That said, if your business is one that isn’t necessarily capitivating to the uninitiated, you might wonder how to make it that way. This post from SEOMOZ details the advantages of having great content for so-called “boring” niches. At Leads.com, we specialize in the creation of capitivating content, and if you happen to be in one of those businesses, we are more than willing to tell an effective and interesting story about what your business does, why it does it, and how it benefits your customers.

An interesting site that we just built is for Raleigh, NC’s Liquid Gold. a site that allows those in the Raleigh area to sell their precious metals for “cash on the spot”, rather than relying on out-of-state brokers for this service.

As is our practice — and as is SEO best practice in general — the site has many geospecific indicators that are designed to let search engines and potential customers alike know about the services offered by Liquid Gold.

According to Melissa Samaroo, the copywriter responsible for the site, writing about Liquid Gold’s offerings presented an interesting challenge.

“With so many different options for selling gold available, the challenge for me was to present all the things that make Liquid Gold unique and preferable to a place that advertises on late night TV. As a society, we’ve been trained to go for the most convenient option. But there are good reasons to frequent small, locally owned and operated businesses, and I tried to bring those to the forefront,” Melissa said.

We develop many sites every week, and what our customers find is that the initial investment in their individual sites pays off handsomely after some time passes, especially when their sites are integrated into larger marketing campaigns.

This week, Web.com made the decision to consolidate its North American data operations in Atlanta, with one of the leaders in the industry, Quality Technology Services. As luck would have it, Web.com’s relationship with QTS was forged via acquisition, as the press release maintains:

“As a company consistently growing both organically and via strategic acquisitions, scalability and flexibility are primary infrastructure needs,” said Jane Landon, senior vice president and chief technology officer of Web.com. “We inherited a relationship with QTS when we acquired Network Solutions and Web.com has continued to appreciate the service and performance. QTS offered us a long-term agreement that gives us the flexibility we need, and the sheer size and scope of the QTS Atlanta Metro Data Center provides us room to grow.”

Likewise, QTS is very positive about the increased collaboration with the myriad brands now under the Web.com umbrella.

“We’re pleased that after a thorough review of possible data center options, Web.com has determined that QTS is the best solution to handle the constantly growing requirements of its many businesses,” said Chad Williams, chief executive officer — QTS. “QTS will continue to build and develop the hardened, world-class data center space needed by today’s demanding customers. We’ll continue to provide our services at scale for growing companies like Web.com who are looking to mitigate the risk associated with forecasting their data center needs.”

Web.com will back up all of this data at a facility near its headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida. In this time of brand expansion, though, solidifying its relationship with QTS appears to be a win/win scenario for both parties as Web.com continues its efforts to transform the industry.

The revised interface privileges mobile phones; specifically, smartphones, which have revolutionized communication in the last few years. Google+ local pages are the new standard, which is really helpful for those who want a neatly distilled source of information on the business they seek. Google+ local pages are fully integrated with other Google properties, creating a new and exciting product synergy. The “circles filter” facilitates seeing recommendations from friends and acquaintances, while an integration of Zagat reviews bolsters that feature with feedback from a respected, independent authority.

This change looks to be a permanent one — at least, in terms of the transient topography of the Internet — and savvy small business owners are well advised to get on board before they are left behind. An important thing to note, for those concerned, is that those businesses with a strong presence on Google Places have not lost their information.

“If you already had a strong Google Places page, fear not—all the information has already been transferred to your Google+ Local page. Additionally, you can (and should for now, according to Google) make changes to your listing via your Google Places page. In other words, you’ll still need to verify whether or not your Google Places listing needs to show the address for your place of business, among other things.”

For Google to maintain its enviable and unique position in the market, the company will need to constantly innovate its methods. Though controversy will rage about any change that the company makes, it is important for critics to understand that the company ultimately seeks a more organic and more user friendly experience. Small businesses that embrace the changes will thrive, and those that don’t have made their viability a more open question.

