Ralph Caruso

Ralph Caruso’s Best Money-Saving Tips for Entrepreneurs

Ralph Caruso’s Proven Money-Saving Tips for Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners

As a seasoned entrepreneur, Ralph Caruso has navigated the ups and downs of running a business. From starting small to building a company with a strong reputation, Ralph’s expertise isn’t just about growing a business—it’s also about ensuring that a business remains financially efficient. Whether you’re an entrepreneur starting out or a seasoned business owner looking to streamline your expenses, Ralph’s money-saving tips can make a significant difference.

In this post, we’ll explore Ralph Caruso’s tried-and-true strategies for saving money in business and life. These tips will help you optimize your finances, boost your bottom line, and take control of your financial future.

 

1. Embrace Technology to Streamline Operations

In today’s fast-paced business world, technology can be a game-changer when it comes to saving money. Ralph Caruso is a strong proponent of leveraging technology to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and lower operational costs.

For example, cloud-based software for accounting, project management, and customer relations management can save businesses both time and money. “By using software solutions to automate repetitive tasks, you can free up valuable time to focus on strategic decisions and innovation,” says Ralph Caruso.

Whether it’s automating payroll, tracking inventory, or managing customer data, technology allows businesses to operate more smoothly and efficiently, minimizing the need for manual labor and reducing the risk of human error.

 

2. Negotiate with Vendors and Suppliers

Negotiating with suppliers and vendors is a smart way to reduce expenses, and Ralph Caruso swears by it. Whether you’re ordering materials, equipment, or services, there’s always room to negotiate better pricing or favorable terms.

“Take the time to shop around and compare prices from different suppliers. Don’t be afraid to negotiate for better rates or extended payment terms,” advises Ralph Caruso. “If you’ve been a loyal customer or you’re placing a large order, use that as leverage to secure discounts.”

Building strong, long-term relationships with your suppliers can also help you negotiate better deals in the future. Remember, every dollar saved is one that can be reinvested into your business.

 

3. Cut Unnecessary Overhead Costs

In the early stages of business, it’s easy to get caught up in spending on things that don’t provide a return on investment. For Ralph Caruso, keeping overhead costs in check is a crucial part of running a successful company.

“Review your expenses regularly. If you have subscriptions or services you’re not using, cancel them,” Caruso advises. “Small expenses add up, so it’s important to eliminate waste where you can.”

For example, many businesses pay for office space they don’t fully utilize or subscribe to software that’s underused. Caruso suggests reevaluating your workspace—could you downsize or move to a more affordable location? Are there digital services or software subscriptions you can replace with free or less expensive alternatives?

 

4. Prioritize Cash Flow Management

Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business, and managing it effectively is one of the best ways to ensure long-term financial success. Ralph Caruso emphasizes that poor cash flow management can lead to unnecessary borrowing or missed opportunities.

“Focus on improving your cash flow by collecting receivables on time, offering discounts for early payments, and cutting down on unnecessary expenses,” says Ralph Caruso.

Additionally, implementing a clear invoicing system and setting payment deadlines for clients can ensure that you’re paid on time, which in turn helps you manage your expenses without relying on credit or loans.

 

5. Outsource Wisely

Instead of hiring full-time employees for every task, consider outsourcing when appropriate. For Ralph Caruso, this strategy has helped save significant amounts of money while still maintaining high-quality work.

“You don’t need to have an in-house team for everything,” Caruso explains. “Outsourcing tasks like marketing, accounting, and IT support can help you save on salary and benefits costs while still getting professional results.”

By hiring independent contractors or working with specialized agencies, you can access expert services without the added overhead costs associated with full-time employees.

 

6. Utilize Energy Efficiency

One of the most effective ways to reduce operational costs is by cutting down on energy consumption. Ralph Caruso recommends investing in energy-efficient equipment and practices to lower utility bills.

“If you can reduce your business’s energy consumption, whether by switching to LED lighting, investing in energy-efficient appliances, or optimizing your heating and cooling systems, it’ll pay off in the long run,” Caruso says.

