The Inside Scoop: How ChatGPT Finds Stuff Online

ChatGPT isn’t surfing the web in real-time like we do. Instead, it’s like a super-smart student who’s learned a lot from reading and organizing information. Here’s the simple version of where it gets its knowledge:

• It uses Bing, just like a regular search engine: When you search on Bing, it finds websites. ChatGPT can tap into this same system. So, if your website is easy for Bing to find, it’s more likely ChatGPT can “see” it too.
• It has its own “brain” full of information: ChatGPT has been trained on tons of text from all over the internet. Think of it as a massive library it can pull from.
• It pays attention to trusted sources: Just like we trust certain news sites or experts, ChatGPT also gives weight to information from well-known websites and online discussions.

Simple Steps to Help Your Website Get Noticed by ChatGPT

You don’t need a PhD in AI to make your website more visible. Here are some straightforward things you can do, and these are the principles we follow at BlakSheep Creative.

Make Sure Bing Can Find You Easily

Think of Bing as the map that guides ChatGPT to your website.

• Tell Bing about your website: It’s like saying “Hey Bing, we’re here!” You can do this through a simple tool called Bing Webmaster Tools.
• Help Bing understand what your website is about: Use clear headings and descriptions on your pages. Imagine you’re labeling everything in your store so a new customer knows exactly what you sell. This helps Bing (and ChatGPT) understand your content.
• Focus on the basics: Make sure your website loads quickly, is easy to navigate, and has clear, helpful information. This is good for your customers and for search engines—something we always emphasize.

Create Great Content That Answers Questions

Think about what your customers are asking. Your website should be the go-to place for those answers. This is a cornerstone of our content marketing services in Louisiana.

• Answer specific questions: Instead of just talking about your products, create content that directly answers questions your customers might have. For example, if you sell coffee, you could have a blog post titled “What’s the best way to brew coffee at home?”
• Use plain language: Talk like you’re talking to a friend. Avoid complicated industry jargon that might confuse people (and AI). This is how we aim to communicate in all our content.
• Have an FAQ page: This is a goldmine for answering common questions directly. It’s easy for both customers and AI to understand.

Get People Talking About Your Business Online

Think of it like word-of-mouth, but online. This helps build the authority that AI looks for.

• Get featured on other websites: If other reputable websites in your industry mention your business, it’s like a vote of confidence.
• Join online conversations: Participate in relevant online groups or forums where your customers hang out. Share your expertise and get your business name out there.
• Encourage happy customers to leave reviews: Positive reviews on sites like Yelp or Google Business Profile build trust and show that people value what you offer.

Keep an Eye on What People Are Saying

It’s good to know what the online buzz is about your business. We often advise clients to monitor this regularly.

• There are simple tools you can use to see where your business is being mentioned online.
• If you see positive feedback, great! If there’s something negative, you have a chance to address it.

“For small businesses, getting seen online is all about being helpful and making it easy for search engines like Bing to understand what you do. By focusing on clear content and a solid online presence, you’re setting yourself up for success in reaching more customers, even through new technologies like ChatGPT,” explains Clint L. Sanchez, Small Business SEO Expert at BlakSheep Creative.

“We were a little unsure about how new AI tools would affect our online visibility, but focusing on making our website clear and helpful has really made a difference. We’re reaching more people, and it feels like we’re showing up in more places online,” says Kyle Adams, Owner of Performance Patios and Gutters.

Ready to make sure your small business is easily found online—even by the latest AI tools? Learn more about our SEO strategies for small businesses and how we help you appear where your customers are looking.

Need help creating content that speaks directly to your customers and performs well with AI-powered search? See how our content marketing services in Louisiana can get your message in front of the right audience.

Wrapping Up: Getting Your Small Business Seen in the Age of AI

The online world is always changing, and new tools like ChatGPT are becoming part of how people find information. But the core principles for small businesses remain the same: be clear, be helpful, and make it easy for people (and search engines) to understand what you offer. By focusing on these simple steps, you can position your business for success in today’s digital landscape and beyond. And we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Want to make sure your small business doesn’t get lost in the shuffle? Schedule your free website visibility consultation with our team today.

Still Wondering How to Stand Out in an AI-Driven Search World?

We get it—navigating SEO, ChatGPT, and search engine visibility can feel overwhelming. But you’re not alone. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from small business owners looking to boost their online presence in a world where AI is changing the game.

How does ChatGPT decide what websites to reference?

ChatGPT pulls information primarily from Bing search results and its internal training data. It favors clear, trustworthy, and well-structured websites that are easy for Bing to crawl. That means strong SEO, clean content, and high authority signals (like backlinks and reviews) make your site more “visible” to ChatGPT-style tools.

Is optimizing for Bing different from optimizing for Google?

They’re similar in many ways, but Bing places more emphasis on factors like exact-match keywords, social signals, and meta descriptions. Submitting your site to Bing Webmaster Tools is a must if you want to increase visibility through Bing-powered AI platforms like ChatGPT.

Can content really help me get noticed by AI tools?

Absolutely. Well-structured, question-based content written in plain, conversational language helps both your customers and AI understand your offerings. Think FAQs, how-to posts, and direct answers to customer queries. That’s the kind of content ChatGPT loves to reference.

Why is anchor text so important for SEO and AI visibility?

