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5 Reasons Why A Blog Is Important For Your Business

5 Reasons Why A Blog Is Important For Your Business

Blogging is a great way to connect with your audience and grow your business. It can help you share your ideas and stories with a wider audience, and it can help you build relationships with potential customers and partners.

A blog is an online journal or publication containing information about a particular topic. It can be used to communicate your company’s message, attract new customers, and showcase your products and services. A blog can also help you stay up-to-date on industry trends, build relationships with potential clients, and learn more about your competition. Therefore, it is important for businesses of all sizes to have a blog presence.

Here are 5 reasons a blog is important for your business. 

1. Blogging Can Help You Connect With Your Audience

Blogging can help you build relationships with your audience. You can connect with your readers on a personal level, and you can also engage with them on a more professional level. This can help you create a connection with your audience that is valuable and lasting.

2. Blogging Can Help You Share Your Ideas And Stories With A Wider Audience

Blogging can help you share your ideas and stories with a wider audience. You can write about topics that are relevant to your audience, and you can also write about topics that are of interest to a wider audience. This can help you reach a wider audience and build a stronger relationship with your readers.

3. Blogging Can Help You Build Relationships With Potential Customers And Partners

Blogging can help you build relationships with potential customers and partners. You can connect with your readers on a personal level, and you can also build relationships with potential customers and partners on a more professional level. This can help you build strong relationships with your customers and partners and increase the chances of success for your business.

4. Blogging Can Help with Your Websites SEO

Blogging can be a great way to help improve your website’s SEO. By creating new content on a regular basis, you can help attract new visitors to your site and improve your position in search engine results pages. Additionally, by engaging with your readers and encouraging them to share your content, you can help build links back to your site which can further improve your SEO.

5. Blogging Can Help You Create Content for Social Media

If you’re looking for a way to create content for social media, consider starting a blog. A blog can help you share your thoughts and ideas with a wider audience, and it can also give you something to post on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. Plus, if you build up a following for your blog, you may even be able to make some money from it.

Conclusion

Blogging is a great way to connect with your audience, share your ideas and stories with a wider audience, and build relationships with potential customers and partners. So why not start a blog today?

How to use Psychology to Market Your Business

How to use Psychology to Market Your Business

Marketing and psychology go hand in hand. You can’t have a strong marketing plan without understanding how your ideal client thinks. What makes one piece of marketing stand out – while another piece flops?

Here are a 6 hacks when it comes to using psychology in your marketing:

How to use Psychology to Market Your Business

FOMO

The human brain is wired to avoid losses and seek equivalent gains. We are always on the lookout for a better deal, and that includes online. Modern studies show we prefer not to lose out when there’s an opportunity of gaining something else instead – just like in practice! One great example would be how Amazon has these “Deal Of The Day” offers where you can get savings by setting up timing so it happens automatically every day at specific times (and they make us buy faster too).

The Zeigarnik Effect

The Zeigarnik Effect is the tendency for tasks which have been interrupted and uncompleted to be better remembered than tasks which have been completed. We all know that feeling of looking away from your desk and realizing you’ve been sitting there for 30 minutes without doing anything. You don’t want to forget about those unfinished tasks, but it’s hard when you constantly need reminders!

E-Commerce platforms use SMS marketing as one way they remind their previous customers about left in cart items soakers get them completed–and this works because we humans treasure our time more than anything else.

Cognitive Dissonance

Cognitive dissonance is a term for the state of discomfort felt when two or more modes of thought contradict each other. The clashing cognitions may include ideas, beliefs, or the knowledge that one has behaved in a certain way.

Cognitive dissonance strategies that require a consumer to reconcile two conflicting views by buying a product can be effective in marketing, especially if the reconciliation of opposing views protects or enhances the consumer’s self-image.

For instance, you consider yourself a savvy automotive enthusiast. In the course of a visit to a high-end auto dealership, the salesperson emphasizes that “a lot of Americans aren’t sophisticated enough to understand why this car is actually a great buy.” On the one hand, if you resist the sales pitch for this very expensive car, you appear unsophisticated; on the other hand, if you agree, then you’re progressing down the marketing patch toward the purchase of a car you can’t afford.

