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In many ways, marketing B2B business is trickier than solving a Rubik’s cube one-handed.
Persuading a pernickety public to part with their cash is a considerable challenge, but convincing hard-nosed businesspeople that you solve their problems can be even tougher.
Large B2B firms have the bottomless budgets to throw big bucks at this problem, but thanks to digital marketing, small firms can compete too.
Here are four ways to boost your B2B business online.
Social media platforms can be useful for getting your marketing messages out to the masses — but a scattergun approach isn’t effective because you won’t find your target customers on every platform.
For B2B business, LinkedIn is the preferred choice, because no other platform makes it so easy to segment and target an audience according to criteria like business sector and job grade.
If you want to harness the power of this networking site for your business, read this guide to publishing LinkedIn thought leadership content from business bible Forbes.
When your website, social media channels and any content output you publish online is optimised for SEO, you’ll be very visible on powerful search engines like Google at the exact moments customers need you most.
The content on your website should contain the high-value search words and phrases which customers actually type into their browsers — and as well as references to your products and services, they can be linked to your physical location, or in other words, localised.
Combine this with a well-designed website which has good internal and external links and your SEO is in good shape. Maybe think about employing the services of a good ‘link building agency‘ or SEO company to help you.
For example, if you search online for a private investigator in Renfrewshire just take a look at the companies that pop up in the organic results — it’s likely that their SEO is on-point.
When you’re trying to manufacture and market a niche product, you’ve got to be clever about how to convince customers that it’s perfect for their project.
So once your top-notch SEO brings them to your website, product descriptions full of tech specs might not be enough, but case studies which demonstrate them in action in a range of diverse applications are very effective.
For instance, you might have an inkling that buying catenary wire will help support heavy trees in your landscaping project, but a case study of a similar setting complete with photos would seal the deal.
Word-of-mouth is still one of the most effective ways of getting new customers through your door or making your telephone ring.
And positive reviews on Google, social media, comparison websites and your own site work wonders — so be sure to make the most of them.
If you’re starting from scratch online and don’t have a website yet, grab a free Google My Business listing for a start — it’s an easy and effective way to share your contact details, a photo and positive reviews on the search engine’s wide network.
Follow these four tips and you’ll be punching above your weight online in no time at all.
How do you approach digital business? Share your tips in the comments section.
Starting a business in a small town or city is the stuff of dreams for some people. It allows you to have all the fun of a major entrepreneur, but with fewer of the pressures associatedwith working on an international stage.
For a long time, however, the plight of the small business on the high street was woeful.
Behemoth corporations like Amazon stomped on SMEs like they were a bug on Godzilla’s foot, and at one point a high street business was shutting its doors once every second in Britain.
This was a nation of shopkeepers under existential threat – but, as with all threats to dear old Blighty, it found a workaround.
While many SMEs continue to struggle against their larger opponents, many consumers have turned back to the high street for their groceries, books, records and coffees.
Small business owners have figured out the joys of the internet, and have cultivated brands that rely on a passionatecustomer base to continue their ventures.
We’ve looked at how many of these companies operate and thought we’d share their wisdom. So here’s how to tool yourself up in an arena of hard knocks.
Know the law
Here’s something that seldom gets covered by business blogs – as the owner of an SME, you have numerous legal obligations to uphold, and you’ll have the government on your back if you don’t.
Some of these can be incredibly obvious – don’t refuse to pay your staff is one – but many seem incredibly opaque to an outsider.
The world of the law is designed to be complex. Legal documents are written in a circular fashion, with every word pored over like Bible scripture. It’s a terrifying world, and one that requires a very qualified guide.
For our money, Switalskis are a solicitors that are ideal if you’re based in England, and they’re professionals in business law. Give them a call.
Know Instagram
Social media isn’t a terrifying unknowable entity – it’s the key to your customers.
And Instagram is the easiest of all social media channels, in terms of creating distinctive content.
As an image-heavy site, all you really need to do is populate your Instagram page with pictures of your shop’s/office’s day-to-day operations. Chuck in a few hashtags and, bish bash bosh, you’re done!
