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Why Storytelling Sells More Than Discounts

Why Storytelling Sells More Than Discounts

When sales slow down, many small business owners reach for the easiest lever to pull: discounts. Slash prices, post a “limited-time offer,” and wait for the orders to roll in.

Sure, it works…. Temporarily! But here’s the problem: discounts may give you a short-term bump, but rarely build lasting growth. In fact, they often hurt your brand more than they help.

If you want consistent sales and loyal customers, there’s a better strategy: storytelling.

 

The Downside of Relying on Discounts

Discounts feel safe because they’re simple. Lower the price, and watch sales spike. But over time, they can hurt your business more than help it.

Here’s why:

  • They train your customers to wait. If people know you’ll run a sale soon, they’ll hold off until prices drop.
  • They attract bargain-hunters, not loyal fans. These customers care more about the deal than your brand.
  • They eat into your profits. You can’t win a long-term price war unless you’re a big brand.
  • They make you blend in. Competing on price alone makes you just another option. People can easily forget your brand once the discount ends.

 

Why Storytelling Works Better Than Discounts

Discounts might grab attention in the short term, but they train customers to see your brand as a bargain instead of something valuable. The moment a competitor offers a lower price, you risk losing them. 

Storytelling, on the other hand, builds something discounts never can: an emotional bond. People don’t just buy what you sell. They buy into the meaning and the feeling behind it.

A strong story makes your brand memorable. It shows who you are, what you stand for, and why your business matters. When customers connect with that, price becomes less important. They’re not comparing cents; they’re choosing you because your story resonates. And that connection turns one-time buyers into loyal fans who stick around long after the sale.

 

Real-Life Examples of Storytelling in Action

Take, for example, a local café that shares how it partners with small farmers. They highlight the farmers’ dedication, the care that goes into every bean, and how each cup connects customers to a larger story of community and sustainability. Suddenly, that latte isn’t just a drink; it’s part of something meaningful.

Or think about a fitness coach who shares his story about being bullied as a kid. He grew up overweight and was often teased for his appearance. Until one day, he decided to change. He hit the gym, became obsessed with learning about fitness.

When he tells this story, clients don’t just see a trainer. They see someone who’s walked the same difficult path they’re on. That authenticity creates trust and inspires them to believe, “If he can do it, so can I.” And that emotional connection is far more powerful than any discount on training sessions.

 

How Small Businesses Can Use Storytelling

The good news? You don’t need a Hollywood scriptwriter to tell stories that sell. Here are a few simple ways to start:

  1. Share your “why.” Why did you start your business? What drives you?
  2. Tell customer success stories. Highlight how your product or service changed someone’s life.
  3. Show behind-the-scenes moments. Introduce your team, your process, or even your struggles.
  4. Tie your brand to values. Whether it’s sustainability, community, or empowerment, show what you stand for.
  5. Use storytelling across platforms. Weave stories into your website, social media posts, emails, and ads.

 

When Discounts Make Sense

Of course, this isn’t to say discounts never have a place. Strategic discounts can be incredibly effective when used thoughtfully. For example, offering a limited-time promotion to launch a new product can spark curiosity and bring in first-time buyers who might not have discovered your brand otherwise. 

Discounts can also work well during seasonal events, holidays, or when you need to clear out inventory to make space for something new.

The key is ensuring your audience understands the “why” behind the discount. It should feel intentional, not desperate. 

 

Final Thoughts

Discounts may grab attention, but stories build relationships. And relationships are what create repeat customers, word-of-mouth referrals, and long-term success.

So, ask yourself: Are you training people to wait for your next sale? Or are you giving them a story worth remembering?

Because people may forget your prices, but they’ll never forget your story.

Why Storytelling Sells More Than Discounts

Why Storytelling Sells More Than DiscountsWhy Storytelling Sells More Than Discounts

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Why Engagement Matters More Than Follower Count

Why Engagement Matters More Than Follower Count

“10,000 followers. Zero sales.”

It’s a familiar story. And if you’ve ever looked at a competitor’s massive following and wondered, “How are they getting clients?” you’re not alone.

Many small business owners work hard to grow their social media followers, thinking it’s the key to success. But here’s the truth: follower count is just a number. It may look impressive, but if no one’s liking, commenting, clicking, or buying? That big number isn’t doing much for your business.

What moves the needle? Engagement.

In this article, we’ll discuss why engagement matters more than your follower count and how you can start focusing on what truly grows your business online.

Follower Count vs. Engagement: What’s the Real Difference?

Let’s start with a quick breakdown:

  • Follower Count is the number of people who have hit the “Follow” button on your account.
  • Engagement includes likes, comments, shares, saves, clicks, direct messages (DMs), and replies to your content.

