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Author: Alexandra Harris

Honoring Female Founders

Posted on by Alexandra Harris
female founders sitting at a table laughing

an homage to Female founders!

We are closing out Women’s History Month with an homage to women founders everywhere!

Every day, we meet strong, fearless females that are out there SLAYING the business world with new and innovative products!  We have had the honor of working with some really fun brands like Sweet Logic, Look Look Studio, and Amäzi Foods as well as meeting some amazing up-and-comers like Jus Jus, Balkan Bites, and Unlit! 

Today we’re taking some time to recognize some of these amazing women by featuring them on our blog – we hope you’ll feel inspired by their stories – and maybe you’ll give their products a try!

  1. Amäzi Foods

    Renee Dunn is the fearless founder of Amäzi Foods She studied abroad and did her thesis research in Uganda. While living there, she was blown away by their organic tropical fruits, bursting with flavors unlike in the United States.

    Meanwhile, back home, consumers were actively seeking out products that serve a higher purpose, and she knew there was a huge opportunity missed – not only for the local industry and job creation in Uganda but also to satisfy a growing need for US consumers. Head on over to the Amäzi store to browse their selection and order some AMAZIng snacks today!

  2. Sweet Logic
    Sweet Logic will always hold a place in our hearts! They were our first CPG client and we learned A LOT! Sweet Logic was founded by Alli Owen who partnered with her husband, Matt, to bring you sweet and decadent keto treats (pssst.. the secret is in the Allulose!)!In her early twenties, Alli was diagnosed with hormonal imbalances and PCOS. After doing their research, she and her husband started their low carb (and low sugar) journey as a love letter to their friends and family, committing to becoming the healthiest version of themselves. Interested in adding some guilt-free desserts to your life? Visit Sweet Logic to order a variety pack today! 
  3. Jus Jus
    Julia Sherman is the creator of Salad for President, an evolving publishing project that draws a meaningful connection between food, art and everyday obsessions. Julia was cooking on a vineyard while on her 2017 book tour when she eased the cork from a bottle of verjus and a curious fizz materialized. A lightbulb went off in her head: the volatile juice, with all its natural yeasts and sugars, had accidentally fermented in the bottle, making it lightly alcoholic and refreshingly effervescent. She downed the entire bottle – and came up with Jus Jus! Her verjus sparkling wine is only available in limited runs and sells out quickly! Visit herwebsite to learn more about Julia, Jus Jus or to snag a copy of Salad For President!
  4. Unlit
    Meet Lia, she started UNLIT Wellness Company, because she wanted to create a more holistic approach to recovery & imbalance. As a millennial, tech professional- big city life can take its toll. Especially with work, exercise, late nights AND hangovers. We’ve all been there. Happy hours, boozy brunches, the dreadful hangovers. Lia finally said “enough was enough”, after struggling with dreadful hangover symptoms, losing time in her precious day- and it seemed to get worse as she got older. And thus began Unlit! We LOVE the concept and look forward to seeing Lia and her future successes! Curious about getting “unlit”? You can add some holistic goodness to your cart by heading over to the Unlit website!

We are straight up HONORED to have worked with and met these women, and we LOVE helping brands define their brand, reach their audience, and DO GOOD.

If you’re a start-up or small business owner, and would like to schedule a consultation or need some marketing help, please contact us  today, and we’d be happy to help!

Kindly,

Alexandra harris

founder

Honoring Black History Month

Posted on by Alexandra Harris

HONORING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

February marks the start of Black History Month, a federally recognized celebration of the contributions African Americans have made to this country and a time to reflect on the continued struggle for racial justice.

Many businesses attempt to join in on this celebration without a clear understanding of the meaning and history behind it. This often leads to tone-deaf and meaningless content for consumers.

At Adelante Creative, we believe in being informative, not performative, which is why we put together a brief list of must-read books for anyone who is looking to learn more about black history and racial injustice.

  • “How to Be an Antiracist” by Ibram X. Kendi

     

  • “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness” by Michelle Alexander
  • “Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower” by Brittney Cooper

  • “Walking with the Wind: A Memoir of the Movement” by John Lewis and Michael D’Orso

We hope you pick up at least one of these books over the next few weeks! Have suggestions for others that should be on the list? Let us know in the comments!

