If you’re a TweetDeck user, get ready for a shock: Twitter is deprecating TweetDeck.
What’s the good news?
If you don’t know about Hootsuite already, you can set up a free account. Hootsuite is very much like Tweetdeck in its appearance and I would recommend migrating to that. You can continue to manage your Twitter conversations with Hootsuite, keep track of retweets and mentions, etc. You can also manage your other social media profiles with Hootsuite, like LinkedIn. And there’s the Autoschedule function which puts your Tweet in the queue to post when the majority of your followers are actually on and looking at Twitter so they’re more likely to see it.
Althought Hootsuite would definitely be an easy migration for current TweetDeck users, I’m a big fan of Buffer because you can set up schedules for when your posts go out. Also, they show you a graph indicating when the best time to post is using their Optimal Schedule (much like Hootsuites Autoschedule, but they don’t have a pretty graph). But you can’t manage conversations through Buffer just yet. They’ve come out with a Beta program called Respond which also looks a lot like Hootsuite but right now Buffer and Respond are two different social media management tools as opposed to Hootsuite, which is literally the two in one.
Besides that, they both allow you to connect a few social media profiles for free. If you went with either of them, it’s likely you would not have to pay for the service. But, really, check out Hootsuite, TweetDeck users, the transition will be smooth, I promise!
Leads are defined as an enquiry that brings business revenue for you.
What form it takes of course varies, it may start with a casual conversation in the pub or might be a phone call to you; it might be a business card that someone has collected from a networking event.
Many business owners find that they have a feast or famine situation and it comes to new business enquiries. Like a
rollercoaster that either rising up and you are swamped with Leads and enquiries for new business or down low and you are desperately hoping for even one enquiry. This predictable repeating cycle is a reality for many many businesses. Yours might be like this as well.
The rollercoaster happens for one reason and one reason alone:
You do not have a reliable process for creating leads.
Many businesses will never overcome the rollercoaster because they do not have the skill to follow a process and stick to it.
If you’re reading this today and you know that you experience this rollercoaster situation, what is it worth to you to change the habits of your business?
Why would you want to get off the rollercoaster?
Look back back through your business accounts over the last three years and see if you can find a time when you had a strong revenue stream. Count up the number of new clients you started invoicing in any given quarter or three month period. And then go back to find out how this client found you. What were the circumstances that led to this good period for you? Ask your business colleagues or your partner as well. They may remember things which you have not recalled.
The good news is it is possible for you to get off the rollercoaster and to create a steady flowing river of leads that can lead to new business.
The bad news is that 90% of the people reading this will not be able to make a regular recurring stream of leads because they cannot be disciplined enough to set up the process that is needed.
Creative Agency Secrets will teach you the secret way of creating leads on a regular recurring basis.
I will tell you because we’re utterly confident that it works.
This is the number one reason and if it works for us we can make it work for you. And the second reason is perhaps a better illustration of why our process works. This is because the 10 percent of you who will interact and take our advice; from these nine people will not be able to do it on their own. They will be people like you who have busy organised business lives and love what they do. Yet if you’re being strictly honest you will say
“I am not a salesman, I am not a marketing expert, I find new business development a challenge. This is not how I prefer to spend my time.”
And so for these reasons Creative Agency Secrets is going to share with you our methodology of how to generate leads every single month of the year.
We’re hoping that you are the nine people who are going to take our advice and hire us to work with you. And if you’re the 10th person who can execute without assistance, then congratulations, you’re probably already very good at sales and this is just a top-up advisory session for you to check there are any new tricks that you don’t already know.
For everyone else, we want to be your new collaborator.
We want to show you exactly how to make this work. We know how to adapt the method to suit the needs of your business, your marketplace, and your preferred clients. Today I’m going to show you exactly how we do it for ourselves and this will give you the template that you need to do it for yourself.
First some marketing honesty
But I need you to make one thing abundantly clear to yourself. In a moment of honesty, ask yourself am I ready to make this change? Am I ready to make a commitment that is fundamentally different from anything I’ve ever done before in my business?
