Posts tagged saving money
Don’t let competition’s website outshine you
Oct 26th
What does a local brick-and-mortar business really need to know and do to get going online? You probably think, as I did, that the first step is to develop a website.
This obvious answer came quickly: People search for information on the Internet; a website insures your presence. But a second thought tickled my mind: Is the obvious really the best answer?
So I did my homework: The decision — website or not — depends on your market, location and competition. Actually, a brick-and-mortar business may have a better chance of being found through search listings than via a new website. So, building a website may not necessarily be your first priority.
This question came from the owner of a well-established dry cleaning store. I learned that referrals provide new customers. Successfully taking on difficult cleaning tasks has built their reputation. They also do expert alterations.
When I entered “dry cleaners” and the ZIP code in Google, their store showed up within a local cluster of nine other dry cleaners — all within easy driving distance for prospective customers. Local search tools provide presence for all nine. But, looking closely, only one competitor takes full advantage of the search engine’s marketing resources.
An effective local listing requires much more than entering a business’ name, address and telephone number. An effective listing requires an ongoing investment of time, patience and creativity — but almost everything is free.
Start by checking your business presence with the local listing power players: Google Maps, Yahoo! Local Listings and Yellow Pages. Other local directories help you create a business profile on their pages: SuperPages, SwitchBoard and CitySearch.
Think of each of these local profile pages as a mini business website. If you create a profile on just five different platforms, you’ll have five mini websites in places where prospects are likely to be looking for a business like yours.
Local listing sites may already show basic business information: name, address and telephone. They’ve gathered this information from other sources. When this takes place, claim the profile; then update and start enhancing with information for both users and search engines.
Without a doubt, Google Maps is the most powerful for localized online marketing. They provide applications for the iPhone and other mobile devices, as well as an automatic top spot on Google searches that specify location.
Make it a point to visit Google’s Local Business Center (google.com/lbc). Their video demo provides clear and concise guidance on how best to enhance your listings. Easy-to-understand analytics help grow your business. Attract new customers by adding Google Coupons to your listing. This feature is free!
SuperPages Business Solutions provide a variety of enhancement options including do-it-yourself video ad production. Consider pay-per-click ads to maximize marketing dollars; only pay for quality leads that actually click to learn more about your business (advertising.superpages.com/spportal).
The most important listing enhancement is customer reviews and ratings. So encourage your customers: Ask for reviews and ratings, then remind them to do so with a note on each delivery. But avoid the temptation to write the reviews yourself; they never ring true.
Will you ever need a website? Look to your competition: Sudsies.com, dry cleaners and laundry. They guarantee free, on-time pickup and delivery in both Dade and Broward counties. I’d say they’ve got a powerful new idea. One that cherry picks the most profitable zones and customers. I’d ask if their business model is more profitable than opening new store locations.
Courtesy of The Miami Herald, September 28th, 2009, written by Jack Hardy. Here is a link to the article: http://www.miamiherald.com/business/small-business/story/1254865.html
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Service, Service, Service!!!
Oct 13th
Remember back in the day, when businesses used to go that extra mile to assure your satisfaction and convenience at every step?
From the personal tailor in the luxurious department store to the hand-delivered, ice-cold gallon of milk on your front porch, it’s those special personalized touches that are often lacking in today’s hectic, need-it-now society. Sure, the word “convenience” is everywhere, but how often is it really and memorably delivered upon these days?
Well, Sudsies hasn’t forgotten what it was like then. And we’re dedicated to keeping that special feeling alive today.
At Sudsies, we pride ourselves on being eco-friendly, designer dud-savvy and prompt and professional. But if there’s one thing we truly hang our hat on, it’s our FREE pickup and delivery service.
Free pickup and delivery have been part of the Sudsies story since Day One, yet we’ve found that our customers aren’t always aware of this convenient and cost-saving offering.
So allow us to give you a quick primer.
It all starts at Sudsies.com, our interactive and easy-to-use website. Once there, just click on the “Free Pickup & Delivery” button along the left-hand side, then click the “Sign Up” bubble. That will take you to a fast form where you’ll be asked to enter relevant contact information, including service details and cleaning instructions.
Once you’ve signed up here, you can put yourself on a fixed schedule – daily, weekly, biweekly, whatever works best for you. If you want us to pick up your dirty clothes every Monday and deliver them freshly cleaned every Thursday, we can do that. If you’d like us to pick up every Tuesday and deliver every Friday, that’s cool too. You name it. We’ll make it happen. The choice is all yours.
