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Catch Negative Reviews Before They Happen – Why Customer Resolution Matters

May 6th, 2013 1 comment

Business Sign X

Customer service is the cornerstone of any business. If your customers aren’t happy, then you don’t have any customers. Your employees should be trained on the best ways to resolve all different types of complaints or problems your customers could have. And, your employees need to know how important that customer resolution really is. In the past, one unresolved complaint could go unnoticed and not have a large effect. Now, one unresolved complaint can turn into an online rant that can reach all of your customers and potential customers.

Customers Require Resolution

When customers have problems with your company, their shopping experience, their purchase, etc., they want a resolution to it. In fact, they expect a resolution. No matter what, a customer wants to be satisfied with your company, and they will usually give you a chance to make it up to them if they aren’t satisfied right away. Without a resolution to their problem, customers will be unhappy with your company, and you could very well lose them as a customer for good. If you want to hang onto customers, you need to be able to resolve their problems.

Image representing Yelp as depicted in CrunchBase

Image via CrunchBase

Dissatisfied Customers Will Vent

It’s extremely important to resolve customers’ problems because dissatisfied customers will want to vent. When people are unhappy with the products or services they purchase, they usually don’t keep quiet about it, especially if they tried to get a resolution from the company itself and weren’t pleased with the response. Many dissatisfied customers will vent to a friend, family member, or coworker, and this alone is enough to make you lose another customer. Now, dissatisfied customers can go a step further; they can vent online, where they can share their experience with everyone and get your attention to remind you how dissatisfied they are.

Negative Reviews Matter – A Lot

It’s no secret that negative reviews can make a huge difference in the success of a company. If a restaurant has a few bad reviews on Yelp, they could go out of business, and that’s not an exaggeration. When you resolve your customers’ problems, you can catch negative reviews before they even start. At the very least, if a customer still wants to complain online, they will hopefully include the fact that your company did do something to resolve the issue. People don’t want to give their business to companies that don’t do everything they can in the way of customer service. Mistakes or issues are forgivable, as long as you address them properly.

Make sure all of your employees – even those that don’t typically interact with customers or address their complaints – know proper ways to resolve customers’ complaints. Hold regular training sessions, and be sure to monitor and assess the way your employees handle complaints. The best way to prevent negative reviews from appearing online is to make sure there is nothing negative anyone can say about the way you treat your customers or handle your business.

Joshua Reynolds is an expert reviews tracker and avid blogger.  He is currently teaching others about proper online reviews management and customer service.

Guest Post Published By Thomas Ballantyne

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10 Mistakes Companies Make On Facebook

March 13th, 2013 No comments
Image representing Facebook as depicted in Cru...

Image via CrunchBase

Everyone knows Facebook can be a powerful marketing tool. It allows you to connect with a broad audience, provides a venue to interact with customers, and can give your company a personal feel. However, to be effective, Facebook must be used correctly. There are a number of mistakes that some companies make that turn off potential customers.

1. Posting Too Often

Of course it is a good idea to post frequently. It keeps customers engaged and coming back for important information. However, there is also a point where it becomes too much. If you are posting five times a day, people are going to get annoyed and stop following you. Many people recommend no more than once a day.

2. Not Posting Enough

On the other hand, you don’t want to be completely silent on Facebook either. People need a reason to follow you. If you haven’t posted in weeks, people will think you are irrelevant or that there’s no reason to follow you. Be consistent.

3. Uncreative Content

People will only like your page if they think it has something valuable to offer. There are so many people on Facebook that you need something to set you apart from everyone else. Post creative content, even if it doesn’t seem to have a direct connection to the product or service your company sells.

4. Unresponsive to Fans

One of the best elements of Facebook is the opportunity to engage with fans of your page. If people ask questions or give compliments, they will be offended if you don’t respond. The more you engage customers the more they will be willing to purchase your services.

5. Arguing With Customers

While it is important to engage with customers, always keep it positive. Never get into arguments about a product, even if a person is wrong. There are people that will intentionally try to get a negative reaction out of you. Simply apologize when people complain and stay out of fights.