Here’s the key thing to remember: 

  • Follower count measures reach. 
  • Engagement measures relationships.

One is a vanity metric. The other is a value metric.

You can have 5,000 followers and barely get a like on your posts. Or you can have 500 followers who consistently interact, comment, ask questions, and click your links. 

Why Engagement Matters More

1. The Algorithm Rewards Interaction

Social platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn use engagement to decide what content gets seen.

If people like, comment, or share your post, the algorithm says, “This is valuable. Let’s show it to more people.”

That means higher engagement = more visibility without spending a dime on ads.

2. Engagement Builds Trust

Trust isn’t built with a single post. It’s built over time through repeated, meaningful interactions.

When people see you show up regularly, answer questions, reply to comments, and genuinely offer value, they begin to trust your brand. And trust is what leads to action.

  1. Engagement Drives Sales

People don’t buy because you have a big following. They buy because you’ve built a relationship with them.

A thoughtful comment or a helpful post can turn into a DM. That DM can turn into a consultation, a booking, or a sale. Engagement is what opens the door.

  1. Engagement Gives You Insights

Engagement is like real-time market research.

It helps you understand:

  • Which posts spark conversation
  • Which ones get ignored
  • Which topics lead to website clicks or replies

Your audience is telling you what they care about if you’re paying attention.

How a Small, Engaged Audience Can Outperform a Massive One

You don’t need to go viral to get results.

Let’s say you have 1,000 followers. If 10% regularly engage with your content, that’s 100 people who are listening, learning, and potentially buying. That’s powerful.

Now, compare that to an account with 10,000 followers, but only 0.5% engagement. That’s just 50 people interacting. It’s half the engagement with ten times the audience.

It’s not about how many people follow you. It’s about who’s actually paying attention and cares about what you do. 

How to Improve Engagement (Without Being Online 24/7)

Worried you don’t have the time to “engage all day”? Good news: you don’t need to.

Here are five expert-backed tips to improve your engagement strategically:

1. Create Content Your Audience Cares About

Skip the generic quotes. Focus on your audience’s questions, challenges, and goals. Helpful tips, how-to guides, and behind-the-scenes content work well. Build your content around that.

Quick Tip: Use the “you” test. If your post focuses more on your audience than your business, you’re on the right track.

2. Post Consistently (Not Constantly)

You don’t need to post every day. Even 2–3 well-crafted posts per week can keep your brand top of mind. Set a schedule you can stick to. 

3. Ask Questions and Start Conversations

People love sharing their opinions. So instead of just posting about your business or sharing tips, ask them to join the conversation. Use polls, “this or that” posts, or simply ask your audience to weigh in.

4. Be Human, Not Just a Brand

Show your face. Share a behind-the-scenes look. Tell your story.

People connect with people, not perfect brands. And when your content feels more personal, your engagement will naturally increase.

5. Track What’s Working

Look at your analytics. Which posts got the most likes, comments, saves, or clicks?

Keep a list of top-performing posts, and use that data to guide future content.

Don’t Chase Numbers, Build Relationships

A huge follower count might look good on paper, but they don’t pay the bills.

Engagement is what turns followers into fans, and fans into paying customers. So the next time you feel discouraged by slow follower growth, shift your focus. 

Remember, you don’t need tens of thousands of followers to grow your business. You need a loyal, engaged audience that trusts you and wants what you offer.

At Social Speak Network, we help small business owners create meaningful content that drives engagement, builds community, and supports their bottom line.

Book a free consultation and let’s build a smarter strategy that works for your business. Let’s turn those likes into leads and those followers into fans.

Why Engagement Matters More Than Follower Count

Why Engagement Matters More Than Follower CountWhy Engagement Matters More Than Follower Count

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Building a Solid Digital Strategy for Home Health Care Agencies

Building a Solid Digital Strategy for Home Health Care Agencies

In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is no longer optional for home healthcare agencies. It’s essential. A solid digital strategy can help you stand out from the competition, attract more clients, and grow your business. 

In this article, we’ll walk you through the key steps to build a successful digital strategy tailored to your agency’s needs.

Understanding the Importance of a Digital Strategy

What is a Digital Strategy?

A digital strategy is your plan for reaching and engaging with your audience online. It helps you connect with more clients, build trust, and ultimately drive growth. 

Home healthcare agencies leverage social media, websites, email marketing, and online advertising to achieve their goals. 

By implementing a well-thought-out digital strategy, you can ensure that your agency stands out and meets the needs of your clients.

Why is it Important?

  • Enhanced Client Acquisition: Reach more potential clients through targeted online campaigns.
  • Improved Online Presence: Establish your agency as a trusted and reliable source of care.
  • Sustainable Growth: Implement strategies that ensure long-term success.

Defining Your Digital Audience

Identifying your ideal clients and their needs is the first and most important step in building a successful digital strategy. 

