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7 Ways Startups Can Quickly and Successfully Establish Business Credibility

Published

3 years ago

February 4, 2022

So, you started a business and want to be a reliable source for prospective customers. There’s just one problem. You’re new to the game, and you know it takes time to establish business credibility.

While there are several pieces of information on the internet about establishing credibility, you aren’t finding what you need. You keep hearing people say things like “make content consistent” and “showcase your achievements,” but that isn’t helping. As a self-starter, you need tools and resources to establish business credibility so you can take actionable steps and achieve tangible results.

But before we dive into detail on the steps you can take to establish credibility for your business, let’s first answer an important question.

Table of Contents

Why is credibility important in business?

To understand why business credibility is important, we need to consider how it benefits an organization. Financial assurance, quality employees, and increased customer lifetime value are just a few benefits of business credibility. Others include employee retention, long-term customer acquisition, and new development opportunities.

You see, business credibility starts long before the first customer even makes a purchase. It begins when a company is forming. Leadership credibility can affect loan approvals and investor networking opportunities. Meanwhile, business credibility affects employee acquisition, customer loyalty, and trustworthiness in product offerings.

People associate reputation with credibility. Therefore, you must set your organization up for success and establish credibility from day one.

How to build business credibility: 7 steps for startups

Building a business from the ground up can be difficult. There’s paperwork, regulations, and strategies to hash out. Things can feel overwhelming when you layer credibility to this part of the startup process. Overwhelming, however, doesn’t have to be your new normal. Consider the following ways to establish credibility from day one:

1. Have a professional design your website

Nearly half of consumers (46.1%) admit to judging a website’s credibility solely on its design. When it comes to this statistic, the saying that perception is reality has never been more true. The more professional your website is, the greater an audience trusts your brand to fulfill their needs.

Badly designed websites can be confusing and frustrating to navigate. Set design parameters to help organize and clarify the message your organization is trying to get across. The more consistent your website is, the easier it is for someone to understand and trust your content.

2. Get in the Google reviews game

Odds are, you’ve traveled to a new location and searched for a place to eat. More than likely, you looked up the restaurant on the internet and used Google reviews to help make your decision. This same practice applies to most individuals and businesses across various industries.

Nearly 70% of online shoppers will read between one and six customer reviews before making a purchase, and 59% of consumers use Google to find customer reviews, making it the most popular review channel. People trust online reviews as much as a recommendation from a friend. Therefore, these digital references are a sure way to help establish credibility with your prospective customers.

You might be thinking it will take you a long time to get a reputable number of Google reviews for your business. While this could be the case for some startups, it doesn’t have to be your story. For example, I once worked with a dentist who only had 70 reviews when I started helping his practice as a marketing director; six months later, he had 370 reviews.

ALSO READ: 10 Ways to Make Money as a Freelance Data Scientist Using AI Tools

So, what did we do? We utilized review tools to automate our Google review process. We also incentivized team members when we hit a certain number of reviews and when a customer mentioned their name in a review. This collaboration made everyone excited to ask for a review and increased our credibility with customers.

3. Join the Forbes Business Council

The Forbes Business Council is an organization designed specifically for small and medium-sized business owners and executives. This group is associated with Forbes, which reaches more than 150 million people, so just being a member can improve your business status and reputation. In addition, members can participate in expert panels and write articles, which enhances their reputation as thought leaders.

It’s important to know that Forbes Business Council is an application-only program. The good news is that because the program is selective, your authority status gets elevated that much more once you’re chosen.

4. Create impactful thought leadership content

In a survey of over 1,200 businesses leaders, only 18% said the thought leadership content they consumed was excellent or good—or 82% of content isn’t hitting the mark. This is why impactful thought leadership content can set your organization apart from others when you’re just starting.

But, what is effective thought leadership content, and how do you create that initially? Here are a few tips to help you create content that establishes credibility and resonates with your audience:

Consider how your content will solve a need for prospective customers.
Think about the emotions you want your audience to feel as a result of your information.
Plan out the actions you want someone to take after consuming your content.
Layer your own research or data into content pieces you create.
Gather interview statements or client testimonials to leverage across digital channels.
Discuss ideas competitors aren’t already talking about on podcasts, social platforms, and other content formats.