Anchor text tells both users and search engines what a linked page is about. Using clear, keyword-rich anchor text (instead of generic phrases like “click here”) improves your site’s SEO and helps AI models associate the link with a relevant topic or service—boosting your authority in that area.

Do I need technical skills to improve my site’s visibility to ChatGPT?

Nope! Most visibility improvements involve content creation, site structure, and reputation-building. While technical SEO helps, a small business owner can start making a big impact by focusing on helpful content, user experience, and claiming key listings like Google Business Profile and Bing Places.

In the ever-evolving world of search engine optimization (SEO), one factor remains consistently important: citations. These online mentions of your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) act as digital breadcrumbs, helping search engines like Google verify your legitimacy and understand your local presence. And while citations can be found scattered across the web, having a dedicated “Find Us Online” page on your website can significantly boost their impact.

Check out GMW Fire Protection’s “Find Us Online” page for a great example of a “Find Us Online” page.

Why “Find Us Online” Pages Matter

Here are just a few reasons why every business needs a “Find Us Online” page:

• Improved Local Search Rankings: Citations are a key ranking factor for local SEO. Having a comprehensive “Find Us Online” page that links to all your accurate citations sends strong signals to search engines, boosting your visibility in local search results.
• Enhanced Credibility and Trust: A well-maintained “Find Us Online” page showcases your online presence and demonstrates your commitment to local engagement. This builds trust with potential customers and establishes you as a reliable and accessible business.
• Increased Website Traffic: Your “Find Us Online” page provides a central hub for all your online listings, making it easier for potential customers to find your website driving valuable traffic and leads.
• Streamlined Citation Management: Maintaining accurate and consistent citations across the web can be daunting. A “Find Us Online” page acts as a central repository, making tracking and managing your citations easy, ensuring their accuracy and effectiveness.
• Improved User Experience: A user-friendly “Find Us Online” page provides visitors with all the essential information they need to find your business, including your address, phone number, website, and social media profiles. This enhances the user experience and encourages engagement.

Creating a Powerful “Find Us Online” Page

While a “Find Us Online” page can be helpful for website visitors, its primary purpose is to consolidate your citations in one place for search engine crawlers to find and index easily. This helps search engines understand your online presence and improve your local search rankings.

Here’s how to optimize your “Find Us Online” page for search engines:

• Prioritize NAP Consistency: Ensure your business name, address, and phone number are exactly the same on this page as they are on all your online listings. Accuracy and consistency are crucial for local SEO.
• Link to All Citations: Include links to every directory and platform where your business is listed. This helps search engines discover and associate these citations with your website.
• Use Schema Markup: Implement schema markup (structured data) to help search engines understand the information on the page. This can improve visibility and click-through rates in search results.
• Focus on Relevant Keywords: Naturally incorporate relevant keywords and location-based terms within the page content and link anchor text.

While visual appeal is always a good practice, prioritize providing a clear and easily crawlable structure for search engines on this page.

“Find Us Online” Pages: A Must-Have for Local SEO Success

In today’s competitive online landscape, a well-crafted “Find Us Online” page is essential for any business looking to improve its local SEO, build trust with potential customers, and drive website traffic. By following these tips and leveraging the power of citations, you can ensure your business is easily discoverable online and ready to connect with local customers.

Ready to take your local SEO to the next level? Contact BlakSheep Creative today to learn more about our comprehensive SEO services and how we can help you create a “Find Us Online” page that gets results.

Are you making these SEO mistakes? Many businesses unknowingly sabotage their search rankings with common errors. Discover three critical mistakes to avoid in our recent post, “Three SEO Mistakes That Can Impact Your Search Rankings.”

Not every day you see a local business outshine national competitors in Google’s search results. Yet, that’s precisely what happened when we partnered with Advanced Office Care LLC, a dedicated office cleaning company based in Baton Rouge. The mission was clear: elevate their online presence to reflect their top-tier cleaning services. Today, we’re proud to share that we’ve secured a coveted Google featured snippet, solidifying their top spot.

The Road to ‘Position Zero’

Landing a featured snippet, the preeminent ‘position zero’ on Google, is a game-changer for any business. It’s the first thing potential customers see when they search for your services, dramatically increasing click-through rates. Here’s how we at BlakSheep Creative made it happen for Advanced Office Care LLC:

1. Laser-Focused Keyword Strategy: We pinpointed the most relevant and high-impact keywords for their business, like “church cleaning services in Baton Rouge.”
2. Crafting Compelling Content: We then rolled up our sleeves and produced content that spoke to Advanced Office Care LLC’s expertise and dedication and directly answered their potential clients’ queries.
3. Meticulous On-Page SEO: Our team meticulously optimized every inch of their web pages—titles, meta descriptions, headers—all fine-tuned to catch the eye of Google’s algorithms.
4. Stellar Technical SEO: We polished the website’s technical aspects to a shine, ensuring that it was fast, responsive, and devoid of any issues that could deter search engines or users.
5. Continual Content Updates: We kept the content fresh, reflecting the most current information, which Google loves. Like a clean office space needs regular maintenance, so does website content.

Our Strategy in Action

Our strategy wasn’t just about getting to the top but about staying there. Since securing the featured snippet for Advanced Office Care LLC, we’ve seen their website traffic soar, their engagement levels spike, and, most importantly, their phones start ringing off the hook with new business.

