U.S. Consumer Confidence Hits High Levels Not Seen Since 2000

U.S. consumer confidence rose to the highest levels it has seen in almost 17 years as Americans are continually growing more confident about the economy and job market, according to figures released by the Conference Board.  Consumer confidence which gives us an indication of how individuals make economic decisions and is a key indicator that the economy is expanding.   Consumer confidence rose to 125.9 in October which is the highest it has been since December of 2000 when the index hit 128.6.

Lynn Franco, Director of Economic Indicators at The Conference Board, said in a statement.

“The economic weight of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma pulled down the spirits of U.S. consumers in September, when the index was relatively flat. In October, “consumers’ assessment of current conditions improved.  This was boosted by the job market which had not received such favorable ratings since the summer of 2001.  The high level of confidence suggests the economy will continue to expand “at a solid pace” for the rest of 2017.”

The survey also showed that assessment of present day business conditions are upbeat.  “The percentage saying business conditions are “good” increased from 33.4 percent to 34.5 percent, while those saying business conditions are “bad” rose marginally from 13.2 percent to 13.5 percent. Consumers’ assessment of the job market was more upbeat. The percentage of consumers stating jobs are “plentiful” increased from 32.7 percent to 36.3 percent, while those claiming jobs are “hard to get” decreased slightly from 18.0 percent to 17.5 percent.”

Other significant tidbits from the report are that 22.2% percent of consumers said they expect better business conditions in next six months, up from 20.9 percent in September.  Buying plans of automobiles in the next six month are up with purchases of houses and appliances are down.

If you are interested in reaching your revenue and operational goals than Falcon Consulting & Marketing may be of assistance to your business.  We are a full service digital marketing agencyheadquartered in New York City providing companies with online marketing techniques such as Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Pay Per Click (PPC) and Online Reputation Management.  We also assist with day to day operational consulting.  We assist one client at time.

http://falconconsultingandmarketing.com/u-s-consumer-confidence-hits-high-levels-not-seen-since-2000/

What Doctors Should Look For in Hiring the Right SEO Company

The competition in the healthcare industry is competitive.  In order to be in the game with attaining new patients and maintaining communication with existing ones, physicians are now relying on digital marketing companies to assist with their marketing.  The problem is there are way too many marketers out there sending out unsolicited e-mails and phone calls to medical practices throughout the New York City region as well as nationally.  This has created a souring effect where decision-makers are reluctant to speak with SEO consultants.  Furthermore, this chilling effect leads to businesses making mistakes in hiring the correct SEO company.

Let’s face it, SEO is changing all the time, but having a focused SEO plan should remain a top priority for health care providers.  Search engine optimization is for many businesses the magic bullet that turns that can turn a struggling practice into a powerhouse. Having a strategy that enables you from being an unknown to a thought leader in the online universe should be a priority.   So how do you go about finding the right SEO agency for your type of practice? Here are a few things you should consider:

Digital marketing agencies can be as diversified as their clientele.  Some specialize and they believe that serves them best as they can narrow their knowledge and use less resources doing so.  For instance, some agencies just work with attorneys, home improvement contractors and dentists.  Others take in all comers initally and cater their business accordingly.  This means that agencies may start with working with all industries but vary it according to the types of businesses they have acquired as clients.  For example, at Falcon Consulting & Marketing we have catered our business towards working with small and medium sized businesses.   Some agencies work on only a specific area of SEO.  Such as content marketing, link-building or PPC.  At the end of the day, it really depends on what you are looking for in an agency.

Realistically what is the determining factors are what your business can afford with respect to online marketing as well as what you are looking to accomplish for you business.  For instance, you might want to get new patients quickly but you are not doing your paid advertising campaigns correctly.  It might be another instance where you are looking for more publicity in a highly specialized industry that may need investors in the future.  For the first company, you might want to look for a PPC company that has knowledge of your practice.  In the latter instance, you will be looking for an SEO specialist who can create content that will cater to your specific instructions leading to your end goals.

At the end of the day finding the correct SEO company takes more than taking the work of the person cold-calling your practice.  It should involve an aggressive position on your end with respect to making sure that the company you decide on is the right fit for you.  Picking your agency should involve multiple meetings where both parties should lay out their realistic expectations and commitments in achieving set goals. The key is to make sure there is a synergy between both parties and everyone understands your needs and whether the company you decide on is willing to put in the work according to what you have both agreed should be realistic goals.  Your SEO company should also fit well with your company culture and you should always feel pride in your choice of provider.

Call Us at Falcon Consulting & Marketing – A New York City SEO Services Company

Are you looking for a SEO company in the New York City region? We suggest you give us a call at Falcon Consulting & Marketing. As suggested in above we would like to go discuss with you whether we are the right fit for you practice.  We have worked with many industries and our track record is second to none.  Call us at 516-350-9531 for a free consultation.  We would love to see what we can do for you.

https://falconconsultingandmarketing.com/doctors-look-hiring-right-seo-company/

Google Home Service Ads Increase Number of Categories and Locales

Google Home Service ads, which allows businesses to advertise their business on Google and receive service requests directly from potential customers is expanding to new locations as well adding additional service categories for customers looking for service providers.  Google released the update in their small business blog.  For those unfamiliar with the service, when you run a Home Service ad, it will appear at the top of a Google Search results page when people search for the services you offer in your area. Potential customers have the ability to either call you or send you a message request by clicking on your ad.  You’ll get an email and notification from the Home Service ads mobile app when someone is interested in your service. You can then choose to accept, decline, or ask for more information about the lead.

Factors that affect your ranking include your proximity to potential customers’ locations, your review score, the number of review scores you receive, your responsiveness to consumer inquiries and requests, your business hours, and whether or whether there have been complaints with Google.

In order to become a Home Service provider, you must pass an extensive screening process.  Because of the strict qualifying criteria, there is a level of trust and prestige by becoming a provider.  The service has now been expanded and will be available in the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, Stockton, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia.  Additionally there are new categories and services for customers under the product.  They are as follows:

• Plumber
• House Cleaner
• Locksmith
• Handyman
• Contractor
• Electrician
• General Contractor
• Painter
• Garage Door Pro
• Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
• Roadside assistance service
• Auto glass service

To become a Home Service Provider you can click here.  As the product becomes more successful, we expect it to expand further into the Northeast and into the New York City region.

https://falconconsultingandmarketing.com/google-home-service-ads-increase-number-categories-locales/

Small Businesses Double Up on Items Sold on Prime Day

Amazon.com has indicated that small businesses and entrepreneurs sold 40 million items during Amazon’s Prime Day event which lasts 30 hours.  According to their release “small businesses and entrepreneurs offered deals on everything from apparel to toys, electronics, household goods, and handmade items, with many experiencing their largest sales day ever.” Sales for small businesses grew by 60% year to year according to Amazon as well.

Amazon initially launched Prime Day in 2015.  The promotion is one wherein Amazon and many of the retailers operating on its site offer discounts exclusively to members of the company’s $99 a year Prime loyalty program.

Amazon sales surpassed both Black Friday and Cyber Monday with reference to the volume of sales. Industry analysts believe it is partly because Amazon extended the sale to 30 hours allowing more time for customers to shop and find deals. Also, Prime Day was opened up to more regions than previous Prime Days as their release indicates that 13 countries took part.

It should be noted that the best selling item during the Prime Day event was the Echo Dot.  According to Amazon not only was the Echo Dot the best selling device during the vent but also the best-selling product from any manufacturer in any category across Amazon globally.

https://falconconsultingandmarketing.com/small-businesses-double-items-sold-prime-day/

U.S. Census Business Builder Update Gives Key New Features For Small Businesses

The U.S. Census Business Builder, which  is a suite of services that provide selected demographic and economic data from the Census Bureau tailored to specific types of users in a simple to access and use format has updated some key features for July 2017.  Of particular note is some key features which will affect how small businesses can tailor their business.

The 2.2 Update will allow access to key demographics and economic research so businesses will understand their potential market better.  The Small Business Edition has been created for small business owners who need key data for their business plan or to better understand their potential market. It presents data for a single type of business and geography at a time.  There is also a Regional Analyst Edition which will be primarily be used for entities looking for a broader pictures of people and businesses.

According to the release here are the key features and what is new for the Census Builder Update:

Key Features

• Easy to use menus and Search tools to select the location you’d like to research and nearly all types of businesses
• Interactive maps to browse and download data about the selected area and type of businesses
• A customizable dashboard that includes time series and geographic comparison charts
• Interactive and downloadable reports (including charts) that can be easily incorporated into your research
• Optimized for your smartphone or tablet

What’s New in 2.2

New and Expanded Content:

• Agriculture data (for select Agriculture NAICS codes at the state level only)
• International Trade data (for select Agriculture, Mining, and Manufacturing NAICS codes at the state level only)
• Expanded Consumer Spending data

For individuals looking to start a new business or already have an existing business but want to expand to another region, this will be an important free tool to gain thorough research.

https://falconconsultingandmarketing.com/u-s-census-business-builder-update-gives-key-new-features-small-businesses/

Alibaba Propels New Network Connecting U.S. Businesses With Their Customers

Chinese e-commerce giant  and world’s largest retailer Alibaba Group has recently announced the launch of  the Taobao Global US Merchants Network.  The general purpose of the network is to serve American small and medium-sized businesses and create 1 million jobs according to their Chairman Jack Ma.  The network will help U.S. small businesses easily connect with merchants operating within Alibaba’s network such as Tmall and Taobao.  US small businesses on the network will have access to a centralised platform, “where they can connect with and sell their products to experienced Taobao Global merchants who sell to Chinese consumers”, according to the Alibaba statement.

Alibaba President Michael Evans said the following about the small businesses using Taobao:

“Alibaba created the Taobao Global U.S. Merchants Network to strengthen the connections between U.S. small businesses and Chinese consumers.  The merchants who join this network are experts on Chinese consumers and are continually seeking new, unique American products for the millions of Chinese consumers they reach on Taobao.”

Taobao is akin to a Facebook of sorts in China in that there is significant engagement.  People often share and view content, message their retailers and also live stream many different media. For the fiscal year 2017, the total amount of items sold on Taobao increased 17% year-over-year to $320 billion.  Taobao claims to have over 500 million customers in their platform.

The move comes as Alibaba will shift their sights from courting the biggers brands such as Costcoand move to small brands that works on the periphery of customer awareness.  The Network has an initial launch of over 300 U.S.-based Taobao Global merchant members.  A matchmaking event at last month’s small business conference Gateway ’17  in Detroit connected 60 U.S. small businesses with 45 Taobao Global merchants.

Alibaba will also implement and encourage participation in training seminars on logistics and other ecommerce issues.  This will also the merchants who are in the network understand trends in the Chinese market.

https://falconconsultingandmarketing.com/alibaba-propels-new-network-connecting-u-s-businesses-customers/

Google My Business Messenger Has Launched

Google My Business Messenger, a feature which began testing in November of 2016 has officially been launched nationwide.  It will allow Google My Business enterprises to go on their dashboard and turn on the messaging.   Once it is live, you can click on the messaging option that it will allow customers to message you directly via text messaging.

Like most customer service options, you should account for time to learn the interface and begin communicating with potential customers.  You would be able to delegate messaging responsibilities to another team member, however they must be designated as an owner or manager of the Google My Business listing instead of just having communication permissions. Customers will also have the availability to message you outside of normal business hours.

There will also be an analytics function which will roll out over time.  It will show the number of messages, number of clicks to messages and your overall total number of messages.

https://falconconsultingandmarketing.com/google-business-messenger-launched/