5. Participate in C-Suite chats

C-Suite chats are an effective way to establish yourself and your organization in its respective industry. Here, executive leaders can discuss helpful insights, data, tips, and tricks related to their businesses. People view executives and leaders as experts in their field and, as a result, often pay more attention to the conversations.

C-Suite chats have been around for a while and mainly took place at Rotary Clubs and with other professional groups. But thanks to the digital era, here are some trending C-Suite formats you can leverage in your business:

Examples of business credibility

Company blog—Your company blog is a great place to post interview-style conversations with company executives. You can also share information from partners and other high-level leaders you collaborate with in your industry.
Clubhouse rooms—Clubhouse is a great way to reach a large audience via audio education. Small business leaders can create rooms related to their business, and others have the opportunity to listen and learn. Executives like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg have shared discussions on the platform, increasing user engagement.
Instagram Live—Through Instagram, executives can host live Q&A sessions on their business pages with existing customers and prospective clients. Going live establishes credibility between a brand and its audience and makes your startup more relatable.
YouTube collaborations— YouTube discussions between like-minded business owners help clarify company positions, establish credibility, and educate audiences.

6. Host a business podcast

Business podcasts are another great way to boost credibility. More than half of U.S. consumers (57%) have listened to a podcast, and 41% of Americans listen to podcasts at least once a month. Educational podcasts are the second-most popular podcast genre.

ALSO READ: How Challenging the AI Tools are for Freelance Writers?

Think of business podcasts as chapters in a book and listeners as fans. Audiences listen to audio snippets to learn. Therefore, they enable you to share knowledge with a target audience, establishing brand credibility by increasing your startup’s digital footprint.

On a podcast, you can interview business partners and customers, share tips, and do many other things to increase your credibility. Popular shows like Planet Money and the Mind Your Business Podcast have used similar methods to generate millions of listeners and establish themselves in the startup landscape. The key is to generate authenticity in the conversations you create.

7. Give a TEDx Talk

TEDx events include live speakers and recorded TED Talks, and are organized independently under a free license granted by TED. More than 3,000 TEDx events are held annually.

Some of the most-watched TEDx Talks have over 11 million views—that’s a high number of individuals leaning on TEDx Talks for personal growth tactics or business strategies. So, why not use that exposure to your benefit and give a TEDx Talk to elevate your brand? Thousands of individuals have given TEDx talks since the program started in 2009, with more entrepreneurs and executives giving them each day.

Other tips for businesses to gain credibility

Establishing your business as a credible source takes time and commitment. First, consider how what you do resonates with others. Next, think about the types of connections you want to make and the employees and customers you want to work with along the way. Here are a few more suggestions to establish your credibility:

Network or partner with other credible businesses in your area.
Provide unique customer perspectives in advertising campaigns.
Showcase your credentials or awards.

How to measure credibility in business

Once you have learned how to build credibility, it’s time to understand how to measure it. One way to measure credibility in the business world is to look at your organization’s referral percentage. The more customers and other businesses trust your reputation, the greater number of referrals you’ll receive.

For a dentist, credibility could be percentage of orthodontic referrals + new customer referrals from existing clients, while for for a software company, it might be the number of value-added resellers you’ve added to your partnership list. Here’s a simple equation to measure business credibility:

Credibility = Customer Referrals + Business Referrals + Number of New Partnerships/
Total Number of Customers/Partners Associated With Your Business

establish business credibility formula — *Image © Joelle Cullimore*

If we took this equation and applied it to the software company example, here’s what we’d get. Last month they had a total of 5 new customer referrals. In addition, 3 businesses referred them to other organizations. They also acquired 2 new value-added resell partners. So if their total number of partners and customers is 200:

Credibility = 5+3+2/200 = 0.05

As you can see, the software company’s credibility rating is 5%. You can compare these numbers month-to-month to determine your company’s average credibility score. Then, use that average to set a baseline goal and a target goal for your business.

The ROI of credibility

Ultimately, credibility is the foundation for any business. From getting a business loan to generating new customers, your reputation is what sets you apart from others. Consider the impact a professionally designed website, Google reviews, and impactful thought leadership content have in establishing your business presence.

