You would have to be living under a rock to not notice the phenomena that is Pokémon Go. Most of us remember the Pokémon characters of the early 90's from the cartoons, video games, and the line of retail toys and cards. Created by video game designer Satoshi Tajiri.

Pokémon Go launched on July 5th, and is reminiscent of the original game. Only this time it's real life. The idea is still the same.  There are in-app purchases (of course) and this game is a huge DATA SUCK. 

Here are some answers to the questions in your mind:

Are you missing out on fun if you don't play?
We are all driven by a little FOMO (Fear of Mission Out) so I totally understand the question. I mean, I'm competitive by nature and I'm a runner so in my mind I'm thinking I could really clean up on this game. However, since I'm an adult with responsibilities and other hobbies I'm ok with missing out on this fun.   So you need to answer that question...

Authenticity leads to impressions, leads to clicks, leads to conversions. (Don't worry I'll explain below!)

If you want social media to "work," you'll need to make sure you're being authentic. Let's back track a minute, let me define "work." I talk in great length with business owners and marketing departments about their social media efforts and hear a lot of the same feedback. Some have given up because they say it doesn't "work." Others have not even tried because they just don't know how to "work" it. I guess what they're trying to say is... they haven't seen the results of their social media efforts. So, what's going wrong? Let me give you a GIANT piece of advice: your social media can only "work" if you first stop pushing your product or service and instead become a valuable participant.

Social media is SOCIAL media. Social media is NOT a business card board.

If you want to see results, you'll need to play the game. The game of being genuine.
1. KNOW WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

...

How to harness the power of online marketing for your business.

Understanding the big picture will help you decide where to be, what to publish, and how to measure your online efforts.

TAKE THE #SOCIALBUSINESSPLAN CLASS

Have a great week!
Margaret Brown
Founder, ANROMA - SocializeLA.com

Do you need additional help?
We help businesses like yours, get noticed.

We have 3 ways to get started:
1. 15 Min Consultation
2. Social Media Breakthrough
3. Let's Create Your Social Business Plan

If you have questions please contact the team for assistance.

Contact: 800-279-8922 or connect(@)socializela.com
Twitter/Instagram @margmarieb
Follow Us Instagram/Twitter: @socializela
Facebook.com/socializeLA

The customer is king? We recently read this article from our friends at Upwork.com and wanted to add some thoughts of our own.

How do we let our customers and clients in 2016 know we care? How do we show it and how do we prove it? As a business owner we all know that retaining a customer is key to business growth.  While all businesses are different it is safe to say that social media plays a significant role in proving that you care for your client.  Remember your online presence serves your business in many ways: marketing, sales, customer service, PR, and business development.  

Today we'll focus on assessing your social customer service.  More so now you'll see people turning to Twitter and Facebook accounts for updates and to ask questions.  But wait! Aren't Twitter and Facebook managers more marketers that customer service providers? That's where your planning comes in.  With just a bit of industry research you should be able to...

Online marketing means taking chances.

• Trying campaigns
• Contests
• Catch phrases

When you see something that has gone VIRAL, not always is it a spontaneous event caught on camera. Many times the producer of said viral event had tried and planned several times over.

Sometimes tooting your own horn can be tough. But it's important to humbly tell your good news. Your loyal friends and customers will love it! The haters will always hate.

Take chances! Be bold!

Join us on Facebook for #40to2015.

Like and share any of the posts for a chance to win the New Years Eve prize!

#SocialBusinessPlan

Sincerely,

The ANROMA- SocializeLA.com Team

Year after year we help our community, clients, and friends understand best practices for online marketing. As we exit 2015 we want to look back at what worked, didn't work, and focus on value. 

In this post we'll share 3 of 7 top social media tips for 2016.  

Join us online Nov 18 @ 9am for our 2016 Social Media Strategy webinar!

1. Don't ignore social media for another year. 

Your online reputation is key to your business growth. There is no way around this.  The longer you wait the further behind your competition you'll find yourself.  This isn't a scare tactic to get you to buy into anything. This is your friend telling you to get started. You don't need to go big or go home, quite the opposite - start where you feel comfortable. 

2. Think of a way to integrate video.

If you've been around me for any amount of time I'm constantly reminding you that your online presence shortens the sale cycle because people feel like they LIKE you...

Win the YELP Battle!
In 2004-05 the world was graced with the ability to find local restaurants/services, review our favorite places, and read recommendations and reviews from others.  Although consumers found this handy especially when visiting a new neighborhood.  The battle between business owners and Yelp began, and today a real struggle.

In 11 years time Yelp has found their advertising platform to be quite lucrative.  If you're a business owner chances are you get daily/weekly calls from San Francisco asking if you'd like to advertise or increase your advertising budget with Yelp.  Business owners complain that Yelp uses FEAR tactics to get business owners to pull the trigger.  Yelp is willing to bend over backwards to help you start an advertising campaign, but have yet to find a strategy to help you with fraudulent reviews, etc...

Before you read on, where I can't help you:

• If you generally don't offer good/excellent customer service. 
• You're...

"Dear Presidential contenders of 2016, do yourself a favor and use a memorable hashtag."

Next year (2016) is a Presidential Election year (YAY, exciting). I remember as a little girl voting day, and the excitement of the results. One specific election I remember was in 1992. I was at the softball fields where my mom and co-workers played co-ed softball. To include my teacher, teacher friends, dad, and various staff.  Such a fond memory. There we heard the news, I'm assuming by radio. There were no cell phones, definitely no smart phones. Although I never did get 'into politics' I do love the process and my country.  

I started my company in 2009. We focus on helping businesses attract and retain their client base. My brain is constantly wrapped up in social media, marketing, and the thought process of consumers. As I begin to see more and more campaigning something dawned on me...

Due to the constant growth of social media we WILL see another INCREASE in voter...

From the Point of View of Business Owners & Marketing Professionals
Common questions from actual professionals.

For business owners and marketing professionals of 10+ years they've seen a huge change in marketing, media, sales, and technology.  A major component of this change is Social Media and Google Search. Out of social media and Google search came the need for 3rd party tools to help create funnels, call-to-actions, and greater integration of lead generating tools.

I want to take a moment to highlight these common statements I hear from this segment of professionals.  And add some insight for each.  Chances are you have these same questions. 

I wish social media...

• Didn't take so much time.
• Brought in more sales.
• Easier to implement. 
• Easier to understand.
• Didn't exist.

Before we answer these questions let's face reality.  Digital marketing will only evolve from here.  Whether you get on board or not, these online channels will continue...

"Create a customer journey. Guide your audience from the time they first notice you to the time they choose you. Increase your Visibility, Credibility, and LIKEability in a few strategic steps."

Does your business have a social media strategy? 6 out of 10 small businesses have issues with their social media strategy.  Either they aren't seeing results, they can't stay consistent, they don't know what to do next. Most have started a page but don't actively post or engage.  In addition, they are shooting from the hip and don't have a plan of action.  This is where the #socialbusinessplan comes in. 

By implementing just a little bit of planning you can make sense of your social media. Most importantly you can make your social media profitable and productive.

Here are 5 easy and effortless steps you can take today to create your profitable online presence...

1. Determine your overall goals and your objectives

Your social media and online marketing goals are not...