6. Posting the Same Topic Over and Over

People need variety. If you just post about the same thing every time, people will get bored and stop following you. Try to add variety to your posts. Not everything has to be directly about the product you sell. Try to engage customers in interesting conversations about a wide variety of topics.

7. Not Having a Plan

You simply will not be successful if you don’t start out with a strategy. This is essential for any type of marketing campaign. Understand what type of audience you want to target and how you will reach them.

8. Focusing Too Much on Numbers

Some companies feel that the ultimate goal of a Facebook page is to get as many followers as possible. This isn’t necessarily true. A greater focus should be based on the actual content of the page and how it is impacting viewers.

9. Ignoring the Analytics Feature

Some people don’t look at or don’t even realize Facebook gives you analytics about your page. Looking at these stats will tell you how many people are viewing your page and what types of posts are working.

10. Not Having a Cover Photo

This is free advertising space. Facebook is frequently coming out with new profile features, so pay attention to them. Pictures are the first thing people will pay attention to. Keep them updated and visually appealing.

About the Author: Lindsey Patterson is a freelance writer who specializes in the latest social and technology trends, specifically involving the use of social media. She is currently a consultant for Vivint. Follow them on Twitter here.

Guest Post Published By Thomas Ballantyne

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Best Of 2012: Year End Links Round-Up

December 28th, 2012 No comments

Best Of 2012: Year End Links Round-Up

 

Here a a few links to some of the best pest control articles and blogs we’ve come across this year. Enjoy!

General Pest Control 

Home Pest Control Slows The Need For Home Improvement

http://www.propacificpestcontrol.com/2012/pest-control/home-pest-control-slows-the-need-for-home-improvement/

Pest Control Tips For The Whole Family

http://www.abridgehome.com/2012/12/02/pest-control-tips-for-the-whole-family/

What is a pest inspection and why would I need one?

http://dialonepestcontrol.com/what-is-a-pest-inspection-and-why-would-i-need-one/

Borax vs. Boric Acid for Pest Control: Safe and Effective?

http://www.momprepares.com/2012/08/27/borax-vs-boric-acid-for-pest-control-safe-and-effective

Five Sustainable and Fascinatingly Fun Pest Management Techniques

http://blogs.worldwatch.org/nourishingtheplanet/five-sustainable-and-fascinatingly-fun-pest-management-techniques/

Can Pest Control Add Value to your Home?

http://pestinc.net/can-pest-control-add-value-to-your-home/

Scent as Pest Control?

http://scentsciences.wordpress.com/2012/10/18/scent-as-pest-control/

Benefits of Organic Pest Control

http://joshuaspestcontrol.com/benefits-organic-pest-control/

Why Hire a Pest Control Pro?

http://www.resteasypestcontrol.com/blog/bid/210286/Why-Hire-a-Pest-Control-Pro

5 Mistakes Hiring a Residential Pest Control Exterminating Company

http://eliminexpestcontrol.com/wordpress1/2012/06/28/5-mistakes-hiring-a-residential-pest-control-exterminating-company-suffolk-nassau-long-island-ny/

Honey Bees – The Good and The Bad

http://www.horizonpestcontrol.com/blog/honey-bees-the-good-and-the-bad/

Africanized Bees on Attack in Arizona!

http://pestcontrolmesaaz.com/africanized-bees-on-attack-in-arizona/

Kudzu Bug Prevention This Fall

http://pestcontrolatlantaga.com/2012/10/kudzu-bug-prevention-this-fall/

A History of Pest Control Methods

http://www.accuracypluscalifornia.com/pest-control-blog/a-history-of-pest-control-methods/2012/08/

Tulsa Man Shares His West Nile Virus Survival Story

http://pestcontroltulsaok.com/2012/09/tulsa-man-shares-his-west-nile-virus-survival-story/

Swarming Bees Attack Houston Women Killing Her Dog

http://pestcontrolhoustontx.net/2012/09/swarming-bees-attack-houston-women-killing-her-dog/

Don’t Stop Pest Control Appointments, Despite the Economy

http://www.bugsbybrian.com/blog/pest-control/dont-stop-pest-control-appointments-economy

