I had three conversations this week that have changed my perspective on business and life. Pretty profound, huh? Fifty-three years, three phone calls and BAM! I’m seeing things in a new way. (To be fair, the following three things actually solidified my point of view and serve as great reminders about facts we take for granted.)

Let me explain.

• The first conversation happened with a man I’ve known for a while but we were talking about Harmonia Media helping his company grow. He said he hadn’t really put much effort into his digital marketing strategy because he thought his business was about “who he knew” and relationships. Could a great website with compelling content really make a difference in terms of who he knows?

         You never know until you try.

• The second conversation was with another prospective Harmonia Media client. But this time around, he knew he absolutely needs a digital marketing strategy. The company has a decent website but they are doing very little to drive traffic. When I asked him to tell me more about his company, he started in the best possible way. He said that the company’s philosophy is that it doesn’t matter what you sell, it matters how you act before, during and after you sell it.

How you treat people is the most important thing.

• The third conversation was a bit different. On this call, I was the “customer.” I was asking someone to get me something I needed. You would have thought I was asking him to help me move! I needed him to email me a photo he had taken the day before. On the first attempt, he sent me a screenshot that was very low resolution. I asked again. He replied saying he deleted the first photo. Didn’t offer to take another shot. So, I had to ask for a replacement. He sent me Photo No. 2 – it, too, was not usable. When I asked if there was any way he could figure out a way to help me, he told me his phone can’t do any better.

         Like phone, like an owner.

So, what did I learn from these three interactions that changed my worldview?

• Everything and I means everything, is about relationships.Who you know…who you can assist…how — with a little help from your “friends” – you can succeed. I explained to my new friend that great digital marketing strategy can help spread the word about the fact that he is someone worth getting to know and that his service is well worth knowing about. I believe this to be true about everyone.
• How you treat people is your calling card.When you talk the talk, people want to walk your walk. When this prospect described his company as “client-centric” instead of telling me about his products, I had a very clear understanding of who this man was and what his company stands for. I went to the website and made a purchase. We are all the sum of the company we keep. I want to surround myself with people who are doing good — for the right reasons.
• We can’t expect people to be better than they are. This guy spent a lot of time telling me how he couldn’t get anything done. Something simple. If he wasn’t able to come up with a solution to grainy photos, he is likely not someone I want to have to rely on for much, if anything.

Bottom line, some people are just jerks. Stay away from those people. There are plenty of people worth knowing. And, I guess, in this story, two out of three ain’t bad.

At Harmonia Media, we want to get to know you and your company! When you have a message you think is worth sharing, we can help! Take advantage of a FREE phone consultation because we are worth knowing.

 

In the world of digital marketing, the first shot on goal is getting a prospective customer to make contact — by phone, email, online contact form, even in person when possible.

One problem we hear a lot is that companies don’t know exactly what to do when they receive the ultimate prize — that voicemail, email or contact form requesting more information.

Now, you may think: what’s the big deal? Pick up the phone. Answer the email. Reach out to the contact form client in the quickest way possible. After all, you have a fish on the hook and you want to reel them in before they getaway, right? Besides, people are widely fickle these days and customer activity is all about timing.

For example, I may be interested in booking a venue for a party. I Google my local options and  I narrow down my choices. Maybe I pick up the phone or send an email. Maybe I simply request more information via an online form. Regardless of how I make contact, I am now an official “lead.” The challenge for the company is that they need to get back to me when it’s convenient for me to communicate.

A return phone call or the email may come at a time when I can’t focus on my party. And, the time has a nasty way of changing plans and priorities. Next time I think about my party planning, I may or may not reach out again. And, if I do, the company better have the information I need or I’ll get frustrated quickly.

This is simply the world of online commerce. It’s about being at the right place at the right time with the right information and the right price. It’s about making a connection with the prospect so they want to continue the conversation. In my example, that venue needs to get me to actually come in to take a tour and discover what the venue has to offer.