Kindly,

Alexandra harris

founder

How can you overcome your biggest marketing challenges?

Posted on by Alexandra Harris
marketing agency, marketing challenges, building website

How can you overcome your biggest marketing challenges?

I recently asked several of my clients: What is your biggest marketing challenge? The majority of them said social media or digital marketing. The world of digital marketing was intimidating to many of them and social media, while necessary, was something they rarely had time to do. An effective online presence is critical to the success of a small business. So how can you overcome the challenges you face when it comes to marketing online?

 

  1. Decide Where To Focus
    There are more ways than ever to promote your business. There’s SEO, social media, PPC and other online advertising methods, content marketing, and more! The list goes on. While it’s great to have choices, you also have to refine your approach and decide what’s right for you. Instead of spreading yourself thin by trying to do everything, choose 2-3 marketing mediums, and focus on doing them well! Think about who your customers are and where they live in the digital landscape when deciding where to focus!
  2. Content Calendars
    One of the key things you can do to create structure around your marketing is create (and stick to) a content calendar! A content calendar is important to keep your content marketing well-organized and on track. It helps you with prior brainstorming which not only saves you from last-minute disastrous planning but also helps you produce content consistently. These calendars can be as simple or detailed as you choose, and can be planned out months in advance. 
  3. Choose The Right Software
    Marketing automation and email marketing software comes in a variety of sizes, and what each company needs may differ. Picking a new marketing tool for your company can be quite tricky these days – not to mention daunting! However, by implementing the right software, you will be better equipped to effectively nurture new and existing leads. 
  4. Hire an agency
    Our list wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t include this very important point. If you’re a small business with limited resources, it may be more effective to hire an outside marketing agency to handle your marketing needs. For smaller businesses, working with an agency can save time and money over hiring someone in-house, and allows business owners to focus on running operations and increasing the bottom line.

If you would like to schedule a consultation or want more marketing tips from us, please contact us today, and we’d be happy to help!

Kindly,

Alexandra harris

founder

7 Marketing Tips for Businesses on a Budget

Posted on by Alexandra Harris
marketing tips

7 Marketing Tips For Businesses on a budget

For small business owners and entrepreneurs, every dollar counts. Luckily, in today’s digital age, there are several affordable options for a business on a budget. You just need a little time and know-how. Check out our new list with 7 marketing tips for businesses on a budget to get started!

 

  1. Prioritize local search.
    Search engine optimization is more important than ever, especially if you have a brick and mortar location. Think about it: What’s the first thing you do when you need to buy something? You do a cursory search online to do your research or track down the closest store. Google My Business is a free first step that everyone should take. Claiming your business online with Google lets you adjust how your business appears in search rankings and on maps, including your hours, location, photos, and customer reviews. 
  2. Invest in content marketing.
    We’ve said it time and again, content marketing is an effective way to position yourself as an expert in your industry, and it allows people to organically find you through Google and other search engines. Content marketing involves creating and distributing helpful material that’s audience-focused and serves the purpose of boosting customer acquisition. Publishing content consistently on a set schedule to boost search rankings and, more importantly, to build and retain a loyal readership and establish your business as a useful resource. 
  3. Replicate what’s working.
    Chances are you know of at least one competitor that’s killing it with their marketing. Keep an eye on your competitors’ marketing efforts using tools like Brand24 (premium) or Google Alerts (free). Google Alerts, in particular, is a service that everyone should be using because it seamlessly tracks online mentions of your company name, product name, competitors, industry keywords, and more—all on autopilot. For example, if your competition is outranking you on search engines, take a look at their blog posts and website content. How can you replicate that success, or, ideally, do it even better? 
  4. Leverage email marketing.
    Email marketing still reigns supreme because of its massive return on investment. For every dollar you spend on email marketing, you can expect <a return of $38, on average. Email marketing can be used to strengthen your relationship with customers, help bring in new ones, spread brand awareness, and much more. Ensure you regularly keep your email list clean by using an email verifying tool. This will keep your sender score high and ensure better deliverability so you stay out of the spam folder.
  5. Post on question & answer sites.
    Sites such as Quora, Yahoo Answers, and Reddit are indexed by search engines, and if you post correctly and tactfully they can provide a steady boost to your site traffic. Quora, in particular, has become a go-to source for marketers to drum up content ideas, establish authority, and drive traffic.
  6. Display social proof.
    People love reviews and testimonials. They eliminate analysis paralysis, enhance credibility, and prevent buyer’s remorse. And best of all, they’re free. Ask your happy customers for feedback, reviews, and testimonials via email, surveys, or even in-person. Then take that feedback and share it for all to see. Consider using a site like Canva to make quotes into images that are shareable and eye-catching.
  7. Engage with your audience on social media
    Social media marketing is a no-brainer for businesses looking to get their message out on a budget. Whether you’re B2C, B2B, or something in between, remember that you aren’t selling to companies, but to people at companies. When it comes to social media marketing, it’s best to keep things relaxed and relevant. Make a habit of responding to all comments on your page to encourage and facilitate more engagement. Also, make time to engage with other pages in your niche to maximize your exposure beyond just your audience. 

