Pew Research Center’s recent report found that  74 per cent of Facebook users visit the site daily and 51 per cent go on several times a day. Moreover, while approximately two-thirds of U.S. adults (68 per cent) now report that they are Facebook users, 73 per cent use YouTube.

Every age group has their go-to social media channels with most using multiple channels.

Usage varies from casually to frequently to obsessively and incessantly, depending on the age group. Given usage statistics, it is interesting that 59 per cent of all the social media users which Pew Research Center surveyed stated they thought it would not be hard to give up.

Business Insider recently reported, “Globally, more than 2.8 billion people — or 37per cent of the world’s population — use social media, but the way those users interact with each other, and the platforms they adopt, vary widely.”

While this article looks at site usage by age, there are myriad studies that look at social media by gender, profession, education and income to name a few. The data is relevant when determining where and how to best position yourself — personally and professionally.

Chat us up!  Harmonia Media will assess your best social options and connect you with your prospects fast.

The holidays are behind you and you are looking ahead to 2018 wondering what you can do to tweak your business strategy. If you could land a couple of new leads each week you can surely turn them into customers, right?

The answer is, most assuredly, that you are correct. Little tweaks can amount to big successes. It’s just important to select the correct endeavours and appropriate the right amount of time and energy and money to them to ensure maximum benefits.

For example, some people are hyper-focused on cleaning their own homes. There are many reasons to be vigilant about your personal space. However, others find they can source a trusted cleaning service to will focus on their home while they focus on their paycheck.

If the idea of hiring the right person for the job sounds good to you, read on.

In this article, we are talking about social media. Everyone knows they need to get social. And, if you dabbled in posting on Facebook and Instagram and Twitter in 2017, you need to take it up several notches — because your competition is already there.

The problem is that many people don’t have the foggiest clue of what it means to be active on social media platforms. In order to really attract business from social media posts, you need to be strategic. It’s more than finding the youngest person on your team who understands how to post on Snapchat.

Is that how you make other business decisions? Would you send your intern to a key networking conference? Hardly.

Social media has become a science. What to post and when are critical questions that keep professionals up at night. It takes a significant understanding of business goals and objectives to be successful at any social media campaign. Many people say they are experts at posting and tweeting, etc.

You owe it to yourself to embrace a proven social media marketing strategy carried out by people who have been there, done that — and continue to perfect their craft.

Let’s talk. Harmonia Media is launching its Savvy Social & SEO Starter Package – a set-it and forget-it (because we will manage everything!) We will take a look at your website’s backend and make adjustments to make sure you are getting the most from organic SEO. Then, we will assume responsibility (or create a new platform) for one of your social media accounts! You’ll get five posts a week on your choice of platform.

Contact us now and we’ll explain how we can make 2018 your most social — and profitable year — yet!

Unless you are a writer, you can probably think of 1,000 things you would rather be doing than managing your company’s social media platforms. For one thing, corporate social media is not the same as handling your personal Facebook, Twitter or Insta accounts. Selfies are a “no.” Random thoughts about where you’ve been or where you’re headed are also big “no’s.”

Writing social media posts that will intrigue potential customers and get them to click back to your website requires some finesse, thoughtful consideration and, yes, some attitude.

Many companies choose to outsource these necessary tasks to writers who not only LOVE to manage to Copywrite but are also in tune with what people need and want to read about topics near and dear to your company’s mission. At Harmonia Media, we know just what to say. Contact us and we’ll tell you how we can make this challenging, but necessary, task off your hands.

Trying to make a go of it in-house? Take a moment to consider these tips that will help your social posts sing and, hopefully, connect better with your readers.

• Know your audience. Sounds easy because who could know your audience better than you, right? However, many companies don’t consider what their customers need to know– they focus on what the company wants to say. Find a particular topic within your larger topic that people are talking about and write about that. For example, if you are a restaurant, don’t discuss “dining out.” Focus on the amazing Buffalo wings people stand in line to try.
• I.S.S. In other words, simplify your message. Don’t use jargon that people can’t understand. As an example, do you know what K.I.S.S. means? If you didn’t, you would be quite annoyed if I made you work harder and look it up. Therefore, as we like to say, Keep It Simple St*pid!
• Call to Action is Key. What do you want people to do after they read your post? Do you want likes or shares or clicks? Be specific with your goal so you can write a CTA that gets people moving in the direction you want them to go. If you are trying to get people to call you, including the phone number and incentivize them to pick up the phone!
• Use Images. Think about it… if you are like absolutely everyone else who thumbs through social media feeds, your eyes move to the ones with clever photos, infographics, videos and more. Your writing (especially the headline!) needs to grab attention but don’t forget your first shot on goal is definitely an image that compels the reader to tune into your message.

It should go without saying (but here goes!) that your posts should be relevant and informative and interesting. Would you read your feed? Your customers are real people who are busy with their own lives and come to social media to interact about topics they care about. Say something worth reading and your audience will come.

Ready to get started? Great! If you need some help, Harmonia Media is just a call or click away.

To be clear, let’s define “working.” The object of your website is to be your online home. There are a variety of ways prospective customers can make their way to your website. However, once they get there, the object is to keep them there long enough to become intrigued, interested and ready to take action. The “action” you want, of course, is a purchase.

OK, back to the initial question. Why isn’t your website working for you? If customers are making their way to your homepage, or any other page on the site, then your SEO is working. Whether it’s paid SEO such as Facebook advertising or organic SEO such as onsite optimization techniques, the customers are lining up.

But, then, they aren’t buying. They may not even be hanging out long enough to browse. Here are 3 reasons why your website isn’t delivering the success it could.

1. Wrong Focus. Your customers are searching for solutions to their perceived problems. For some, a problem could be serious such as needing to find an oncologist. Others may be simply searching for a gift for a loved one. Many are searching for whatever it is you sell.

However, some companies make the mistake of focusing their websites on solutions without much care for the customer’s challenge. People like to talk and read about themselves. If your website doesn’t feel welcoming, people won’t stay — and they most certainly will not buy. Instead, they’ll “bounce.”

The FIX: The solution for wrong focus is a content refresh. Consider repurposing your content so that it “speaks” to your prospect. Enough about you, more about them. When they feel like they are in the right place, they’ll stay long enough to learn more about your solutions.

2. Brand Confusion. Does the site imagery match your brand? All websites should convey a sense of pride in the brand. If your website is giving off a contrary image, you’re dead in the water.

For example, a restaurant website that features photos of a poorly lit dining room, badly plated food or worse is sending a clear message: you don’t want to eat here.

Alternatively, beautiful photos and decadent food descriptions convey a message of elegance. If your customers enjoy your website, imagine how much they will enjoy the restaurant experience?

The FIX: View your website through fresh eyes. Invest in better graphics. Make sure your site is both inviting and representative of the message you want customers to receive. If your brand is elegant, use images and colours that represent your high-class company. If your business is fun and funky, your web design should be, as well.

3. Lack of Call to Action. This is a biggie. Even if your web copy is top-notch, your SEO is on point and your photos are exciting and engaging, failure to provide appropriate calls to action leave customers high and dry.

The FIX: The problem is big, but the fix is simple. Add “learn more,” “read more” and even “contact us now” buttons throughout the site. Weave these calls to action into the content, as well. Don’t overdo it, but make sure there are multiple shots on goal so your customers can do what you want them to do: buy.

Have you ever thought to yourself, “Hey, I need to focus on my work, not my website?” You’re in luck. At Harmonia Media, “our work” is your website!

Contact us today for a free consultation about taking your digital marketing strategy to the next level.