A lot of companies try to dazzle the reader on their About page. They talk about how long they’ve been in business. They use big fancy and fluffy marketese to make you think that the only way you can have a successful and meaningful web presence is by handing the keys to your online strategy over to their team of strategists, creatives, and developers.
The problem with trying to force a ‘one size fits all’ type of process on a local, independently owned business is that passion is rarely communicated well.
- The web ‘expert’ is more interested in the launch than the long term relationship.
- They become a vender rather than a partner.
My name is Andy. I’m not a designer. I am not a developer. I often misspell your/you’re when writing blog posts, but I think I have a lot to offer you.
I am Passionate about Local Business.
First of all, I am the Director of Marketing for a locally owned and independently run True Value Hardware store and Outdoor Power Equipment company with locations in Alpharetta, Doraville, Duluth and Oakwood, Georgia. I started working for Howard Brothers in High School, but through the years, I’ve also had the opportunity to help develop web strategy with some of the largest hospitals and healthcare systems in the country. Having the chance to work with clients on both ends of the spectrum, I can easily say that I am drawn more to the small mom and pop business than the bureaucracy and red tape that sometimes comes with big business.
As small businesses, we have to be agile to change. We have to be hyper-focused on our reputation. We have to be trusting with those who are brought on our team to further the success of our business.
The Marketing Toolbelt Needed For Small Businesses
My goal is to introduce you to some tools that you can take out of your toolbelt so that you can start using them immediately to further your brand and business. While most of the tools that I can teach you to use are related to your online presence, there are others that will improve your overall marketing strategy. You’re probably being bombarded by salesmen who are trying to sell you a tool, but how do you know which tool is most relevant and impactful to your business? For most the tools are just out of reach.
This website isn’t trying to sell you anything. There are no prices. I invite you to ask questions. I want this website to be a resource for the community of small business owners. I want to help educate so that you have a better foundation when selecting a web vender or marketing agency (and yes… maybe you’ll decide that I can help you out.)
Let’s determine together which tools you want to have with you at all times. If we can gather the tools that we know we need and learn to use them more efficiently, then during those slower times of our day, we can quickly pull them out and use them.