With a little creativity, stretching your marketing dollars is easier than you think! If you would like to schedule a consultation or want more marketing tips from us, please contact us today, and we’d be happy to help!

Kindly,

Alexandra harris

founder

Content Marketing For Small Businesses

Posted on by Alexandra Harris

why should you invest in content marketing?

Content marketing is all of the content that a small business produces and includes blog posts, whitepapers, and e-books. In a 2018 report by Clutch, findings showed that most small businesses (80%) do not invest in content marketing, and less than 25% of those businesses planned to invest in the future. Is that a mistake, though?

We may be a little biased, but we believe that it is! Content marketing is a fantastic way to establish and build your brand and boost SEO – all while being highly cost-effective. According to Demand Metric, content marketing is 62% less expensive than traditional marketing and advertising but generates three times more leads. 

However, we know that creating and publishing content requires resources such as writing talent and marketing knowledge, which small businesses don’t always have access to. Not to mention, a sheer lack of time. We get it! If you’re a small business, your employees are already wearing multiple hats, and there may not be any bandwidth to add content marketing to the list of duties that they perform.

Nonetheless, consistent content marketing brings measurable returns, which is why companies should consider developing a content marketing strategy or bringing in an agency to help them do so. With content marketing, small businesses can achieve higher brand recognition, improve trust among their customer base, and keep their website and social channels updated and fresh. 

If you’re ready to begin exploring the world of content marketing, contact us today for a FREE 15-minute consultation to learn how Adelante Creative can help move your business forward!

We’re here to help!

 

Kindly,

Alexandra harris

founder

3 Reasons Why Re-targeting Matters

Posted on by Alexandra Harris

3 REASONS WHY RE-TARGETING MATTERS

People who visit your company’s website have demonstrated an interest in your product or service, even if they don’t make a purchase on their initial visit. By re-targeting these users with skillfully positioned ads, you can significantly increase your conversion rates. Re-targeting also increases other marketing efforts, such as brand awareness and brand recall. These are just some of the reasons why re-targeting matters:

1. Multiple chances to convert

Re-targeting provides a second (or third) chance to convert users by focusing on those who have visited your website or landing page. These users have demonstrated an interest in your brand, product, or service.  As such, they are more qualified and likely to be persuaded by your continued efforts. 

2. Build the brand

It is essential to understand that re-targeting is more than just a performance or conversion-focused tactic. It also plays a role in building brand awareness. “I see your ads everywhere!” is retargeting at play. Potential customers believe you’re spending millions of dollars on ad campaigns when they see ads on the sites they visit. These impressions build both trust and awareness of your brand.

3. Up-sell and cross-sell opportunities

Re-targeting is not exclusive to first-time conversions. Companies can build a list of high-value users to up-sell or cross-sell, by placing a retargeting pixel on conversion or “thank you” pages. If a consumer has converted before, there is a good chance they will convert again.

​Simply put, re-targeting adds immense value and opportunity to any business, and there is no reason to delay adding re-targeting to your marketing arsenal. Adelante Creative can help you get started. Get in touch with us today for more information.

Kindly,

Alexandra harris
FOunder

Discounted Pricing For 2020.

