Can E-mail Marketing Help Your Business? (Part 2)

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Last week we gave you a quick rundown of the many benefits of e-mail marketing and filled you in on a few best practices. Join us for part two as we continue to delve into how to make your e-mails stand out from the crowd while appealing to your customers and prospects.

Tip #4: Consider Your Content & Layout

Pay close attention to what you include in your e-mail and how it will be displayed to the reader.

  • Keep e-mails short (under 750 words), relevant, and to the point
  • Use images sparingly and do not place text within pictures
  • Use short blocks of text to keep the reader’s attention
  • Break content up with descriptive headlines
  • Avoid “spammy” words/phrases, such as free, great offer, save up to…
  • Opt for a newsletter format if touching upon multiple topics

Tip #5: Link it Up

Direct readers to specific online platforms – such as your website, Facebook page, or their online account – by incorporating “buttons” or by hyperlinking keywords/phrases.

Tip #6: Track Your Statistics

Regularly monitor which of your campaigns have the best open rates. Generally, a campaign with an open rate of 20% or higher is considered a success, but this is heavily dependent on your industry.

Tip #7: Keep Your E-mail Database Up to Date

Keep stored e-mail addresses up to date by correcting or deleting invalid contact information. Poor quality data can lead to your domain being blacklisted by various servers, meaning your customers may not receive e-mails intended for them. Regular maintenance of your e-mail database will also ensure that you have the most current customer/prospect information on record, giving you the best chance at increasing business.

The above tips are meant as a guideline only – there is no “one size fits all” marketing strategy. You’ll need to do some exploring and run internal tests to find out what works best for your business. Good luck!


Brought to you by Weed Man. For information regarding the Weed Man franchise opportunity, contact us today at 1-888-321-9333 or www.weedmanfranchise.com

Can E-mail Marketing Help Your Business? (Part 1)

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Does your business use e-mail marketing? More importantly, does your business use e-mail marketing effectively? If you haven’t yet hopped on the e-mail marketing bandwagon, now is the definitely the time to get started. This simple method of communication can help you keep in touch with your customers, enhance brand visibility, and increase profit margins.

Why E-mail Marketing?

It Works. E-mail marketing provides an additional avenue for building relationships with customers, driving traffic to your website, and boosting sales.

Everyone is Doing It! Over 80% of businesses have e-mail lists, and this number will only continue to grow.

It’s Quick, Simple, and Convenient. Send out targeted offers, marketing emails, coupons, reminders, account updates and more with the click of a mouse.

It’s Affordable & Can Bring in Revenue. In many cases, collecting e-mail addresses won’t cost you a thing – and let’s not forget that the estimated ROI on e-mail marketing is $40 for every $1 invested!

Tips for Making it Work:

Tip #1 – Create a Schedule

When it comes to e-mail marketing, scheduling matters. In addition to creating a long-range e-mail marketing plan, you will need to pay close attention to the date and time of your campaign.

Best Week Days:

#1 Tuesday
#2 Thursday
#3 Wednesday

Best Times:

#1 12:00 pm
#2 1:00 pm
#3 11:00 am

Because individuals tend to check their e-mails more actively during weekday lunch breaks, open rates peak Tuesday through Thursday at around 12:00 p.m.

It is also essential to determine how often you will be sending e-mails – daily, weekly, biweekly, monthly. Keep in mind that too many e-mails can act as a deterrent for customers who may otherwise be interested in your business. If you space e-mails out too much, however, you risk harming your company’s visibility in the eyes of the consumer, and you may not be top of mind when it comes to making a future purchase.

Tip #2 – Your Subject Line Matters!

A good subject line can be the difference between a successful e-mail campaign and an unsuccessful one. For maximum effectiveness, follow the 4 U’s:

  1. Urgency. Create a sense of urgency within your subject line.
  2. Ultra Specific. Cater the e-mail to the customer(s) in question.
  3. Unique. Reconfigure an everyday subject line in a new and exciting way.
  4. Useful. Offer the reader useful, timely advice.

Tip #3 – Capture the Reader’s Attention Early

Readers spend an average of 15-20 seconds on each e-mail. Optimize readability to make the most of your campaign:

  • Place key information in your first paragraph
  • Include a clear and concise call to action
  • Clearly label important, clickable resources (invoices, videos, links)

Are you ready to take your e-mail marketing to new heights? Stay tuned for next week’s blog post to learn more about how e-mails can help your business!

