 Boutique consultancy OmniMarketing2020 helps you formulate a focused digital strategy, from building your e-commerce presence to deploying the latest in visualization tools. Contact us to find out more! richard@omnimarketing2020.com
Image via Pexels Tailoring Your Website to Sustain Business Growth The point of your website is to help your business grow. It’s where all your marketing efforts come together and where consumers get to know your brand on a deeper level. And it can be exceptionally powerful when you give it the attention it deserves. However, an outstanding website requires thoughtful design and regular maintenance. Among other things, you must consider the user experience at every step, be intentional about driving more traffic to the site, and use the site to unify your marketing channels. It takes a lot of time and energy, but redesigning your site to match customer expectations and needs will go a long way in building brand awareness and increasing sales. Not sure where to begin with your site? These OmniMarketing2020 tips will help you design a site that facilitates major long-term business growth! Establish Healthy Expectations The first step to a superb business website is to reevaluate your expectations to ensure they are realistic. You can’t expect a brand new site to appear on the first page of Google searches in the first few weeks. Also, many business owners expect their site to appear first when people search for their business name, and they think their web pages will look precisely as they envision in search results. Moreover, some entrepreneurs think having a website will automatically generate traffic and leads. The truth is it will take time for Google to learn about your business and website, and you must be proactive in telling it that they exist. And you can expect older companies with the same name to show up first on search engine results pages (SERPs) for a while. Another thing to consider is that you cannot rely solely on the immediate traffic generated through paid ads; you must earn traffic from search engines, backlinks, social media, and other channels. Your website design and content must also take visitors through the buyer's journey. Prioritize the User Experience One of the most crucial qualities of any business website is that it’s easy to use and navigate. You can upload and optimize amazing content, but if users have difficulty finding what they’re looking for, your site won’t do you much good. HubSpot suggests ensuring there isn’t too much text, too many menus or options, overly heavy images, or anything else that could slow down your site's page loading speed. And keep the overall design as simple as possible. Here’s the best way to approach your site design from a user experience perspective: Consider what your customer needs when they come to your site, and make it easy for them to achieve that goal. An easier site will lead to more conversions. Keep in mind that user experience also influences your site’s search position. A fast, easy-to-navigate, and mobile-friendly website will go a long way in ranking your business. Make sure anyone involved in your company‘s site design and content creation understands the importance of user experience. Further, you can use disciplines like business process management (BPM) to determine how to best align your site with customer needs and preferences. BPM automates many processes your team once had to perform manually and analyzes interactions between people and data to optimize workflows. finding the right BPM platform for your business can significantly boost your website design or redesign process and ensure you achieve a top-tier user and customer experience. While you’re at it, integrate your enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) systems for better business productivity and efficiency. Having a single data source will help your team stay organized and motivated to keep pushing toward their goals. Boost Website Traffic with Content Marketing The more traffic your website experiences, the more potential for leads and sales. Generating traffic is a fundamental website goal for growing your business. But remember that simply having a site is not enough to build brand awareness and increase conversions. Organic traffic takes the longest time and comes with more challenges for increasing traffic because search engine algorithms are complex and ever-evolving. That said, it’s ideal for generating free traffic, and it can lead to some serious conversions. This is where content marketing is so valuable. When you create and share content online in all its forms (i.e., blog posts, on social media, etc.), interest in your business grows and your brand message expands to your target audience. Learn all you can about content marketing as a unique advertising method by visiting CornerstoneContent.com. Social media is an excellent channel for increasing website traffic and expanding your brand’s reach. It also provides incredible opportunities for connecting with existing and prospective customers. Prioritizing social presence is essential because many of your target customers will likely spend time there. Email marketing is also an effective marketing channel for businesses. And if you dedicate the time and employ the right tools, Mailchimp asserts that your email campaigns have the highest chance of converting customers. And don’t forget to research paid ads. Yes, they cost money, but they’re more affordable and effective nowadays. You have a wealth of ad platforms to choose from, and implementing targeted ads can go a long way in