by Machelle | Jul 9, 2018 | Business, General
The 21st century has experienced a boom, all thanks to the advancement in technology. The internet has reduced advertising costs on radio, television and other visual platforms by half.
Using Social Media
Social media platforms have gained momentum in the field of advertising, and they have become one of the sought-after tools by marketing maestros. Social media has helped businesses spread their tentacles via digital means. As a business owner, if you have not tapped into this means of marketing, it, means you have been living in a cave. You need to utilize these platforms to create awareness for your brand.
Social media improves your brand awareness
When it comes to brand awareness, the importance of social media is critical. Social media ranks very high when it comes to digital marketing. If you get your business on social media platforms, it makes your business more visible to your target audience thereby increasing brand awareness. If you go the extra mile to boost your business presence online on different platforms, it will skyrocket the recognition of your brand. Surveys show that about 90% of marketers who spent a couple of hours engaging in marketing on their business pages on social media experienced great turnout. No doubts, having a business profile for your brand will be the best decision you ever made in a career.
Social media is pocket-friendly
Social media will cut back on a lot of costs associated with advertising. It is almost free. All you must do is to create an account by signing up on the social media forum which is usually free. If you want to take things to the next level, you may decide to pay for advertising on these platforms. It is advisable to start out by paying little amounts of money to see if the paid adverts convert into sales. It is always advisable to minimize cost for a maximum profit so that you can get a healthy ROI.
Social media helps you engage your audience
Social media is the perfect tool for engaging your audience. For business owners who are always active on social media, customer interaction is always top notch, and their satisfaction is guaranteed. Customers need to be sure they are not dealing with unscrupulous individuals before they make purchases, by engaging with your potential clients, you will alleviate any form of lack of trust or worry associated with shopping online.
In addition to the above benefits of using social media; you can get high traffic. However, these are some of the things you shouldn’t do in your business’ cyberspace.
What not to do
Do not rush the process
In the bid to get more return on investments, business owners skip many vital aspects of social media marketing. It is essential to learn the ropes.
Do not lie
Do not mislead your audience. Avoid living a fake life on your social media page to improve awareness.
Do not be ignorant
Avoid being nonchalant or a snub. It is important to let your audience have a feel of your warm personality. In addition to the things, you shouldn’t do avoid vulgarity or use of profane words. Do not divulge too much.
Resource:
Image Resource: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1028519; https://pxhere.com/en/photo/816420
Linda Rawson is the CEO, and Founder of DynaGrace Enterprises, (http://DynaGrace.com) which is a Women-Owned, Small Business. She is also the author of The Minority and Women-Owned Small Business Guide to Government Contracts.
by Machelle | Jun 18, 2018 | Business, General, Information Technology
Website design is one of the most dynamic concepts in the digital world. As the year progresses, there is an increase in the technical challenges web designers face.
Made in Canva by Machelle L.
The Art of Web Designing
However, these challenges have been better with the advent of more creativity into the art of web designing. This creativity has given rise to more innovative websites. Creating a more user-friendly interface, compatible with any digital device, high aesthetics and still compliant with corporate needs.
2017 witnessed lots of innovation about web designing and anticipates that more creativity will trend in the year 2018. Some of them have already begun manifesting the websites that have fantastic mobile functionalities. Some others are still in the process. The following are remarkable trends to grace the web designing landscape in the year 2018:
Animation, Motion graphics
In the year 2018, this will be one of the significant changes that we will experience. An animation is believed to make a lasting impression just as the famous quote says, ’a picture is worth a thousand words.’
Animations in web pages include particle backgrounds, animated thumbnails images, as well as virtual or augmented realities. These motion graphics are of a JavaScript design to move naturally in the web background without delay while loading. Some of them are used in the social media for different purposes already.
Web schemes with superb colors
Due to the advent of computer monitors and device screens with improved picture quality, web designers are becoming bolder in their color selections. Being bolder has led to websites with supersaturated colors, dominant shades, contrasting colors yet producing beautiful blends. These varieties ensure that web pages are looking good. This sort of improvement is to attract visitors’ attention and sell the brand or the idea on the websites. Web designers will go beyond the conventional, really think out of the box for high colors in 2018.
Asymmetric or Broken Layouts
Made in Canva by Machelle L.
Asymmetric Layouts were first introduced in 2017 but will attract more attention in the web designing space in 2018. It is a shift from the conventional grid-based web layouts. Its attracting factor is that it provides a unique aesthetic experience for a web page visitor. Many brands may still want to stick to the conventional layouts because they consider this asymmetry a luxury. Others, especially more prominent companies, may find it a perfect means to sell their brand to the public.
Flexible fonts
The fonts of a web page are more than just a visual tool. It also plays a huge role in creating a lasting impression and provoking an emotional response. Also, fonts serve as a medium of communication on any website. In 2018 there will be devices with outstanding resolutions and screen characters that get sharper. There will also be a concomitant rise in different fonts used in web pages. This trend aims at creating a better user experience, ensuring that web users aren’t bored being on your websites.