Posted on by Alexandra Harris

OUR Marketing Bundle
is just $800/mo.

Running a business is HARD – there are no ifs, ands, or buts about that. Add in a global pandemic and it quickly becomes near impossible. Small business owners across the US have been forced to shut down or operate at a limited capacity. Many have had to furlough employees as they try to cover the costs of rent and utilities without a revenue source.

As states begin to reopen and regulations begin to loosen up, businesses are starting to see their customers return, but they are still trying to assess what the “new normal” will be. Many are playing catch up after months of little to no revenue. Life is hard right now, but the team at Adelante Creative is here to help you. 

We are offering a special discount on our marketing bundle through the rest of the year! The bundle, which normally costs $1,200/month, is now available without a contract for just $800/month. The bundle even includes personalized one-on-one training on the platforms and tools used (great for businesses who just need a little help getting started and want to take control of marketing once the structure is in place).

What you get in the marketing bundle:

• FREE website audit
• 20 Social media posts/mo. 
• 5 Paid ads
• 2 Blog posts
• 2 Newsletters
• One-on-One training
• Strategy meetings to ensure that we’re meeting all your expectation

See the difference that strategic, consistent marketing can make for your business – without any risk to you.

Contact us today to secure this special pricing. We look forward to helping you with your marketing needs!

Kindly,

Alexandra harris
Founder

5 ways to practice cyber-security at home.

Posted on by Alexandra Harris

CYBER-SECURITY; HOW TO help KEEP
YOUR CHILDREN SAFE

The Internet is a great resource for you and your family. At the touch of a button, you have access to a world of knowledge and entertainment. Sadly, the internet is also a dangerous place to hang out – particularly for children. Nearly 60% of teens have received an email or instant message from a stranger – half of them have replied. With summer approaching, the potential for children to wind up on dangerous sites increases since kids have more free time and that usually means more screen time.

So what can you do? Just to get started, let’s list some things you can do almost immediately to help keep your kids safe while they’re online. It won’t take a lot of time to try these suggestions, and while we’ll talk later on about setting up parental controls through your Race router, the following steps can give you some peace of mind until you can do so.

Place computers in a common area of the house:
Don’t allow kids to have a computer in their room. You’d be surprised by how much the mere presence of a parent who may or may not be looking over a child’s shoulder while they use the computer can keep a child in line. They have no way of knowing if your eyes are good enough to see across the room, now do they? Make sure the computer’s screen is visible from other parts of the room and isn’t turned toward a wall.

Set reasonable time and usage limits:
Set rules about what your child can and can’t do when on the internet. Set time limits on their computer use. If they say they’re researching homework, maybe you don’t include that in the time limits – but make sure they’re using it for homework.

Discuss the dangers of the web with your child:
Sit down and discuss the dangers of the internet. Talk openly and honestly about what’s out there and the kind of stuff they want to avoid. Forewarned is forearmed.

Teach them to protect their privacy
While they won’t fully understand the consequences of revealing personal information online, you should still make sure your children know:

  • Never to give their name, phone number, e-mail address, password, postal address, school, or picture without your permission
  • Not to open e-mail from people they don’t know
  • Not to respond to hurtful or disturbing messages
  • Not to get together with anyone they “meet” online.

Keep youngsters out of online chat rooms, and do your best to reinforce the old rule, “never talk to strangers.”:
Chat rooms are a popular place for sex offenders to meet their prey. If possible, keep your kids out of chat rooms altogether. Make sure your child knows that no matter how nice an online “friend” may seem to be, they are still a stranger, and may not be who they appear to be. ​

Know Passwords:
Be upfront with your children that you will need to have their passwords for all of their devices and for all of their social media sites. Once you have the passwords, check these sites regularly to see what your child is seeing and posting.

Turn your ISP into your ally:
Before buying any safety product, experts recommend that you work with what you’ve got, starting with your Internet service provider – hopefully, that is us at Race Communications!

Your Gigafy Me router includes free parental controls that can limit children’s access to websites and communication features (e-mail, instant messaging, chat) by the time of day and other variables. If you don’t have a router rental through Race, give us a call to have that added or if you have any questions about these features.

Kindly,

Alexandra harris
Founder