time you already know how emerging trends have changed the customer journey. I agree that in order to reach them you need to approach them on their level.

Zambito explains different methods of reaching your audience in the midst of a digital age.

Here's what caught my attention:

• Just sixteen years ago the business landscape was very different. Today digital technology has shifted buyer persona development and insight gathering.

• In order to reach customers today there needs to be new thinking and new approaches in place. This needs to go beyond analytics tools and outdated sales practices.

• The what, how and why of your audience must now be measured through observation. Words are far less effective in measurement -- it's action that counts.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Martin Shervington because it explains how to successfully connect with your customers.

True marketing today is based on customer service online

Bring More to Your Clients

Being active and involved with your customers is the key to growth in sales. I agree that your business can better provide for them by staying on top of questions and feedback.

Shervington shows you several ways to improve your customer service strategy through relationship building.

Here's what caught my attention:

• When using social listening your business will need to pay attention to both the facts and the emotions of your community in order to be effective in meeting their needs.

• Evaluate your current sales process and how you are following up with your customers. Find out what results this is producing -- more than likely this can be improved upon.

• If your company includes a team or employees make use of their knowledge and expertise. This provides a friendly atmosphere for your clients.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Timothy (Tim) Hughes because it provides insights on how to best approach buyers through persona marketing.

Many potential customers do not make a purchase decision due to a lack of information and too much confusion about a product or service.

How Persona Marketing Affects Your Bottom Line

People respond when we listen and help solve their problems in a clear and effective way. I agree that businesses need to understand what their leads are looking for and why in order to better reach them.

Hughes explains what exactly persona marketing means from the customer's perspective.

Here's what caught my attention:

• Selling today is about social -- this means that businesses need to connect with their audience and engage them in conversation. It's people who make decisions -- not companies.

• Top performing sales agents use both research and social media to reach their prospects. These people are change makers and influencers who are looked up to as a trusted source.

• It is not persona marketing that is to blame for a lack of interest. Businesses can mislead or confuse their potential customers through a lack of information and attention.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Robert Caruso because it provides insights on how marketing experiences has transformed customer engagement.

Your audience is not only involved in your products -- they are also paying attention to your messaging.

How Digital Marketing Affects Your Customers

Experiences are always occurring online whether you would like it to or not. I agree that businesses need to pay attention to how their marketing footprint is affecting their communication and sales.

Caruso explains the current state of customer relations in the realm of digital marketing.

Here's what caught my attention:

• According to a study by Accenture, 34 percent of CMO and CEOs reported that their customers were more likely to engage with new entrant competitors. This is because the experience is more positive than traditional businesses.

• Startups breaking into an established market need to pay attention to new and innovative products in order to be successful. This is important if you want to stay relevant to your audience.

• True marketing experiences are specifically targeted and created for your niche audience. These should be a journey that your customer is taken through.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Asad Ali because it provides the latest information to help you improve your business website design.

Use this infographic to help your business stand out online.

Design Tips For Business Websites

In a competitive online world there are many different ways you can help capture and retain visitors. I agree that both your content and images need to be informative and attractive.

Ali goes over several website design tips that can help you attract more customers.

Here's what caught my attention:

• You need to have a clear Call to Action (CTA) such as specials, email newsletters, how-to guides, ect. Interactive tools are another great way to attract more leads.

• Give people at least 15 minutes to consume your content. Make sure the design is appealing by breaking up the text with images.

• When a visitor arrives to a business homepage they want to see information on the products and services first. Following that is the contact information, company information, testimonials, and then last is the marketing and social media channel links.

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Read full article here: http://ow.ly/bE2B307SQrW

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I selected this article from Curatti written by John Jantsch because it explains how to improve your marketing strategy by answering 4 questions.

Developing a marketing strategy for your business can be a challenge -- you need to know where to start and what to focus on.

Answer These 4 Marketing Questions

Many advertisers find themselves getting stuck when it comes to developing a successful marketing strategy. I agree that in order to attain your goals you need to first understand where to begin.

Jantsch provides four ways your business can discover the best plan.

Here's what caught my attention:

• Find out what your personal "why" is. As yourself how you are going to change the world and which things you want to make right. This helps you to see which gaps you are filling.

