All Blogs Archives

December 1, 2024October 4, 2024

Website Code

Adding website code to your site can accomplish many things for you. However, they might not always be the things you were hoping for!

As a website designer, I am taken back by how many clients ask for erroneous code to be placed on their site. I have had clients tell me how they randomly found it on the internet and want it added. They may have no idea what it does but wants it added, etc. Frankly, it is depressing and frustrating.

While good code can be amazing for your site… bad code is the polar opposite. So much so, that it can have a catastrophic impact on your website. If fact, bad code will keep search engines away from you. It can have a wildly negative impact on your ability to show up in searches on Google, Bing, Duck Duck Go, and the list goes on.

Furthermore, often code found on the internet can be contaminated and allow hackers access to your website. Thus, creating even more issues for you and your website.

So why do so many jump at the chance to add code to their site that they don’t have real knowledge about? It is the never ending desire to rank higher.

Many website owners are constantly looking for ways to improve their search engine rankings. They want to drive more traffic to their site. They may see adding code as a quick and easy solution. Hopefully, to boost their SEO efforts. However, without fully understanding the potential consequences, it is dangerous.

However, it is important to remember that search engines like Google value quality content and user experience above all else. Adding random or unnecessary website code to your site can actually harm your SEO in the long run by making your site slower, less user-friendly, and potentially triggering penalties from search engines.

Instead of focusing on quick fixes or shortcuts, it is important to prioritize creating high-quality, relevant content that provides value to your audience. This will not only improve your SEO over time but also help you build a strong and sustainable online presence.

If you would like assistance with your website, don’t hesitate to contact me. I look forward to helping you!

November 1, 2024September 6, 2024

Blog Writer

Looking for a blog writer for your website? It can seem like a daunting task. However, it doesn’t have to be. At Laura Gunn Marketing we provide blog services for companies across the country. No matter what industry you are in, we can help you!

Our team of experienced writers can create high-quality, engaging blog posts that will attract and engage your audience. Whether you need help coming up with blog topics, writing compelling content, or optimizing your posts for SEO, we have the expertise to help you achieve your blogging goals.

We understand the importance of maintaining a consistent blog schedule and can work with you to develop a content calendar that aligns with your business objectives. Our writers are skilled in a variety of industries, from service companies and food manufacturers to construction and everything in between. You can trust that we’ll deliver blog posts that are both informative and tailored to your target audience.

Don’t let the thought of creating blog content overwhelm you. Let Laura Gunn Marketing handle all your blogging needs so you can focus on running your business. We’ve got a blog writer that is perfect for you!

Contact me today to learn more about our blog services and how we can help you boost your online presence.

October 1, 2024September 5, 2024

Website Manager

Are you in the market for a Website Manager? Look no further, I can help you with that!

A Website Manager is an excellent option for those that already have a website. As a manager, I assist clients with updates and tweaks to their site. Many web companies will have you believe that each time you change companies, you need to build a new website. That simply isn’t true. If you have a website that is working well for you and drawing you traffic, maybe you just need a manager.

One of the benefits of having Laura Gunn Marketing as your manager is that you only pay when you are having work done. This is a completely different model than most companies use. Most website companies charge you a monthly fee whether they are actually doing anything or not. It is the standard model and frankly it costs you far more than it should. Why should you pay a company when they aren’t doing anything for you?

Truth is, most updates are quick and easy. Paying $300, $500, and more per month just for your site to exist is a waste of your money. Don’t do it!

Give me a call and let’s talk about your needs and goals. My experience and methods of working will help you achieve your goals and save you money. Contact me, today!

September 1, 2024September 5, 2024

Google Monopoly

The Google Monopoly – On August 5th, 2024, Judge Amit Mehta deemed that Google has been acting as a monopoly when it comes to SEO.

