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Tag: san diego

Posted by Megan Blahnik

Disappearing Content is the Future of Advertising

Advertising, Content Marketing, Marketing Campaigns, Social Media, Social Media For Retail Businesses, Social Media Marketing, Social Media predictions

We’re not really too sure if Snapchat knew exactly what they were getting into with the concept of disappearing content. You know, it being the future of social media and all. But why would we want our content to disappear? It all comes down to the power of relevance.

As we have mentioned in past blogs, the future of content is user intent. Although Facebook and Instagram have become more organized as far as relative content, Snapchat has become king. With the power to choose what we want to see, the only content audiences view is exactly what they want to see; what they intend to see. And not only is appealing to them in the first place, but the fact that it only lasts so long commands more attention than it would if it did not have the ability to disappear.

Much like feeds that seems to tailor themselves to the user’s personality and interests, Snapchat also offers options of different entertainment companies to view their content like magazines, sports channels, teams, models and more. By taking this information into account and storing it in the user’s personalized account, they have specific options to revisit the content whenever they choose until it eventually disappears. This creates a win-win for brands and companies to not have to bombard users with over saturated ads and give a special insight into the exciting lives behind them simultaneously. These channels seem to be one of the most popular features of the application, besides the fact that the filters fuel social lives for friends to share.

How Can It Help You?

So far, the creative and illusive form of content has been used for campaigns and fundraisers through uploaded selfies and relative pictures. According to Blue Baboon Digital, “in 2014 the World’s Wildlife Fund began a Snapchat campaign to raise awareness about endangered species. They launched the #LastSelfie campaign, inspired by the disappearing nature of Snapchat. They included the tagline ‘Don’t let this be my #LastSelfie’ to encourage users of the app to take pictures of their ads and share them with friends.”

Beyond which companies and brands are already featured on this application and utilize its beneficial properties, any are open to use it! The hype of disappearing content not only attracts big businesses due to its popularity but its low cost especially. Snap Ads generally run only $3,000 a month, sponsored lens can be a bit pricier running from $5,000 Mon-Friday, and finally, the discover ads that we have been talking about. Priced at $50,000 currently, Snap decided to drop the rates from $750,000 to make them more affordable with “Live Story” prices at $250,000 in the Discover section.

With many options to choose from, more and more brands and businesses are jumping on board to the Snapchat disappearing platform every day. Depending on how much your budget is for advertising, this is definitely considered to be a wise investment for personal brands as well as clients. Consider how much you want your name out there and what you’re willing to invest for it; this is the future of social media advertising so let’s get with the times.

Posted by Megan Blahnik

A Realistic Look at San Diego and Its Charming #8 Luster

Business, SEO

In a recent study done by WalletHub, San Diego was deemed the eighth best large city to live in across the nation. Not bad, but we all know that it’s a stretch to give us that number as the dream vacation destination of So-Cal. Whether you want to transport yourself back to the vibing ‘60s in Ocean Beach, dine like royalty in North County’s Encinitas over the ocean, or explore the authentically enchanting history of Balboa Park, we have it all. Ribbed with beautiful beaches, delicious food, fun activities and nightlife accommodations, and incredible hotels that inhabit our serene city, we are eternally lucky to call San Diego home. However, it is important to know that people that live here work as hard as they play.

Number 30?

Recently ranked number 30 out of 62 national areas, San Diego’s current local economy and income taxes are something to consider when desiring to move here in a realistic sense. Granted we are no L.A (well behind us at number 38), or San Francisco at 17th. But we are climbing the ladder of difficulty to sustain a life here and fast. Sixth in health, 11th in education, and just shy of San Jose’s high point average, it is getting harder to make a life for yourself here. What is hurting us to sink so far down the list? Our wages. It is no secret that although economic prices are high in Northern California, the incomes match them creating an easier environment to afford. However, we seem to have lost the memo based on what we are paying to live here as our wages are significantly lower than our overall local pricing.

