Building Customer Relationships – Page 2

Boost Your Business: Easy Steps to Get More Google Reviews

Are you looking to skyrocket your company’s reputation with minimal effort?

It’s a no-brainer that glowing reviews can significantly elevate your business’s online presence and credibility. But the big question remains:

How do you effortlessly encourage clients to leave those much-coveted reviews?

This comprehensive guide is your golden ticket to amassing an impressive collection of Google reviews, ensuring your business shines brighter than the rest.

Simplify the Business Review Process

The secret sauce to racking up reviews lies in making the process as straightforward as possible for your clients. Whether you’re a painter leaving a fresh coat of paint on a client’s walls or you’re an attorney that has just successfully navigated them through a complex legal battle, the satisfaction of a job well done is your prime moment to request a review.

Here’s how to harness that moment to your advantage:

Step 1 - Navigate to Your Company’s Google Business Profile

Start by accessing your Google Business Profile. You can do this by entering business.google.com in your browser or simply googling the name of your business.

Don’t have a Google Business Profile yet?

Check out this article on how to create one and this article on how to optimize it for everything that Google is looking for.

Step 2 - Locate Your Direct Review Request Link

Once on your profile, look for the “Ask for Reviews” option.

This is where the magic happens.

Google provides a direct link that simplifies the review process, leading clients straight to where they can sing your praises.

Copy this link and save it somewhere easy to access; it’s your new best friend.

Step 3 - Make Sharing a Breeze

Now, you want to ensure this link reaches your clients without any hassle. Transforming the link into a QR code or a shortened URL via services like Bitly makes asking for a review via email, text, or even in person as seamless as possible.

How to Use Bitly To Get More Reviews

Sign up for an account (you can use the free one to create everything you need and this is not an affiliate link)
Click on “Create New” > “Link”
Fill in the URL and the title
Create the “Custom Back Half” text for the bitly URL
Turn on the QR code and select the color (add your logo if you have the paid subscription)
Click “Create”
Download the PNG or JPEG version of your new QR code
Copy the bitly link and test it

Imagine you are a house painter and you have added this QR code to your final walkthrough paperwork. Once you do the final walkthrough and your client is thrilled with their new house, you can pull out the QR code and ask for a review.

Or, imagine you are an attorney. You could add the QR code to your final invoice or case documents. When your client is thrilled with you winning their epic legal battle, they will be more than happy to leave that review, and you have made it super simple.

Step 4 - Employ Psychological Strategies

When asking for a review, framing it as a favor can significantly boost your chances of success.

People inherently enjoy reciprocating kindness, and by doing something nice for them, you’re more likely to receive a positive review in return. This approach taps into the basic human desire to give back, making your request much more effective.

Beyond the Basics – Getting More Reviews

Taking it a step further, incorporating the QR code into various client-facing materials can substantially increase your visibility and the likelihood of receiving reviews. Whether it’s a business card, a brochure, or an email signature, every point of contact is an opportunity to prompt a review.

In the next installment of our guide, we’ll explore innovative strategies to leverage these QR codes and Bitly links even further, ensuring every satisfied client has the chance to share their positive experience.

Stay tuned and get ready to transform your business’s review-gathering strategy from mundane to monumental.

With these simple steps, your business will not only gather reviews effortlessly but also build a reputation that stands out amongst your competitors.

Cupid’s Key to Crafting Valentine’s Day Cards for Your Customers and Clients Using Canva

Valentine’s Day is a special occasion that businesses can leverage to connect with their clients or customers on a personal level. Sending a heartfelt Valentine’s Day card not only shows appreciation for their patronage, but it can also help forge stronger relationships and foster a sense of community. In this guide, you’ll learn how to use Canva, a user-friendly graphic design tool, to create a creative and professional Valentine’s Day card that will leave a lasting impression on your clients or customers.

