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Pay-Per-Click Advertising: Definition, How It Works, and Advantages

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One of the most popular, effective online marketing tools available today is pay-per-click advertising or PPC.

There are many different options to choose from when it comes to online advertising. One of the most popular, effective online marketing tools available today is pay-per-click advertising or PPC.

Below we define PPC, explain how it works, and go over some of its advantages over other forms of online advertising.

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PPC: Definition

As the name suggests, pay-per-click advertising is a type of online marketing where businesses pay a fee each time one of their ads is clicked. You can think of it as a way of buying visits to your site instead of earning them organically through Search Engine Optimization (SEO).

How PPC Works

PPC advertising varies from one search engine to the next, but the general idea is to bid on keywords or keyphrases that you think potential customers are likely to search for. And when someone searches for one of those keywords, your ad has the chance to appear on the SERP. If it does, and the user clicks on it, you’ll pay the amount you bid for that keyword. The price you pay per click will vary depending on how competitive the keyword is.

Several advantages come with using pay-per-click advertising as part of your online marketing strategy:

  • You only pay when someone clicks on your ad: With PPC, you only pay when someone clicks on your ad. This means that you’re not wasting money on ads that no one will ever see.
  • You can reach a broad audience: Depending on the search engine you’re using, your PPC campaign has the potential to reach people all over the world. Speaking of audience targeting, PPC allows you to target a specific audience, i.e., people who are most likely to be interested in what you offer.
  • It’s measurable & trackable: Not all marketing efforts are created equal. Some marketing campaigns are complicated to measure and track. This is not the case with pay-per-click advertising. PPC is highly measurable and trackable, seeing exactly how well your ads are performing.

What Makes for A Highly-Effective PPC Marketing Campaign?

Every PPC campaign is different, but there are a few key ingredients that all effective PPC campaigns have in common:

  • Flexibility and Adaptability – Like any other marketing tactic, PPC is constantly evolving. The algorithms that control how and when ads are shown are continually changing. Your PPC campaign should be flexible enough to adapt to new practices and industry standards.
  • Great Voice and Story – A great PPC campaign should have a strong voice and tell a story that speaks to your brand’s identity and values.
  • Complements Other Marketing Strategies – No matter how great your PPC campaign is, it won’t achieve its full potential if it exists in a vacuum. To get the most out of your PPC efforts, ensure it complements and supports your other marketing and PR efforts.
  • Measurable – Measurability is the key to optimizing any marketing campaign for success. It would help if you had a clear understanding of what metrics you want to track and how you’ll use those metrics to improve your PPC campaigns.

RTI Business & Consulting Services

Don’t know how to get started with PPC advertising? Reach out to the experts at RTI. We can help you create a PPC campaign that gets results. Contact us today to learn more!

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How Can I Create a Catchy Slogan for My Business?

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We discuss five tips that will help you create a slogan that’s catchy and represents your business.

You’ve got a great business. You offer top-notch products or services, have a passionate team behind you, and your customers love what you do. But there’s one thing missing – a catchy slogan! A good slogan can help people remember your brand. Below, we’ll discuss five tips that will help you create a slogan that’s not only catchy but also represents your business and the solutions that you offer perfectly!

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But first, are slogans and taglines the same?

Slogans Vs. Taglines: The Difference

It’s not uncommon to hear entrepreneurs interchangeably use “slogan” and “tagline.” However, there is a difference between the two!

Slogans are shorter and catchier, often only consisting of one or two words. They’re temporarily and often used to generate buzz for a particular advertising campaign. They’re designed to be memorable so that people will think of your brand when they see or hear it.

Taglines, on the other hand, are usually more descriptive and permanent. They explain what a business does (its strategy, essence, message, personality, and positioning).

Now that we know the difference between slogans and taglines let’s look at some tips on creating a catchy slogan for your business!