If you have contacted me about SEO and specifically running ads on Google, you know that I have been stating this for ages. Frankly, it is about time someone has done something about it. In fact, 35 US states chimed in stating that it is time for this monopoly to end. Judge Mehta pointed out that it is a violation of the Sherman Act. And it is a huge win for anyone trying to make a dent in the world of SEO. Specifically on Google.

This ruling comes as a relief to many in the SEO industry. Many who have long felt frustrated by Google’s dominance and control over search results. With this decision, it is hoped that competition in the SEO market will increase. Thus, allowing for a more level playing field for businesses of all sizes.

Google’s monopoly power has had a significant impact on many businesses. Particularly, with smaller companies struggling to compete against larger corporations. Larger entities can afford to pay for top placement in search results. This decision signals a shift towards greater fairness and competition in the digital marketplace.

There is no doubt that Google will appeal this ruling. However, it will be interesting to see what changes they may be forced to make, in order to comply with antitrust laws. But for now, many in the SEO industry are celebrating this landmark decision. It is a step in the right direction towards a more equitable and competitive online landscape.

We are a long way from a win, but it is a start. Google endless pockets ensures this road won’t be short. However, it is a starting place. Especially for small business owners. For now, I hope you will join me in raising a glass to Judge Mehta for the ruling and to the 35 states that lead the charge. There is indeed hope on the SEO horizon.

June 1, 2024May 9, 2024

Small Business Website

When you are in the market for a small business website, I am your go-to destination!

At Laura Gunn Marketing, I understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with running a small business. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow and expand your current business, I am here to provide you with the tools, resources, and insights you need to succeed.

My website is filled with valuable information on a wide range of topics to assist you with successfully marketing your business. In addition to informative articles and resources, I offer consulting services to help you take your business to the next level. My team of experienced professionals is here to guide you every step of the way.

So, whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, Laura Gunn Marketing is here to support you on your journey. Explore my website and let’s work together to build a thriving small business website for your unique business. My experience will help you navigate website design with ease. You will work with me, directly, and at a fraction of the cost of other website companies. Thank you for visiting and I look forward to helping you exceed your business goals!

Contact me, today, to discuss your marketing needs.

February 1, 2024May 9, 2024

Blogging

Blogging is a great way to connect with a wide audience and share your ideas, thoughts, experiences, products, and services. Blogging can help improve your writing skills and allow you to express yourself creatively.

When it comes to blogging, it’s important to keep a few things in mind:

Choose a niche: Decide on a specific topic or niche that you’re passionate about and knowledgeable in. This will help you target a specific audience and stand out in that community.

Write quality content: Focus on creating valuable and engaging content. Be sure to proofread your posts for grammar and spelling errors, as well as readability. Use concise and clear language to get your message across effectively.

Use a conversational tone: Blogging is a more casual and interactive form of writing. Write in a conversational tone to make your readers feel engaged and connected to you. Use personal anecdotes and stories to add depth to your posts. When it comes to products and services, give inside experience and tips.

Interact with your readers: Respond to comments and engage with your readers. This will create a sense of community on your blog and encourage readers to come back for more. Thus, building your following.

Learn from others: Follow and read other blogs to learn from their successes. Pay attention to their writing style, formatting, and topics to get inspiration for your own blog.

Be consistent: Post regularly to keep your readers interested and build a loyal following. Create a content schedule and stick to it. This will help you establish credibility and make your blog a reliable source of information for your audience.

Evolve

Experiment and evolve: Don’t be afraid to try new things and evolve your blogging style over time. Experiment with different types of posts, formats, and topics to keep your blog fresh and interesting.

Remember, blogging is a continuous process, often filled with learning curves. Don’t be discouraged by initial difficulties and keep practicing to improve your writing skills. Furthermore, enjoy the process and have fun with your blog!

Lastly, if you just don’t have it in you, contact me. My professional blogging services can help you establish your online reputation in a positive way.

December 1, 2023May 9, 2024

Do Google Ads Work

Do Google Ads Work? The answer can be rather complex so, I will make this a two-part blog that will continue next month. Let’s dive in!