Choose a Template or Start from Scratch

Canva offers a wide range of Valentine’s Day card templates that can save you time and effort. To access these templates, simply visit Canva’s website and search for “Valentine’s Day card” or a related keyword. Browse through the available templates and select one that best suits your company’s branding and the message you want to convey. If you prefer to start from scratch, click on the “Create a design” button and choose a custom size for your card. A popular choice for Valentine’s Day cards is a 5×7-inch (horizontal or vertical) format, but you can also opt for a standard 4×6-inch card size.

Add your Brand’s Style

Once you’ve chosen a template or started a new design, it’s time to customize it to reflect your company’s branding and the message you want to convey. Here are some tips to help you create a unique and eye-catching Valentine’s Day card:

Use your brand colors: Add your company’s colors to the card to make it instantly recognizable and reinforce your brand identity. You can do this by selecting the “Color” tool in Canva’s sidebar and choosing your brand’s primary and secondary colors.
Add your company’s logo: Incorporate your company’s logo to make the card more professional and memorable. You can upload your logo to Canva by clicking on the “Uploads” tab on the left-hand sidebar and selecting your logo file. Once uploaded, drag and drop it onto your card design.
Choose an appropriate font: Select a font that complements your brand and the message you want to convey. Canva offers a wide range of fonts, from classic and elegant to modern and playful. Experiment with different fonts and sizes to find the perfect combination for your card.
Add a personalized message: Write a heartfelt and personalized message that expresses your appreciation for your clients or customers. Keep the message concise and focused on the value they bring to your company. You can add text to your card by clicking on the “Text” tab on the left-hand sidebar and selecting a text box.

Customize with Team Photos and Selfies

To add a touch of camaraderie and a personal connection to your Valentine’s Day cards, consider incorporating team selfies into the design. This not only humanizes your brand but also showcases the people behind the business, fostering a sense of familiarity with your clients. To enhance the visual appeal of these selfies, utilize Canva’s background removal feature to eliminate any distractions. This ensures that the focus remains on the team members themselves. Take it a step further by injecting a dose of humor through the addition of fun photo backgrounds to use in your card. Canva’s extensive photo library provides a plethora of options, allowing you to customize the selfies with playful and lighthearted graphic “props” and backdrops. This creative touch not only brings a smile to your clients’ faces but also reinforces a positive and approachable image for your brand.

Add Some Sweet Stickers

Add Valentine’s Day-themed Elements To make your Valentine’s Day card more festive and engaging, consider adding themed elements such as hearts, flowers, or Cupid. Canva offers a vast library of Valentine’s Day-themed graphics and illustrations that you can use to enhance your card design. Here’s how to access and add these elements to your card:

Search for Valentine’s Day elements: On the left-hand sidebar, click on the “Elements” tab and type “Valentine’s Day” or a related keyword into the search bar. Browse through the available elements and select those that best suit your card design.
Customize the elements: Once you’ve added an element to your card, you can customize it by changing its color, size, and orientation. To do this, select the element and use the options in the top toolbar to make your desired changes.

Change out the Font For a Festive Feel

Typography can elevate the overall design of your Valentine’s Day card. Experiment with different fonts to find a combination that complements your message and aligns with your brand. Canva provides a variety of font options, including script, serif, and sans-serif styles. The possibilities are endless!

Signed, Sealed and Delivered

Take your Valentine’s Day card to the next level by adding a QR code that links to a personalized video message or a special offer. This interactive element adds a modern touch and engages your clients in a unique way. Canva allows you to generate QR codes and seamlessly integrate them into your design.

Once you’re satisfied with your Valentine’s Day card design, it’s time to bring it to life. Canva offers printing services, or you can download the design and print it locally. Consider factors such as paper quality and finish to ensure the final product meets your expectations.

Decide on the most effective way to distribute your Valentine’s Day cards to clients. If you have a physical office, hand-delivering cards adds a personal touch. Alternatively, mailing cards with a personalized note shows thoughtfulness and consideration. Canva also allows you to create digital versions that can be sent via email or shared on social media.

There You Have It!

Sending Valentine’s Day cards to your clients is a meaningful gesture that strengthens your professional relationships. With Canva’s user-friendly interface and versatile design features, you can easily create personalized and visually appealing cards that reflect your appreciation. Follow this comprehensive guide to craft memorable Valentine’s Day cards that leave a lasting impression on your clients and contribute to the growth of your business.

