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How Your Small Business Can Get Repeat Customers – 16 Tactics to Try

June 5, 2014 / Gail Oliver, Online Small Business Consultant

I have said many times to the small businesses that I advise, why do you spend all of your time chasing new business, when you can also get repeat business from your customers.

How to Get Repeat Customers

I believe most small businesses should aim for 30 to 40% of their business to be repeat customers. Of course, it does depend on what you sell. For example if you sell wedding gowns, chances are a bride is a one-time customer. But you can get referral business from her if she was happy. If you sell to wedding stylists, they definitely would be repeat customers.

If you sell supplies for people to make products, then your business should be more like 70 – 80% repeat customers. People typically don’t like to switch suppliers. Certain professionals like doctors and dentists likely have an 80% repeat customer rate.

To get repeat business, you need to stay in touch after the sale, but in a subtle way. Here are some tactics to try that are not pushy, but help your customers to remember that you exist.

16 Ways to Get Repeat Business

Send a thank you card/email
Send a coupon for a discount off their next order
Ask them to subscribe to a special offers newsletter
Follow them on social media
Mention them on your social media pages
Hold customer appreciation events
Hold exclusive customer-only sales
Give them a free tip or piece of advice
Send them a free download relevant to your business
Offer a rewards card
Send them free samples of new products
Allow them to create a wish list and be notified when those items go on sale
Give them a special discount on their birthday or Black Friday
Send an annual free gift, like a calendar
If you sell products, offer returning customers a free service
If you sell services, offer returning customers a free product

Remember, people appreciate that you appreciate, and that is how it should look, not like you are trying to get more business.

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Small Business Tagline Ideas

June 2, 2014 / Gail Oliver, Online Small Business Consultant

Need some small business tagline ideas? It is not to be confused with a slogan, so let me start by explaining both so you can see the difference.

What is a Business Slogan?

Some examples of business slogans are:

McDonald’s “I’m lovin’ it”.
Nike’s “Just Do It”.
Apple’s iPhone “You’re more powerful than you think“.

Therefore, a slogan can be for a product as well as for the company itself. Slogans can change depending on the current advertising campaign, as this is usually what they are created for, but they are meant to be catchy and memorable and typically focus on some sort of personalization.

What is a Business Tagline?

A business tagline is different. A tagline is the statement that typically goes right below your logo that quickly and clearly states what your business does. It helps to position you with potential customers, and it doesn’t really change too often.

Here are some good examples:

Small Business Tagline Ideas

Small Business Tagline Ideas business slogans and taglines

company slogans

All of these taglines clearly tell what the business sells. The key is to keep it short and simple. If you can do it in under 10 words, that is the key.

The reason I like taglines is because it makes your small business look more professional, helps to establish your brand and allows you to immediately zero in on your target market.

About Me

Do you need your Brand Story written or an SEO-Optimized Blog Post or a Personalized Business Consultation? As a 20+ year marketing professional and small business consultant, all of my services are super affordable.

I have consulted for thousands of small businesses since 2012, and my advice has been featured in the NY Times, Success Magazine, Yahoo Business, American Express, Big Commerce, Business2Community to name a few – so this is professional advice you can trust!

My Publicity Pitch service has also gotten my clients featured in Real Simple Magazine, Apartment Therapy, House Beautiful, Vanity Fair, Houzz, Martha Stewart, Glamour Magazine, LONNY, DesignMilk, Emmaline Bride,– just to name a few.

5 Key Must-Haves for Your Ecommerce Site

May 22, 2014 / Gail Oliver, Online Small Business Consultant

must haves ecommerce site There appears to be no standards among e-commerce design, but I will tell you, there are certain design practices that have proven to work. It is all about usability and the user experience. If they find your ecommerce site hard to use, they will leave without buying.

I thought I would give you a few key must-haves for your e-commerce site, based on the online store, Delias as you can see in the graphic below.

5 E-Commerce Store Must-Haves

1. The purchase button has to be the largest button on the page. Making it a bright color is another good idea. If it is black or white it tends to just disappear on the page.
2. The price is probably the most important information, so it should be at the top, after the title, and if on sale, indicate so with a different color for the sale price or a strike through of the regular price.
3. Sharing your products on social media is something you want to encourage to bring more traffic to your site. Therefore, don’t put the social media icons at the bottom of the listing or far away from the photo or make them too small.
4. All of the ordering information, including the purchase button should not appear below the bottom of the photo. I was helping an e-commerce site the other day, and the way their template was set up, it put all the descriptive details above the purchase button, so the more text my customer added, the further down the purchase button was pushed on the page, to the point it wasn’t even visible on-screen. Now I was viewing it on a laptop, imagine what how far down it would appear on a mobile device. So keep your main descriptive short and sweet and all other details such as shipping, etc., should come after the purchase button.
5. One of the biggest frustrations I find with e-commerce sites is having to return back to the category section to see the next product. That is why I really like the navigation arrows at the top of this listing that allow me to easily go to the next item or back to the one I just looked at.