And of course, if you happen to suddenly find a stain on your favorite dress and need us to swing on by, you can always go online to request a pickup – and we’ll alert one of our drivers in your neighborhood right away.
It’s that easy. That personal. That convenient. And best of all, it’s entirely free of charge.
It’s all part of our dedication to going the extra mile to make you happy. Without ever stopping to check the odometer along the way.
So what are you waiting for? Visit Sudsies.com today. And get reacquainted with the time-honored art of personalized convenience.
We’re Going Vertical Baby!
Dec 9th
Your current marketing strategy probably includes targeting and bringing in new clients. Your marketing strategy probably includes retaining your existing clients as well. These are both basic and sound principals of marketing. However, these are trying times for businesses and you have to start thinking outside of the proverbial box.
At Sudsies we have been successful at creating a loyal client base through our commitment to quality and superior customer service. Our clients have come to know what to expect from Sudsies. That got me to thinking…What other similar services could I offer my already loyal client base?
Here is where the vertical part comes in. Sudsies has created various sister companies offering rug cleaning (Rugsies), duct cleaning (Ductsies) and soon to come exterminating services (Bugsies). By now you probably get the idea. I’ve targeted my loyal customer base that trusts Sudsies to provide a great service. Now we’ve introduced other services for their home. They already trust us to pick up and deliver their clothes – why wouldn’t they trust us taking care of things in their home as well?
So think about going vertical with your marketing strategy!!
Time is Money
Nov 24th
According to an AOL survey, the average American spends two hours a day conducting personal business or running errands. As we all know, time is money, and with the economy at its present state, no one can afford to lose either one.
So what is a busy person to do? You can’t stop doing your errands; however, you can change how you get them done. An alternative that many have resulted to is outsourcing. Let others do the work for you.
Here are some examples of companies that get it done for you…..
Sudsies understands how busy you are, and how important your time is. This is why we offer complimentary pick-up and delivery services for your dry cleaning, laundry and tailoring. We pick at your house, your office or even your yacht. To set up your personal account go to http://www.sudsies.com and click on “Sign Up” then request a pickup. Or you can call (305) 864.3279 and your personal clothing concierge will take care of the details for you.
Ideal Lifestyle Concierge is a full service concierge company that offers on-demand personal assistant services. They offer many time-saving services to help balance your personal and professional lifestyle including bill paying, personal shopping, errand running, and moving assistance. For a personal consultation call 305-371-0077 or visit http://www.ideallifestyleconcierge.com
My Mobile Meds is committed to the Miami community, supplying its residents with specialized medications to fit anyone’s health needs. The company prides itself on its extensive selection of medication. Best of all, they provide free delivery. Visit their website at http://www.mymobilemeds.com for more info.
Feeling under the weather and can’t make it to the doctor’s office? Do you need to take your child to the doctor, but can’t take time off from work? My Home Doctor is your life saver, literally. Call 24 hours a day for an appointment, and a board certified physician will arrive at your door, usually within an hour. Now that’s service. For more info or to schedule an appointment, visit their website at http://www.myhomedoctor.com
Whether it’s dry cleaning, a physician, prescriptions, or concierge services, outsource. Save your time for more important things, like figuring out what to do with those extra two hours.
Here Comes the Holidays!
Nov 10th
There’s no denying the holidays are finally here, whether you are ready for them or not. Here are some tips from your friendly dry cleaners at Sudsies to get you through the season looking your best.
Party Clothes – The holidays usually mean lots of parties and events. Are you sure your party clothes are ready? Make sure that you try on your outfits before that special event. Check the hems, seams to make sure they are not coming apart. Check for any stains. Do you have to take your garments in or out? Do they need to be cleaned or pressed? Are there any buttons or beads missing? Remember Sudsies offers on-site tailoring as well as cleaning and laundry services.
Leathers – We live in South Florida and you may only use your leathers a few times a year. Make sure that the South Florida humidity hasn’t found your favorite leather jacket. Even if it has Sudsies can recondition any leather garment and make it look like new.
Tree Skirts – Did you have your tree skirt cleaned last year before packing it away. No worries, even if you didn’t Sudsies can remove left over pine needles and sap and make it look as beautiful as the day you bought it.
Holiday linens, tablecloths, napkins – Be ready for those holiday get togethers and dinners. Have your linens cleaned and pressed and ready to impress friends and family.
The holidays are about enjoying time with your family and friends not about stressing and running around. Let Sudsies take care of your dry cleaning, laundering and tailoring needs and remember pick up and delivery are always free.