Tip #1: Decide the Type of Slogan You Want

Before you start brainstorming, it’s essential to decide what type of slogan is right for your business. There are generally six types of slogans:

  • Advertising slogans
  • Descriptive Slogans
  • Business slogans
  • Persuasive slogans
  • Emotive slogans
  • Creative slogans

When choosing the right type of slogan for your business, consider your brand personality and the overall marketing tone.

Tip #2: Be Clear, Concise, and Simple

When it comes to creating a catchy slogan, less is more. Keep your slogan short, sweet, and to the point. This will make it easier for people to remember and help you stay focused on your core message.

Also, don’t try to cram too much information into your slogan. Keep it focused on one key message that you want people to remember. Trying to say too much will make your slogan confusing and challenging to remember.

Tip #3: Make It Unique

Your slogan should be unique to your brand. Avoid using generic phrases that could apply to any business. Instead, focus on what makes your company unique and use that to create a slogan that’ll make you stand out from the rest. Also, don’t be afraid to employ rhymes, puns, or alliteration.

Tip #4: Be Honest

Don’t include false claims or empty promises in your slogan. Be honest about what you can offer, and don’t try to mislead people into thinking you’re something you’re not.

Tip #5: Avoid Industry Jargon

Unless you’re targeting an industry-specific audience, avoid using jargon in your slogan. People outside of your industry will get confused, and this will only serve to alienate potential customers. Keep your language simple and easy to understand.

These are just a few things to keep in mind when creating a slogan for your business. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to coming up with a catchy and effective slogan that will help you reach your target audience.

RTI Business & Consulting Services

If you need help creating a slogan for your business, we’re here to help. Our team of experienced marketing and branding consultants can work with you to develop a slogan that captures the essence of your brand. Contact us today to get started.

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How to Prepare Your Small Business for Tax Season

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Need help preparing your business for tax season? Our Tax consultants are here for you.

It’s that time of year again — tax season! It’s always busy and stressful, but it can be incredibly daunting and sometimes intimidating for small business owners. It’s easy to feel lost and overwhelmed between keeping track of receipts and navigating complex tax codes and regulations.

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Fortunately, you can take a few simple steps to make tax season a little less daunting and more manageable. Here are four tips to help you prepare your business for tax season:

1. Understand the Basics of Business Taxes

Business taxes can generally be divided into income taxes and payroll taxes. Income taxes are levied on a business’s profit, while payroll taxes are set on the wages that a business pays its employees.

Knowing which taxes apply to your business and how to calculate them can help you ensure you are paying the correct amount of tax. It can also help you claim any deductions or credits you may be entitled to. Furthermore, understanding the basics of business taxes can help you prepare your financial records in an organized way, making it easier to complete your tax return.

2. Stay Up to Date on Changes in the Tax Code

The tax code is constantly changing, so it’s essential to stay updated on any new laws or regulations that could affect your business. This will help avoid surprises come tax season.

3. Get Organized

Another important thing you can do to prepare for tax season is getting your paperwork in order. Gather all of your receipts, invoices, and other relevant documents and put them in a safe place. This will help you avoid last-minute scrambling and make it easier for your accountant to do their job.

It’s also a good idea to establish a system for tracking your income and expenses. This can be as simple as using a spreadsheet or accounting software.

4. Consider Hiring a Tax Professional

Let’s face it; you’re not a certified tax expert, meaning no matter how hard you prepare, there’s always a risk of making some costly mistakes. This is where hiring a tax consultant or accountant can come in handy.

For example, a good tax consultant will be a resource throughout the year, helping you stay up to date on any tax changes or new requirements. They’ll also set up your books and files to make it easier to prepare your taxes when tax season rolls around. They’ll also advise you on practical strategies to minimize your liability. In addition, most consultants have extensive experience dealing with both federal and state tax authorities, so they can help you handle any negotiations or disputes that may arise during filing.

RTI Business Consulting

Need help preparing your business for tax season? Our Tax consultants are here for you. Contact us to discuss your unique needs, and we’ll develop a customized solution that works for you.