Because you know what the rewards could be, but until they happen I also know that you will be nervous, anxious and will feel that this is a high risk to take for your business.
I will give you reassurance and I will give you confidence that you can do this yourself. Are you are you ready to come on the journey?
Let’s begin.
Tomorrow I’ll show you what the new business process is.
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https://creativeagencysecrets.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/rollercoaster.png466950Rebecca Caroehttps://creativeagencysecrets.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/CAS_Logo_1line_RGB.jpgRebecca Caroe2016-02-25 15:04:152016-02-25 15:05:21What are New Business Leads?
Landing pages are important to drive valuable conversions for your business as we wrote before, whether from current customers or new prospects. But designing the perfect landing page can take several weeks to accomplish.
Well, at least, it used to.
Enter Unbounce, a tool we are using to create beautifully designed landing pages, built to deliver easily measurable outcomes.
Yes, we know: there’s a ton of groundbreaking offers popping around on the internet every day, promising to be the Holy Grail of marketing. Luckily you have us to filter the noise and point you in the right direction! 🙂
Why we chose Unbounce Pages
This complete add-on tool has the advantage of offering quick creation and editing, cutting a lot of time from the development stage of the landing page strategy for our clients. Unbounce delivers agile results, not neglecting the “best practices” learned by the developers with intense market research. Every Unbounce landing page is completely mobile responsive, which means extra points for you in Google’s eyes.
Having a successful business on the internet is a tricky thing if you don’t focus on driving results with the right strategy. Among lots of features, Unbounce offers A/B tests and Google Analytics tracking that are amazing at collecting data and eliminating doubts in the decision-making process. It can all be integrated seamlessly into WordPress, Joomla and other CMS platforms, so the landing page doesn’t feel disconnected from the rest of your website. When a visitor gives you their e-mail address, it can automatically go to your new MailChimp highly-focused list for future prospects. Simple as that. Check out all the Unbounce integrations.
Build your mailing list
Do you feel like building a highly-focused list of contacts is what’s missing from your digital marketing strategy? Contact us right away.
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https://creativeagencysecrets.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/conversion-growth-unbounce-2.jpg321845Creative Agency Secrets Teamhttps://creativeagencysecrets.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/CAS_Logo_1line_RGB.jpgCreative Agency Secrets Team2016-02-23 13:00:572022-12-19 11:57:14From attraction to traction: build your list with Unbounce landing pages
Many business owners tell us that they want more inbound leads and enquiries for new business. We know exactly how to do it AND we’ve been practicing what we preach for years. Here is the proof – our own data month by month of enquiries to buy Creative Agency Secrets’ services.
Leads tracking spreadsheet sample
Today we’re announcing a webinar that shows you exactly HOW we do it, so you can learn to do this for yourself. February 10th 2016.
The art and science of generating leads results in a new business development plan.That’s a month by month chart of activities, all oriented around starting conversations that lead to paying clients.And on this 90 minute webinar I am going to show you HOW to do it and then how to MAKE IT HAPPEN.
Creative Agency Secrets are experts in proactive execution marketing.This is the technique that builds up your business profile which creates leads which become enquiries which become sales.It’s a continuous cycle.
Sounds simple – but most business owners do not know HOW to do it.
This workshop is for business owners and managers who are responsible for finding new clients and growing revenues.It will show you the practical, tried and tested techniques that the Creative Agency Secrets team uses.
Here’s a sneak preview of what you will learn:
How to create a unique company profile.
A check list of marketing activities.
New business pipeline analysis.
What you need to do to get better known in your industry.
Learn relationship building for getting and keeping long term clients.
How to spot opportunities for new business sales.
The business process that delivers leads.
What to measure to track progress.
Don’t take our word for it…
“I thought it was great, enlightening and thoroughly enjoyed the ideas. I also appreciated all the little things that can be done and those things that don’t take money but have a big impact. It was great and I thoroughly would recommend it to all business owners looking to expand business online.”