What Our Franchisees Are Saying

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You’ve heard all the buzz and researched the Weed Man franchise opportunity…now it’s time to get the inside scoop from a few of our own! Weed Man franchisees are the best representatives of our brand and know what it takes to grow a lawn care business the right way.

Here’s what they’re saying:

Visit us online at www.weedmanfranchise.com or call 1-888-321-9333 today for your free consultation.

Join Weed Man at This Year’s GIE+EXPO!

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Are you heading to this year’s GIE+EXPO in Louisville, Kentucky? If so, we want to meet with you!

Join Weed Man at booth #5019 on Thursday, October 20th and Friday, October 21st. Meet several Weed Man representatives and consultants, pick up a copy of our informative brochure, and, most importantly, find out what all the buzz is about! In the past year alone, we’ve received recognition from Forbes, Franchise Business Review, Franchise Times, Entrepreneur, and CNBC.

As we continue to grow by leaps and bounds, we’re looking for like-minded candidates who are interested in the idea of franchise ownership. Find out how Weed Man can take your career to the next level and offer you freedom, flexibility, and financial success.

We look forward to seeing you at this year’s Green Industry & Equipment Expo!

Save 50% on your GIE+EXPO tradeshow admission when you buy your ticket early.
Click HERE to take advantage of this limited-time offer.

 

FAQs: The Right Fit – Successful Franchise Ownership with Weed Man Lawn Care

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The Weed Man franchise network consists of hundreds of entrepreneurs from all across the United States who have made the decision to grow with a reputable brand. Have you considered making the move to Weed Man franchise ownership? If so, take a look at a few of our Frequently Asked Questions to find out if Weed Man is the right fit for you.

What are the traits of a successful Weed Man franchisee?

Our best franchisees are hard working, have good communication skills, hold themselves accountable, and are self-starters with the ability to follow proven, successful systems. They enjoy working with others and accept the responsibility of setting their own work schedule and hours. Candidates must have the enthusiasm and the ability to sell superior products and possess the desire to deliver high-quality service to consumers.

Do I need to have a lawn care experience to purchase a Weed Man franchise?

Definitely not! We provide advanced agronomic training and easy-to-follow systems that will help you succeed in your new role as a Weed Man Lawn Care franchise owner. Our National Technical Director, Chris Lemcke, has over two decades of industry experience and is always available to answer any questions you may have regarding Weed Man products or service.

What type of career background do I need to have to succeed with Weed Man?

Our franchisees come from a wide range of industries, including golf, IT, accounting, Christmas décor, landscaping, and pest control, just to name a few. That’s the true beauty of franchising – it allows individuals from all industries and career backgrounds to excel via proven systems already in place. As long as you have the desire to succeed, we want to hear from you.

I already have a landscaping business. Will this negatively impact my ability to purchase a Weed Man franchise?

Absolutely not. In fact, diversifying with lawn care is often a natural next step for many service industry business owners. Several of our top-performing franchisees have enjoyed incredible growth by adding lawn care to their existing landscaping or pest control business offerings. Weed Man’s comprehensive lawn care programs and cross-marketing opportunities allow you to offer a list of value-added services to your customer base while bringing new clients through the door. As an added benefit, Weed Man franchisees enjoy an impressive customer retention rate and recurring revenues, meaning that owners can focus their marketing efforts on net growth rather than repeat sales.

If you have any other questions, or if you would like more information regarding the Weed Man franchise opportunity, contact us today at 1-888-321-9333 or www.weedmanfranchise.com

Top 10 Quotes on Running a Business

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Running a Business.jpg

Business owners live in a world of risk and reward that can come with some of the greatest victories and the toughest defeats. If you’re an entrepreneur looking for a little mid-week encouragement to help keep you balanced, determined and on track for success, take a look at Weed Man’s Top 10 Quotes on Running a Business.

