Is there value in getting listed in local web directories?

I know you’re getting the calls too. Internet marketing companies calling offering you website marketing solutions, asking if you know the value of getting listed in local web directories. We get them too.

What’s the big deal about getting listed in local web directories?

Although SEO protocol has changed and it is said there is not as much SEO value in being listed with directories there is still value in directories, especially niche directories and local directories. High traffic directories such as Yahoo Local,  read more…

On the Blog:

7 Conscious Steps to Connect with Website Visitors

Internet marketing for small business, also known as web marketing, online marketing, digital marketing and online small business marketing is comprised of many components. Internet marketing encompasses several disciplines, involving everything from websites, email, search engine optimization (SEO),social media and more. There is no one-size-fits-all for internet marketing campaigns. Depending on your business and your target market, finding the right balance between the many options available may take some trial and error but this effort will often lead to great results in internet marketing. Read more…

Monthly Spotlight

Local Small Business Website

We love working with entrepreneurs – especially first timers. Our spotlight this month is on Mid-Michigan Window Cleaning. Raleigh Schefer recently launched his window cleaning business in the Lansing Michigan area.
Ralaigh knew a professional web presence was important to compete with his competition and demonstrate credibility to prospective clients.
Most small start up company budgets are tight and it is challenging to determine how best to stretch dollars. By providing a 3 page responsive website that can expand as the company grows and be easily edited in house, Mid-Michigan Window Cleaning is able to keep marketing costs under control and focus on growing and promoting their business.
http://midmichiganwindowcleaning.com/

Keeping Your Website Updated

The 7 Chakras of a Connected Website

Having a website with a content management system (CMS) that is also a responsive website design is the best type of website for small businesses. CMS sites, such as WordPress websites, allow you to keep your website updated even if you don’t know web coding. CMS sites that are responsive can be updated easily and can be navigated smoothly on all devices including smart phones. Updating to a responsive website with a content management system is the smartest marketing investment a small business can make right now… read more…

On the Blog:

Professional Printing Checklist – preparing a digital file for print

In the age of digital apps, conscious budgeting and google images, small businesses are creating print marketing materials in-house. This isn’t always easy to do, but it can get simpler. Follow this professional printing checklist to prepare a digital file for offset or digital printing.Read more…

Monthly Spotlight

Kodiak Emergency Vehicles

We recently completed a new website design for Kodiak Emergency Vehicles.  Owner and founder, Ahren Taszreak built his original WordPress site but wanted an update that reflected the growth Kodiak has experienced since it’s launch. We worked closely with Ahren and his office manager Deanne to create a site that highlighted the brands Kodiak represents and the expanded  used vehicle department  A large percentage of emergency vehicle searches are done on smart phones and tablets so a responsive website format was ideal.
In the short time it took to revamp the website, Kodiak moved to a larger facility and is getting so busy the web management Ahren planned to handle is now on Deanne. We spent an hour or so with Deanne training her in the CMS how to make pages edits, add photos and new used vehicle posts.
If you are planning to update your website we can train you or your staff to make edits, plus we are still here to keep your website current while you return to the business of running your business. Check out Kodiak-EV.com – on your desktop or smart phone!

2015 Marketing Strategy – Combined Campaigns

What market segment or demographic does your largest customer group belong to? Is there a specific industry you have a strong track record with that would benefit from your expertise? Do you want to continue to serve this market and reach other prospects in this segment?

Once you identify your ideal customer the next step is to determine where you can find them.  Are they newspaper or magazine readers? Or are they on Instagram and have never seen a Yellow Page book? Chances are you have a mix of ages, interests or income in your target market groups. This is where creating combined marketing campaigns come in… read more…
Not sure where to begin? Connect with us today for a consultation and assistance creating combined marketing campaigns that connect with your target market.

On the Blog:

People Helping People: Social Media Strategies for Small Business

Making Connections In Social Media

You can find top 10 lists on social media strategies for small business all around the internet.  Some tips are complicated, some cost money, some require a lot of time. The social media strategies small businesses seldom consider is keeping it ‘social’. Start with securing your pages on applicable social media sites, posting regularly, and engaging authentically with others. Sharing, liking and commenting on business pages you follow will create camaraderie and your contacts will show their appreciation by reciprocating and engaging with your content. Read more…

Monthly Spotlight

Combined Campaigns

Top 10 lists that claim every company should do this, this and this and they will achieve marketing success are dreaming. I’ve always said there is no ‘one size fits all’ for marketing. That motto can be applied a couple of ways:

1. Media Options –  from social media, internet, tv, billboard, etc. every company has a choice on which media platforms will reach their target market. If your audience isn’t on social media then you don’t have to be in social media.
2. Cost and Frequency – budgets and how often you broadcast your information will also vary from company to company.

