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A Startup Success Story: Warby Parker and Finding Investors

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Warby Parker, the eyewear company known for its direct-to-consumer model and stylish frames, is a prime example of a startup that effectively leveraged social media to attract investors.

Brief Background

The year was 2010. Four friends – Neil Blumenthal, Andrew Hunt, David Gilboa, and Jeffrey Raider – were attending the Wharton School of Business. They were frustrated by the high prices of prescription eyeglasses, an industry dominated by a few large companies. They believed that stylish, high-quality eyewear could be made more affordable. 

With this shared vision, they set out to disrupt the eyewear industry. They named their venture “Warby Parker,” a nod to two characters from the classic children’s book “The Catcher in the Rye” who sought to escape the constraints of conformity.  In February 2010, Warby Parker launched as an online-only retailer, offering a curated selection of stylish frames at a fraction of the cost of traditional eyewear stores. They also introduced the innovative “Home Try-On” program, allowing customers to try five frames at home for free before making a purchase.

Word of Warby Parker’s stylish frames and affordable prices spread quickly, fueled by social media buzz and positive customer reviews. The company’s commitment to social responsibility, with their “Buy a Pair, Give a Pair” program donating a pair of glasses to someone in need for every pair sold, further resonated with customers.

As Warby Parker’s popularity grew, they expanded their reach by opening physical stores across the United States, offering a seamless omnichannel experience for customers. They also introduced contact lenses and sunglasses to their product line, solidifying their position as a leading eyewear brand.

Today, Warby Parker is a recognized leader in the eyewear industry, known for its stylish designs, affordable prices, and commitment to social responsibility. The company’s success story is a testament to the power of innovation, social media, and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction.

Social Media Success

The story of Warby Parker’s success in marketing is more than just clever and effective promotion of its brand.  It is also a success story of finding investors to help bring its dream to fruition.  Warby Parker’s approach was, first and foremost, about creating engaging content.  Its marketing team consistently shared visually appealing content featuring their products, customer testimonials, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into their company culture.  They actively engaged with their followers, responding to comments and questions, and fostering a sense of community around their brand.  

With a strong track social media footprint in place, they turned their attention to Crowdfunding Campaigns. Warby Parker successfully used crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter to raise capital, utilizing social media to spread the word and generate excitement among potential investors.  As part of this effort, they partnered with influential figures in the fashion and lifestyle industries, who shared their experiences with Warby Parker’s products and helped amplify the brand’s message.

The Impact of Social Media on Warby Parker’s Investor Base

Warby Parker’s success story is a masterclass in social media marketing, offering valuable lessons for entrepreneurs seeking investment.  Underlying their success in crowdfunding, Warby Parker understood that content is king. Their social media feed wasn’t just a product catalog; it was a curated collection of stylish imagery, customer testimonials, and behind-the-scenes glimpses that showcased their brand’s personality. 

As part of this effort, the company prioritized community building. Instead of simply broadcasting messages, they actively engaged with their audience, responding to comments, running contests, and implementing innovative programs like their “Home Try-On” initiative, fostering a strong sense of connection.  They effectively leveraged the power of influencer marketing – more than just paying for influence, they strategically partnered with individuals whose values aligned with their brand, amplifying their message to a wider audience and creating a positive brand association. 

Oriented around the “Buy a Pair, Give a Pair” program, they resonated deeply with their target audience, attracting both customers and investors who sought to support a company with a strong social conscience.

By showcasing their vision through compelling storytelling, building a community around their idea, leveraging influencer marketing, exploring crowdfunding options, and highlighting their social impact, entrepreneurs can effectively utilize social media to attract investors who believe in their vision and are eager to support their journey.

End Success

As a result of their successful social media marketing efforts, Warby Parker has raised over $1.2 billion in funding and become a leading player in the eyewear industry.

The Basics – Creating a Blog Platform

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One of our previous articles on blog ideation [LINK-ABOVE ARTICLE] got a little attention from some curious readers who wanted to know, how can they start a blog site?  Aside from requesting professional help, setting up your own blog is not too difficult technically, nonetheless, for first-time bloggers, we recommend using a common platform, which provides a full-service solution for posting content online.  This process is easier than, for example, setting up your own domain name and installing requisite plug-ins to your WordPress site. 

There would be plenty to discuss on that topic, and pending user interest, we may write a guide on that too.  But for general understanding of getting started in blog writing, we recommend the steps below.  Google searches on instructions for individual steps will yield countless results, and there’s no need for Content Savants to go into further detail on these points. 

At its core, creating a blog involves a few basic steps, from choosing a platform to designing your site and publishing your first post.

Here’s a breakdown of the essential steps to get started with creating a blog.

Choose a Blogging Platform:

There are several blogging platforms available, each with its own set of features and customization options. Popular options include WordPress, Blogger, Wix, Squarespace, and Medium. Consider your needs, technical expertise, and long-term goals when selecting a platform.