Google Ads can be an effective marketing tool for small and large businesses, if used properly. Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether to use Google Ads for your small business:

Targeted reach: Google Ads allows you to reach potential customers who are actively searching for products or services related to your business. By targeting specific keywords and demographics, you can ensure your ads are shown to relevant users.

Cost-effective: Google Ads operates on a pay-per-click (PPC) model, where you only pay when someone clicks on your ad. This helps control costs and ensures you’re getting value for your advertising budget.

Measurable results: Google Ads provides detailed analytics, allowing you to track the performance of your campaigns. You can see the number of clicks, impressions, conversions, and other relevant metrics, enabling you to make data-driven decisions.

Flexibility and control: With Google Ads, you have control over your budget, ad copy, targeting options, and campaign settings. This allows you to adjust your strategy as needed and optimize your ad campaigns to achieve the best results.

The decision to use Google Ads should be based on your business goals, target audience, budget, and available resources. It’s advisable to conduct proper research and consider seeking assistance from a professional in order to make the most of your advertising budget.

Check back next month when I expand on the question, “do Google ads work”? Where I’ll follow up with the “cons” of Google ads.

As always, simply contact me to achieve and exceed your advertising goals.

November 1, 2023May 9, 2024

Electronic Press Kits

Electronic Press Kits – What are they and who needs one?

An Electronic Press Kit (EPK) is a comprehensive digital package that includes promotional materials about a person, company, or event. However, in most cases EPKs are associated and most used for musicians and bands. It typically consists of a collection of digital files such as press releases, bios, photos, videos, music, and contact information. EPKs are used to provide information to music and media professionals. Additionally, they are used for industry influencers, and potential collaborators, making it an essential tool for gaining visibility.

Here are a few reasons why you should have an electronic press kit:

1. Easy access and distribution: As EPKs are digital, they can be easily accessed and distributed to various recipients. Whether it’s sending it via email, sharing a download link, or hosting it on a website, EPKs allow quick and convenient dissemination of your materials, ultimately saving time and effort.

2. Professionalism and credibility: Having a well-designed EPK adds a sense of professionalism and credibility to your image. It showcases your materials in a cohesive and organized manner, making it easier to understand your story and potential value. A professional-looking EPK can help you stand out from competitors and make a positive impression.

EPKs Do Much More

3. Efficient media coverage: Media professionals receive numerous press releases and promotional materials daily. By providing an EPK, you make it easier for journalists, venues, bloggers, and industry influencers to access essential information, enabling them to quickly assess your relevance and make informed decisions about you.

4. Showcasing your best assets: An EPK allows you to curate and present your best assets. Whether it’s high-quality photos, demo tracks, engaging videos, or compelling bios. By including these elements, you can effectively showcase your talents, products, or services, giving media professionals a clear picture of what you have to offer.

5. Time saving: Instead of responding to multiple individual requests for information, an EPK provides a one-stop solution to access all the necessary information they may need. Share consistent and accurate information and save time. Thus, reducing the chances of miscommunication or missed opportunities.

6. Increased visibility and networking opportunities: Immediately increase your visibility with a readily available EPK. Notice by media professionals, influencers, or potential collaborators who may come across your materials is key. It facilitates networking opportunities and increases your visibility across different platforms, potentially leading to beneficial partnerships or coverage.

Lastly, an electronic press kit offers a convenient and effective way to promote yourself, your band, your company, or your event. It saves time, enhances your credibility, and increases your chances of gaining media coverage and networking opportunities. Whether you’re a musician, actor, entrepreneur, or organization, having an EPK is essential in today’s digital landscape.

Contact me for your electronic press kits, I am happy to help!

October 1, 2023May 9, 2024

WordPress Website

A WordPress website is one of the best formats available in the website arena. WordPress is a popular content management system (CMS) that allows the creation and management of websites, easily. With WordPress, you can create a wide variety of website styles, including blogs, e-commerce stores, portfolios, business websites, and much more.