Julie Soboil, co-owner, Hushamok
“The business sessions with you were very good – reinforced my thinking but was given expert and very helpful and thoughtful information for me to digest. Although I am very aware of the importance of social media, I also realise that I am behind in using it so need to make time to get up to speed.”
Helen Mitchell, Managing Director, Anti-aging World
And we are offering two different tickets – Attend Live and Watch Later. Both require you to sign up for February 10th 2016 event.
Event timings
10th February 2016 times in different country / locations
New Zealand 10 February 12 pm midday
Australia NSW/VIC 10 February 10 am
Australia QLD10 February 9 am
United States PST 9 February 3 pm
United States EST 9 February 6 pm
United Kingdom 9 February 11 pm
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https://creativeagencysecrets.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Leads-tracking.png7541514Rebecca Caroehttps://creativeagencysecrets.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/CAS_Logo_1line_RGB.jpgRebecca Caroe2016-02-04 16:05:152016-02-04 16:05:17The Art and Science of Generating Leads
I got this question on Clarity.fm where I’m a registered consultant and so decided to share my answer here as well.
Firstly, get some testimonials and case studies for the product.
Build a website and pay to have it SEOed professionally.
Plan a blog writing year of articles.
Get public speaking opportunities to showcase your expertise and if you can, mention the B2B solution.
Buy a mailing list (or build your own) and use direct mail to educate the audience in your area of expertise. Later mention the B2B solution and build a landing page on the website to capture inbound enquiries.
Seek referrals and word of mouth from happy customers.
In order to do these things you will need the following marketing assets: Website, brochure collateral, marketing automation software, CRM database, SEO and strong copywriting.
Happy to help with more detail if you arrange a 20 minute phone call with me personally. I can either tutor you in how to do it yourself, or my team can do it with/for you.
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https://creativeagencysecrets.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/CAS_Logo_1line_RGB.jpg00Rebecca Caroehttps://creativeagencysecrets.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/CAS_Logo_1line_RGB.jpgRebecca Caroe2016-01-13 14:59:022016-01-13 14:59:02The best approach to get leads for a B2B solution
Linda Horton from Bermuda makes amazing Bermudan Black Rum Cakes and is planning a 30th
Horton’s Bermudan Black Rum Cake
Anniversary Marketing event. Here’s what we recommended
Create a special cake (unique box, big plus small cake in one box, different sizes, multi-buy)
Use your database of past customers and create a mailing campaign
Create a landing page on your website “30th Anniversary” – on the page talk about the history of the company and tell them there will be a contest every week during July and you’re planing a special cake edition. As each email gets sent out, edit the page to include more and more information
Send messages as follows
1 month in advance (1 June) telling them to expect something special at the anniversary.
2 weeks later tell them what it will be and say you’re taking advance orders at a special discounted price for 1 week only. [This is useful because you then know the volume you need to bake.]
1 week after – send an email saying you will raise the price to the normal price on the website in 1 day [this will drive more sales].
On 1 July start the contest on Facebook and also run it on the website. Include a simple entry form so you get their email addresses.
On 8 July announce the winner of the first week on Facebook and the website page. Also email every person who entered and did not win offering them a special price on a cake and encouraging them to enter again.
Repeat each week till the end of July.
If you want to boost contest entries you can do Facebook advertising to send people to your landing page.
I am really looking forward to the cake Linda’s sending over for the team… morning coffee will never be the same again!
Yes I’m asking you if you drive business success from your website?
Is someone in charge of making your firm’s website successful? Making the websitedeliver business goals? It doesn’t matter if you’re self-employed or work for a giant corporation, if you have a website we will teach you how to drive proactive success with Blogging Concentrated education.
Announcing the Blogging Concentrated New Zealand Tour
Running to five dates, we are bringing the US founders of Blogging Concentrated, Dan Morris and Rachel Martin, to NZ so we can get ahead learning how to become the CEO of our websites and drive business success.