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5 Common Mistakes New Businesses Make On Social Media

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Are you struggling with social media? RTI can help! We offer a variety of services to help businesses of all sizes harness the power of social media.

Making the jump into the social media world can be daunting for any business, new or established. It’s easy to make mistakes – after all, there are so many platforms to choose from, and each one works differently. In this post, we’ll look at some of the common mistakes businesses make on social media and how you can avoid them.

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Using the Wrong Platforms

As of this writing, there are 17 major social media platforms to choose from: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Tiktok, YouTube, Pinterest, Snapchat, etc. Each of these platforms has its strengths and weaknesses. For example, LinkedIn is great for businesses looking to network with professionals, while Pinterest is perfect for e-commerce businesses looking to drive traffic to their website.

Not knowing which platforms to use is one of the most common mistakes businesses make on social media. So before you start any social campaign, take the time to research which platforms are best for your business. Also, avoid using too many platforms at once; that’s a recipe for disaster. Instead, focus on two or three at most, and make sure you’re using them correctly.

Not Having a Social Media Strategy

This may seem far-fetched, but you’d be surprised how many businesses jump into social media without a plan. Your social media campaign should have specific goals and objectives like any other marketing initiative. What do you want to achieve with social media? Have you increased brand awareness? More website traffic? Greater customer engagement?

Answers to these questions will help you determine which tactics to use and how to measure your success.

Not Knowing Your Target Audience

This is another common mistake businesses make on social media. You’re shooting in the dark without knowing your target audience with your marketing efforts. Take the time to create buyer personas– i.e., fictional representations of your target customers. Once you have a good idea of your target audience, you can tailor your content and messaging to appeal to them.

Focusing On Selling Instead of Building Relationships

This one should be self-explanatory, but it still happens all too often. When businesses focus exclusively on selling their products or services, they come across as pushy and unprofessional. Instead, think of social media as a way to build relationships with your target audience. Offer valuable content, be responsive to comments and questions, and be patient. It takes time to build relationships online.

Not Using Visuals

Did you know that our brains process visual information 60,000 times faster than text? That’s why visuals are so important on social media. When you post images and videos, they not only help to break up the text but also help to capture attention. So make sure you’re using visuals in your social media posts. Remember not to use just stock photos – original visuals are always best.

A few other mistakes include:

  • Posting without a plan or purpose
  • Posting too often (or not enough)
  • Neglecting paid advertising options
  • Not measuring results
  • Using the wrong tools

Social media is a powerful tool for businesses of all sizes. It can build brand awareness, connect with customers, and generate leads. However, if it’s not used correctly, social media can be ineffective and even damaging to your business. Avoid the mistakes highlighted above, and you’ll be on your way to social media success.

RTI Business & Consulting Services

Are you struggling with social media? RTI can help! We offer a variety of services to help businesses of all sizes harness the power of social media. Contact us today to book an appointment.

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Tips on How to Start a Successful Photography Business

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Our photography business consulting experts can help you get on the right track. We’ll work with you to develop a custom plan and provide ongoing support.

Have you decided to start a photography business? We applaud you for having the ambition and drive to make your dream a reality! Photography can be a very lucrative and rewarding industry. However, starting a photography business is not as easy as just picking up a camera and taking pictures. There are a lot of things you need to know to be successful.

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This article will discuss eight tips on making your photography business thrive. We’ve got you covered, from setting up your business correctly to marketing yourself effectively.

Develop a Business Plan

First things first, you need to develop a business plan. This is essential for any business but especially important for a photography business. You need to think about your target market, what services you’ll offer, how you’ll differentiate yourself from other photographers, your pricing structure, and your long-term goals. This may seem like a lot of work upfront, but trust us, it will be worth it in the long run.

Come Up With a Memorable Business Name and Logo

You only have a few seconds to make a good first impression. Make sure your business name and logo are memorable and accurately represent your brand. Your logo should be simple eye-catching, and it should be used on all of your marketing materials.