 

Pest Control Business & Marketing  

Yelp Penalty – Pest Control to Jewelers

http://pestcontrolseo.wordpress.com/2012/10/18/yelp-penalty-pest-control-to-jewelers/

Pest Control Marketing – How to get more referrals FAST!

http://pestcontrolmarketer.com/pest-control-marketing-how-to-get-more-referrals-fast/

Pest Control Business – What Are Your Options?

http://fordifferent.com/pest-control-business-what-are-your-options

Why Small Businesses Should Adopt SEO and Online Marketing 

http://www.seenbest-web-design.com/techclub/why-small-businesses-should-adopt-seo-and-online-marketing/

Pest Control Marketing 1

http://www.squidoo.com/pest-control-marketing-1

 

Pest Control News & Stories  

USDA Awards $33 Million for Pest Management Research

http://calipestcontrolblog.com/2012/12/10/usda-awards-33-million-for-pest-management-research/

Genetically Modified Cotton Brings Back Nature’s Pest Control: Predators

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/80beats/2012/06/16/genetically-modified-cotton-brings-back-natures-pest-control-predators/#.UNSp4OQ0V8E

New Restrictions on Pest Control Operators Will Help Prevent Pesticide Pollution

http://claycord.com/2012/07/16/new-restrictions-on-pest-control-operators-will-help-prevent-pesticide-pollution/

Discovery of Endangered Spider In San Antonio Brings $15 Million Highway Project to A Halt

http://pestcontrolsanantonio.com/2012/10/discovery-of-endangered-spider-in-san-antonio-brings-15-million-highway-project-to-a-halt/

Thief Steals Van- Finds It Filled With Scorpions, Spiders, & Creepy Crawlies

http://pestcontrolmesaaz.com/thief-steals-van-finds-it-filled-with-scorpions-spiders-creepy-crawlies/

Search and Rescue Cockroaches

http://pestcontrolcharlottenc.com/2012/09/search-and-rescue-cockroaches/

Tragedy During a Roach Eating Contest

http://pestcontrolraleighnc.com/2012/10/tragedy-during-a-roach-eating-contest/

Chimney Pests Attack Santa

http://www.bulwarkpestcontrol.com/community/chimney-pests-attack-santa.htm

 

Ant Control  

How to Prevent and Treat Fire Ants

http://www.lloydpest.com/2012/08/how-to-prevent-and-treat-fire-ants/

 Argentine Ants – The making of super colonies!

http://www.clarkpest.com/blog/bid/78129/Argentine-Ants-The-making-of-super-colonies

World’s Most Venomous Insect Found in Arizona

http://pestcontrolmesaaz.com/worlds-most-venomous-insect-found-in-arizona/

The Most Common Ant Invaders of Southern Utah

http://pestcontrolstgeorge.com/2012/10/the-most-common-ant-invaders-of-southern-utah/

Ant Infestations On the Rise

http://missouripublicadjuster.org/2012/06/01/ant-infestations-on-the-rise/

What Ants Can do to Your Home

http://www.espest.com/what-ants-can-do-to-your-home/

 

Scorpion Control 

Scorpion Control Could Save You $83,000

http://pestcontrolphoenixaz.net/Pest-Control/2012/09/scorpion-control-could-save-you-83000/

Tips On Handling A Scorpion Sting

http://pestcontrolstgeorge.com/2012/09/tips-on-handling-a-scorpion-sting/

Is it a spider? Is it a scorpion? What is it?

http://pestcontrolmesaaz.com/is-it-a-spider-is-it-a-scorpion-what-is-it/

Scorpion Questions & Scorpion Answers

http://pestcontrolseo.wordpress.com/2012/06/29/scorpion-questions-scorpion-answers/

Scorpions

http://agrilife.org/smithcountyagriculture/2012/06/04/scorpions/

 

Roach Control  

Tony Romo: Roach Exterminator

http://pestcontrolaustintx.com/2012/10/tony-romo-roach-exterminator/

Do-It-Yourself Cockroach Control

http://pestcontrolsanantonio.com/2012/10/do-it-yourself-cockroach-control/

Suggestions to Have Efficient Roach Control Sacramento

http://pestcontrolsacramento.wordpress.com/2012/08/14/suggestions-to-have-efficient-roach-control-sacramento/