Identifying Demographics

Start by defining the specific demographics of your ideal online clients. Are they seniors looking for home care? Families looking for home care for elderly parents? Or individuals recovering from surgery?

Also, factors such as age, location, and health needs should be considered. This information will help you tailor your message and create marketing campaigns that resonate with your audience.

Understanding Client Needs

Once you’ve identified your audience, focus on understanding their needs. What challenges do they face, and how can your services help them? Customizing your digital marketing efforts to address these needs will make your agency more appealing to potential clients.

Creating a Unique Digital Value Proposition

Your value proposition is what makes your home healthcare agency stand out. It is a clear statement that explains what makes your agency unique, how your services solve clients’ problems, the benefits they can expect, and why they should choose you over competitors. 

For example, if your agency offers specialized care for chronic conditions, highlight this expertise.

Competitor Analysis

Research what other home health care agencies are offering. Take note of their strengths and weaknesses. Then, identify areas where you can stand out. Use this information to craft a value proposition that highlights your strengths.

Articulating Uniqueness

Highlight the features and benefits that set your agency apart. Whether it’s specialized care programs, exceptional client service, or innovative technologies, ensure your online message highlights what makes your agency unique. Understanding and leveraging your competitive edge will help attract and retain clients.

Designing an Online Client Engagement and Revenue Model

You need a well-thought-out engagement and revenue model to attract and retain profitable clients online.

Engagement Strategies

Develop a plan to engage with potential clients online. Publishing blog posts, social media updates, informative videos, and email newsletters are some of the best ways to do this. The goal is to keep your audience interested and build a relationship with them.

Revenue Growth

Think about how you can generate revenue through your digital channels. You can offer virtual consultations, online booking for home visits, or even educational webinars that showcase your expertise.

Refining Your Digital Service Offerings and Delivery

Continuously assess and enhance your online services to meet the changing needs of your clients.

Continuous Assessment

Regularly evaluate your digital strategy to ensure it remains effective. Use feedback from clients and performance metrics to make necessary adjustments.

Adapting to Industry Standards

Stay updated with industry trends to keep your services relevant and your agency ahead of the curve. This includes integrating new technologies, updating your website to improve user experience, improving your online booking system, or offering new online services.

Final Thoughts

Building a solid digital strategy is key to thriving in the home healthcare industry. By following the steps above, you’ll be well on your way to creating a successful digital strategy that attracts and retains clients, ensuring the growth and success of your home healthcare agency.

Need help with your digital marketing strategy? Book a free consultation with us, and we’ll help you create a solid digital strategy to help you stand out, attract more clients, and grow your home healthcare agency.

Building a Solid Digital Strategy for Home Health Care Agencies

Building a Solid Digital Strategy for Home Health Care AgenciesBuilding a Solid Digital Strategy for Home Health Care Agencies

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Mastering the Art of Personal Branding: A Guide to Making Your Mark Online

In today’s digital age, personal branding has evolved from a mere buzzword to an essential strategy for anyone looking to stand out and succeed. It’s what sets you apart in a sea of online profiles and helps you connect with your audience on a deeper level.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a freelancer, or a professional climbing the corporate ladder, a solid personal brand is your ticket to visibility and credibility. 

In this blog, we’ll walk through practical steps to make your mark online through content creation, social media, and networking — all with a friendly, professional, and actionable approach.

Understanding Personal Branding

At its core, personal branding is about how you present yourself online and offline to potential clients, employers, and your professional network. 

It’s what people say about you when you’re not in the room. A well-crafted personal brand highlights your strengths, passions, and the unique value you bring to the table, setting you apart in a crowded marketplace.

Laying the Foundation of Your Personal Brand

Identifying Your Niche 

The first step is to understand what you’re passionate about and what you do best. Identify the skills or knowledge you have that others might find valuable.

This isn’t just about your job title. Instead, it’s about understanding your unique selling proposition and how it meets the needs of your target audience.

Crafting Your Personal Brand Statement 

This is a succinct way to tell the world who you are and what you stand for. Think of it as your professional mission statement or elevator pitch. It should be a simple, clear message that reflects your values and what you bring to the table.

Content Creation: The Heartbeat of Your Personal Brand

Content is king in the digital world. It is how you share your voice and vision with the world.

Whether it’s blog posts, videos, podcasts, or infographics, your content should be engaging, authentic, and, most importantly, valuable to your audience. 

Be authentic and focus on quality over quantity. Use storytelling to make your content memorable and relatable. It allows you to connect with your audience on a personal level by sharing your experiences, challenges, and successes.

Leveraging Social Media to Amplify Your Brand

There is more to social media than just catching up with friends. It’s a powerful platform for building and promoting your personal brand. Keep in mind, though, that it’s not about being everywhere. Choose platforms that align with your brand and where your audience hangs out. 

