Not Your Mama's Marketing

Companies spend crazy money on ads during the Superbowl. What can we learn from them? What concepts stick? Is humor a good advertising strategy (hint: yes!)? And which ads inspired us? Head to social and let me know what concepts you will be applying to your own marketing Facebook: @KateWinterDS (https://www.facebook.com/katewinterds) Instagram: @KateWinterDS (https://www.instagram.com/katewinterds) LinkedIn: @KateWinterDS (https://www.linkedin.com/in/katewinterds/) Clubhouse: @KateWinterDS

It's the month of LOVE and I want to talk about loving your customers! For more information, check out Not Your Mama's Mastermind: https://learn.katewinter.com/bundles/nymm (https://learn.katewinter.com/bundles/nymm)

Time to check in on your branding! In this episode, we discuss the visual aspects of your brand and why you occasionally need to review them.

Is Generic Content Killing Your Marketing? If you do the same thing as everyone else, how are you going to get to an outcome that's different? In this episode, I encourage you to take a look at the images and words that you are using in your marketing, social media, and on your website.  How can you, be more YOU? 

When was the last time you worked on your business instead of for your business? Use the beginning of the year as a time to review your systems and processes. The goal isn't always to work more, but to work better.

Chances are, over the past year you have spent less time physically with other people and a great deal more time connecting virtually. What does that mean for your professional network? I’m not talking about networking where the goal is to increase the number of connections. I’m referring to situations where the goal is to build deeper connections and systems of support. There’s a popular saying: you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. What does that look like for you professionally? Is it coworkers, business partners, and employees? Do you consciously put yourself in situations to connect with other people from a growth perspective? Join Not Your Mama's Mastermind (https://learn.katewinter.com/bundles/nymm) : https://learn.katewinter.com/bundles/nymm

"Whenever you want to achieve something, keep your eyes open, concentrate and make sure you know exactly what it is you want. No one can hit their target with their eyes closed." Paulo Coelho Author of The Alchemist It's no secret that I’m a complete geek for anything marketing, design, or advertising. Even I can admit that the idea of a marketing plan (https://learn.katewinter.com/courses/marketing-plans) is one of the least exciting conversations we have in business- maybe behind tax planning or insurance.  After years of working with small businesses and entrepreneurs, I see how necessary marketing plans really are. Without a marketing plan, you can fall into some poor decisions. It’s hard to learn new things and admit we need help. The first step to improving is to figure out what when wrong in the past and learn from there.  I encourage you to grab the free download: 3 Common Marketing Mistakes (https://www.katewinter.com/free-download/)  and How to Fix Them: https://www.katewinter.com/free-download/ If you are ready to build a marketing plan that will set you up for a strong 2021, check out my new course Easy & Effective Marketing Plans (https://learn.katewinter.com/courses/marketing-plans) where you learn about the essential parts of a marketing plan and how to build a great one tailored to your business. https://learn.katewinter.com/courses/marketing-plans

It can’t really be time to talk about the holidays, can it? Sure is! Especially if you sell consumer goods or services. This is a unique year with unique challenges and new trends. By keeping your customer’s changing lifestyle in mind, you can continue to be relevant. Read More (https://www.katewinter.com/holiday-marketing-2020/) Related Episodes: Holiday Marketing- How to Create and Execute a Last-Minute Plan (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/holiday-marketing-how-to-create-execute-last-minute/id1487569412?i=1000456846610) Higher Sales and Happier Customers: 10 Ways to Improve Your E-Commerce Site (https://www.katewinter.com/improve-ecommerce-site/) Connect on Social: Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/katewinterds) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/katewinterds) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/katewinterds/)

We are preparing for a very different holiday season. The change to online shopping has been accelerated by Coronavirus and social distancing. However, this new environment has opened the doors to innovation. I am so inspired by the ways I’ve seen businesses serving their customers in new ways like curbside pickup, delivery, and providing new experiences. But right now, the e-commerce experience can make or break your online sales. Before the holiday rush, review your website paying attention to these ten features. Read: https://www.katewinter.com/improve-ecommerce-site/ (https://www.katewinter.com/improve-ecommerce-site/) Related Episodes: Holiday Marketing- How to Create and Execute a Last-Minute Plan (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/holiday-marketing-how-to-create-execute-last-minute/id1487569412?i=1000456846610) The 7 Reasons Why Your Website Isn't Converting (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-7-reasons-why-your-website-isnt-converting/id1487569412?i=1000457448913) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/katewinterds) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/katewinterds) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/katewinterds/)

What pictures are you using to represent your brand? Are they custom or are you still scraping pics off of Google Images? I sit down with Mandy Brisco of Amanda Brisco Photography and we talk all things branding photography.  We talk about:  How her success comes from a collaborative perspective instead of competitive How to use your content as a way to serve your client Showcasing your true personality in your pictures versus trying to be something you are not How to hire a brand photographer Mandy has transitioned from photographing brides to business and she is one of the most in-demand brand photographers in the Pittsburgh Area. Visit Mandy online: Website http://www.AmandaBriscoPhotography.com IG at http://www.instagram.com/amandabriscophotography  FB https://www.facebook.com/A.BriscoPhotography