Lessons and Impacts

• Persistence Pays Off: SEO is a long-term investment. We strategized, executed, and waited for the results to bloom.
• Local Savvy, Universal Appeal: We tailored our approach to resonate with the Baton Rouge community while adhering to global SEO best practices.
• Quality Content Reigns Supreme: Our content was designed to be helpful, informative, and engaging.

Unveil the seamless fusion of design and SEO in our Advanced Office Care website redesign. Witness the transformation that’s capturing attention across Baton Rouge. View the project brief.

The BlakSheep Effect

As a Baton Rouge-based digital marketing agency, BlakSheep Creative is uniquely positioned to understand the nuances of local SEO. We’re not just about getting our clients to the first page of Google; we aim for domination, and the featured snippet for Advanced Office Care LLC is a testament to that commitment.

Ready to Take the Lead?

Does Advanced Office Care LLC’s success inspire you? It’s your turn. Partner with us at BlakSheep Creative, and let’s craft an SEO strategy that puts you ahead of the competition. Get in touch today, and let’s start scripting your success story.

At BlakSheep Creative, we don’t just follow digital marketing trends; we set them. From comprehensive SEO to dynamic web design, we have the tools and talent to make your business the next big thing.

Google is shutting down Websites made with Google Business Profiles and the redirect option is horrid https://t.co/OeVCeRfKGR pic.twitter.com/9MWZVagfOe

— Barry Schwartz (@rustybrick) January 9, 2024

At BlakSheep Creative, we understand that businesses that have leaned heavily on their free Google Business Sites may face challenges during this transition. Here’s why they may not make the best clients for our services:

For a deeper dive into effective digital marketing strategies tailored for small and medium-sized businesses, especially amidst changing online platforms, check out our article “Understanding the Digital Marketing Landscape for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs).” It’s packed with insights on navigating budget constraints, enhancing your SEO, and more. Elevate your digital marketing game by reading this essential guide. Read more here.

Reluctance to Invest in Marketing and Websites:

In the digital marketplace, the reluctance to invest in a robust online presence can significantly hamstring a business’s potential. Companies that rely solely on free platforms like Google Business Sites often do so because of budget constraints, which is understandable. However, this reluctance to invest in a dedicated website or comprehensive marketing strategies can be a critical misstep. It signals a hesitancy to allocate necessary resources toward nurturing a strong online footprint, potentially limiting the scope and impact of digital marketing efforts.

At BlakSheep Creative, we recognize that investment in digital marketing and web development is not just an expense; it’s an investment in your brand’s future. Our no-haggle pricing policy reflects our commitment to delivering value that far exceeds the initial investment. We’re dedicated to crafting bespoke solutions that align with your brand’s aspirations and financial considerations.

Businesses relying on free platforms often miss the bigger picture: success in the digital landscape demands strategic investment. You have to pay to play if you want to stand out and grow in a competitive market.

For a deeper understanding of our commitment to delivering excellence without the hassle of negotiation, we invite you to explore our approach in “Why We Won’t Haggle Over Pricing.”

Choosing to invest in your online presence with BlakSheep Creative means choosing a partner that is deeply invested in your success. It’s about making a strategic decision to elevate your brand’s digital narrative and unlock its full potential. Let’s navigate the digital landscape together, transcending budget constraints and crafting a success story that resonates with your brand’s ambition and vision.

Resistance to Change:

For some businesses, change can be met with resistance, especially when they are accustomed to the simplicity and ease of Google Business Sites. Transitioning to a new platform or investing in a professionally designed website may not align with their comfort zone. This resistance to change can hinder their ability to adapt to evolving digital marketing strategies and technologies.

Limited Understanding of Online Marketing:

Businesses that rely solely on free Google Business Sites may have a limited understanding of the broader spectrum of online marketing. While these platforms offer a basic online presence, they might not provide the comprehensive exposure and engagement that businesses need to truly thrive in the digital marketplace. This is similar to the misconceptions we’ve addressed regarding referrals in Facebook Groups.

Our expertise extends beyond website design to encompass search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, and social media management. Clients primarily focused on a free website may not fully appreciate our comprehensive services to maximize their online presence.

To understand the importance of a well-rounded digital marketing strategy and why we advocate for a more diversified approach, delve into our insights in Why We Don’t Put Too Much Faith in Referrals in Facebook Groups.

Missed Opportunities for Growth:

Relying solely on a Google Business Site may have limited a business’s growth potential. A dedicated website offers greater customization, branding opportunities, and the ability to stand out in a competitive digital landscape. Clients who are content with minimal online presence might not be as open to exploring new avenues for growth and expansion.

In Conclusion:

While we at BlakSheep Creative are always eager to assist businesses in enhancing their online presence, we recognize that not all businesses are a perfect fit for our services. Clients relying heavily on free Google Business Sites may have different priorities and expectations, which may not align with our expertise and offerings. We are dedicated to working with clients committed to investing in their online success and are open to embracing change and growth.

If you’re ready to elevate your online presence, adapt to the changing digital landscape, and unlock the full potential of your business, BlakSheep Creative is here to help. Our team of experts specializes in creating tailored websites, comprehensive marketing strategies, and providing ongoing support to ensure your success.

Don’t let the transition from Google Business Sites hold you back. Embrace this opportunity to thrive online with a dedicated website and expert marketing services. Fill out the form below today to discuss your needs, explore your options, and embark on a journey toward digital excellence. Let’s shape your online future together!