Optimize your profiles with a clear bio, a professional photo, and links to your work. Use consistent visuals and messaging across platforms. 

Publish valuable content and share your knowledge with your audience. But don’t just post and vanish. Respond to comments, participate in discussions, and connect with your audience. Be a part of the community.

Networking – Expanding Your Influence

Networking isn’t just for in-person events. Online networking can be just as powerful. Engaging in LinkedIn groups, Twitter chats, or industry-specific forums can help you connect with like-minded professionals. Collaborations and partnerships can also significantly boost your visibility.

Monitoring and Adapting Your Brand Strategy

Building a personal brand is not a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor. It’s an ongoing process. 

Use tools to monitor your online presence and track how your content is performing. Be open to feedback and ready to tweak your strategy to stay relevant and authentic.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Personal Branding

Avoid the temptation to over-promote yourself. Strive for a balance between sharing your achievements and contributing value to your community. Focus on building genuine connections and providing value to your audience.

Consistency is key—not just in how often you post but in maintaining a cohesive message and visual style. Never underestimate the power of engagement. Remember, your community is your most vital asset.

Final thoughts 

Embarking on your personal branding journey may seem daunting at first. But with the right approach and tools, you’ll find it to be a rewarding endeavor that sets you apart in your field. It opens doors to opportunities and builds credibility.

Your personal brand is your chance to tell your story on your own terms. So start by taking small, consistent steps. Refine your approach as you go, and watch as your personal brand flourishes in the digital world. The world is waiting to hear your story.

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The Power of Storytelling in Content Marketing: How to Engage and Connect with Your Audience

Have you ever seen a brand campaign that’s so interesting it captured your attention and didn’t feel like an ad at all? It got you hooked from the beginning, leaving you enthralled until you realized they were selling something. 

That, my friends, is the power of storytelling in marketing. 

In today’s fast-paced digital world, consumers are bombarded with a constant stream of advertisements and promotional content. As a result, it can be challenging to break through the noise and truly connect with your audience. 

One such method that has proven to be highly effective is storytelling.

In this blog, we will delve into the art of storytelling in content marketing and explore how it can help businesses effectively engage and connect with their audience. 

Why Storytelling Matters in Content Marketing

The Science Behind Storytelling and Its Impact on the Brain

The power of storytelling lies in its ability to tap into the human brain’s natural inclination for narratives. 

When we hear a story, various regions of our brain light up, including those responsible for emotions, empathy, and memory. This neural response fosters a deeper connection with the content and enhances information retention.

Storytelling releases neurotransmitters like dopamine and oxytocin, giving the audience a positive and memorable experience.

How Stories Evoke Emotions and Create Memorable Experiences

Emotionally charged stories are more likely to resonate with the audience, making the content unforgettable. 

They spark something within us, making us feel joy, sadness, excitement, or empathy for the characters involved. 

Think about a story that moved you deeply, perhaps a heartwarming tale of friendship or a powerful account of overcoming adversity. Chances are, that story has stayed with you long after you first heard it. This emotional resonance enhances information retention, making the story’s message more likely to stick in your mind. 

In marketing, brands that effectively use storytelling to evoke emotions create memorable experiences for their audience. By triggering positive emotions, they forge a positive association with their brand.

Similarly, stories that evoke empathy or address common challenges build a sense of relatability, fostering a deeper connection with the audience.

Differentiating Your Brand Through Storytelling

In today’s competitive business world, standing out is crucial. Storytelling can help your brand do just that. It provides an excellent opportunity for brands to differentiate themselves. 

Sharing authentic and compelling narratives helps humanize your brand. It makes you more approachable and relatable to consumers. This authenticity builds trust and credibility. 

A well-crafted story that aligns with the brand’s values can leave a lasting impression, ultimately influencing purchasing decisions. 

Incorporating Storytelling in Content Marketing

How to Tell Stories Through Written Content

Written content offers a versatile platform for storytelling. When writing blog posts and articles, begin with attention-grabbing openings that pique the reader’s curiosity. 

Develop a narrative that engages the audience throughout the content, and end it with a compelling call to action that encourages further interaction. 

Videos and Visual Storytelling

Visual storytelling through videos, animations, and infographics enhances the emotional impact of your message. 

Use creative visuals to complement the narrative and evoke emotions effectively. Consider incorporating customer testimonials and success stories into videos for a powerful storytelling experience. 

Using Real Stories to Build Trust

Real stories from satisfied customers serve as powerful social proof for your brand. 

Utilize case studies and customer testimonials to highlight how your products or services have changed your customers’ lives. These stories build trust, assuage doubts, and reinforce the credibility of your brand. 

