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Tips

April 1, 2021
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Tips to Optimize Your Ranking in Google

By | Business, Tips

Tips to Optimize Your Ranking in Google by Ahava Marketing.

You may think you need to be an engineer or an expert in web development to optimize your Google Ranking, but, I have good news for you. There are simple adjustments that will help the search engines rank your site higher.

Find the right keywords
The first thing you need to know is what keywords you would like to use to rank in Google, which means in what searches you will like your site to appear. Make sure you think the same way the users do, don’t be too technical. Try to use common sense keywords, for example; if your business is a restaurant for Mexican food in Sugar Land, do not try to use phrases like authentic Mexican food in Sugar Land, but use instead best Mexican food in Sugar, that’s how the users will look for the product or service.

Use the right Titles
When developing a section for your site make sure you use the right title for each page, for example, instead of using the title About Us you can use About Business E Suites, giving branding to the page and context to the search engine.

Name your Keywords in the first paragraph
Your home page’s first phrase should be used with the H1 title and using the keywords you are using to rank, for example; Best Mexican Food in Sugar Land or Indoor Pool Installation in Houston. This tire is the most important part doe the search engines use H1 and H2 formats
Make sure you use the right format for each part, do not abuse the use of H1 titles, instead use H2 or H3 and paragraphs <p> for long content.

Use good Content 
A simple phrase is not enough for search engines to understand your website, be aware that Google understands full paragraphs, use long sentences and use the keywords in the content.“Come and join us at Escalante’s to enjoy the best Mexican food in Sugar Land, we offer a wide menu and great prices” This paragraph provides users great context, great information and includes relevant keywords and words like prices and menu, therefore, it’s related to the food industry.

Create a Site Map
Make sure you create a site map, an XML file that can be read by the search engine robots, once you have it, go into Google Search Console and submit it to them and your site will be ready to rank higher. SEO requires time and dedication and is not something that reflects results immediately. Make sure you check monthly your rank by searching those meet words and phrases to check the progress.

 

If you have any questions or need a free consultation – reach out at www.ahavamarketing.com

March 31, 2021
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Texas is Re-Opening at 100%, is Your Business Ready?

By | Industry, Tips

As the weather gets warmer and Summer approaches quickly, Texas businesses are opening back up at a rapid pace. Consumers have been cautiously saving their money for the past year, but now cash is starting to flow back into the community as people begin to travel and spend discretionary income once again.

Is your business ready for an influx of new customers? Many owners have had to trim back staff and inventory due to decreased capacity and spending throughout much of 2020. Consumer spending has started to rebound though, with multiple states opening. Consumer Spending in the United States increased to 12999.10 USD Billion in the fourth quarter of 2020 from 12924.72 USD Billion in the third quarter of 2020 (source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis).

If you traveled for Spring Break this year, then you may have seen some of the signs of rising spending: full flights at the airports, long lines at retail stores, longer waits for restaurant seating, and the return of a vibrant nightlife scene with packed bars and clubs.

You might have also noticed that some of these businesses were not prepared to handle the influx of customers, having to turn them away or due to being understaffed or out of stock of certain items. At a time when small businesses are struggling, nobody can afford to turn away customers. Make sure you are prepared to handle any sudden surges.  Do not go overboard and buy too much inventory or hire lots of new full-time staff, but make sure you have plans in place should the need arise. Here are some helpful tips for preparing for a busy summer as Texas opens back up completely.

  1. Start posting job openings online and around town – You don’t have to hire anyone right away, but start building a network of quality candidates that you can call on when the time comes for you to increase your staff. You want to avoid being desperate for help and having to settle for subpar employees. As other businesses are re-opening too, the talent pool will dry up quickly. So, get your name out there and start lining up candidates now and stay ahead of the competition.
  2. Begin selectively increasing inventory – Gas prices are rising which means transportation costs for good will be increasing. Now is a good time to start strategically stocking up on non-perishable products that you know will have a high demand as we get into the summer months. Look into securing additional storage or warehouse space so that you won’t be scrambling to find room once demand increases. If you deal in perishables, see if there is affordable refrigerated or freezer storage in the area. Even if you do not need it right now, be prepared should the need arise quickly.
  3. Ramp up marketing campaigns – Marketing expenses are often one of the first areas that owners and managers will cut back when times are lean. As consumers start looking to spend their cash, make sure your company is at the forefront of their consciousness. Digital marketing such as Google or Facebook ads are an easy way to advertise with any size budget. Start small and target certain groups of consumers, then widen your net as you start to see an uptick in interactions. Make sure everyone knows that you are open for business!

Just by following these small tips, you can make a world of difference for your small business and ensure that you are ready as Texas opens and businesses start to see increased traffic.

