Posts

Reasons Why You Should Keep An Eye On Your Backlinks

/in /by

StrategyDriven Online Marketing and Website Development Article |Backlinks|Reasons Why You Should Keep An Eye On Your BacklinksIf you have been doing Search Engine Optimization for your business website, you will probably understand the importance of backlinks. Do you want more traffic for your site? Do you want it to reach the top of the search rankings and sustain your position as well? Does your business reputation and customer trust matter the most? Well, you are not alone, because this is something that every business owner wants to do. And when it comes to achieving these goals, paying attention to your site’s backlinks is the key.

First things first, you need to earn (rather than buy or exchange) backlinks while following the best practices put down by Google. Relevance and authority of the source sites are equally important. But there is much more that you need to do than just sharpening your link building strategy. You also need to keep a constant vigil on every single backlink you build so that you retain the ones that are good and disavow the bad ones. Let us unveil the reasons why link monitoring is important and why you need to keep an eye on them constantly.

Reason #1: They are crucial for SEO

Over the years, it has been proved that backlinks are and will continue to be one of the most important ranking factors in Google’s algorithm. If you want your site to reach the top of the search rankings, a healthy link profile is something you cannot afford to ignore. High quality and niche-relevant backlinks have the potential to get you to the top and fetch more traffic, which can yield more conversions for your business. Obviously, you will need to monitor them on a consistent basis so that you can be sure about having ones that add strength to your profile. At the same time, you must keep an eye on the new opportunities to earn quality backlinks that will help you get better results in the long run.

Reason #2: They can boost (or hurt) your reputation

Another reason why link monitoring becomes essential is that they have the potential to make or break your reputation. On one hand, backlinks from authoritative sources add credibility to your brand because a niche leader apparently endorses you by linking with your site. Conversely, the ones coming from illegitimate sources can cause extensive damage to your reputation. The worst ones can come from sources such as irrelevant sites, adult or gambling websites, and sites that don’t have a great reputation themselves. Not keeping an eye on your existing and new links can land you in deep trouble if there are some that happen to come from such sources.

Reason #3: They can bring Google penalties

Besides damaging your reputation, bad links can get your website penalized as well. This is something alarming because a Google penalty can push your site down the search rankings. This is the last thing you would want to happen because the site you may never be able to recover. Investing in software that helps with backlink building definitely makes sense as it lets you be selective about the ones you build. At the same time, you can also leverage a solution that tracks and monitors the existing ones constantly so that you can disavow the bad ones before they do any damage. This approach can cut down the risk of penalties to a considerable extent and save your ranking and reputation in the long run.

Reason #4: They give you the exposure you need

A constant track of your backlinks is a good approach because it enables you to ensure visibility to the right audience. Quality links come from niche-relevant sources that are bound to give you the exposure you need. At the same time, the ones that are authoritative as well pack all the punch for your site because they have a wide set of followers. Such backlinks are as good as brand endorsements that are capable of extending your website’s reach significantly. Once again, monitoring your links helps you stick with the sources that matter when it comes to getting you the right kind of exposure.

Reason #5: They protect your site from negative SEO

The business landscape is highly competitive and your rivals may do everything possible to push your website down the search rankings. They may even resort to sloppy and unethical practices such as spamming your website just to tarnish its reputation. A constant vigil on your backlinks helps you identify such harmful moves so that you can protect it from negative SEO. Even if your site does fall prey to such practices, you can immediately disavow the backlinks created with the purpose of bringing a penalty for your site. A monitoring tool, for example, can get you instant alerts when your site earns new backlinks.

Reason #6: They help you see reviews and complaints

Monitoring backlinks is a smart approach if you want to go above and beyond for improving your business. By keeping a track of the new ones, you can come to know when someone posts a review or complaint about your business. Both positive and negative reviews can be leveraged as business opportunities. While you can propagate a positive one to enhance your business reputation, the negative reviews give you an idea about the areas where you can improve. Making conscious efforts to address the complaints indicates how serious you are about customer satisfaction. This mindset can actually strengthen your relationships with even the unhappy customers in the long run.

Undoubtedly, backlinks are crucial for any business and they deserve all the attention you can give. Constant monitoring, therefore, is something you must absolutely do. Since the number of links for your website is bound to increase with time, you cannot expect to keep track of them manually. Fortunately, you can use a reliable backlink management software solution to stay ahead all the time. Besides just monitoring the links consistently, you should also take the requisite action so that you can keep up the reputation of your business in the competitive scenario.

9 Great Ideas for Basketball Promotional Items

/in /by

StrategyDriven Marketing and Sales Article |basketball promotional items |9 Great Ideas for Basketball Promotional ItemsSucceeding in business can be an uphill battle.