These changes may require an upfront investment, but the long-term savings on utility bills can significantly improve your bottom line.

 

7. Review Your Taxes Regularly

Tax planning is another area where Ralph Caruso suggests business owners should pay close attention. “An annual review of your tax situation can uncover potential savings you might be missing out on,” he advises.

Working with a tax professional or accountant to maximize deductions and credits, as well as ensuring that you’re complying with all tax regulations, is a smart way to save money. Don’t forget to explore tax incentives for small businesses, such as research and development credits or deductions for home office expenses if applicable.

 

8. Invest in Employee Training and Development

While it may seem like an expense upfront, investing in employee training can save you money in the long run. Ralph Caruso believes that well-trained employees are more efficient, make fewer mistakes, and can take on higher responsibilities, which reduces the need for additional hires.

“By focusing on employee development, you’re not just investing in their skills but in the future of your business. Employees who feel valued and well-trained will perform better, which can translate to greater productivity and lower turnover,” says Ralph Caruso.

 

Final Thoughts: Smart Business Practices for Long-Term Savings

For entrepreneurs like Ralph Caruso, saving money isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about making smart decisions that contribute to the long-term success of the business. From leveraging technology to managing cash flow and negotiating better deals, each of these strategies plays a role in building a more financially sustainable business.

By applying these money-saving tips to your operations, you can keep your costs low while maintaining high levels of service, quality, and productivity. Ultimately, it’s about working smarter, not harder, and ensuring that your business remains healthy and profitable.

 

Raphael Sternberg

Customer Loyalty: Raphael Sternberg’s Key to Lasting Business Success

The Key to Lasting Business Success: Customer Loyalty and the Insights of Raphael Sternberg

In the world of business, there’s a simple yet powerful truth: customer loyalty is one of the most vital ingredients for long-term success. While many businesses focus on acquiring new customers, the real growth and sustainability often come from retaining existing ones. The power of customer loyalty lies in its ability to foster trust, repeat business, and positive word-of-mouth — all of which are essential for sustained success.

Raphael Sternberg, a highly successful entrepreneur known for his expertise in building strong, lasting customer relationships, understands this principle better than most. Sternberg’s approach to business has consistently emphasized the importance of customer loyalty, and his success story serves as a testament to the power of investing in long-term customer relationships.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into why customer loyalty is everything for long-term success and explore how Raphael Sternberg’s insights can help you develop strategies to build and nurture customer loyalty in your own business.

Why Customer Loyalty Matters More Than Ever

In today’s competitive business landscape, companies are under constant pressure to innovate, stay ahead of trends, and continuously meet customer expectations. While these factors are important, nothing drives long-term success like having a loyal customer base. Loyal customers are:

  • More cost-effective: Retaining a customer is far less expensive than acquiring a new one.
  • Brand ambassadors: Loyal customers are more likely to recommend your business to others, increasing organic growth.
  • Higher lifetime value: Customers who return are more likely to make larger or more frequent purchases.
  • Resilient to competition: Loyal customers are less likely to switch to competitors, even if they offer similar products or services.

Raphael Sternberg, who has achieved remarkable success across multiple ventures, believes that building a loyal customer base is at the core of every thriving business. Through his career, he’s proven that putting customer satisfaction and trust at the forefront can help businesses achieve sustainable growth.

Raphael Sternberg’s Approach to Building Customer Loyalty

Raphael Sternberg’s business philosophy is built on the idea that customer relationships should be nurtured continuously. He understands that loyalty doesn’t come by accident — it’s earned through consistent effort and a focus on delivering value. Sternberg has built his success on the foundation of understanding his customers’ needs and always striving to exceed their expectations. Here are some key strategies that Sternberg has used to cultivate loyal customer bases across his ventures:

1. Delivering Exceptional Value

Sternberg believes that providing value is the cornerstone of customer loyalty. This value goes beyond just the product or service you offer — it encompasses the entire experience that your customers have with your brand. From the quality of your product to customer support, every touchpoint matters.