Select a Domain Name:

Your domain name is your blog’s web address (e.g., www.yourblogname.com). Choose a domain name that reflects your blog’s niche or topic and is easy to remember. You can purchase a domain name through your chosen blogging platform or through a domain registrar like GoDaddy or Namecheap.

Set Up Hosting (if applicable):

If you’re using a self-hosted platform like WordPress.org, you’ll need to set up hosting for your blog. Hosting providers like Bluehost, SiteGround, and HostGator offer affordable hosting plans and often provide one-click WordPress installation for easy setup.

Customize Your Blog Design:

Most blogging platforms offer customizable themes or templates that you can use to design your blog’s layout and appearance. Choose a theme that aligns with your blog’s branding and provides the functionality you need. Customize colors, fonts, and layout elements to create a unique look for your blog.

Create Compelling Content:

Once your blog is set up, it’s time to start creating content. Brainstorm ideas for blog posts based on your niche, audience interests, and keyword research. Aim to provide valuable, informative, or entertaining content that resonates with your target audience.

Write and Publish Your First Post:

Start by writing and formatting your first blog post using the built-in editor or a separate word processing program. Include a catchy title, engaging introduction, informative body content, and a compelling call-to-action. Once your post is ready, publish it on your blog for the world to see.

Promote Your Blog:

Promoting your blog is essential for attracting readers and growing your audience. Share your blog posts on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Engage with other bloggers in your niche by commenting on their posts, participating in forums, or guest posting on their blogs. Consider investing in advertising or influencer partnerships to reach a wider audience.

Monitor and Analyze Performance:

Track your blog’s performance using analytics tools provided by your blogging platform or third-party services like Google Analytics. Monitor key metrics such as traffic, engagement, and conversion rates to understand what content resonates with your audience and adjust your strategy accordingly.

By following these basic steps, you can create a blog that not only showcases your expertise and passion but also attracts and engages a loyal audience. Remember to stay consistent, experiment with different content formats, and always prioritize providing value to your readers.

Social Media Land Mines – Manage the Risks

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While social media has revolutionized the way the world interacts, there is a dark side to this channel of outreach.  Businesses use social media to build brand awareness, engage with customers, and drive sales. However, like any powerful tool, social media can also be a double-edged sword.  Social media practitioners help manage these risks and guard against potential land mines.

There is no shortage of examples where companies have gone off the rails.  A single misstep, such as a poorly worded tweet or a controversial post, can quickly escalate into a public relations nightmare. Negative comments, reviews, and viral backlash can severely damage a brand’s reputation.  Businesses also face risks from online harassment and trolling, leading to emotional distress for employees and damaging the brand’s image.  

When it comes to data protection, the collection of user data through social media accounts and accompanying customer lists making them vulnerable to hackers. Data breaches can expose sensitive information, leading to identity theft and financial loss.  Rogue employees can also cause reputational damage to companies through Improper handling of user data, resulting in legal consequences and erosion of customer trust.

Content developers are also vulnerable to mistakes and misrepresentations.  Creative content developers and influencers may not accurately represent a brand’s values or products, leading to customer dissatisfaction and brand damage.  More than just misrepresentation, inauthentic endorsements and sponsored content can alienate audiences and harm a brand’s credibility.  

Social media teams must also continually guard against copyright infringement on the part of creative teams who develop content.  Using copyrighted content without permission can lead to legal action and fines, and again, damage the credibility and trust of the brand they are trying to promote.  Similarly, non-compliance with advertising regulations can result in penalties and blocked access to the long-cultivated social media audience. 

Social Media Risk Mitigation

To minimize these risks, businesses must start with a clear policy in place which conveys their intent in communication through digital customer channels, and at the same time, clearly delineate the boundaries and criteria of this communication.  The content policy documentation can describe policies both in broad and general terms, to ensure there is a foundation of understanding that can be applied to any situation or content decision, and also detailed terms, listing specific guidelines on what is allowed and encourage versus what is not allowed.  While a detailed guideline may not cover every potential situation, the policy is reinforced by the general terms, that will give social media editors guidance on application of the business’s intent.

The next step is to develop a robust social media strategy.  More than just a plan for social media communication, it must also include a methodology for monitoring channels, to enable early identification of potential problem areas, with a plan of action where a responses may be required. 

Trust is everything.  A social media strategy team can, over time, build relationships with reputable influencers can help ensure authentic and effective campaigns.  In parallel, the social media team must keep up with trends and best practices to help businesses adapt to the ever-changing social media landscape.  

Having a clear policy and plan in place will greatly reduce the probability of needing a crisis management plan.  Nonetheless, having a plan in place itself is a tool to effectively guard against risks, and when problems arise, the social media team is ready to respond effectively to negative publicity and online crises.  

Example – Content Policy

Purpose:

This policy provides guidance for creating and sharing content on social media platforms on behalf of [Company Name]. The goal is to maintain a positive and professional online presence, protect our brand reputation, and comply with relevant laws and regulations.