• To develop a brand story you need to understand your audience, personality, who the hero is, and what your journey will be.

• Make deliverables and expectations clear to your audience so they know what to look forward to. Remove any ambiguity in order to foster an enjoyable working relationship.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Susan Gilbert because it shows you great tools to help improve your blog, LinkedIn strategy, and lead generation.

Reach more customers and increase your subscribers with these great resources for business.

12 Tools Your Business Can Use to Drive More Sales

With the right tools you can reach more prospects. I agree that in order to build a business online it's important to take advantage of what's available.

Gilbert provides the best tools to help make your business more profitable online.

Here's what caught my attention:

• If you use Gmail for customer communication then you will enjoy adding Clearbit. This tool provides insights on your prospects such as company information and contact details.

• Build better relationships through establishing trust. Crystal gathers personality reports, and delivers professional coaching advice for improved communication.

• Convert more leads into paying customers with SalesLoft. This tool combines your marketing strategy on social media, through email, and offline sales.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Andy Capaloff because it explains how to understand your customers from their perspective.

We need to provide the same level of customer service that we would want to receive.

Improve Your Customer Relationships

In order to be a successful business we need to reach our customers where they are at. I agree that you can create a better experience by understanding their needs and desires.

Capaloff explains how to get into the minds of your customers by putting yourself in their shoes.

Here's what caught my attention:

• Ask yourself the same questions a customer would ask. Things like, "would you buy from you?" and "do your own employees with discounts make purchases from your company?"

• We are ultimately selling to people, and so we need to humanize our brand. That means we take care of the buyer before and after the sale.

• The customer experience is important no matter what size your business is. Make it easy for them to make a purchase with a helpful attitude.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Orla Forrest because it explains how to run a smart SMS marketing campaign with better results.

You can reach your prospects through specific SMS strategies.

Exploring the Mobile SMS Marketing Method

When a business sends out a marketing text message it can get either get deleted or missed. I agree that your customers will respond as you reach them with the right approach.

Forrest shows you several ways to improve your SMS marketing strategy for more sales.

Here's what caught my attention:

• You will have more coupon redemption rates if you are sending a message to an email subscriber. On demand coupons have an even greater response.

• Because almost all customers own a mobile phone it is very easy to have them act upon a promotion sent via text. People can store these in their phone and easily access them for later.

• Tailor your coupons for every day consumer related products. Be sure to personalize the message and send 3 to 4 texts a month.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Megan Arevalo because it explains how customer opinion can increase your business sales.

Most online shoppers will read a review first before making a buying decision.

Improve Your Sales with Online Reviews

Feedback has the power to make or break a sale for an online shopper. I agree that in order to be successful you need to encourage positive reviews.

Arevalo explains how to leverage customer opinion in your favor.

Here's what caught my attention:

• A positive review can help improve your search engine ranking and boost your business up to the top pages of Google. This provides customers quick access to your business online.

• About 68 percent of millennials prefer online reviews to advertising. Authentic and positive feedback can increase your business sales by as much as 18 percent.

• A good review can encourage customer engagement. This is due to the fact that they will be more willing to take another step with your business.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Michael Brenner because it provides insight on how to build an authentic brand that your audience will love.

Make your brand more attractive by humanizing the persona.

Effectively Reach Your Target Market

Trusted recommendations can help attract customers to your brand. I agree that you can accomplish this by creating incentives for influencers to share what you have to offer.

Brenner goes over how to improve the 'likability' factor for your business marketing.

Here's what caught my attention:

• Many people don't trust anyone trying to sell to them. You need to humanize your content in order to reach them in an trustworthy way.

• Talk to your customers in real-time, one-on-one. Answer their questions with helpful advice when they visit your website.

• We are not influenced by celebrities --- we take notes from each other. Encourage your community to make referrals and leave positive reviews.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Susan Gilbert because it provides insight into how to improve your email marketing with 15 different approaches.

Improve your open rates by catching the reader's attention.

Send Out Emails That Get Opened

You can improve your chances of your business emails being seen by using creativity and enticing content. I agree that this will help reduce your bounce rates and improve your reach.

Gilbert provides 15 tips in a helpful infographic with bonus tips covering email subject lines.

