Good Morning Debi

Monday evenings are spent putting this newsletter together each week. I am thankful it is rare to have a networking event or a board meeting to attend on a Monday - thus the reason the newsletter goes out Tuesday mornings - just in case you have wondered why Tuesdays... It also gives us an opportunity to share the information throughout the week... And, Monday night is my least favourite night to work in the evenings - for some reason putting this together, doesn't seem like work!

First:

We've introduced a new feature this week called the Tip of the Week - a very short article to help you with your marketing - this week's tip relates to Instagram, check it out below.

And...

Have you noticed the new posts we've put out on Instagram recently? We have two new interns with us enrolled in a Social Media course - they are getting a little experience in creating social posts while we mentor and provide some marketing assistance and use of our studio in return. Welcome to Rachel and Piper!

We have also been working a lot with referral programs recently due to Zoho introducing their new app called THRIVE (get a trial here using my link) - a unique app for creating your own referral program and/or affiliate program. Anyway the reason for this mention is recently a friend asked for a referral for a specific type of business. I gave him four people all providing the service he required. I also gave all four his contact information (with his permission) letting them know this gentleman was in the market for their service - please reach out to him. Of the four, only one contacted him. Guess who got the business! I wonder why the others didn't contact him - to me this would be a hot lead, I would have been all over it! You?

Local Niagara

Networking: (Local Niagara) Celebrating 10 Years

Clients & Cocktails Networking - this week we will be in St. Catharines. Message me if you would like to join us...



Enjoy!

Tip of the Week

Posting Multiple Times on Instagram?

Need to post several times a day on Instagram but worried about the algorithm overshadowing your key content?

Post Quietly to Profile

Use Instagram's 'Post quietly to profile' feature. This allows your post to appear on your profile without being shared to your followers' feeds, maintaining the visibility of your most important posts.

Increase Positive Word-of-Mouth

Want more people raving about your brand? Turn customer interactions into unforgettable experiences that they’ll share with others.

Customer Journey

Walk in Their Shoes: Experience your brand’s customer journey firsthand to gain valuable insights. Have a team member pose as a customer for honest feedback and observe real-time interactions.



Key Moments:

1. Initial Contact: How do customers find you? Ads, recommendations, or your website.
2. Welcoming: Prepare new customers with pre-purchase info, guides, or welcome emails.
3. Core Experience: The main interaction, like using your product or visiting your store.
4. Final Impression: The lasting memory after the interaction, such as post-visit reflections.

Improving Experiences

1. Focus on Details: Enhance one aspect at a time. Personalize by remembering names and preferences.
2. VIP Feel: Add special touches to make customers feel important. Offer exclusive perks or tips.
3. Highlight Moments: Create memorable moments rather than trying to impress constantly.
4. Long-term Impact: Plan follow-ups to create lasting positive impressions.

Making Changes

1. Creative Enhancements: Find cost-effective ways to improve customer experiences.
2. Staff Training: Ensure your team understands and consistently delivers these enhancements.

Encouraging Sharing

Promote a branded hashtag on social media to encourage sharing. This helps generate word-of-mouth marketing and provides content for testimonials.

Practical Examples

• Send personalized videos after a visit.
• Provide digital photo memories for guests.
• Follow up with emails offering tips or additional information.

These touches create lasting memories, showing customers you value their experience beyond the transaction.

SHOUT OUT

Last week's 'Shout Out' goes to Julie Stobbe of Mind Over Clutter. Julie is a trained professional organizer - she can help you move from unorganized to unstoppable.

Do-it-Yourself Marketing: Pros & Cons

When to Get an Expert Involved

DIY marketing can be an appealing option for many business owners. We get it! Not all businesses have a huge marketing budget. Doing your own marketing offers cost savings and the opportunity to have direct control over your brand's message. However, it also comes with challenges that may require professional expertise. Here's a quick look at the pros and cons:

Pros of DIY Marketing

• Cost Savings: Avoid the expenses of hiring a professional.
• Control: Directly manage your brand’s message.
• Learning Experience: Gain valuable marketing skills.
• Authenticity: Personal touch can strengthen audience connections.

Cons of DIY Marketing

• Time-Consuming: Marketing takes significant time.
• Expertise Gap: Lacks the depth of professional knowledge.
• Inconsistent Quality: Maintaining high quality can be tough.
• Limited Resources: Professionals have access to advanced tools and platforms.

When to Involve an Expert

• Strategic Planning: For developing a comprehensive marketing strategy.
• Advanced Techniques: Tasks like building effective funnels, advanced email marketing and drip campaigns as well as SEO need specialized knowledge and often tools.
• Time Constraints: When marketing takes too much time away from other business areas.
• Scaling: To reach a broader audience as your business grows.
• Crisis Management: Professionals can effectively handle brand reputation during crises.

DIY marketing is beneficial but knowing when to involve an expert is crucial for sustainable success. For personalized strategies and expert advice, reach out to us. We’re here to help you communicate with clarity and prowl with purpose. AND, don't forget to join our facebook group below for DIY Marketing tips, information and general knowledge.

Inspiration

Do not let what you don't have, prevent you from using what you do have.

We Take the Headache Out of Your Marketing. Automatically.

Check out our marketing resources , and some of the websites we've built for our clients. Call us any time - we're always happy to help.

Not sure what you need? Book a consultation with one of our team? We'll provide valuable information throughout the strategy session to guide you on the right path... Don't worry, we won't sell unless you ask! Book a consultation today!

Debi Katsmar

Marketing Strategist

Certified Zoho CRM Administrator

Email Marketing Specialist

PRowl Communications

O:905-734-8273 or

289-362-4004

debi@prowlcommunications.com

Book a Consultation with Debi

Mackenzie Katsmar

VP & Multi-Media

Marketing Strategist

905-325-1635

mackenzie@prowlcommunications.com

Book A Consultation with Mac

Our Website

Steve Simkus

Business Development &

Marketing Strategist

289-608-7804

steve@prowlcommunications.com

Book A Consultation with Steve

The Business Block, 243 Church St., Unit 208 & 205, St. Catharines, ON L2R 3E8

Entrance & Free Parking from Page Street.