triggering new website traffic and growing your company. When optimizing your site for search engines, remember to optimize it for your business's geographic location. You might be surprised how much local business the right tools and processes can bring. Get More Conversions Conversions lead to business growth, but many business owners don’t understand how to design a website that drives conversions. It starts with determining what conversion means to your specific company; this could mean providing contact details, taking specific actions, or accessing specific content. Once you understand what conversions mean to your business, you’ll need to set up Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, and other conversion tracking tools to monitor user paths and log conversions. Heatmaps are also helpful for identifying your strongest and weakest conversion content. Bring Your Marketing Channels Together One of the greatest advantages of having a stellar business website is that existing and potential customers can learn about your company 24/7. They can read about your founding, look into your products and services, and coast along the buyer's journey from wherever they are and whatever device they use. Your website also unifies all your marketing channels. It is the ultimate destination for your social media campaigns, email marketing, contact marketing, paid ads, and any other channels you employ. Make sure your site has interesting, helpful contact tailored to your target audience, and always create custom landing pages with concise copy and a tasteful call-to-action (CTA). Actually, all of your web pages should contain well-written and attractive content. To experience success in your marketing campaigns, you must have top-notch branding to promote. Take time to reevaluate your logo to see if it’s time to redesign. You want your company‘s logo to make a lasting impression, distinguish your brand from others, and ultimately build brand awareness. The good news is that you can use an online logo tool to create your own logo. The right tool will give you a wealth of premade templates to select from, and you simply customize your template of choice with text, colors, and other design elements that fit your brand. Summing Up If your business website is not spurring significant growth for your company, it’s not doing its job. Adopt BPM, use other tools and strategies to enhance your site's user experience, and research various methods of increasing website traffic such as using content marketing. Also, determine how to boost conversions on your site and find ways to improve your marketing campaigns. Your website and organization as a whole will reap serious benefits in no time.
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 Image via Pexels Data visualization and digital marketing are two of the most important tools that businesses use to understand their customers and communicate with them effectively. As data visualization becomes more sophisticated, and digital marketing more personalized, the two disciplines are converging to shape the future of marketing. Digital marketing is becoming more reliant on data visualization to understand customer behavior and craft campaigns that speak to them directly. Similarly, data visualizations are becoming more interactive and engaging, making them an essential part of any effective digital marketing strategy. As data visualization and digital marketing continue to evolve, they will become even more intertwined. Businesses that embrace this convergence will be better positioned to succeed in the ever-changing landscape of marketing. The convergence of data visualization and digital marketing is providing businesses with new insights into customer behavior. Here’s some information from OmniMarketing2020 on how to get the most out of both tools . Digital Marketing SAS notes that digital marketing is becoming more reliant on data visualization to understand customer behavior and craft campaigns that speak to them directly. Data visualizations are becoming more interactive and engaging, making them an essential part of any effective digital marketing strategy. As data visualization and digital marketing continue to evolve, they will become even more intertwined. Businesses that embrace this convergence will be better positioned to succeed in the ever-changing landscape of marketing. This convergence is providing businesses with new insights into customer behavior that were not possible before. For example, businesses can now see how customers interact with their products or services across multiple channels. This kind of data can be used to tailor marketing to various customer segments at increasingly granular levels. They can also identify customer segments that are most likely to convert, and craft targeted campaigns that speak to their specific needs. As McKinsey & Company points out, the future of marketing is data-driven and personalized. By harnessing the power of data visualization and digital marketing, businesses will be better positioned to understand their customers and communicate with them effectively. How to Use Data Visualization to Market Your Business Data visualization can be used in a variety of ways to market your business. Here are some of the most effective ways to use data visualization in your marketing efforts: 1. Use data visualizations to tell a story Data visualizations are an excellent way to tell a story about your business. They can help you communicate complex ideas in a simple and engaging way. When used correctly, data visualizations can capture the attention of your audience and leave a lasting impression. 