To create a WordPress website, you’ll first need a domain name and web hosting. Many web hosts offer one-click WordPress installation to make the process even easier. Once you have WordPress installed, you can choose from thousands of free and premium themes to give your website a unique look and feel. To a novice web designer, it can be overwhelming. While advanced designers welcome the variety we can offer our clients.

Website Options

WordPress also has a vast library of plugins that allow you to add functionality to your website. Whether you want to add a contact form, social sharing buttons, or an e-commerce store, there’s a plugin available to help you achieve it. This is why I encourage my clients to discuss their needs with me. The better I understand what will help your website function better for you, the sooner I can implement what you need.

The WordPress dashboard provides an intuitive interface for managing website’s content. You can easily create and edit pages, write blog posts, upload media, and manage comments. While I toss around the word “easily”, it takes practice to properly manage a WordPress website. Improperly managed sites often are the victim of hackers and this can be fatal for any website.

Built-in SEO

The platform also has built-in SEO (search engine optimization) features to help your website rank higher in search engine results. This is one of the main reasons I prefer working on WordPress websites over any other platform. Proper SEO is crucial for a website to show in search engines like Google. Improper SEO techniques can have adverse effects to a website. That is why working with a proven professional web designer is key.

WordPress is not just a website builder, but a comprehensive platform that caters to the needs of a wide range of users and designers. Whether you are a beginner looking to create a simple blog or a professional developer looking to build complex websites, WordPress has got you covered. Its interface makes it accessible to quickly set up a website.

However, what sets WordPress apart is its advanced customization options. Developers and designers can dig into the platform’s codebase to modify and extend its functionalities to meet the specific requirements of any project. With a vast array of plugins and themes available in the WordPress ecosystem, developers can effortlessly enhance the functionality and appearance of their websites. From creating custom post types and taxonomies to integrating third-party APIs, the possibilities are endless with WordPress.

Website Scalability

Additionally, WordPress offers unparalleled scalability, allowing your website to grow along with your business. Whether you start with a small blog or a simple business website, you can easily expand and add new features as your needs evolve. With its robust and constantly updated core, WordPress ensures that your site remains secure and optimized for performance.

In conclusion, regardless of the complexity of your project, WordPress provides a powerful and flexible platform to create websites of all types. Its vast features make it a favorite choice for designers, while the advanced customization options and scalability attract professionals. With its constant evolution, WordPress continues to be the go-to solution for individuals and businesses looking to establish a solid online presence.

Contact me for all of your website needs. Not only do I work on WordPress websites, but I also work on most other platforms. Let’s talk about your needs. I can help you navigate the current advertising landscape with ease!

Visit my YouTube Channel to see more examples of my work.

September 1, 2023May 9, 2024

Do IG Reels Equal Sales?

IG Reels aka Instagram Reels have emerged as a powerful tool for businesses. I allows companies to enhance their sales and reach a wider audience. With its short, captivating videos, Reels provide a unique opportunity for businesses to showcase their products or services. What captivates the audience is doing it in a creative and entertaining manner. By capitalizing on the increasing popularity of video content on social media platforms, IG Reels have proven to be an effective marketing tool for driving growth and boosting sales.

Increased Engagement

Instagram Reels have the potential to garner higher levels of engagement compared to other forms of content. The short and visually appealing nature of Reels captures the attention of viewers, compelling them to stop scrolling and engage with the content. By creating compelling and informative Reels, businesses can attract a larger audience. Thus, generating increased interest in their products or services.

Showcasing Product Features

One effective strategy to boost sales using Instagram Reels is to showcase the unique features and functionalities of your products or services. Utilize Reels to highlight the key aspects that set your offering apart from competitors. By visually demonstrating the benefits and advantages of your products, you can effectively engage potential customers and encourage them to make a purchase.