How did we do it?

It began with a robust yet straightforward SEO strategy centered around amplifying organic impressions. Our journey involved extensive keyword research and optimization, ensuring that our services resonated loudly in the digital arena. By identifying and integrating the most sought-after keywords into our content, we crafted a narrative that not only spoke to our audience but also captivated them.

Content is king, and engagement is its crown. Recognizing this, we focused on delivering content that wasn’t just informative but also deeply engaging. Our commitment to quality content has consistently fostered meaningful interactions and sustained interest.

But why stop at traditional search methods? With the advent of voice search, we evolved, optimizing our website to cater to this new wave of digital queries. This strategic move allowed us to tap into a broader audience base, making it effortless for them to discover us.

While SEO was our bedrock, we didn’t shy away from leveraging the prowess of social media marketing. Our approach was two-pronged: organically captivating content enriched with targeted hashtags and visuals, paired with strategically placed paid campaigns. This dual strategy significantly widened our reach, bringing in a surge of organic impressions.

At BlakSheep Creative, our dedication goes beyond just numbers; it’s about forging lasting digital legacies. Our no-haggle pricing policy isn’t just a statement; it’s a commitment to delivering unparalleled value and results. Intrigued by how our straightforward pricing aligns with our impressive performance? Dive into our philosophy in “Why We Won’t Haggle Over Pricing.”

In the quest for a digital agency that not only promises but also delivers exponential growth in organic presence, look no further. BlakSheep Creative is at your service. Reach out today, and let’s embark on a journey to not just meet but exceed your online ambitions.

Together, let’s harness the power of organic impressions and pave your road to digital triumph. Your success story is just a conversation away. Let’s start writing it.

To help small businesses make the most of their Linkedin marketing efforts, we’ve compiled a list of 13 strategies that small business owners can use to market their business on Linkedin effectively.

By the time you’ve finished reading this post, you’ll better understand how to market your small business on Linkedin and see results. Let’s get started!

But first, let’s lay a solid foundation for the Linkedin platform and why any business owner can benefit from it.

Or better said, why do small business owners need to include Linkedin in their marketing strategy?

What is Linkedin?

Linkedin is a business-oriented social networking platform that allows users to connect with other professionals in their field. It’s often thought of as a way to build relationships and create opportunities for career advancement, but it can also be used as an effective marketing tool.

Linkedin can be an excellent way for small businesses to connect with potential customers, build relationships, and create brand awareness. In addition, Linkedin offers several features and tools that you can use to market your business effectively.

Now that we’ve answered the question, “what is Linkedin?” let’s look at why you should Include Linkedin in your social media and content marketing strategy.

Why Linkedin should be an essential part of your social media and content marketing strategy:

Linkedin has 810 million members.

Although not the largest of the social networks (Instagram has over 1.2 billion, and Facebook almost 3 billion), the power here lies in the audience. Linkedin is made up of business professionals from around the world, making it the perfect platform to market your business.

Linkedin is an excellent platform for content marketing.

Content marketing on Linkedin allows you to share blog posts, infographics, eBooks, and other types of content that can help position you as an expert in your industry. In addition, Linkedin offers many features that make sharing and distributing content easy, such as the ability to embed content from your website or blog directly into your Linkedin profile.

Linkedin Pages are great for lead generation.

If you’re looking for a platform that can help you generate leads for your business, Linkedin is a great option. Linkedin allows you to use targeted ads to reach a specific audience, and several lead generation tools can be used to capture leads directly from Linkedin.

Linkedin is perfect for B2B Marketing.

If your business is focused on marketing to other businesses (B2B), then Linkedin should definitely be a part of your social media strategy. Linkedin is filled with business partners and decision-makers who are always looking for new products and services to help them run their businesses more effectively.

If you’re not using Linkedin to connect with other professionals in your field, you’re missing out on a valuable opportunity to network and build relationships. Connecting with others on Linkedin can create opportunities for collaboration, referral business, and joint ventures.

Now that we’ve looked at why Linkedin should be included in your social media and content marketing strategies, let’s take a look at thirteen specific techniques you can use to market your small business on Linkedin.

Thirteen Strategies For Marketing Your Small Business On Linkedin

Here’s what you came here for strategies that can be used to market a business on Linkedin effectively. So let’s dig in!

1. Creating a Company Linkedin Page

Don’t rely on your personal Linkedin profile to promote your business; a company page is essential to marketing your business on Linkedin.

If you don’t already have one, the first step is to create a Linkedin Company Page for your business. Linkedin pages allow you to share information about your company, post updates and articles, and showcase your products or services.

You’ll need a Linkedin account with a personal profile to create a company page. If you don’t have one, sign up for Linkedin and create a personal profile. Once logged in, go to “Create a Company Page,” and follow the instructions.

Be sure to add a background photo.

Adding a background photo to your Linkedin Company Page is a great way to make a good first impression. Be sure to choose an image that’s high quality and represents your brand well.

Take advantage of the blog and website links on your Linkedin profile.

If you want to increase your website’s visitors, take advantage of the blog and website links on your Linkedin profile. Adding these links to your profile makes it easy for others to find your website and blog and see other valuable content you’re producing.

Plus, the links are powerful backlinks for your website, which can help increase your domain’s authority and improve your search engine rankings.

Search engines love backlinks!

To learn how to create a company Linkedin Page, check out this article at Linkedin’s business help.