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Other Places Customers Search Besides Google

May 15, 2014 / Gail Oliver, Online Small Business Consultant

Believe it or not, there are other places customers search besides Google.

Trying to get your business on the first page of Google search results is a dubious task. It doesn’t help that Google keeps changing their algorithm, just when you think you’ve got a handle on it.

Other Popular Search Engines

Lately, I have actually found myself searching for certain things on other sites, instead of Google, just because I feel they will deliver better results.

If I’m looking for clothing, I go to ShopStyle.com first, as they pull results from all the top online stores, plus I can organize the results in terms of price and relevancy.
If I’m looking for a certain image, I search on Pinterest. The images tend to be of higher quality, and the display is easier to read. A lot of people do “How Do I” type searches on Pinterest (as well as YouTube, as it is known for tutorial type content).
If I’m looking for the latest business articles, I search on Twitter, especially using hash tags.
If I’m looking for decor ideas or home products, I search on Houzz.
If I’m looking for a local business, I search on Yelp, plus I can read reviews.

Now, there are still a lot of people that have either Bing or Yahoo installed on their work computer, or it is the default on their phone browser. Therefore, it is important to still get this traffic as well.

So you see, your small business doesn’t have to be totally dependent on Google to get found, and my feeling is, the popularity of these unlikely search engines will continue to grow.

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Easy Ways Your Small Business Can Save Big Money

May 12, 2014 / Gail Oliver, Online Small Business Consultant

easy ways small business can save money There are some easy ways your small business can always save money.

For example, the other day a customer of mine asked my opinion on whether she should go for an advertising opportunity in a major magazine. She relayed to me that the publication had approached her and had given her a deadline of just two days. She really wanted to go for the opportunity but the price was still a little steep.

My advice – negotiate a lower price. Why? Because she was really in the driver’s seat. The ad rep approached her, not the other way around. Plus the fact that the ad rep was acting with a sense of urgency told me that she probably hadn’t met her quota for filling ad space. So my customer simply gave her the old, I’d really like to be involved, but I’m just a small business and can’t afford a lot so can we bring the price down – and guess what? The rep went for it.

Who Can You Negotiate With?

As important as it is for your business to MAKE money, it is also important to SAVE money. Everything is usually negotiable if you ask – from Internet service to phone service to retail space to supplies to insurance to printing costs to advertising. Companies want to get and/or keep your business so they would rather take less than take nothing, especially if they see the opportunity for repeat business from you in the future.

Even Large Companies Will Negotiate

Large companies will also negotiate or at least give free trials. Both Google and Facebook will give free advertising coupons to small businesses if you ask. Usually they are tied to an offer like $100 in free ads if you spend $25, but it is a cost-effective opportunity to see if their advertising works for you.

Try Bartering

Negotiating includes bartering as well. I did this a lot with my business in the early stages. I gave free marketing advice in exchange for graphic design help. For another business I wrote free blog posts in exchange for running web ads on their site. It was a win-win for both of us.

So take a close look at what you are spending to run your business and see where you could possibly negotiate a lower price, rate or charge. Also, think of marketing and promotional opportunities you would like to take advantage of, and then also see if you can bring the cost of those down through negotiation (but not my fees, I’m already pretty low).

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3 Online Stores Whose Products I Love

May 7, 2014 / Gail Oliver, Online Small Business Consultant

by Gail Oliver, Small Business Marketing Consultant

I recently came across a few independent online shops and was really impressed by not only their e-commerce store but the creativity of their products.

Online Store: Bob’s Your Uncle

The online store, Bob’s Your Uncle, actually features three other vendors as well, but I love Bob’s whimsical take on everyday items from dish towels to place mats to playing cards and the pure simplicity of the shop.

Insider Tip: One other thing Bob is doing that is very smart, is not only offering custom services, but also willing to design products for a company as a private label.

Online Store: Growler Goods

Growler Goods focuses on dog products with a little boho flare. From dog tipis (seriously, doesn’t that tipi look comfortable?) to leashes to bandanas, these are products for the cool dog.

Insider Tip: I love how Growler Goods has an oversized, recognizable label all of their products, and displaying the “Martha Stewart American Made” seal of approval on their home page doesn’t hurt either.