2. Use data visualizations to make an impact Data visualizations can be used to make a powerful impact on your audience. If you want to grab the attention of your viewers, use data visualizations that are visually striking and informative. For example, you could use data visualization to show how your product or service is superior to your competitors. 3. Use data visualizations to drive conversions Data visualizations can be used to drive conversions by providing viewers with information that they can use to make a purchase decision. For example, you could use data visualization to show how your product or service can solve a specific problem that your target customer is facing. By providing viewers with this type of valuable information, you can increase the likelihood that they will take action and make a purchase. Use a Banner Template to Boost Interest Data visualization is a powerful marketing tool, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. To really capture the attention of your audience, you need to use all of the tools at your disposal. One way to do this is to use a custom banner maker. A banner template can help you create an impactful and visually appealing data visualization. By using a banner template, you can ensure that your data visualization stands out from the rest. Additionally, a banner template can help you save time and money by providing you with a pre-designed layout that you can simply customize to fit your needs. The convergence of data and digital marketing means that data visualization is more useful and valuable than ever before. Tools to convert data into compelling visuals are necessary for marketers and the businesses they represent to tell the story of their customers’ interactions with a company. This knowledge leads to higher conversion rates and greater customer spending when properly applied. OmniMarketing2020 helps you formulate a focused digital strategy, from building your e-commerce presence to deploying the latest in visualization tools. Connect with us today for more info! richard@omnimarketing2020.com  Image from Pexels
For companies and individuals that buy and sell goods and services over the Internet, technology may already feel like second nature, but, with so much innovation within the sector, it’s always a good way to check up on ways to digitally transform your business - here are a few to consider. Task Management Task management apps and software have exploded in popularity over the past decade, and it’s not difficult to see why - whether you’re looking to organize more efficiently or segment your workload, there are a number of tools that can help you stay on top of commitments and get through the day’s tasks without forgetting anything. For e-commerce businesses, task management solutions are especially useful when it comes to keeping on top of inventory management, customer support and shipping & delivery. Business Process Management (BPM) Business Process Management refers to the optimization of workflows to facilitate digital transformation. For example, by automating menial tasks, you can invest more resources on acquiring new customers or refining your data processes. If you’re unsure of how to approach business process management, start by investing in a software that will allow you to regularly monitor your operation effectiveness and take steps to improve input & output. Accountancy Software Although not directly linked to e-commerce, accountancy software can help run a business and help you maintain responsible financial upkeep. With the right program, it’ll be easier to set (and keep to) budgets, balance subscriptions/contracts, send/receive invoices and track spending over time. Many programs are available for free and feature cross-compatibility, so you can update your account on both desktop and mobile. Proprietary Development Given the ease of proprietary development, it’s no wonder that so many businesses have started to build apps or software of their own. With a handful of skilled developers (or a couple hired from one of the freelance platforms), it’s possible to create a customer-facing, company-branded application that will help guide users towards your products/services. Take the time to research how other e-commerce brands have achieved this and consider the advantages it might provide to your own. Paid Digital Marketing Whatever you’re selling, one of the most efficient ways to market yourself is now via social media or other paid avenues - Google Adwords, for example, represents one of the most cost-efficient ways to reach new customers. Not only is this an affordable way to advertise your goods, you will also have more control as to who, where and how you target consumers, meaning you can customize content for high-value leads or match certain adverts to certain individuals. Inventory Management For those of us working in e-commerce, inventory management is a necessary evil. Fortunately, technology has developed to aid with forecasting, reporting, stock tracking, and more. The right program will automatically log any goods sold/used and record this on your balance sheet. Many also double up to support barcode scanning, management of serial, batch, lot numbers and expiry dates and bundling support. The e-commerce industry is abuzz with new technological solutions that can improve or optimize your business. If you want to stay ahead, it’s important to carry out plenty of research and embrace innovation into all areas of your company.  