2. Optimizing Your Company Page

Once you’ve created your Company Page, it’s important to take some time to optimize it for search engine optimization (SEO). This will help ensure that your Page shows up in search results when people search for businesses like yours.

If you optimize your company page, search engines will be more likely to find it and rank it high in the search results. This means more people will see your Page and be able to learn about your business.

There are a few key things you can do to optimize your Company Page:

Choose the right category for your business.

This will help Linkedin determine which searches your Page should show up for.  After all, you want your Page to only show up for searches relevant to your business.

Add keywords to your company description.

Linkedin allows you to add up to 200 characters to your company description. Use this space wisely by incorporating keywords that describe your business and what you do. But beware of keyword stuffing when you stuff too many keywords into your description to game the system.

Not only will this not help your Page rank higher, but it will also make your description challenging to read.

Include a call-to-action (CTA) on your Page.

A CTA is a statement or question that encourages people to take a specific action. For example, your CTA could be “Sign up for our newsletter” or “Download our e-book.”

Your CTA should be linked to a landing page on your website where people can take the desired action. This helps you track how many people are taking action from seeing your CTA on Linkedin.

Adding a CTA to your Company Page can increase leads and conversions from Linkedin.

To learn more about creating custom CTAs on your Linkedin Page, here’s an informative article over at Linkedin.

Now that you’ve got your company page completed, let’s discuss how to post relevant, engaging content.

3. Posting Relevant, Engaging Content

Once you’ve created and optimized your Company Page, it’s time to start posting relevant and engaging content. This could include writing blog posts, sharing articles, and creating videos, infographics, or anything else that interests your target audience.

But what does relevant, engaging content mean?

Relevant: The content you post should be relevant to your target audience. For example, if you’re a B2B (business to business) company that provides software to small businesses, relevant content would be about topics like small business growth, using technology to improve efficiency, or case studies of companies that have used your software.

Engaging: The content you post should also be engaging. This means it should be interesting and informative enough to get people to stop scrolling through their newsfeeds and take notice.

Some ways to make your content more engaging include:

• Asking questions
• Using images or videos
• Starting a conversation
• Using emojis
• Telling a story
• Offering a resource

Take note of what Vanta did in their LinkedIn post. They offered a GPDR compliance checklist to help their followers:

When posting content on your Linkedin Company Page, it’s important to:

Post regularly.

If you only post once in a while, people will forget about your Page. Try to post at least once a week, but daily is even better.  The important thing to remember is that your Linkedin audience doesn’t want to be sold to all the time.

Post with purpose.

Unlike your personal Linkedin profile, your posts should be written for a professional audience, as this is a platform for business networking.

That being said, just like a blog post, social media post, or other pieces of content, every post should have a purpose.

Post with a goal.

Before you hit publish on a post, ask yourself: What is the goal of this post? Do you want people to:

• Learn something new?
• Be entertained?
• Take action (click through to your website, sign up for your newsletter, etc.
• Generate leads?

The answer to these questions will help you determine what type of content to post. For example, if your goal is lead generation, you could include a CTA that leads people to a landing page where they can sign up for your newsletter or download an e-book or some other type of magnet for generating leads.

Mix up your content.

Don’t just post written articles all the time. Mix things up with videos, infographics, and other types of content to keep people engaged.

Again, don’t post content just for the sake of posting it.  Everything you post should provide value to your audience and be relevant to your business.

Learn from other businesses.

If you need help determining what kind of content to post, look at what other businesses in your industry are posting.   Check out their Linkedin pages and see what resonates with their audience. 

You can also use Linkedin’s Pulse app to find and curate content from around the web to share with your audience.

Or keep in mind what’s trending when creating content for your Linkedin Company Page.

Now, let’s dive deeper into the importance of engaging with your audience.

4. Engaging With Your Audience

Social media platforms are meant to be social.  This means you should be engaging with your audience regularly.

Engagement could include:

• Replying to comments on your posts
• Asking questions
• Posting polls
• Sharing user-generated content
• Announcing company news, milestones, or events 

When you engage with your audience, you’re building relationships, which can lead to more sales down the line.

Remember, one of the main goals of marketing on Linkedin is to foster business relationships.

Engaging with your audience makes you more likely to build trust and credibility, which are essential for any business relationship.

Plus, the Linkedin algorithm favors content with high engagement, so the more you interact with your audience, the more people will see the more likely your posts.

5. Use Hashtags

Hashtags are a great way to get your content seen by more people, especially if you’re using relevant and popular hashtags.

When choosing hashtags, consider the following:

• The relevance of the hashtag to your business
• How popular the hashtag is
• How specific the hashtag is

For example, let’s say you sell eco-friendly cleaning products.  A relevant, popular, and specific hashtag you could use is #ecofriendlycleaningproducts.

A less specific but still relevant and popular hashtag would be something like #sustainability. 

You can also create custom hashtags for your business. For example, many businesses use branded hashtags for their company or product names.

6. Create and Share Compelling Content

As we mentioned before, the content you post on your Linkedin Company Page should provide value to your audience and be relevant to your business.

Your content could include the following:

• Blog posts
• Videos
• Infographics
• Images
• Announcements
• Industry news

To make sure your content is compelling, consider using some of these content creation tips:

• Write compelling headlines that make people want to click
• Write in a clear and concise manner.
• Use short paragraphs.
• Use bullet points.
• Leverage data and statistics.
• Use images, videos, and infographics.