Need some help with your marketing strategy?

Give IFTS a call at 412-559-7177 or email us at si@iftsdesign.com

Santa’s Little Helpers Unleashed: Creating Cheerful Company Christmas Cards with Canva

‘Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to sprinkle some holiday cheer into the workplace than by creating company Christmas cards that are not only festive but also pretty fun?

In this blog post, we’re diving into the whimsical world of Canva, sharing some little nuggets of inspiration and tips on how to craft the most memorable Christmas cards for your colleagues and clients.

Whether you’re aiming for a classic or a more modern approach, Canva’s wide range of templates and design tools will surely help you unleash your creativity and spread some laughter this holiday season. So grab a cup of hot cocoa, put on your Santa hat, and let’s get started on making the most unforgettable company Christmas cards yet!

Step 1: Rally the Team’s Christmas Spirit

Call upon your crew to unleash their inner holiday spirit! Whether they’re donning ugly sweaters, tinsel tiaras, or even elf ears, encourage them to embrace the festive madness and capture it all in a group photo.

But what If your team isn’t local, or maybe everyone is too busy to gather for a group photo, don’t worry! You can create a virtual group photo! Simply upload individual photos of your team members–we’ll show you in the next steps how to arrange and edit them in a festive layout to capture the spirit of togetherness, even from afar. This is a great way for busy teams to still feel connected and celebrate the holiday season together!

Step 2: Canva Wonderland

Enter the magical world of Canva, where the Christmas design possibilities are as vast as Santa’s toy workshop. Before we can get to the actual editing, you’ll need to choose a template, or background, that really —whether it’s a classic design or a more modern twist—and get ready to sprinkle some digital fairy dust. Consider your audience and your company’s style when selecting the backdrop for your creation.

Step 3: Elfie Upload Extravaganza

Now, it’s time to really showcase your team’s holiday spirit! Upload that group photo or the individual elfies—I mean, selfies—right into Canva and start arranging them like the cast of a Hallmark holiday rom-com. Canva’s drag-and-drop feature makes this as easy as sliding down a snow-covered hill.

But wait, how do we make the images really pop? Let’s get rid of the office background with Canva’s photo editing tools. Use the background remover and add some fun filters or overlays to give the images that extra touch of holiday magic. With Canva’s editing tools, you can transform your boring photos into a digital masterpiece that will make your card recipients really feel the holiday cheer!

Step 4: Jingle All the Way with Festive Elements

With Canva’s extensive collection of festive elements, you can take your holiday card to the next level. Whether it’s adding a touch of sparkle with twinkling lights or bringing in a line of some playful snowmen, the possibilities are endless. And of course, don’t forget to include Santa hats and elf ears for that extra dose of holiday cheer! Get ready to spread joy to all with your personalized masterpiece.

Simply select an element, drag and drop it onto your card, and resize or rotate it to fit your desired look. You can also customize the color, opacity, and position of each element to create a truly unique design. With Canva’s easy-to-use interface, you’ll have a blast experimenting with different combinations and creating a holiday card that stands out from the rest. So go ahead, have fun, and let your imagination run wild as you bring your holiday greetings to life!

Step 5: Jolly Jokes and Yuletidy Text

What’s a Christmas card without a dash of humor? Whether you’re aiming for a laugh-out-loud moment or a subtle chuckle, Canva’s text tools offer endless possibilities for adding humor to your holiday card. From playful fonts to creative text effects, you can easily transform your words into comedic masterpieces that will leave your recipients in stitches. So go ahead and craft a message that really sleighs—I mean, slays!

Not your style, or do you need something more professional? Canva’s text tools also offer a wide range of elegant and sophisticated fonts, allowing you to create a more professional and polished holiday card. You can find the perfect typography to convey your warm wishes in a classy and refined manner.

It really is a gingersnap to get your company’s holiday greeting cards customized quickly. So go ahead and let your creativity shine, whether it’s through humor or professionalism; Canva has got you covered!