Behind-the-Scenes Content

Instagram Reels provides a perfect platform for offering glimpses of behind-the-scenes operations. Share videos showcasing the production processes, team collaborations, or day-to-day activities that demonstrate the authenticity and transparency of your business. By providing an exclusive look into your business, you can build trust and establish a stronger connection with your audience, ultimately leading to increased sales.

User-Generated Content

Additionally, encourage your followers and customers to create their own Reels featuring your products or services. User-generated content not only increases engagement but also builds a sense of authenticity and trust around your brand. Reposting and sharing user-generated Reels on your business profile can create a sense of community and serve as social proof, effectively driving sales.

CTAs and Offers

Don’t underestimate the power of a well-placed call-to-action (CTA) or exclusive offer in your Instagram Reels. Use Reels to direct viewers to your website, online store, or landing page. Then they can explore your products or take advantage of special discounts or promotions. CTAs and offers create a sense of urgency and motivate viewers to take immediate action, resulting in increased sales.

Furthermore, Storytelling and Emotion is key. Instagram Reels offer a unique opportunity to tell compelling stories and evoke emotion in a short span of time. By creating Reels that resonate with your target audience on an emotional level, you can forge a deeper connection. This often inspires them to become loyal customers. Craft narratives that highlight the values, mission, or purpose of your business to create a memorable and impactful experience for viewers.

Product Tutorials and How-To Guides are great! Utilize Instagram Reels to showcase product tutorials and how-to guides. Demonstrate the practical use of your products or provide step-by-step instructions on how to achieve certain outcomes. Offering helpful and informative content positions you as a trusted authority in your industry. This increases the likelihood of converting viewers into customers.

Collaborative Reels

Engage with your audience by creating collaborative Reels that encourage participation and interaction. For example, you can create a Reel featuring user-submitted content or challenges related to your products. By involving your audience in the content creation process, you foster a sense of community and generate excitement around your brand, leading to increased sales.

Lastly, Instagram Reels present a powerful opportunity for businesses to boost sales and drive business growth. By leveraging the distinctive features and capabilities of this platform, businesses can engage with their audience in a creative and entertaining way. Ultimately leading to increased conversions and sales. By implementing these proven strategies, businesses can effectively utilize Instagram Reels to enhance their sales and achieve long-term success.

If you need assistance with IG Reels or social media marketing, please feel free to contact me. My team and I are here to help you make the most out of your IG Reels and social media marketing.

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel.

August 15, 2023May 9, 2024

Will Social Media Help My Business?

Yes, social media can help your business in several ways. Here are some potential benefits:

1. Increased brand awareness: Social media platforms allow you to reach a larger audience and increase awareness of your brand, products, and services.

2. Enhanced customer engagement: Interacting with your audience through social media can help build strong relationships and foster customer loyalty. Regular engagement also allows you to address customer queries or concerns promptly.

3. Targeted advertising: Social media platforms provide powerful targeting options, allowing you to reach a specific audience based on demographics, interests, and behaviors. This can lead to more effective and efficient advertising campaigns.

4. Improved website traffic and lead generation: Sharing relevant and engaging content on social media can drive traffic to your website. By using calls to action or lead generation forms, you can convert this traffic into potential customers or leads for your business.

5. Competitive advantage: Utilizing social media effectively can help differentiate your business from your competitors. It allows you to showcase your expertise, unique products or services, and provide value to your audience, setting you apart in the market.

6. Market research and feedback: Social media platforms offer valuable insights into customer behavior, preferences, and sentiments. By monitoring these platforms, you can gather feedback, conduct market research, and gain a better understanding of your customers.

However, it is important to have a well-thought-out social media strategy and allocate resources to manage and maintain your social media presence effectively.

I offer social media packages as low as $75 per month. Custom packages are also available. Contact me for your marketing needs!

