Words of Wisdom from TheCamel

One Size Fits All? Sometimes Not.

Shane Hodge • Mar 09, 2022

Good old COVID has been a bit of a life-changer (understatement, sorry) for most of the humans occupying this rock in the Universe we call Earth. They say it takes 21 days to change a habit. Well, for the majority of us, COVID has been around for close to 730 days. Wow! So, no doubt we have changed some habits - some good, some bad.

Yes, our eating habits have changed. In fact, 39% of the world has actually gained weight these past two years. We have been drinking more with over 41% of the planet admitting they indulge in the 5 pm cocktail a little more than they did before. You would think that being locked inside might cause a leap in one stat that the birth rate would go up? But hello, bedroom habits changed as the new baby rate has dropped close to 16% since COVID started.

Yes folks, lots of things have changed. Some have gone down, but a lot has gone up, and one of the biggies? Our shopping habits have changed dramatically. Yes, we may not have been able to travel outside as easy and enjoy the pleasures of the local mall. But hello, it didn’t stop us from the joy of whacking the credit card on the table and keying in the last four digits with a smile and then spend a day or two looking out the window, eagerly waiting for the prodigal son of boxes or parcels to arrive.

Global eCommerce sales hit a record of 27 trillion dollars in 2021, a massive increase over 2020. Maybe people spent more time online shopping than making babies LOL! But hello, it was a massive uptrend.

I was imagining people laying on the sofa, a glass of red beside them, an open fireplace (imagine romantic online shopping scene) browsing Amazon, looking for that new outfit to wear to the rubbish bin and back (as that's as far as some got with lockdowns). A cute little number catches their eye, the price excites their Visa Card, delivery is local (most likely made in some obscure place but who cares) and bonus “One Size Fits All”.

Like Elton John playing Rocket Man on a Steinway, you punch those card numbers on the iPad, hit send and lay back and enjoy a sip of that awesome red wine. So happy in the thoughts and contented knowing your purchase will soon be on its way.

A day or two later, the doorbell rings, you greet a delivery person like a long lost friend. And without your feet touching the floor, you take that little bubble-wrapped bundle of joy into the kitchen to unwrap and let your purchase free.

There it is, just like the one of twenty pictures you look at in all its glory. Yes folks, that “One Size Fits All” trash removal ensemble is screaming, “try me on”. But now the nightmare begins. You can’t even get it over your head. The one size fits all was designed not for Snow White but would be perfect for anyone of the seven dwarfs!

Yes folks, sometimes, not often, but sometimes online shopping companies are not good church-going people and they tell lies. One size fits all? Should actually be “One Size Fits Some!” Shame on them.

Now at this stage, all of you who are regular readers of my blog will note the same pattern - open up with some stats and background, build a story, add in a little humour, and then lead into answering your question, “What's this got to do with websites, or SEO, or Google Ads?” Well, I am so glad you have stuck with me through the other 650 words. So, without anymore fun and frivolity, drum roll please, here we go.

Websites $100 a month, Websites only $300 setup then a low $100 a month, so easily fill in the form, add your details, and your website will be delivered to your inbox in 24 hours etc etc. Have you seen ads like that? Have they popped up randomly in your beloved Facebook feed?

Those ads, those websites, are “One Size Fits All”. And when they arrive in your inbox, they could be - One Size Fits Some.

You might be a plumber and the website setup and design might be good for a local Mexican food takeaway. You might be a funeral home and the color scheme and design might be best for a clown that performs at kid’s parties. You might be a hairdresser and the website would be best for somebody that only cuts long grass as a landscaper. Yes, like the awesome pictures of the garbage collection outfit, the facts and details of the online super special website might not be as advertised.

But let's be fair, some might work, but in reality? The quick and easy website might be okay for when you first start up. Might work well for quick and easy business. However, maybe it's also a good idea to look at a custom site. It doesn't have to be a one-off by some designer with Picasso as their last name that charges you zillions, but at a minimum, some custom work that makes sure it fits your business, tells the right story, is a great first web impression and converts customers.

So, if you’re looking for a new or improved first web impression for your business, a new customer attraction program (website to any newbies) instead of just clicking on that oh so enticing Facebook website ad, maybe put another log on the fire then let your fingers do a little walk on that iPad screen whilst you have another sip of that awesome wine and search for “Local Website Designers”. See how one of them can make you something that is not off the rack, will fit like a glove, and attract the right customer attention. Enjoy the wine!

Hugs to all.

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Reconnecting Through Facebook: Rekindling Relationships with Old Clients