HOW TO GET RID OF ROACHES!

http://allamericanpestcontrol.com/how-to-get-rid-of-roaches/

 Can Roaches Survive A Nuclear Blast?

http://preferredpestcontroloc.com/orange-county-pest-control-blog.php/can-roaches-survive-a-nuclear-blast/

 

Spider Control 

Black Widow Spider Eating Something

Spider Identification: Common Southern California Spiders

http://homefrontpestcontrol.com/spidcommon-southern-california-spiders/

$1 Million Hospital Bill After A Brown Recluse Spider Bite

http://pestcontrolaustintx.com/2012/11/1-million-hospital-bill-after-a-brown-recluse-spider-bite/

How to Identify a Possessed Spider This Halloween

http://www.bulwarkpestcontrol.com/community/how-to-identify-a-possessed-spider-this-halloween.htm

Tulsa Facing Invasion of Black Widows

http://pestcontroltulsaok.com/2012/11/tulsa-facing-invasion-of-black-widows/

Spider Control- Identifying and Treating Spider Bites

http://www.bulwarkpestcontrol.com/community/spider-control-identifying-and-treating-spider-bites.htm

 

Rodent Control  

English: Rat

Mice Pest Control

http://bestwaytogetridofmices.com/mice-pest-control/

Diseases Transmitted By Rats & Mice In The United States

http://www.propacificpestcontrol.com/2012/rats/diseases-transmitted-by-rats-mice-in-united-states/

Rodent Control | Rats and Mice Infestation

http://www.1300pestcontrol.com.au/rodent-control/

The Thing That Makes Rat Control So Essential

http://doyourownratcontrol.wordpress.com/2012/06/27/the-thing-that-makes-rat-control-so-essential/

What You Should Know About Squirrel Removal

http://garden-and-pest-control.com/886/what-you-should-know-about-animal-control-re-squirrel-removal/

 

Bed Bugs 

bedbug (Cimex sp.)

Must Treat Entire Building To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs

http://www.heritagepestcontrolnj.com/blog/2012/11/30/must-treat-entire-building-to-get-rid-of-bed-bugs/

Don’t Let Bedbugs Ruin Your Vacation

http://pestcontrolatlantaga.com/2012/08/dont-let-bedbugs-ruin-your-vacation/

Houston Ranks 12th in Top Bedbug Cities

http://pestcontrolhoustontx.net/2012/09/houston-ranks-12th-in-top-bedbug-cities/

 Charlotte Bedbugs Infest Democratic National Convention Hotels

http://pestcontrolcharlottenc.com/2012/09/charlotte-bedbugs-infest-democratic-national-convention-hotels/

Managing Bed Bugs in Dorms

http://www.modernpest.com/blog/managing-bed-bugs-in-dorms/

 

Termite Control  

Worker termite

Atlanta Termite Control

http://pestcontrolatlantaga.com/2012/10/atlanta-termite-control/

4 Types of Termites

http://www.dugaspestcontrol.com/termite-control/4-types-of-termites

Using Bait Systems to Control Termites

http://www.republicpest.com/using-bait-systems-to-control-termites/

Termites…An Age Old Problem

http://www.pattontermiteandpest.com/2012/05/termites-an-age-old-problem/

Dealing With Indiana Termites

http://www.yespestpros.com/pest-control/dealing-with-indiana-termites/

 

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Weekly Pest Control Round-Up

December 14th, 2012 1 comment

Pest Of The Week: The Eastern Gray Squirrel

 

An Eastern Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis...

An Eastern Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In most of North America, the most common variety of squirrel encountered in urban areas, is the Eastern Gray squirrel; or Grey squirrel (Canada). These rodent pests have spread across the United States, and are often discovered in parks, backyards (urban) and farmlands (rural). In fact, in many areas the Eastern Grey squirrel has largely displaced the native Red squirrel.