Since we’ve all been home a little too long, this analogy should make perfect sense. In the last six months, have you looked at your home and thought- blah. Or walked into the kitchen and thought, this needs a refresh! Maybe some new paint, update that backsplash- or maybe you are ripping out walls and ordering new appliances. Your brand can become dated just the same way your old countertops can. But before you overhaul every visual representation of your business or ignore me thinking that’s not important, ask yourself- is it time for a rebrand? Do I really make time to focus on what my brand really is? Am I avoiding branding because I’m too busy working for the business to work ‘on’ the business? Which is a trap I find myself in often. https://www.katewinter.com/rebranding/

Entrepreneurs, we hustle and we grind, but we don't stop. Ever. Jess Hatheway, founder of the Wholistic Picture shares her entrepreneurial journey and tips for preventing and treating burnout, plus three key things to watch out for. After months of stay at home orders, cancellation, changing expectations, and civil unrest- its time for a wellness check.  Tag me on IG @katewinterds with your favorite takeaways from this interview. Catch up with Jess:  Instagram: @jesshatheway Facebook (personal): Jess Hatheway Facebook (business): The Wholistic Picture The Wholistic Picture Sneak Peek: https://www.facebook.com/groups/185868002868800  The Wholistic Female Membership: https://thewholisticpicture.mykajabi.com/the-wholistic-female  The Wholistic Entrepreneur Mastermind Membership: https://thewholisticpicture.mykajabi.com/the-wholistic-entrepreneur 

Every business owner, freelancer, and entrepreneur knows that social media channels are a super important component of your marketing strategy. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Pinterest give you unique platforms to deliver your content to a (hopefully) ideal potential client or customer. But in the craziness of 2020, I am willing to bet that you are missing out on the one social media outlet that is built to grow your professional network. Yep, LinkedIn. I know I know, it’s not flashy or sexy. No one wakes up like ‘OMG I have to check what Sarah’s consulting firm is up to on LinkedIn’. I would even go so far as to say that LinkedIn is often to the forgotten social media outlet. But it really shouldn’t be. LI is replacing mixers, networking events, and traditional face-to-face exchanges of information. More often at a professional event, I give out my IG handle or LI link rather than my business card. Learn More at: https://www.katewinter.com/8-biggest-linkedin-mistakes-you-are-probably-making/

Anyone who dares to ‘talk shop’ with me knows my love of WordPress. I’m all about an open-source system that can build with so much flexibility. Are other website systems amazing - yes. Will they ever eclipse my love of WordPress- not yet. The best feature from a developer’s perspective are all of the amazing plugins available to give your site better functionality. These plugins can make your site do just about anything you need or want it to do. But aside from all fo the fun features, there are three types of plugins that are definitely non-negotiable. I’m going to cover these three types of plugins here, keep in mind that the suggestions I am going to make are all free. No cost, all downloadable from the Wordpress backend tool, nothing crazy or techie about these. But they all do offer a paid premium version with added functionality. Most of my sites work just fine on the free versions. These are not ads or affiliate links. Just some tools that I love and make my life easier. Blog Link: https://www.katewinter.com/the-3-plugins-every-wordpress-sites-needs-to-have Security Plugin: https://wordpress.org/plugins/wordfence/ Search Engine Optimization Plugin: https://wordpress.org/plugins/wordpress-seo/ Analytics Plugin: https://wordpress.org/plugins/google-analytics-for-wordpress/

I am so tired of business advice that tells me to take care of myself, get some sleep, and take a freaking walk. I understand these are helpful tips but everyone is saying the same thing. I want something more tangible right now and I’d bet you are feeling the same way I am. In that spirit, I have put together this quick guide on how to market your small business right now. If you can still operate your business in some way, shape, or form in the midst of this pandemic, the question becomes how do you advertise your products and services in this current climate?

Adaptability is defined as “the quality of being able to adjust to new conditions”. As very few businesses are operating the same way they were 2 weeks ago and COVID-19 is causing more and more changes to our everyday lives, this certainly qualifies as new conditions. We are experiencing an unprecedented change in the American way of life right now. Small businesses are fearful and the cost of doing business remains high. Many small and medium-sized businesses don’t retain the cash and assets that larger companies can tap into during tough times. If they don’t adapt throughout this challenge, they will face bigger problems on the other side. Finding creative ways to stay in front of your customers even in non-revenue producing ways is essential right now. People will remember those who helped them during this time. This is your opportunity to serve your customer. The news and media are filling people’s heads with so much worry and anxiety but positive acts by companies and organizations are getting attention as well. I’m not saying we do positive things for the attention, I’m saying that there is mental bandwidth with your consumer for some feel-good vibes. Read more at: https://www.katewinter.com/adapting-challenges/