All locals know these facts as they are more than aware when trying to pay their rent or their mortgages; we really have no choice. But, according to WalletHub, this survey was “tied to a time of the year when families and individuals decide if it’s time to move for a better job and better life.” Due to the company’s always updated data compilation chart, people have become “obsessed” with understanding the best places to live within their means. Who could blame them?

Number 48?

Like we said, none of this is new information. But Bakersfield winning the number one spot for family activities and fun over San Diego kind of irks us, we won’t lie; especially with how a resident must endure the smell of manure 24/7. Come on. With one of the best Zoo’s in the nation and the incredible Hotel Del, one would think that San Diego would not rank 48th. But we have become small potatoes in this category.

Our fun beaches, awesome nightlife, lavish hotels, bay front views, and authentic restaurants unfortunately don’t match up what we would hope. But nonetheless, we still love our city for what it is. Despite the tough times, San Diego still is a magical place to sustain a life and raise a family.

Posted by Megan Blahnik

San Diego Might Be Open Until 4 A.M.

Blogging, Business, Local SEO

We are already known as the most liberal state out there, so now California is out to set the bar again for the states. This, a play on words as we are aiming to achieve the extension of bar time until 4 a.m. But this is no easy feat against public safety organizations scattered across the state that believe the lack of restriction will increase the crime rate. Local requirements, longer business hours, more law enforcement- will it be worth it?

Most argue the costs will not be, especially former chair of Pacific Beach Planning Group, Brian Curry, according to the San Diego Union Tribune. “Where’s the positive economic impact of our current law which allows drinking until 2 a.m.? Does it in any way come close to exceeding the negative impacts resulting from injury, death, and law enforcement, (on) city services, and anti-social behavior?” Yes, he has a point as our economy is already struggling. But we already know that the youthful piece of the population will be in favor of this motion, feeding their habits, social lives, and personality. As much as they are hungry for alcohol and adventure, local officials feel the same about the way the city is perceived; always wanting to be “the best.”

The silver lining? Those that want to partake in the communal uprising of socialites can choose to and those that want nothing to do with it can reject the extended bar hours. It’s a win-win. Co-author of the bill, Joel Anderson, says “this bill will allow tourist destinations an opportunity to apply to stay open later only with local support. Every scenario suggested by the naysayers would quickly fail to be approved in the process.” Although it will be fun for kids to stay out later, the real responsibility will rely on local officials that will be required to form task forces comprised of local police, Highway Patrol and more to oversee the aftermath of the extension.

It will also be interesting to see what this possible extension will do for those that drive drinkers for a living, aka Uber and Lyft. One of the major worries of the public safety organizations is that the differing closing hours in the community will increase chances of drunk driving. “Different bar hours between different cities would only encourage people to drive- oftentimes while drunk- in order to find a business that is open late and still serving alcohol.” Which we understand, but considering how prominent these driving companies are in this city, we feel that most will simply rely on the cheap form of transportation more. But then again, who knows?

Intended to increase the sources of entertainment that feed the economy, tourism, and marketing for the city, the bill is currently awaiting the approval of the local Assembly Appropriations Committee here in San Diego. If the Committee is in favor, the bill will become law and has potential to be issued as soon as January 1, 2020. Being in the Gaslamp community, lucky enough to be, we are often exposed to this rich, vivid nightlight culture. As long as our society does not risk their well-being, we are in favor of the extension and hope to partake in the festivities from time-to-time. How do you feel about the bill? Are you in favor of the nightlife or the security of safety?

Posted by Patrick

Local SEO Best Practices for Small Businesses in San Diego

Business Tips, Content Marketing, SEO 0

When running a small business in today’s digital age, it’s no secret that much of your marketing efforts will rely on the Internet. With so many people online, and using the web to research businesses and read product and service reviews, it’s extra important to employ a few local SEO best practices when implementing your digital marketing strategy

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Posted by Patrick

5 Social Media Trends We’re Excited to See in 2017

Advertising, Business Tips, Content Marketing, Social Good, Social Media, Social Media for Consumer Products, Uncategorized 0

TRENDS 2017 businessman work hard hand touch

2017 is here, and that means there are sure to be a whole slew of brand new technologies, trends and innovative ways in which marketers will be promoting their business this year. We’ve scoured the web to find out more in terms of what we’re to expect this year, and we’ve found some exciting new trends that we’d love to share with you so that you too are in the loop with the latest and greatest in digital marketing to date.