Leverage credible brands like Forbes and TEDx to propel your business’s reputation forward. Create podcasts and cohost conversations with other leaders in your space. Then, measure the credibility rating of your organization and compare it month over month.

Once you have a solid data foundation, you might consider looking at the relationship between revenue and credibility. Odds are you’ll find consistencies between high credibility ratings and increased revenue. Tapping into the role credibility plays in your business early on can save you hard-earned dollars, time, and brand headaches, while increasing your startup’s chances of success.

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5 Ways To Leverage Business Coaching To Grow Your Marketing Agency

Published

8 months ago

March 21, 2024

Abdul Rahman

Business coaching has become a popular way for entrepreneurs to improve their skills and grow their companies. It is a process that involves working with a coach to identify areas of improvement and create an action plan to achieve specific goals. Business coaching can be especially helpful for marketing agencies looking to increase revenue, improve operations, and expand their client base.

An agency owner utilizes business coaching to grow their marketing agency, implementing strategies and techniques to achieve success

There are many ways that business coaching can benefit marketing agencies. For example, a coach can help agency owners identify their unique selling proposition, develop a marketing plan, and create a sales strategy. They can also provide guidance on how to manage finances, build a strong team, and cultivate relationships with clients. By leveraging the expertise of a business coach, marketing agencies can gain a competitive advantage and achieve their goals more quickly.

In this article, we will explore five ways that marketing agencies can leverage business coaching to grow their business. We will provide practical tips and advice on how to work with a coach, develop a growth mindset, and implement effective strategies to achieve success. Whether you are a new agency owner or an experienced marketer, this article will provide valuable insights into how to take your business to the next level.

Table of Contents

Identifying Growth Opportunities

An agency owner sits at a desk, brainstorming with a business coach. Charts and graphs cover the walls, showing growth opportunities

As a marketing agency owner, it’s important to identify growth opportunities to remain competitive and expand your business. Business coaching can help you identify these opportunities and develop strategies to leverage them effectively.

Evaluating Current Marketing Strategies

The first step in identifying growth opportunities is to evaluate your current marketing strategies. This includes analyzing your target audience, messaging, channels, and tactics. A business coach can help you assess your strengths and weaknesses and identify areas for improvement.

One effective way to evaluate your current marketing strategies is to conduct a SWOT analysis. This involves identifying your agency’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. By doing so, you can gain a better understanding of your agency’s position in the market and identify areas where you can improve.

Setting Clear Growth Objectives

Once you have evaluated your current marketing strategies, the next step is to set clear growth objectives. This involves defining specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals that align with your agency’s overall vision and mission.

ALSO READ: How to Make Money Web Designer and Web Developer

A business coach can help you set realistic growth objectives that take into account your agency’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. They can also help you develop strategies to achieve these objectives and track your progress over time.

In conclusion, identifying growth opportunities is critical for marketing agency owners who want to remain competitive and expand their businesses. Business coaching can help you evaluate your current marketing strategies, set clear growth objectives, and develop effective strategies to achieve them.

Optimizing Team Performance

A team of professionals gathered around a table, engaged in a lively discussion, with charts and graphs displayed on a screen in the background

Enhancing Team Skills and Knowledge

One of the main benefits of business coaching is the opportunity to enhance the skills and knowledge of your team. A coach can work with your team to identify areas where they need to improve and provide guidance on how to develop those skills. This can include training sessions, workshops, or one-on-one coaching sessions.

To make the most of this opportunity, it’s important to be open to feedback and willing to make changes. Encourage your team to share their goals and aspirations with the coach so they can work together to develop a plan to achieve them.

Fostering a Productive Work Environment

Another way business coaching can help your marketing agency is by fostering a productive work environment. A coach can work with you and your team to identify areas where productivity is lacking and provide guidance on how to improve it.

This can include setting clear goals and expectations, creating a positive and supportive work culture, and implementing systems and processes to streamline workflows. By creating a productive work environment, you can increase efficiency, reduce stress, and improve overall job satisfaction.

Overall, optimizing team performance through business coaching can have a significant impact on the success of your marketing agency. By enhancing skills and knowledge and fostering a productive work environment, you can unlock the full potential of your team and achieve your business goals.

