2016 Year in Review and 2017 Goals

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Last year instead of making New Year’s resolutions, I decided to set 3 goals instead for the year. By choosing a small number of goals, I felt I was more likely to achieve what I set out to do, rather than make a bunch of resolutions that would probably fall by the wayside. I am happy to report that I was successful in achieving those goals.

To recap, the goals I set were:

  1. Create an additional revenue stream.
  2. Fix my eyes.
  3. Find more balance in my life.

Creating An Additional Revenue Stream

This one was by far the most difficult goal to complete. As I mentioned in my post last year, I have a running Evernote doc with tons of ideas. The problem has been trying to find the time to research, test and implement those ideas. I have a shop that is attached to this site, but sadly it’s sad. I have tons of product ideas that I think would be great for the shop, but it requires that extra time to sit down, sketch out the concepts and make them digital designs for the products I think they would look great on. I have the concepts written down, but that’s still their status.

I joined a client and became a co-founder for a great start-up in the Washington, D.C. area that focuses on cultural and language learning activities for kids. Shout-out to Mully Lingua! Again, time became my enemy and I had to back out of the start-up because I could not meet the time commitment demands.

By the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2016, I was beginning to think that I may not reach this particular goal. So I decided a new direction was needed to approach accomplishing this goal. Instead of doing something completely new, I decided to work on one of the ideas in the notebook that was complimentary to the services my design business already offers–mobile app design and development.

I already did design for mobile apps, but I only did the front-end design work–not the development. Adding development to the mix and handling the ‘hosting’ of an app would provide an additional revenue stream. So that’s what I did.

Starting in November of 2016, I put all of the resources in place to begin offering mobile app design and development. The service is still in a soft launch state, but things are up and running and I currently have apps launched in the Apple and Google Play app stores, as well as a few in development. Need an app? Head over to this page: CED Mobile App Design & Development

Fix My Eyes

This one was somewhat of an easy one. The biggest hurdle was fear. I was scared and I talked to anyone and everyone that I knew had had a LASIK procedure done. They all said the same thing. They were scared too before they did it, but wished they had done it sooner, once they had.

I now say the same thing. In June of 2016, I had my LASIK procedure done and now I am 20/15 with both eyes together.

Find More Balance in my Life

I was already on the path to trying to accomplish this goal when I set it as a goal for 2016. I had found a great massage therapist and I continued to get regular massages throughout 2016. I have carried this practice into 2017 and I have no plans to stop. It really does help me decompress from the hustle and bustle of running a business.

I started practicing mindfulness and added yoga and meditation to some of my daily routines. I still do it a bit randomly, but I have been doing it regularly.

I travelled a lot last year. Most of it I did without bringing work with me, which allowed me to relax more. Two trips I did, but the other five or so, I didn’t.

Last year was not a good year for health within my family and close friend circles. A handful of relatives passed away, several became terminally ill and a close friend was near death. To help me balance out dealing with the stress of it all, I had to let go of a part-time contract assignment that I had been doing. Making that decision for me, was a part of this goal. It was necessary at that time, in order to balance the scales of life.

Goal Setting

Setting goals, writing them down, and actually achieving them, was pretty rewarding. It has helped to add to the positive feelings I have of last year. There were some things that were bad, but overall I feel the year was a good one. Being able to see things I said I would do and actually followed through on, is pretty awesome!

So for next year, here are the 3 goals I am setting out to do:

  1. Learn to speak conversational Spanish.
  2. Be better with personal budgeting and savings initiatives.
  3. Reduce my overall debt significantly.

Did you make and keep any resolutions/goals last year?

Digital Marketing Trends

Projected Digital Marketing Trends For 2017

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A new year is here, and that means it’s time to speculate about what digital marketing trends will emerge! There’s no question there will be some new trends to follow, but much of what will happen in 2017 has already been happening!

Classic strategies don’t change much from one year to the next, but strategies and tactics indeed evolve. By the year 2017, everyone is aware of the fundamental nature of mobile marketing. Web developers have been noticing a shift to mobile device access for years. Now, it appears as if Desktop users are nearing extinction! That means Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) and other technologies will proliferate rapidly.