Gather The Right Equipment and Supplies

As a photographer, you need to have the right equipment and supplies on hand to be successful. This includes everything from camera bodies and lenses to tripods and lighting gear. Investing in high-quality equipment will help you produce better results for your clients.

Stay Up-to-Date With the Latest Technology

The photography industry is constantly changing, and new technology is always being introduced. To be successful, you need to stay up-to-date with the latest trends. This means reading photography magazines, attending trade shows, and taking advantage of online resources.

Create a Schedule

One of the biggest challenges faced by photographers is managing their time. When running your own business, no one tells you when to show up or when to leave. So it’s essential to create a schedule for yourself and stick to it. This will help you stay organized and on track.

Keep Your Skills Sharp

Finally, one of the essential tips for running a successful photography business is to keep your skills sharp. This means regularly practicing your craft and constantly learning new techniques. Take classes, participate in workshops, and never stop trying to improve.

Build a Strong Online Presence

These days, it’s more important than ever to have a solid online presence. This means having an up-to-date website and active social media accounts. Make sure that your website is easy to navigate and showcases your best work. In addition, be sure to post regularly on social media and interact with your followers.

Develop a Marketing Strategy

A big part of being successful in any business is marketing yourself effectively. You need to let people know who you are and what you do. There are several ways to market your photography business. You can use online marketing tools, such as SEO and social media, or traditional methods, such as print advertising and PR.

Contact RTI Today!

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to starting a successful photography business. Just remember to focus on your goals and work hard. With a little bit of dedication, you can make your dream a reality.

Need help getting started? Our photography business consulting experts can help you get on the right track. We’ll work with you to develop a custom action plan, and we’ll provide ongoing support to help you implement it. Contact us today to learn more.

7 Essential Features Every Website Should Have

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We can create a website for your business that’s effective, user-friendly, and looks professional.

Do you have a website for your business? If not, you are missing out on a lot of potential customers. A website is a perfect way to reach out to more people and promote your products or services. But not just any website will do. Your website needs to have certain features to be effective. This article will discuss 7 essential elements that every website should have.

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  1. Easy Navigation – One of the most essential features of a website is easy navigation. If people can’t find their way around your website, they’ll quickly leave and go to another site. Therefore, your navigation menu should be easy to locate and use. It should also be organized logically so that people can easily find what they are looking for.
  2. Contact Information Everywhere – Potential customers need to be able to find your contact information easily. This includes your address, phone number, and email address. So make sure it is easy to locate on every page of your website.
  3. A Strong Call to Action – Your call to action (CTA) encourages people to take action and buy from you or contact you for more information. Therefore, it should be prominent on every page of your website.
  4. A Blog – A blog is a great way to connect with your customers and prospects. It gives you a chance to show your expertise and build trust with potential clients. Be sure to update your blog regularly with fresh, original content. This will keep people coming back for more, and it will help you attract new visitors. Also, make sure your content is clear and concise. It should also be free of grammar and spelling errors. It should also be easy to read and understand. Remember to use short paragraphs and bullet points to make it easy for people to scan your content.
  5. Secure Hosting – Your website needs to be hosted on a secure server. This will protect your site from hackers and keep your customer’s information safe.
  6. High-Quality Images – Did you know that our brains process images 60,000 times faster than text? Your customers and prospects are more likely to remember your website if it contains high-quality images. Make sure you use images relevant to your business and that are of the highest quality possible. People should be able to see them clearly without having to zoom in.
  7. Trendy, Intuitive Design – 94% of first impressions are related to your website’s design. That means that people will form an opinion of your business based on how your website looks. Your website should have a trendy and intuitive design that is easy to use. People should be able to find what they are looking for quickly and easily.

Speaking of design, your website’s design needs to be responsive, which means it should be optimized for all devices. People should be able to view your website on their desktop, laptop, tablet, and smartphone without any issues.

Contact RTI

These are just a few of the essential features that every website should have. If you’re not sure how to create a website or add these features, don’t worry! We’re here to help. We can create a website for your business that’s effective, user-friendly, and looks professional. Contact us today to get started!

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