It’s the Tech News Tuesday #TNT roundup. Here’s a summary of useful news we found for you during December.
Online Reviews Speak Volumes To Consumers
More consumers are now reading reviews as part of the purchase cycle. They are also reading reviews more frequently than in previous years, and forming opinions faster. In fact, according to a survey conducted by BrightLocal, 97% of consumers aged 18 – 34 read local business reviews online. So, yes — what people say about your product or service is important. Reviews and reputation are a key part of successfully converting consumers to customers.
Read more key findings from BrightLocal’s survey here.
Are you asking your customers to review your products or services? Make it easy for customers to review your business online. Don’t submit fake reviews, or try to get them all at once. A steady stream of customer reviews is one of the best local marketing strategies today.
Facebook Testing New Fundraising Tools for Non-Profits
Fundraisers is a new tool offering a dedicated place to raise funds for a specific campaign. Through this tool, nonprofits can tell their campaign story, rally supporters, collect donations and visibly track progress toward a goal for year-end drives. Facebook is also improving the Donate button to make it available on Pages and Posts. Now people can donate directly from the News Feed.
Read more about it here.
Fundraisers is currently being tested with just a few national organizations but will become more widely available. Non-profits can take advantage to the Donate button now.
Get Google Reviews
It is a good practice to do so, but Google has recently changed the link to your local business review page. If you are currently sending your customers Google links for reviews, the old links no longer work and you will need to update your communications.
Read more about it in this post on Search Land Engine.
So how can you get your correct review link? Using the Review Link Generator (not a Google product) can help. Enter your business name and zip code, select your Google listing, and use the Maps in Browser link in your customer communications.
Video Gets Attention
Video gets attention. You can also use moving pictures like this animated gif! This week’s link combines the most popular music of 2015 and your holiday songs in one mashup.
Check out this video from Jimmy Fallon and Rashida Jones.
Don’t forget to use a mixture of videos, photos, graphics and text in your online communications. Have a wonderful holiday season!
Sixteen Tips for a Sweet ’16
Download this resource we have for you, and get some quick marketing tips you can put into action for the new year.
Wishing you health, happiness, and success in the coming year and always. Happy New Year!