General Content Guidance:

  • All content should be positive, respectful, and appropriate for a professional audience.
  • Content should align with our company’s brand values, mission, and vision.
  • All information shared should be accurate and truthful.
  • Content must be consistent with objectives of inclusiveness and respect for all people.
  • Content must comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards.
  • Use third-party content responsibly and ensure proper attribution and compliance with copyright laws.

Unacceptable Content:

  • Do not share content that is illegal, threatening, abusive, harassing, or harmful to others.
  • Do not share confidential or proprietary information.
  • Do not share personal opinions or beliefs that may not align with the company’s stance.
  • Do not engage in negative or inflammatory discussions.

Audience Engagement:

  • Respond to comments and messages in a timely and professional manner.
  • Keep discussions relevant to the post or topic at hand.
  • Do not engage in arguments or debates with individuals online.
  • Report any instances of harassment, bullying, or hate speech to the appropriate authorities.

Monitoring and Enforcement:

  • The company may monitor social media accounts to ensure compliance with this policy.
  • Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment or contracts.
  • A crisis management plan must be developed and regularly updated by senior management.
  • Provide regular training and education to employees on social media best practices and this policy.

How Consultants Can Actually Win on Social Media (Without Sounding Like Everyone Else)

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Social media used to feel like the last place you’d expect consultants to shine. But over the past few years, that’s completely changed. These platforms have gone from nice-to-have marketing tools to must-use business development engines. And if you’re a consultant trying to grow your practice, this stuff matters more than ever.

I’ve seen firsthand how consultants are using LinkedIn and X to build credibility, attract new clients, and stay top of mind in a crowded market. It’s not about dancing on TikTok or posting motivational quotes—it’s about having smart conversations, sharing useful content, and being visible where your potential clients already spend time.

Here’s how it really works.

Why LinkedIn and Twitter Are Still the Power Duo

If you’re only going to pick two platforms to focus on, LinkedIn and X are the ones that make the most sense—especially if you’re in B2B or professional services.

LinkedIn is your professional showroom. It’s where you connect with decision-makers, show what you know, and have deeper conversations. X is like your public microphone—it’s fast, wide-reaching, and great for sharing quick takes or pointing people toward more thoughtful content.

Together, they create a nice rhythm. X grabs attention, and LinkedIn helps you turn that attention into relationships (and hopefully, projects).

What to Actually Do on X

The trick with X is not to be too “salesy.” No one wants to follow someone who only posts links to their services or latest blog. What works is showing up regularly with useful thoughts. You can:

  • Drop quick insights from client work or industry trends
  • Link out to longer content (your blog, LinkedIn post, article)
  • Respond to what others are saying—get involved in real conversations

Think of X as the place to spark curiosity. Then send people where they can learn more about what you do—like your LinkedIn profile or your website.

LinkedIn: The Long Game That Pays Off

LinkedIn takes a bit more effort, but it’s worth it. The people on there are already in a business mindset, and if you’re thoughtful, you can really stand out.

Here’s what I recommend:

  • Make sure your profile tells your story clearly—who you help, how you help them, and what makes your approach different
  • Post consistently, even if it’s just once a week
  • Don’t just “post”—comment on others’ content, join discussions, and message people to build real connections

And no, you don’t need to have thousands of followers. A few hundred engaged connections can be more powerful than a massive but silent audience.

Content Is Still King (But It Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated)

No matter what platform you’re on, the consultants who succeed online are the ones who share stuff that actually helps people. You don’t need to write 2,000-word essays or produce slick videos—just focus on being useful and clear.

Some ideas:

  • Share a short story from a recent client challenge and how it was solved
  • Break down a complex industry trend into something simple
  • Offer a checklist, diagram, or 3-step framework from your consulting toolkit

And always think about what happens next. If someone likes what they see, where should they go? Your website? A lead magnet? A consultation form? Make it easy for them to keep moving closer.

What the Big Firms Are Doing Right (And how you can emulate)

Even firms like McKinsey are treating social media as more than just a press release channel. They’ve built a whole system around it:

  • They regularly post their latest research and reports
  • Their leaders chime in on big industry issues
  • They host webinars and online events
  • They even make slick visuals and short videos to make their insights easier to digest

Now, you don’t need a design team or research department to do this. But you can adopt their mindset: share what you know, speak up about what’s happening in your field, and invite people into your world with content that educates and inspires.

Putting It All Together: A Balanced Approach

So, what’s the takeaway here?

  • Use X to show up, share thoughts, and drive traffic
  • Use LinkedIn to go deeper, build relationships, and turn trust into leads
  • Keep your content valuable, consistent, and actionable
  • And treat social media like a conversation, not a broadcast

The consultants who thrive on social are the ones who show up with substance, not just polish. If you can stay consistent, be yourself, and truly care about helping others—social media becomes a growth engine, not just another chore.

7 Steps of Blog Creation and Ideation

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So much can be found online regarding the steps to creating a blog. 

