REGISTER NOW: Uncomfortable Conversations: The Skills Crisis
REGISTER: 8THIRTYFOUR Skills Survival School Founding Cohort

Use Digital to Recover from Tough Times

Share the goods.

A keyboard sitting below an iPad with Google open on the homepage.

We get it. 2020 sucks. It’s not the first time we’ve said it, and it’s not gonna be the last. While the past few months have been jam packed with a bunch of terrible stuff, we’re looking forward to the rest of this year. It has to get better, right?
(Here’s hoping we don’t look back on this and laugh.)
It doesn’t matter if you’re optimistic or even wildly pessimistic. You need to keep your business running and pay those freakin’ bills. So, because we love you, we’re going to show you how digital can help make that a bit easier. After all, you deserve for something to be simple right now.

Make a Statement

No, seriously. When something bad happens, do that. Like right now, if you haven’t already made a post on social about what you’re doing to reopen safely, you’re already way behind.
People want to get out there and support your business, but they need to know they’ll be safe when they do. It’s also important to let people know what measures you’re taking just in case something terrible does happen. That way you can say you’ve been doing all you can to prevent an issue.
When bad things happen, a lot of brands want to pretend like it’s not happening. That’s the worst thing you can do. Make a post and share it on social channels. Even make a page on your site to address it, and then track traffic to that page. That way, you can make sure you really get the word out.

Spend, but Strategically

Digital marketing is great, because it can reach pretty much anyone and pretty much anywhere. Plus, you have an actual representation of your ROI, and you can target specific users super easily.
When revenue takes a hit, a lot of businesses cut back on marketing, but that’s honestly one of the worst thing you can do. How are you supposed to get more leads when you cut funding to the thing driving those leads?
However, when businesses cut back, that gives you a great opportunity to grab market share. If you aren’t running Google or Facebook Ads, now’s the time. Start targeting keywords in markets that you really want to capture. Drive conversions through social ads now that competitors aren’t clogging up feeds.
When other businesses stop marketing, it’s your time to shine. Plus, when you gain customers, if you do things right, you’ll be able to keep them well after the world gets a little brighter. A little budget increase now could mean a bunch of lifetime customers later. Really, it’s a no brainer.
 
If you’re looking to boost your digital marketing now, well, you’ve come to the right place. Reach out to our team, and we’ll come up with a strategy for you that’s sure to kick ass, steal market share, and get leads.
 

Leave A Comment

Recent Musings

Something on Your Mind?

“It has been an incredible experience - getting to connect with women business owners from all across Michigan, learn from experts on planning for growth, and learn to lead to the best of my abilities for myself and my team.”

- @rcdutcher, CEO of @red66.marketing 

We’re looking for business owners who thrive in collaborative environments and can fully commit to the program—attending all in-person sessions, participating in one-on-one coaching, and engaging in every aspect of the nine-month fellowship. Participants who gain the most come ready to contribute, learn, and problem-solve alongside other committed business leaders.

Applications close on September 15.
FUN FACT FRIDAY: It’s only fitting for us to own a building where a trailblazing female operated her businesses in 1906. The Phillips family represented one of the longest-running retail tenures in Grand Rapids history; L.E. Phillips Jewelry in the 1365 Plainfield Ave. building from 1906 until 1973. 
Dr. Eva Phillips, a certified and licensed optometrist ran her practice out of the jewelry store’s secondary parlor and was an equal partner in the jewelry store. 

Together, they offered a unique one-stop shot which expanded to include appliances, record players, and more. The couple operated the shop through two World Wars and the Great Depression, acting as the neighborhood matriarch and patriarch. 

@crestongr @crestoncorridor @crestongrandrapids @citygrandrapids @grandrapidspubliclibrary
Have you tuned into The Happy Hour Hustle Podcast yet?
If not, a) you’re missing out and b) you need to follow immediately. Hosted by @bodespeaks, episodes drop every other week, and feature some pretty bada$$ guests if we do say so ourselves.

This week, Kim sits down with @kelsey_orchard , VP of Marketing and Communications at @fifthwheelfreight to chat building a personal brand, Gen Z entering the workforce, misconceptions about logistics, spotting fake LinkedIn profiles – oh and why your GPA doesn’t matter anymore.

Grab a watermelon margarita, sit back and enjoy for lots of laughs and real talk.

Listen now at the link in bio.
National Perimenopause Month starts today. We have a LOT to say, and we’re not going to be quiet about it, especially this month, so buckle up.

We were not prepared for perimenopause, much like our periods, sex, or anything else to do with our bodies. God forbid we talk about it openly.

We were taught to be ashamed, keep quiet, and to accept that it is just part of being a woman. We reject that narrative. In fact, like @bodespeaks, we want to bring it up in every conversation. 

When we normalize perimenopause and the conversation around it, we stop isolating, and we’re all more prepared.
Join us for Uncomfortable Conversations: The Pause on September 24th — a powerful conversation hosted alongside the @smallbusinessassocofmichigan 
Women’s Business Council, featuring some kicka$$ experts who will give you the real talk on perimenopause (more to come on them later).

Register at the link in bio.
You asked, we delivered.

Introducing the Women's Owners Network - a new program built for what comes first, joining our proven Fellowship model to support Michigan women at every stage of business ownership.

Whether you've got a team of 10 or it's just you and your laptop, you deserve a room full of women who get it.

Six months of leadership, finance, operations, capital access, paired with real support for the isolation, emotional volatility, and decision fatigue that come with owning your own business.

You'll have your own board of directors in your corner, including @bodespeaks plus a group of mentors, instructors, and coaches who've been exactly where you are.

Applications due October 1. Apply now at the link in bio.
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.