If you found this article helpful, then we think you would love being a part of our community at Business E Suites. We are home to over 50 local businesses in the Sugar Land area, and we hold regular events and workshops that help entrepreneurs develop the skills necessary to succeed. Come and see us and learn how we can help take your business to new heights!

 

March 31, 2021
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Work From Everywhere: Here’s How to Succeed as a Digital Nomad

By | Industry, Tips

This article is brought to you by Business E Suites.

Once upon a time, hopeful travelers had to choose between exploring the world and maintaining a career. These days, however, remote work has made life as a digital nomad possible —  meaning, you can do the work you love and travel where you’d like all at once. This is a phenomenal way to live life on your own terms, but it’s one that requires some serious forethought. Here are some tips for how to make this lifestyle work for you:

Market Yourself as a Business

Finding a staff position at a company that allows for the digital nomad lifestyle is far from impossible, but it will be challenging. That’s why many people who go this route prefer to work as contract employees. This puts you in charge of your own schedule and workload, which can make it far easier to enjoy the places you visit on your travels. Moreover, it can make moving from place to place simpler since you won’t have to negotiate time off every time you want to wander.

That said, if you go this route, it’s important to treat yourself as a small business. Depending on what kind of work you’re doing, you may be taking on legal and financial risks if you work as a sole proprietor. Forming a limited liability company, or LLC, creates a legal barrier between your personal and professional assets. This kind of protection can offer invaluable peace of mind.

Stay Organized

One of the biggest challenges facing digital nomads is keeping their work organized. This is hard enough to manage for self-employed people and remote workers in general, but add the inherent instability of travel into the mix, and it gets a whole lot trickier. That’s why it’s so important to foster a reliable organizational method you can use to keep your work on track.

There are several approaches you can take to this. For example, there are many different types of task-management programs that can sync between several devices. This can make keeping track of tasks and deadlines possible when you’re frequently transitioning between your phone and laptop while on the go. You can also use a physical planner or bullet journal system to keep your tasks organized. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution here, so try out several approaches until you find one that’s best for you.

Where to Work?

Life as a digital nomad means you can take your work on the go, but this does mean you have to keep your itinerary filled with destinations with a reliable internet connection. Many hotels and vacation rentals come with WiFi — be sure to check the booking information thoroughly to make sure you know if internet access is included in the price.

If your temporary home doesn’t have internet access, you can often find restaurants and coffee shops that do. It’s important to follow etiquette when using these kinds of establishments as workspaces, however. Be sure to pick up a drink or food item, tip well, and avoid lingering during busy times whenever possible.

Finally, you may be able to find coworking spaces on your journey. A coworking space can be especially useful if you’re spending a month or more in a single area. Business E Suites offers memberships that you can use throughout your whole stay. Coworking spaces don’t just offer internet access — they also give you access to a desk, a quiet space, and amenities that can make your workday substantially more pleasant.

Although this work style isn’t right for everyone, it can make exploring the world feasible for people who don’t already have the funds to sustain long-term travel — or who aren’t willing to sacrifice their careers along the way. We hope this article helps you to figure out whether or not you’d like to dive into the digital nomad life and, if so, how to make it happen.

Looking for a great workspace in Sugar Land, TX for your remote role? Check out Business E Suites today!

Photo Credit: Pexels

Article By: Lance Cody-Valdez

March 4, 2021
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A Sanity-Saving Guide to Working From Home With Young Children

By | Tips

As a mother with young children, working from home is both a blessing and a curse. You can spend more time with your little ones, avoid the daily commute to and from work, and save money on childcare, but you’re also faced with constant interruptions and distractions that make working seem close to impossible. And due to COVID-19 concerns, you may not feel comfortable hiring a babysitter or sending your little ones to child care — even when you’re desperate for a break.

To help you juggle it all, the team at Business E Suites is here to share some sanity-saving tips and strategies to make working from home with young kids much more feasible. Read on to get started!

Work While the Little Ones Sleep

If you’re a sleep-deprived mother of a newborn, you may be tempted to catch up on some sleep whenever your baby goes down for a morning or afternoon nap. However, nap times are the perfect opportunities to power through your important work tasks — even if you only have 20- to- 40 minutes to yourself. The same goes for napping toddlers and young children!

In addition to working while your little ones nap, you’ll accomplish more if you aim to work when your children are at their calmest. For most children, this usually means immediately after waking from a nap or eating a meal.

Share Responsibilities

If you and your partner are both working remotely during the pandemic, try splitting your parenting duties between the two of you, and scheduling childcare shifts throughout the workday. If your partner has deadlines, phone calls, and meetings in the morning, you could care for your little ones in the morning and your partner could take the afternoon shift. If each workday looks a bit different, however, you’ll want to sit down with your partner every evening to plan out the following day’s activities.