Remember, to effectively market your business on Linkedin, you need to create content that will resonate with your audience and provide value.

7. Use Linkedin Ads

Linkedin Ads are a great way to get your content seen by more people, specifically your target audience.

When creating a Linkedin ad, consider the following:

• Your business goals
• Your target audience
• The type of content you’re promoting
• Your budget

Linkedin Ads is a powerful marketing tool that can help you reach your target audience and achieve your business goals.

8. Host a Linkedin Event

Linkedin events are a simple method to create and join professional gatherings such as meetups, online workshops, seminars, and more. Linkedin members can discover and join communities that will help them develop their businesses, network with people, and learn new skills.

To learn more about hosting a Linkedin event, check out this helpful guide.

9. Seek Out and Join Relevant Groups

Groups are a great way to connect with like-minded professionals and learn from experts in your industry.   Here’s a secret:  Groups are probably, the most overlooked Linkedin marketing strategy.

When looking for groups to join, consider the following:

• The size of the group
• The activity level of the group
• The relevance of the group to your business
• The type of discussions taking place in the group

To find relevant groups, search for keywords related to your industry or business in Linkedin’s search bar.

10. Create your Own Linkedin Group

Can’t find Linkedin groups that are relevant to your audience? Why not create your own?

No Linkedin groups that match your personal brand?  Why not create your own?

Creating a Linkedin group is a great way to build an engaged community around your business.  Plus, it may just generate a few sales leads!

Plus, as the group’s creator and administrator, you have control over who joins the group and what type of content is shared.

Invite your existing Linkedin connections, relevant audience, network of contacts, colleagues, and customers to join your group and start discussions about relevant topics. 

Encourage group members to share your group with their network of connections.

Creating a Linkedin group is a great way to build an engaged community and market your business on Linkedin.

In short, Linkedin groups are one of the best ways to connect with like-minded professionals, learn from industry experts, and generate business leads.

11. Get Active in Discussions

Discussions are a great way to get your name and business out there. When you’re active in discussions, you’re building relationships, which can lead to more sales down the line.

Remember, one of the main goals of marketing on Linkedin is to foster business relationships. So, when you’re active in discussions, you’re not only marketing your business, but you’re also building relationships with potential customers and partners.

When participating in discussions, consider the following:

• The relevancy of the discussion to your business
• The type of audience that is participating in the discussion
• How you can add value to the discussion

Discussions are a great way to get your name and business out there. When you’re active in discussions, you’re building relationships, which can lead to more sales down the line.

To find posts to engage with, you can:

• Check your notifications tab on Linkedin.  Any time someone likes, comments, or shares one of your posts, you’ll get a notification. Responding to these notifications is a great way to jump into discussions.
• Check Linkedin groups. Groups are a great place to find relevant discussions. Simply search for keywords related to your industry or business in Linkedin’s search bar.
• Comment on your friends’ posts.  This one is tricky, as you only want to comment on posts that are relevant to your business. But if you have something valuable to say, commenting on a friend’s post is a great way to get involved in discussions.

Just like Facebook groups, whether you are trying to raise brand awareness, reach new audiences, or generate leads, getting involved in discussions is a great way to achieve your goals.

11. Create a Linkedin Showcase Page

If you want to highlight certain brands, business units, or initiatives on Linkedin, Showcase Pages are perfect for you. Once created, they’ll be listed under ‘Affiliated Pages’ on your main Linkedin Page.

Showcase Pages are similar to Linkedin Company Pages, but they’re designed to help you promote specific aspects of your business.

For example, if you have a product that you want to market separately from your company brand, you can create a Showcase Page for that product. 

Or maybe you want to highlight a particular initiative, like sustainability or community outreach.  You could create a Showcase Page for that, too.

Showcase Pages are a great way to segment your audience and market to them more effectively.

How to Create a Showcase Page

Interested in creating a Showcase Page for your business?  Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Create a Linkedin Page

Complete your Page, gather followers and fans, and post regularly to help establish your brand’s presence.

2. Identify business areas that need a Showcase Page

To avoid alienating your audience, consider the size and needs of your existing community before creating more Showcase Pages. If you’re thinking about making more than ten Showcase Pages, try sorting them into larger categories.

We also advise against making a Showcase Page for a particular country or region- it’s better to geo-target your organic posts from your main Page to those specific locations instead.

3. Create a Showcase Page

Click “Admin Tools” from the dropdown menu in your Admin View.

4. Assign admin access

Only allow subject-matter experts access to your new Showcase Page. This may be a social media manager, product marketer, or vertical sales partner – anyone who can regularly contribute high-quality content to your new Showcase Page audience.

Using showcase pages, you can better segment your audience and create content that appeals to their interests.

12. Linkedin Marketing Options

Linkedin has several marketing options to help you reach your target market. You can use sponsored content, dynamic ads, sponsored messaging, and text ads to promote your business on Linkedin.

Here is a quick overview of each:

• Sponsored Content– Linkedin Ads that appear in users’ newsfeeds.
• Dynamic Ads– Ads that are automatically personalized to your target audience.
• Sponsored Messaging– Messages that are sent directly to users from businesses.
• Text Ads– Basic PPC or CPM ads that appear on the right side of Linkedin pages.

To learn more about Linkedin advertising, check out this article.

