What’s so special about small businesses?

/ Red Root Marketing/

What’s so special about small businesses? Location, location, location. And by location, I mean LOCAL! Here are the top 4 local business growth strategies that need to be in your business plan:

Tip #1: Create a plan that places your business at the center.

Tip #2: Develop events that integrate your business into the community.

Tip #3: Partner with other business along the value chain.

Tip #4: Establish relationships with local print and digital media outlets.

Tip #5: Attend Red Root Marketing’s Community Mapping Workshop this February!

www.redrootlearnlocalcommunityhub.eventbrite.com.

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Avoid Social Media Mishaps in the New Year!

/ Red Root Marketing/

When someone visits your business Facebook page is the first post they see a Happy New Years graphic? And is the second one from Thanksgiving? Yes? You need to up your social media game. Compelling content is at the ROOT of strong social media engagement; and that engagement is what builds your brand’s audience, an efficient form of lead generation!

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‘Tis the Season of Hashtag Holidays

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For local and small businesses up to 40% of annual revenue is earned in November and December. To not capitalize on the marketing power of the season, including the commercially created hashtag holidays, is truly a lost opportunity. However, which should you take advantage of and how?

#BlackFriday started as an in-store sales event, but is now a pervasive, expected seasonal discount spanning most of November. The noise and competition around #BlackFriday is so dramatic that it requires heavy promotion to stand out in the crowd. While full participation in a #BlackFriday event may not be appropriate for all small businesses, the strategy of an appealing loss-leader to drive store traffic can be very effective.

#SmallBusinessSaturday, founded by American Express, is a marketing approach with increasing resonance for consumers and communities. As we experience the explosion of online behemoths, big box multi-nationals, and even suburban malls, community and civically-minded consumers are drawn to patronizing and promoting their local stores and services. The online creative assets available at www.americanexpress.com  make it easy to convey a #SmallBusinessSaturday message and remind shoppers to come out in force on November 25th.

#CyberMonday has lost some of its impact with the digitization of #BlackFriday. However, consumers have been trained to watch their email inbox diligently on Monday, November 27th because they know that the very best offers will be shared on that date and via that channel. Email lists should be built, cleaned and nurtured over the course of the year with this one email blast in mind.

For non-profits and fundraisers, #GivingTuesday was created to capitalize on the holiday hashtag momentum. Marketing connected to this hashtag provides a boost to all usual development efforts and enjoys a halo of conscience and community responsibility. The sharing aspect of social media and email are perfect platforms for the #GivingTuesday message. This year, Facebook will waive its 5% commission on all money raised on November 28th, increasing the impact of contributions which is important to donors and non-profits alike.

Taking advantage of the holiday hashtag phenomenon requires advance planning and benefits from teaser campaigns that start the promotions much earlier than the appointed dates. Next year, Red Root Marketing will be happy to help you begin your planning and execution in September for maximum impact.