Here's what caught my attention:

• Tell a recent story your business experienced. Point out what you learned and how it changed your approach. People are drawn to transparency.

• Write about something simple that the reader can do right away. For example, a ten minute workout that they can begin now.

• Provide a hint about a new product release. Building anticipation makes great content and increase your sales once you launch your product.

Selected by Jan Gordon for Curatti covering Curation, Social Business and Beyond

Image: Courtesy of 123rf.

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Read full article here: http://ow.ly/ny2K309v0f0

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Raymond Morin because it explains the latest results by PR Newswire in their study of CEO credibility.

How business leaders are perceived online today.

The All-Time Low of Trust in Leadership

Most people have come to distrust "the system." I agree that this raises questions on how we can better reach our community.

Morin explains the details of the study and sounds the alarm for business leaders to pay attention.

Here's what caught my attention:

• The public has generally lost confidence in all institutions of society over the last year. This is the case with 20 out of 28 countries.

• Some of the main culprits of mistrust are tax avoidance, overcharging for basic needs, and erosion of quality. There has only been a 7 point increase in the United States in 2016.

• The most credible spokespersons today are the employees. These are the people who spread the company messages and who handle customer service.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Paolo Fabrizio because it explains how to choose the right platform to handle customer service through social media.

Interacting with your customers takes attention to all digital channels where they are active.

Establish a Successful Social Customer Service System

Being attentive and involved with your customers is the key to growth and trust in your business. I agree that you can better provide for them by choosing the right management system.

Fabrizio shows you several ways to improve your customer service on social media with the right platform.

Here's what caught my attention:

• Create a plan of action before choosing a platform. This enables your business to make the right decisions at the right time -- especially when a team is involved.

• When looking at various services you will want to take a look at their capabilities. This includes omni-channel support, in-depth analytics, and whether is it fully scalable.

• There are a few things that are essential when choosing a social customer service platform. Things such as CRM integration, tasks allocation, sentiment interactions tracking, and more.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Bryan Kramer because it provides insights on how human experiences still rule over automation.

Understanding the human experience in the age of technology

Are You Relying Too Much on Automation?

We are experiencing new technological advances like never before. I agree that in order to reach your customers in the digital age you need to connect with them on a human level.

Kramer explains how to make meaningful connections and understand the balance of technology.

Here's what caught my attention:

• We are able to keep in touch with our community even more today online, but we can easily miss personal contact through this. In person meetings are still the best way to reach people.

• We are always on the hunt for more context and meaning. This is necessary to fully understand someone -- these subtleties are not possible with communication online.

• With the rise of chatbots we can lose the art of persuasion. Humans still crave understanding, and knowing that your business is actively listening to them.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Wade Harman because it provides insights on compelling your audience to buy through the psychology of scarcity.

Consumers want to grab the next great product before it goes away.

How Scarcity Marketing Affects Buying Decisions

When products become a hot commodity online your customers will be more apt to make a purchase. I agree that understanding the psychology behind this can help your business leverage an effective marketing plan.

Harman explains the power behind this principle with the right methods to use.

Here's what caught my attention:

• The first thing to discover is what makes your audience tick -- what are their needs and desires? Use social listening tools to discover their conversations and questions.

• The fear of missing out is a powerful tool that businesses can take advantage of. When you limit something people tend to want it even more.

• It is worthwhile to adjust your advertising message to show the benefits to your customers. Emphasize the opportunity they would be leaving behind if they don't take advantage of it.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Mark Thomasson because it provides several methods on how to be successful in generating more sales for your eCommerce website.

Detailed planning and preparation will help you drive more customers online.

Run a Successful eCommerce Website

When building a business online you want to prepare the same way you would for a brick and mortar one. I agree that in order to attract customers you need to include cohesive elements.

Thomasson shows the right elements that need to be in place in order to have a sales generating website.

Here's what caught my attention:

• Once you grasp the attention of your visitors with a mixture of eclectic content you can attract more leads for future sales. Includes stories from your target market along with original photos.

• Include creatively written descriptions with a major line of products for more sales. Use tracking tools to measure your results.

• There are a variety of commerce platforms to choose from for your business. Ready-made options can help you get started right away.

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