“Step 1:  choose a platform.  Step 2:  select a domain…”.  These kinds of set-up steps can be a challenge for a beginner, but winning at online marketing requires a development of practice that goes far beyond these simple steps. 

In fact, the number one variable of a successful blog is consistent content. 

The number one barrier to consistent content is time!

The more content one writes, the more difficult it becomes to think of topics to write about. 

That’s where Content Savants focuses its services, in the development and ideation of new, unique, innovative and creative content development.

How do we do it? 

We’re happy to share our “secrets”.  The real secret isn’t in the process, but in the development of the skill in getting good at it. 

But don’t tell anyone!

In the expansive realm of the internet, blogging remains a powerful tool for individuals and businesses alike to share their thoughts, expertise, and insights with the world. However, with millions of blogs vying for attention, the challenge lies not just in creating content, but in crafting content that stands out amidst the noise. This is where effective blog ideation and creation come into play. By following a systematic approach, bloggers can ensure their content resonates with their audience and achieves their desired objectives. Here are seven essential steps to master the art of blog ideation and creation.

Understand Your Audience:

Before brainstorming blog ideas, it’s crucial to have a deep understanding of your target audience. Who are they? What are their interests, pain points, and preferences? Conducting audience research through surveys, social media analytics, or even direct engagement can provide valuable insights into what topics resonate with your audience. By understanding their needs, you can tailor your content to address their specific concerns, thereby increasing engagement and loyalty.

Conduct Keyword Research:

Keyword research is a fundamental aspect of blog ideation, particularly for improving search engine visibility. Tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, or Ahrefs can help identify relevant keywords and phrases that align with your blog’s niche. By incorporating these keywords naturally into your content, you can enhance its visibility and attract organic traffic from search engines. Additionally, keyword research can inspire new blog ideas by uncovering topics that are trending or have high search volume but low competition.

Brainstorm Engaging Topics:

With a solid understanding of your audience and relevant keywords, it’s time to brainstorm compelling blog topics. Consider the pain points, challenges, or questions your audience may have and brainstorm ideas that offer valuable insights or solutions. Additionally, look for emerging trends, industry news, or personal experiences that can serve as inspiration for your content. Aim for topics that are not only relevant to your audience but also have the potential to spark curiosity and generate discussion.

Create an Editorial Calendar:

An editorial calendar is a roadmap that guides your blog content creation process. By planning your content in advance, you can ensure a consistent publishing schedule and maintain momentum in your blogging efforts. Start by outlining your blog topics, assigning publication dates, and identifying any supporting resources or research needed for each post. An editorial calendar not only helps you stay organized but also allows for strategic planning around key events, holidays, or product launches relevant to your audience.

Craft Compelling Headlines:

The headline is often the first impression your blog post makes on potential readers, making it crucial for capturing attention and enticing clicks. A compelling headline should be concise, descriptive, and arouse curiosity while accurately reflecting the content of the post. Experiment with different headline formulas, such as lists, how-tos, questions, or intriguing statements, to see what resonates best with your audience. Tools like CoSchedule’s Headline Analyzer or BuzzSumo’s Headline Generator can provide valuable insights and suggestions for optimizing your headlines.

Write Engaging Content:

Once you have a captivating headline, it’s time to deliver on the promise with high-quality content. Start by structuring your blog post with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Use subheadings, bullet points, and visuals to break up large blocks of text and improve readability. Incorporate storytelling, anecdotes, or real-life examples to make your content relatable and engaging. Additionally, include relevant images, infographics, or multimedia elements to enhance the overall presentation of your post.

Optimize for SEO and Shareability:

Finally, ensure your blog post is optimized for both search engines and social sharing. Incorporate relevant keywords naturally throughout the content, including in the title, headings, meta description, and alt tags for images. Use internal and external links to provide additional context and credibility to your content. Additionally, make it easy for readers to share your post by including social media sharing buttons and encouraging them to engage with your content through comments, likes, or shares. By optimizing for SEO and shareability, you can extend the reach of your blog and attract a wider audience. In conclusion, mastering the art of blog ideation and creation requires a strategic approach that combines audience understanding, keyword research, creative brainstorming, and effective content execution. By following these seven steps, bloggers can not only generate compelling ideas but also craft content that resonates with their audience, drives engagement, and achieves their blogging goals. Remember, consistency and experimentation are key to refining your blogging skills and ultimately building a loyal readership.

Apply These Steps for Your HIGHEST CHANCES of Social Media Success

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Building an online business is challenging, but it also can be very rewarding. To move from “challenging” to “rewarding” will require more than just creative energy and persistent development, but also overcoming problems.

Here are some tips on how to overcome problems in building an online business:

  • Identify your niche: It is important to choose a niche that you are passionate about and that has a viable market. Once you have chosen your niche, you can start to develop a deep understanding of your target audience and their needs.
  • Create a strong brand: Your brand is what will set you apart from your competitors. Develop a strong brand identity that reflects your unique values and offerings.
  • Build a website: Your website is your online storefront, so it is important to make a good first impression. Make sure your website is well-designed, easy to navigate, and mobile-friendly.
  • Drive traffic to your website: There are many ways to drive traffic to your website, such as search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, and paid advertising. Experiment with different marketing channels to see what works best for your business.
  • Provide excellent customer service: Customer service is essential for any business, but it is especially important for online businesses. Make sure you are responsive to customer inquiries and that you go the extra mile to make your customers happy.