After all, there are over 30 million small businesses operating around the United States. That stacks up to a huge degree of competition.

The result? Standing out from the crowd, cultivating a well-known brand, attracting loyal customers, and driving sales isn’t easy.

Is your basketball-related business seeking ways to boost its image and generate greater returns?

The good news is that a whole host of strategies can be employed to help. But, believe it or not, basketball promotional items are one of the best.

Promo items are nothing new. Eager enterprises have handed used them throughout time to drive results. It’s a classic marketing strategy that flouts the trend toward digital ads and continues to prove effective.

The trick is picking the right items to use. Want some ideas for the best basketball promo items?

Read on for 9 of them!

1. Foam Gloves

Everybody loves foam gloves.
Every sports-mad household in the country needs at least one in their home. How else would you show your support for a favored team at the weekends!?

That’s good news. The best promo items are those that provide value. Foam gloves are fun, entertaining, and are sure to be put to use.

Pop your logo on the front (and back) and you know it’ll get great exposure. Everybody from the person wearing the glove to the other fans in the vicinity will see it. Even better, that gloves might be worn over and over again, spreading your reach over time.

2. Basketball Stress Relievers

Stress relievers are a classic promotional item.
Ask most businesses who employ promo items and they’ve almost certainly used branded stress balls in the past. However, for obvious reasons (i.e. their shape), they make perfect sense for basketball-related businesses.

A mini basketball-shaped stress-reliever is sure to find a place on desks around the country. You can just picture a basketball-mad exec squeezing away after a difficult meeting.

With your logo on the front, they’ll have you to thank for their better mood.

3. Mini-Basketball Hoops

There’s a time and place for generic promo items.

They make a brilliant investment when they provide true value to the end-user. However, sometimes, it’s the fun and unique items that work best.

Let’s face it, everybody’s received a free branded pen in the past. They’re nice, but will never leave a lasting impression.

A mini-basketball hoop, though, is something new altogether.

They make personable, fun-filled giveaway items that people are sure to use. They’ll be put on the backs of doors in bedrooms or offices. People will play with them for hours on end as a happy distraction from tedious times.

4. Mini Branded Basketballs

This one leads on from the last:
A mini basketball hoop needs a mini basketball to use with it!

You could combine this promo item with the last or offer it individually. Either way, you’ve bagged yourself another fun gift that people will get good value from.

Fun promo items have major benefits to business. After all, your audience associates your brand with the fun they’re having! That’s invaluable.

It informs public perception of your product/service and facilitates future custom.

5. Basketball Jerseys

Nobody’s ever going to turn down a branded basketball jersey.

Most people love getting free apparel of any kind. However, if you’re basketball-mad, then a free jersey is a big deal.

They may wear it all the time- to games, practice sessions, and around the house. It’s a valued gift that will endear your business to them. All the while, your brand enjoys newfound exposure and reach as people come into contact with it through the wearer.

6. Basketball Tote Bags

Tote bags are another traditional promotional item.

There’s a good reason for it too: they’re endlessly popular with users!

These bags are another practical product that provides value to the consumer. They’ll be used for months or even years in their day to day life.

Why not put a basketball spin on things? You could design a totes bag that’s shaped like a basketball, for example, or has a picture of one on the sides. However you do it, you’ll have created a fashionable and iconic bag that basketball-lovers will wear with pride.

Pop your logo on the side too and you’re onto a winner.

7. Basketball Keyrings

Almost everything we said about tote bags can be applied to keyrings.

They’re classic promo items. They’re happily accepted as free-gifts by consumers. And they can easily be customized with a basketball design.

The only difference is in practicality. Keyrings aren’t all that useful in and of themselves.

Their real value comes in identity. People sport particular keyrings to let others know something of themselves. Someone who owns a Harley-Davidson might have a Harley keyring. Someone who loves their Porsche might have a Porsche keyring.

And someone who loves basketball might use a basketball keyring!

8. Basketball Bottle Openers

Basketball bottle openers could be cool too.

Imagine a bottle opener shaped like a basketball, with the opening gizmo in the center. It’s a simple item, for sure. But it’s hard to argue against its value.

After all, there’s nothing better than sinking a few cold ones in front of the game!
They’re sure to be put to use. Better still, they’ll be super cheap to produce and distribute. That’s good news in terms of ROI.

9. Banner Stands

Banner stands make a perfect B2B promo-item.

Think of the many industry events you attend. From tradeshows to conferences and everything in-between, there’s heaps of them throughout the calendar year, right?

Each time you have a display table to help attract interest and promote your product.

For a basketball-related business, a step and repeat banner stand covered in basketballs would be a mighty help. Pop your logo on the side and you enjoy free advertising in the process.