Online Store: Yellow Leaf Hammocks

Sometimes specializing in just one type of product is ideal because you get found more easily in searches and you can quickly become the go-to standard. Yellow Leaf Hammocks look pretty amazing, come in a variety of styles, styles, and yes, you can customize your own as well.

Insider Tip: The product photography is so well done (I never thought to hang a hammock on a sailboat or dock), and they actively promote all of the press they have gotten from major publications as well as their philanthropy efforts, as the hammocks are made by artisans in rural Thailand.

If you really want to understand how to offer great products, appeal to your target market and establish a recognizable brand, check out these three shops.

quick consult 3

You too can have a successful online business and I can help. I offer a variety of very affordable marketing services including my very popular but limited time offer, My Quick Consult ($30) for those on a budget or just starting out. Find out more on my marketing services page.

Is Your Small Business Offering Customized Services?

May 5, 2014 / Gail Oliver, Online Small Business Consultant

Is Your Small Business Offering Customized Services? You should.

The customized market for goods and services is growing as shoppers have particular needs they want filled and the online world seems to be allowing them to do it.

For a small business, this poses a great opportunity if you are looking to expand your revenue opportunities. Instead of guessing what people want, let them tell you.

Customized Services for Jewelry

Take Blue Nile for example. They allow you to customize an engagement ring for a much more personal offering. From the setting to the carat to the shape to the setting to the type of metal, you choose everything online and they create it to your specifications.

Customized Services for Fashion

Coco Myles is an online store that lets you design your own dress. Whether it is for a bridesmaid dress, prom dress or special occasion, you choose the top, skirt, material, color and embellishments from a easy-to-use select-and-click visual menu. They even allow returns on custom dresses.

Customized Services for Furniture

The online furniture store, Urban Barn allows you customize the sofa you want. You choose the color, fabric, leg styles, size, configuration, whether you add a sofa bed, etc. Ideal if you have an unusual size room or space to fill.

Customized Services for Shoes

At Shoes of Prey, you can design your own shoes. Being able to choose your color, style and material is a great option especially for people with unusual shoe sizes.

Even if you sell services (such as myself) you can include a listing that lets potential customers outline the exact type of service they need if it is not something you are currently offering.

Allow for the customization of your offerings are a great way to discover potential new products, services and revenue streams that you may not have known about unless you asked.

My Small Business Services

I offer a variety of very affordable services for small businesses from one on one consulting to various marketing writing services.

About Me

A 20+ year marketing professional, small business consultant, ebook author & blogger, my advice has been featured in the NY Times, Success Magazine, American Express, Big Commerce, Business2Community to name a few – so this is professional advice you can trust!

Since 2012, I have been selling online including on Shopify, Etsy, Gumroad and on Amazon back in its early years. This, combined with my decades of marketing & business experience means I can advise, mentor as well as come up with creative new ideas for your business. It really does help to talk to someone who is objective to get a new but professional perspective.

I have written publicity pitches for clients that resulted in them being featured in Real Simple Magazine, Apartment Therapy, House Beautiful, Vanity Fair, Houzz, Martha Stewart, Glamour Magazine, LONNY, DesignMilk, Emmaline Bride,– just to name a few.

Where to Sell Your Eco-Friendly Products Online

April 22, 2014 / Gail Oliver, Online Small Business Consultant

where to sell eco products online In honor of Earth Day, I thought I would help out entrepreneurs and other small businesses as to where to sell your eco-friendly or green products online.

In addition to on Amazon, Etsy or your own online store, there are online marketplaces that are specifically for eco-friendly products. Below are five of the most popular ones.

Sell Your Eco Products at the Ultimate Green Store

The Ultimate Green Store sells pretty much everything organic and green. From baby and kids products to home goods and beauty products, they currently feature hundreds of brands. If you are an interested manufacturer or vendor, contact them at vendorinquiries@theultimategreenstore.com.

Where to Sell Eco Products Online

Sell Your Eco Products at Leaf’d

Leaf’d runs the gambit from kids to clothing to pets to food and drink, and of course beauty products. Plus, for their sellers, they offer no monthly fees and no listing fees.

Sell Your Eco Products at Ecorigem

Ecorigem sells the whole range of eco-friendly products, only charges sellers a commission of 6.5%, with no monthly fees or listing fees.

Sell Your Eco Products at Veo

Veo, is based in the UK, and like the others offers Fashion, Food & Drink, Health & Beauty and Home products in the green and organic categories, but also crafts, gifts, jewelry, garden – you name it. You can fulfill yourself or use their fulfillment services, but they do charge 15% commission, no listing or joining fees.