What about when problems arise?  Here are three typical challenges that content owners meet when trying to expand their online audience and accompanying sales. 

  • Lack of traffic: If you are not getting enough traffic to your website, there are a few things you can do. First, make sure your SEO is up-to-date. You can also try running paid ads on search engines and social media. Additionally, make sure you are creating high-quality content that is relevant to your target audience and that you are promoting your content on social media and other online channels.
  • Low conversion rates: If your website visitors are not converting into customers, there are a few things you can do. First, make sure your website is easy to navigate and that it is clear what you are selling. You can also try offering discounts and promotions, and you can make it easier for customers to checkout by offering multiple payment options. Additionally, you can use A/B testing to experiment with different website elements to see what improves your conversion rates.
  • Negative customer reviews: If you receive negative customer reviews, it is important to respond to them promptly and professionally. Apologize for the customer’s experience and explain what you are doing to address the issue. You can also offer the customer a refund or compensation. Additionally, you can use customer reviews to improve your products and services.

Building an online business is not easy, but it is possible to overcome the challenges and achieve success.

  • Looking at the great wealth of knowledge and experience that has come before us, there are a few things work highlighting when it comes to successful online businesses.  Successful online businesses have a number of things in common, including the following:
  • A strong customer focus: Successful online businesses are obsessed with their customers. They understand their needs and wants, and they go the extra mile to provide them with a great experience.  A strong customer focus naturally lends itself to excellent customer service. Successful online businesses make it easy for customers to get help and support when they need it.
  • High-quality products and services: Successful online businesses offer high-quality products and services that meet or exceed customer expectations. They are also constantly innovating and improving their offerings.
  • A user-friendly website: A user-friendly website is essential.
  • Effective marketing: Successful online businesses use a variety of marketing channels to reach their target audience. They also track their results and make adjustments as needed.

In addition to these common traits, more advanced, high-volume online businesses have a few additional traits which helped them grow from a small business to a large one. 

  • A strong brand: A strong brand is what sets a business apart from its competitors. Successful online businesses have a clear and consistent brand identity that reflects their unique values and offerings.  A strong brand is developed over time through consistent practice to the principles described above.
  • A passionate team: A passionate team is essential for any business, but it is especially important for online businesses. Successful online businesses have teams of people who are passionate about the business and who are committed to providing customers with a great experience.
  • A willingness to adapt: The online business landscape is constantly changing, so successful online businesses are willing to adapt their strategies and offerings as needed. They are also not afraid to take risks and try new things.

If you are thinking about starting an online business, it is important to keep these things in mind. By focusing on your customers, offering high-quality products and services, and building a strong brand, you can increase your chances of success.

Apply These Steps for Your HIGHEST CHANCES of Social Media Success

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Building an online business is a challenging, but with time, patience, persistence and a little bit of social media know-how, the the results can be very rewarding.

Here are some tips on how to overcome problems in building an online business:

  • Identify your niche: It is important to choose a niche that you are passionate about and that has a viable market. Once you have chosen your niche, you can start to develop a deep understanding of your target audience and their needs.
  • Create a strong brand: Your brand is what will set you apart from your competitors. Develop a strong brand identity that reflects your unique values and offerings.
  • Build a website: Your website is your online storefront, so it is important to make a good first impression. Make sure your website is well-designed, easy to navigate, and mobile-friendly.
  • Drive traffic to your website: There are many ways to drive traffic to your website, such as search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, and paid advertising. Experiment with different marketing channels to see what works best for your business.
  • Provide excellent customer service: Customer service is essential for any business, but it is especially important for online businesses. Make sure you are responsive to customer inquiries and that you go the extra mile to make your customers happy.

What about when problems arise?  Here are three typical challenges that content owners meet when trying to expand their online audience and accompanying sales. 

  • Lack of traffic: If you are not getting enough traffic to your website, there are a few things you can do. First, make sure your SEO is up-to-date. You can also try running paid ads on search engines and social media. Additionally, make sure you are creating high-quality content that is relevant to your target audience and that you are promoting your content on social media and other online channels.
  • Low conversion rates: If your website visitors are not converting into customers, there are a few things you can do. First, make sure your website is easy to navigate and that it is clear what you are selling. You can also try offering discounts and promotions, and you can make it easier for customers to checkout by offering multiple payment options. Additionally, you can use A/B testing to experiment with different website elements to see what improves your conversion rates.
  • Negative customer reviews: If you receive negative customer reviews, it is important to respond to them promptly and professionally. Apologize for the customer’s experience and explain what you are doing to address the issue. You can also offer the customer a refund or compensation. Additionally, you can use customer reviews to improve your products and services.