Tips for Crafting Compelling Stories

1. Start Strong with Attention-Grabbing Opening

Hook your audience from the beginning with attention-grabbing openings that spark curiosity and intrigue. A strong start sets the tone for the rest of the story, encouraging readers to continue. 

2. Use Conflict and Resolution to Maintain Interest

Incorporate conflict and challenges into your storytelling to maintain the audience’s interest. Ensure that the resolution offers a satisfying conclusion and reinforces the central message. 

3. Leverage Emotions and Empathy to Connect Deeply with the Audience

Emotions play a significant role in storytelling. Use empathy and emotional triggers to forge a deeper connection with your audience. Appeal to their emotions, as they are more likely to inspire action and engagement.

Final thoughts

Storytelling is a potent tool for engaging and connecting with your audience in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Incorporating storytelling into various content formats, such as blog posts, videos, and social media, opens up endless possibilities to captivate your audience across diverse platforms. 

Remember to align your storytelling with your brand’s unique voice and tone to maintain consistency and reinforce your identity. 

Go ahead and tell your story! Let your brand’s narrative unfold to captivate your audience and drive your business toward unprecedented success.

 

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6 Ways Healthcare Businesses Can Benefit from Email Marketing

6 Ways Healthcare Businesses Can Benefit from Email Marketing

Love it or hate it, email remains to be one of the primary means of communication. Despite its age, ubiquity, and versatility, most business owners assume that it is one of those things that doesn’t work. Maybe that’s even you and your practice. 

Email is actually a great option for marketing and promoting your practice. Here are 6 reasons why healthcare businesses and providers should do email marketing. 

Create a stronger relationship with patients 

According to a study that was conducted by researchers from Pew Internet, 80% of internet users have searched for a health-related topic online.

You know that there is a demand for healthcare content. People have already given you permission to email them. Now, they expect you to give them something in return. 

Email is a great place to share relevant and timely health information. You can share some tips on how to avoid flu at work or how to keep kids safe while playing in the snow. 

Your subscribers are already looking for these types of information online. By sending relevant and well-crafted healthcare content regularly, they’ll see that you care about their health and well-being. The more value you provide to your subscribers, the more they’ll look forward to hearing from you. When that happens, you’ll have a better chance of earning their trust and loyalty. 

Personalized communication

People love it when businesses and treats them as an individual. Email marketing is one of the easiest and most effective ways to show your patients and subscribers that you value and care about them. It allows you to keep in touch with your audience on a regular basis. It can be as simple as “Thank you for subscribing”, a sincere “Happy Birthday” or some healthcare tips.  

Personalized emails are more likely to be opened and read. Make sure that you address the recipient by their name. It is also a good idea to use a person’s name in the “from” field. People are more likely to trust and relate to an email that comes from a person as opposed to a business. 

Cost-effective 

There are a number of channels you can use to market your practice online. But email remains among the simplest, most cost-effective ways for you to market yourself and your practice. In fact, sending a monthly newsletter to your email list could cost you nothing more than your time. The best part? It lets you send your message around the world in seconds. 

When done right, email marketing helps you to increase the ROI from your digital marketing efforts. It keeps you top of mind with the folks on your email list and build a more personal relationship with them.

Extensive reach 

With the rise of social media, many businesses have abandoned email marketing, and we’re not surprised. 

There are 4.3 billion internet users across the globe. Approximately 80% of them have social media accounts. That’s huge! But here’s the thing. The average click-through rate for a Facebook post is between 0.5 and 2%. If you have 1,000 followers, that means only 5-20 of them will see your posts. 

Contrary to popular misconception, email marketing has great delivery and conversion rate. Almost everyone has an email, and they check it every now and then – while eating, while working or while waiting for the bus to arrive. 

If you want to reach your target audience, you can do so through email. While not everyone will click and read the email, they are 80% more likely to do so than a Facebook post they might not even see. 

Preferred method of communication 

Email is far less obtrusive than a phone call or in-person visit. Plus, it is perceived as a more private outlet than social media. For this reason, many people prefer to communicate via email when it comes to their healthcare and medical needs. 

A decade ago, people would use email to communicate with their family and friends. But a lot of that has shifted to social media, video chat, and texting. Email, on the other hand, is often reserved for work or business transactions, especially when dealing with very sensitive information. 

Target select audience 

We all know that the content is what makes an email great. But there is no point in sending out well-crafted, high-quality content if they are directed to the wrong audience. 

Email marketing gives you the freedom to organize your contacts into segments. That means you can communicate with them based on their age, location, interest, etc. This way, you can easily customize your message for the different audiences you communicate with. 

If you’re an emergency clinic, age would be an important demographic. For instance, you can send content that is centered on slips and falls to older adults on your list. For young adults, it could be about sports-related injuries.   