Image via Pexels Any business that's serious about growing and innovating should be using a data-driven strategy. If you're not using data analytics, your business will be overtaken by competitors that are. Consider joining your local chamber of commerce to network with other businesses and learn about analytics, marketing and business planning. These tips from OmniMarketing2020 will help you get started. Collect as Much Data as Possible Today's businesses have access to an unprecedented amount of data and cheaper, more accessible tools for processing it. This has democratized data analytics, allowing businesses of any size to quickly and accurately make decisions about everything from how much inventory to carry to what sort of products to focus on and how much to spend on marketing campaigns. Analytics is often viewed as "just a part of IT," getting just 10 to 15% of the resources of the IT department, but your growing business should dedicate separate time and resources to analytics. Once your business starts using analytics as a way of driving decisions and starts asking the right questions, the power of all that historic data quickly becomes apparent. Base Your Marketing Plans on Firm Data Data analytics can help your business understand who your target audience is and when they best respond to your plans. Once you realize the lifetime value of a customer and the cost of acquisition, it's easier to work out how effective your marketing campaigns are. With that knowledge, you can focus on scaling your marketing efforts. Social media marketing is a popular tool for many growing businesses. If you're considering running an ad campaign on Instagram, first it helps to know how much you're willing to spend per click. Your budget will be based on your expected conversion rate. Remember, Instagram marketing works best if your images are designed for the platform. You may need to resize images if you were previously using them on Twitter or Facebook. Online image resizer tools are ideal for this. Just upload the image, select your preferred platform’s 'image type,' resize the photo, and download the new version to use. Manage Your Cash Flow More Effectively Nobody can truly see the future, but predictive analytics can often come close to offering a crystal ball. Imagine you run a shop, and you know the demand for different products waxes and wanes depending on the season. Predictive analytics helps with inventory management and cash flow forecasting, so you have a good idea of how much stock to buy. It can also be useful for risk management and deciding how much (and when) to focus on customer acquisition. Some analytics software allows you to view the details of up to 24 months of transaction data, which you can categorize and drill down through to get deep insights. You can even view real-time information, so you can see the impact of changes you've made as it happens. Knowledge Is Power Analytics can help drive decision-making about marketing, R&D, risk management, and cash flow. A business that uses tools such as predictive or prescriptive analytics effectively can forecast future trends and truly understand its current status, giving it an edge over the competition. OmniMarketing2020 is an established boutique consultancy that will help you formulate a focused digital strategy, from building your e-commerce presence to deploying the latest in visualization tools. If you have any questions, please email us at richard@omnimarketing2020.com.  Photo by fauxels from Pexels
While the pandemic has been hard on some types of businesses, it has also opened the door of opportunity to entrepreneurs who have been hesitant to launch their plans in a somewhat evolving economic environment. ZenBusiness mentions that this is especially true for those who are able to identify and target niche markets, particularly when you’re providing solutions to unique problems. If you’d like to start a business but don’t know where to begin, these tips presented by OmniMarketing2020 can help. Startup Concerns With shifting regulations around travel restrictions, masking, vaccination policies, and social distancing measures, some fledgling entrepreneurs are hesitant to take the plunge into a business start-up. However, with vaccination rates continuing to grow and more people becoming comfortable in public settings, the time is ripe with opportunity. In addition, if you’re an online business, or are able to conduct a portion of your business online, you can capitalize on the fact that people who might not be interested in in-person business are spending even more time than usual shopping and doing business virtually. Benefits of Starting Now While the pandemic has put some companies out of business, their loss can be your gain in the form of liquidation sales. You can buy equipment and fixtures and even inventory at rock bottom prices. Don’t feel bad about capitalizing on the misfortune of others - in the big picture, your willingness to buy their products will allow them to recover that much faster and come back stronger in the future with a new business model. Your business launch will also help strengthen the business economy while providing greater opportunities for everyone - business owners, lending institutions, and consumers. Financing Operations Interest rates are seriously low right now, which means you can borrow start-up funds at a much lower cost than in recent years. This allows you to buy what you need, as well as tough out the first startup stages by having money in your pocket. While careful budgeting is essential to a business’ launch and successful operations, make wise investments where