Four States Small Business Blog

Creating a stellar website is only the first step in getting people to find your business online -- your site must also be discoverable. The process of creating a website that's appealing to search engines is called SEO, or Search Engine Optimization. In its simplest form, SEO is defined by industry-leader Moz as "the process of increasing the quantity and quality of traffic to your website through organic search engine results". This sounds fascinating, but what does it really mean? The rules around SEO can be complex and are changing on a regular basis. Here are the top five ways that search optimization practices have changed in the last decade.

In today’s digital age where information is readily available at our fingertips, consumers are accustomed to researching businesses before visiting them. Whether it’s reading hotel reviews online before booking a vacation or asking friends and coworkers to recommend an attorney, accountant, or financial advisor, people want to learn about other customers’ experiences.

When it comes to four state area radio, there really is only one clear choice . . . and you don't have to take it from us! We love it when marketers from around the area share their success stories. It really reminds us why we do what we do every day -- to not only provide quality programming to our listeners but also to help area businesses reach their core audiences and business goals, too. See how the elements of radio advertising work together to supercharge the reach for our advertisers.

Since the 1950s, Zimmer Radio has been creating and broadcasting free entertainment in the Four State Area, but we don't stop there! Our marketing experts stay up-to-date on the latest tactics for reaching a broad spectrum of individuals in a variety of audience segments. We are always looking for new ways to help businesses grow in the digital age. Our in-house advertising firm, Zimmer Digital Solutions, is excited to announce that we are adding a wide range of advertising solutions to our digital tool belt.

Did you know that more than half of automotive internet shoppers conduct research on a mobile device? If your competitors have a fully mobile-optimized website and you do not, you are making it more difficult for consumers to purchase from your dealership. According to the 2017 J.D. Power New Autoshopper Study, over one-third of internet research time is spent on a mobile device. There is a continued upward trend as consumers of all ages become more comfortable with online research and shopping. The bar for customer experience continues to rise as retailers such as Amazon, Target and Walmart create straightforward shopping sites and mobile apps that are exceptionally easy to use.

Have you stopped to think about what makes your law firm unique and how you stand out from the competition? Most businesses are exceptional at doing their daily tasks but may be a bit lacking when it comes to telling their brand story. Each organization is valuable in a different way to current and prospective clients, but are you effectively communicating that information? When you find what lifts your business above being a commodity, you may have discovered your difference maker.

The days are long and the nights are warm, but as much as everyone loves summer, it impacts every small business a little differently. For some, the season is hot — home improvement, lawn care, and others will experience a rush. But for others, summer is definitively the off-season (especially retail). Neither result is a good reason to halt your marketing! That’s why we’ve put together a quick list of tips for every small business owner to use this summer.

It’s hard to believe, but there are still some advertisers out there who think radio advertising is not effective. But consider this:  For the consumer, radio is a free resource. So, it should come as no surprise that, according to Nielsen, more Americans (93%) listen to broadcast radio each week than tune in to TV or use a smartphone, tablet, or computer. What’s more, contrary to what some believe, radio advertising is effective for more than awareness campaigns. Radio is a proven tool for any marketing campaign and can help you reach all of your marketing goals.

While spring ushered in warmer weather and longer days, kicking off the home improvement season, these are the heady days of summer. The season is hot, and homeowners are looking to start their next project before it ends. To capture as many customers as you can, you need to understand your target audience and the goals, desires, and needs that drive their choices.

We could share countless stats around the power of radio — 93% of American adults reached weekly, $17 payback per $1 spent on radio by department stores, two-thirds of time spent listening happens outside the home… But we know stories are more powerful than numbers, and we love shining a light on the success of local businesses.