August 1, 2023May 9, 2024

SEO Services

When deciding where to spend your advertising dollars, there are several things to consider. First and foremost, is budget. Your budget will dictate how much you can spend on advertising. Generally, we are all restricted by budget at some point.

So what should you handle on your own and what should you hire an expert for?

Here are some key reasons to consider using a professionally trained SEO expert:

1. Knowledge and expertise: A professionally trained SEO expert has in-depth knowledge of search engine algorithms, industry best practices, and the latest trends in the SEO field. This allows them to develop effective strategies and tactics to improve a website’s search engine rankings.

2. Customized approach: A professional SEO expert can analyze your business, target audience, and competition to create a customized SEO plan that aligns with your goals. They can identify the most valuable keywords, optimize your website’s structure and content, and implement other optimization techniques specific to your industry.

3. Time and cost-efficiency: SEO requires continuous effort and monitoring. By outsourcing SEO tasks to an expert, you can save time and ensure that the work is done efficiently. This allows you and your team to focus on other important aspects of your business.

SEO Services & Algorithms

4. Stay up-to-date with algorithm changes: Search engine algorithms are constantly evolving, and it’s crucial to stay updated with the latest changes to maintain and improve search rankings. A professionally trained SEO expert will stay on top of algorithm updates, industry news, and emerging trends to ensure that your website remains optimized.

5. Results-driven approach: SEO experts use various analytics tools and techniques to measure the success of their strategies. They can provide detailed reports and insights on the performance of your website, keyword rankings, user engagement, and more. This data-driven approach helps in making informed decisions to optimize your SEO efforts further.

6. Long-term benefits: A professionally trained SEO expert understands the importance of long-term sustainability and ethical practices. They focus on building a strong foundation for your website and implementing strategies that can yield lasting results. This approach ensures that your website remains competitive in the long run and helps you achieve sustainable growth.

Contact me for your SEO Services. My team and I look forward to assisting you!

July 15, 2023May 9, 2024

What is Content Marketing?

Content marketing can help businesses establish themselves as industry experts and thought leaders, providing value to their target audience. By consistently creating and sharing relevant and informative content, businesses can attract and engage potential customers, build trust, and establish credibility.

One of the key benefits of content marketing is its ability to increase brand awareness. By regularly publishing high-quality content, businesses can increase their visibility and reach a wider audience. This can lead to increased website traffic, social media followers, and overall brand recognition.

Another important aspect of content marketing is its ability to enhance customer loyalty. By providing valuable content that addresses the needs and pain points of the target audience, businesses can build stronger relationships with customers. This can result in increased customer satisfaction and loyalty, leading to higher levels of customer retention and repeat business.

Additionally, this type of marketing can drive profitable customer action. By delivering valuable and informative content, businesses can educate their audience about their products or services, and influence their purchasing decisions. This can lead to increased conversions, sales, and ultimately, revenue.

Content marketing also has the advantage of being adaptable and cost-effective. It can be tailored to different platforms and formats, allowing businesses to reach their audience through various channels. Moreover, compared to traditional advertising methods, content marketing is often more affordable and can provide a higher return on investment.

In conclusion, this is a strategic and effective marketing approach that focuses on creating and distributing valuable content to attract, engage, and retain a target audience. By providing useful and informative content, businesses can build brand awareness, enhance customer loyalty, and drive profitable customer action.

Contact me to create a custom marketing plan for your business. Small or large, my team and I help business owners reach their advertising goals. What are you waiting for? I look forward to assisting you.

June 28, 2023May 9, 2024

Will Blogs Boost Sales?

Blogs have the potential to boost sales for a business. When utilized correctly, blogs can help increase brand awareness, and drive traffic to a website. Additionally, they can establish credibility and trust, and ultimately convert readers into customers.

Boosting Sales with Blogs

Here are a few ways blogs can contribute to sales growth:

1. Increased visibility: Blogs provide an opportunity to optimize content with relevant keywords, making it more discoverable on search engines. As more people find and engage with the blog content, it can lead to higher website traffic, brand exposure, and potential sales.