There is a huge leap between filling out a contact form and actually getting someone to show up for a meeting.

Therefore, it’s important to have a strategy in place about the best way to follow up on a new customer inquiry.

Make sure your entire staff is on the same page.

Since you may only get one shot to get the prospect to take action (make the appointment, purchase, etc.) your “talk track” has to be solid.

Don’t be afraid to role play customer interactions with any staff that may make contact. Have a script on-hand with answers to common questions. And, very important: have a particular way of handling the contact if your team member doesn’t have the information being requested. It’s important to make the prospect feel taken care of and that their inquiry is of top importance to you.

A Thought about “Cold Calling.”

In this particular case, cold calling refers to someone who is either inquiring about general information (a warm lead) or when you have been given the name of someone you feel may be interested in what you do or sell. Think of this as a very lukewarm lead.

First things first, you have to decide whether you will respond by email or phone call. Many experts suggest there is a lot of wisdom in going the email route.

In his book “Cold Calling Early Customers,” author Robert Graham suggests there are three reasons to start the conversation via email.

1. You get to layout the information YOU want to share. You can offer background, a special deal, and/or education about what you sell so the prospect can have a clear path to action. You basically are telling them what they can do and making it easier for them to do it.
2. An email gives you the ability to ask for a phone call. This way, the call is made at their convenience and they are more likely to be open to the conversation and sales pitch.
3. Lastly, an email is a great conversation starter that doesn’t leave the company open to questions they might not be able to answer at the moment. It’s a slow entree into the relationship.

However, it’s important to remember that regardless of how you make the first connection, your company has to step up its game to close the deal and keep the customer. There is plenty of competition out there.

Our advice? Use the best digital marketing practices and some ahead-of-the-curve strategies to attract traffic and win new customers. Learn more by contacting Harmonia Media for a free phone consultation. We promise we’ll be ready for your call!

Why Even Hardcore DIY Business Owners Need a Digital Marketing Consultant 

Almost by definition, small business owners enjoy being involved in day-to-day business activities. After all, you’re the one with skin in the game and if the business doesn’t grow, the buck stops with you.

That being said, entrepreneurs and growth-oriented business owners cannot possibly do it all…well. It’s just not possible. There aren’t enough hours in the day. Besides, anyone who thinks they know everything about everything is in for a rude awakening when it comes to being successful in business.

We aren’t suggesting you shouldn’t take a healthy hands-on approach to your business, but it’s just as important to know what you don’t know. And, the best way to do that is to contract with consultants who do what they do best.

Hiring a consultant, an expert in a particular field — such as digital marketing — is a win-win proposition.

• First, doing so allows you to focus on your core business.
• Second, you have the benefit of working with experienced professionals who can help you take your business to the next level.

Let’s Face Facts.

To save money, and keep a tight hold on what’s happening in the company, it’s not unusual for business owners to look for someone already on staff who can handle work better left to the experts. You may think it’s worth the cost savings to have your administrative assistant handle social media or take on blog writing on your own.

Sorry, but you would be wrong. Statistics reveal small business employees are already doing multiple jobs. When time gets tight, do you want them to ignore their “day jobs” in favour of important marketing tasks? Plus, there is a big difference between doing something and doing it effectively. And, surely, you already know that you don’t have time to write blogs, correct?

The truth is, we are all about being smart about saving money. However, by not managing your online marketing activities properly, you are not only losing money by failing to drive traffic to your website but you are likely spending money that isn’t working for you. (Remember, hiring ad hoc marketing help only saves money if the person hired is great at what they do. If not, you are burning money.)

So, if too much of your time is already spent on activities that do not core to your business — shake your head “yes” — you should really consider hiring a business consultant who can help you get on the right track to success. This is especially true when it comes to web marketing. If your prospective customers can’t find you to buy from you, why are you in business?