Try Virtual Babysitting Services

To keep young children entertained so you can focus on your work, you could turn to online games and activities — or you could enlist the help of a virtual babysitter. To find a virtual babysitter to engage with your little ones via Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime, Kelsey Hurwitz of Woman’s Day recommends:

  • Obtaining referrals from friends and family.
  • Visiting websites such as SitterCity and Care.com.
  • Asking for recommendations on Facebook.
  • Looking for virtual sitters on NextDoor and other neighborhood platforms.

As another option, you could check with your friends and relatives to see if they might be interested in a virtual visit with your little ones. Grandma and grandpa, for instance, can read stories to your young children, draw and color with them, and play fun virtual games like I-Spy and Mad Libs.

Preserve Your Sanity

When you’re at home with your young kids all week long, some days may test your sanity — and you may start to feel as if you’re on the verge of losing your mind. However, this is where self-care comes in. Even as a busy work-from-home mom, self-care is a must!

Here are some simple self-care strategies to keep you happy, healthy, and sane:

  • Try a coworking space. One day a week away from home could be a boon for your productivity. If you can work it out with your partner, plan to use a coworking space for a whole workday. You may be able to work ahead to lighten up the rest of your week.
  • Dress comfortably. Skip the tight jeans and business clothes and opt for comfortable yet stylish leggings, tanks and joggers. When you’re chasing toddlers and young children around all day, comfortable clothing is a must.
  • Remember to breathe. Try a meditation app like Insight Timer, Calm, or Omvana — even if you only have a few minutes to spare.
  • Drink plenty of water. Nourish your body and mind by sipping on water throughout the day, and aim to drink at least eight glasses of water daily. If you’re breastfeeding, however, you’ll need to increase your water intake by about four glasses.
  • Do something for yourself. Extra time at home may have sealed the deal for you on future plans. For example, if you aspire to become an entrepreneur or finally want to get your MBA, you can join a program that fits your busy schedule but allows you to advance your career. You owe it to yourself.

The Bottom Line

Whether you’ve been working from home for years or you’re still adjusting to remote work amidst COVID-19, the challenges of being a work-from-home mom are vast — especially when you’ve got young children to feed and care for. However, focusing on the many advantages of working from home with your children will help to keep your sanity and remind you of how fortunate you really are to be given this opportunity.

Some days will certainly be tougher than others, but in time, you’ll fall into a routine that works for you and your little ones. Before you know it, working from home with a baby or toddler (or both!) won’t seem so impossible after all.

Are you looking for an affordable office space away from home? Look to Business E Suites for a monthly membership that allows you the opportunity to work in a professional environment so you can be more productive.

Image via Pexels

Article by: Janice Russell

March 3, 2021
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Marketing Tips from Ahava Marketing

By | Business, Tips

Whether you’re a marketing pro or just starting out, we’re here to pass on some helpful tips to reach some exposure and even some goals.  Remember, a brand is not just about a pretty logo, a cool website, or a simple business card, it is about the service and experience you offer your consumers, and where it is, really matters.   As a marketing agency we can tell you there are endless opportunities to market your product/service and brand your business on the way but today, we’re going to offer you some free tips to take advantage of and get started.

Start with the simplest of all; create a Google My Business Page

Most of your traffic if not all will flow through Google and having a steady presence is vital to look serious and mean business

Post and engage on social media

Almost 80% of adults use social media today, where more than half happen to be women, and the biggest age group using a social media outlet today happen to be between 18-29, plus in a world where Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram are the top three most used social media platforms.  This means, that a big group of people not quite this huge percentage, but a good amount could be potentially engaging with your brand and learning all about your product and services.  So, it’s vital to have your business engaged with a social media presence, post relevant content, and talk about what you do.  The chances of getting organic traffic and possible conversions are extremely high through social media channels.

Use hashtags and tag people

Posting content and engaging with the audience is not the only thing you need to focus on, you also need to use trending hashtags and tag relevant influential people that could boost your brand and products.  Now, posting trending hashtags, that’s just something you’re going to have to follow among other influencers specifically to your industry and take it from there.  As far as tagging people go, even if they are not influencers, you can tag people that have engaged with your brand, perhaps even acquired the product you sell, and tagging them will get you to share now your brand with their network; think about it as a word of mouth marketing tactic.

Develop an email marketing plan

Emails have become the number one method of communication among businesses and taking advantage of this new way of communication is a must.  Did you know sending something simple as a welcome email has a 21% open rate and when you offer personalization to this very same email, it increases the open rate by 50%.  Now, what you communicate, is really a world of opportunities to upsell, convert, or even just say hello and keep customers engaged.

Create useful data infographics

If your customers are visual learners like me then offering an infographic relevant to your business and its services is quite helpful, giving them the 411 as an overview with some interesting data and graphics, trust me, it will give your consumers and potential ones something to look at and become ongoing engagers with your brand.