As the name suggests, the Eastern Gray squirrel is characteristically covered in gray fur, but it can also display a reddish color. This rodent pest has a white underside, and a large bushy tail. The head and body length ranges from 23 to 30 cm, with an additional 19 to 25 cm, to account for the tail.

Eastern Gray squirrels build a type of nest, known as a drey, commonly found in forks of trees. However, they may also build a nest in the attic or in the exterior walls of homes and dwellings, creating a pest control problem for unsuspecting homeowners and tenants.

 

This Week’s Pest Control News

 

NJ Pest Control Warning: Don’t Bring Bed Bugs Home For The Holidays

Here are a few pointers from ChemTec Pest Control in New Jersey on avoiding bedbugs over the holidays. Click here.

Fleas On Dogs – What Can Be Done For Dog Fleas

If you have any dogs in the home, there is a high chance that you have had fleas and would know how irritating these little pests can be! They can feed on the blood of your dog and can make it unhealthy so we need to take action right away! More…

Pest Control Marketing Lessons Learned The Hard Way In 2012: The Secret to Marketing Smarter In 2013

Here are a few mistakes pest control professionals are making in there marketing efforts. Remember, true masters not only learn from their own mistakes but from the mistakes of others. To see if you are making any of these pest control marketing mistakes, click here.

Reasons to Hire a Professional Pest Control Agency

For a few good reasons on why you should hire a professional exterminator, including pest identification, effective pest elimination, and prevention plans and maintenance; click here.

Warning: Pests May Be Lurking In Your Stored Christmas Decorations

Before pulling the Christmas decorations out of storage, and before you decorate your home with all of those lights, wreaths, candles, and of course the Christmas tree; there are a few things you need to do so you don’t set forth a full on pest infestation inside your home. More…

 

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Costs and Benefits for Staying Relevant

May 11th, 2012 No comments

I’m sitting in McDonalds amazed at the restaurant that it now is compared to what it once was.

Modern art on the wall. Lounge chairs with coffee tables. Menu changes with smoothies, lattes. Sure the iconic happy meals are still available, but now you can order those with apple slices. The milkshakes are still on the menu as well, but I honestly don’t remember the last time I had one. What, 15, 16, maybe even 20 years ago? And I haven’t seen a styrofoam hamburger box around for awhile.

The decor is what most intrigues me. I would venture to guess that the menu changes are the quickest and least costly changes. Adding a disposable item is much less risky than adding the permanent fixtures of booths and the tile backsplash. Such interior make overs aren’t cheap. So just what is the cost benefit? Does replacing perfectly usable tables, chairs, and booths really pay off?

I don’t have the answer for McDonald’s, but I’m confident that they do. I’m also certain that not every restaurant needs an interior decorating overhaul to stay profitable. But what I do know is that staying relevant is vital to every business. Businesses need to check the lay of the land and make sure they are staying current for their market and their customers. Stay relevant. Know when a little painful and costly interior redecorating is needed to make sure your business is still alive in the future years.

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Likable = Linkable

May 31st, 2011 No comments

I know sad that I must blog my own quotes…

Likable = Linkable

As Shakespeare so put it, “Brevity is the soul of wit.”

Apparently this tweet was liked, as I received some mentions on it. This concept is the summation of a key element in search engine rankings and therefore the core of gaining search engine rankings.

Is Content King?

The search engines want to believe that the best content on the internet will win. They gauge this by links. If you like something then you will share it with others by linking to it. Who hasn’t gotten an email with a link in it to a funny video. Funny is almost always likable. Who doesn’t like things that are funny?… Okay maybe its not best to crack a joke when in a heated argument with a wife. But let’s not get into timing right now. The idea of the search engine tallying up links is to find the sites that are most liked by all. Content should incite people to like you. Content should give people a reason to link to you.

Offline Likability = Online Linkability

To expand this concept one step further, I believe your offline likability is also proportionate to your online link-ability. This is going beyond what the search engine would expect. Search Engine’s believe that people more likely to naturally link to an awesome hotel’s website after having a fantastic weekend of sterling customer service. Hence the best hotel wins. LUMPS - SEOI ..Perhaps. But popularity of lesser hotels may out weigh the likability of awesome less known hotels. I believe we are now taking this one step further. I am more compelled to share articles from individuals that I know and like. I win more links from people I meet and establish a relationship with. Take for instance Dennis G., he’s likable and thus linkable. I am much more likely to link to Ebay after having met Dennis.