AMP Is Worth Implementing

Google and Bing are always looking for ways to increase speed for their users. One way they can do that is by showing AMP pages in their search. These web pages display fast in mobile devices by stripping many additional HTML elements. Users want answers fast and search companies are delivering quick results. Anytime you can stay abreast of technological advances; it pays to do so! AMP and HTTP2 are two enhancements for your website technology and a digital marketing trend to consider.

Virtual Reality Is Going to Grow

One digital marketing trend we saw emerge toward the latter part of 2016, was virtual reality. Depending on your vertical, virtual reality may play a large role in your digital marketing efforts. It’s not hard to imagine the numerous potential applications for just about every sector. Millions of people are purchasing VR technology, and they’ll want to use the pricey equipment to its fullest advantage. If your organization can come up with a slick way to deliver content or a user experience to this emerging technology, you’ll see a sudden boost in sales.

Big Data Keeps on Growing

There’s an interesting thing about data. The more of it anyone amasses, the more useful it becomes. Companies are relying heavily on mining Big Data as much as possible to guide their marketing. Being able to predict results accurately means you can spend marketing dollars much more wisely. Big Data has been contributing a lot to the top end for large organizations. Next up we’ll see small and mid-sized enterprises catch up. Amazon Web Services have some Big Data options that marketers will build applications for to help the ecosystem grow.

Multi-Channel Marketing Continues to Dominate

Companies have to craft specific messages for the various crucial social networks. If they don’t, they’ll find the effectiveness of their overall campaign diminishes. Having to do this requires more work and money, but the results make it a mainstay. It’s not enough to manage a Facebook Page. You should also represent your company on Twitter and LinkedIn. If you have a business where creating visuals is easy, consider the benefits of Pinterest and Instagram. There’s no one size fits all strategy that will work for any small business’ marketing plan, but it is a digital marketing trend that is still a staple.

Social Analytics Become Essential

Analytics help marketers correctly interpret social media information. Analytics may not mean much when you first start, but when you’re running multiple campaigns with high budgets, they are unavoidable. It helps to see what content matters most and who your most influential followers are at all times. Social analytics dashboards range in features, but all of them give you profound insights into how you interact with customers and prospects. For those who are waging campaigns across multiple channels, this type of knowledge is hugely important.

Video Never Slows Down

By now you’re probably investing heavily in video content. That digital marketing trend will continue in 2017 and beyond. People love the format of video. If you introduce a video marketing campaign to your inbound marketing efforts this year, expect a boost in your activity. Attracting viewers on Facebook and YouTube is easy. Facebook has been granting precedence to video content for months, and that will go on for quite some time. Now’s an excellent time to dive in with both of your feet and start pushing engaging video content. There are still many of your competitors who haven’t been producing videos. Beat them to market and win new fans and customers.

Distributing Your App Helps Growth

2017 may be the year to advertise your app to a broad market. The app ecosystem is so large that it’s still possible to find low-cost advertising that works. It’s worth experimenting by targeting those who are already using related applications. You may be able to poach the exact type of customer you want at an affordable cost. Have your digital marketing agency come up with a strategy that takes the vibrant world of App Discovery into consideration. Investing in an app once is never enough. It matters that you continue to improve your offering and that you advertise it far and wide. Rewards for companies that stay consistent with their marketing are high.

The classics won’t change this year. In marketing, that means to have a strong brand and a coherent message. If people can quickly identify what your company sells, you’re on the right path. It might be worth discarding older marketing material and coming up with fresh new ideas. If you aren’t into doing it yourself, many professionals can assist. People who work with digital marketing every day develop a strong sense of what works. Once you plug your existing efforts into a digital framework, you have a chance to really take off!

No matter what digital marketing trend you decide on, make sure you follow up with your clients! Whether you use email alone or call or text them doesn’t matter. You’ll find those who have dealt with you in the past can be excellent sources of revenue. Sometimes all it takes is a simple reminder that you’re out there and can help them. That triggers a process that ends with them seeking you out for more services! Adding more people to the top of your sales funnel and selling more to those who are already customers will help you get excellent returns.

Develop a Winning Marketing Plan for Your Business Mobile App

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If you decide to develop an app, it’s important you don’t fall into a “Field of Dreams” syndrome. That famous movie brought us the line “If you build it, they will come.” Keep in mind; they were referring specifically to a baseball field in the middle of a farm! If that’s not what you’re doing, forget all about that advice forever. For the rest of us, marketing is required to gain traction. In the world of mobile apps, you have to go out and find users!