Publish great content about your industry

In 2021, content is king and talking to the digital world through blogging and helpful articles and/or newsletters will boost your business brand and website traffic if set up correctly.

Other great tools you can use are posting helpful tip videos and even hosting contests and giveaways on social media.

To learn more about other free tips, feel free to reach out to hello@ahavamarketing.com or follow us on Facebook or Instagram: @AhavaMarketing.

March 3, 2021
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Lunch & Learn Recap: Cold Calling with Dave Fisher

By | Business, Tips

Business E Suites held its first-ever Lunch & Learn workshop on February 4th. This is something that we will be held each month on the 1st Thursday of the month. The topic for our first event was Cold Calling & Sales hosted by our very own David Fisher of Western Aviation.

Mr. Fisher has been in Sales for over 20 years and has experience selling all types of products from cars, jets, software, telecom, and more. He shared with our members some great tips for how to use cold calling to help make your small business more profitable.

We won’t give away all of his secrets, but here are a few tips he had:

  • Be prepared: Have a list of contacts you are calling and be sure to know as much about them as possible. Do some quick research so you know who you are calling and what their interests are how your business can help. Download lists of industry professionals you are targeting, or create your own list using excel and googling the business you are targeting. The more information you have the easier it will be to get past the gatekeeper.
  • Get past the gatekeeper: Every business or executive is going to have a receptionist or gatekeeper that you must get through before speaking to your actual target. There are many different strategies for getting past them. Ask for the person by name, sound familiar. Don’t start off with a sales pitch, you will get shut down right away. Be polite but assertive, be vague but intentional. Keep it as simple as “is Jim there? I need to speak with him.” And see where that gets you.
  • Get an email address: Even if you can’t get past the gatekeeper, get the email of the person you were trying to reach. Usually, the gatekeeper or receptionist will give it to you or let you leave a voicemail. Getting the email lets you at the very least send a follow-up message and add them to your marketing list, which is valuable. If they are unwilling to give it to you, a simple way to figure it out is just to find out the naming conventions of the email (ex: CThomas@CompanyName.co) and plug in the name of your contact to see if it works.
  • Put in the time: Even if you only have a success rate of 3% where your calls turn into deals, but it the time to make it worth it. If you can hammer out 100 calls in a day, that would net you 3 new deals! If you don’t put in the work, you won’t get the return you are looking for. You must ignore the rejections and just keep pushing till you get that one new deal you have been waiting for.

Cold Calling is far from the most enjoyable aspect of the business, but if you work hard it can be a valuable tool for growing your company and landing deals you otherwise would have missed.

February 2, 2021
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The Importance of a Meeting Room

By | Business, Tips

It is no surprise that first impressions matter most and engaging with a potential client or even more importantly an established customer is one of the most important aspects of your business; the image you portray in that very first meeting will set the tone for everything else beyond that.

With the “normal” running a business from home is no surprise but that does not mean that a customer has to adapt to your new “normal”, therefore it’s always best to meet them in a professional environment to ensure a professional service will be rendered.  At Business E Suites we offer just that, meeting rooms that will guarantee a professional tone and set your business for a successful referral.  After all, the first impression is what most people keep.

See a virtual tour of what meeting room settings are available for you right in the heart of Sugar Land.  And learn more about our beyond-flexible rates for any business professional, even at their earliest stages can afford.

Virtual Tours

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February 2, 2021
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Let’s Grow Together

By | Business, Industry, Tips

Real estate always keeps you on your toes, there are many things constantly on the move, but there is one thing that is often overlooked and that is turning away small businesses or clients that might not meet your criteria.

Having a defined target audience for your business helps you to understand how to advertise to bring the ideal customer thru the door, but sometimes we forget that growing your network can help your business in the long run. Many realtors might not realize that when a small business is looking for their services is already trusting them, whatever they are in the need of a single office or shared office, whatever they have a small budget or are in the process of planning for the upcoming months, the fact is that most Realtors are unable to help these clients and by not giving them options, they are turning way potential client in the future, because some of that business may need to grow and expand their office soon.

At Business E Suites we believe in creating a strong relationship with everyone no matter how far along you are on your path to success. We have co-working spaces, dedicated desks, meeting rooms, and a plethora of other services and rooms to suit clients big or small. We believe in creating a strong bond with our clientele because at the end of the day we help each other grow and when it is time to move up, we will be their first call because we have already established that strong mutual relationship.

Our advice to you is to let us help you help your clients, there are ways to get even small clients in, whether it is through referral incentives or simply giving you the best price available to suit any realtor’s needs. We need to really focus and understand the importance of helping startups or small businesses take that extra step. This is where you will have your groundbreaking moments; by allowing yourself to grow with each other and benefit both ways.  Plus, Business E Suites offers great referral fees, and the best part, when any small client grows their business to the next stage, you’ll be the first call they make.