Raphael Sternberg’s Example: In one of his ventures, Sternberg focused on creating a product that not only met customer expectations but exceeded them. By consistently delivering more value than customers anticipated, Sternberg was able to develop a strong base of loyal customers who felt appreciated and well-served. This principle, he says, is crucial for businesses that want to thrive in the long run.

Tip for Businesses: Constantly assess your offerings from the perspective of your customer. Look for opportunities to enhance your product or service to create even more value. This could mean improving quality, offering better customer support, or providing unique experiences that set you apart from competitors.

2. Building Strong Relationships

Customer loyalty isn’t just about transactions; it’s about forming meaningful relationships. Sternberg emphasizes the importance of personalizing the customer experience and making customers feel like they are valued members of your brand’s community.

Raphael Sternberg’s Example: In his entrepreneurial journey, Sternberg has frequently engaged with customers on a personal level, whether through direct communication or creating opportunities for customers to provide feedback. He often shares that getting to know customers personally helps create a bond that goes beyond just business transactions.

Tip for Businesses: Engage with your customers in a way that makes them feel recognized and appreciated. Send personalized messages, host events, or simply ask for their input on how you can improve. By showing customers that their opinions matter, you foster deeper loyalty.

3. Consistency in Service and Communication

A cornerstone of customer loyalty is consistency. Whether it’s the quality of your products, the reliability of your services, or the consistency of your communication, customers value predictability and dependability. If your business falters in any of these areas, even loyal customers might start to question their commitment.

Raphael Sternberg’s Example: Sternberg has built his businesses on consistency, ensuring that his customers can rely on the quality of his products and services. He advocates for maintaining high standards and ensuring that every interaction with the brand is as positive as the last.

Tip for Businesses: Make consistency a priority in every aspect of your business. Whether it’s how you handle customer complaints, fulfill orders, or deliver services, customers need to know that they can expect the same high level of quality every time they engage with your brand.

4. Rewarding Loyalty

People love to feel appreciated, and loyal customers should be rewarded for their ongoing support. Offering rewards, discounts, or exclusive access to products or services can go a long way in making customers feel valued and incentivizing them to continue supporting your brand.

Raphael Sternberg’s Example: Sternberg has consistently implemented customer loyalty programs in his businesses. He believes that rewarding customers for their loyalty not only encourages repeat purchases but also reinforces a positive relationship with the brand.

Tip for Businesses: Create a loyalty program that rewards customers for their continued support. This could be through discounts, special offers, or exclusive content. Make your customers feel special by acknowledging their importance to your brand.

5. Soliciting and Acting on Feedback

Customer feedback is a goldmine of insights that can help you improve your products and services. Sternberg is a firm believer in constantly listening to customers, whether the feedback is positive or negative. Addressing concerns and making adjustments based on this input helps build trust and improve customer loyalty over time.

Raphael Sternberg’s Example: Sternberg has often highlighted how acting on customer feedback has allowed him to fine-tune his businesses, making sure that customer needs are always met. He believes that feedback is a gift and that addressing concerns quickly can turn dissatisfied customers into loyal advocates.

Tip for Businesses: Regularly ask your customers for feedback and be proactive in making improvements based on their suggestions. This not only shows that you care but also helps you stay ahead of any potential issues that could harm customer loyalty.

The Long-Term Impact of Customer Loyalty

Raphael Sternberg’s success as an entrepreneur demonstrates that customer loyalty isn’t just a feel-good concept — it’s a powerful business strategy that drives long-term profitability. Loyal customers are more than just repeat buyers; they’re your brand’s ambassadors, helping you grow through positive reviews, word-of-mouth, and continued support.

By focusing on delivering exceptional value, building strong relationships, maintaining consistency, rewarding loyalty, and acting on feedback, businesses can unlock the secret to lasting success.

Conclusion

As Raphael Sternberg’s entrepreneurial journey proves, customer loyalty is not only essential for achieving short-term sales but is the bedrock of long-term success. By focusing on strategies that prioritize customer satisfaction and building meaningful relationships, businesses can ensure a loyal customer base that will continue to support them for years to come.

