Want It Or Not.. Your Google+ Page is About to Get Busy

Whether you want to or not, it’s time to jump aboard the Google+ ship. As a marketing professional, it’s your job to not only perfect your own Google+ page, but also to warn your clients of these recent changes to ensure their continued success.

Finally integrating its purchase of Zagat, a replacement of Google Places called Google+ Local has combined the forces of Google Search and Google Maps, creating, as you can imagine, the Incredible Hulk of Google services.

The Basics
The essential function of Google+ Local is to provide recommendations and reviews of local businesses and restaurants. Whenever you search a business or restaurant, Google+ Local gives an overall ranking based on Zagat’s 30 point system (with 30 being the best) as well as individual scores based on decor, service, and cost.

Since this new software is linked with Google+, reviews and recommendations from anyone in your circles will show up front and center—giving you reviews from people you trust, rather than Joe Schmoes you’ve never met.

Why You Need to Know
Although this recent update to Google mainly affects eateries, the same 30 point ranking system will be used on any businesses searched using Google Maps, Google Search or Google+.

The ultimate goal of this update from Google+, from our perspective, is to encourage local businesses to enhance their current Google+ pages (or create them) and bring more usage and engagement to Google+.

So, like it or not, it’s time to get your Google+ page looking fine and fancy, as more and more Google traffic will now be directed to those pages.

NJC Printing provides quality digital and offset printing to businesses in St. Louis, Missouri and throughout the Midwest. Please visit our website at www.NJCPrint.com to learn more about us or to Request An Estimate.

LinkedIn A Goldmind For Business

As for social media sites, LinkedIn is too boring to bear for many individuals. But for businesses, the professional networking site is a goldmine. That is,  for businesses that know how to use it. Keep reading for four ways your business can use LinkedIn for greater lead generation.

All Aboard
Encourage your staff to participate in your LinkedIn marketing push for the best results. Your company’s visibility will be higher when more professionals associate with your company on the site. Tell your staff to claim their own vanity URL so that it includes their names rather than random letters and numbers no one will remember. Make sure your staff maintains a professional image on LinkedIn, too.

Don’t let your team treat LinkedIn like Facebook or Twitter by sharing party pictures and silly personal information. Prospective leads will be unimpressed and far less likely to give you their business.

Get the Word Out
With all of the effort you’re putting into marketing your business on social media, it’d be a shame to neglect publicizing your LinkedIn presence. Make a focused effort to spread the word about your availability on LinkedIn. You can promote your profile on your blog and Twitter feed. And print QR codes on the back of your business cards to drive traffic to your profile. And don’t forget to include a link to your profile in your email signature. Finally, add clients as connections to see their contacts (also known as your new prospects).

Don’t Pitch Your Services
Position yourself as an expert and get noticed on LinkedIn by contributing to active group discussions. Provide insight by answering questions.  Attract promising leads adding thoughtful, expert responses to questions. Don’t pitch your services on LinkedIn, quality leads won’t even look twice at you. Once your audience knows you’re informing them instead of trying to sell your services, they will see your profile in a different light and contact you.

Follow Up
Using Google Analytics, track who’s viewing your company website. Then check LinkedIn for executives you can pass along to your inside sales team. Likewise, track those viewing your LinkedIn profile and your staff’s—potential leads may already be researching your company. Keep leads interested and attentive by following up with a phone call, email or LinkedIn’s InMail.

Lead generation on LinkedIn definitely requires an investment of your time. But if you and your staff concentrate on engaging with professionals from relevant industries on the social media site, your list of prospects will grow and your sales will soar.

NJC Printing provides quality digital and offset printing to businesses in St. Louis, Missouri and throughout the Midwest. Please visit our website at www.NJCPrint.com to learn more about us or to Request An Estimate.

4 Things to Help College Grads Gain the Advantage in Job Hunting.

College graduations are looming for thousands of students across the country. That means students will be looking to enter a competitive job market. If you’re one of those students, it’s time to prepare for the real world. Here are a few things you should be doing now to gain an advantage over your fellow classmates.

Update your resume
Resumes are still the ticket to getting an interview in most careers. Make sure your resume has current and compelling information. Most importantly, have a few professionals proof read it for grammar and spelling. One mistake and your resume will end up in the trash.  You’ll want to customize your cover letter and resume for each job application. While you’re at it, open a LinkedIn account. It’s the Facebook for professionals.

Upgrade your wardrobe
Sweatpants and hoodies may work for the classroom, but won’t cut it in the business world. Research the industry you’re looking to break into to get a sense for the dress code. You will need at least one business suit and good shoes for interviews. You’ll want to get something versatile so you can accessorize in case there is more than one in-person interview. It’s time to start building your business casual wardrobe as well.

Prepare for interviews
Interviews can be scary, but if you are well prepared you can get through them like a pro. Google interview questions and come up with common questions to expect. If you have some ideas on how you want to answer some questions—even if they don’t ask the common questions—you’ll be ready.  Don’t forget to research the company granting you an interview and mention concepts they practice that you appreciate.

Don’t sell yourself short
If you haven’t already, start networking now. If you plan on staying in the community where your school is located, search out a young professionals group and also find out where industry leaders hang out. If you’re relocating, get on LinkedIn and use the connections of professionals in your community. Chances are they know people in other cities that can help you land an interview.

Don’t get discouraged. You’re entering a competitive job market. Aim for your goal, but be prepared with a back up plan. Find a job that provides you with necessary experience so you can eventually land that dream job.

- NJC Printing provides quality digital and offset printing to businesses in St. Louis, Missouri and throughout the midwest. Please visit our website at www.NJCPrint.com to learn more about us or to Request An Estimate.