Try These Basketball Promotional Items!

Basketball promotional items make ideal marketing solutions. If you’re looking to take your basketball-related business to the next level and engage with fans on a whole new level, consider incorporating these promotional items. And don’t forget to offer exclusive giveaways such as NBA finals tickets to create even more excitement and loyalty among your target audience

Hopefully, the suggestions in this post will help you pick the best promo options for your business.
Want to read more articles like this one? Search ‘marketing’ on the website now.

All About Structure: Understanding the Various Types of Business Ownership

/in /by

StrategyDriven Starting Your Business Article |types of business ownership |Understanding the Various Types of Business OwnershipNot all businesses are alike right down to their ownership structure. This structure forms the basis of all business operations. Structure to a business is what the skeletal system is to us, humans.

A business structure boils down to its ownership arrangement. Most people are not familiar with business ownership types. This is an aspect that many start-ups overlook, and it ends up costing them.

There are many types of business ownership, and not all types suit every business. Choosing the most suitable ownership should be a crucial part of your business plan. Once you do so, you can get your business off on the right foot.

You’ve probably heard of a lot of business ownership disputes. Both large and small companies are disposed of ownership disputes. Understanding the business ownership types will help you avoid such embarrassing scenarios in the future.

In this piece, we’ll expound on the different types of ownership for businesses. That way, you can find what ownership structure best suits your business.

Importance of Business Ownership Structures

Business structure is pretty important, but only if you have the right one in place. The wrong business structure beats the point of having a structure in the first place. That’s why pinning down on the most appropriate business structure is crucial.

Ownership is structured because it provides a framework for handling legal matters. It portrays professionalism and gives potential investors confidence. Certain ownership types open up opportunities for shareholders and stakeholders who will be invaluable to your company.

Common Types of Business Ownership You Could Consider

There are many forms of business ownership types. As a business owner, you have to settle for the right type to engender your businesses’ success.

The following are legally-recognized business ownership structure you should consider for your business:

Sole Proprietorship

This is the most basic type of business ownership. As the name suggests, the business owner owns everything in this type of business ownership.

A sole proprietorship means you have complete control of the entire enterprise. You don’t even have to have a physical enclosure for your business. Plus, you get to keep all the profits, but you also have to deal with all the debt.

Pros

  • You have complete control of the company and can make all key decisions
  • Fees and business licenses are inexpensive depending on the state where your business is
  • You may be liable for tax deductions since you and your business are in practice considered as one
  • Dissolving the business will be easy without the need for too much formal paperwork

Cons

  • It will be difficult to hire new employees or scale-up operations
  • You have to do everything, which could be overwhelming
  • You also have to deal with all losses, and debt, which may come out your own pocket

Limited Liability Company (LLC)-Manager Managed

A group of members owns the business, and they all share the company’s liability. A managing member handles all business activities.

This business ownership separates your business from personal assets. As such, legal implications will not touch your property or the members’ personal property either.

For instance, if a lawsuit requires you to compensate or pay for something, you won’t have to tap into your personal assets. This ownership type basically considers you and your business as separate entities.

This structure is ideal for people who are big risk-takers but want to protect their stuff if everything goes downhill. However, you still stand to lose a lot if the business fails. That’s why smart LLCs settle for a legal business operating agreement.

Pros

  • It is not difficult to set up, depending on your state, especially if you hire an attorney or business formation service like Zenbusiness or Legalzoom
  • The managing member will take care of all operations
  • Individual members share responsibility which you can change easily
  • Gives small and medium businesses a professional outlook
  • Depending on your state, you may qualify for tax deductions

Cons

  • Will completely crumble if key members exit
  • Managing members typically have greater liability
  • You have limited decisive powers if you’re not a managing member
  • You would share losses even if they were brought about by a single member

Partnership

It’s hard to establish a successful business on your own. That’s why most people settle for partnerships to navigate the convoluted field of business.

Partnerships vary because of the different number of partners and also shared responsibility between partners.

Partnerships mainly boil down to two types. These types are:-

General Partnerships– General partnerships are partnerships mostly between two individuals. Each party shares equal responsibility and liability in the firm.

Limited Partnerships – In these types of partnerships, one person takes charge of the company, while the rest of the partners are only investors.

Pros

  • Financing and responsibility is shared among members
  • Flexibility in terms of ownership and responsibility among members
  • It’s easy to set up the business structure
  • An investor may invest heavily, for a portion of the ownership

Cons

  • Trust and co-operation is imperative to a successful partnership
  • A partnership between two individuals can have many tied votes on crucial matters
  • Other partners’ actions may put you at debt without any involvement
  • Might need a formal partnership agreement to avoid any disputes

Corporation Board Member

Corporations are large scale companies. These companies delegate the decision making aspects of the company operations to a board of directors.