AI Lenses for Instagram and Facebook

Much like the Snapchat filters, Instagram and Facebook are now working on AI Lenses for profile pictures that are sure to rival the ever-popular filters on Snapchat, according to Sprout Social. Thanks to the popular Snapchat stories, this trend isn’t going away anytime soon, and we should be seeing much more of it overall social media platforms this year.

More Growth for Snapchat

Last year Snapchat experienced an enormous amount of growth to reach a total of 150 million daily users in 2016, with 41% of US adults aged 18-34 being users.

Automation Turns into Social Media Management

Businesses are starting to see the value in real-time posting and engagement for their social media platforms across the board. This is showing business owners and marketers alike that there is much more value in hiring a social media management firm to actively manage all social media accounts in more real-time than setting up everything with automation, so that it is basically on auto-pilot. Opportunities for reaching more people, getting in on what’s most current, trending and up to date, and being more responsive to followers in real-time is going to be essential in 2017.

Paid Content is King

2017 Trends

Navigating the ever-changing algorithms over Facebook and Instagram have forced marketers into boosting and promoting content in order to reach more people. This trend isn’t going anywhere, anytime soon. If businesses want to reach more people, advertising their content over platforms such as Facebook and Instagram are going to be essential. It will also help to pair this effort with the expertise of a local search engine optimization firm to reach even more people over the Internet, and gain maximum exposure for not only your content, but your company website as well.

Social Media Expertise Demand at an All-Time High

Nine out of ten companies currently report that their employees lack the skill sets needed to effectively execute social media management and marketing in an overall effective way. This is going to push companies to start considering outsourcing their social media management to an experienced marketing firm. This will save companies time, and even money when it comes to managing their social media efforts in a manner that will not only drive sales, leads and ROI, but build a loyal following that is sure to stick with them for years to come.

Social media is constantly changing, which is also changing the way that businesses must market themselves. Gone will be the days of in-house marketing if companies truly want to get an edge above their competition and become power houses over social media and the Internet. For more information, or a detailed quote, call (619) 291-8181 or fill out our contact form. We look forward to hearing from you.

Posted by Patrick

Internet Marketing Strategies for Restaurants, Nightclubs and Bars

Advertising, Business Tips, Facebook, Social Media, Strategic Planning, Strategy 0

collagebarnight (Small)
Competition among nightclubs, restaurants and bars for new customers is fierce, and that is why it’s important to get your name out there. You may have tried old-fashioned local advertising and gotten a few results. However, the majority of restaurants and bar owners are totally forgetting about how powerful the Internet can be for marketing entertainment, meals and drinks. It’s time to get back in the game, compete and show off your fabulous menu, nightclub acts and exceptional drinks.

Community Websites

Taking a few minutes to research on the Internet should reveal several community websites, which are great for promoting your business. As the name indicates, these are community sites that let you advertise your local business in the community and promote your menus, events and contests.

Mobile Marketing

Don’t forget about mobile marketing. Once you get your website set up and running properly, make sure it’s equipped to handle mobile devices. Many restaurants are missing out on advertising and sales because they haven’t taken time to make their site mobile compatible.

Company Websites

You may be missing out on new customers and possibly even sales, if you don’t have a website presence. According to AIS Media, about 89 percent of consumers indicate they search online for restaurant websites before deciding to visit the restaurant. Are you missing out?

Restaurant customers are dying to get a peek at your menu, and they would love it if you posted discount coupons. Anybody running a nightclub could promote their upcoming acts and sell tickets online. Bar owners could have a small website with cool images of their bar and post amusing histories of famous drinks they serve.

Blogging

People love to read funny stories about businesses and how they got started. You can blog about anything that relates to your business and keep customers checking back weekly. If you provide a bit of entertainment and dazzle them with humor, they’ll remember your restaurant Friday night!