13. Use data from your Linkedin analytics to improve your marketing strategy

If you know anything about us, you know that data drives everything we do.  After all, data is what enables you to see if your efforts (and money) are helping you reach your marketing goals.

Without data, you’re just shooting in the dark, hoping that something will eventually stick.

The good news is that Linkedin provides some excellent data points for you to track, which can help you fine-tune your Linkedin marketing strategy for small businesses.

We’re not going to go into much detail here, as Hootsuite has already written an excellent guide on Linkedin analytics.

But here are a few key data points that you should be tracking:

• Impressions: How often is your content being seen?
• Engagements: How often are people interacting with your content (liking, commenting, sharing, etc.)?
• Clicks: How often are people clicking on links in your content?
• Leads: How many leads are you generating?
• Sales: How many sales are you generating?

Once you have this data, you can see which pieces of content are performing well and which aren’t.

You can then adjust your strategy accordingly.

Well, there you have it!  Thirteen Linkedin marketing tips for small businesses to help you get started.

We hope this post has inspired you to start using Linkedin to market your business.

Do you need help with your Linkedin marketing?

If you need help getting started or if you want to outsource your Linkedin marketing to the experts, we’re here to help.

Get in touch with us today to learn more about our services.   Our team here at BlakSheep Creative has over two decades of helping businesses like yours navigate the digital marketing landscape. We’re here to help you take your business to the next level.

This certification (we’re also Microsoft Advertising Search Certified!) will allow us to serve our clients better and help them achieve their advertising goals. As a certified partner, we can access exclusive resources and support from Microsoft Advertising.

What is Microsoft Advertising?

Microsoft Advertising is a digital advertising platform that helps businesses reach their target audience across Microsoft properties, including Bing, MSN, Outlook.com, and Skype.

Microsoft Advertising offers a variety of ad formats, including text ads, image ads, video ads, and native ads. With Microsoft Advertising, businesses can advertise on Microsoft properties and partner sites to reach their target audience.

Why Work with a Certified Partner?

When you work with a certified partner, you can be confident that you are working with an agency that knows how to get results. BlakSheep Creative has the skills and knowledge necessary to create and manage successful advertising campaigns on the Microsoft Advertising platform.

As a certified partner, BlakSheep Creative has access to exclusive resources and support from Microsoft Advertising. We can help you take advantage of the platform’s latest features and best practices.

Please contact us today if you are interested in working with BlakSheep Creative to create and manage your Microsoft Advertising campaigns.

Or you can trust your marketing to just any agency…

The choice is yours.

BlakSheep Creative is a full-service advertising agency specializing in digital marketing. We help businesses reach their target audience across multiple channels, including search, social media, and display advertising.

Contact us today if you want a digital marketing agency with a proven track record of success. We would be happy to discuss your advertising goals and create a custom marketing plan tailored to your needs.

Thank you for your time,
The BlakSheep Creative Team

To become certified, agencies must pass a rigorous exam that covers a wide range of topics, including account structure, ad types, bidding, budgets, and targeting.

Our team is passionate about helping our clients succeed online, and we are thrilled to be able to offer them even more value by being a certified Microsoft Advertising agency.

Please contact us if you are interested in learning more about what we can do for your business. We would be happy to discuss your digital marketing goals and how we can help you achieve them.

What is Microsoft Advertising?

Microsoft Advertising is a pay-per-click advertising platform that allows businesses to advertise on Microsoft properties, including Bing and Yahoo. Microsoft Advertising is a powerful tool that can help businesses reach new customers and grow their online presence.

If you are interested in learning more about Microsoft Advertising, or if you would like to discuss your digital marketing goals with our team, please contact us today. We would be happy to answer any of your questions.

What are the benefits of working with a certified Microsoft Advertising agency?

There are many benefits of working with a certified Microsoft Advertising agency, including:

• Expertise: A certified Microsoft Advertising agency has demonstrated expertise in the platform and can help you get the most out of your campaigns.
• Efficiency: A certified Microsoft Advertising agency can save you time and money by managing your campaigns effectively and efficiently.
• Results: A certified Microsoft Advertising agency is focused on results and can help you achieve your digital marketing goals.

If you are interested in working with a certified Microsoft Advertising agency, contact BlakSheep Creative today. We are a full-service digital marketing agency that can help you with all of your online advertising needs.

We are looking forward to working together!

If you’re interested in learning more about the new partnership between BlakSheep Creative and Paper Bird Agency, please read on below!

About Paper Bird Agency

Paper Bird Agency is more than just a company; it’s a team of marketing professionals that will work with you on social media marketing needs so small businesses can concentrate on their core values.

They’ll help with budgets, branding, and graphics to ensure the right message gets across to potential customers with blogs and content creation. Paper Bird does email marketing as well for those who want something personalized like direct mail since they’re committed to each client’s success!

Why We Chose to Collaborate With Paper Bird

Most of what we do here at BlakSheep Creative is website development and search engine optimization. Granted, we can do just about everything. However, every agency has a specialty.

Paper Bird helps clients with design, social media marketing, and branding. With the sheer number of businesses in Denham Springs– not to mention all over Louisiana!- we thought it was a good idea to collaborate with Paper Bird so that each company’s clients can reach their potential audience successfully.

But Aren’t Paper Bird and BlakSheep Competitors?