warranted. For example, hire out services you don’t need a full-time staffer for, but don’t have the time or know-how to do yourself. One example is bringing in a freelancer to handle website creation, marketing materials, or graphic branding services. This gives you a professional-grade image, and you can use your valuable time on other projects. Stretch Your Budget Some other ways to make the most of your startup capital include developing a business and operational strategy that includes detailed cost projections. This approach will help ensure you don’t get hit with too many unexpected expenses. Utilize an intuitive software accounting program to help track expenditures, accounts payable, and payroll for any staff you hire. Having your books in order will help you stay on track and better position you to manage your assets in a way that will not only get your business off the ground but make it successful over the long run. Build a Customer Care Strategy Of course, a successful business isn’t just about products or prices, it’s about providing high-quality customer service. You can set yourself apart from your competition by going above and beyond to ensure you listen to your customers, respond to any problems right away, and offer fair pricing and policies. Consumers appreciate being treated like people rather than nameless numbers, and focusing on good service levels will result in repeat and word-of-mouth business. It can also help you generate good online buzz and positive reviews that will help you attract even more business. Use your website and social media accounts to show your customers some love, and you’re sure to see a boost in business. Starting a company is always a bit nerve-wracking, especially in a somewhat unpredictable economic climate. Take advantage of current circumstances where you can, utilize sound operational policies, and you’ll set yourself and your business on the road to success. If you’re looking for help getting your business’s digital marketing campaign up and running, work with OmniMarketing2020 to develop an online strategy that will help your venture grow. Contact us today by emailing richard@omnimarketing2020.com.  Image Source: Pexels
According to research, there are more than 3 million active immigrant entrepreneurs in the United States, whose businesses employ upwards of 8 million people. A significant percentage of this hail from Mexico. If you’re an immigrant on the verge of starting a business, this article from the OmniMarketing2020 blog will provide you with an in-depth guide of all the important steps you need to take. Choosing a Visa Here are the best types of visa categories making you eligible to start a business: E-2: Under this category, you can choose to open a small or large-scale business. While the investment requirements depend on the size of your organization, expect the amount to at least be $100,000. Additionally, you need to have a minimum of 50% ownership of the business. L-1A: If you own or work in a successful business in your home country, through this category you can start a branch in the United States. This is a popular pathway used by entrepreneurs as it also qualifies them for citizenship down the line if certain conditions are met. Defining the Company Structure For immigrant entrepreneurs, the choices boil down to a C corporation or a Limited Liability Company (LLC). Both these options establish your company as a separate legal entity, protecting your personal assets from litigation. However, with an LLC you can avoid double taxation as you only pay taxes once through your personal income tax. Additionally, LLCs require much less paperwork and provide greater flexibility to add or remove partners. Funding Your Business Securing funding is a major challenge that immigrant entrepreneurs face. However, obtaining one of the abovementioned visas or having a local business partner can make the process easier. A business loan can be the go-to option for covering short or long-term business expenses. But, it requires a high credit score and collateral. If meeting these requirements is difficult, applying for a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan is a good alternative. SBA loans can include amounts up to $5 million. Additionally, they have a longer repayment period compared to conventional business loans and are applicable for immigrants with low or no credit scores. Focusing on Marketing As reported by Sprout Social, after engaging with a brand on social media, 91% of individuals visit their website and make purchases. Hence, as a new business, you need to invest time in creating accounts on popular social media channels to attract customers and educate them on how your products solve their needs. In addition, to retain customers it’s important to consistently be in touch with them through emails, SMS, push notifications, etc., making them aware of new offers, products, and discounts. Given the key role marketing plays towards the success of your business, opt to hire experts such as OmniMarketing2020 who can undertake all important activities from developing a marketing strategy to handling social media accounts, creating websites, and much more. While immigrant entrepreneurs may travel alone to start businesses, their families serve as a constant pillar of support through their journey. Here are a few ways to stay connected with your loved ones:
 Image via Pexels Virtual contact centers have been on the rise for several years. Now, with COVID-19 forcing companies to social distance, even more contact center employees are working from home.
