Category: Financial

This post was originally published on Feb. 9, 2018, and was updated on June 6, 2019 and Sept. 8, 2020.

Sadly, it’s rare to find a day job that is both fulfilling and pays well. Add the current economic insecurity on top of that and you might have a sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach. Don’t despair. Today it’s easier than ever to implement a side hustle — that is, a venture outside of the nine-to-five where you pursue what’s important to you and, hopefully, make a little extra cash in the process. It starts with coming up with a few side hustle ideas.

If the venture is planned and launched correctly, you could stand to earn a sizable chunk of money to … Read more

If you’re anything like me, when trying to market your business, you’ll look for every possible avenue to get the word out about what you do and why people need it. You may already be using blogging, Facebook, podcasting, Instagram, Pinterest or a combination of all of the above to spread the message of your company. But, are you using IGTV for business? If not, you could be missing out on hundreds, if not thousands of potential customers.

IGTV is quickly becoming a great way to help your audience get to know you better.

Some of my clients have only recently implemented the use of it, and are already enjoying the ability to engage with their potential customers on a deeper level.

Blogger and influencer friends as well as many of the marketers I admire are also implementing the use of IGTV for marketing their online businesses. I’m so impressed … Read more

This article originally published on GoDaddy’s OpenWeStand.org website.

The COVID-19 pandemic closed thousands of businesses, left millions without work, and brought about fear and uncertainty unlike anything many of us have ever experienced. Unfortunately, it’s during these vulnerable times that nefarious scammers look for opportunities to take advantage of others. With all of the worry and stress, how to avoid cyberscams isn’t something that crosses the minds of most people.  

Scammers are not just targeting individuals, either. With many U.S. small businesses struggling, cybercriminals are looking at ways to prey on these business owners.

How to avoid cyberscams

With the right know-how, you can protect yourself, your private information and your small business from scammers.

Know the types of scams out there

Scammers are surprisingly diverse and creative … Read more

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted nearly everyone on the planet in some way. One of the hardest-hit groups is small business owners, with recent reports showing that more than 100,000 small businesses have closed permanently due to the pandemic. And if your business is still standing, you might be wondering about ways to be profitable in this turbulent time.

Many businesses that have so far weathered the storm are now reopening to a changed, stagnant economy. The future is concerning. Some new regulations require customers to wear masks, high unemployment rates may limit people’s disposable income, and some businesses must operate at a lower capacity.

3 ways to be profitable during the COVID-19 pandemic

As this new world order sets in, it’s time for business owners to use innovative and creative solutions to not just stay afloat, but to be profitable throughout the pandemic. What are some ways to be … Read more

Today, with so many offers and in-depth reviews available, getting a new customer to commit to a purchase can be a challenge. While the sales funnel model has remained mostly unchanged, the way you interact with consumers at each stage has evolved significantly. Read on for tips on converting leads into paying customers using the AIDA sales funnel model.

The AIDA sales funnel model

The process of converting shoppers into paying customers is defined by the acronym AIDA, which stands for the four stages of consumer behavior:

1. Awareness: Your marketing strategies and brand awareness campaigns attract the attention of potential buyers.

2. Interest: Use email and social media marketing and other eye-catching promotional materials to retain interest.

3. Desire: Now that you have your target’s awareness and interest, you need to make them want your product or service.

Interact with your audience on social media, engage in online … Read more