small business Archives | The n49 Blog

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Common concerns addressed – social media

Today I want to address some common concerns that small businesses have about social media.

  1. Do I really need it?

Yes, you do! People are talking about your business whether you like it or not.  Actively engaging your customers and managing your reviews allows you to get ahead of the game and control the online conversation. Companies that take a proactive role in controlling this conversation can count on growth in the future.

  1. Does it work for me?

Whether you own a decking company or fine dining establishment, your online reputation plays a huge role in the consumer decision making process. At the heart of this lies your ability to manage reviews. With the advent of smart phones, reviewing a business is easier and more impulsive than ever before. As a business owner, you cannot afford to ignore this trend.

  1. I don’t want negative reviews

No one does! However, at N49 we treat negative review as a fantastic opportunity to right a wrong. The reality is that no company is perfect. Furthermore, a company with all great reviews just doesn’t look legitimate. The best approach is to identify the problem and respond in a proactive, positive way that demonstrates your dedication to customer service. Respond in public and show everyone how seriously you take your customers. Instead of focusing on the bad, customers will remember your transparency and willingness to correct mistakes.

With a little time, guidance and patience, social media can provide an excellent return on investment for your business.

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How social media can benefit your small business

Social media is a gift to small business. Why? Because it takes the advantage away from huge corporations and puts it into the hands of the fleet footed, agile and thrifty business owner. Today I want to demonstrate why social media is a great tool for any business no matter what the industry or budget limitations.

1. The Price

Social media is often free! From Twitter to Facebook to tracking tools such as Twitter Grade and PostRank, creating an online image is a budget-oriented process. With a little time, guidance and patience, social media can provide an excellent return on investment.

2. Small is good

Small businesses are not weighed down by bloated bureaucracies. They are more agile and able to make decisions quickly, responding instantly to trends in the market place. This is a huge advantage over large, slow moving corporations.

3. It’s easier than ever

A successful social media campaign will allow you to reach targeted consumers far easier than traditional marketing mediums. These consumers can actively participate in promoting your product or service, becoming a brand ambassador for your business. Until recently these were unattainable marketing objectives for budget-oriented businesses.

With a little time, guidance and patience, social media can provide an excellent return on investment for your business.

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Using online reviews to the fullest – Caplan's Appliances shows us how!

Some businesses are starting to really embrace online consumer reviews, even using reviews in their marketing campaigns and as a competitive advantage. One company following this trend is Caplan’s Appliances. Caplan’s currently has over 120 reviews many of which they have commented on.

Robert Caplan loves all of the reviews they receive, good or bad.

“Of course we love the positive, but even the negative reviews are welcome because they show me and our staff how we can improve our customer experience.”

Caplan’s even went so far as to publish some of the reviews in their latest print ad in the Toronto Star.

Check out all of Caplan’s reviews on their website testimonials page or on n49.ca

Caplan's Appliances Toronto Star Ad

Caplan's Appliances Toronto Star Ad


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Online reviews. A Tsunami for Canadian Small business

Most small and even large businesses in Canada have had a tough time adjusting to the Internet. Many still don’t even have a basic web presence. Now websites like n49, Homestars and Yelp that allow consumers to review businesses are popping up everywhere. This is the third big Internet wave for SME’s and it’s the killer wave. It a Tsunami. If you own a small business and you have not begun to manage your online reputation, time is running out fast . Like users of Trip Advisor for travel, people will start googling Company Name + Reviews, like “Caplans Appliances Reviews” to check out a companies track record before doing business.

It’s time to watch this video rant and start getting your customers to review you online.

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