Using Thumbtack's Services Can Generate Leads

We recently heard from a friend in Hollister, California, who specializes in web design services and SEO for non-profit organization and for small businesses. When we heard about his sharp rise in business leads, some of which have lead to website design projects, we found out that his "secret" is using Thumbtack's services to help generate new leads. After creating a profile for his Search Engine Optimization services on Thumbtack, he began getting 3-5 new leads per month. Granted, they are not free leads and can cost anywhere from $5 to $10 dollars, they are still much more cost efficient than the option of an AdWords campaign. And certainly much quicker results than organic SEO.

Grow Your Business With Content

Producing high-quality content is a gift to your audience that they appreciate. Shown in their returning patronage of your business or perhaps as a commenter on your blog, the appreciation of your audience is something to be cherished. Have you read about the principle of getting your customers to know, like and trust you? Have you decided upon the best ways to adhere to that principle so that your business prospers?

This idea of content being the draw id something many small business owners have a hard time grasping. And understandably so - I have found that most people who decide to start their own business have a fervent enthusiasm for their vision but have much, much less enthusiasm for putting throught and time into their online process. Honestly, I have found that most people have never even thought about that aspect of their business!

If you are one of those people, and you have somehow found yourself reading this post, please do take a momemnt to think about how your customers are perceiving you and your online presence. Over 85% of local shopping decisions are made after using a search engine like Google. How does your business show up in that search?

And have you considered the value of a backlinking campaign? For example, you might want to have a link to information about the fact that Ticketamerica.com has concert and event tickets for holiday shows at different times of the year and jazz performances plus city of las vegas. Weigh the benefits of using links to holiday shows that are of interest to your target audience. Or if you've done enough research and analysis, you might know that links to resources for jazz blues seating or perhaps to las vegas shows will be attractive to them.

Check out the video from Social Media Examiner. It's only about 6 minutes long and has over 6 minutes worth of value!

Gain Business Credibility Through Networking

Let's assume the credibility of your business is the primary reason people buy your service or product. Having that in mind, what steps have you taken to build a solid foundation of credibility? Ones that will enhance your ability to establish authentic relationships and the opportunity for people to get to know, like and trust you.

In the following article from Erika Trimble, we see how clearly networking with other professionals in our industry can be profitable and personally satisfying:

Most business experts would say that networking is a business activity we engage in for the purpose of building our businesses. We network specifically to find customers. How else will you meet the contacts and prospective new customers necessary to grow your business?

Effective networking is all about getting to know people who will do business with you or introduce you to those who will. You will get a lot more leverage from your business networking efforts if you work on building relationships with people you could collaborate with. In just about any business there are natural referral partners. By identifying these complimentary businesses, you both win by getting business that either of you might not have known about, or thought about before. Your customer also wins by working with businesses that are accustomed to working together.

Here are the best reasons for networking to build your business:


*When done effectively, you’ll get better referrals than from any other source.


*Networking is the easiest way to continuously meet new prospects, get more clients, and grow your business.


*Through effective networking, you’ll form new relationships and continuously have a ready group of people to consider when growing your business; your efforts will be stretched much, much further.


*Through networking, your visibility and credibility are heightened in your industry.


How do you rate your networking skills?


Now let’s look at good networking skills. Profit Magazine (October, 2006) offered its readers a quiz on networking skills. This quiz asked questions about whether you dedicate time and effort to:


*developing sincere relationships through networking groups;


*sending follow-up notes to people you meet thanking them for their help;


*participating regularly in an online networking site;


*attending one industry specific conference a year;


*creating positive first impressions;


*asking everyone you meet “How can I know if someone I meet would be a good prospect for you?”;

*knowing who your best prospective customers are and focus more of your networking efforts on them.


Now take a moment to ask yourself which of these networking activities you engage in, and do well. Reflect on how you approach your networking efforts. Identify areas for improvement. Record your personal assessment of your networking skills.



Here’s How to Network More Effectively!

Let’s focus on helping you network for the express purpose of building alliances and relationships to help grow your business. Building your collaboration network isn’t difficult.

Start by answering these questions:

1.What do I want for my business in the long term? Become clear on what you want to achieve.

2.What types of services and products do my clients consistently ask for that I don’t offer? Identify the specific services and products you don’t offer.

3.How can I build my credibility and my business image? Think about all the ways you can do this.

4.Who can I collaborate with to bring in more business? Write down the names of your ideal collaboration partners.

5.Who can I collaborate with to easily add value to my clients/customers? Write down your ideas.

6.Who can I collaborate with to get new prospects and clients? Note these people and companies.


Now create a plan which includes:


*A goal to meet five or more new people at each networking event.


*Identifying business organizations that would benefit your business.


*Attending one or two new groups per month with businesses and organizations you best fit into. Attend every function that is consistent with your goals and the prospects you want to nurture.


*Setting a goal for what you expect from each meeting.


*Setting a target on the number of lead/prospects you want each month.


Being successful in business is all about taking action. Complete the exercises in this article, learn more about networking so you become an expert, and seek help and support in creating a networking strategy that will grow your business like never before.


After reading this, are there some valuable lessons you have learned or helpful tips you would like to pass along?

Never Forget Humor In Your Website

Let your sense of humor shine through – An old adage says ‘Man grows up the day he has his first laugh at himself.’ Truer words were never spoken. When you’re making your voice public, remember that for everyone who agrees with you, there’ll be ten who don’t. Take every comment/suggestion in your stride. It’s been known to convert die-hard enemies into grudgingly appreciative supporters.

While this idea applies more easily to blogging and content development for your website, humor can also be incorporated in your design strategies.

What are some of the things you have done to make your design and content development fun?

Target Smartphone Generation

Stauer's New Year's Resolution 2011 advice is squeezing productivity from the smartphone revolution. People now use their smartphones for everything. They are a challenge for marketers and managers. The smartphone does not have the capacity of a laptop, but many execs are now eschewing the bulky laptop and going without. It will be important for Stauer and other businesses to figure out a way for smartphones to work seamlessly to increase sales.

What's Your Money Mindset?

Improve your money mindset for the New Year. If you have any negative thoughts toward money hidden in your subconscious, you could be sabotaging your own business success. Your subconscious controls your spending habits, your saving habits, and your productivity at work - which can hurt your profits. Take a few minutes each day to remove negative thoughts about money and self-worth. Then, reprogram your money mindset for building abundance and great wealth. You are worth it!