If you want your business to thrive, remember: customer loyalty isn’t just nice to have—it’s everything.

 

5 Most Effective SEO Strategies for 2024

Effective search engine optimization (SEO) strategies are crucial for businesses to succeed in fierce online competition. As we approach 2024, new trends and technologies are emerging that will redefine how websites are ranked and accessed by users. To ensure your website thrives in this competitive environment, here are the five most effective SEO strategies you should implement in 2024:

Embrace the Power of AI 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the SEO game. The technology helps search engines understand user intent better, leading to more relevant and accurate search results. By leveraging AI-powered tools for keyword research, content optimization, and competitor analysis, you can optimize your website for the latest trends and algorithms.

Master the Art of Voice Search Optimization:

The increasing popularity of voice search indicates that it will transform the conventional approach to keyword optimization. It is crucial to optimize your content for voice queries as more users are adopting voice assistants such as Siri and Alexa. To do this, you should include long-tail keywords, use conversational language, and provide clear and concise answers to user queries.

Prioritize High-Quality Content with E-E-A-T

Content remains the king of SEO. However, in 2024, the focus will shift to exceptional content that prioritizes E-E-A-T:

  • Experience: Create content based on real-world expertise and insights.
  • Expertise: Demonstrate your authority and knowledge in your field.
  • Authoritativeness: Build trust by citing reliable sources and establishing yourself as a thought leader.
  • Trustworthiness: Ensure accuracy and factuality in your content.

By prioritizing E-E-A-T, you can build a strong foundation for your SEO strategy and attract a loyal audience.

Optimize for Mobile-First Indexing

With more than half of all web traffic from mobile devices, Google has shifted to mobile-first indexing. This means that the search engine primarily considers the mobile version of your website when ranking your content. Ensure your website is mobile-friendly and optimized for a seamless user experience across all devices.

Leverage the Power of Local SEO

Local SEO is essential if you have a brick-and-mortar store or serve a local audience. Optimize your Google My Business listing, incorporate relevant local keywords into your content, and encourage positive customer reviews. Focusing on local SEO services can attract nearby customers and increase foot traffic.

Bonus Tip:

In addition to these strategies, don’t underestimate the power of building backlinks. High-quality backlinks from authoritative websites can significantly boost your website’s ranking and domain authority. Focus on creating valuable content that others want to link to and actively promote your content through outreach and guest blogging.

By implementing these effective SEO strategies in 2024, you can put your website on the path to success and achieve your online visibility goals. Remember, SEO is a journey, not a destination.

REAL-TIME MOBILE MARKETING TOOLS EMPOWERING SAVVY MARKETERS TO RUN FLASH SALES IN 2-3 MINUTES

Changing content in 2-3 minutes to run a Flash Sale? Is this possible? 

Even for the most successful brands, it typically takes hours to produce and run a flash sale.  By the time the flash sale is live, all immediacy is lost.  There has to be a better way.  There is! 

There is now real-time marketing technology designed to connect businesses to a targeted audience through social channels and smartphones.  This revolutionary real-time dynamic marketing comes from an innovator who has made his living online full-time for more than 23 years. 

The founder is Jim Clouse, a pioneer in online mapping who received a patent on real-time marketing on October 20, 2020. The world’s first & only real-time dynamic real-time engine is named ClikitySplit.  ClikitySplit is also the world’s fastest vertical search engine–1,000 times faster than Google!

The Founder

Jim Clouse is the icon who invented real-time marketing.  Real-time marketing turns ordinary advertisers into savvy marketers by empowering them to immediately respond to deteriorating traffic conditions to run enticing Flash Sales in just 2-3 minutes.  

Jim has been enhancing the online and mobile marketing experience since 1998.  His first website, nashvilleNOW.com, was designed to capture everything to do in his hometown of Nashville, TN.  NashvilleNOW visually displayed search results via GPS, a little-known feature in the early days of the internet.   