Sell Your Eco Products at Conscious Box

Conscious Box is a monthly subscription box of eco-friendly products that is a great opportunity for new vendors to get noticed by their target market. They are looking for eco-friendly food, home, bath and beauty products that are non-GMO, all natural ingredients with a shelf life of 60 days and able to produce a minimum 3,000 units a month. If that’s you, contact them at sample@consciousbox.com.

Be Sure to Also Check Out

About Me

I have consulted for thousands of small businesses since 2012. It really does help to talk to someone who is objective to get a new, but professional, perspective. I have also written publicity pitches for clients that resulted in them being featured in Real Simple Magazine, Apartment Therapy, House Beautiful, Vanity Fair, Houzz, Martha Stewart, Glamour Magazine, LONNY, DesignMilk, Emmaline Bride,– just to name a few.

How to Get More Sales at Your Online Store with Targeted Shop Sections

April 17, 2014 / Gail Oliver, Online Small Business Consultant

by Gail Oliver, Small Business Marketing Consultant

Right now, every online shop I visit has the same old, broad-based categories – Mother’s Day Gifts, Grad Gifts, Easter Dresses…boring! When you have a potential buyer on your shop’s landing page, try to narrow in on their specific wants and needs and you may find you sell more.

I love the shop sections One Kings Lane comes up with so shoppers can narrow in on their specific decorating needs:

Best ways to get more sales

best ideas for shop categories

ModCloth also does a good job of helping shoppers find quickly what they are looking for, either by current fad or the decade they prefer for their vintage line:

ideas for shop sections online store

shop section ideas

What I love about Art.com, is something that I have always recommended. You have to show people how to use your products. On their landing page, they have 5 different shop sections that focus on where or how you want to display the art. Very original!

shop sections art online

shop sections art

Some Niche & Trendy Shop Category Suggestions:

You want shop sections that relate to current events or trends to capitalize on searches, as well as shop sections that help drill down to what your customers are really looking for.

Music Festival Fashion
Mad Men Style
Beach Vacation Necessities
Mothers Day Gifts for the Gardening Mom
Graduation Gifts for Nurses
Art Prints for a Minimalist Decor
Anti-aging Cream for Sensitive Skin

It can be very difficult to market your own business, so let me help. I offer a variety of very affordable services or inquire below. Regards, Gail.

Pinterest Images Long Pins

April 7, 2014 / Gail Oliver, Online Small Business Consultant

Are you using Pinterest images long pins?

I’m sure you have read many times, that some of the most repinned pins on Pinterest (say that three times) are long pins. Because Pinterest has a vertical display, long pins that take up several rows tend to get noticed more, and the more noticed, the more repinned.

Create Long Pins That are Timely & Informative

Timely or informative content always does well on social media. The last pin here is actually one I did for Burnett’s Boards two years ago when the whole “which Disney princess are you?” was trending high on social media. It is so long I can’t show it all here (just click on the graphic to go to my Pinterest board), but in two years Burnett’s Boards has seen her Pinterest followers increase from 500 to over 135,000, and her blog is now one of the top 50 wedding blogs. This pin definitely helped get the ball rolling.

Create Long Pins That Are Collections, Tutorials & Guides

Pins that act as a reference, guide or tutorial with always get “liked” and “repinned” because it is information people want to hold onto. It is also a good way to establish your business as an expert in its field.

Create Long Pins To Show Many of Your Products at Once

Try and think of creative ways to show as many of your products as possible in one pin, like the companies above. Again, whether you are offering advice or just an interesting photographic representation, these pins can have a long life on social media.

Follow me on Pinterest @getattention

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Who Can You Negotiate With?

Even Large Companies Will Negotiate

Try Bartering

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Online Store: Bob’s Your Uncle

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Customized Services for Jewelry

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Sell Your Eco Products at the Ultimate Green Store

Sell Your Eco Products at Leaf’d

Sell Your Eco Products at Ecorigem

Sell Your Eco Products at Veo

Sell Your Eco Products at Conscious Box

More Eco Posts

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About Me

Please Share on Social Media:

Some Niche & Trendy Shop Category Suggestions:

It can be very difficult to market your own business, so let me help. I offer a variety of very affordable services or inquire below. Regards, Gail.

Please Share on Social Media:

Like this:

Create Long Pins That are Timely & Informative

Create Long Pins That Are Collections, Tutorials & Guides

Create Long Pins To Show Many of Your Products at Once

More Social Media Posts

Be Sure to Also Check Out

Please Share on Social Media:

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