Social Media

When social media sites like Facebook and Twitter first appeared on the scene, many people just didn’t know what to think about them. However, the smart business promoters have since learned what a gold mine social media websites can be.

Any time day or night, you can post exciting news and updates (free) about your brand. Soon your company name or Mexican combination plate will be the talk of the Internet.

Providing helpful information and answering questions on social media sites helps to establish your authority, and people will remember your name and kindness.

Email Marketing

Sending out a monthly newsletter about new menu items or entertainers you’re featuring is a wonderful way to keep in touch with current customers. Every small business wants to get new customers, but it’s important to keep current customers interested as well.

Review Websites

An excellent way to promote your club, bar or restaurant is to take advantage of free customer reviews. More customers are now using the Internet to research restaurants and bar reviews before they decide to go for a meal or a drink. Real customer testimonials are priceless forms of advertising that really spread the word about your company.

So, ask your favorite customers if they would take a minute to post a business review. Consider giving them a discount on drinks or perhaps a free lunch to thank them for their time.

Once you understand the importance of Internet marketing strategies, your possibilities are endless. Try your hand at a bit of social media marketing, make your website mobile friendly, and spread the word that you’re open for business and ready for customers! Feel free to contact MySMN for additional marketing strategies.

Posted by Patrick

10 Easy Steps for Planning a Successful Marketing Strategy

Business Tips, Strategic Planning, Strategy 0

Market Research Business Percentage Research Marketing Strategy Concept

As a small business owner, you know how important it is to market your business effectively. Even if you haven’t reached your marketing goals just yet, there is no reason to worry. Follow these simple tips below to reach your goals for years to come.

1. A marketing plan isn’t meant to be a quick fix.

The first thing you need to do is think about what your goals are for the next few years and not just the next couple of months. Thinking about what direction you want your business to head in over the long run will help to eliminate the stress of trying to make things happen in the next couple weeks or so.

2. Define your motivation.

You should focus on what you want to achieve for your business, rather than what you feel you need to do. Don’t include something in your marketing plan that you cannot believe in on your own. Being driven toward your goals is one of the best motivators out there.

3. Create goals that are a challenge.

When you set a challenge for yourself, you will be inspired to try and reach your goals. It will take your business to a new level, while demanding you to do your best.

4. Think about how you plan to reach your goals.

Your marketing strategy should outline what steps you have to take to reach your goals, such as hiring new employees, looking for new clients or networking. Your plan should be well-researched and detailed.

5. Consider what skills are needed to help you reach your goal.

There are a lot of different ways to gain knowledge without spending a ton of money and time along the way. You should have a clear idea of where you want your business to be. One of the main components of any marketing strategy is having a copywriter on hand. You need someone who can create compelling brochures, newsletters, emails and more.

6. Set goals that are realistic.

Analyze your current marketing goals. If some of them are pretty far-fetched, you need to revamp them and make them something that you can actually achieve over time.

7. Break your plan down into smaller parts.

Specify what goals you want to reach each year to give you a target to achieve without feeling overwhelmed. This gives you the opportunity to check goals off your list one at a time and see your progress as time progresses.

8. Prepare a plan of action for all of your goals.

Include steps that you are going to take to achieve each goal you set for your business. While some steps might be the same from one goal to the next, it is important that you detail everything as much as possible.

9. Time to whip out the calendar.

Regardless of what type of calendar you plan to use, you need to be consistent in using one every day. Transfer your marketing plan to your calendar to give yourself a timeframe to work off of.

10. Review your progress every month

By reviewing your progress on a monthly basis, you can see where you are and what steps you need to take to make sure you are on schedule with your current plan. If you didn’t get everything done that you wanted to in the month before, use that as motivation to do better for the coming month.

By following the tips above to create and improve your marketing plan, you can take your business to the next level in no time at all. In the event that you’d like a professional team on your side, we’d be happy to discuss your marketing plan further.

Posted by Patrick

What is the Twitter Verified and the Meaning of the Blue Check Marks?

Social Media, Twitter 0

What is the Twitter Verified and the Meaning of the Blue Check Marks?