Five dates, Four Cities, Two Leaders and One YOU.
Join us in Auckland on May 1, May 3; Wellington on May 6th; Nelson on May 7th and Christchurch on May 9th for the best, practical website marketing execution training available.
What will I learn?
Websites are the modern marketer’s best tool to build new revenue streams and grow audience engagement. This training comes from the leading edge of best practice with two international practitioners sharing their up to date knowledge.
Learn specific techniques that will deliver outcomes including:
Audience engagement with clusters marketing
Persuasion and action techniques
How to tell a story
Using data dashboards to improve conversions
The copywriting words that create engagement
How to use custom sidebars to optimise your adverts
A YouTube strategy to keep viewers on your videos
And more….
Watch the 4 minute video Dan and Rachel recorded about the NZ sessions
Everything taught in the sessions is based on real-world learning and used daily in Dan and Rachel’s own business websites. They know these techniques work.
You will be learning practical solutions from knowledgeable technicians.
Blogging Concentrated Testimonials
“I think you are going to revolutionize the way I write posts – the Adsense lecture was phenomenal. We will be contacting you with more specific questions e.g. How on earth do we get the CPM per post spreadsheet – and everything else, once we decompress what we’ve learned.”R Miller
“You know when you go to a conference and you sit through sessions that simply regurgitate stuff you already know? Yeah, I hate that, which is why I’m so excited about being at Blogging Concentrated Atlanta, Dan R Morris and Rachel Martin have put together a ton of original content that is not just informative but actionable. When they come to your town you should definitely sign up and go.” Simon Salt
“Stay in front of your audience was worth the price of the conference ticket! Wow!” Penny Woodin Rogers
“@DanRMorris 16 minutes in and mind exploding with actions already!” Amie Flowerday
“Hi Dan, Just wanted to say thank you so much for all the valuable information you and Rachel gave us this weekend. You can not put any price on what we learned, and I am forever in debt to you both!” Emily Luscombe
Want to pay less for the event?
The Blogging Concentrated business has 2 parts – training events and BC Prime, a subscriber community who buy training and advice by monthly subscription. If you’re curious about the depth of knowledge these guys bring to training events – read the BC Prime page – note the huge quantity of 2014 Release Archives – impressive, eh? 6 – 10 new pieces of educational content per month…
Choose BC Prime when you book your ticket and pay less – but GET MORE.
Ready to become the CEO of your website?
Join us by booking your ticket
There are two prices, one for BC Prime members and one for the public.
Avoid limp education, buzz phrases and marketing hype. Concentrate on workable, practical solutions that you can implement immediately on your website.
You know where to come!
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https://creativeagencysecrets.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/CAS_Logo_1line_RGB.jpg00Rebecca Caroehttps://creativeagencysecrets.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/CAS_Logo_1line_RGB.jpgRebecca Caroe2015-03-20 18:28:132020-01-24 01:44:57Are you the CEO of your business website?
We’ve been researching sliders on website home pages for a client. His designer has come up with two website layouts and one includes a slider.
Image credit graphicsfuel.com
My instincts say “don’t do it” but I need justification. My search shows up four great articles – note most of them recommend alternatives and all of them say that sliders are OK in some circumstances. Many of the alternatives still have motion and some incorporate sliders in different positions on the page.
Call us if you’d like a chat and how to make your website work harder to achieve your business marketing goals.
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https://creativeagencysecrets.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/graphicsfuel.com_.png300597Rebecca Caroehttps://creativeagencysecrets.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/CAS_Logo_1line_RGB.jpgRebecca Caroe2015-03-06 13:33:182015-03-06 13:33:18Business Websites should not use a slider carousel
Marketing education is a big part of our overall new business strategy. At Creative Agency Secrets we strive to find ways to connect with our potential clients and be a part of their marketing success whether they work with us or not. We hold complimentary marketing management and idea calls, host free marketing seminars, create appraisals for websites and so on. But what makes it all work is our ability to follow up with the people we meet and educate. It’s one of our core lead generation and client winning strategies, and it could work for your business as well.