Faced with this kind of cognitive dissonance, many consumers will go along with the sales pitch to avoid being viewed as an unsophisticated person without the real knowledge required to fully appreciate the car.

Decoy Effect

This Psychology Hack is ruined now as its not just limited to marketers. Viral videos have educated everyone about this but it still works.

In Decoy effect, you use a product with 3 Tiers and the price of 2nd and 3rd product tier has a small difference which makes customer go for the 3rd and most expensive tier.

A common example is Starbucks Pricing strategy A large coffee is $6.5, Medium is $6 and the Small is $5. This pricing makes you go for the large as the difference is small and you think you are actually saving on choosing the large coffee.

Pricing Protocol

Does the way you write a price make it seem higher or lower? Of course! We already know that including a currency symbol can have a negative effect – that’s why you see some restaurants pricing a steak at “29” instead of “$29”. But new research shows that punctuation and decimals can make a difference in how people perceive prices.

According to a new study published in the Journal of Consumer Psychologyprices that have more syllables when spoken actually seem higher to consumers. Commas (e.g., “$1,699”) and cents after the decimal (e.g., “1699.00”) add to the number of syllables and hence make the price seem to be of higher magnitude.  This effect occurs even when the price is written and not spoken – our brains, they say, use the auditory representation in storing the magnitude of the price even when the price is only seen visually.

The effect is due to the way one would express the number verbally: “One thousand six hundred ninety nine,” for the comma version, vs. “sixteen ninety nine” for the unpunctuated version. Visual length may also be a factor.

Social Proof

Social proof is a psychological phenomenon, popularized by Dr. Robert Cialdini, that describes our tendency to rely on the opinions or actions of others to inform our own. Also known as informational social influence, it validates a shopper’s choice, saying that it’s worth their time, money, or interest by using other people as proof.

Whether you’re familiar with social proof or not, chances are it has influenced decisions, both big and small, throughout your life. Leveraging the appeal of following the “wisdom of the crowd,” social proof captures our attention because we’re naturally curious about what’s happening, why it’s happening, and what the correct behavior or response is.

Social proof makes people pause to pay attention to a brand because others are saying that it’s worth paying attention to.

Marketing is a very tricky business. You have to be aware of your audience’s behavior, as well as the underlying motivation that would impact their buying decisions in order for your marketing campaign or plan to work effectively- which can sometimes seem almost too difficult!


Having that foundation in psychology can greatly improve your marketing strategy. I don’t believe there isn’t a marketer out there who doesn’t appreciate the psychology behind their marketing.

UI/UX Design- Why you need to know it

UI/UX Design- Why you need to know it

What is UI/UX, and Why Does it Matter?

First of all, you need to know what the acronyms for UI/UX stand for. UI stands for the User Interface design of a website, and UX stands for the User Experience design of the site. Both these elements are essential components for providing a satisfying user experience to anyone visiting and using a website. While UI design focuses more on the look and usability of the website, UX design is more involved with the functionality of the website. 

What is User Interface design?

User interfaces are those access points where a computer user interacts with the computing device. To provide the best possible experience, the user interface design must be visually appealing and very efficient. The purpose of UI design is to anticipate the kinds of actions a computer user will need to do, and then provide simple and efficient ways to accomplish these actions. Some UI design elements might include input controls such as checkboxes, radio buttons, text fields, dropdown lists, and more. In addition to input controls, UI is also concerned with navigational tools such as sliders, search fields, and tags. Collectively, all these elements make up the User Interface design.

What is User Experience design? 

This general area emphasizes a user’s attitudes and emotions about using a particular product or service. UX developers and designers see products as something more than just objects to be purchased – they see them as objects to be experienced by a consumer. That’s why they incorporate design elements that make the product exciting or appealing to use, on top of providing real value to the consumer. In a nutshell, user experience is all about how a user feels when interacting with a product or system. When UX is related to a computer system, it refers to the system’s design, branding, functionality, and general usability. 

Why do these two components really matter? 