What to Look for in a Digital Marketing Consultant

First and foremost, a good digital marketing consultant will be clear about what they will do for you during the contract period. To do this properly, they will need to assess your current digital marketing plan and offer a “State of the Union” assessment.

Next, you should be able to rely on a marketing consultant to create a new marketing strategy based on your business goals. Look for questions about your products and services, your clients and target customers, your competition and more.

Last, but certainly not least, you’ll want a strategy for driving web traffic using great SEO, social media, high-quality content, email marketing, paid ad strategies and a wide variety of other online marketing tools designed to attract customers to your digital doorstep and to compel them to take action!

Harmonia Media would love to help you with all your digital marketing needs. From business consulting to website development and implementation to content that “wow” and the real, honest SEO strategies that drive traffic, you can rely on our expertise to assist you in growing your company.

Contact us for a free phone consultation and learn why Harmonia Media’s clients say we are different than the multitudes of companies that talk the talk but fail to walk the walk. Read about Matt’s story...

By the way, if you are already in a digital marketing contract with a company that isn’t doing what they promised, Harmonia Media has an option for you. Contact us about a short-term consulting arrangement where we can not only assess your current digital marketing plan but help you move toward a new strategy.

Valentine’s Day.

I get that some people think it’s a Hallmark Holiday. They take a stand, refusing to acknowledge a day set aside for love.

Even several of the people I hold most dear expressed those thoughts when I said “Happy Valentine’s Day! I love you!” this morning.

But I have news for you. We spend 365 days a year moaning and b*tching about politics and work and children. We discuss crap like “Who’s going to host the Oscars,” like it’s our job!

A day doesn’t go by where my Facebook feed is not filled with acrimonious posts about all kinds of things that make me consider unplugging. In fact, I hesitate daily to post or repost things for fear that it’s going to start an unwanted debate. (It’s not that I don’t like to debate. If you know me, you know that I do.) However. I don’t want to lose friends over politics, nor do I want to waste precious time arguing with people who can’t see past their own point of view.

I’m at a point in my life where my friends, my Valentines, are far more valuable than all of that.

So, I ask: why is it so important to some people that Valentine’s Day is labelled and cast aside as a  Hallmark Holiday?

Of all the things it’s worth taking a stand about, is Valentine’s Day really one of them?

Why is it so abhorrent to take one day to actually express the love and gratitude you have for people around you? That’s not to say that you shouldn’t express love and gratitude on the other 364 days. You should!

But really, do you?

Do you take the time on all of the other days of the year to recognize the people in your life who make your life what it is? The people you would really give your heart to and the people whose heart you hope you have a place in? Do you Express those feelings?

How about we give each other a break? Fight over a wall or something and back off of the one day a year we are actually — literally — surrounded by hearts.

How is it possible that you can’t get behind that?

If it makes you feel better,  don’t buy a greeting card. Don’t buy roses. Don’t buy candy. Don’t buy balloons. Leave those items for the romantics among us.

But don’t ignore the fact that this is, manufactured or not, one day to acknowledge the people in our lives who make life worth living.

Ask the people in Parkland or Columbine or Sandy Hook or Orlando or Pittsburgh or Charleston… they’ll tell you: life is too short not to say “I love you” as often as you possibly can.

Just as your love needs attention all the time, so does your digital marketing plan. You need to nurture your marketing strategy all year long. Show your website some love. Don’t have time? We care enough to make the time! Contact Harmonia Media to learn how we will care for your brand 365 days a year. No chocolate or flowers necessary.

Remember the days when you weren‘t “connected” 24/7? Most people don’t. And with the hyper high-tech connectivity comes a resurgence of old school word of mouth marketing.

However, there’s one big difference these days. The old “tell two friends and they’ll tell two friends and so on and so on” mentality is now exponentially farther-reaching. One social media post can be read,  watched and heard around the world by countless friends and family in an instant.