Active gradients
In more recent times, developers are gradually adopting gradients for their web designs. An active gradient is already a trend that has come to stay as they are progressively replacing the flat designs. They are often used to make images on a web page more captivating with colors of various dimensions. Most web designers used this gradient as an alternative when there are a few images. These alternatives are usually conspicuous and rich in color.
Priority of mobile devices
Websites designed in the year 2018 will have mobile devices that will have the utmost priority. Expect that Google will rank websites on mobile compatibility and user-friendly interface. Since almost everyone has a smartphone, the prioritization of mobile devices by web designers will be a priority. These devices will also trigger other mobile-friendly initiatives tools and apps shifting from desktops in 2018.
The concept of web designing is an ever-changing one that necessitates severe changes in our web designing approach. These trends trigger the need for new skills, newer ideas, and a different approach.
Linda Rawson is the CEO, and Founder of DynaGrace Enterprises, (http://DynaGrace.com) which is a Women-Owned, Small Business. She is also the author of The Minority and Women-Owned Small Business Guide to Government Contracts.
Resource: https://www.usability.gov/what-and-why/user-interface-design.html; https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/a-picture-is-worth-a-thousand-words.html; https://www.canva.com/learn/website-color-schemes/; https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2011/10/asymmetrical-balance-in-web-design/; https://creativemarket.com/blog/types-of-fonts-for-professionals; https://www.awwwards.com/gradients-in-web-design-elements.html
Image Resource: Canva creation by Machelle L.; https://pxhere.com/en/photo/750606
by Linda Rawson | May 24, 2018 | Federal Government Contracting, General
DynaGrace Enterprises is one of the most recent beneficiaries of the U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce (USWCC) Federal: Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) Certification. DynaGrace Enterprises’s President and CEO, Linda Rawson and Vice President, Jennifer Remund accepted the award from the USWCC. Under Margot Dorfman’s leadership, the U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce is an approved 3rd Party Certifier for the federal government Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Program as authorized by section 811 of the Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2000, Public Law 106-554 (15 U.S. C. 637(m)).
The USWCC is the leading advocate for women on economic and leadership issues.
Margot Dorfman, CEO, USWCC
As the economic leader for women, the USWCC creates opportunities, drives progress, advocates, and provides tools and solutions. By doing these amazing things they support the economic growth of women across America. The USWCC (uswcc.org) is a not-for-profit 501(c)6 organization founded in 2001 with over 500,000 members; its headquarters are in Washington, D.C.
DynaGrace Enterprises was an SBA self-certified, EDWOSB but chose to obtain additional certification to support the USWCC.
Also, the USWCC are bringing three significant issues to the forefront for EDWOSB’s performing government work. Those issues are:
- Adding a sole source in alignment with other socioeconomic programs
- Removing the Contracting Officer’s obligation to verify the validity of self-certification
- Holding agency leaders accountable for using the program.
“It is a great privilege to be not only a rural business, but a women-owned, family business, and we are excited to utilize programs like the USWCC EDWOSB program to obtain more work to provide jobs,” stated Linda Rawson, President, and CEO of DynaGrace Enterprises. “DynaGrace Enterprises has been heavily involved in Department of Defense work and is moving full forward in obtaining more government contracts. The government is providing the mechanism, socioeconomic set-asides, additional insight, and resources needed to acquire government contracts which in turn provide jobs. The EDWOSB opportunity is a win-win for our small business.”
Groups, like the USWCC, are making a difference.
Furthermore, their lawsuit compelled the SBA to implement the Equity in Contracting for Women Act of 2000. The federal government is failing. They are not meeting the 5% goal and women-owned firms have lost over $120 Billion in contracting dollars.
As of today, the Small Business Dashboard shows some 4.08% which is one percent lower than the required spend of 5%.
Furthermore, with only four months to go in the fiscal year the government is in the final stretch. As a result, the anticipated WOSB set-asides should increase.
DynaGrace Enterprises is a 100% Women-Owned Small Business and provides Information Technology, System Integration, Writing and Business services, quality products and innovative solutions for government and commercial businesses of all sizes.
Customers can learn more about DynaGrace Enterprises by visiting the company’s website at DynaGrace.com or by calling the company directly at 888-676-0058.
by Machelle | May 21, 2018 | Business, General
Recently, LinkedIn has been the most professional of all the major social networking sites we have today. With the presence of millions of subscribers worldwide, LinkedIn would make an essential part of your social media marketing strategy.
Here are some tips on how you can take your LinkedIn to the next level.
Creating a company page
Create a page where you share stories about your company, the products, and services. Here, you can also share updates engage in recruitment of employees.
A company page features
- The banner page which reflects the company’s image and product brand.
- Quality description of products and services in the form of images, YouTube videos, and even links.
- Updating your website contents with links to details. The update posts should have regular postings.
- Update posts on open positions for recruitment of new employees.
Boost your LinkedIn profile
How do you achieve this? In addition to the conventional listing information on your work experience and education.