Building an online business is not easy, but it is possible to overcome the challenges and achieve success.

  • Looking at the great wealth of knowledge and experience that has come before us, there are a few things work highlighting when it comes to successful online businesses.  Successful online businesses have a number of things in common, including the following:
  • A strong customer focus: Successful online businesses are obsessed with their customers. They understand their needs and wants, and they go the extra mile to provide them with a great experience.  A strong customer focus naturally lends itself to excellent customer service. Successful online businesses make it easy for customers to get help and support when they need it.
  • High-quality products and services: Successful online businesses offer high-quality products and services that meet or exceed customer expectations. They are also constantly innovating and improving their offerings.
  • A user-friendly website: A user-friendly website is essential.
  • Effective marketing: Successful online businesses use a variety of marketing channels to reach their target audience. They also track their results and make adjustments as needed.

In addition to these common traits, more advanced, high-volume online businesses have a few additional traits which helped them grow from a small business to a large one. 

  • A strong brand: A strong brand is what sets a business apart from its competitors. Successful online businesses have a clear and consistent brand identity that reflects their unique values and offerings.  A strong brand is developed over time through consistent practice to the principles described above.
  • A passionate team: A passionate team is essential for any business, but it is especially important for online businesses. Successful online businesses have teams of people who are passionate about the business and who are committed to providing customers with a great experience.
  • A willingness to adapt: The online business landscape is constantly changing, so successful online businesses are willing to adapt their strategies and offerings as needed. They are also not afraid to take risks and try new things.

If you are thinking about starting an online business, it is important to keep these things in mind. By focusing on your customers, offering high-quality products and services, and building a strong brand, you can increase your chances of success.

POOR-ME:  Problems, Obstacles, Obstructions, Roadblocks – Mitigate Externalities

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The number one challenge that social media marketers must overcome – and this is true for any business or pursuit – is getting over the hurdles.  Far too many business owners or entrepreneurs will continually remind themselves of the importance of online marketing, developing content and expanding their audience, but things come up along the way that distracts us from the goal. 

These distractions can be little things or big things, or things which seem ever-so-real at the time, but whatever their nature, there will always be something that disrupts the momentum and stops progress.  These game-stoppers can be summed up as problems, obstacles, obstructions and roadblocks. 

More than just the danger of these POOR circumstances arising is the greatest killer of all, the “poor me” mentality.  That’s the thought that gets into our heads which tells us that the reason we are not achieving our goals is due to other factors, factors which are beyond our control.  We love to remind ourselves that if it wasn’t for these POOR factors, we would be kickin’ along towards success, with nothing to stop us. 

This article is a reminder, to anyone who has ever accomplished anything (which is literally everybody), that there will always be some disruption in our pursuits of success.  We know this, and if we’re lucky, the disruptions will be minor.  Sometimes they are major.  The worst thing someone can do is sit back and say “poor me”. 

So we’re turning this mindset around, flipping it upside down, and putting the mnemonic to work – when the “poor me” thought pops up, then remember POOR-ME.  What’s the “ME”?  That is Mitigate Externalities.  In other words, these things that are outside our control must be mitigated.  We cannot control them, but we can make every effort to mitigate their impact on our success.

And when it comes to getting over the poblems, obstacles, obstructions and roadblocks, who is the best person to handle them?  Of course!  ME!

To summarize, these are three things we know in life which have 100% certainty:

  1. POOR situations will always arise.
  2. They are ever-present and will never disappear. 
  3. They can only be surpassed by ME.

The only way to get around the “poor me” mentality is to recognize those three truths about POOR situations, and for “me” to devise a plan to surmount the challenges.

How to Use AI to Generate Ideas for Business Strategy and Marketing Campaign Blogs

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AI is becoming an increasingly prevalent part of business operations, particularly when it comes to developing creative content and analysis.  The team at Content Savants judiciously leverages AI in the development of client materials, enabling our turnaround time to shorten, and in the ever-competitive market of creative writing – keeping prices down.

At the same time, many businesses are leveraging AI to develop their own in-house capabilities in developing online content and promotional materials.  Following some coursework that has been developed for clients seeking input into their own effective use of AI, we have put together a short guide in how to effectively use this tool.  And yes, some of this text was originally generated by AI.  And yes, all of it has been vetted, reviewed, edited and streamlined for rationality and conformity to the Content Savant style of writing.

Businesses are learning more and more how AI can be incredibly helpful when it comes to brainstorming content creation ideas. Let’s walk through how you can use AI to come up with fresh, engaging, and relevant content for your marketing strategy.

Effective AI Utilization in Content Creation

1. Start by Defining Your Niche

Before you jump into the world of AI, it’s important to get clear on what specific areas of business strategy and marketing you want to focus on. This could be anything from content marketing to social media strategy, customer retention, or even marketing analytics.

Once you have a clear focus, you’ll be able to use AI in a way that aligns with your goals. Think of it as setting a compass—AI will be much more helpful when it knows exactly where you want to go.

