Swanmore Terrace

This week we completed a site for Swanmore Terrace.  If you are looking for a dining experience away from the ordinary you should visit Swanmore Terrace located at the Stephen Leacock Museum in Orillia, Ontario.  Featuring great views of Brewery Bay year round and the Stephen Leacock National Historic Site, you can take in the patio in season or when it cools down enjoy the warmth of the dining room with great views and a fireplace.  Catering to just lunch, social and corporate events and weddings make sure you add them to your list of places to visit next time your in Orillia.
http://www.swanmoreterrace.com/

Social Media and why it is important to your business

So what is all this hype about blogging, basically it is the explosion of social media into the business world.  What is social media, well you see it in Facebook pages, Twitter tweets, Linkedin, etc., but what do these have to do with my business you ask and why blogs, what is a blog? 

In short a blog is a personal or corporate diary in short on the internet, where you can broadcast ideas, photos, weblinks and anything else you think might be relevant to your customers.  How relevant is having a blog to your business, well have a quick look at some of the large companies who have a blog:
General Motors
Home Depot

This trend continues right down to the small mom and pop shop that uses their blog to communicate new products and ideas with their customers.  The most important concept though to this whole social marketing strategy though is to always have new content for your customers.  Just like your other marketing you need to continuously be changing and evolving with your clients needs, and unlike this form of marketing a blog gives your customers the opportunity to interact.  On your blog customers can ask questions and comment on new products and services all the while providing you the opportunity to respond.

More to follow soon.....

Reaching new customers

I had an interesting discussion today with a customer about how to reach new customers.  They have been in business for many years and have recently found that they are missing out as existing customers retire and move on.  Their company like many doesn't have a large advertising budget and they are facing a dilemma as to how and where to best spend their money.  They currently have a website which is performing well but it is mainly used by their existing customer base and they feel is not really bringing in new clients.  So we started discussing some of their major strong points and one is their customer service and their product line which is superior to many of the competitions imported goods.  With this information I suggested that trade shows in the area as well as displays in the local malls may be their best form of advertising.  It would give them the chance to meet new clients in person where they really shine as well as allow the customer to pickup and hold their products first hand.  My other suggestion was to send out something as simple as a Christmas card to their existing clients thanking them for their support for the upcoming holiday season.  This form of advertising goes along way, because someone is more likely to recommend your company if they have a personal relationship there that they can't get from Walmart.  I don't know about you but I have never received a card from Uncle Wally. 

This was just some of the discussion we had on their companies current branding, but if you would like more information on promoting your company or product please feel free to contact us at info@startsmartbusiness.com

Another new site added

Just completed this week is the new corporate website for B&B Climate Care in Orillia, ON.  B&B Climate Care has been serving the Orillia and Muskoka District since 1989.  Specializing in Heating & Cooling systems for both home and business they also are your expert source for your electrical and plumbing needs.
Make sure to check out their new site at http://www.bandbclimatecare.com/

Completed this week

If you are seeking independent medical evaluation make sure to visit IME Plus Evaluations ltd. on their new site at http://www.imeplus.ca/ or for information on what may be effecting your rights as a consumer with the insurance industry visit their blog at http://www.imeplus.blogspot.com/ .

Just completed this week

Make sure to visit the new Internet home of Bob Bellamy real estate we completed this week.  Bob has been a realtor in Barrie, ON for many years and is now bringing his vast experience to you on the Internet.  Make sure to stop by his website.  www.bobbellamy.ca

Also if vintage airplanes interest you visit our on going work for the Canadian International Air Races Blog for the July 16 & 17th 2011 Battle of Britain Air Show.  www.battleofbritain2011.blogspot.com

Is your business website earning you income?

From this past weeks the Globe and Mail, Canadians are spending even more online with an increase of $2.8Billion dollars over the figures from 2007. Click here for full article 
If your answer to the title of this post is NO we would welcome the opportunity to discuss what we can do to help. 

I know what your thinking now though, my business really doesn't loan itself to online sales so how does this apply to me?  Well even though you may not be selling online your customers are still searching for products and services there.  So if they can't find you there your missing out.  We can provide you with several different strategies that can be implemented to a) increase website traffic b) increase relevant search position with search engines and c) track web referrals so you have real information as to the success of your advertising online.

Talk to us today about your website - remember Christmas is just around the corner and can you afford to miss out on those lucrative online sales.