Put Your App in the Forefront of Your Online Marketing Initiative

The strongest move to make is tying your app into all of your current online efforts. Media companies have been doing this for years. Websites that were once newspapers now have millions of users for their apps. They grew their audience by suggesting their mobile application often. The same strategy is one for you to use as the foundation for your efforts. Leverage, your current customers to help you develop an audience of mobile users.

Stand out from the Crowd

Originality pays when it comes to app design. Most ideas have already been seen, making it nearly impossible to stand out. If your app is a “me too” offering, you’ll struggle to find virality. You may not be able to come up with something entirely new. That’s nearly impossible in most cases. However, putting a twist on an idea is a way of creating an offering with sufficient differentiation. A unique take on even a traditional subject contains enough originality to create market demand. Put your thinking cap on and outline what it is that makes your application different.

Harness the Power of Social Networks to Market Your App

Social media marketing is your friend when you need to market an app. Users in every imaginable demographic inhabit the large social networks. You can find your perfect prospects by creating and distributing content that helps them decide to use your application. One of the most impressive aspects of social media marketing is that it helps people quickly endorse and recommend things they love. If they like using your application, they’ll notify friends.

Prepare an Unbeatable Elevator Pitch

Have your 15-second elevator pitch ready for everyone. It’s crucial that you’re able to outline the benefits or your app fast. People are known for their short attention spans these days. Bore them at your peril! If they don’t “get” what you’re all about quickly, they’ll move on. Even 15 seconds might be too long. Shorten your pitch to even less if you can. Look at the impact that “ride-hailing” apps have had on the world. That show a two-word description does a perfect job of exposing the main feature of the app. Think along those same lines and you’ll be able to sell a download to just about anybody. People always want to know what’s in it for them.

Never Forget Branding

Marketing your mobile application requires a strong branding effort. The fastest way to gain attention in a marketplace is a strong brand. The world’s most famous ones dominate due to their inherent strength. You aren’t looking to convince everyone in the world to try your app. Instead, focus on defining your targets as precisely as possible. Don’t underestimate the importance of having a catchy name and tagline! People love extraordinary brands, so it’s worth putting forth the energy to create one.

Figure out What Your Competitors Are Doing to Market Their App

It’s a smart idea to know your competition. Your mobile app is not going to be the only one of its kind. You can be sure of that simple fact. Therefore, you should take the time to study what the other companies are doing to spread their version. You may be able to incorporate some of their ideas into your overall marketing strategy. You also can spend some time differentiating your offering from theirs. One of the most common questions prospects wonder, “why should I choose this one over another?” Make sure it’s clear to them why your download is the superior one.

Understand the Subtleties

Android and iOS apps require different types of marketing strategies. Android apps can be uploaded free to large vendors, which is fantastic. However, since it’s free, expect lots and lots of other apps to be there already. Apple listings cost hard earned money, meaning you have to make back more money for the efforts. You may decide to combine both kinds of apps for the widest possible audience. If you understand demographics, you’ll see patterns emerge. Your typical users are going to have many things in common. Refine these people’s characteristics to the point where you’re able to target people quickly and then consider paid placements. You can advertise apps just about everywhere mobile users hang out.

Don’t Forget the Importance of Quality

Apps that function poorly or look bad won’t get anywhere. You have to be a stickler for high quality. Hire a professional developer who knows the business inside and out. There are many new app developers out there who just don’t have the experience needed to produce quality, useful mobile apps. It’s tempting to give them a try, but resist the urge and go with professionals. Once your app is out there, the last thing you want is to deal with bugs. With the right team and framework in place, your user base will flourish. You won’t need to go back and tweak any poor code or fix bugs! Stick with the best development and the rewards will be enormous.

Making a mobile app is a significant step towards effective mobile marketing. The best apps fit in with your other initiatives, strengthening your branding and selling. With a comprehensive marketing strategy in place, you’ll see the types of results other companies only imagine in their dreams. Apps deliver a high degree of prestige along with their other benefits. Your business will stand out from others due to technological innovation. In today’s increasingly competitive environment, every little bit helps.

Thinking about developing a mobile app for your small business? Not sure where to start?

Give Us a Shout!