1. Plan Ahead

Make the most out of your morning mental clarity by prioritizing your to-do list in advance. End your work day by making an abbreviated to-do list of the most important things that you need to accomplish the next day. Limit the list to no more than three tasks and post it on your desk so that it’s the first thing you’ll see when you arrive at your desk to start your day.

2. Minimize Media Consumption

Want to improve your focus throughout the workday? Limit the time that you spend watching television and reading the news until after you have completed your to-do list. It’s important to stay abreast of current events, but when you do so during working hours, media can be a major distraction.

3. Avoid Your Inbox

Email is one of the biggest distractions that we face constantly throughout the workday. Limit the time that you spend checking your email to two or three times a day and watch your productivity soar. Sound impossible? Start small and avoid checking your inbox before you have checked one item off of your daily to-do list. If you get sucked into the black hole that is your email inbox, at least you will have already accomplished something important.

4. Stop Trying to Multitask

The brain is most effective when focusing on one task at a time. With iPhones, apps and instant availability of information, modern technology only reinforces the myth that multitasking is possible. However, neuroscientists have proven that it is in fact just a myth. Our brains can switch between tasks very quickly, for instance, when you are talking on the phone and typing an email, but we unable to thoroughly focus on more than one thing at a time.

Try implementing these simple habits into your work routine today. The increased productivity will leave you less stressed and with a healthier mindset. Want more advice for creating a healthy workplace? Check out our four tips to achieve better health for your employees.

From roofers and auto mechanics to computer programmers and administrative assistants, a healthy employee is more likely to perform tasks more efficiently and function better on the job. Optimal health encompasses physical, mental and emotional well-being. Maintaining healthy relationships with coworkers, a clean work environment and a positive outlook can also improve overall health. As an employer, you can improve company wellness by fostering a workplace that values healthy living choices.

Employees spend a substantial amount of time at their workplace, which is why your organization can have an impact on improving individual nutrition and exercise.  Improve the quality of life and reduce health risks among your team by adopting any of these four small-business wellness tips:

1.      Develop a wellness program

A wellness program provides your employees with health awareness and tools to start living healthier and maintaining healthy behaviors. When employees are exposed to good habits in a health-inspired work environment, they’re more likely to consider tweaking their lifestyle and participating in nutritional diets and physical activity. Physically and intellectually prosperous employees help increase productivity and cut back on health care costs. Create a timeline, incentive challenges and personal goals for your staff!

2.       Create a healthy break room

Many small businesses have fully stocked break rooms. Your employees aren’t benefitting from refrigerators filled with soda and cupboards containing chips, crackers, candy and cookies. Make over your break room so that the majority of available snacks are nutritional, low fat and have fewer calories. Stock your office with healthier foods such as pistachio nuts, cheese sticks, plain air-popped popcorn or sunflower seeds.

3.      Build teamwork by being active

Plan a meeting or social event around exercise. Take a walk outside to discuss a business proposal or brainstorm ideas. Schedule a weekly hike, sign up for the latest fitness craze or create an office kickball team or basketball team.  Gather your team and attend a fitness class or go for a group run after work instead of an indulgent happy hour.  In place of sugary cocktails or fried appetizers, exercise can help your employees relax and relieve stress from the workday.

4.      Socialize with healthy options

Part of the office and workplace culture revolves around social breaks, lunches, holiday parties and celebrations. Refrain from lunch take out laden with calories and fattening ingredients and avoid restaurants during your lunch outings that serve large and rich meals. Plan an office potluck with a healthy theme or cater your company event with more nutritional dishes.

Creating a healthier and nutritional work environment for your employees encourages them to commit to a life of wellness. Your company will benefit from improved performance and mindsets from employees who have fewer ailments and health risks.

Adopt any of the following 8 tips that can help your business be more sustainable and green:

1.      Print less

Offices print and throw away exorbitant amounts of paper a day. Use technology whenever possible as an alternative to printing physical documents.

For example:

• Use a company shared drive to transfer and update documents
• Offer employees and clients downloadable PowerPoint slides instead of individual packets

Printing less usually just requires the time and effort from each employee to consider a greener solution. Make it a priority for your staff!

