All I want for Christmas is...To sell more stuff? I understand. You want some decent sales in time for the holidays. I have a last-minute strategy for how to get people to your website ASAP. Before I get to that, here’s what NOT to do. Do not send 5 emails in 7 days promoting one special deal (today only!) and then another. Yes, I just received this from a designer. And to be blunt, … [Read more...]

We absolutely love 3dCart's platform - so far it is our favorite content management system with cart that makes running your online boutique a snap. They have just released a fabulous eBook geared toward the last minute things you can do to get your boutique ready for the holiday season. Check it out HERE. … [Read more...]

Once you understand your brand you can focus on your brand strategy.  This strategy will define your approach and outline your methods for conveyance.  Then, you will be ready to work on the specific tactics to and steps of your action plan. If you have followed the steps above, you should have a clear understanding of your customer and your competitive environment. Your strategy is built on … [Read more...]

The value of your brand is in direct correlation with how well it meets the expectations of your customers. In order to build a strong brand people have to know what your business stands for and how it fits into their lives. In order to create this fit, you have to understand your customer. Survey your customer base, directly through email or surveys (check out Constant Contact for easy to use … [Read more...]

Brands, like people, have distinct personalities. Although other factors come into play, people often choose a brand because the characteristics of the company or product brand mesh with their own tastes or interests. I only shop at WalMart if absolutely necessary, but often find myself at Target because I like and identify with their branding.  My father, on the other hand, rarely sets foot in … [Read more...]

Your competitive environment directly impacts how you brand your products and company. For instance, in a highly competitive market like retail some companies deal in the high end of the market and some don't. WalMart has chosen to compete in the low price arena of retailing. They work hard to build a brand of "low price, friendly company". They don't confuse this message by trying to cater to a … [Read more...]

Every company has a brand (how people think of them) whether they created it through design or accident. When you create your brand by design, you craft the way your company is viewed by customers and potential customers. Paying attention to your branding removes much of the uncertainty about what others expect from and say about you. Brand power is not a small detail; the Golden Arches are known … [Read more...]

There is no denying that having a great email marketing campaign can mean additional sales or clients for your business.  We love and recommend Constant Contact to help automate and streamline your email marketing.  This article highlights some tips on what not to do when coming up with your email subject line.  It's a little counter intuitive - I thought that the worst performing subject lines … [Read more...]

For this month only - if you sign up for Constant Contact mailing list service, using my affiliate link, and make payment for your first month service, you will get a FREE newsletter template designed to match your existing website.  This is a great value.  A customized template can really help complete your look and tie in your branding.  Opt-in newsletters give you an excellent opportunity to … [Read more...]