We could even Expand this chain to:

 Likable = Linkable = Tweetable = Diggable = Stumbleable = Remarkable = Rankable

As one comment I received stated… “Wow, thanks for that. I have to summarize today why losing links is a big deal, ane explain why they are going to lose their rankings.”

Glad I could help. =)

“So this is good and dandy for individuals but what about businesses. Are we in business to be friends with people?”

If you have not figured out the new online order, YES, YOU NEED TO MAKE FRIENDS.  Granted, being likable does not mean being buddy-buddy. You don’t need to be a BFF. But as a business you do need to serve a purpose and people need to like you doing that service. Disney probably puts it the best:

“Do what you do so well, that the people who see you do it, will want to see you do it again, and will bring others to see you do it.

Adding a smile to your service helps bring them back for more. Being friendly helps them share your business with their friends. In today’s online world this is amplified over several thousand social connections. Social media works best for those that know how to act socially acceptable and be sociable. I am a pest control guy. My first priority is to get rid of bugs, my second is to make you smile a little longer.

Now go out and be LIKABLE!

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Vertical Measures Hosting All-Day Search Marketing Workshop

March 25th, 2011 No comments

Arizona based Vertical Measures is hosting an all-day search marketing workshop, The Convergence of Search, Social & Content Marketing, on April 7, 2011, in Tempe, AZ.  Arnie Kuenn, founder and president of Vertical Measures will be speaking on topics such as content marketing, keyword research, link building and measurement.  The all-day Vertical Measures workshop is designed to be hands on by students and Kuenn together.

Students of the workshop will not only leave with ideas and feedback from Kuenn regarding their specific business or industry, but will also take home a handful of free, helpful resources for implementing and maintaining a successful content marketing strategy.

Not convinced yet?

Here are the Top 5 reasons to attend the workshop.

5.  Kuenn has more than 20 years of digital marketing experience.  He has started various companies that have serviced many big name clients.  He is a regular speaker at internet marketing conferences throughout the year and is the president of AZ Interactive Marketing Association (AZIMA), which holds monthly dinners with renowned speakers from across the country.

4.  Who wouldn’t mind being in Arizona at the beginning of April? The weather is going to be stellar!

3.  A FREE copy of Kuenn’s new book: Accelerate!: Content Development and Marketing to Grow Your Business Online.

2.  Kuenn + You + workshop schedule = better business = more revenue.

1.  Giving you absolutely no more excuses, we’re providing you with an exclusive promo code (vm4friends) worth 40% off the price of registration.  Boom!

Now, no more excuses.  Register.  We’ll see you there!

Location

Dynamic Worldwide – 4500 N. Lakeshore Dr. #695, Tempe, AZ 85282

Nearby Hotels

Embassy Suites Phoenix-Tempe – 4400 South Rural Road, Tempe, Arizona 85282
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Austin Airport Advertising Banner for Google Places… It’s BIG

March 23rd, 2011 No comments

What are the chances that after leaving PubCon’s internet marketing conference in Austin TX that I would get a glimpse of Google’s 10 Foot banner ad in the Austin Airport?

Austin Airport on Google Places

AUS.Airport Presidential Blvd, Austin, TX 78719 (512) 530-2242 ‎

 

Let me spell that out for you….

GOOGLE PLACES IS BIG

10 Foot Big in the case of this ad. So if you haven’t caught on yet, take note… Local Search is changing the game.

Internet marketers are scrambling like a bunch of Austin TX fire ants after their mound has been kicked. Local results are showing up for searches like watches, shoes, and costumes. The example of costumes shared by BlueGlass is a little far from what I believe Google’s intent is. Google constantly refers to “Plumbers and dentists” as their local examples. These are truly local searches. Most people that search for a local service, like pest control, have an intent to buy locally.  Restaurants would be the largest category here. The divide happens when we consider what is local? People in a rush to eat lunch are willing to pick up the closest burger. People looking to meet clients for lunch are looking for a joint with the right atmosphere.