In normal conditions, remote work would bring big benefits to productivity and employee morale. However, many employees are stressed wondering how they’ll juggle remote work with their children’s school year in the aftermath of the pandemic. How can companies help employees manage these competing priorities while staying engaged and productive at work? While there’s no foolproof solution for the challenges ahead, these strategies will help companies and employees cope. Keep employees at home Countless companies are still nixing plans to bring employees back to the office as it becomes clear the pandemic fluctuations will continue, and since many working parents continue to have issues with childcare. That’s especially true in areas where child care centers remain closed and parents have limited options for childcare. By keeping staff at home, you eliminate the need for employees to choose between their job and their children. Provide childcare support Larger employers may be able to lend a hand when it comes to finding childcare. In addition to greater flexibility for paid leave, some employers are implementing or expanding work-sponsored daycare programs and childcare benefits. Offer flexible scheduling Flexible scheduling is the most important change that employers can make to support work-from-home staff during the pandemic. However, offering flexibility only to parents is a decision primed for conflict. Instead, companies should apply flexibility equally while encouraging accountability from work-from-home staff. Offer Educational Benefits Many employers are seeing the benefits of supporting their employees’ education goals through tuition reimbursement, as well as programs that help staff find company advancement. There are some excellent and affordable online degree programs that are perfect for working professionals, and many have fast-track options. Many degrees pertain to business administration and other commercial interests, so they can help open doors for your staff with upper management dreams. Help employees save on back-to-school buys Learning from home doesn’t just require more time from parents--it also requires more money. Between computers and digital subscriptions, e-learning can take hundreds of dollars more out of parents’ pockets if they must return to online school. If your budget allows, why not provide your employees with relatively inexpensive tech such as headphones that can be used either for either work or school? A good pair of headphones will let your employees shut out the sounds of their children’s online classes--or keep the kids from being distracted by the noise parents make while doing their job. If you can’t offer a stipend to help cover those costs, tipping employees off on the best ways to save money on school supplies is a great way to show support. Check in with working parents Parents may feel guilty that they’re not performing up to their usual standards. One of the easiest (and cheapest!) ways that employers can support working parents is by simply checking in. By asking parents how the school year is progressing and expressing appreciation for their efforts at work, you let employees know that they’re still a valued member of the team. Also, it helps employees maintain a positive and balanced home environment so they can stay healthy. Helping your employees through this challenging time isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s also a smart move for your company. According to USA Today, 92% of employees who feel supported by their employer through the pandemic say they plan to stay at their job for at least the next year. In a time that’s just as challenging for employers as it is for employees, investing in staff retention is simply good business.  Image via Burst
If you’re like many other people, you suffered a significant blow to your career in the last year or so. Maybe you lost your small business. Maybe you got laid off from your job of 15 years. Or perhaps you’ve gone through another type of setback that has you reeling and uncertain how to pick up the pieces. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, your disappointments and failures can be used to make you stronger, smarter, and wiser. And what better way to use your recent hardships to your advantage than to start a new business? OmniMarketing2020 is here with some practical advice for the prospective entrepreneurs out there who want to take their career to the next level: Address the Problem(s) Oftentimes, failure and success go hand in hand. Failing at something provides an opportunity for learning and improving, which is why many of the world’s most innovative and successful entrepreneurs have experienced setback after setback. Nonetheless, failure is hard, and it’s essential to process your grief before moving onto your next chapter. Whether it’s a loss of business or a loss of job, embrace the setback and allow yourself time to get through the emotional and psychological impact of it. For you to make the most of your failure, however, you must analyze it and figure out what you can do better next time around. For example, if