Add Marketing Plans to Your Calendar

“Plans are nothing; planning is everything.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower

Marketing plans and editorial calendars help you develop creative and consistent ideas and processes to help grow your business.
A comprehensive marketing plan helps target specific areas of your business that you want to promote. Your plan can identify your strengths and weaknesses, study your competition and identify the best media options available to reach your target audience. Having a marketing plan in place also helps you make more informed decision on advertising commitments.
At Connection Group we implement editorial calendars each year for our customers and ourselves. Referencing an editorial calendar throughout the year saves time each month and keeps us focused and on track with identified goals and plans. An editorial calendar may include email marketing plans, blog post topics and frequency, a list of your social media platforms, post frequency and topics to focus on each month.
If you need help creating a marketing plan and / or an editorial calendar for 2015, contact us today. Consultations are discounted 20% through February 13, 2015.

On the Blog:

5 Steps Towards Mastering Your Marketing Plans

For the next 12 month I will be posting small business marketing tips and a worksheet will be available to walk you through the exercise. These exercises are taken from our e-book Mastering the Art of Marketing. I chose this formatting so small businesses or solo-preneurs with limited staff and time may be able to take on business branding and marketing in monthly bite size chunks. All of the worksheets relate to small business marketing, branding and advertising for small business growth Read more…

Monthly Spotlight

Professional Speaker
Penny Rosema

We worked with Penny Rosema to create a new responsive website for her professional speaking business. Along with her professional speaker information the website includes information about her company, 2 Views International.
We met Penny when she presented her topic, “Avoiding Common Negotiating Mistakes”, for WISE last year. Penny’s professional and engaging style resulted in 100% positive feedback from attendees. Connection Group was thrilled to work with her to help promote her speaking and workshops to companies and meeting planners. Contact Penny if you have a sales team, group, or association that could benefit from expert negotiation tips. Penny will offer real world business examples, lessons, and tips that can be implemented right away.

Mastering the Art of Marketing

Begin 2015 with a clear direction for your small business marketing. Mastering the Art of Marketing is a compilation of marketing and design strategies your small business can implement right away. You can explore the workbook on your own or with your team.
The e-workbook is laid out in calendar year form. Concepts can be explored in monthly bite size chunks or skip around the book and choose the practices that are most important to your business right now.
Workbook Topics:

• small business marketing
• branding marketing and development
• internet advertising

Mastering the Art of Marketing is our holiday gift to you. Get a jump start on your 2015 business marketing.
If you find some of the tasks to be burdensome or difficult to complete, please contact us, Connection Group provides all of the services contained in the workbook.

Stay connected!

Attract 2015 Calendars

The theme for the Connection Group calendars for 2015 is Attract. In order to attract what we desire we have to put actions behind our goals. On the back of each monthly page you will find a condensed worksheet from Mastering the Art of Marketing with questions related to your business marketing.
The calendars measure 4″ x 9″ and hang on the wall with an attached tie.
If you would like one of these original and inspiring calendars reserve one today. Please enter: connection for the coupon code to receive your free copy.
We also have calendars for sale as gifts. The month page designs are the and the  marketing exercises have been omitted. We have received great reviews from those who have purchased them at local businesses and from our Etsy shop.
May 2015 bring peace and prosperity personally and professionally to your business, family and friends. Connect if you would like to receive a year of inspiration in your mailbox! Remember to enter coupon code.

New Year New Services

Last month we announced the creation of our website maintenance plans for 2015. If we host your website or if you currently have a WordPress website and need assistance keeping it current, contact us today.

All Options Include:

• timely software/app updates
• content updating
• traffic reporting

Remember nobody likes stagnant or out dated information. Updated website content keeps your website visitors and search engines happy.

Review our website maintenance packages to determine the best fit for your company.

• Website maintenance contract holders enjoy preferred status and first-in-line-service above other requests
• Response within 24 hours on work days and 48 hours on weekends.
• All Connection Group website maintenance services are contracted for the period of 12 months.

Please contact us with any questions on the best plan for your company website.

Have You Looked at Your Company Website Lately?

I confess there are times when customers call and say; “I’m on your website and I want a logo design similar to the second one on your logos page”. Meanwhile, I frantically call up the website to see what this fabulous number two logo is that they love so much.
Truth is everyone should visit their website regularly and your website should be updated regularly.
These are facts for a couple of reasons: 

1. Software, browsers and web code updates can effect your site functionality..
2. Customers want to see current information
3. Search engines index websites with the freshest content
4. Business changes, updates on policies, expansion, staff, etc.

We will be sending more information in December with a link to the plans on the website. Plan to get us on retainer for 2015, keep your site current and alleviate the stress of troubleshooting your messes.

FROM THE BLOG

Are Business Cards Still Necessary?

Someone asked this in a forum recently. Maybe they were just looking for attention, I don’t know. Business cards have a long history of service in many forms and are still the the cheapest form of advertising.more on the blog…

Monthly Promotion:

Business Cards

Still the cheapest form of advertising, business cards are the first step to demonstrating what your brand message is. Are you high quality, professional, stylish? or are you unclear, hard to read, and flimsy?  Step it up. Leave customers and prospects a memorable card that brings you first to mind when they need your services. 

Cards Cards:
• custom card design
• full color
• two sided
• coated cover stock

We Don’t Mean to Scare You But Do You Realize 2015 Is Only Two Months and a Week Away?