Determine Your Mobile App Needs Through Research and Discovery

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More and more businesses are deciding on creating custom apps. The idea is a sound one due to all the benefits app owners receive. However, despite this desire to appeal to mobile users, many small business operators don’t understand the process involved with bringing an app from its initial design to distribution. What matters most is, that any app you develop meets your business objectives. It’s not enough to try to produce a trending app if it doesn’t deliver new customers or revenue. That’s why professional developers have come up with a system to refine the goals behind the application.

Market Research and Discovery Top the List

The initial stage of mobile app development is arguably the most crucial. Market research helps companies define a particular strategy that defines what characteristics define the app’s users. Any app you develop must fit neatly into your current mobile marketing strategy. It’s one piece of a larger puzzle that provides a cohesive user experience.

Brainstorming is a fantastic first step. Gather together your team members and have a session where people come up with useful ideas about your mobile purpose. You may not be able to incorporate every idea into your design, but the best ones will give you a starting point. Your developer is going to have a lot of information for you about your market. Give them as much insight as you can into how your customers act and they’ll help define a strategy. You need to know how your app is going to appeal to potential prospects. There must be something that draws them in and keeps them around.

Successfully solving your customer’s problems is the quick way to find users. People install the applications they think will make their lives easier. Always operate within a framework of problem-solving when you’re researching your idea. It helps that you start the project with a specific budget in mind. Budgetary constraints limit the scope of the application but are useful for establishing objectives. Armed with your goals and a budget, your developer will have little trouble coming up with an app you’ll be proud to offer!

Knowing how the app stores work helps you understand how to reach your market. You’ll have to do app marketing. Otherwise, you can’t expect to see too many installs. You’ll want your current customers to use your app, so making them aware it exists is your first plan. However, you’re also going to want to draw in potential clients who may want to try it. It doesn’t matter what your specific objective is, but it does matter how you plan on reaching users. App stores are crowded marketplaces, so the common elements of effective marketing need to be in place.

Define All the Objectives of the App

It’s clear that the app you develop must do something for users. It also must accomplish goals for your organization. With a bit of planning, that’s not going to be an issue. Are you looking to sign up brand new customers? Do you plan on charging a premium for the app? It’s crucial to discuss fundamental matters such as these before you start coding. The decision you make will define who your most likely users are and how you’ll distribute your app.

Integrating your brand message into all elements of your mobile marketing strategy is a proven way to grow your following. Most large organizations push apps aggressively through their primary marketing channels. They also reinforce their core message with their app. That’s not a bad plan for small businesses to follow.

Use Storyboards and Wireframes

This stage is where the rubber meets the road for app development. Storyboards and wireframes allow you to construct the delicate framework of your mobile applications. You get a chance to flesh out the details of your project and to assure once again that the app meets objectives. This point in your process is the right time to incorporate branding elements. Mobile apps are a powerful tool for branding and establishing communications.

During this part of the process, you’ll look at various APIs to integrate. Many applications get their power through third party APIs. Many features that you want to implement in your app can be made more robust via third parties. Data integrations and infrastructure are also going to concern your developer at this point. You have to have the right framework in place so that your app works and is scalable.

It’s important to take mobile users seriously. They now represent a vast majority of your potential market. Cohesive integrations between your current website, social, and mobile assets will help you unlock greater value across your customer chain. It pays to strategize on what your app does really. Solving recurring and persistent problems is the best way to get people to use and continue to use apps. Often, the idea of solving problems is easier said than done. Minor nuisances are not enough to build on. Instead, you’re looking for the kinds of problems that keep people awake at night! Once you tackle one of those, you’ll find that growing your app user base is easy enough.

Don’t be afraid to rely on your developer’s expertise. They have done the same type of work for other clients, so they have the experience to guide you. Once you’re able to explain as clearly as possible your vision, leave it up to them to bring it to reality. It’s not enough to get people to install your app one time. You’ll also have to come up with ways to get them to engage with the app over time. The whole process can be a daunting challenge, but with enough effort, the payoff is well worth it. Apps are growing at a rate that is truly inspirational. Your business will benefit significantly from having a quality app that works well. Rest assured, mobile marketing is going to remain a key to business success for the foreseeable future. Move ahead of the competition with an excellent app.

Thinking about developing a mobile app for your small business? Give us a shout!

Thinking about developing a mobile app for your small business? Not sure where to start?

Give Us a Shout!

 

Mobile Website vs Mobile App

What Is The Difference Between A Mobile Website and a Mobile App?