Maintaining a good profile is slightly more complex than that, but you’ll learn as you go.
Know your customers
Do you attract golden oldies or bumbling hipsters? Not sure? Then it’s time to profile your customer base.
You can do this in a number of ways, but the easiest is to send a survey to your existing customer base. Once their surveys are filled in you’ll have barrel loads of information to utilise in marketing campaigns.
That’s our list! Got any suggestions of your own? Then let us know in the comments below!
Glasgow, the most popular and populous city of Scotland, is a historical marvel. The city is life bursting, has a rich culture and great attractions. But if you are a student and you are studying the wonderful history of this city, then you better not skip the following:
Ancient Trees
The Fossil Grove in Glasgow’s Victoria Park has a few trees that are even older than the Dinosaurs. The park is home to extinct fossil trees which date back to 330 million years. They have lasted this long thanks to Glasgow’s warm and humid temperature.
Third Oldest Underground Railway System
Glasgow’s Clockwork Orange is famous around the world because of its unique color. But little does the world knows it is the third oldest Underground Railway system in the world.
It first opened in 1896 and went under heavy renovations in late 1996. This underground system only consists of a circular line. The color scheme was inspired by the wagons and their seat upholstery in warm tones, thus the name Clockwork Orange. The underground railway system of London is the world ’soldest underground railway system while Budapest has the second oldest. Clockwork Orange was conceived at the height of the Industrial Revolution.
Oldest Building
The Glasgow Cathedral is perhaps the most intact medieval Cathedral in Scottish Mainland. Better known as the High Kirk of Glasgow, it remains as the oldest building in Glasgow. The history of this Cathedral date backs to the foundation of thisCity. It exists right where the patron of Saint of Glasgow built his church. The tomb of Saint, Saint Mungo remains in lower crypt till this date. It is said the building was built years before 1136.
Glasgow Hunterian Museum
The Museum was built in 1807. The Museum is known for its extensive collection of Art and Scientific Relics which even includes the world’s first ultrasound machine.
It remains the oldest public museum in Scotland. However, today The Hunterian is also recognized as a leading university with a collection that is of great national significance. It attracts scholars and visitors from every corner of the world.
The Horseshoe Bar
This Grand Victorian Bar was first established in 1884. Captain John Sculler founded it. The bar is a landmark in the city’snightlife as well while it adds a great historical significance. It is known for the 104 feet and three inches continuous bar. This is perhaps the longest bar table in Europe.
The Britannia Panopticon
This is perhaps the oldest surviving music hall in history. It was built in 1850’s largest city of the British Empire. This music hall is still alive as artists from around the world still perform here.
The Industrial Revolution
Not a landmark so to speak, but if you are a student who needs essay help with history, you better not skip the Industrial Revolution of Glasgow. The Industrial Revolution took place in Glasgow at the start of the 19th century.
The city was a hub for manufacturing cotton, textiles, chemicals,and other products. The demand increased rapidly, andimmigrants from Highlands in the 1820’S and from Ireland in 1840s came forth to form a recognition workforce.
This revolution had its root back at the start of 18th century, probably around 1710 when Glasgow Tobacco Lords traded with the New World.
Renfrewshire’s new bin collection service is set to begin next week after every household was provided with a new green recycling bin.
Renfrewshire’s new bin collection service is set to begin next week after every household was provided with a new green recycling bin.
From Monday 3 December, residents will now separate their recycling as part of a drive to improve the quality of material collected and reduce the costs associated with disposing of general waste.
The new green bin provided is for plastics, cans and glass and the blue bin will now be for paper, card and cardboard only.
Those on a sack collection will be provided with a new green sack to separate their waste, with glass continuing to go directly to the nearest recycling centre.
To reduce any potential space issues, some flats and tenements may have been provided with shared bins for communal use with residents sharing responsibility for presenting this for collection.
Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “We’ve been working hard to ensure we provide residents with all the information they need to adapt to the new service and we would encourage all residents to read their information pack closely as it outlines what the changes mean for them.