What’s more, with the unlimited amount of competitors in a space, people aren’t buying anything without referrals to help them determine where and when to click to buy. In fact, if they had to choose one factor they rely on when making purchase decisions, half of Americans say they would get referrals before taking the plunge. This underscores the importance of word of mouth.

Further, it’s clearly important that when people talk about your company, customer support and products/services, they are should be singing your praises. Complaints travel just as fast, if not faster, than the good stuff!

It is also important to know that “second-person” referrals are just as vital as the first word of mouth mentions. In fact, a second-hand mention shows word of your company is, indeed, travelling. It means one person told another and they are now referring you, based on their friend’s word.

If people share those good words online, it becomes digital marketing gold!

If your reputation could use a bit of shine, talk to us about getting the word out by putting your best foot forward. We also can help with managing your online reputation.

Contact Harmonia Media for a free phone confirmation today.

Just like every individual has a personality (you don’t have to like them, but you have to accept that it’s who they are!) so do companies. In fact, it’s extremely important for a business owner to craft a unique brand personality to ensure the company stands out from the crowd of competitors in vision, appeal and conversation.

Conversation? YES! When you are doing business on the web, just like in person, you only get one opportunity to make a first impression. The difference between online and real life? Your digital marketing message is the first impression would-be customers get of your brand on the web.

At an in-person networking meeting, a guest may see your hair, your clothing and how you carry yourself. First impression. You have the ability to craft that message before you leave your office. And, you can alter it as you see fit.

Online, what they see is what they get and, unless you are tweaking your website and social media platforms again…and again…and again… all day long, you need to make sure that the essence off your brand personality comes off strong and clear.

What is your brand personality? It’s the experience people have when they do business with you.

And, it needs to truly represent your intentions. It can’t just be thrown up there for the sake of having a website or a Facebook page. Remember, you get one chance to tell the world who you are for the very first time each time a new prospect finds your webpage.

Before you can use your brand personality to the greatest advantage, you need to discover what it will be going forward. You need to be clear about it and able to communicate it the same way you would share an “elevator pitch” in person with someone you want to get to know.

• Do you see your company as more fun or serious?
• Is your business modern, traditional, tech-y?
• Are you youthful or mature, friendly or more professional?
• Is the business budget-friendly or high-end?

Once you have given thoughtful consideration to these traits and others, you can hone a brand personality that truly represents your offering. Then, you can convey that personality online so people who are looking to do business with companies like yours can find you!

Harmonia Media can help you determine your brand personality and even change one you have if you would prefer to come across differently. We will create a branding strategy that complements your style and use our expertise to make sure prospects find you online.

Let’s get started! Contact us today to schedule a free phone consultation at (855) 535-4848.

The world is spinning faster than the speed of light and facts and figures are coming at us so rapidly, it’s hard to know what to even pay attention to these days.

But, sometimes, you read about something and it can stop you in your tracks. For example, how can it be possible that:

80% of small businesses in the United States are not fully using the Internet to grow their companies?

I KNOW, right? But it’s true. According to Google/Deloitte & Touche research, “80 per cent of  U.S. small businesses that are not taking full advantage of digital tools” that would otherwise help them expand their reach, drive traffic to their websites and encourage more sales!

That being said, an interesting article in Newsday, revealed an eMarketer prediction about market spends in 2019: US companies are forecasted to spend $327 billion on digital advertising spend in the coming year.

That’s a whole lotta dough. The idea of that kind of money being spent without a proper marketing strategy that makes use of the countless digital tools out there seems just crazy dumb.

It’s a no-brainer. Every business looking to make money in 2019 must spend money on digital marketing. You don’t have a choice. You can’t compete in 2019 unless you are competing online. Period.

But there is a right way and a wrong way to do it. You don’t need to blow your budget on unnecessary strategies. You do, however, need a winning strategy if you expect to, well… win in 2019.

So, unless you have a marketing guru on board who is exceeding your expectations for bringing in new business, you should be partnering with a digital marketing company who will craft a strategy to help you spend your marketing dollars creatively and intelligently.