2. Thought leadership: By consistently publishing high-quality and valuable content, businesses can position themselves as knowledgeable experts in their industry. This can build trust and credibility among target customers, making them more likely to consider the business’s products or services when making a purchase decision.

3. Conversion opportunities: Blogs can include calls-to-action (CTAs) that encourage readers to take specific actions. These can include actions such as subscribing to a newsletter, downloading a free resource, or making a purchase. These CTAs, when strategically placed and relevant to the blog content, provide opportunities to convert interested readers into sales leads or customers.

4. Relationship building: Engaging blog content that educates, entertains, or solves problems can foster a sense of connection and trust with readers. By consistently providing valuable information, businesses can nurture relationships with their audience. Which can ultimately lead to increased sales and customer loyalty.

However, it’s important to note that success with blogging requires a well-planned and executed strategy. Consistency, quality content, understanding target audience needs, proper promotion, and effective optimization are all key factors that can contribute to the success of a blog in boosting sales. To answer the question, “Will blogs boost sales?”, yes, they will if you follow these guidelines:

Blogging Best Practices

Consistency: It’s crucial to have a consistent schedule for publishing new blog posts. This helps to keep readers engaged and lets search engines know that your blog is regularly updated.

Quality content: Providing valuable and relevant content is essential for attracting and retaining readers. This increases your blog’s credibility. It also encourages readers to share your content, which can lead to more visibility and potential sales.

Understanding target audience needs: Identifying your target audience and understanding their needs, preferences, and pain points is vital. This allows you to create content that resonates with them, addresses their challenges, and provides solutions. When your blog offers helpful information and guidance, it becomes a valuable resource for potential customers.

Proper promotion: Creating great content is just the first step. You also need to promote your blog effectively to reach your target audience. Sharing your posts on social media, engaging with relevant communities and forums, collaborating with other bloggers and influencers, and utilizing email marketing can all help to increase the visibility and reach of your blog.

Effective optimization: Optimizing your blog for search engines is crucial for driving organic traffic. This includes conducting keyword research, optimizing your blog posts with relevant keywords, optimizing meta tags and descriptions, improving site speed, and ensuring your blog is mobile-friendly. Higher search engine rankings can lead to more visibility, traffic, and potential sales.

Blogging Final Thoughts

In conclusion, blogging can be a powerful tool for boosting sales, but it requires careful planning and execution. By consistently providing quality content that meets the needs of your target audience, promoting your blog effectively, and optimizing it for search engines, you can increase visibility, attract more traffic, and ultimately drive sales for your business.

Laura Gunn Marketing offers Blog Services for as low as $45. Contact us for your marketing needs!

August 1, 2022May 9, 2024

VoIP Please!

The entire internet is working to acquire and sell any data it can manage to gather from you; fortunately, a VoIP can help! VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. Basically, it’s an internet-based phone number, acquired on any number of apps or sites. In July, we discussed how spammers get ahold of your email address. It’s collected every time you make an account on a website, join a mailing list, etc. People buy those lists of email address, and then can spam the daylights out of you. But that’s not all! Facebook and Twitter have each admitted to giving marketers (read: spammers) our phone numbers too! Do we sign up for sites using our phone numbers? Not typically. Certainly not like email addresses! So where are they getting our digits from?

The Real Reason for a VoIP

The answer is two factor authentication (2FA for short). On many sites you can elect to prove that each of your logins are performed yourself by enabling this security feature. Typically, the site will send a code to that phone number, you type that code in on the website, and you’re in. It’s an important feature for account security, and it feels CRIMINAL that our security data, of all things, is being sold for marketing purposes.

Just like you have a spam-only email address, you can funnel all the phone-based nonsense to a VoIP! Not every website will allow an internet-based phone number for 2FA, but then there are 2FA apps to try, and so on. While it may feel like overkill, having your personal phone number gives access to documents such as your voter registration, real estate history, court proceedings, etc.