By Shane Hodge • 10 May, 2024

Introduction: In today's digital age, social media platforms like Facebook have become powerful tools for businesses to reconnect with their old clients. This blog explores how you can leverage Facebook to find and encourage your previous customers to use your business again. We'll delve into the process using an example of finding a long-lost friend and the joy of reestablishing that relationship. And hey, who doesn't love a good reunion story? 1. Utilize Facebook's Search Function: Facebook's search feature is like a detective's magnifying glass, helping you find those long-lost clients. It's time to put on your virtual Sherlock Holmes hat and start sleuthing! Search for your old clients using their names, locations, or any other relevant information you have. Once you find them, send a friend request or a message to initiate contact. Elementary, my dear business owner! 2. Personalize Your Outreach: When reaching out to your old clients, it's time to channel your inner smooth talker. Mention specific details about your previous interactions or transactions to jog their memory. Show them that you remember the good times you had together, like that time they bought your product and rocked it like a fashion icon. Express genuine interest in reconnecting and let them know that you've missed their fabulous presence in your business world. 3. Share Engaging Content: Let's face it, Facebook is like a virtual circus, with all sorts of entertaining content vying for attention. To stand out, you need to be the ringmaster of engagement! Create and share compelling content on your Facebook page that makes your old clients go, "Wow, this business knows how to entertain!" Whether it's informative blog posts, hilarious videos, or quirky memes, make sure it's something they can't resist sharing with their friends. Laughter is the best marketing strategy! 4. Leverage Facebook Groups: Facebook groups are like secret societies, where your old clients might be hiding in plain sight. Join relevant groups and become the undercover agent of connection. Engage in conversations, offer helpful advice, and sprinkle in some witty remarks. Show them that you're not just a business owner, but also a master of banter. Who knows, you might even find some new clients along the way! 5. Run Targeted Ad Campaigns: Facebook's advertising platform is like a magician's hat, full of tricks to grab attention. Create targeted ad campaigns that make your old clients go, "Abracadabra, I need to check this out!" Use eye-catching visuals, clever copy, and irresistible offers to make them stop scrolling and take notice. Just remember, the real magic happens when they click that "Buy Now" button. 6. Offer Exclusive Promotions: Everyone loves a good deal, especially when it's exclusive! Offer your old clients promotions that make them feel like VIPs. It's like rolling out the red carpet for their return. Make the offers time-limited or available only to a select group of customers, and watch them scramble to get in on the action. Who knew your business could be so exclusive and glamorous? 7. Provide Exceptional Customer Service: Once you've successfully reconnected with your old clients, it's time to show them that your customer service is as smooth as butter. Respond promptly to their inquiries, address any concerns with a touch of charm, and go above and beyond to exceed their expectations. Make them feel like they're getting the royal treatment, because hey, they deserve it! Conclusion: Facebook presents a remarkable opportunity to find and encourage old clients to use your business again. By leveraging its search function, personalizing your outreach, sharing engaging content, joining relevant groups, running targeted ad campaigns, offering exclusive promotions, and providing exceptional customer service, you can rekindle relationships and foster long-term customer loyalty. And remember, a little humor goes a long way in making those connections even stronger. So go forth, reconnect, and sprinkle some love and laughter along the way! Love and Hugs from TheCamel!

Unleashing the Marketing Magic:

By Shane Hodge • 22 Apr, 2024

How Ai Can Add a Touch of Humor to Help Small Digital Agencies Stand Out.

The Secret Sauce of Success: An Algorithm With A Dash Of Humor

By Shane Hodge • 15 Mar, 2024

In today's competitive business landscape, capturing customers' attention is crucial for success. With the rise of digital marketing and the ever-increasing noise in the marketplace, businesses need to find innovative ways to stand out. One effective approach is to develop an algorithm that can help businesses captivate their target audience. In this blog, we will explore the key steps to creating an algorithm that can capture customers' attention and drive business growth. 1. Define Your Target Audience: The first step in creating an attention-capturing algorithm is to clearly define your target audience. Understand their demographics, preferences, and pain points. Conduct market research, analyze customer data, and gather insights to develop a comprehensive understanding of your ideal customers. This will serve as the foundation for building an algorithm that resonates with your audience. 2. Identify Key Engagement Factors: To capture customers' attention, it's essential to identify the key factors that engage them. These factors can vary depending on your industry and target audience. Consider elements such as personalized content, compelling visuals, emotional storytelling, interactive experiences, and social proof. By understanding what engages your audience, you can tailor your algorithm to incorporate these elements effectively. 3. Leverage Data and Analytics: Data and analytics play a vital role in creating an attention-capturing algorithm. Utilize tools and technologies to collect and analyze customer data, website analytics, social media metrics, and other relevant information. This data-driven approach will help you identify patterns, trends, and customer behavior, enabling you to optimize your algorithm for maximum impact. 4. Develop Personalization Strategies: Personalization is key to capturing customers' attention in today's digital age. Leverage your algorithm to deliver personalized experiences to your target audience. This can include personalized product recommendations, tailored marketing messages, customized landing pages, and dynamic content. By making customers feel seen and understood, you can significantly enhance their engagement and loyalty. 5. Implement A/B Testing: A/B testing is a powerful technique to optimize your algorithm's effectiveness. Create multiple versions of your algorithm and test them against each other to determine which one performs better. Experiment with different variables such as headlines, visuals, calls-to-action, and user interfaces. Continuously analyze the results and refine your algorithm based on the insights gained from A/B testing. 6. Embrace Automation: Automation can streamline your algorithm's implementation and execution. Leverage marketing automation tools to deliver personalized messages, automate customer interactions, and optimize content delivery. By automating repetitive tasks, you can focus on creating compelling content and refining your algorithm to capture customers' attention more effectively. 7. Monitor and Adapt: Creating an attention-capturing algorithm is an ongoing process. Continuously monitor its performance and adapt as needed. Stay updated with the latest industry trends, customer preferences, and technological advancements. Regularly analyze customer feedback, engagement metrics, and conversion rates to identify areas for improvement. By staying agile and responsive, you can ensure that your algorithm remains effective in capturing customers' attention. Conclusion: In a crowded marketplace, capturing customers' attention is a challenge that businesses must overcome to thrive. By creating an algorithm that is tailored to your target audience, leverages data and analytics, embraces personalization, and incorporates automation, you can significantly enhance your ability to captivate customers. Remember to continuously monitor and adapt your algorithm to stay ahead of the competition and deliver exceptional experiences that resonate with your audience. With a well-crafted attention-capturing algorithm, your business can drive growth, build customer loyalty, and achieve long-term success. Love and Hugs from TheCamel!