“It’s extremely important that we all consider if our waste could be recycled before throwing it into the grey bin and the new recycling bin should provide extra capacity to help people recycle.
“We’re here to support residents with the new service so if you have any questions then please get in touch with us at the council.”
Due to the overlap of the new service from the current provision, some residents will receive an additional collection to ensure they do not wait longer than they should for a grey bin collection. Letters will be delivered to the affected households outlining the exact date.
Information packs specific to each household in Renfrewshire have been delivered to ensure residents are fully informed of what the new service means for them and include a service guide, a full collection calendar for the next year and details on any change in collection day.
If residents haven’t yet received their information pack then they should report this via www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/missinginfopack.
For more information and a full list of FAQs, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/mybins or email mybins@renfrewshire.gov.uk.
Situated on a tributary of the River Clyde to the west of Scotland, Paisley is often overshadowed by its much larger neighbour, Glasgow. But it is still Scotland’s fifth largest town in its own right, with many opportunities for things to see and do, especially for romantically-inclined couples who’ve met through typical uk dating web services. Here are five of the most highly recommended.
Soar
Why not start your special day out in ‘Scotland’s largest town’ by spending a few adventurous hours involved in different activities? Head over to ‘Soar at Intu Braehead,’ located in the Braehead Shopping Centre, where you can make the most of this ultra-modern entertainment hub. Amongst the pastimes on offer are laser games, a bowling alley, a cinema, and a climbing wall. Take your pick of these, or why not spend some time at each?! Afterward, you can satisfy the thirst and hunger you will undoubtedly have built up by retiring to one of the many choices of dining outlets.
Gleniffer Braes Country Park
Situated on the town’s Glenfield Road, this park is the ideal venue to spend a couple of romantic hours taking in the wildlife and gorgeous scenery. There is a heavily wooded area where you can enjoy pleasant strolls, keeping an eye out for grazing cattle. Follow the many hiking trails, listening to the background chorus of birds. Scenic streams gurgle by, while there are also lookout points where you can take a break from your walking and absorb the tranquil Renfrewshire scenery. If you’re feeling particularly energetic, you can follow some of the walkways to wider networks outwith the park’s boundaries, such as the Brandy Burn Way and the Fereneze Braes paths. There are picnic spots, as well as the opportunity to indulge in kite flying.
Snow Factor
Also located within Intu Braehead, Snow Factor will bring out the daredevil winter sports enthusiast in you and your partner. Open all-year-round, this venue consists of skiing and snowboarding opportunities, with classes available if you expect you’d spend more time flat on your back than gracefully coasting along. There’s also an ice-climbing wall. If all that hectic activity is enough to prompt some timeout, the two of you can retire to the nearby eatery and enjoy delicious snacks, washed down with drinks from a bar.
Dams to Darnley Trail
Walk hand-in-hand by not one but five separate reservoirs, each a haven of aquatic peace and tranquility. The open waters of the dams attract birdlife, while the wetlands and burns are perfect places to explore as you search for species local to those habitats. Keep an eye out for palmate newts – at 7.5 cm these are the smallest of such native amphibians. They are a ‘priority species’ within the Glasgow Local Biodiversity Action Plan, due to their fragile ecological position. Staff are on hand to provide advice and information.
Trattoria Genova Restaurant and Takeaway
Finally, after such an energetic day, the perfect antidote to so much activity would be to book a romantic table-for-two at the Trattoria Genova. Located on Paisley’s Glasgow Road, near the town center, this restaurant is known for its excellent cuisine, cozy atmosphere and attentive staff. Modern-looking and well-lit, the menu serves a selection of delicious authentic Italian dishes which are cooked with taste being the top priority, rather than trying to impress with unusual ingredients. So expect to be served minestrone soup, followed by mouth-watering lasagne and chicken stroganoff. The prices are always reasonable, too, and what better way to seal your romantic Paisley date than cracking open a bottle of plonk?
Scottish towns have a rich history when it comes to mystery, spirituality and even the occult. Paisley is not exempt from this, whether you’re looking at the way it stands today or the history of the town.