If your company is investing in a new website or an overhaul of an existing one, UI/UX will be very important to you. When you can provide a really satisfying user experience to anyone visiting your site, some distinct advantages will accrue that might give you a leg up on the competition. First of all, you might benefit by increased customer retention, meaning that a satisfied user will return to your site after having enjoyed the initial visit.

If done correctly, the design of a website should guide the end user through the psychology of the buyer’s journey, placing a call-to-action right at the climax point. All the content on the site should be delivered in a logical order that takes the user up to the point of making that sale. In this way, UI/UX will lead the end user toward the desired result, thereby increasing your conversion rate and boosting your SEO ranking. In a highly competitive business world, it becomes crucial for your site to stand out, and providing the best possible user experience will encourage satisfied visitors to recommend it to friends and relatives – which will be the most effective possible advertising for your business.

If you’re interested in updating your website, we would love to chat! Contact us by clicking here.

What Happened in August? Social Media Updates.

What Happened in August? Social Media Updates.

They say that things always change in social media. That’s no joke! 

It’s important to stay up to date on the changes if you’re looking for growth online.

Just to give you a peek into what I stay on top of over here- here’s a quick snapshot of what changes happened in August. 

What Happened in August: Social Media updates

Here’s what happened in August: 

Tiktok:

* Tiktok partners with Ticketmaster to make ticket selling within the app possible.

* TikTok working on a new feature to improve search capabilities in the app!

* Tiktok focuses on transparency; you can see why you are seeing this Ad with the new feature.

* TikTok launches new shopping Ads to improve E-commerce Integrations!

* Tiktok working on the ability to share Tiktok Stories to Instagram and Facebook. A Game Changing feature!

* TikTok is testing a nearby feed to display more local content.

* TikTok is informing creators/users who added their videos to favorites.

Instagram:

* Instagram expands NFTs Platform to 100 Countries, making in-app NFTs accessible.

* Instagram is getting rid of its Affiliate program for creators. They launched the feature last year!

* Instagram shares how it recommends content to users on the home page in a recent blog post.

* Breakout: Instagram tracks users via their in-app browsers and Facebook too.

* Instagram Adds 3 New Reels Feature including New Sticker, IG-FB cross posting and FB reels Insights.

* You can Schedule your reels in Creator Studio from now.

* Instagram tightens default content settings for teens.

* Instagram is now allowing you to share content through QR codes.

* Instagram isn’t giving up on full-screen feed, App is developing an option full screen feed.

Meta:

* Facebook to end live-shopping on 1st October.

* Meta is testing a twitch-like platform called super.

* Messenger is getting end-to-end encryption and more new features.

* 3 New privacy changes coming to WhatsApp.

* Meta expands Automated Ad Optimization Options via “Meta Advantage” Program.

* WhatsApp has a native app on Windows that works standalone.

* Facebook will disable new political ads a week before US midterm elections.

* Facebook is adding a new Customer support Division to Handle User Queries.

* WhatsApp’s Community Feature is live for beta users.

* Meta reaches $37.5 Million settlement in location tracking lawsuit.

Twitter:

* Twitter launches location spotlight feature in Twitter Bio for Small Businesses.

* Twitter tests tweet per month feature keeping count of your tweets publicly.

* Twitter launches a new Initiative program for student-athletes to monetize their content.

* Elon musk sells $6.9 billion in Tesla Shares to prepare for the Twitter trial.

* Twitter tests a special tag to highlight phone number-verified accounts.

* Twitter is developing a reply filter to better Twitter experience.

* Twitter Debuts Twitter Pixel and new Conversions API.

* Twitter is facing new content moderation issues with Twitter Shops.

* Twitter is officially bringing Podcasts to its platform.

* Twitter Is testing new professional Account Options, Including Updated link buttons and shopping tools.

* Twitter is testing a new Tweets format called “Tweet Tiles.”

LinkedIn:

* LinkedIn tests new Human curated discover feed.

* LinkedIn is launching a Link sticker on posts, and it’s looking amazing.

* LinkedIn announces new features coming to the platform this week for visual content growth.

* LinkedIn restructures global events and marketing team.

* LinkedIn is working on new prompts for recruiters and candidates.