Implementing Effective Systems

An agency owner implements systems, leveraging coaching to grow their marketing agency

As a marketing agency owner, it’s important to implement effective systems to streamline processes and increase efficiency. This can be achieved through various strategies, including streamlining agency processes and leveraging technology.

Streamlining Agency Processes

One way to streamline agency processes is to clearly define roles and responsibilities for each team member. This ensures that everyone knows what is expected of them and can work together more efficiently. Additionally, setting up a system for regular check-ins and progress updates can help keep everyone on track and ensure that tasks are completed in a timely manner.

ALSO READ: How to Use Social Media to Promote Your Blog

Another way to streamline agency processes is to implement a project management system. This can help keep track of deadlines, assign tasks to team members, and monitor progress. By having all project-related information in one place, it can be easier to manage and keep everyone on the same page.

Leveraging Technology for Efficiency

Technology can be a powerful tool for increasing efficiency in a marketing agency. For example, using automation software can help streamline repetitive tasks such as social media scheduling or email marketing campaigns. This frees up time for team members to focus on more important tasks and can help increase overall productivity.

Another way to leverage technology is to use cloud-based tools for collaboration and file sharing. This allows team members to access files and work on projects from anywhere, which can be especially helpful for remote teams. Additionally, using tools such as video conferencing can help facilitate communication and collaboration between team members who may not be in the same location.

By implementing effective systems, marketing agency owners can increase efficiency and productivity, ultimately helping their agency to grow faster.

Building Strong Client Relationships

An agency owner engages in a coaching session, discussing client relationships and growth strategies for their marketing agency

As a marketing agency owner, building strong client relationships is crucial to growing your business. Here are two ways to do it:

Understanding Client Needs

To build a strong client relationship, it’s important to understand their needs. This means taking the time to listen to their goals, challenges, and pain points. By understanding what they’re looking to achieve, you can tailor your marketing strategies to meet their needs.

One way to do this is by conducting regular check-ins with your clients. This can be done through phone calls, emails, or in-person meetings. During these check-ins, you can ask questions and gather feedback to ensure that you’re meeting their expectations.

Delivering Consistent Value

Another way to build strong client relationships is by delivering consistent value. This means providing high-quality services that meet or exceed their expectations. By consistently delivering value, you can build trust and establish a long-term relationship with your clients.

To deliver consistent value, it’s important to have clear communication with your clients. This means setting expectations upfront and providing regular updates on your progress. You should also be willing to go above and beyond to ensure that your clients are satisfied with your services.

Overall, building strong client relationships is essential to growing your marketing agency. By understanding client needs and delivering consistent value, you can establish trust and build long-term partnerships with your clients.

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Unlocking Success: A Comprehensive Guide on How to Make Money as a Travel Blogger and Vlogger

Published

8 months ago

March 20, 2024

Abdul Rahman

Table of Contents

Introduction

In today’s digital age, the world of travel blogging and vlogging has exploded, allowing individuals to turn their passion for travel into a profitable career. This article will delve into the strategies and tips on how to make money as a travel blogger and vlogger, providing insights based on real-time data and trends in the industry.

Understanding the Landscape

To effectively monetize your travel content, it’s important to have a good understanding of the current state of travel blogging and vlogging. Thanks to the emergence of social media platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, travel influencers have become increasingly popular, drawing in a large following of travel enthusiasts.

Building Your Brand

Establishing a strong personal brand is essential for success in the travel blogging and vlogging industry. Define your niche, create high-quality content, and engage with your audience to build a loyal following. Consistency and authenticity are key factors that will set you apart from the competition.

Monetization Strategies

1. Sponsored Content

Collaborating with brands for sponsored posts, reviews, and promotions is a common way for travel bloggers and vloggers to monetize their platforms. As your following grows, brands will be willing to pay for exposure to your audience.

2. Affiliate Marketing

By promoting products or services through affiliate links in your content, you can earn a commission for every sale or lead generated. Choose affiliate programs that align with your brand and audience to maximize your earnings.

ALSO READ: How To Prepare Yourself To Quit Your Job And Go Freelance

3. Ad Revenue

Monetize your blog or YouTube channel through advertising networks like Google AdSense or Mediavine. As your traffic increases, you can earn passive income from ad placements on your content.