There are countless companies out here in the digital marketing world who would love to work with your business. Make sure you choose the one that’s right for you.

If you are a hands-on person, you want to be in-the-know all the time, find a company that is willing to work that way.

Perhaps you want to take a hands-off approach? Select a company that is ready to hit the ground running and do the work while you are focused on your everyday core business.

Regardless, we at Harmonia Media would love to find out if we are the right choice for you. Give us a call (855) 535-4848 at and let’s set up a free phone consultation. You won’t know until you know.

In the summer of 2017, I drove down to Roanoke, Va., from New Jersey (a very long and boring ride, I might add) to attend a family wedding. It’s hard to keep me amused for short periods of time, nevermind HOURS on highways with nothing to see for miles and miles.

All of a sudden, on the drive, I noticed one lonely billboard. It read: “The Best Dang BBQ in Virginia: 20 Miles Ahead.”

I have to admit the use of the word “dang” entertained me for a bit but then I forgot about it. Until I saw another lonely billboard. “Seriously, you’ve never had BBQ like this. The BEST DANG BBQ.”

Hmmm… now I was interested but not only because I was getting hungry. This place actually had engaged me in a conversation of sorts. I was looking for the next billboard. Sure enough… I saw it. “NEXT EXIT: You’ll hate yourself if you miss the BEST DANG BBQ!”

OK, I was convinced. I needed to get there. So, we stopped for lunch and, damn, if it wasn’t a delicious BBQ brisket with spicy, awesome beans and a piece of buttery cornbread that I still think about to this day. (Smileys, by the way, is located in Raphine, Va. Take Exit 205 off of Interstate 81.)

The point of this story is rather simple if you aren’t being creative in driving customers to your website they won’t know you exist and will never have the chance to check you out.

3 Ways to Improve Web Traffic

1. Improve your content. 

It’s no secret that Google (and other search engines) are seeking out high-quality content and rewarding websites that have it. If you have poor, uninteresting content, your websites won’t rank well in search engine results. Bottom line: minimal traffic.

When it comes to keywords, narrow your focus to avoid the obvious and competitive keywords. When you try to rank for the most popular keywords, you are competing with every other company that sells what you sell. If you get a bit creative and think like someone who is searching for what you sell, you can get to the first page of search engine results faster.

Consider that the BEST DANG BBQ joint could compete with other places and possibly lose out if it used BBQ as a keyword. But, if it used a long-tail keyword, it would stand out in a crowd. Who else is using “best dang” as a keyword?

The key is to outsmart the competition and get ahead. Keeping up with others is not going to win the day. Seriously though, when everyone else is using “BBQ” as a keyword, selecting “tastiest meat in town” may get some attention.

2. Speed up your website

This isn’t rocket science. If your website loads slowly, no one has time for that. In fact, you want it to load in no more than five seconds. If it’s slower than that, the visitor is likely to bounce.

If you speed up your website’s loading time, rankings will improve and the result will be increased traffic.

3. Hire a better SEO firm

You chose them because of the price. Or because you knew the guy. Or because you needed a new website and you found a company that promised the world…but didn’t deliver. You aren’t alone. Too many companies, just like you, fall into this trap.

Companies that make promises such as “you’ll be on the first page of Google” are just trying to get you to sign a contract. No one can promise anything when it comes to Google. SEO is a process that must be managed constantly. There are best practices, for sure. But ultimately top page rankings are the result of a lot of hard work and trial and error.

Any company that promises you more than their very best efforts (and has a history of making clients happy) isn’t worth your time.

So, select a company that is honest and dedicated to your brand. Find a group that is willing to listen to your mission wholeheartedly and work to make your website a must-visit destination.

Give us a try! Harmonia Media would love the opportunity to discuss what’s been going wrong so we can do better. Call (855) 535-4848  today for a FREE phone consultation.