In the technical sense, you could say yes; however, we don’t look at it that way. There are no egos here, and we could care less about who gets the “credit” for what.

When agencies battle over who gets the bigger “piece of the pie,” it becomes counterproductive for clients. We both want our clients to succeed.

That’s what Paper Bird and BlakSheep do, and we’ve decided to work together to help each other grow as businesses by collaborating on projects that will benefit both–and helping clients reach their goals without having to juggle two different agencies.

How Customers Will Benefit from the Partnership

When two separate digital marketing agencies collaborate, the benefits are enormous.

First, we’re each able to offer more services for our clients without taking on too many projects at once. Second, it’s an excellent way for us to blend Paper Bird’s design skills with ours to help the customer reach their target audience and make an impact right away!

What the Partnership Means

When we say partnership, we’re just talking about a collaborative effort between BSC and Paper Bird. Think of it like Peanut and Butter. Each is a separate entity from a different company, but the results are incredible when you put them both on two slices of bread.

We’re excited to launch this new partnership and provide some fantastic new services to the Livingston Parish area and beyond!

However, approximately half comes from traditional retail barter exchange in organizations such as iTradexchange.

We’ve partnered with iTradexchange

Now members have another iTradexchange web designer to choose from.

We decided that, due to the popularity of iTradexchange, Partners One, and other Louisiana barter networks, we might as well get on board and leverage the power of these small business directories to expand our reach.

What agency owner doesn’t?

Why did we join iTradexchange?

Like we said earlier, barter networks are enormous. Like most other small businesses (especially web development agencies), we’re always looking to expand our network.

iTradexchange allows us to do just that.

Once we joined, our name was included in an email to all existing members to let them know that they now have another option when they need marketing services for their small business.

Plus, we’re now in their member directory for participating businesses to choose from when they are looking to hire someone for website design, enlisting an SEO professional, graphic design, or launching new social media campaigns to boost their web presence.

Not only that, we’re available for members of their sister barter networks such as Partners One, 

It’s a win-win.

Now, we’re part of a network that expands beyond Denham Springs and Baton Rouge and expands throughout Louisiana and beyond.

We’ve already worked with iTradexchange Members.

Even before our buddy Jim Chapman from Local Leaders: The Podcast suggested that we join, we had already worked with iTradexchange businesses; we just didn’t know it when we were recreating his website.

Sure it’s only one business owner that we know of offhand, and it was before signing up, but now we can leverage the power of trade dollars for maintenance, updates, and monthly SEO for Jim and his team.

We’ve even already been on his podcast to talk about Google and small business.

We’re currently developing the new iTradexchange website.

When the folk at iTradexchange showed us their website, we knew that the first step in our becoming a member should be to recreate the organization’s website.

We saw some search engine optimization (SEO), functionality, and user experience tweaks that could be made to help them rank higher in search engines than some of their sister exchanges like Partners One.

The new website hasn’t been launched, but you can see the existing one at: https://itradexchange.biz

Why Choose BlakSheep Creative?

So, if you’re a business owner interested in growing your business, you should consider joining iTradexchange.

We do more than just build websites.

With over 25 years of web design, digital marketing, project management, and social media management (to name a few of our capabilities), our team of expert designers, developers, and SEO gurus know what it takes to help you grow your business online and see long-term results.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you expand your digital footprint. (You don’t have to be a member.)

– Step 1 of 8

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If You Have a Current Site

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What's the website/URL

What do you like about it? (Be specific – colors, images, overall feeling, navigation bar location, etc.)

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Do you have a domain name/URL registered?

• Yes
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• Not Sure

If so, with whom? (ex. GoDaddy)

Do you have a web host?

• Yes
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• Not Sure

If so, with whom? (ex. GoDaddy)

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If You Have a Current Blog

______________________________

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Do you currently use an email newsletter /marketing service?

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• Not Sure

If so, what software do you use? (Ex. Constant Contact, Mailchimp)

If so, do you want an email newsletter signup form on your website?

• Yes
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• Not Sure

Do you participate in social media?

• Facebook
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Design and Look

______________________________

Do you have a business logo?

• Yes
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• Not Sure

you If colors

If not, would you like us to create one for you?

• Yes
• No
• Not Sure

Are there any specific colors you’d like used on your website?

Are there any colors you don’t want used on your website? (Ex: similar to a competitor)

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All our websites are custom designed to your specifications. Please check any of the boxes you think meet your stylistic needs or suggest some of you own.

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Any other stylistic needs

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______________________________

What is the purpose of your website?

Who is your target audience? (Be specific)

What should the main call to action on the home page be? (Ex: Call Now, Sign Up for a Newsletter)

Which pages do you think your website will need?

• About
• Blog
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• Home
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Are there any other pages not included above that you need?

Will you be providing the content (text) for the website?

• Yes
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• Not Sure

If not, would you like us to provide a quote for copy writing services?

• Yes
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• Not Sure

Will you be providing any images/photos?

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• Not Sure

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Ecommerce

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Do you plan on selling products or services through your website?

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• Not Sure

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• Not Sure

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Search Engine Optimization

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Are you interested in purchasing our Advanced SEO External Backlink package?

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Maintenance and Updates

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Do you want us to handle the maintenance and future changes to your website so you don’t have to?

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Miscellaneous

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Website Examples

Please find 3 websites pertaining to your industry and examine the design, content, navigation, overall layout, style, etc.
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