You could beef up your LinkedIn profile by
- Posting brief, useful statements about your happenings and relating them to your You will keep your connections informed at the same time it has them visit your website to grab more info.
- Creating articles on your profile will help establish you as a thought leader and get you more exposed to the LinkedIn community.
- Add relevant videos and presentations which will attract more viewers who find the content valuable.
- Placing recommendations which will display your expertise and experience and boost your profile.
- Showcasing relevant publication which in any way have featured a project you are currently working on or one already done.
Leverage LinkedIn as a marketing tool
Linkedin presents an essential tool for social media marketing.
This tool can be achieved by;
- How do you brand your LinkedIn address? When you are done creating your profile, there is a link assigned to your account which is represented by a collection of letters and numbers. You can edit or customize the link to your name. Customizing attracts other users to your profile.
- Becoming an expert by regularly posting educational status updates and actively participating in group discussions.
- Connecting to a prospective buyer through other active connections. By making use of Linkedin’s introduction features, you are sure to bring yourself closer to your target.
Taking advantage of LinkedIn features
On the LinkedIn community, there are features which help you communicate with many people at the same time. These features include groups which help you be in touch with people who share your interest. It also offers you the opportunity to create your group while inviting other people or join an already existing one. This feature will help you increase your influence over a large number of people.
Linkedin holds so much prospect as a social media marketing tool. With its many features, you are sure to grow your business. For social networking, LinkedIn provides the perfect platform without any marketing stress.
Linda Rawson is the CEO, and Founder of DynaGrace Enterprises, (http://DynaGrace.com) which is a Women-Owned, Small Business. She is also the author of The Minority and Women-Owned Small Business Guide to Government Contracts.
Resource: https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/45902/troubleshooting-adding-a-banner-image-to-a-company-page-or-showcase-page?lang=en; https://business.linkedin.com/marketing-solutions/blog/l/linkedin-groups-101-how-to-build-an-engaged-community-on-linkedin; https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/87/customizing-your-public-profile-url?lang=en
Image Resource: https://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/create-a-linkedin-company-page-to-promote-your-business/; Featured Image by https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1028519
by Machelle | May 7, 2018 | Business, General
Today, many employees spend several hours each day either sending or receiving emails as an essential aspect of their job. Most employees who claim to be professionals don’t know the required standards while using the email. They end up making mistakes which do not suite a professional interaction. Such mistakes could be seen in missing spelling errors while typing an email especially on your phone, or inappropriate tone used in the content or text of the email. These mistakes may be detrimental to the entire business in the form of loss of significant clients.
Explained here are most of the essential email etiquettes which are necessary for any business:
Tips on how to have more Professional Emails
Use of a professional email address
Your company email address should be official and the most appropriate to use. But if you are self-employed or like presenting your personal email address on occasions, then the choice of the address is essential. A proper email address for a corporate job should convey your name so that the recipient is confident of your identity. It shouldn’t be your nickname, school, pet name or what you love most. Any of these is deviant of the standards or email etiquette for business.
Don’t rush to click the “reply”
An octagon sign that says ‘Don’t Panic’
Always think twice before hitting the reply unless it becomes essential that everyone on the list gets the email. Constant mistakes can happen if you rush to reply. It may be disturbing to recipients.
Always include a subject line objective
Choosing a subject line which addresses the concerns of your readers or the current business issues is essential while sending an email. Why? The decision to either open an email or not is almost entirely dependent on the subject line. Busy readers will not waste their time opening emails which may likely not be relevant to prevailing issues. Again, the subject line should be precise and concise too. A good example would be “change of meeting date”.
Avoid frequent use of exclamations
Use exclamations sparingly in your text to convey excitement and avoid it appearing immature or too emotional.
Include a signature block
It is essential to provide your reader with some information about you such as your full name, contact, company name and sometimes little publicity for yourself.
Use professional salutations
Formal salutations such as “Good day” and “Hello” should be used before the content. Avoid laid-back colloquial expressions such as “hey guys” as they are unprofessional.
Be cautious with humor
‘You’ve got mail’ Cartoon
Sometimes, what you perceive as humor may not appear same to someone else. So, it is essential you leave humor out to avoid appearing unprofessional.
Proofread every message before sending
Always read your typed email a couple of times before submitting. And do not solely rely on spell-checks as they may imply words with entirely different meanings.
Insert the email address last
To avoid accidentally sending unfinished and unchecked email, always insert the email address last.
Choose classic fonts
The font style and size for your email should be easy to read. Font sie between 10-12 is ideal while time new Roman, Calibri or Arial is perfect.
Try replying your emails even when not intended for you
Though replying emails may appear unnecessary and stressful, it is proper email etiquette especially when the sender works in the same company with you.
In addition to these essential email etiquettes, it is also necessary to keep tabs on your tone. Preferably, you should read out loud before hitting the send. For your business, always assume everyone will see what you write.
Linda Rawson is the CEO, and Founder of DynaGrace Enterprises, (http://DynaGrace.com) which is a Women-Owned, Small Business. She is also the author of The Minority and Women-Owned Small Business Guide to Government Contracts.