2.      Use less paper

Whether you’re demolishing your Post-it piles, hitting  the print button less frequently or consolidating how much writing you fit onto a notepad, reducing the amount of paper you use helps your company’s budget and the planet’s trees.

Consider the follow tips:

• Use whiteboards to take notes or outline objectives instead of notepads or Post-its
• Print paper double-sided
• Send emails in place of faxes and physical memos

3.      Hire a green cleaning company

Many commercial cleaning companies offer green cleaning programs that include safe and healthy products and cleaning techniques. Ask your cleaning company if they clean with non-toxic and biodegradable products or how they provide environmentally conscious cleaning methods.

4.      Cut back on travel

Can you business afford to cut back on travel expenses and reduce greenhouse emissions?  You may need to reconsider your business tactics that eliminate excessive driving and high amounts of gas. Reprioritize your reasons for traveling, carpool or use a GPS to eliminate the possibility of getting lost. Walk, bike or use public modes of transportation whenever possible.

5.      Renovate your store, office building or facility

Your lighting and HVAC systems may actually be burning more energy than is necessary. Many electrical companies offer system upgrades that help buildings maximize energy and cut back on high utility costs.

Energy-efficient solutions include:

• Lighting retrofits
• Programmable thermostats
• Ceiling fans
• Heat-reflective windows and blinds
• Routine tune-ups and maintenance services
• Weather-stripping and caulking to prevent leaks and increase ventilation

6.      Incorporate green products

Can your business offer more energy-efficient products or incorporate green products into your services? For example, if you’re a flooring company, your services can include a non-toxic sealant or volatile organic compound-free (VOC) finish.

7.      Recycle

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. These three “R’s” can be applied to any type of business. Take the time to research and implement an effective recycling program. For example, offices can recycle unused printer paper, plastic and cans. Cut back on disposable cups, plates and utensils. Recycle toner cartridges and reduce packaging. Auto repair shops, for example, can adopt recycling practices such as antifreeze, battery and solvent recycling.

8.      Buy green-certified office supplies

Stock your store or office with green office supplies from websites such as thegreenoffice.com or dolphinblue.com.  Even replacing certain supplies with eco-friendly alternatives is a step in the right direction.

Taking small steps toward becoming a greener business makes a difference. Green awareness will help your business save energy, reduce waste and take part in social change!

The first step is to get on board with social networking. Develop a strategy and make it a priority like you would with any other marketing initiative or campaign. As you start to execute your Facebook, Twitter or Google+ ideas, avoid these four common mistakes:

1.         Misunderstanding Your Customers

Determine your target audience and understand their social networking behavior. This includes posting when potential customers are most likely to see, click on and share your posts. Do your customers want to be alerted about special offers? Would they be interested in sweepstakes or product updates? Put yourself in your customers’ shoes and brainstorm about what type of content would be most engaging and beneficial to them.

2.         Poor Social Media Etiquette

Social media is a culture and Facebook and Twitter have online social norms that may ostracize your business if you fail to follow them. For example, promote your business as well as others. Maintain friendly relationships with competitors. Extend your social networking to like-minded businesses and create beneficial cyber partnerships in which you share and offer valuable and insightful information. This will enhance your integrity and credibility as well as diversify your wide range of online offerings, which can include discounts, promotional events, topics of interest and community engagement.

3.         Neglecting a Unified & Personal Presence

Ensure that all of your marketing platforms are unified and recognizable. For example, design a Facebook page that matches your branding style and connect your social online marketing efforts to your traditional marketing efforts. Maintain a consistent and personal tone that matches the tone of your company, whether you’re a trendy fashion boutique for young children or a family-owned auto repair shop. If appropriate for your type of business, personalize your Facebook or Twitter page. Testimonials or photos can help elicit customer response and increase awareness about your products and services.