As an avid Twitter user you may have encountered sites where a blue check mark appears next to the user’s name. You may have asked yourself, “What is the blue check mark for and why don’t I have one on my Twitter account?”

A reasonable question and one that warrants the following answer: the blue check mark indicates that the account has been Twitter verified. This allows your account to stand out among the crowd as a user of distinction and notice. If you have ever wondered about the process for becoming Twitter verified and what it means to you, particularly if you use Twitter as a means for attracting attention or increasing sales through your online presence, here is some additional information about the Twitter verified process.Blue bird

What is Twitter Verified?

An account that has been Twitter verified is one that has been authenticated as to the actual identity of the person using the account. This helps ward off fake profiles and those that may mimic you or your company in an attempt to fool other users, defame or otherwise bring harm to you. The Twitter verified blue check mark is an inventive way Twitter that helps users distinguish between your real Twitter presence and some imposters attempt to steal your social media identity.

Becoming Twitter verified is not as easy as applying for such designation. Twitter has a criteria in place that determines which accounts receive the blue check mark badge. This criteria includes, but is not limited to certain users in the following key interest areas: music, acting, fashion, government, politics, religion, journalism, media, sports, and business. The number of followers that you have for your account or tweet count are not factored in the Twitter verification process.

Is Having a Blue Check Mark on Twitter Important?

If contacted by Twitter to apply to become Twitter verified, you should consider how it may help you or your business. Having the Twitter verified blue check mark will help in eliminating identity fraud, which may be of particular importance if you rely on social media for some of your marketing and promotional efforts. Although the process for becoming verified on Twitter is by no way foolproof, it can cut down on the potential harm and damage that may be done to your reputation if your presence is misused by another Twitter user mimicking your identity.

It should be noted that until Twitter changes their process, becoming Twitter verified is dependent upon you meeting their criteria and being contacted for inclusion. Do not simply add the words “verified account,” to your Twitter account; this could result in permanent suspension from the social media site.

Posted by Patrick

What we Learned From the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

Social Good, Uncategorized 0

What We Learned From the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

In 2013 the ALS Association, an organization dedicated to providing care options and assistance to those battling Lou Gehrig’s Disease, raised $2.7 million between the period July 29 through August 27. A year later the organization raised $94.3 million for the same period, attributed to what has become known as the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. The challenge, which to date has raised over $114 million toward the cause, has become a phenomenon that has taken on a life of its own.

The Ice Bucket Challenge has raised awareness and attention to ALS but it has also caused organizations to re-evaluate how the power of suggestion and social networks can drive attention to your product or service and create a massive call-to-action. Here is some more information about the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and how its success may apply to your situation as you work to increase your impact online.

What is the Ice Bucket Challenge?

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge was created innocently enough in July 2014 as a challenge between two friends that happened to choose ALS as their charitable beneficiary. The power of networks connected one of the original challengers, Chris Kennedy of Sarasota, Florida, to challenge his wife’s cousin whose husband, Anthony Senerchia, suffered from the disease. What began as a small challenge between friends and family members that was shared via social media became a national and international viral sensation.Digital Marketing Doodle Elements Set

There have been as many detractors regarding the Ice Bucket Challenge as there have been supporters. Many of those who have been critical of the campaign believe that those who participate in the challenge bring attention to themselves as oppose to the cause for which they are broadcasting awareness for. Regardless of the criticism, it cannot be disputed that this type of peer-to-peer marketing brought in measurable results and challenges our norms with regards to messaging and fundraising.

What the Ice Bucket Challenge Teaches Us About the Sharing Economy

If you use social media as a forum for reaching customers and to communicate information about yourself, products or services, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge should provide you with plenty of takeaways for your sales and marketing campaigns. The challenge showed the power of social networks and peer-to-peer connections, which were essential to the success of the Ice Bucket Challenge and the amount of money and attention it raised.

The sharing economy, or peer-to-peer marketing is more likely to appeal to those younger consumers, the very ones that you as a business owner or service provides want to attract. Being able to think outside of the box and utilize the power of tools such as social media in a creative and inventive way is something we all should learn from the Ice Bucket Challenge.

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