In June 2001, Jim released hotelmotelNOW.com, which again displayed search results visually on static maps instead of textually, like the search engines still do.  HotelmotelNOW uniquely provided sorting of search results by price by just tapping.  HotelmotelNOW was released a full four years before Google Maps.

Jim quickly realized that displaying search results visually gave those points of interest tremendous visual marketing power.  Thus the idea for ClikitySplit.  However, it took nearly 10 years for the technology to catch up with the idea.

On October 15, 2007, Jim filed a patent application for real-time marketing.   He had to appeal his application all the way to the USPTO appeals board, which ruled totally in his favor in June 2020.  His patent on real-time marketing was issued on October 2020.

About ClikitySplit

ClikitySplit possesses revolutionary mobile marketing tools, including:

  • all “push” advertising prohibited
  • the end user is in total control of his mobile experience, solely determining what displays on his small mobile screen and how long it is displayed
  • 99.9% tapping, not typing
  • typing is only required to change the default map that displays at login based on the end user’s current GPS location
  • no keyword search
  • searches take only 3-5 seconds, with all spam eliminated
  • no requirement to start a brand new search to change categories (e.g. Restaurants → Retail/Shopping) or subcategories (e.g. Steak → Seafood) 
  • you just tap the new category and/or subcategory, with the new search results immediately displayed on the same map where the previous search results were displayed
  • changes to the business’s rich, multimedia mobile website take just 2-3 minutes
  • quick and easy comparison of competing businesses within the same category and subcategory
  • ClikitySplit captures true “narrowcast analytics”, advising business management to which of their marketing endeavors returned a positive ROI and which ones were a waste of time and money

ClikitySplit’s patented real-time dynamic marketing tools provide businesses of all sizes with a decided advantage over their competitors by empowering them to change their content in real-time in 2-3 minutes to differentiate their business, out-foxing and out-marketing their competitors. These real-time marketing tools are robust, easy-to-implement, easy-to-use, and quick-to-update–everything a savvy marketer needs to differentiate his business.

How Real-Time Mobile Marketing Tools Work

ClikitySplit teaches savvy marketers how to differentiate their business by running Flash Sales and other sales incentives to generate excitement and drive traffic. Businesses of every size, including the one-person mom-and-pop, build their rich multimedia website in 20-25 minutes with ClikitySplit’s step-by-step wizard using all the rich multimedia tools available today, including videos, audios, slideshows, and the scrolling ticker marketing message that appears under the slideshow.

Once built, the content of the business’s proprietary “dynamic billboards” can be changed in 2-3 minutes.  

Each time the dynamic billboard is changed, notifications are immediately pushed to the business’s Facebook timeline, Twitter feed, and,  on an opt-in basis, to the business’s follower’s smartphones.

Why You Need To Differentiate

Differentiation is the key to business success.  The key to differentiation is real-time marketing.

Real-time marketing IS the future because it turns ordinary advertisers into savvy marketers by empowering them to change their content in real-time to run enticing special sales promotions or respond to deteriorating business conditions, exciting their followers and filling those empty seats and stores.

For example, all restaurants have a dead time after lunch and before Happy Hour.  Using ClikitySplit, savvy marketers run time-sensitive “Hot Deals” Flash Sales to drive traffic.  Once the content is changed, notifications are immediately pushed to the business’s Facebook, Twitter feed, and smartphones, exciting its followers and filling those empty seats and stores.

For any point of interest to display on a ClikitySplit map, the POI’s GPS coordinates must fall within the displayed map’s GPS coordinates.  As a result, ClikitySplit captures every end-user interaction with the POI’s dynamic billboard.  Capturing narrowcast analytics is one of Jim’s recently-patented claims.

At midnight, ClikitySplit emails the true narrowcast analytics to business management, advising them which of their marketing endeavors returned a positive return on investment and which ones were a waste of time and money.  By tying these true narrowcast analytics into the business’s point of sale system, for the first time in history, the redemption loop is closed.

ClikitySplit not only empowers savvy marketers to differentiate their business from competitors, but it also proves that its real-time marketing tools work via true “narrowcast analytics”.