“There’s no luck in business. There’s only drive, determination, and more drive.”  – Sophie Kinsella

“The purpose of business is to create and keep a customer.” – Peter F. Drucker

“The common question that gets asked in business is, ‘why?’ That’s a good question, but an equally valid question is, ‘why not?’” – Jeff Bezos

“In the business world, everyone is paid in two coins: cash and experience. Take the experience first; the cash will come later.” – Harold S. Geneen

“If you don’t drive your business, you will be driven out of business.” – B. C. Forbes

“Whenever an individual or a business decides that success has been attained, progress stops.” – Thomas J. Watson

“Profit in business comes from repeat customers, customers that boast about your project or service, and that bring friends with them.” – W. Edwards Deming

“No employer today is independent of those about him. He cannot succeed alone, no matter how great his ability or capital. Business today is more than ever a question of cooperation.” – Orison Swett Marden

“Being good in business is the most fascinating kind of art. Making money is art and working is art and good business is the best art.” – Andy Warhol

“Success or failure in business is caused more by the mental attitude even than by mental capacities.” – Walter Scott

Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking for an affordable investment, a business owner looking to diversify, or simply eager to become your own boss, Weed Man can help you achieve your career aspirations. We’ve got the systems, training, and years of expertise needed to set you up for success.

Visit us online at www.weedmanfranchise.com or call 1-888-321-9333 today for your free consultation.

New Business Checklist

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new-business-checklist

Congratulations on becoming a bonafide entrepreneur! As you venture into this new and exciting chapter of your life, it is important to take a moment to gauge your level of preparedness. In the chaos leading up to your grand opening, the last thing you want to do is miss a crucial deadline or lack the essential materials needed to get your business up and running.

To help you assess whether or not you’re ready to get started, Weed Man has put together an easy-to-follow checklist with several important “to dos”. Take a look!

New Business Checklist:

  • Create an in-depth business plan
  • Choose a company name
  • Incorporate/Register (Corporation, LLC, DBA)
  • Ensure your finances are in order and that you have the cash flow needed to get started. Apply for loans if needed.
  • Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
  • Set up a business bank account
  • Apply for any necessary business licenses or permits
  • Get your website live
  • Rent office or retail space (if required)
  • Hire staff
  • Secure insurance coverage
  • Ensure you have suppliers in order (if required)
  • Have marketing materials (business cards, brochures, etc.) on hand
  • Secure the support of your family

There is so much to remember when getting your new business off the ground, but starting with the basics above can help keep you on track and organized without becoming overwhelmed.

If you’re an entrepreneur at heart but aren’t ready to go it alone, consider investing in a Weed Man franchise. Franchise ownership allows you to run your own business with the added benefits of expert support and proven systems along the way.

Visit www.weedmanfranchise.com or call 1-888-321-9333 for more information.

Five Tips for Running a Successful Family Business

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family-business

For many Americans, running a family business is the ultimate dream. What’s not to like about spending extra time with loved ones, working toward collective personal and financial goals, and getting to be your true self – all while watching your family’s dream flourish?

But family businesses aren’t always sunshine and rainbows. Rivalries, hurt feelings, and differing opinions on how the business should be run can cause family-led companies to crumble and relationships to become strained. So how can families avoid these hurdles and achieve business success? All it takes is sticking to some basic principles:

  1. Communicate. When you’re involved in a family business, it’s all too easy to fall into a vicious cycle of assuming that your family members know you better than anyone and should therefore understand exactly what you want. This often leads to frustration and disappointment when delivery comes up short – which it will. Bolster communication within your family business by holding regular meetings where active discussion is encouraged. If there isn’t an ongoing conversation about what needs to be done and all of the what/where/when/why/who/how behind it, then your business simply won’t be able to be at its absolute best. Tip: when you speak to a family member, pretend you’re speaking to a non-family business partner. This will ensure open and clear communication among all parties.
  1. Use Constructive Criticism. Harsh criticisms can lead to bruised egos and low morale. Instead of putting family members down when their performance isn’t up to snuff, try offering constructive, helpful advice.
  1. Treat Employees Equally. Many family-led companies have several non-family employees involved in the business. In order to avoid discord among the masses, treat all employees equally. It will only breed jealousy and resentment if you make concessions for your family members but not for your other employees (or vice versa!).
  1. Leave it at the Office. Although it can sometimes feel impossible not to talk shop around the dinner table, try your best to leave everyday stresses at the office. Set aside time with your family members for fun activities like sporting events, meals out, and holiday get togethers. This will help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, all while strengthening your family’s bond both inside and outside of the workplace.
  1. Prioritize. Keep in mind that family relationships are always more important than business disputes. Don’t allow a difference in opinions to spark a bitter rivalry between members of your family. Sometimes it helps to take a “just let it go” approach and realize that in that particular battle, there can’t be – or won’t be – a winner. Dragging disagreements on and on will only cause injury to your personal relationships with the people you love most.