Chiropractic did a quick study of what influenced real people in their dinner buying habits for local search.

1- Recommendation. What are friends or reviewers saying.

2- Recognizing the Name. This would be more on branding. When you’ve reached the status of the Salt Lick or Rudy’s BBQ and people from Phoenix AZ know of you, you are doing it right.

3- Location. How close or how far. Sadly the Salt Lick lost out for the PubCon conference because it was too far. Better reviews but too far for our crowd of friends.

So when it comes to searching locally for a restaurant those factors weigh in pretty heavy and search engine’s are not yet calculating your friend’s recommendations and are more concerned about “Location” then they are “Recognition.”

BUT WHAT ABOUT LOCAL SERVICES THAT VISIT A CUSTOMER’S HOME?

Yes. I have a little beef to pick with this one. A local service that covers the entire metro is totally different then a restaurant with only so much local pull. As good as the Salt Lick is, the customer must be willing to go the distance. Services that travel to your home, however, don’t require any more effort from a consumer. So as a consumer, if I am looking for an Austin pest control company, the 5 miles away or 50 miles away argument never really hits the table.  As a consumer looking for a local Austin service, I am more concerned about “SERVICE”. So local results that cannot be sorted by 5 star reviews, or number of reviews, are a bit of a nuisance.

Either way, the 1 ton Elephant of Local Search is on the loose…. and don’t call your local pest control guy about crazy roaming elephants …or gorilla’s.

_________________________

…. and FYI – Austin Airport hasn’t claimed their Google Listing yet.

Related article worth the read: Google Places : Local SEO That Influences Global Search Marketing

Post sponsored in part by:

Bulwark Exterminating 209 East Ben White Boulevard, Austin, TX 78704 (512) 291-1200 ‎

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Going Viral: A Slow Defeat, Not a Quick Victory

November 8th, 2010 No comments
viralmarketing1 Going Viral: A Slow Defeat, Not a Quick Victory

Viral Marketing Dicussion at BlueGlassFL 2010

I arrived back in Arizona on Thursday after having spent the previous few days in Florida, attending BlueGlass FL 2010.  I got a number of good takeaways from the sessions that I was anticipating, but the session that really shook the boat was Viral Marketing.  All the speakers blew us away with simple, but priceless bits of information.

Starting the hour was Brian Chappell, Sr. Social Search Strategist at Ignite Social Media.  Brian made no bones about his philosophy of taking something viral.  While most emphasize the quality of content as the “king” of viral, he argues that the mechanisms and seeding techniques of that content are atop the royal hierarchy.  While the content must be top notch, the mechanisms and techniques that get it moving must be the appropriate driving force behind a good viral piece.  What’s a Ferrari without gas to make it go, or streets on which to drive? Exactly!

Mechanisms are the literal actions you are requiring of your public.  It can be forwarding an email, clicking a link, a facebook like, a retweet, a public leaderboard of participants, or use of an affiliate program.  These are the actions that spread the word.  Seeding techniques happen on two levels.  Initial seeding begins with the marketer, and includes tools such as a press release, a pay-per-click ad, a media buy, facebook and twitter updates on the company profiles, community and blogger outreach, or simply word of mouth.  Second level seeding is done by the audience.  This is achieved via their facebook and twitter updates, social shares on those platforms, their retweet, their blog posts, etc.  It’s these seeding techniques that make the content shine.

Next up was Chris Bennett from 97th Floor.  The heart of his presentation seemed to be the simplicity of viral content.  Even the most complex ideas and concepts can be portrayed in pictures and graphics in a simple, easy-to-understand fashion.  Politics, social debate and the stimulus package all have its place in viral America if it can be displayed in a fun, simple and even humorous manner.

obama stimulus infographic23 Going Viral: A Slow Defeat, Not a Quick Victory

Obama Stimulus Infographic by 97th Floor

Chris advised to stay away from your typical “Top 10” list (which is the reason why this piece isn’t entitled “5 Things I learned at BlueGlassFL”).  Make sure your pieces are visually pleasing.  If your piece flops, keep trying.  It will eventually spread.  Don’t sell out your brand.  Also, remember that the best pieces are always informative.