You can never tell exactly what a corporation is going to do with the data they gather. Ideally, you know all of these tips before putting your information everywhere, but it’s not exactly common knowledge! Keep checking back for more continuing education on how to keep your data YOURS in the digital age.

July 1, 2022May 9, 2024

A Spam Email for Spam Emails

Last month, we talked about how spam works in our modern digital age. We confronted the harsh reality that spam, like glitter, will never leave you fully alone. However, I mentioned a few ways you can reduce the amount that you have to deal with, and today I want to zone in on one: the spam-only email address!

If you remember my previous blog post (the one linked above), every time you enter your email address into a website, that site adds it to a huge list. On this list is everyone else who has put their email address into that site. Scammers buy these lists, and bombard the addresses with nonsense to find easy targets. Even hitting “Unsubscribe” can come with severely annoying consequences.

To get around this style of scammer, simply lean in!

Your first line of defense is a spam-only email address. This is the account that you’ll use for all your random website sign ups. If you play your cards right, this is where your spam should stay. One of the easiest places to create such an email address is Google!

Building a Spam Email

Simply create a new account, and make sure to put “spam” or “junk” or similar in the username. For example, mine could be LGMspam@gmail.com. That way I can see clearly it’s related to my business (LGM) but is designated as a spam trap. Now, I can use this to sign up for whatever I want, and I only have to see the mess it makes when I log in.

If you go this route, you may opt to, ironically, keep the spam filter low or off. That way, if you DO sign up for something legit, you can log in and find that Amazon gift card the internet promised you. Stranger things have happened.

All that’s left is to quit using your primary email address for all those Michael’s coupons! With your spam now neatly tucked away, you can go about your business with a significantly reduced spam load in your primary inbox. Enjoy the peace!

June 1, 2022May 9, 2024

Why Am I Getting Spam

You’re tired of spam emails. You’ve been tired of spam emails for a long time. It’s been so long, you’ve abandoned an overflowing email address and learned to keep your new one very private. And yet, the spam keeps coming.

Am I right so far? I bet so, because this is so common! Scammers and hackers are everywhere, and they want desperately to get ahold of your information and into your system. There are all kinds of ways they work their evil magic, and MAN are they persistent!

From Spam to Scam

Emails are an absolute favorite of online scammers: once you have the email addresses, they cost nothing, they take little time to put together, they require almost no maintenance, and they can be very tricky! Getting the email addresses is the only part that costs, as scammers often buy them in bulk. So how does your email address end up in those lists?

Well, being active on the internet will do it in most cases. Ever used your email for access to a cooking blog? News site? Forum? It can now be picked up by email-harvesting bots.

Another way is by unsubscribing from email lists. If you didn’t personally subscribe to that list, it may be an attempt to validate your email address. Unfortunately, clicking “Unsubscribe” will tell the originator that your account is active and ready to be sold in a nice, bulk package. This can also be done via a tracking image in the email. In this case, even opening the email will validate your address to the scammer if your email platform is set to auto-load images.

How Do I Stop It?

Frankly, there’s no way to get rid of spam emails entirely. Online tips will tell you to mark things as spam, delete the emails, don’t use your email address for anything, unsubscribe from email lists… You see why these won’t work, right?

For free, there’s only a few things you can do, and they’re not effective for long. Set up and keep up with spam filters on your email server, avoid clicking into emails you don’t recognize, use a spam-only email address for accounts when possible, and hope you don’t wind up on too many bulk lists.

Honestly, your best bet is to purchase spam protection, such as Norton or Bitdefender, and let it do the work for you. Buying a program may not be the answer you’re looking for, but email scammers are far too plentiful and far too persistent to fend off on your own. It’s not pretty, but it’s the (virtual) world we live in.

For more tips, tricks, and insights to navigating and marketing in this virtual world, keep an eye on this blog, and book a consultation!

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