Practical Bizz Podcast

Do you have a website, and your phones are not ringing? Do you know if your website site has the best SEO possible? Does your website show your business in the best possible light? Can your customer visit your website, book with you, and pay immediately, or do they need to wait for a call or email to move the transition forward? If you do not know the answers to those questions above or you don't like the answers, then you should turn to this week's episode. Erica is joined by David Somerfleck, marketing specialist and website designer, to discuss the importance of a professional website and SEO. Businesses that work with a professional website designer will have increased sales and can level the playing field when competing with larger companies. A great website can help you build your customer base and provide a consistent flow of new leads and customers by building your marketing list. We know the importance of customer retention. You can use your website and email list to provide timely customer service, booking, and payment options providing convivence right to your customers' fingertips. Investing in a remarkable website helps you bring revenue into your business 24/7, even while you sleep.

Topics Highlighted

1. Providing booking and payment options online is a must for a professional business.
2. Understanding SEO is a game changer in how your customer finds your business.
3. Make the most of your marketing efforts by using local SEO by Zip code or hyper-local SEO
4. Using blogs and links to your website helps you get found by the right people.
5. Connecting your website to other businesses and your local chamber of commerce can help you get found quickly and provides plenty of networking opportunities to work with other companies.
6. When planning events, advertise on many different platforms and give yourself at least a month or more to sell seats to ensure you have a full house.
7. How to use monthly newsletters, limited-time offers, coupons, free courses, and more to drive business to your website and business
8. Using a professional website helps business owners with higher sales conversations. Remember what one customer is worth to your business over a lifetime? How can a great website increase the number of customers who do business with you, and what would that mean for your bottom line?

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For the Video for this Episode visit
https://youtu.be/LvhePKrlY_I
In this conversation, Erica Saccoccio, Child Care Directors Chair Creator, Practical Bizz Podcast host, multi-location childcare owner, and current board member of riaeyc (the Rhode Island Association for the Education of Young Children), is joined by fierce children's education advocate, Coordinator of Program Quality for Bright Stars, and Adjunct Professor at the University of Rhode Island Alyson Panzarella to discuss the benefits of being an active member of riaeyc.

The candid conversation goes beyond a list of benefits, as the two share how being an active member of riaeyc has helped them grow as professionals. Beyond her duties at riaeyc, Alyson has focused her studies on advocacy law and has begun teaching at the University of Rhode Island in the past year. Erica shares how riaeyc helped play a role in moving her program up the QRS ladder as programs were among the first group of centers to become part of Bright Stars in RI.

Nothing is off the table; we discuss the importance of early childhood education, including children ages 5-12 years old. Being involved with riaeyc makes business sense from a childcare owner's perspective. The recent additions of childcare retention bonuses, free professional development opportunities, and scholarships to complete formal education programs at the college level thanks to the work done at the state level by riaeyc to help lift teachers and centers in RI to higher levels of quality. We learn about how to use feedback from teachers and other directors to build better work cultures and attract and retain top talent at a time when staffing shortages have hit our nation.

And, of course, we share membership perks such as discounts and reward programs afforded to activate paying members of riaeyc, upcoming initiatives, events, advocacy movements, and public policy. Lastly, we leave the audience information on how to get involved by enrolling or renewing a membership, business opportunities to become a sponsor, or apply to be a board member during the next election season.

In this episode, we are joined with Christen Silvia a Savey RI small business owner of Magikal Makings to discuss the importance of putting your customer at the center of everything you do as a lady boss. We explore strategies for understanding your customer's needs, preferences, and how to use this information to create products and services that truly resonate with them. We delve into the process of taking your business idea from concept to reality. We share advice on what is important for conducting market research, developing a business plan, and building a brand that speaks to your ideal customer and being ready to face several learning curves along the way without regret.

There are 5.5 million family-owned businesses in the US. If you are a small business owner, there is a good chance you will work with a family member or will during your business journey. Running a small business can be challenging but rewarding; however, running a family-owned business has a unique set of challenges; when done right, it can significantly impact your family and community more than you ever imagined.
Tune in to hear how these innovative business owners built in-house advertising and marketing teams to save time and streamline operations. Innovation is one area they excelled in; they also brought the concept of i delivery same-day and next-day delivery long before their competitors. With all their success, they remain humble and connected to their community; above all, it was clear that their work supporting charities gave them the most incredible joy.
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To learn more about Cardis, click the link www.cardis.com

Step into the world of Riverzedge Arts as we unravel the compelling narrative of a mission-driven community. In this podcast episode, we delve into how Riverzedge's innovative applied and work-based learning strategies weave together art, design, and critical thinking to empower the youth of northern RI. Join us on this journey of discovery as we explore the remarkable synergy between staff, the board, volunteers, and youth, all sharing a common vision. Through inspiring interviews and behind-the-scenes insights, we'll uncover the path to economic and cultural sustainability that Riverzedge paves for its participants and the broader community. Tune in to witness firsthand the fusion of creativity, commitment, and boundless energy, all harnessed to bring about lasting positive change and contribute to a future brimming with hope.