There’s an awful lot of frustration out there when it comes to websites, social media, and all-things-online.  Some of the most common complaints I’ve heard most recently:

• I don’t have the time.  I spend all day trying to run my business.  More stuff to do is the last thing I need.
• There are FAR too many choices on line for where to spend my time.  How am I supposed to know where to start?
• Using social media a huge time suck, often with little reward.

Sound familiar?

Don’t Miss the Big Picture

What many are missing is the distinction between online presence as yet-another-to-do-list-item and online presence as a strategic business tool.

There’s no doubt that small businesses are fining success with websites and social media – look no further than our TOP Secrets: 7 Common Mistakes Businesses Make When Going Online to find the proof:

• a small hotel makes over $10,000 a year by using social media to announce last-minute cancellations, and $200,000 per year from first-time guests who fine them using social media
• an amusement park transforms a off-season into one of its best marketing periods
• an outdoor adventure company has integrated their website as a core element of their sales cycle

Nobody’s saying that success online comes free – it doesn’t.  It requires energy, passion, and commitment.  But for a small business, there is so much to be gained from expanding your reach in ways that traditional media and advertising just couldn’t do.

Making Sense of It All

Tired of spinning your wheels?  Want to ditch that to do list and start making your website and social media activities not just a marketing channel, but a strategic business tool? We can help.

We’re announcing the latest in our series of Do-It-Yourself guides, How to Nail Travel Marketing in Unfamiliar Territory. It is our most in-depth and comprehensive guide to date, answering these important questions:

• Should we be operating differently online?  Or is it the same as before?  Answer:  Some things have changed.  Others are the same.  We’ll help you paint the new picture.
• What does a business need to know in order to establish a good base presence online?  Answer:  Start acting like a publisher, not just an advertiser.
• Where should a business spend time online?  Answer: It depends on your business.  We’ve got the good and the bad, to help you decide.

This guide is packed with straightforward, easy-to-digest advice and information.  Whether you’re a newbie who needs hand-holding, or you’ve got a strategy together but aren’t sure if you’re taking advice of all the options, we’ve got you covered.

Avoiding Information Overload

We’re well aware of the amount of noise and information overload going on today.  So, to combat this problem, this expansive guide includes two key things to help you succeed smarter and faster:

• A 15 minute audio guide which will a) suggest the best way to make use of the materials, and b) some words of wisdom to help avoid the fluff and focus on results
• A DIY Online Marketing Strategy worksheet.  Some have said this is the best part of the guide and would have paid for this by itself!

Stop looking at your website and social media outreach as just “one more thing to do” and start getting strategic.

Are you going to miss this opportunity?

Tina McAllister, a small business owner herself, has been through guide.  Here’s what she had to say:

Tons of information without coming across as a potential “my head is gonna explode” kind of product…For tons of folks out there – your guide will be a real eye-opener. Good stuff!!

So, are you ready for an eye-opener?  Then check out How to Nail Marketing in Unfamiliar Territory.

Photo by pshutterbug