I keep hearing coaches say that business owners don’t need a website to grow their business online.

They’re wrong.

If you are looking for sustainable growth, want to stop acting as if you work for Instagram, and want your business to attract your ideal clients while you enjoy your kids, go on vacation, or do client work, then you need a website.

The truth is, Instagram is not a marketing or sales strategy. You don’t own the platform, it can be shut down at any time, and your content has an extremely short lifespan.

A website is yours forever.

Let’s dig into what your website is used for and how a website can accelerate your business growth.

PostedAugust 19, 2021

AuthorAmanda Washburn

CategoriesWebsite Copywriting, Featured, Social Media

TagsWebsite copy, Social Media

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Today, more than ever, business owners are sharing their personal lives in their blog and social media posts. Despite fears of mixing business and personal, entrepreneurs are finding that their followers love seeing a more “real” side to business. Whether you want to call it authenticity, being genuine, or simply being you, it doesn't matter - being personal attracts others to you (and to your business!).

PostedAugust 2, 2017

AuthorAmanda Washburn

CategoriesBlogging, Customer Relations, Social Media, Blogs

TagsBlogs, Blogging Tips, Social media tips, Personality

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A photo may be worth a thousand words, but what happens when it’s paired with a well thought out caption? Now that’s where the magic happens.

Instagram captions can be a time-suck. You finally perfected your photo and are now staring at a white box wondering what in the world to say. You frantically head to Pinterest searching for an idea, a clever phrase, or a witty quote. Maybe you type a few words, but then immediately erase it because it’s not creative enough, cheeky, or genuine. Next thing you know, a half hour goes by, and you have to move on to the next thing on your endless to-do list without even posting a photo! Ugh.

PostedMay 31, 2017

AuthorAmanda Washburn

CategoriesContent Marketing, Social Media, Tips, Writing, Rough Draft Solutions

TagsSocial media tips, Instagram, Writing tips, Small business owner

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While I’ve been an Instagram-addict for well over three years, I just began using it for business in August. As an Instagram-for-business-rookie, I’ve learned a lot in a short period of time.

Last week I participated in my first “Instagram Challenge.” If you don’t know what that is, don’t worry. I felt the same way when I decided to participate in The Rising Tide Society’s challenge, but thanks to their helpful guide, I knew what to do and quickly started seeing traction.

I want to share a bit of my experience and encourage you to join in on the next Instagram challenge you come across!

PostedNovember 1, 2016

AuthorAmanda Washburn

CategoriesSocial Media, Small Business Owner, Networking

TagsInstagram, Social media tips, Small Business Owner, Startup

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If you’re putting in the effort to blog for your business, you probably have an idea of how important Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is. This is what allows your beautiful blog to actually be seen and read! But do you know how to optimize your content while still being authentic?

Whether you have been creating engaging content and are well on your way to being a blogging master or are just getting started on your blogging endeavors, it's time to dig a bit deeper.

PostedMay 31, 2016

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CategoriesBlogging, Digital media, Social Media, Technology

TagsSearch Engine Optimization, Blogging, Digital Media

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Building an effective social media strategy is far from a cakewalk. When you’re challenged to navigate confusing algorithms and develop engaging content, you’d be crazy trying to tackle it alone. You need someone (or something!) to keep you accountable, to make you look good, and to keep you on track.

Here is a list of tools to help you build your team and begin streamlining your social strategy.

PostedApril 20, 2016

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CategoriesDigital media, Social Media, Technology, Rough Draft Solutions

TagsSocial Media, Social Media Tools

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As a social media manager, my creative work is subject to be judged by an entire online community who will either love it, ignore it, or reject it (I’m stiiiill trying to decide which of the last two is worse). Being emotionally attached to my work, I became increasingly discouraged when carefully thought-out posts performed poorly. However, taking this rejection personally wasn’t doing much to advance my strategy, and over time I’ve come to no longer fear flopped posts and failed strategies.

