Maybe you think you’ve got it all under control. Your customers are happy, your employees look forward to their workday, invoices are getting paid, and you’re (finally) in the black. Why mess with perfection, right? While the status quo can be comforting, for your business to survive, you need to be like a shark: always in motion. I know, that sounds exhausting! After years (maybe even decades) of trying to get your business on track, the last thing you want to do is switch gears or add another layer of complication. So why do you need a marketing plan if things are going well (or “good enough”)? Here are three top reasons: Clarify Your Vision Developing a marketing plan will force you to articulate your future goals while also helping you create a clearer picture of your customers, your product, and how you can bring those two entities together in a successful and fruitful partnership. A marketing plan will also help your team prioritize your goals, which translates into increased efficiency and a more cost-effective approach to business. Connect with Your Customers The right marketing plan helps you tell the story of your business. Your customers and prospects want to know why they should choose you over the other options available. Marketing allows you to stand out from the crowd and demonstrate that you understand where your clients are coming from, what they need, and what they want. From there, it’s easy to position yourself as the answer to all their challenges and desires. Increase Profits and Save Money The bottom line is you want to improve your bottom line, right? Marketing proves the age-old adage that you must spend money to make money. By deploying your message and increasing brand awareness, you will not only strengthen your existing customer relationships, but you will also plant the seeds for future opportunities. New leads, new avenues for revenue growth, new partnerships, and collaborations: the right marketing plan will help you gain all these benefits and more. And the best part is that if you initiate a considered, tested marketing strategy, you will save money because each dollar spent on client acquisition will be targeted, not one cent wasted on unseen ads or ineffective social media campaigns. Marketing your small business will indeed require some sweat equity. Thankfully, you don’t have to carry the weight all on your own. There are many tools available to help you automate and simplify your marketing efforts, and with an experienced and savvy partner, you can exceed expectations and reap amazing benefits with just a little bit of effort and planning. Ready to get started? Contact us today to learn more about how you can quickly and affordably implement the right marketing plan to fit your needs. 0dd0cb6a1cb13acb655fd279352df7cc6b5cce73e3cee47896

As you’ve probably heard, the gig economy is in full swing. Millions are choosing flexible remote and freelance work over traditional full-time employment, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For many, a freelance writing career appears ideal, but the reality can be challenging. Success as a freelance writer requires diligence and flexibility. It is not a set-it-and-forget-it career move. As Anna Johansson points out in a recent post “ as a freelancer, getting higher-paying gigs isn’t just a matter of signing up on popular platforms. You’ll have to branch out, establish a great portfolio of past work and maybe even prove yourself through tests that showcase your skills.” So why do you want to become a freelance writer? Are you lured by daydreams of working in your pajamas and deciding when, where, and what to write? Before you dive right in, check out these three tips for landing work as a freelance writer. Feeling up to the challenge? Let's get started! Tip #1: Get the Word Out by Joining Freelance Referral Sites While there’s definitely reason to be cautious about freelance job sites. Many are nothing more than content mills with low-paying assignments. But don't get discouraged. There are still plenty of reputable options available. Aim for sites already vetted by thousands of writers already using the platform. Well-known options mean you can trust you’ll match up with credible clients and get paid on time. A Short list of some of the best freelance sites: Scripted: For businesses needing blogs, articles, and bulk social media posts. Toptal : Experienced writers who can create content for high-level clients. Kolabtree : Perfect for science and technology writers, editors, consultants, and data analysts. Upwork: Short- and long-term projects, hourly or per-project work for expert and entry-level. Ebyline : Connects its clients with professional freelance writers, journalists, and quality content creators.