For example, if your blog focuses on widget repair services, you’ll want your AI prompts to be about trends in widgets, use of widgets, repair of widgets and overall widget strategy. 

2. Ask the Right Questions

As the team at Content Savants has found out through (sometimes painful) trial and error, AI works best when you ask specific, targeted questions. The more detailed your prompts, the better the responses you’ll get. Here’s a good rule of thumb: Think of the kinds of blog posts that would interest your audience, then let AI help you break those down into workable ideas.

Let’s say you want to write a post about “Innovative Marketing Campaigns.” Instead of asking, “Give me ideas for marketing campaigns,” try a more focused approach like:

  • “What are the top marketing campaigns that have used artificial intelligence in 2024?”
  • “How can small businesses use influencer marketing to boost brand awareness?”
  • “What are the key elements of a successful email marketing campaign?”

With a little tweaking, you can generate several angles on the same topic. AI can help you refine your questions to open up new opportunities that you might not have considered.

3. Use AI to Generate Blog Post Outlines

Once you have a basic idea or question, AI can help you structure your blog post. You don’t have to sit there staring at a blank screen wondering where to start. Simply ask AI to generate an outline for you.

For example, if you wanted to write about “The Importance of Personalization in Marketing Campaigns,” you could ask AI:

  • “Can you generate an outline for a blog post on the benefits of personalized marketing?”

The result might be something like this:

  1. Introduction: Why personalized marketing is a game-changer
  2. What is Personalized Marketing? A quick definition
  3. The Benefits of Personalization: Increased engagement, loyalty, and ROI
  4. Case Studies of Successful Personalized Campaigns
  5. How to Implement Personalization in Your Marketing Strategy
  6. Common Pitfalls to Avoid
  7. Conclusion: How personalization shapes the future of marketing

By using AI to generate an outline, you now have a framework to flesh out your content without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, the outline gives you a sense of direction, which is crucial for staying on track.

4. Generate Specific Blog Ideas from AI-Powered Trends

Sometimes, the hardest part of writing is coming up with a relevant topic. Sure, there are timeless subjects in business strategy and marketing, but you want to keep your content fresh and timely.

This is where AI-powered tools like trend analyzers or content generators come in handy. These tools can scan recent developments in the marketing world and highlight trending topics that your audience will care about.

For example, you could ask AI:

  • “What are the emerging trends in business strategy for 2024?”
  • “Can you list popular topics in digital marketing that are currently trending?”
  • “What marketing technologies should businesses adopt in the next year?”

The AI might generate insights like:

  • Artificial Intelligence in Marketing Automation
  • Voice Search Optimization for Businesses
  • Interactive Content in Marketing Campaigns

Not only will this give you fresh content ideas, but you’ll also be staying ahead of the curve and offering your readers valuable, up-to-date insights.

5. Use AI for Idea Refinement and Enhancement

Sometimes you’ll have an idea, but it’s not quite fully fleshed out. Here’s where AI can help you polish those ideas. For example, you might have a vague idea about “Social Media Strategies for 2024,” but you’re not sure what angle to take.

AI can help you brainstorm related subtopics by asking follow-up questions like:

  • “What are some unique social media strategies businesses are using in 2024?”
  • “Can you give me statistics that show the effectiveness of TikTok marketing?”
  • “What are some challenges businesses face with social media marketing in 2024?”

You can then take those ideas, combine them, and refine them into a full blog post. AI can help you see what’s missing or suggest related concepts to make the blog even more valuable.

6. Brainstorm Alternative Angles or Formats

Maybe you’re stuck in a rut of writing long-form blogs and want to try something new. AI can help you explore alternative formats for the same topic. For instance, instead of a traditional blog post, you could try:

  • Listicles (e.g., “5 Marketing Trends You Need to Know in 2024”)
  • Interviews with experts (AI can help you generate potential questions for experts in the field)
  • Infographics (AI can help you figure out how to visually represent data or strategies)
  • Case Studies (Ask AI to suggest examples of companies who nailed their marketing strategy)

AI can also help you think about different angles on the same topic, such as presenting a “controversial” view on a widely accepted marketing tactic or exploring a niche aspect of a bigger trend.

What NOT to do

Amid the excitement and potential of AI, there are a few areas where AI can trip up its user.  This is where real-people content development becomes really valuable.  Remember to NOT do the following:

  • Rely Too Heavily on AI:  AI can assist with generating ideas or organizing thoughts, but it shouldn’t replace your own creativity or critical thinking. Always review and refine AI-generated content to make it more personalized and relevant.
  • Use Vague Prompts:  Giving AI broad or unclear instructions leads to generic responses. Be specific in your queries to get more accurate, useful results. The more context you provide, the better AI can assist you.
  • Ignore Ethical Considerations:  AI can inadvertently produce biased, insensitive, or unethical content. Always double-check outputs, especially when dealing with sensitive topics, and ensure the content aligns with ethical standards.
  • Overlooking Originality:  Don’t let AI copy content or generate ideas without making them your own. Plagiarism or over-reliance on AI-generated text can hurt your brand’s credibility.
  • Neglecting Fact-Checking:  AI isn’t always correct or up-to-date. Cross-reference information and statistics provided by AI to ensure accuracy, especially when writing about business strategies or marketing trends.