* LinkedIn Improves its In-app Search Engine for better search results.

* LinkedIn rolls out the option to pin comments in reply chains.

YouTube:

* YouTube is working on zoom into videos feature now.

* YouTube Launches Updated Editing UI to help Creators move into shorts, also new analytics feature are here.

* YouTube launched Tiktok-like “Reply to a comment with Video” Feature.

* YouTube Adds New prompts for Shorts content, New insights into channel recommendations.

* YouTube Shorts will start adding watermarks to downloaded Videos.

* YouTube Announces new Targeting options for CTV Campaigns, Improved CTV buying Tools.

* YouTube Expands Access to Audience Behaviour Insights, Adds New Creative Tools for Community Posts.

* YouTube launches a dedicated page for podcasts.

Pinterest:

* Pinterest Posts 9% increase in Revenue in Q2.

* Pinterest has a new app called “Shuffle” for photo-editing, but it’s invite-only on iOS now.

* Pinterest Launches a new Board Sticker to help derive more traffic.

* Pinterest Launched a New Streamlined In-app purchase process for Shopify Merchants.

* Pinterest Appoints Meta’s Stacy Malone as VP of Global Business Marketing.

Marketing:

* Microsoft announces automotive Ads, Aussie network expansions, and 7 other updates.

* Clubhouse is planning their comeback and it’s dividing into houses.

* Wix Integrates Google URL Inspection API.

* Microsoft Bing Adds Coupon Codes to Shopping Searches.

* DuckDuckGo promising more transparency blocking Microsoft Ad Scripts.

* Shopify adds collaboration tools to connect Brands with Creators.

* Apple is expanding Ads on IPhones and IPads.

* Bing tests people also Ask feature in Carousel UX.

* Twitch will now let partners stream on YouTube and Facebook.

Hinsz Named As President Of Toastmasters Club

Hinsz Named As President Of Toastmasters Club

Daytona Beach, FL., July 15, 2022 — Deanna Hinsz of DeLand, Florida, is the new President of Toastmasters at Twelve, Daytona Beach. Toastmasters International is the world’s leading organization devoted to communication and leadership skills development. Hinsz assumed the one-year term at an event held on June 21.

A lifelong entrepreneur, Hinsz is the owner of CarbonSilk, a boutique digital marketing and consulting agency. She helps entrepreneurs and small business owners take the chaos out of digital marketing and find the freedom they desire.  She is particularly focused on championing women, especially those who have a desire to create a life they love and on their terms. In her personal time, she enjoys time with her husband, visiting family and friends in Ohio and Montana, and volunteering for community projects.

Hinsz is a certified business coach and holds a degree in psychology from Youngstown State University. She also speaks nationally at digital marketing and women empowerment conferences. As a board member of MainStreet DeLand and The Good Samaritan Clinic, Hinsz values helping others in the community. 

Hinsz is a member of Toastmasters at Twelve and ACE Advanced Speakers Club in Central Florida. She is also a member of the Toastmasters Speakers Bureau in her district. 

“I was invited to visit Toastmasters several times but was afraid to walk in, even though I was comfortable speaking on topics that I was familiar with in front of large audiences,” Hinsz said. “Fear of the unknown can stop us from growing. Since joining Toastmasters, my understanding and confidence have grown as a speaker and a business professional. I’m honored to be elected as president and look forward to seeing each member continue to excel.”

As president, Hinsz is the highest-ranked officer in her club. She joins the following newly elected officers on the Toastmasters International 2022–2023 Executive Committee:

  • Debby Kerr-Henry, Vice President of Education
  • Brejoya Smarr, Vice President of Membership
  • Darleen Durante, Vice President of Public Relations
  • Dolores Bilia, Secretary
  • Eveline Kraljic, Treasurer
  • Robert Campbell, Sergeant at Arms

About Toastmasters International

Toastmasters International is a worldwide nonprofit educational organization that empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. Headquartered in Englewood, Colo., the organization’s membership exceeds 300,000 in more than 15,800 clubs in 149 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators, and leaders. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit www.toastmasters.org. Follow @Toastmasters on Twitter.

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