In the Final Analysis…

ClikitySplit greatly enriches the end-user experience with unique sorting features, speed, and the ability to change categories and subcategories by just tapping. ClikitySplit prohibits all push advertising. 

Businesses of all sizes need to seize all sales opportunities by differentiating their business. They must learn how to “out-fox and out-market” their competitors. And that is exactly what ClikitySplit teaches them. It then becomes the survival of the savviest. The winners are savvy marketers and end-users who benefit from businesses competing against each other to offer special sales promotions that seize attention and earn the end users’ patronage.

See ClikitySplit in Action

To see ClikitySplit in action, tap https://ClikitySplit.com/merebulles.

For additional information and to sign up for a Zoom demonstration, view https://smallbusinessnetwork.tv, which is powered by ClikitySplit, or view the six videos located at https://ClikitySplit.com/teachsmbs.

HOW THOMAS CRUZ ROSE TO OWN A FORTUNE IN REAL ESTATE AT 32

The number of successful young entrepreneurs is gradually rising with impeccable ways of earning. According to the Global Entrepreneur Report, BNP Paribas polled almost 3,000 multimillionaire entrepreneurs 35 years and below in 18 countries. The report also showed that these entrepreneurs are taking a different business approach from older generations. This different approach is primarily to their ambitions and leadership styles. 

These entrepreneurs make others of their age rethink their financial decisions. They make people camp on their social platforms to see their way of living, what they do differently, and their enthusiasm for working smartly. One man at the age of 32 and making waves in the real estate industry is among those to inspire you to be who you want. His guide is especially in achieving financial independence through real estate. 

About Thomas Cruz

Thomas Cruz is a real estate investor and coach who trains people to start and scale their property portfolio. He is the owner and partner of CashFlow Pros, a real estate company in the US. Besides, Thomas is an expert in affordable single-family housing properties. He buys single-family properties and rents them out to subsidized government-sponsored programs. Besides that, he educates people on how to get started in real estate. You can quickly get started in real estate with the professional guidance of Thomas Cruz. 

The Journey to Amassing A Fortune

Thomas Cruz is originally from Rio De Janeiro in Brazil but moved to the US at 5. He grew up in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He has had a determined personality and a business mind from an early stage in life. And that is not all, as Cruz had dreams and acted on them while in high school. His journey is purely about hard work and taking chances when he can. Thomas Cruz also started with the resources he had and according to his capabilities. He began by selling Pokemon cards and drop shipping from Amazon, eBay, and others while in high school and college. 

He accumulated funds to buy a condo after graduating from the University of North Carolina. He also made a wise choice by renting it out about a year later, and that is how he gained momentum in his entrepreneurial journey. With the funds he generated from a marketing side hustle and wholesaling properties, he bought another property. He subsequently kept reinvesting and buying more single-family homes. 

He then started to partner with higher net-worth individuals, which made him grow. He began buying significantly more homes. He ultimately did cash-out refinances, buying out his partners, to having hundreds of single-family properties by himself at 32. 

Thomas Cruz Milestones

Thomas has so far completed over 100 real estate transactions at 32. When he was 30, he made an incredible stride by buying 92 single-family homes for $6 million and sold them for $10 million 18 months later. Thomas currently owns hundreds of single-family properties in North Carolina. He has a monthly lead of over 100 clients. He also has a massive following of 600,000 people on TikTok and thousands on Instagram, where he showcases his business.

Thomas Cruz Business Model

Thomas Cruz has beaten the ordinary in the real estate industry, specializing in condos or single-family properties. His business model is quite interesting, where he buys such property and rents them out to subsidized government-sponsored programs. 

Besides that, he enlightens people on how to get started in real estate. With just a tiny investment, you can get started in real estate with Thomas Cruz’s professional help. It will help if you access his training to get the best out of financial independence in real estate from how to get started. His program goes for $500 per hour of coaching or consulting in return for incredible services.