4. Selling Products or Services

Create and sell your products such as e-books, merchandise, online courses, or photography prints. Offering services like travel consulting or photography sessions can also be a lucrative revenue stream.

Leveraging Social Media

Utilize social media platforms to expand your reach and engage with your audience. Share your travel experiences, and behind-the-scenes content, and interact with followers to build a strong community. Collaborate with other influencers and participate in social media campaigns to increase your visibility.

Diversifying Income Streams

To ensure long-term success as a travel blogger and vlogger, diversify your income streams. Explore opportunities such as public speaking engagements, brand partnerships, sponsored trips, and hosting workshops or events to supplement your earnings.

Staying Relevant and Engaging

In a competitive industry like travel blogging and vlogging, staying relevant and engaging is crucial. Keep up with industry trends, adapt to algorithm changes on social media platforms, and consistently produce high-quality content that resonates with your audience.

Conclusion

Making money as a travel blogger and vlogger requires dedication, creativity, and a strategic approach to monetization. By building a strong brand, leveraging multiple income streams, and staying engaged with your audience, you can turn your passion for travel into a sustainable and rewarding career. Embrace the journey, stay authentic, and watch your success soar in the dynamic world of travel blogging and vlogging.

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SimplyHired: The Great Platform for Freelance and Regular Journalist, Writing, and Technical Jobs

Published

9 months ago

March 10, 2024

Abdul Rahman

Introduction

SimplyHired.com has emerged as a prominent player in the job search industry, offering a wide array of opportunities for freelance and regular journalists, writers, and technical professionals. In this blog article, we delve deep into the platform’s features, benefits, and drawbacks to provide a comprehensive review for job seekers in these fields.

Overview of SimplyHired.com:
SimplyHired.com is a popular job search engine that aggregates job listings from various sources across the web. It provides a user-friendly interface that allows job seekers to easily search for opportunities based on their preferences and qualifications. The platform covers a diverse range of industries, including journalism, writing, and technical fields, making it a valuable resource for professionals in these sectors.

Exploring Freelance Opportunities:
For freelance journalists and writers, SimplyHired.com offers a plethora of opportunities to showcase their skills and expertise. The platform features a dedicated section for freelance jobs, where individuals can find assignments ranging from content writing to copywriting to journalism. With its easy-to-use search filters and personalized job alerts, freelancers can efficiently navigate through the available opportunities and apply for gigs that match their interests.

Navigating Regular Journalist Positions:
Journalists seeking full-time or part-time positions can also benefit from SimplyHired.com’s extensive database of job listings. The platform hosts a wide range of journalism roles across various media outlets, including newspapers, online publications, and broadcasting companies. Job seekers can explore opportunities such as reporter positions, editor roles, news anchors, and more, tailored to their experience level and expertise.

Tapping into Technical Job Openings:
In addition to journalism and writing roles, SimplyHired.com caters to technical professionals looking for job opportunities in fields such as software development, IT support, engineering, and more. The platform features a dedicated section for technical jobs, where individuals can find positions that match their skill set and experience. Whether you’re a software engineer looking for a new challenge or an IT specialist seeking career advancement, SimplyHired.com offers a diverse range of technical roles to explore.

ALSO READ: How to Make Money Web Designer and Web Developer

Pros and Cons of SimplyHired.com:
While SimplyHired.com provides a comprehensive platform for job seekers in journalism, writing, and technical fields, it’s essential to consider both the pros and cons before diving in. Some of the key advantages include its user-friendly interface, extensive job listings, personalized job alerts, and diverse industry coverage. However, users have reported occasional issues with outdated listings, limited filtering options, and competition from other job search platforms.

Conclusion:
The biggest job site: SimplyHired.com stands out as a valuable resource for freelance and regular journalists, writers, and technical professionals seeking job opportunities in their respective fields. By leveraging its user-friendly interface and extensive database of job listings, individuals can navigate through a wide range of opportunities tailored to their skills and preferences. While there are some drawbacks to consider, the platform’s overall benefits make it a worthwhile tool for those looking to advance their careers in journalism, writing, or technical roles.

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