Here’s why:

PostedMarch 30, 2016

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CategoriesSocial Media, Trends, Digital media, Rough Draft Solutions

TagsSocial Media Tips, Facebook, Digital Media, Small Business

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In the evolving world of content marketing, we continually need to refine how we communicate with and reach our customers. Here are a few content marketing trends you should consider as you refresh and plan for this year's blog posts, newsletters, and social media campaigns.

1. Sophisticated algorithms will force you to get serious about quality control

If your goal is to reach users with first-page search results this year, then it's about time you ditched the traditional SEO marketing strategy. The truth is, the game has changed. Google algorithms now evaluate content based on its value to readers who are searching for it. The focus on quality content means excessive keyword stuffing and backlinking won’t do you any good.

PostedJanuary 27, 2016

AuthorAmanda Washburn

CategoriesContent Marketing, Social Media, Rough Draft Solutions, Video

TagsMarketing trends, Content marketing, Content Marketing Trends, Blogging, Social media

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By now, it is safe to assume that you know what LinkedIn is, but the question remains if you are using it correctly. When was the last time you updated your profile or sent a personalized message to a connection? Are you actively using your profile to highlight how you can add value to your network? Unlike Facebook, LinkedIn gurus tend to dress nicely and instead of posting photos of their pets, engage in conversation relevant to their profession. Whether you’ve been on the site for a while, or you’re just starting out, here are several ways you can ensure to leave a positive impression and improve your profile now.

PostedNovember 17, 2015

AuthorAmanda Washburn

CategoriesNetworking, Resume, Social Media, LinkedIn, Rough Draft Solutions

TagsLinkedIn, Social Media Tips, Networking tips

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Chances are if you clicked on this article you’re not new to the idea of social media marketing. With 74% of the adult population active on a variety of social networks it’s evident something is working when it comes to connecting with customers online. That’s basic marketing 101 - be where your customers are.

Picking the right social media platform to connect with your customers is a bit subjective. As I am sure you can guess, most businesses invest the bulk of their energy into the more obvious platforms like Facebook. But there is one network in particular that deserves a lot more attention—Pinterest.

PostedAugust 31, 2015

AuthorAmanda Washburn

CategoriesPinterest, Tips, Social Media, Marketing, Rough Draft Solutions, Popular Post

TagsPinterest, Social Media Tips, Small Business, Marketing Tips

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For some business owners the phrase, “Marketing strategies” causes them to cringe and quickly shield their wallets. However, developing strong marketing tactics doesn’t have to be difficult nor break the bank. Here are several inexpensive, effective ways to market your business that you could easily implement today.

PostedAugust 26, 2015

AuthorAmanda Washburn

CategoriesCommunication, Content Marketing, Social Media, Blogging, Rough Draft Solutions

TagsDigital media, Blogs, Original Content, Networking

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When it comes to navigating social media as a business owner, there are many factors to consider. What, when and how often should you post? The list of questions on how to do social media “right” is a long one. While the logistics may be confusing, the goal is to use social media effectively to ensure your company is connecting with its customers in a real way. After all, that’s what social media is about— creating meaningful connections with people and brands you care about.

In today’s post, we are sharing our thoughts on four major social media dos and don’ts.

PostedJune 24, 2015

AuthorAmanda Washburn

CategoriesSocial Media, Strategic Communication, Customer Relations, Rough Draft Solutions

TagsSocial media tips, Social Media Jackson, Social Media Lansing, customer relationships

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Email marketing and social media have been a focus of our project work lately, so today we have created a round-up of interesting articles for you to read. So many business owners are faced with the feeling that they have to be on social media and they need to be sending out emails. Instead of being deliberate and planning things out, they often post or email haphazardly. Not necessarily a recipe for success.

These articles offer unique and relevant tips that you can start implementing today! Enjoy!

PostedOctober 24, 2014

AuthorAmanda Washburn

CategoriesTips, Email Marketing, Social Media, Rough Draft Solutions, Writing, Newsletter

TagsEmail Marketing, Social Media, Copywriter Lansing, tips, Email Marketing Tips, Social media tips, Article roundup

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