Let’s be honest- life is a little strange right now. We are experiencing what ‘social distancing’ means in a modern connected America. We are used to freedoms and mobility that might not be available to us at the moment. Many workers are working from home for the first time and experiencing all of the ups and downs of this new scenario. As someone who runs her business from anywhere with solid wifi, I have lived the good and the bad of homebound working while parenting two kids. I’d like to think that my insight can help you transition and make the most of this situation. So I’ve listed out some of the boundary setting, scheduling, and perceptions hacks that have helped me along the way. When you are ready to laugh at the work from home lifestyle- read this. Warning: Crude Humor and Language, not a comic for the kids: https://theoatmeal.com/comics/working_home?fbclid=IwAR3Hcjizv58ybj6zS190UVWtCuyzH3j4nfAXcf4DaVGTbmWCc2V4jQxdT7k Grab a personal development book- if you would like some suggestions, sign up for my weekly email list: https://www.notyourmamasmarketing.com/opt-in If you find yourself stuck in the fear- or if you know someone this could help, here is a list of resources from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.: https://adaa.org/finding-help/coronavirus-anxiety-helpful-resources

We live in a world of Amazon Prime, grocery delivery, movies at your fingertips, and news updates by the minute. Our expectations for that sort of responsiveness are very high. How is your business adapting to this ‘I want it now’ mentality? If your solution is to complain about modern shopping trends, you are missing a huge opportunity to connect with your customers! By providing options for your customer to get support or answers at their convenience, you are demonstrating that you are there to serve them- not the other way around.  If I could tell you that there is one tool that can increase sales and conversions, build trust with your shoppers, saves money, gain you competitive advantage over your competition, and improve your website experience- you would say SIGN ME UP! https://www.superoffice.com/blog/live-chat-software-benefits/ That tool, my friends, is chat.  Read the blog post at: https://www.katewinter.com/missing-opportunities/

Maybe this year started out with some big goals- new products, new marketing ideas, and maybe even a new website. Before you run out and hire the first person you meet -or your cousin who’s a sophomore in college and SO good with computers (hint- no!)— slow down and do your homework. A website project is an investment of time and money and you want to be sure you are moving forward with someone you are comfortable with, I have put together a list of questions that I receive often and some that I wish clients would ask me! Keep in mind that not all web designers or developers work in the same way and include the same services. Ask for a detailed proposal to be sure you are comparing apples-to-apples. Topics Covered:  References & Portfolio Search Engine Optimization Timeline Edits SubContracting Pricing Other Services- Graphic Design, Photography, Video Branding Hosting & On-Going Maintenance Will I Own My Website? Download the resource guide here: https://www.katewinter.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/KW_Hiring_Designer.pdf Read More: https://www.katewinter.com/questions-to-ask-when-hiring-a-web-designer/

Networking events can be a great way to build connections within your industry and get the word out about new things going on in your business. Networking can also be terribly awkward and when done wrong, and can feel like living in an insurance commercial – constantly getting pitched and having business cards thrown around ‘make it rain’ style. Choose the Right Events Master Introductions Not Fumbling Contact Info Avoiding Less Genuine Networkers Keeping a Perspective of Serving Others For more info- read the blog post here.  (https://www.katewinter.com/getting-the-most-out-of-networking/)

I recently posted online about this topic and received some amazing feedback from other people who have either been through this or are in the middle of this right now.  So if you have some tough client relationships right now- I want to you know you are not alone. When I started my business as a side hustle I took ALL THE WORK coming to me because I had a huge problem with a lack mentality. I never thought my business could afford to turn someone away. This not true. There are clients who will actually cost you.  Cost you reputation- they will never be happy and will do their darnedest to tell everyone they aren’t happy Cost you time- that you could be working on other projects Cost you sanity- stress you out in ways you never thought possible.  Cost you self-respect- worst of all because they treat you poorly and YOU LET THEM Legal: I am not a lawyer and nothing I say constitutes legal advice. So in this episode, I talk about marketing to the right clients, qualifying potential work, and what to do if things go south.

At professional events, I frequently find myself answering the question 'why isn't my website doing anything'. The expectation that a website will turn on the faucet of new customers just isn't realistic. So to help, I have compiled my best answers into '7 Reasons Why Your Website Isn't Converting'. These tips will help you Track your traffic Build a more effective call to action Improve your UX - user experience Clarify your 'why buy'  Create better pricing expectations Ask you some hard questions about your product, pricing, and the perceptions around your business

If you just realized that the holidays are here and you need a holiday marketing plan you either 1- haven’t been to a Target, grocery store, or Amazon - because they are keen to remind that the season of spend is upon us or 2- you have put this off thinking that nothing can work.  $920 on gifts per person, up from $885 per person last year, with total holiday spending exceeding $1 trillion nationwide Yes, there is a ton of advertising and messages can be lost in the flurry of ads, emails, DM, direct mail and other media messages. But there are ways to make an impact and move the needle even with a last-minute plan.

Episode 1- Introduction to Not Your Mama's Marketing.