This ownership structure is one of the most complex business structures. Understandably so, it engenders the ownership of very large multinational companies.

The board members have a lot of responsibility in managing the company. The board dictates the company’s ultimate mission and also sets targets and goals the company must achieve within a given time.

There are a lot of meetings with corporations. Only high-level professionals or heavy investors qualify to be on the board of directors.

Choose a Business Ownership Type That Suits Your Business

With the many types of business ownership, finding the right one for your business shouldn’t be an issue. However, think critically about the type of ownership you settle for. It will determine many aspects of your business in the times ahead.

Partnerships are good for small and medium-sized businesses. If you’re a very small startup, then you can start off as a sole proprietorship. As the business grows, you can explore other ownership options to adapt to the growth.
For more insightful reads on all matters business, remember to check out our other pieces.

During this Crisis, Don’t Expect Business as Usual from the Family Enterprise

/in /by

StrategyDriven Entrepreneurship Article | During this Crisis, Don’t Expect Business as Usual from the Family Enterprise | family businessIn the last half-century, the pace of change and the many innovations that have reorganized our behavior in no way compare with the unanticipated situation we now face from the coronavirus pandemic. We simply have no precedent for how to plan for what may come next, or for managing the pace of the upheaval. And yet every day we must act – even making tough choices – without much information about the best direction to take.

Family businesses and wealth are under threat like never before. With family members unable to go to work, it’s hard to imagine how to go back to some sense of normal once we get the “all clear.” That uncertainty and inability to be in command of business operations makes us anxious. And when we’re anxious, we do impulsive and short-sighted things.

In times of crisis, feelings of anxiety and loss cause people to draw inward and focus only on how circumstances directly affect them. That explains the lines at grocery stores and gun shops. Similarly, the individualist model of most businesses ownership is a lone wolf. Rather than seek help, owners make the tough decisions on their own.

But a crisis can also present the opportunity to lead more openly and plan together how to respond. By sharing the specifics of their dilemma, they are more likely to receive help and to also be available to each other.

The owner of a small family business has no idea of what will happen next. He or she must deal with anxiety in family members, employees, customers and suppliers, and the community. What was built over time is suddenly threatened. Rather than deal with these issues alone, the legacy owner is better off using this opportunity to bring others in and develop a shared response.

For example, within resilient family businesses, owners are not just together to make money, but to share values, responsibilities and a commitment to future success. These family businesses are able to act collaboratively.

Family business owners will want to act on these principles when responding to this crisis:

1. Shared family responsibility.

Family members have grown used to the security of the business. Even with its ups and downs, they’ve learned to depend on you. Rather than give false reassurances, it’s time for transparency and open discussion. This is a time to share the challenges regarding fixed costs, debt, obligations and the cost of doing business. A family discussion of what’s actually happening and the difficult choices that need to be made can actually provide more assurance and confidence than empty promises.

Use this opportunity to talk to younger generations in the family about business operations and the trials ahead. Describe what you are doing, and ask for help and ideas. For example, the family might decide to create an austerity plan and talk about how to cut expenses. The family can also discuss its underlying values and how, especially in this time of social hardship, how to look beyond their own self-interest and use their wealth to help others.

2. Transparency with employees.

Local businesses are trying to stay afloat while doing their best to virtually carry out essential services and responsibilities. Many have had to reduce operations, and some have been forced to let staff go. Family business owners need to be open with their employees, transparently communicating information and concerns. They must ensure that everyone across the company, not just employees, shares in the burden. The response must recognize financial reality, but also sustain social capital by respecting all stakeholders.

Collaboration, defining and maintaining underlying values, and ensuring open communication are qualities that will allow family businesses to bounce back after a crisis.

About the Author

StrategyDriven Expert Contributor | Dennis T. Jaffe, Ph.D.Dennis T. Jaffe, Ph.D., a leading architect of the field of family enterprise consulting, is an acclaimed speaker in programs for business families and financial service firms. Dennis leads the 100-Year Family Enterprise Research Program at Wise Counsel Research. He is also Family Business Scholar at the Smith Family Business Program at Cornell University, a faculty advisor at the Ultra High Net Worth Institute, and a regular contributor to Forbes Leadership channel. He was awarded a special commendation for Outstanding Contributor to Wealth Management Thought Leadership by the Family Wealth Report. His new book is Borrowed from Your Grandchildren: The Evolution of 100-Year Family Enterprises (Wiley, 2020). Learn more at dennisjaffe.com.

Pages

Nothing Found

Sorry, no posts matched your criteria