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With technology changing at the speed of light, it can be challenging for business owners who don’t consider themselves to be ‘technically savvy’ to stay abreast of the shifts in digital technology. Specifically, when it pertains to mobile.

While many business owners recognize the need to have a web presence that’s compatible with mobile traffic, there can be some confusion about the differences between a mobile-friendly website and a mobile application.

In many cases, a mobile web app and a native app sound like one in the same, especially at first glance. What discerns these two very similar sounding products are the features that they possess.

To decide whether a mobile app or a mobile-friendly website are right for your objectives, here are some important factors to consider:

Everyone is on Mobile!

A recent report by Pew Research Center discovered 72% of adults polled own a Smartphone and use their device to access the Internet. While there are still people who use desktop or laptop computers to go online, these numbers have declined over the past decade.

A mobile-friendly website, also known as a “responsive website,” basically is designed to format on display screens of all sizes. This is regardless of whether it’s a wide-screen smart-television, a laptop computer, a tablet, or the latest smartphone introduced on the market. In many cases, mobile-friendly websites use features such as click-to-call, mapping, and geo-location to help improve the user experience when people visit the site. People must type in your URL (Universal Resource Locator) or domain name to access your site.

Mobile apps are different in the fact that they have to get downloaded on your mobile device from an app store such as Google Play or the Apple App Store. When downloaded, the mobile app is effectively installed on your device and allows you to access the mobile app at the touch of a button. In some cases, users can operate the mobile app even if they don’t have an active internet connection if that feature gets developed in the DNA of the mobile app design. Other apps may require an active internet connection to use them.

What Functionality is Most Important for Your Customers’ Mobile Experience?

Regardless of what your overall business model is, it’s always a smart idea to offer your website visitors or mobile app users the features that are mutually beneficial. By serving the needs of your clients, you are going the extra steps to assure that they come back to your site or use your mobile app again and again.

For instance, if you own a restaurant, both a mobile-friendly website and a multifunctional app that offers customers the ability to browse your menu, get directions to your establishment, check for special offers, make reservations, or order and pay online can significantly increase your revenue. It’s not hard to earn back a return and profit on the original investment because it helps generate more revenue for your company.

If, however, you don’t have a physical product and want to offer something more recreational like a mobile game, a mobile app works perfectly. Most mobile users prefer to use installed apps to do their favorite activities including streaming content, playing games, and shopping.

Build Customer Loyalty and Brand Awareness

Mobile apps and mobile-friendly websites are an essential component of building brand awareness and customer loyalty. In many cases, if a potential client just wants to learn more about your company and your product offerings, a mobile-friendly website is a suitable way to introduce them to your brand.

Providing these visitors with your phone number, your product or service offerings, and directions are often enough to answer their questions. These visitors may not be willing to download an app to their smartphones or tablets just to gather this basic information.

However, if you’ve developed a devoted base of customers and you’re able to give additional incentives to them, a mobile app offers a means to extend these deals through the power of your mobile application.

Special offers only made available to app users help encourage more of your customers to install the app and take advantage of your deals when they’re available. Further, functionality such as digital punch cards are perfect for boosting repeat visits to your establishment and increasing per ticket revenue at a modest marketing cost.

A Mobile Investment in Your Company

No matter whether you decide to implement a mobile-friendly website, launch a mobile app, or do both, an investment in mobile compatibility is almost always going to be worth the initial expense. Many business owners are budget conscious and want to get the most return for their stake in growing their company.

If you’re just making the first changes needed to become mobile compatible, and you don’t need a lot of bells and whistles, a mobile friendly website is a good place to start. The development time and cost is reasonable enough for most, and it provides the functionality that’s needed to display pertinent information to customers and potential customers.

When you want to reach broader markets on a larger scale, mobile apps make accessibility a lot easier. Instead of having to enter a URL into a search bar, all the user has to do is pull up the app on their device – no extra steps are required. A mobile app shortens the click path to your business, eliminating the need for your customers to use a search engine or remember your website address to find you online. As you can imagine, the shorter the path to your business front, the better!

Which Do You Need?

Are you unsure of how you need to approach your mobile audience? If so, Colleen and the team at Colleen Eakins Design can offer solutions to help you meet the needs of your mobile patrons. Head on over to the [ contact ] page to get the discussion started today!