This was the first full week of the new year and all those goals you said you’d do over the holidays are now due. How’d you do?
I promised I would do more journaling, take my health more seriously and connect with more people. I created plans, strategy docs, mapped 90-day sprints all around these topics. But, you know what? I didn’t do any of them. Another HUGE opportunity came crashing in and I dumped all my previous plans to attack this new growth path.
This doesn’t mean all those other things aren’t still important to me. I still have two fitness bands in my eBay cart, I will get back to my health goals. It’s okay I had to delay starting. I say this because all week I’ve been fighting with myself, feeling guilty for not executing on my new goals.
But, this is the importance of a vision, grand objectives you’re working towards. This new opportunity moves me closer to those objectives, which is why I allowed myself to work on that instead of these other goals. I’ll get to the others, I know I will.
Starting one week later isn’t the end of the world. Every day we have a chance to start.
It’s never to late to be who you were supposed to be.
Also read: Falling behind vs. streaks
How to market your business in 2020
Anyone who owns a small business, it’s daunting to read about marketing in 2020. Social media, video strategy, TikTok, VOICE SEARCH OPTIMIZATION. Ignore all that.
For small business, contractors and local service operators – Local SEO is still the second most important marketing effort you can make. Finding your business on Google Maps, Search and probably Facebook local search are still very important in 2020.
But, the best marketing technique you can have this year? That’s easy. It’s the same advice it’s been every year… Treat your customer right, give them a good experience and they’ll recommend you to everyone they know. No hacks. No tricks. No secrets. Be searchable and do good work.
Honestly, I like the honesty
I really enjoyed this post and it’s honesty. Yes, the hot things are hot and we always need more tools. Any marketer will tell you they’re one new tool/service away from blowing the top off their industry.
This is my main takeaway, all in this one quote:
“In an age of mechanized gimmicks and bullshit social marketing tactics, the authenticity of a hand truly extended in friendship is never-ending. In marketing and life, don’t ever expect to receive more than you give.”
Sick of Marketing-Guru Futurists? What WON’T Change in 2020
If you buy one ad, be this one
If I was a small business and I wanted to grow in 2020, I would probably spend my hard-earned money on Instagram Stories ads. This doesn’t mean you double down, go all in, throwing money into a pit hoping it will drive your business. But, it’s worth the test. Especially if I was in the service industry, Instagram Stories ads targeted correctly would probably drive a lot of form fills.
If you’re one of these contractors, work with a pro to build a plan with clear KPI’s. Build the ads and a solid landing page with a clear CTA. Just don’t forget to be TIMELY with your responses.
Instagram Stories Ads: What Marketers Need to Know
Click. Bookmark. Execute.
The most critical part of a social media strategy isn’t which platform or budget for ads, but identifying your core objectives. If you’re a SMB trying to figure out a social strategy in 2020, you have to start with your goals.
I like this guide. It’s easy to understand and gives good pointers for how to get started. Remember, you get out what you put in. If you’re expecting results from social marketing, you have to put in the effort.
This is a good place to start.
How to Create a Social Media Style Guide for Your Business
Ship that thing | Get Better Friday
2020 has been a very busy year so far, so no coaching video this week. In fact, gonna keep this short and sweet. CES happened this week in Las Vegas and of course there’s a lot press coverage. If CES has taught me anything, its this.
Ship. That. Thing.
There were so many ridiculous things at CES with companies that thought it was a great idea not only to make it, but to spend the money to have a booth at CES. This easily cost thousands, tens of thousands of dollars. They took their shot.
Take your shot.