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Three Ways to Convert Your Fans and Followers into Customers

December 16, 2015

How is it that you can amass loads of fans and followers on social media yet still not have that translate into more customers for your business? This situation is actually quite common, and easy to grasp why, when you think about how easy it is to get someone to “Like” you online. Yet converting those likes into customers, and transforming those customers into steady patrons (and, ideally, your word-of-mouth marketers) aren’t the easiest feats to accomplish.

To help you do this, here are three ways you can inspire your online fans to get out from behind their computer screens and into your business.

Present exclusive specials only through social media. You can build up your following by running special promotions exclusively on one social media site. For example, you could offer interesting downloadable content or a special discount to your Facebook fans, or give away tickets to a sold-out event to followers who correctly and directly message you the answers to trivia questions that are only posted on Twitter.

Host a private event for your VIP fans. Identify those fans that have gone out of their way to spread the word about your business and invite them to an exclusive event that you are hosting, or perhaps offer them access to a private party during a high-profile event.  (more…)

Off to a Fast Start

December 14, 2015
IL-Success-HB-CoatingsSuccess Story: Illinois

“The SBDC quickly helped us fine-tune our business plan, made introductions to potential lenders, connected us with a legal advisor and prepared our team for becoming operational as soon as humanly possible. It was – and still is – an extremely fast-paced, rewarding process.” – Ashley Hunsaker, Chairwoman and Co-Owner, HB Coatings, LLC

Impact of Working with the Metro East SBDC:

  • Utilized SBA programs to secure $1.205 million in asset funding along with a $200,000 working line of credit through Midwest Regional Bank
  • HB Coatings is conservatively projecting revenues to surpass $4 million, with up to eight employees in the first 12 months

Read the whole story, and learn more about the Illinois Metro East SBDC and HB Coatings, LLC.

Giving It Your Best Shot: Five Photo Tips For Your Small Business

December 9, 2015
By Nancy Jeng

Creating a business listing on Google is one of the best ways to make sure your small business gets found online. For most business owners, this means covering the basics—updating store hours, adding a website and verifying the location. But one frequently overlooked feature is the ability to add photos to your business listing on Google.

Studies show that Google business listings with photos get 42 percent more requests for directions and 35 percent more clicks than those without (Google/Oxera). It’s true that a photo is worth a thousand words and in the case of small businesses, it could also be worth more customers. Check out our five tips for making the most of your business photos:

Get inspired. We visited three different small businesses to see how they’re using photos to put their best foot forward for the holidays. Find out what a toy store, a salon and a Chinese restaurant have in common when it comes to showcasing their businesses. (more…)

Interest in Holistic Healthcare Leads to Business Growth

December 7, 2015
Vt-Success-Atlas-AcupunctureSuccess Story: Vermont

When it comes to curing what ails you, more and more Vermonters are opting for paths to wellness that do not rely on the pharmaceutical industry, instead exploring more natural holistic remedies.

Burlington Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbalist Montana Burns was well aware of this growing trend as she watched her practice grow out of its co-opted space in early 2015. She knew it was time to open her own practice in a non-shared location in order to better meet client demand and better serve her existing clients. In July 2015, Atlas Acupuncture at 127 Main Street in Burlington was born.

As the many client testimonies on the practice’s website attest, Atlas Acupuncture clients continue to be pleased with the results Montana’s expertise provides, but transitioning the practice out of the original co-op proved to be a challenge within itself. With the help of Vermont Small Business Development Center Area Business Advisor Steve Densham, Montana was able to meet that challenge.  (more…)