Are you taking advantage of the extra week in October? I actually find myself (mostly) caught up. This ‘free’ week has allowed my staff and I to dedicate some time on the design of our 2015 printed calendars plus setting the editorial calendar for next year.
To stay connected to our customers we develop blog posts on services we provide. Our blogs offer tips, cautions and on occasion, even a bit of humor. We do our best to keep our social media posts relevant and fun and we send these monthly newsletters to you. Spending time now, before the year ends helps us know ahead of time each month what information we will cover. Adjustments are made as needed when news and trends change that may be of value to our customers but having a plan in place is always a time saver.
If you are interested in growing business and staying connected to your customers more consistently in 2015,we can help you get a plan in place.

Choose one or all of the following:

• Annual Marketing Plans
• Editorial Calendars
• Social Media Strategies

FROM THE BLOG

The 8 Agreements for Working With a Graphic Design Firm

There are a variety of reasons why a small business can benefit from working with a graphic design firm. Skilled graphic designers can help your company shine and organize information efficiently in a graphically appealing manner. Once you have determined the project you are hiring the graphic design firm for the next step is to establish a clear understanding of who is responsible for each element of the project(s). more on the blog…

Monthly Promotion:

Greeting Cards

As I type this it is 70 degrees and sunny in Michigan. However, by Friday the weather forecasters are scaring everyone with threats of snow flurries – just in time for trick or treating. And yes, I CAN hear the snickers of our West coast customers. Wherever you live now it is the time to start planning for corporate holiday promotions and communications.  

Holiday Cards:
• custom card design
• animated cards sent via email
• consider full color business card size magnets

Improving Workplace and Economic Opportunities for Women 

Connection Group was pleased to assist Grand Rapids Women’s Resource Center (GRWRC) in the development of their 2013 Annual Report. GRWRC is an exemplary non-profit that serves as an advocate for women in the Grand Rapids community. The Center works with women to chief economic independence through meaningful employment. read more…

FROM THE BLOG

How to Hire a Graphic Designer 101

Maybe on the onset your secretary’s business card designs helped get the word out about your company. Now that you are past the launch stage you are curious about how to hire a graphic designer – a professional graphic designer who can present the company at a higher level. Whether your small business needs an updated logo design, sales sheets, brochures, or digital artwork created for websites and social media, knowing how to hire a graphic designer will save you time and money.  Checklist on the blog…

October Promotion:

Save 20% on Banners

Want to attract attention? Full color banners are an excellent marketing tool for events, promotions, advertising, trade shows, schools and more.
For either indoor or outdoor use, and at a variety of sizes, custom banners are an economical option that takes advantage of full color printing.
Our Value Banners are printed on non-tear stock and are best for indoor use or short-term outdoor use, and include self-adhesive PowerTabs® for hanging. Our
Durable Banners are printed on vinyl with hem, ropes and grommets included,
and are ready for hanging outdoors.
 

All Banners include:
• custom design
• full color printing
• durable stock

Enjoy Your Labor Day!

In our hearts we proclaim it ‘the last weekend of the Summer’ we celebrate the sacred Monday off and try and squeeze as much fun out of the long weekend as possible.

As I bring the week, month, and maybe Summer, to a close I have found a new and high regard for this holiday. Labor, help, staff, employees, life-lines, I am so grateful!
This week I went it alone and I was reminded what it was like to be a sole proprietor. Remember those days? Burning the midnight oil and still 30 or more ‘hot’ emails in your inbox each morning? Answering phone calls, managing AND producing a full docket of projects from press kits to social media campaigns, monthly blog posts to project estimates and e-newsletters to web hosting troubleshooting.
Lesson learned (((loud and clear))) what a great job the staff and contractors do to keep each aspect of this business moving smoothly. Next year when staff says, “I’d like to take the last week of August for my vacation.” or “Fall classes begin next week, can I do work updates from home?” I will take note well in advance how many people will be out, how many meetings and deadlines are scheduled for the week and I will bribe them all to reconsider.
TGIF everyone and sincere apologies to those patient customers who suffered through my attempts to be Super Woman. After 5pm today please call back Tuesday, the ones who are really in charge will back to answer your questions quickly and efficiently- promise!
Cheers!

FROM THE BLOG

Jug & Mug Membership Website Design

We recently were selected to provide new membership website ideas and design for a local Lansing Michigan All Seasons Club JugAndMug.org. We worked with the president and a few other board members to re-create the site. I wish I had a screen capture of the old membership website – a before and after would have been dramatic and impressive.more…

September
Promotion:

Save 20% off

Presentation Folders

How often do you develop a proposal, presentation or sales materials and realize you need to make yet another trip to Staples for ugly pocket folders that don’t match your brand print materials? A customized folder that promotes your brand each time your customer sees it helps you stand out from the boring office store folders – and the cost is probably more reasonable than you think!

All Folders include:
• custom design
• full color printing
• two sided printing
• heavy card stock (choose from uncoated to shiny UV coating)