In recent years, the Johnstone Spiritualist Church has been a part of Paisley’s culture, although it is currently not operating. Its aim was to provide a bridge between two worlds, the spirit world and the living. Guests met with trained mediums and there was opportunity to receive free spiritual healing. In its absence, people of Paisley are still able to partake in spiritual practices in other ways, often more modern. For example, you can engage in tarot readings online and over the phone, which can illuminate your understanding of a particular situation you’re in by giving you guidance that’s beyond the realms of your typical world. The ancient cards are full of knowledge and wisdom, and rely on energies and even spirits to give you their outcomes.
Although Christianity is the most prominent religion in Scotland, our past is rich and diverse, which means it wasn’t always this way. In fact, the Celts were thought to practice something called Celtic polytheism, which focuses on a belief in multiple gods or goddesses, as opposed to one singular god. Little is known about these people, but it’s thought that they probably practiced some form of paganism or druidism, which often deals with spells or rituals. This suggests spirituality was important to them.
It’s very likely that the people of Paisley would have also partaken in these traditions, but by the time Christianity came to Scotland, it took over. You’ll be familiar with the medieval Abbey here. It dates all the way back to the 12th century, and by that time most of the pagans would have been long gone.
While the majority of those of the druid faith would indeed have long departed, that didn’t stop certain townsfolk being accused of witchcraft! Everyone has heard of the Salem Witch trials, but a lot of people don’t know that similar persecution happened right here in Renfrewshire and all over Scotland. The Paisley Witch Trials of 1697 seem unfathomable today, with seven individuals being accused of practicing magic when it was absolutely frowned upon to be anything but dutiful to the biblical God. A strange altercation with a child who then experienced fits was believed to signify it had been “cursed”, and seven individuals accused of exhibiting strange behavior in relation to this were put to death.
Today, people here in the town are far more forgiving and realise that the child’s fits were probably based on medical issues. However, the town has a memorial in remembrance of the tragedy that features a horseshoe – just in case the curse is real, and bad luck falls upon us all!
Paisley is a fascinating town for a plethora of reasons, but its spiritual, often occult nature (both past and present) makes for a more interesting story than most.
Gavin Newlands, SNP MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, is scheduled to go head to head with Robert Skillen, the disgraced director of the now liquidated company HELMS. Skillen and HELMS are accused of miss-selling thousands of solar panels and Energy efficiency adaptations to households across the UK.
Shockingly, HELMS operated under the backing of the UK government, through its flagship Green Deal Scheme, households have been left struggling, burdened with unaffordable debts, faulty workmanship, and at times trapped from selling their homes.
Newlands has previously called for Skillen to see the ‘inside of a courtroom’ after discovering his constituency of Paisley and Renfrewshire North has been affected by Green Deal miss-selling more than any other constituency in the UK. He and other MPs are calling for accountability and redress for their constituents. Gavin, after seeing first-hand the affect this has had on households in his constituency is determined to see resolution. So much so that, Skillen has recently appeared in the media, struggling to defend his actions.
Newlands and Skillen have both been invited to participate in a discussion on STV’s flagship current affairs program, Scotland Tonight, which will be taking place this Thursday (29th) at 10:30pm. The head to head will be centred on the accusations that MPs have laid on Skillen in parliamentary debates.
In anticipation of Thursday night’s broadcast, Newlands said:
“I am looking forward to challenging Skillen face to face. He has been incognito for some time now, in hiding, cowering away from any accountability.
“His company was responsible for severe financial stress and who knows what other problems, all so he could make a quick buck. He has used classic underhanded dodgy salesman tactics to deliberately miss-sell so aggressively that he may well have to face criminal charges.
“Skillen has been a blight on the communities that I represent. But make no mistake, his actions were enabled by a careless UK Government who were more concerned with positive PR than seeing a policy implemented properly.
“It is ultimately the UK Government in Westminster that is responsible for cleaning up this mess, I urge them to act now to provide immediate financial redress to my constituents and anyone else out of pocket thanks to Green Deal miss-selling.”
Gavin on Facebook: