5 Positive Habits Proven to Upscale your Life and Business

Many of us are bombarded with different messages about productivity and the grind. But what happens when the gas in your grind tank runs empty? Or do you start noticing yourself slowing down?

In his book Atomic Habits by James Clear, the author explains how tiny habit changes can lead to better results over time. The main goal is to be successful over a long period rather than a quick win and eventual burnout.

Here are some tips we’ve compiled to help you focus on forming positive habits for your life and business.

Boundaries

The upside of working for yourself is that you can do it anywhere and everywhere. The downside? Boundaries for work and home life become seriously affected.

Knowing when to set boundaries for yourself is essential. The advent of working from home may be new and exciting until we realize that a house is no longer a place to ‘escape.’ The boundaries of where work begins and ends become blurred, and people soon experience burnout–fast.

This is where setting time boundaries for yourself comes in. For example, upon waking up in the morning, if you answer e-mails and make big decisions before grabbing a cup of coffee, you’re not allowing yourself the time to structure your day. The same goes for social media. Let’s face it, the news and what’s on our feeds isn’t getting any better.

If you’re someone easily affected by bad news or distracted by the latest Buzzfeed quiz, you’re losing time to do something productive for yourself.

One tip in creating boundaries is to start small. Maybe don’t check your e-mail first thing? Have breakfast first, and spend time with your family. Another tip would be to identify your productive hours and spend those time slots working on those e-mails or doing creative tasks for an hour or more. By scheduling your time, you create your daily schedule with how you want not to be overwhelmed.

By setting boundaries about what you do and choosing to consume first thing in the morning or before work, you’re creating a safe space for yourself not to get overwhelmed by news and e-mails all day.

Consume Quality Content

It’s so easy to get lost in cat videos. No shame. They’re adorable and funny, but are they adding value to your life? Sure, sometimes you need to see a kitten meowing or getting into trouble, but other than sharing it with friends, what else is there?

You can increase your productivity by researching while doing other things. If you’re faced with a long drive, why not listen to a podcast related to your business niche instead of music? You never know. It might even help you get energized to work.

Some of our favorites to listen to are by:

Gary Vee – here

Hidden Brain – here

Philosophize This! – here

When you do this, you’re cutting down the time needed in research or experience because you’ve already learned about it. That’s the beauty of quality content; you’re not pressured to understand and consume knowledge when it’s done right.

We didn’t say this to conflict with setting boundaries; you don’t have to watch all the videos or read many books. Pace yourself with one video or podcast and a few pages of helpful books. This is one way you can keep your boundaries while consuming content.

Establish a Routine

The Oxford Dictionary describes the meaning of the word routine as follows:

noun

noun: routine; plural noun: routines

  1. a sequence of actions regularly followed; a fixed program.

adjective

adjective: routine

  1. performed as part of a regular procedure rather than for a particular reason.

 

Here we see that routine is a set of habits we do every day. When we have a fixed pattern, good or bad, we set ourselves up for what may or may not be a productive day.

This is why setting up a system is better for long-term productivity than just setting a goal. In Scott Adams’ book, How To Fail At Almost Anything and Still Win Big, he highlights the importance of systems over goals.

“A goal is a specific objective that you either achieve or don’t sometime in the future. A system is something you do regularly that increases your odds of happiness in the long run. If you do something every day, it’s a system. If you’re waiting to achieve it someday in the future, it’s a goal. If you achieve your goal, you celebrate and feel terrific, but only until you realize you just lost the thing that gave you purpose and direction. Your options are to feel empty and useless, perhaps enjoying the spoils of your success until they bore you, or set new goals and reenter the cycle of permanent pre success failure. All I’m suggesting is that thinking of goals and systems as very different concepts has power. Goal-oriented people exist in a state of continuous pre success failure at best and permanent failure at worst if things never work out. Systems people succeed every time they apply their systems, in the sense that they did what they intended to do. The goals people are fighting the feeling of discouragement at each turn. The systems people are feeling good every time they apply their system. That’s a big difference in terms of maintaining your personal energy in the right direction.” 
 ― Scott Adams,  How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big: Kind of the Story of My Life

When you create a system that brings your energy up, you can be productive and not think about it. This allows you to go on “auto-pilot” and still be helpful because you’ve worked those good habits into your daily routine.

“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” 
 ― James Clear, Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

Meditate

When did you last take a moment to quiet things down? Do you remember when you didn’t have music playing in the background?

Being productive and working towards long-term goals means knowing when to step back and quiet it down.

Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport talks about how we are going through solitude deprivation. The author explains this by saying that we haven’t allowed ourselves to stop being influenced by outside forces. A few ways to regain your solitude healthily is to meditate or journal.

Just be with yourself.

You can reduce stress with the help of meditation apps like Headspace. A clear, rested mind is a focused one.

Invest

What we mean by that isn’t marketing, although that’s important too. It’s investing in yourself. If you spend all day giving your ideas, opinions, and time to your goals, you need to return some of that to yourself.

Your health is one of the most important things when running your business. If you’re not operating optimally, how can you be sure you’re making the right business choices?

Adjusting your goals can also help. Knowing when to take a step back and get some me-time is essential. Preventing burnout is much easier than burning out and trying to make a comeback.
The thing about being a business owner is it’s about the journey and not just finishing a sprint.

“I’ll be happy if running, and I can grow old together.” 
 ― Haruki Murakami, What I Talk About When I Talk About Running

It’s not just your business that you should be thinking long-term. It’s also your health.

BRIGHTSAND Designs may be young, but we care about our partners’ quality of life, online and offline. Working towards a goal in life and business isn’t always about the hustle and grind. Life is a marathon, after all. We want you to be around with us for the long term.

By having us on your side, we can take the burden of complicated strategizing and executing plans away from you. Our team of professionals can help you get back on track and refocus on what’s essential –getting sales. The best part is that you get to do less and have great results. BRIGHTSAND Designs works with you to translate and transform your vision into transactions.

“The person who knows HOW will always have a job; the person who knows WHY will always be the boss.” – John Maxwell.

by Rafaela Hsu

10 Creative Website Design Ideas For Small Businesses In 2020

Small businesses need to stand out. Getting started in any niche is hard when there are already more prominent players; that's why having a website that distinguishes you from the rest is vital. Let's face it, everyone has a website, from your local mom n' pop shop to your mini-influencer.

It's your digital real estate on the internet to help you connect and reach new clients. A website is a cost-efficient marketing tool that focuses on YOU and the content you want to focus on. It will also help people get to know your brand better without you having to exert much effort.

If you don't have a website yet or want to start one, we want to share 10 Creative Website Design Ideas For Small Businesses In 2020. You don't need anything too fancy to get started. It would help if you had a little push in the right direction.

MAKE IT FUN

Would you go through a website full of text and slideshow photos or a creative and engaging page that entertains and informs? Audiences love consuming content quickly while being presented with your product and information. Information from SEMRush suggests that website users' attention span last only eight (8) seconds.

Within that period, users can get distracted or click off for several reasons, such as it takes too long for the website to load or it might be hard to navigate. By engaging your audience efficiently with fun illustrations or designs, you can hold their attention longer, and visiting your website won't seem like such a chore.

 

 

MAKE IT MOBILE FRIENDLY

Everyone is on their phone. You might even be reading this from your phone. A website has to be mobile-friendly to increase your reach and to be accessible everywhere. Your website needs to be able to look good on both the PC and mobile.

Google released a statement back in 2015 that they use mobile-friendly sites as a ranking signal. If you're unsure about making your site mobile-friendly, you can continuously tap a design company that can make this step much easier for you.

In a way, this situation is two-pronged. You need to rank first on search results when customers look for your niche, and your potential clients need a website compatible with their mobile devices.

Phones are here to stay, becoming increasingly ingrained in our lives, from contacting loved ones to online shopping. A profitable business knows that this form of marketing is essential.


 

TELL A STORY

The human brain is programmed to understand stories. One example of a website that knows how to sell its product and tell a story is Bagigia.

They sell bags in a way that showcases their best product, then gives you a history of the designer and makes it fun while you scroll down, having a navigation bar that looks like a zipper.

This is an example of what a website that tells a story looks like. You don't have to say an actual once-upon-a-time account; you only have to structure the content into a story-like format.

This will keep readers engaged, making your content easier to digest. You can find more examples of story-telling websites here. The best one would have to be the one by GoSquared, which tells the story of the Olympic games.

 

CLEAR COPY

Visitors looking at your website want a solution to their problems. Whatever it may be, they're there to see how you can help them, even if the website's content is all about you and your product. That's why utilizing clear and quality content copy is what you should focus on.

Customers want to know the benefits of how you can help them rather than just only learning about your product or service. It's also important to note that some websites try to fit in as much "below the fold" when they should only include "key" features, which doesn't have to be all.

Yes, we know you've got a unique brand or company with all these fantastic features….but the thing is, not everyone will take the time to read it all. For example, Campos Coffee (no relation to the author of this post ) focuses on their product and how their customer would feel if they bought from them.

Tapping into emotions is a critical factor in keeping your audience's attention. In his book, Designing for Emotion, Aaron Walter wrote about how vital the emotional experience is because they have a unique imprint on your long-term memory and how users want to experience a human, not machine, connection on the other end.

Never underestimate the power of critical features and an emotional connection when writing content for your website.

 

VIDEO

One of the most underrated techniques for getting onto the first page of Google search rankings is video. Having a video lets you get your message out to prospects faster, and it's easier to "digest" than reading blocks of text. A study by Biteable concluded that 6 out of 10 people would rather watch online videos than television.

You can hire a design team to create a short video with your company's key points. Something fun and creative that catches the eye will increase your site's engagement. 92% of marketers consider this an essential tool.

Think of it as a way for your prospects to understand your company or product better and for you to quickly get your message across. However, as pointed out by Rocketspark, there is a time and place where the video is needed. Make it too long, and people won't click on it. Just like reading, a video requires a certain amount of time commitment.

There are different kinds of videos, like the introductory kind, the customer testimonial, and the instructions. A design company can help you decide what goes best on your website if you're unsure.

 

FONT

Fonts and their sizes may seem like a no-brainer, but it's one of the essential parts of your website. Your website should balance at least two to three fonts in different sizing so that you can highlight what's important and so your viewers can navigate your pages easily. If everything is the same size and font, your viewer may get lost in blocks of the exact text.

You can distinguish what is essential and content when using varying-sized fonts. Neil Patel does a great job of making an example of a font and a typeface. Yes, there's a difference. An example of a website that uses this technique is the blog itself. However, a designer will be able to tell the difference and can work with you on this.

 

TYPEFACES

It's important to note that there is a difference between typography and font. The thing about saying 'font' and 'typeface' is that they can be used interchangeably, but if a designer or anyone else asks for specifics, it's good to know the difference. Check out Google Fonts; they have a great selection of typefaces or 'fonts' that you can use for your website.

Your chosen typeface will have a significant impact on your website. It needs to be easy to read and understood by everyone. If you have a particular fondness for a typeface, but it's unreadable to everyone except you, then only you enjoy it. We recommend browsing through Sans Serif. Most notable websites generally use this.

The point of a website is to market yourself, yes. But it has to be about catering to the needs you can fulfill for your customers, and it needs to be understood easily; that can't be done if no one else will have the patience to read through rows and rows of a curvy or too compact typeface.

Now isn't this fun to read through?

 

COLOR

Did you know that colors can increase your brand recognition by up to 80%? Choosing your website's colors will create consistency and recognition that will immediately have people remembering you.

A lot goes into choosing the right color for your website. Colors are more than just a feature to make your website pop and stand out. They can have an emotional effect and varied meanings depending on culture, personal history, and preferences, and you can't forget to think about those who are colorblind. Everyone has a different way of interpreting the color palette they like.

Now, this seemingly minute detail can immensely impact your brand or business. Forbes has a small list of which colors affect which emotions can go with your brand or logo.

Don't forget color consistency is critical to keeping it clean and pleasing to the eye.

 

STRUCTURE

An essential part of SEO is knowing how to structure your website to rank in Google's search engines. The structure is pretty self-explanatory too. Like this:

Yoast can teach you website structure if you're having difficulty learning or can't figure out what to do. Another option is to hire a design team to give you some pointers. Put, website structure organizes everything related to your website, business, or product. This way, it'll be easier for Google to scan and manage your website where it should go on search engines.

It isn't all about Google but also the user experience. Think of it like this; you want a site that can be understood for its content and enjoyed because it's easy on the eyes. If your site isn't structured well, users will have difficulty navigating where they want to go and may click off. Luckily, Yoast has more explanations about how and why structure is essential.

 

WHAT'S NEXT?

BRIGHTSAND designs is a full-service digital marketing agency that intends to help you get started on scaling your business! We have more information in our blog post if you're looking for additional information on whether the website's effectiveness you've just created works. There's a lot to learn now that everything has gone digital, and we can help you with that.

by Rafaela Hsu

Brightsand Designs: Reaching Milestones

Without a doubt, Eleanor Roosevelt's wisdom echoes true: "Courage is the most important of all the virtues because, without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently."

The inception of BRIGHTSAND Designs, much like the birth of any enterprise, was seeded in a dream, nurtured by hope, and driven by unwavering faith. My partner and I embarked on this journey just months before the pandemic cast its somber shadow. While doubts and setbacks began to creep in, we clung steadfastly to our strategy, for we held a resolute belief that the present moment was ripe for businesses to recognize the paramount importance of our service – Digital Marketing.

Even before the world underwent this transformative shift, the Internet had its place but was not fully harnessed. It served as an arena for entertainment, social media escapades, viral YouTube videos, and personal video calls. However, as the tides of global change swept over us, it was the businesses equipped with online platforms that radiated with resilience. Amidst this upheaval, an avenue of possibilities emerged for entrepreneurs across diverse industries – a chance to thrive, expand, and flourish online, transcending the confines of brick-and-mortar establishments. Regrettably, it took a health crisis to awaken our collective realization of this immense potential.

Personally, I witnessed the growing urgency. With each passing day, my phone buzzed incessantly, each call seeking advice on how to steer businesses through these tumultuous waters. Reflecting on our humble beginnings, we started with just two clients. Yet, almost inexplicably, our clientele burgeoned to six before the first month's end. Sharing this isn't an exercise in self-congratulation; it's a testament to the power of courage and determination. While empathy flows deeply for the struggling enterprises of today, I believe that fostering hope is equally imperative. The terrain may be rocky, but the summit is attainable when bolstered by courage and unwavering resolve.

Our timing, it seems, was serendipitous. The crucible of experience my partner and I endured has imparted invaluable lessons. Engaging with clients spanning various sectors, listening to their narratives, and crafting tailored solutions have catalyzed our own evolution. Had we hesitated or faltered in our resolve, every moment squandered would have been more than a loss; it would have been an opportunity forsaken for us and those we serve. Armed with our expertise, we have been catalysts in elevating our clients' businesses. Our efforts have been focused on restoring their voices, guiding them to embrace the digital realm's ever-evolving landscape, and adapting to the paradigm shift we now know as the 'new normal.'

Today, I stand at a juncture marked by profound pride. Guided by a dedicated and indefatigable team, we have crossed our inaugural milestone! As we embarked on this venture, my partner and I, brimming with hope, aspired to someday touch the realm of six figures. Remarkably, within a month, we achieved this milestone. In the process, we welcomed new clients and team members who have sculpted BRIGHTSAND Designs into what it embodies today – a dynamic, evolving entity that surpasses our initial aspirations.

So, what lies ahead for BRIGHTSAND Designs, you may wonder? Having etched this milestone into our narrative, my aspiration is for our enterprise to burgeon further, generating new employment avenues for fellow professionals in our field. We've discerned that services like ours hold profound significance when the world encounters impasses. Our mission now extends beyond growth to embracing the role of a conduit for others, facilitating seamless adaptation for fellow businesses. As our entity expands, new opportunities shall emerge, not only for us but for the communities we touch.

One poignant email from an applicant resonates deeply. She expressed how her mere application with us instilled hope – a reminder that despite the crisis, avenues of possibility remain. Looking back, her words illuminate the impact we're sowing within our community during these trying times.

In essence, amidst uncertainties that slam doors shut for many, we aspire for BRIGHTSAND Designs to stand as a beacon, continually prying open windows of opportunity – for prospective team members and fellow enterprises alike.

So, let's raise our glasses to courage! Here's to two resounding cheers for BRIGHTSAND Designs! The future, indeed, shines bright.

by Rafaela Hsu

Importance of Taking Your Business Online Today

Consider Online Traffic

As COVID-19 continues to reshape the global landscape, it’s essential for every business, no matter how big or small, to be prepared for the present and future. Under such unfortunate circumstances, having a good website capable of handling and supporting online sales and establishing your online presence has never been more relevant today.

Why Refresh Your Brand and Get Online?

We have enumerated a few reasons to refresh your brand and get your business online to prepare for situations like this. With a website with e-commerce capabilities, you can expect your business to show no signs of slowing down — despite the crisis.

Consider Online Traffic

Typically, people would head to stores, stock up on needed supplies, make purchases, then call it a day. Since we’re all under quarantine, foot traffic would be nearly impossible in this climate. Although foot traffic has tremendously decreased, online traffic should increase. The most logical solution is to adapt to this new ‘wave’ by setting up a website with the necessary capabilities your business needs to start operating again.

Maintaining Momentum

An excellent online presence and e-commerce site will allow you to keep your business up and running and maintain relevant relationships with your loyal customers so they do not forget about you. A bonus? Your company acquires a newfound ability to reach more customers. Don’t just hope for the best; keep your business momentum going.

Accessibility

So you have your social media page set up. That should be the end of the line. Wrong. Although social media can be great for having an outlet for new customers to verify your business credibility through your existing following, having an e-commerce website increases your accessibility.

Suppose your business used to face challenges in competing with global competitors. In that case, you’ll have a leg up on the big box competition by providing products and materials locally instead from overseas suppliers. But without having an e-commerce website to sell your product, it won’t matter how much supply you have.

The Impact of Having a Good Website

Simply getting your business online and having a good website will help your business have a fighting chance of flourishing despite the predicament we’re currently in. COVID-19 wouldn’t be the first crisis to keep people from leaving their homes, and it certainly won’t be the last. It is essential that if such a situation happens again, you won’t have to brace yourself and your business for the full impact.

How BRIGHTSAND Designs Can Help

No matter where you are currently in your business, at BRIGHTSAND Designs, we make it our mission to make your business’ online transition easy and possible. From starting a new e-commerce design or simply refreshing your current one, we will provide the best strategy to fit best and benefit your business long-term.

Adapting to this new economic shift may have brought us new challenges in operating our business, but maintaining a business despite it is not impossible. The right mindset should be to “think physical distancing, not social distancing.”

With our expertise in web design, e-commerce solutions, and digital marketing strategies, we can guide your business through this transformative journey. To learn more about how we can help you establish a strong online presence and navigate the digital landscape, visit our What We Do page. Embrace the potential of the digital era and ensure your business's success in the ever-evolving world.

by Rafaela Hsu

The Impact of AI-Generated Content on Social Media SEO: A Brave New Frontier

In today's fast-paced digital marketing landscape, we are witnessing the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its influence on content creation. AI-generated content has become increasingly prevalent, especially on social media platforms. As a business owner, I find myself pondering the implications of AI-generated content on social media SEO and its potential impact on my marketing strategies. In this article, let's delve into this fascinating topic and explore how AI-generated content is reshaping social media marketing.

The Rise of AI-Generated Content

AI-generated content is an innovative approach to content creation, where advanced machine learning algorithms analyze vast datasets to produce coherent and contextually relevant content. Social media platforms have quickly embraced this technology to automate content creation, reduce costs, and enhance user experiences. As I navigate the dynamic world of social media marketing, I am intrigued by the potential benefits AI-generated content can bring to my brand.

The Influence on Social Media SEO

One aspect that caught my attention is the potential impact of AI-generated content on keyword optimization. AI algorithms can analyze user behavior, search patterns, and content preferences, leading to the generation of content that aligns better with user queries. This could impact the selection and utilization of relevant keywords in my social media posts to improve search visibility and attract my target audience.

Ensuring Authenticity and User Engagement

While AI-generated content presents exciting opportunities, it is essential to maintain authenticity and human engagement. As I reflect on this, I am reminded of a recent advisory from a prominent AI platform, META, shared on LinkedIn. They emphasized the importance of using AI-generated content while preserving human creativity and authentic storytelling to foster meaningful connections with our audience. As I explore AI-generated content possibilities, I am determined to strike the right balance to ensure a genuine user experience.

Enhancing Personalization

AI-generated content also holds promise for enhancing personalization on social media. By analyzing user data, AI algorithms can deliver tailored content to specific audience segments, creating a more engaging user experience. I believe that personalized content can lead to higher interaction rates, increased shares, and improved social signals, contributing to enhanced SEO rankings for my brand.

Adapting SEO Strategies

As AI-generated content continues to evolve, I understand the need to adapt my social media SEO strategies. By staying updated on the latest AI advancements and incorporating them thoughtfully with authentic storytelling, I can optimize my social media content to achieve higher visibility and better user engagement.

The integration of AI-generated content into social media marketing marks a significant and transformative development. As a business owner, I recognize the potential benefits of AI-generated content while remaining committed to preserving authenticity and user engagement. By embracing AI-generated content responsibly and strategically, I am excited to unlock new opportunities for success in this brave new frontier of social media SEO.

 

References:

  1. LinkedIn Advisory from META AI Platform
  2. The Role of AI in Content Creation, Social Media Today
  3. AI-Generated Content and Its Impact on SEO, Search Engine Journal
  4. The Power of Personalization in Social Media Marketing, HubSpot

by Rafaela Hsu

Winning Hearts and Minds: The Role of Emotional Branding in Your Marketing Plan

Hello there, fellow marketers and business owners! Today, I want to dive into a fascinating aspect of marketing that has the potential to elevate our brands to new heights - emotional branding. In this blog post, I'll be sharing insights into how emotional branding can profoundly impact consumer behavior, build brand loyalty, and foster genuine connections with our target audience.

At Brightsand Designs, we understand the power of emotional branding and its potential to transform businesses. We are dedicated to helping our clients craft compelling brand stories that resonate with their audience on a deep, emotional level. Our team of devoted digital architects specializes in tailoring marketing solutions that incorporate emotional appeal, making your brand stand out in the digital landscape.

Crafting a Compelling Brand Story

One exemplary way to achieve emotional branding is by crafting a compelling brand story. At Brightsand Designs, we collaborate closely with our clients to understand their vision, values, and purpose. By weaving these elements into a captivating narrative, we create a brand story that resonates with your audience, fostering a meaningful connection that lasts.

Understanding Consumer Psychology

To embark on emotional branding, we need to understand the psychology behind consumer behavior. At Brightsand Designs, we conduct in-depth research and analysis to identify the emotions that align with your target audience. By knowing what truly moves your customers, we can create messaging that evokes the right emotions, leading to stronger brand engagement and loyalty.

The Power of Authenticity

Authenticity is another crucial factor in emotional branding, and at Brightsand Designs, we value transparency and genuineness in all our marketing efforts. Our team ensures that your brand's values and promises align with your actions, building trust and credibility among your audience.

Leveraging Content Marketing

Incorporating emotional branding into content marketing is one of our specialties. We understand the power of storytelling and how it can engage your audience emotionally. Through blog posts, videos, and social media content, we bring your brand story to life, leaving a lasting impact on your audience.

The Visual Appeal of Your Brand

Our team of skilled designers knows the visual appeal of your brand matters. At Brightsand Designs, we use aesthetically pleasing designs, color choices, and imagery that evoke specific emotions aligned with your brand identity. From your logo to website design, every visual element is carefully crafted to resonate with your audience.

Consistency Throughout the Customer Journey

At Brightsand Designs, we believe that emotional branding should be an integral part of your entire customer journey. From the first touchpoint to post-purchase interactions, our marketing solutions ensure consistent emotional appeal, creating memorable brand experiences.

In conclusion, emotional branding is a potent and indispensable element of a successful marketing plan. By partnering with Brightsand Designs, you gain access to a team of experts who are passionate about crafting emotional connections between your brand and your audience. Together, we can create authentic brand stories, leverage emotions, and deliver consistent experiences that win the hearts and minds of your customers.

Remember, the best marketing doesn't just sell products; it leaves a lasting impact on people's lives. Embrace the power of emotional branding, and let Brightsand Designs help your brand win hearts and minds!

I hope you found this blog post insightful and inspiring. Let's together embark on a journey of emotional branding and take your marketing efforts to new heights!

by Rafaela Hsu

Key Things to Consider When Choosing the Right Marketing Agency in the Philippines

In today's fast-paced digital landscape, finding the right marketing agency can be a game-changer for businesses in the Philippines. As the demand for effective online strategies continues to rise, partnering with the right agency can significantly impact a company's growth and success. In this article, we will explore the key factors Philippine businesses should consider when selecting a marketing agency that aligns with their goals and values.

Expertise and Industry Experience

One of the critical factors to assess when choosing a marketing agency in the Philippines is their expertise and industry experience. Look for agencies with a proven track record in delivering successful campaigns for businesses similar to yours. Statistics show that companies that invest in specialized marketing services experience a 51% increase in lead generation (HubSpot).

Tailored Strategies for Local Audiences

Marketing in the Philippines requires a deep understanding of the local market and cultural nuances. Seek agencies that can create tailored strategies to resonate with the Filipino audience. Research indicates that personalized content can drive a 20% increase in sales (Instapage). A marketing agency that can connect with your target audience on a personal level will have a more significant impact on your brand's growth.

Transparency and Communication

Effective communication and transparency are vital in any successful partnership. Look for an agency that values open dialogue and provides regular reports on campaign performance. Businesses that prioritize transparent communication are 50% more likely to have higher customer retention rates (Forbes). A marketing agency that keeps you informed every step of the way ensures that you are actively involved in the marketing process.

Creative and Innovative Approach

In a competitive digital landscape, creativity sets brands apart. Seek agencies that can bring fresh and innovative ideas to the table. According to Adobe, 58% of consumers prefer engaging with creative content rather than text-only content. A marketing agency that can deliver captivating visuals and compelling messages will leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Budget-Friendly Options

Every business has its budget constraints, and finding an agency that offers flexible and cost-effective solutions is essential. Look for agencies that can deliver exceptional results within your budget. A survey by Econsultancy reveals that 40% of businesses find budget limitations a significant challenge in their marketing efforts. A marketing agency that can optimize your budget while driving tangible results is a valuable asset.

 

Choosing the right marketing agency in the Philippines can be a transformative decision for your business. As you explore your options, remember to consider factors such as expertise, tailored strategies, transparency, creativity, and budget-friendly options. At Brightsand Designs, we take pride in our comprehensive range of digital marketing services, tailored specifically for the Philippine market. With our creative and data-driven approach, we have helped businesses achieve a 65% increase in website traffic and a 40% boost in conversions (Brightsand Designs Case Studies). Our team is dedicated to making your brand stand out and thrive in the digital world. Experience the power of effective marketing with Brightsand Designs and take your Philippine business to new heights.

by Rafaela Hsu

Unlocking Business Success: The Vital Role of Having a Domain and Website Over Solely Relying on Social Media

We've often been asked about the necessity of a business website when creating a social media page seems so effortless. We understand the concerns surrounding website development, maintenance, and complexities that might deter clients from considering one. However, what some view as a weakness is actually a compelling reason to have a website. Let me explain.

The Power of Social Media: Good, but Is It Great?

An online presence is undeniably crucial, and signing up on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn is a step in the right direction. With nearly half the world's population on social media (approximately 3.196 billion people), the potential audience is vast. However, reaching them often relies on targeted and paid advertising.
While a well-crafted social media strategy, engaging content, and paid advertising can capture the attention of potential customers and boost brand visibility, there are limitations.

Social media operates like word-of-mouth, amplified on a global scale. When used effectively, it can reach thousands or even millions of interested audiences. However, it can also lead to spending significant time on content creation that yields minimal engagement.

Like caring for a pet, social media demands constant attention and interaction. Without daily monitoring and engagement with your audience, loyalty can wane.

Furthermore, social media platforms are saturated with similar businesses, making it challenging to stand out and impeding your business's growth.

Moreover, negative posts can quickly spread, potentially damaging your business's image. Control over the information on social media is limited compared to having a website.

Additionally, relying solely on a social media page doesn't convey a sense of ownership. The platform controls content based on its terms and conditions.

In summary, while social media offers valuable benefits for business success, limiting your online presence to these platforms only scratches the surface.

Your Domain, Your Rules

Having a website provides full control and ownership over your brand. It allows you to showcase exactly who you are, your purpose, and what differentiates your business from others.
Customers expect credible companies to have a website, and establishing one demonstrates dedication and professionalism, instilling trust in potential customers.

Unlike a social media page, a website isn't limited to sharing information; it enables direct transactions, much like a physical store. Your domain becomes your 'online real estate,' an enduring business asset. It provides stability even if social media platforms change their terms and conditions.

In summary, while we acknowledge the benefits social media brings, relying solely on it won't maximize your company's potential. A website isn't merely a supplement to your social media presence; it serves as the foundation for your business's online success.

At Brightsand Designs, we understand the significance of a well-crafted website in unlocking your business's true potential. Our expertise in website design and development can help you create a compelling online presence that resonates with your audience. Let us guide you in building a website that showcases your brand's unique identity and drives success in the digital world. Together, we can take your business to new heights.

by Rafaela Hsu

The Vital Role of Online Presence: Why Taking Your Business Online Today is Essential

As COVID-19 continues to impact businesses of all sizes, being prepared for the present and the future is crucial. In these unfortunate circumstances, establishing a strong online presence with a capable website that supports online sales has become more relevant than ever.

Consider Online Traffic

Traditionally, customers visited physical stores to make purchases, but the current quarantine situation has drastically reduced foot traffic. However, online traffic is on the rise. To adapt to this new wave, setting up a website with the necessary e-commerce capabilities is the logical solution for your business to start operating again.

Maintaining Momentum

Having a robust online presence and e-commerce site not only allows your business to continue operating but also helps maintain meaningful relationships with loyal customers. Additionally, going online opens up opportunities to reach a broader audience, extending your business's reach and customer base. Don't just hope for the best; proactively keep your business momentum going.

Accessibility

While a social media presence is valuable for engaging existing followers, having an e-commerce website takes accessibility to a whole new level. Overcoming challenges in competing with global competitors becomes possible by providing products and materials locally instead of relying on overseas suppliers. However, without an e-commerce website, your supply may not reach its full potential.
Simply getting your business online with a well-designed website can help your business flourish despite the current predicament of COVID-19. Remember, this won't be the last crisis to impact consumer behavior, so preparing your business for any future challenges is essential.

At BRIGHTSAND Designs, we are dedicated to making your business's online transition easy and successful. Whether you're starting a new e-commerce design or refreshing your current one, we will provide the best strategy to benefit your business in the long run.

Adapting to this new economic shift may present challenges, but maintaining a business in spite of it is not impossible. The right mindset should be to "think physical distancing, not social distancing." Let us help you unlock the full potential of your business online and navigate these changes with confidence.

by Rafaela Hsu