Wrapping Up

AI isn’t here to replace your creativity—it’s here to enhance it. By using AI to generate blog post ideas, outlines, trending topics, and content refinements, you can save time and bring fresh perspectives to your business strategy and marketing campaigns blog.

The key is asking the right questions, refining your prompts, and allowing AI to spark your creativity. With these tools in your back pocket, you’ll have a steady stream of exciting, well-thought-out content that’ll keep your readers engaged and coming back for more.

Artificial Intelligence – Changing the Game in Social Media

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The amazing thing about online marketing and artificial intelligence is that for so many businesses who have hesitated to ramp up their content creation efforts, the barriers to creation have fallen tremendously.  The change is so dramatic that it is almost unnecessary to engage external support for content creation.  Even campaign management itself is increasingly automated, and in many ways, the sky is the limit as to where this technology will bring us in the future. 

While there is a lot of restructuring soon to happen in the industry of social media marketing, businesses are already reaping the benefits.  AI is being used in social media marketing in a variety of ways. Here are a few examples:

  • Content creation: AI can be used to generate social media content ideas, write engaging posts, and create visually appealing images and videos. This can save social media marketers a lot of time and effort, and help them to produce more high-quality content.
  • Audience targeting: AI is also used to analyze social media data to identify and target specific audiences with relevant content and ads. This can help social media marketers to reach the right people with their message, and to increase the effectiveness of their campaigns.
  • Ad optimization: AI prompt engineering can be used to optimize social media ads for performance among select audiences. This can include things like choosing the right ad targeting options, setting the right budget, and creating effective ad copy. AI can also be used to test different ad variations and to identify the ones that perform the best.
  • Social media listening: AI can be used to monitor social media for mentions of the brand, products, and services. This can help social media marketers to identify trends, track customer sentiment, and respond to customer feedback.
  • Customer service: AI can be used to provide customer service on social media. This can include things like answering customer questions, resolving customer issues, and providing support.

As AI continues to develop, we can expect to see even more innovative and effective ways to use it to market businesses on social media.

AI Tools for Social Media Marketers

There is also a wealth of potential in the online marketing tools that are being developed to help businesses advance their own marketing objectives.  Here are some specific examples of AI-powered social media marketing tools, many of which have already become a standard of operations for marketing agencies:

  • Hootsuite: Hootsuite is a social media management platform that uses AI to help businesses automate their social media tasks, schedule posts, and analyze their results.
  • Buffer: Buffer is another social media management platform that uses AI to help businesses create and schedule social media posts.
  • Sprout Social: Sprout Social is a social media management platform that uses AI to help businesses monitor social media for mentions of their brand, track customer sentiment, and respond to customer feedback.
  • BuzzSumo: BuzzSumo is a content marketing tool that uses AI to help businesses find and share popular content.
  • Tailwind: Tailwind is a social media scheduling tool that uses AI to help businesses schedule posts at the best times for engagement.

Businesses can choose the tools that best meet their needs and budget.  But these are just the tip of the iceberg.   

AI-enabled Techniques and Applications

Some very new technologies which are under development (or in a phase of rapid improvement) include the following categories: 

  • AI-powered social media influencers: AI is being used to develop virtual influencers who can be used to promote products and services on social media. These virtual influencers are being created to be more realistic and engaging than traditional social media influencers, and they can be targeted to specific audiences with relevant content.
  • AI-generated social media content: AI is being used to develop tools that can automatically generate social media content, including text, images, and videos.
  • AI-powered analytics: Analysis of social media data will become more sophisticated, helping marketers to better track the performance of their campaigns, and identify new opportunities for growth.

Some specific applications in these areas are under development:

  • Synthesia: Synthesia is a platform that uses AI to create realistic videos of people talking. This technology could be used to create social media videos that are more engaging and effective than traditional videos.
  • Persado: Persado is a platform that uses AI to generate personalized marketing messages.
  • IBM Watson Tone Analyzer: IBM Watson Tone Analyzer is an AI tool that can analyze the tone of text. This technology could be used to analyze social media posts to track customer sentiment and identify potential problems.
  • Google AI Test Tube: Google AI Test Tube is a platform that allows developers to experiment with new AI technologies.

These are just a few examples of the many new technologies that are being developed in the field of AI and social media marketing.  As AI continues to develop, we will see even more innovative and effective ways to use it to market businesses and generate sales. 

Of course the reader may wonder if this article is AI generated. And therein lies the danger for social media marketers who use AI exclusively for content creation – AI is not perfect, and it lacks the human touch. The challenge for social media marketers and all content creators is finding the right balance. That means, using the tools to help, but remembering the importance of the human touch.