What following up does for your business
Staying connected develops relationships between you and your prospective clients or friends. This means you build up a network of people who can use your services, direct you to new clients and endorse your work.
Here’s a case study of a sports equipment online retailer we manage marketing activities for called Space Saver Rowing Systems. The client was so impressed with our work that when their manufacturer started looking for marketing assistance, the client directed them to us.
In another example, we worked with Zeald website designers to host a free marketing event. From that connection we gained several new clients, among them – European Auto Spares. We followed up with them individually after the event.
We’ve got loads of these stories and all because we helped our contacts in their endeavours and kept up communications with them. In short, following up with people can net you leads and create a healthy flow of revenue for your business.
Keep the relationship flowing: the different ways we follow up
Meeting summaries for prospective clients – summaries are quite common, usually in the form of a dreary PDF or bullet-pointed word document. Along with that, we like to include anecdotes or a friendly sentence relating to something new we learned about the prospective client from that meeting. This gives those who joined the meeting more reason to read the email and even better, a reason to reply. To the right an example of a regular email following up a business meeting.
Something that we love to include in these that makes all the difference, is a link to one of our helpful blog posts or free eBooks. We look for a related topic in the email, then link a keyword or two and mention it may help. For example, if the email pertains to construction an email campaign, we might link to our cold emails eBook!
Newsletters – if you run a regular newsletter about your personal or company activities, invite your contacts to it. Make sure first that they’ll get something out of your blog posts and focus on explaining that to them. Newsletters don’t only inform, they help keep you and your business in the minds of others. This can make the difference between whether or not they think of you when new work arises. For an example, sign up to our newsletter list and see what you learn.
Related business – categorise your past clients and business friends by business type. This lets you update contacts in different industries on related updates to your activities or information you find. To make the most of this, as soon as you form a new business relationship you should create a related industry update alert via a tool like Google Alerts. This way you’re following the industries most related to your activities and the alerts remind you that you have a connection to that industry. Then you can report any exciting news you find straight to them.
Us? Well, we’ve created our subcontracted services listing for exactly this reason. It’s an activity we do whereby we list all the work we can’t do or isn’t related to our services, and those listings get picked up by other businesses with the right set of skills for the job. It’s a fairly simple information sharing activity but with huge potential impact. As a result, people loves connecting with us.
Follow them – if you keep up to date with the activities of your contacts you can provide more relevant input or updates. This is another exercise making sure you keep your follow ups linked to you with context as opposed to random email drops asking them how they are.
Daily tasks for this would include reading LinkedIn status updates. Weekly or monthly tasks include reading your contacts’ newsletters. One way we keep up with our industries and clients is by setting Google Alerts searching for company names. We also set an event on our Google Calendar that has a list of company websites and blogs to read up on in the description.
In Summary
Be diligent and consistent when you’re following up with people. Sometimes they are busy or skip emails, life gets in the way. Keep trying while not being too aggressive and you’ll grow on the minds of your clients and leads. Change up your approach to be more informative if a friendly nature doesn’t catch their eye. For example, you could direct them to tools or blog posts that will directly improve their way of business or provide them with a new opportunity. We posted up several examples of catch up emails and following leads through email that we’ve written previously to help you on your way.
Many of these ways to follow up with contacts can fit into your day to day activities, especially if you’re a marketing agency like us. If you spot yourself working on something that could help out some of your business contacts, send them an email and keep up to date. But more importantly – keep your business in their minds, and leading with a positive impression.
The blue icons opposite are part of our 8-Step New Business Development Methodology.
Click each icon to find more blog articles on the topic – educate yourself in modern marketing
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https://creativeagencysecrets.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/relationships-cas.png1142809Creative Agency Secrets Teamhttps://creativeagencysecrets.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/CAS_Logo_1line_RGB.jpgCreative Agency Secrets Team2015-02-23 14:58:562020-01-24 01:44:57Business & Marketing Tip: Following up with leads and relationships