Amy Vernon, Director of Viral Marketing Strategies from the host agency, BlueGlass, rounded out the panel of speakers.  Her main theme centered on the community aspect.  No matter the social channel, you will inevitably be a member of some sort of community.  Amy reminded us to figure out what communities and circles would be the best fit for our brand.  Once you’ve narrowed that down, study that community, know your place within it, and be a good member.

Switching gears just a bit, Amy gave us a great example of transparent and effective tweeting.  @DKNY came heavily endorsed as a perfect mix of personal narrative, active engagement and minimal brand mention.  Naturally, all good characteristics of a good community member.  Remember that @DKNY is not a channel of corporate info or industry tidbits, but it is managed by DKNY’s PR girl, and listed on the front page of DonnaKaran.com.  There’s no holding back with her.  From earlier this morning: “The good thing about today is……wait thinking….thinking…..let me get back to you.”  A case of the Mondays perhaps?

These speakers really opened up my understanding of viral marketing.  When I thought of viral, I would think of Rainbow dude screaming in the middle of the wilderness, or the ad that’s going to get your 50,000 facebook likes in a couple days.  I thought of it as the quick strike that delivered the decisive blow.  The KO in Round 1.  Viral is so much more than that.  Maybe it’s the piece that leads to 25,000 facebook likes over 9 months, or the YouTube video that gets viewed 100,000 times in a year.  It also doesn’t need to infest every inbox in the country or be seen by every single stay-at-home mommy when it’s featured on the Ellen DeGeneres Show’s “Videos from the Web” segment.  If it can easily be understood, shared and appreciated, then it already has a head start.  It’s mostly likely the TKO in Round 9.  Or, as Brian reminded us: “Viruses only spread when they are easy to transmit.”  I guess it doesn’t take a doctor to understand that.

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Cricket Android Service

October 22nd, 2010 No comments

Cricket Pest Control by a Droid… This may be the Droid you are looking for.

Cricket wireless announces that it will now be carrying the Android phone. Per their news release they will be offering…

the first low-cost Android device to hit the Smartphone market in the United States* and the third Smartphone to be included in Cricket’s dynamic line of phone offerings.

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20101006005730/en/Cricket-Shows-Respekt-Low-cost-Android-Device

While I am not quite ready to give up my iPhone… despite some small bugs… Offering me a test drive of the droid at a $55 low cost, unlimited access plan makes my iPhone look like yesterday’s news.  So… Yes. I am falling for the cricket bait.

… I hope everyone appreciates the puns loaded in this post about a pest control guy falling for cricket bait! NEED A CRICKET PEST CONTROL SERVICE?

Cricket Marketing

Leap Wireless International has a business model down that encompasses everything a marketing plan should. They are embracing the future of phones and they are shouting it loud and clear.  Further, their customers get decent service. Yes, DECENT. Everyone knows that Cricket’s service isn’t going to compare to Verizon’s service.  Sorry, but you are flying 2nd class, which means that if the plane is full you might just get bumped to the next flight. But, what cricket is doing is establishing it’s position as the low-cost phone solution.  They are so low-cost that they are even cutting into the land line market.

Your key marketing ingredient is your message compared to the rest of the market.  Cricket’s message is low-cost. Everyone knows that if you want a budget phone service you call cricket. Verizon’s message is quality service. “Can you hear me now?” Everyone turns to Verizon for a “reliable network.” Where does that leave AT&T… In the middle somewhere…??? Exactly, the only defining quality AT&T has right now is the iPhone…. So long marketing advantage when everyone else starts picking up competitive smart phones… or worse yet the exact same model.  If you are only selling a product then you better be the only one selling that product or be the best priced. You have no competitive edge if you are just selling a product.

Thomas Ballantyne

@Thos003

Don’t mind me I am just the pest control guy…

FYI, Bulwark offers Full Service pest control.

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