you’ve suffered a blow to your reputation, look for how you can begin repairing it; working with an SEO and reputation management agency can help you rebuild your name in the industry. If team dynamics is the primary issue that led to your setback, figure out how you can better communicate and work with others. If you struggle to manage your finances, work with a financial planner to right the ship. One common culprit of business failure is not paying close attention to your cash flow. If you’re spending more money than you’re taking in, it won’t be long before your business closes its doors. If you’re wearing a lot of different hats during those lean early days of your business, you can use software to help you stay on top of your finances. Software like QuickBooks Online Advanced, for example, allows you to easily track your cash flow using a number of reports, graphics, and data comparisons. Although this type of software provides you with the information you need, it’s ultimately up to you to put this data to good use. Give Yourself Options When you’re preparing to move onto your next venture, be sure not to limit yourself. Starting a company in the same industry in which you have expertise certainly has its benefits. But don’t shy away from exploring other options. Take time to brainstorm any industries, niches, and vocations that interest you. Make a list, do some market research to figure out which business ideas are feasible, and narrow down your options to a single idea. Create a Killer Business Plan Once you’ve chosen what business idea to pursue, start putting together a detailed business plan that you will use to secure funding and navigate obstacles during the first few years of the company. Among other items, your mission statement, core values, financial projects, funding needs, marketing strategies, and target audience should be included in your plan. Note that you will need to make modifications to your plan as your business grows; for now, just make it as accurate as possible. Branding and Marketing When kicking off your new business, make sure you’ve put together a plan for branding and marketing. Although this could involve hiring a freelancer to handle the work, you can actually do a lot of this on your own without a lot of hassle. Social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.) is a great way to market your business and get eyes on your new endeavor. You can also use a website builder to create a quick-and-easy home for your business online. Lastly, online tools such as a free online logo maker can help you create an identity for your business that you can use on social media and your website. Use your setbacks to your advantage. Take time to process your grief and learn how you can handle things better in the future. Allow yourself to dream up brand-new business ideas, even if they’re in a completely different sector than you’re used to. And create a thorough business plan that will help your company get off the ground and succeed long-term. Remember: Embrace your failure, and you’ll be all the stronger, smarter, and wiser for it!  Photo via Pexels If you’re looking for a place to open a small business, North Carolina is an excellent bet. The city of Charlotte, in particular, boasts healthy population growth, affordable housing, high quality of life, and a low cost of living. You’ll find no shortage of community-minded consumers who are eager to support the local companies who keep our city alive and thriving. And because this commercial hub is only growing in popularity among entrepreneurs, Charlotte is a great place to put down roots! Here’s a quick guide packed with everything you need to know about launching a business in the Queen City. A Thriving Tech Sector Cities like Austin, San Francisco, and Seattle often come to mind when we think about major tech hubs. But Charlotte’s budding tech sector is often overlooked! According to Charlotte Stories, the city was ranked as America’s top tech town by a leading IT association in 2018. Described as the “Silicon Valley of the East”, Charlotte attracts tech-savvy millennials from all over the country to work for major brands including Wells Fargo and the Bank of America. If you’re thinking about launching an IT startup, consider joining the ranks of Charlotte’s top tech companies! The city is overflowing with professionals who can help you get off the ground. For example, OmniMarketing2020 can help you formulate your digital strategy, build your online presence, and leverage digital marketing to get your brand in front of customers. No Shortage of Affordable Homes Affordability is another reason why Charlotte is such a great place to open a business. Charlotte residents enjoy housing expenses that are 14% lower than the national average! And there’s no shortage of great places to rent, whether you’re looking for an apartment in the heart of the city or a townhouse in the suburbs. According to Rentals.com, there are currently 1260 homes for rent in Charlotte. By saving money on housing, you’ll be able to invest more into growing your startup! Financial Feasibility Thanks to the