Want more insight from one of Weed Man’s own?

Chase Hillenmeyer recently spoke with Franchise Business Review about running a five-generation family landscaping business and multiple Weed Man franchises with his father and brother. Find out how they make it work by clicking HERE.

 

The Top 5 Ways to Get Customers to Love Your Business

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happy-customers

Building relationships with customers is a fundamental aspect of being a business owner – quite simply, you can’t run a business without clients. But what does it take to retain customers and build brand loyalty? Let’s take a look at the top 5 ways to get customers to love your business:

  1. Be Honest. All too often, business owners promise their customers the world and aren’t able to deliver when push comes to shove. If you’re looking to build lasting relationships based upon a culture of trust, then don’t make promises you can’t – or don’t intend to – keep. Foster a culture of honesty within your business by keeping communication clear, concise, and, above all, truthful.
  1. Listen to What Your Customers Have to Say…and Respond! While it is true that the majority of individuals only speak out when they’re unhappy, don’t let this deter you from listening to valuable feedback. If you’re confronted by an unhappy customer – whether through an online review site, via email, or on the phone – always be sure to listen and respond. Avoid becoming aggressive or confrontational. Often, a simple apology will do the trick and can convince an angry customer on the verge of severing ties with your business to stay with you for the long haul.
  1. Customer Service, Customer Service, Customer Service. Should we repeat that one more time? Nothing will help you improve retention more than enhancing the service you provide to customers. There really isn’t much that makes people happier than top-of-the-line support – especially in a day and age where it has become such a rarity. The key, however, is delivering the best service not just once, but time and time again. If you truly want to impress your customers and keep them with you for years to come, then you must consistently train your frontline staff to be friendly, enthusiastic representatives of your business.
  1. Say Thanks. If you have customers who have been with you for an extended period of time, don’t forget to say thanks! A small discount, priority booking, or extra reward points can go a long way. You want to show your clients that they are more than just a number and that you appreciate their patronage.
  1. Rise Above the Competition. Customers have many choices when purchasing a product or service. What makes you different? What makes you better? Don’t strive to be just another brand in today’s competitive market. Embrace your differences and make them public. If you offer a superior product, tell the world! If you offer a tool to make customers’ lives easier, communicate this to them each and every chance you get.

Getting customers to love your business isn’t as difficult as you may think. Sometimes all it takes is honesty, open communication, and tried and true customer service.

Brought to you by Weed Man. For information regarding franchise opportunities in your area, visit us online at www.weedmanfranchise.com or call 1-888-321-9333.

Weed Man’s Business Plan

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Weed Man franchisees come from several different backgrounds. Whether you currently own an independent landscape or pest control company or work in a completely unrelated industry, Weed Man offers entrepreneurs an opportunity that many franchise organizations do not. Not only do franchisees get the chance to experience recurring revenues and economic stability – they also receive one-on-one mentoring with their highly experienced Weed Man consultant.

Each and every year, franchisees sit down with their franchisor to create a road map to success, or in Weed Man’s terms, the business plan. But this isn’t just any business plan. The time spent with your franchisor will be used to go over everything from the number of employees required, to the amount of printer ink you’ll use – an ideology that began decades ago when Roger Mongeon, C.E.O., Weed Man USA, decided to get involved in the lawn care company as a franchisee.

He created a 10-year business plan – a practice he perfected while working in his decade-long career at Union Carbide. Today, Weed Man’s systems make up a large part of the company’s ‘secret sauce.’

“If you start off with great people and you stick with your commitment to taking care of your customers…and then you instill this cultural way of looking at your business through a business plan, that’s the heart of the franchise system we brought to the U.S.,” Mongeon says. “Through that we use people and systems to make sure once you develop the business plan, you can execute the plan.”

The business plan incorporates many factors of running a successful business. Over the two-and-a-half-day long meeting, franchisees and franchisor discuss the budget for the coming year, marketing tactics and hiring, equipment-buying and so much more. “Many people make a business plan, but they don’t make it alive throughout the year [like Weed Man does],” C.O.O. of Weed Man USA, Jennifer Lemcke states.

To learn more about franchise opportunities in your area, visit us online at www.weedmanfranchise.com or call 1-888-321-9333.