By segmenting your list by age group, you can tailor the content of your email to suit the specific health interest and current situation of the recipient. When relevant content reaches the right audience, you’ll stay on top of mind with patients, establish a strong relationship, and build lifelong trust.

 

Healthcare Businesses Can Benefit from Email Marketing

6 Ways Nutritionists Can Benefit from Email Marketing6 Ways Health and Wellness Professionals Can Benefit from Email Marketing

6 Ways Mental Health Professionals Can Benefit from Email Marketing

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5 Ways to Use Customer Reviews in Your Marketing

5 Ways to Use Reviews in Your Marketing

Do you read product reviews before you purchase something new? Do you trust customer ratings better than the sales pitch of a seller?

From deciding which smartphone to buy to where to eat and finding a new doctor, at least 93% of people read through reviews before making a decision. The majority of them are interested in knowing what previous customers and clients have to say before making a purchase or booking an appointment.

How Impactful are Customer Reviews?

Customer reviews had become the layperson’s gauge for the trustworthiness of a product, service, or company. According to a Spiegel Medill research, products with reviews are 270% more likely to be bought than unreviewed ones. For more costly items, this probability increases to up to 380%. This simply shows how important and impactful customer reviews are.

Positive reviews can feel like a warm hug that validates the work that you do, but it does way more than that. It can establish your business’ credibility and trustworthiness to the general public. This can directly increase your market and translate to sales. It’s a waste of a free resource if you don’t use customer review in your sales plan.

How can you maximize the power of a review in your everyday marketing? Through what strategy can you use it in boosting your sales?

Let us give you some ideas.

Include them on all the pages of your website

Customer reviews should be on your website’s landing page. This is where you can create conversions and build a customer base. Since the landing page is dedicated for readers to make a transaction, seeing reviews and testimonials on this page can influence their actions.

Beyond the landing page, it will also benefit you to include at least one review or testimonial on each of the pages of your website. This way, no matter what page your readers are on, they are subtly assured of your good reputation with consumers just like them.

Share them on social media

It’s no secret how most of us rely on social media for information. Globally, at least 4 billion of us are on this platform. That’s a massive reach! This then becomes the perfect venue to share your customer reviews.

Reviews on social media are from random people. Your readers perceive them as unbiased. Most people take it as a personal recommendation rather than as a sales pitch. They are more likely to be persuaded by it.

Posting exceptional reviews and those from influencers and celebrities can boost not only your confidence but that of your potential consumers, too. Make use of your social media reach to highlight what others have to say about you.

Include it in your emails

Digital marketers can attest that until now, email marketing is still the most profitable tool out there. It can generate $44 for every $1 spent, so it only makes sense to use it in your marketing strategy.

Including customer reviews in your emails will increase your credibility off-site. Reviews in emails can give recipients an idea of the benefits they can get should they transact business with you. They would want to know more about you, and would thereby generate higher conversion rates.

Incorporate them in your marketing collateral 

On a non-digital platform, collaterals continue to be an effective marketing tool. Include snippets and shots of customer reviews on your posters, brochures, and flyers. You may even consider including it in your business card.

This can speak right to potential customers who are already within your vicinity. It increases the chance of an immediate direct response. If not immediately, since you’re targeting customers directly, they can quickly come back and finalize doing business with you.

Highlight it in your advertisements

Research shows that user-generated promotional materials get four times more click-through rates. The reviews you receive are already free user-generated content that the public intuitively trusts. Make the most of it by making it prominent in your video advertisements. Not only is this less costly, but it is also perceived as reliable by many.

Ensure that your business provides spaces for customer reviews, such as in your social media accounts and other reputable crowd-sourced review sites. Once you receive their feedback, you can now use them for purposes that best serve your market.

If you need help with digital marketing, we’re here to help. Book a free 30-minute consultation call with us and we’ll work together in create a marketing strategy that will get people through the door.

5 Ways to Use Reviews in Your Marketing

5 Ways to Use Reviews in Marketing Your Family Medicine Practice 5 Ways to Use Reviews in Marketing Your Health and Wellness Practice

5 Ways to Use Reviews in Marketing Your Mental Health Practice

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Identifying Your Target Market and Educating Them

Identifying Your Target Market and Educating Them

We’ve been talking a little bit about really looking at your overall digital marketing strategy. This is something that we help our clients throughout the year. Because as we start a new year, we always look at, “Okay, what do we need to adjust for this year, what are our goals, what do we want to do?”

We usually have those quarterly goals, and now we’re entering in the second part of 2020 and it’s time to reflect on what’s working, what’s not working, and what we need to do for the remaining part of the year, but then also projecting into the new year.

I know it seems a little crazy to already be thinking about 2021, but things change, and so today we’ll talk about your target market and how to educate them.