low cost of living in Charlotte, starting a business is a realistic venture for people on any budget. Keeping your startup costs low will help you maintain the financial health of your business, so you can avoid cash flow problems and other financial setbacks. Try to establish good financial habits early. Learn how to read financial statements, prepay taxes, and manage employee payroll properly. There are plenty of resources out there that can help you out, from online financial classes to automation software. A Surging Entrepreneurship Community Community spirit plays an important role in the success or failure of any local business. Fortunately for Charlotte’s entrepreneurs, there’s plenty of small business support to go around. You just have to make sure those community-minded shoppers can find you! Content marketing is a great way to get the attention of local customers who want to support small businesses like yours. Neil Patel suggests targeting local keywords based on what locals are searching for and writing articles on these topics to drive traffic to your website. Guest posting on local websites is another great way to boost your brand visibility locally. As a plus, local small businesses are typically happy to publish free content! Reach out to local businesses in related industries—ideally not your competitors, but brands that complement yours—and offer to write a guest post that would be valuable for their audience as well as your own. If you’re looking for the perfect place to bring your business idea to life, Charlotte might be your answer. Charlotte residents are eager to support every new business that opens up in town. And thanks to the city’s ever-growing tech sector, you’ll have no problem finding the infrastructure, resources, and professional services you need to build a thriving online presence for your brand. Are you looking for marketing help? OmniMarketing2020 can help establish a strong online presence for your new business. Contact us today! 910-557-6275.  Image via Pexels
Starting and operating a new business is a wild and exciting ride. Entrepreneurship will push you to grow, learn, and take your creativity to new heights. Most business owners go into business because they have an idea, service, or goods they can offer to the public and people will pay money for it. Most entrepreneurs don’t have a master’s in business and—while specialized in their trade—are not specialized in accounting, tax, liability protection, or time management. No business owner can be an expert overnight in all the areas it takes to run a successful business. However, all business owners can invest time to learn and outsource to professionals when needed. The primary goal of OmniMarketing2020 is to help entrepreneurs realize their dreams of success, which is why we’ve provided ideas to take your business to the next level. We Can All Use a Little Help from Our Friends Knowing when to ask the right people the right questions will save you a lot of time and headache. Develop your circle now to help you grow your business. Here are some pros you may want to reach out to and develop a relationship with as you launch your business:
The Key to Business Is Delegating There are only a finite number of hours in the day. Wouldn’t it be nice to have guaranteed quality sleep, time to exercise, time to eat three healthy meals you prepared yourself, time alone doing a hobby, and time with your loved ones while getting all of your work tasks done? We can dream that the day will come where it all is easy, but for now, it’s a juggling act. Throw the balls up in the air and make sure that none hit the floor. We all have our limits, and sometimes the “one more thing” on your to-do list is simply not realistic. As an entrepreneur, your time is best spent doing what you’re good at and what brings in the money. For instance, data entry, while necessary to run some successful businesses, is typically not the main breadwinner. Consider hiring a freelance data entry professional and free up your time to concentrate on growing your business. Finances 101 Whether you are just launching a new business or have been at it for a while, it’s never too early or late to establish good financial habits. It’s important to know what money is coming in, what money is going out, how to develop financial statements, how to establish credit or loans for the business, how to prepay taxes, and how to manage payroll. Pick up books, take classes, and invest in software. Even if you hire a bookkeeper to oversee the day-to-day activities, you should still be hands-on and know what you’re looking at when you review the books, bank statements, and tax returns. Time Is Money Your time is money. It’s cliche but true. When your schedule is in disarray, you will miss opportunities for development and earning. Not all time management methods work for all people and all businesses, but you won’t find the method that works best for you until you start trying them out. Here are some things you can implement in your schedule to see if they make you more efficient:
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