Conclusion 

Looking at Thomas Cruz’s achievements, you can notably say that he is a great expert and notoriety person. It would thus help anyone willing to invest or get into real estate to seek his insights. Again, with 5.34 million homes sold in 2019, according to the National Association of Realtors, it is worth getting into real estate. You can follow Thomas Cruz on Instagram or Tiktok.

LOOKING FOR CONTENT? YOU’VE ALREADY GOT IT!

In the Good Old Days, a pair of shoes could be worn for years because when they started to get down at the heels, you took them down to the little old shoe repair shop on the corner and had them resoled, etc.

But today, we usually just throw them out or donate them to a thrift store.

If you’ve been racking your brains to come up with new and engaging content for your social media, instead of initiating a massive search for brand-new material, go back to your own material from a year or six months ago.

Look at the analytics. Those posts that did well initially can be repaired, updated, and recycled.

Most of your previous quality content contains nuggets of gold that you didn’t fully exploit the first time around. Expand on them now.

Get those old shoes fixed up; don’t just throw them out!

MEASURE YOUR CONTENT MARKETING CAMPAIGN ON THE MICRO LEVEL

Counting page views or tallying bounce rates is how content marketing campaigns usually index the success of their strategy.

But the online marketing process is moving quickly past those benchmarks having any real meaning for your business goals.

The ways and means of getting eyeballs on your content haven’t changed all that much, but the importance of those eyeballs, those unengaged and uncommitted eyeballs, has.

The era of content marketing window shopping is over. Anybody can pay a few dollars to get thousands of views on his or her site. So what?

What you want to have and what you need to micro-measure are goal-oriented results.

Your analytics should be directly tied to how many leads are generated each month or how many subscriptions you get to your newsletter each month, etc.

It takes a little tweaking, but your analytics can be tied to specific numbers. Then you’ll know which content marketing strategies are working and which need to be overhauled.

HOW TO WRITE TIGHT

Tight writing is both effective and enjoyable.

When you read content that gets to the point, that avoids cliches and heavy, dull syntax and grammar — that almost reads like a good short story or piece by a professional journalist — that is when you are reading tight writing.

“Keep it short and sweet” should be tattooed on the arm of every content writer.

Use short sentences. Employ action verbs. Avoid the past tense whenever possible.

Make sure you understand the idea or concept you’re trying to get across before you write a single word. If you don’t really grasp it, you’ll never be able to put it to your readers in a succinct manner.

And finally, if your content is much longer than this piece right here — start editing!

IS YOUR CONTENT TRUSTWORTHY?

P.T. Barnum ran a museum in New York City 160 years ago that attracted huge crowds.

The content of his museum included things like a stuffed mermaid, the world’s oldest woman, and a live gorilla that Barnum claimed to be a man-eater.

But the huge crowds did not translate into the trust of any kind. People were more than willing to be entertained by his chicanery, but they wouldn’t trust him for a minute. When he attempted a legitimate commercial venture, he was laughed out of the city.

Is your content getting that way? Are you good at entertaining the consumer at the expense of their trusting your content?

To coin a cyber phrase: “All that glitters is not guaranteed”.

When consumers learn to trust your content, then they are ready to be converted into leads and sales. Until then, they’re only on your site to see the two-headed monkey.

WRITE BETTER CONTENT BY GOING CRAZY FOR A MOMENT

Keeping up a constant stream of quality content for your blog(s) can quickly lead to writer’s block or even complete burnout, where all you want to do is run screaming out of the house, smashing your laptop on the nearest rock, and head for Bali Hai, to loll on the beach collecting sea shells for the rest of your life.

But you won’t do that because you’re a professional. And professionals learn how to work smarter, not harder.

So when you start to feel that old burnout imp tickling you, do something different to rock your world for a brief period, shake up your brain, and prime those creative juices.

You could:

Eat at a new restaurant.

Contact an old friend you haven’t heard from in years.

Blow up a balloon or blow bubbles for ten minutes outside, where people can stare at you.

See if you can stand on your head for five minutes.

Tape a five-dollar bill to the nearest utility pole on a busy street, then step back to see what happens.