What do those posts look like? How does building that relationship works with your target market? So a few things that I want you to do is just take a quick minute to reflect on your social media footprint, so to speak.

So what have your social media struggles been? What goals have you set for your social media strategy or that you want to set moving forward? And what social media platforms are you currently using, and which ones would you like to start using? So think of which ones are you using.

Re-evaluate the platforms you’re using

Think of which ones do you think that your target market is using. If you’re spending a lot of time on Twitter, for instance, and you’re not getting a lot of followers and you’re not getting a lot of engagement. But when you post on to Instagram or Facebook, you’re getting a lot more engagement. That may mean you need to re-evaluate the platforms you’re using.

Just because they’re out there doesn’t mean you need to be on all of them. Sometimes Twitter or Instagram works great for some of our clients, and other times they don’t. So it’s really thinking of where your audience is.

Survey your audience

One good way of doing this is sending out a survey, putting together a survey for your email list. “What platforms do you use the most? What times of day are you on those platforms?”

Really wanting to get that feedback from your audience so you can understand where they’re spending their time as well. And then going more into, “Do you have that target market clearly defined?”

Identify a niche you want to target

Sometimes we ask a business, “What’s your ideal client?” And they’ll say, “Oh, anyone, I work with everyone”.

Well, over the past 12 years of us being in business, we’ve learned that we don’t want to work with everyone. We have a clear niche of people that we want to work with.

If you are a healthcare practitioner, then you have a little bit more of a clear niche if you are an OBGYN, if you’re a family practitioner, if you are an orthopedic surgeon. It’s easier to define that target market because your service is already niched. If you are a realtor or even a massage therapist, a chiropractor, you’ll want to think more about the type of person you want to work with.

Questions to help you define your target audience

  • Do you know who they are?
  • Do you know how to find them and where to find them?
  • Are they using social media?
  • Where and how can you find them?
  • Do their core values align with yours?

And this is something that we’ve talked about in the past that’s really important to us as a company, is defining those core values and making sure that the people you’re working with aligning with that.

Tailor your content for your target audience

Are you engaging with your target market? Are you putting together content that is speaking to them?

If your audience is mostly families with younger kids and you’re putting content up about retirement or AARP, that’s a disconnect of your audience and your content messaging.

If you are a family practitioner, maybe your patients are more 55-plus, and you’re putting out kid activities and healthy kids snacks, you’re missing that connection with your audience.

So really identifying who are your clients or customers now, which ones have you really enjoyed working with and you have that relationship with, and then identifying why. Why do you like working with them? How do you get more clients or customers like them? So that’s really figuring out your target market, and then now that you’ve identified kind of looking at your social media footprint, you’ve looked at your target market.

Set SMART goals

Now let’s set some goals. And so it’s important to think of those smart goals for social media.

Specific. Your goal should be very clear, simple, and defined. Something along the lines of, “We want to grow our Facebook page to reach 3000 likes this year”.

Measurable. So how can you track these goals? Do you have a system in place with your email marketing that you can track how many emails you’ve gotten or how many likes? What are those analytics that are in place for you to be able to measure your results?

Achievable. Going into achievable, so this is kind of like what I said with being specific, make sure you’re setting goals that you can reach it.

If you have 100 likes and you want to get 10 million, that may not happen in a year but setting something simple, “We want to get to 2000. We want to have a thousand  sign-ups from our paid efforts on social media this year.”

If you have 100 likes and you want to get 10 million, that may not happen in a year but setting something simple, “We want to get to 2000. We want to have a thousand  sign-ups from our paid efforts on social media this year.”

Realistic.  So again, if your goal is to reach a million likes on your Facebook page but you only have 146 to start with, that may not be achievable within the next six months or next year. But how can we bring it into, “Okay, I wanna reach 2000 likes, I wanna reach 5000 likes.” And if that’s your number, then put in place that realistic of, “How am I gonna do that? What does it mean for me to reach that goal?”

Time-sensitive. If you say, “Oh, I want a million likes”, well, maybe over the course of 10 years or five years or three years that can happen. But, “This is my goal for the next six months. This is what I want to do, this is how I really wanna build those relationships with my target market to make sure that I am speaking to them.” And that leads me into the next piece, of Educate.

Educate your audience

So now that you identified your target market, you know who they are, you know what their interests are, you know their lifestyle, and they’re already, hopefully, seeing you or doing business with you, and so now it’s really important to educate them.

I love social media brands, whether they are a local business, a big brand, but they tell a story. And they highlight their customers.

The American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association do an amazing job with their social media campaigns. They are constantly highlighting stories of people that are struggling with diabetes, how they’ve overcome it, how their families overcome it. They’re always putting in place different resources and tools for their audience. And their audience, they have a mix of kids with Type 1 diabetes to adults with Type 2 diabetes, and their marketing is very clear. They’re educating each niche of their target market, they’re speaking to them on their level.