4.         Lacking Rewards

Customers are likely to read your posts, check your Facebook page or visit your website if you highlight special offers, giveaways and prizes. Example ideas include: “Share the funniest photo of your dog! The winner will receive a free dog grooming certificate!” or “The first 10 people to like this post will receive 15% off a spa service!” Also, make sure to include calls to action that refer users to your website or encourage them to sign up for emails and newsletters.

Managing your business’ social networking can be a creative, fun and effective way to develop relationships with your customers and drive company awareness. Just remember to keep your goals in place, monitor your initiatives and measure your success. Social media must be worth the investment in time and money!

1. Start Fresh

Clear out your inbox and organize your desk. Stop procrastinating and start checking things off your to-do list.  Is your computer software or production equipment due for an upgrade? Now is the time to get all of your ducks in a row in an effort to prevent mid-season meltdowns from your most-used necessities. This is also the ideal time to order a few months worth of supplies. Stock up on paper, printer ink, business cards, product packaging and anything else that you’ll be using more of as business picks up.

2. Find Out What Works and What Doesn’t

Gather your colleagues for a brainstorming session to evaluate your holiday performance in years past. Ask each person to prepare for the meeting by pinpointing one thing that your business has done well in past holiday seasons, one key problem and one suggestion for how to help this season run smoother. Compile everyone’s ideas to develop an action plan for how to achieve more success this year.

3.  Evaluate Customer Service

Review any problems that have occurred as a result of your company policies. Do you have a strict return policy that has created issues? How fast do you ship after an order is placed? Do you extend your hours of operation to accommodate the holiday bustle? Consider adjusting policies to avoid past problems and make sure that any changes are clearly communicated to all employees.

The holidays are around the corner! Contact LeadsbyWeb.com to learn how we can help you prepare.

Avoid these five common mistakes:

1. Lack of administration

Many startups and small businesses don’t have sufficient funds or resources to dedicate to record keeping. It’s time consuming, but updating and organizing paperwork is essential for your business.  You’ll save time and money when you record sales, expenses and tax deductions. Make sure to regularly file invoices, receipts and financial statements.

2. Ignoring changes in the marketplace

Because of changes in the economic climate, the marketplace is also in a constant state of flux. Innovative products are continuously being offered and services evolve, especially with daily technological advancements. Your service may become obsolete or your offerings could be replaced with a more efficient and fashionable product. Stay up-to-date on industry trends and consumer needs. Consistently update your business strategy to accommodate growing demands.

3. Wrong attitude

Whether you’re the owner or manager, your attitude is everything. It’s important that your company values and maintains professionalism even if you have a casual working environment, you’re friendly with your staff or your team is small. As the leader of your business, if you stay positive and motivated, then your team is more likely to adopt that attitude. It’s equally important to treat your customers with respect and understanding. Referrals are a significant part of new customers and increased sales for small businesses. Overconfidence or a smug demeanor is off-putting toward customers and may cause you to make excuses for your own mistakes and failures.

4. Overlooking current customers

Never take for granted your current and local customers. Once your marketing efforts start paying off and you’ve established a following, it’s OK to keep marketing to this specific niche.  You’ll save money and benefit from these customers, also known as proven buyers, who rely on your products or services. Also, never dismiss leads and be sure to promptly respond to interested prospects. Create a uniform system for converting leads into sales. Focus on generating new leads when your current ones are exhausted.

5. Poor social and business etiquette

Small Business Trends refers to appropriate business behavior as social intelligence. Your company’s success depends on more than just logistics such as finances, high-quality products and consumer need. Social norms, respectful behavior and self awareness can make a difference in how your company’s perceived. Your personal demeanor, appearance, sales pitch and the tidiness of your store are some examples of what customers may critique you on. You don’t have to mimic your competitors or lose sight of your identity; just make sure that you’re delivering the correct message.

By acknowledging these five mistakes, you’ve increased your awareness and can switch gears if you foresee any signs of trouble. Changes don’t have to take immediate effect. Take time to develop a new strategy to prevent these or other mistakes because of a lack of planning. Mistakes of any size are redeemable and fixable as long as you can recognize your shortcomings.