If you are a family practice or a massage therapist or a chiropractor, your clientele may vary in age and interest. So then it’s really figuring out, “What does that content look like? How can you take the time to educate each of them?” And this can be telling stories.

Tell your brand story

This is a great way to see that brand personality behind your business. I want to learn about who you are as a business owner, who your team is, where they come from, what are you guys passionate about.

Sharing stories on a personal level about the business, but then also having your patients share their stories. So when they started to come to see you, maybe they had a really tight cramp in their back and it was really hard for them to sleep. You know, over the course of three months of getting a massage or whatever that time frame is, they were able to feel normal again, and they were back to their old self and being able to play with their kids and go on their morning runs or whatever that story is.

People really resonate with stories. I don’t care what industry you’re in, stories are really important. And they’re educational because people want to say, “They’re like me. They have that issue too, I’m not alone.”

And so the storytelling piece is a very important piece of your marketing, and if you can take it a step further and do some videos around that storytelling if you can have your client or your patient do a video testimonial or story. And then as you do your stories for your side, use those, do videos, interview one of your staff members or your nurses or your doctors. Really have that brand personality there.

Build your network

Make sure that you are building your network. So now that you know your target market, you’re speaking their language. Look at who’s liking your posts and start to educate them and reach out to them. So, people that are liking your post, you can go and invite them to like your page.

In our next vlog, we’re gonna be talking about doing some more, like boosting posts and Facebook ads, and so this is another way you can increase your networks by utilizing boosted posts and ads to reach your target market. So right now you may be going into different Facebook groups or looking on Instagram for certain hashtags.

If you are in a certain city, you want to look for people that are in your area. Start following them. Really work on building that network of your target market on the platforms you’re using. And that is a really important piece because you wanna make sure that once you get your people in that you keep them and you’re staying top of mind with them.

Final thoughts

So those are just a few components of your overall digital marketing strategy. Our next vlogs, as I said, will be around how can you implement email marketing and content upgrades and boosted posts into your digital marketing strategy.

If you need help creating this strategy, if you need help with identifying your target market and really being clear on what your social media strategy should look like, we are here to help you.

Head on over to socialspeaknetwork.com and schedule a free 30-minute consultation. We look forward to working with you. Have a great day.

Identifying Your Target Market and Educating Them

Identifying Your Target Market and Educating ThemIdentifying Your Target Market and Educating Them

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Interview with Dr. Nick Kapustka on how to Build Relationships as a Chiropractor during COVID-19

Interview with Nick about Chiropratic care in covid

Dr. Nick graduated from Sherman College of Chiropractic in 2004 where he earned the honors of Magna Cum Laude and the Rising Star award given to a recent Sherman College graduate who has demonstrated exceptional achievements and service in the community. Dr. Nick’s focus on education came from growing up in a household with two amazing teachers as his parents. He has lectured both internationally and locally on a wide variety of health and life topics. Dr. Nick first learned about the importance of a healthy functioning body during an internship in a pediatric oncology unit in Madrid, Spain. From that point on, it was his mission to learn as much as possible to be able to help as many people as possible.

When Dr. Nick is away from the office, you will find him spending time with Dr. Rachel and their “magic man” of a son, Noah. He also enjoys spending time with friends, gardening, running, practicing American Sign Language, spending time in nature, reading, and playing basketball.

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How to Shift Yoga Practice Amid COVID-19

running a yoga business in covid19

Introducing Buffalo + Sparrow Yoga Collective with Cole and Rachel.

We founded Buffalo and Sparrow Yoga Collective in 2017 when we realized we both share a passion to make yoga more accessible to people affected by trauma (which we believe is everyone). Yoga, when taught through the lens of trauma sensitivity, can be an important part of a treatment program for individuals with PTSR (Post Traumatic Stress Response) and all individuals benefit from connecting deeply to themselves. Through this perspective. we hope to create yoga environments where individuals feel safe and supported as they witness their trauma symptoms and learn tools within yoga to self-regulate when those symptoms present. Our dream is for everyone experiencing trauma symptoms to have the ability to live life as their whole self… free from trauma symptoms. We believe that yoga, when taught with intentionality around trauma, can support in this journey.

We deeply strive to stay culturally aware, up-to-date on the most current trauma research and yoga findings as well as being as inclusive, aware, informed and sensitive as possible. Our offerings are for everyone! Every background, experience, culture, identity, gender and being is welcome!

We also understand many folks might feel more comfortable in their healing process when learning and sharing space with those in their own affinity groups. If this is the case for you, please head over to our collaborators tab to learn more about where to to go in order to support yourself in the safest way.

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