Categories
Marketing

Why Mobile Marketing Matters

Older and middle aged women sitting on a bench looking at a phone

In retrospect, Pete Townsend seems a bit more of an oracle than a songwriter when he penned The Who classic “Going Mobile” in 1971.

A half-century later, there are upward of 5 billion unique mobile users worldwide, and 2.7 billion of them use smartphones, according to the digital-insights gurus at DataReportal. In the United States alone, the Pew Research Center estimates that 285 million residents will have a smartphone by 2023. Then there’s the oft-cited statistic released several years ago by the Mobile Marketing Association of Asia indicating that more people on the planet own a mobile phone than a toothbrush.

As disquieting as that information may be to the American Dental Association, the growing use of mobile isn’t going away and shows no signs of plateauing anytime soon. It’s a reflection of the changing on-the-go world, and every day more people are relying on their mobile devices as their window to view and stay in touch with the wider world wherever they may be.

All of this is why mobile marketing is essential to incorporate into the marketing strategy for any business. Your audience is no longer a static target. To reach them and get your message seen and heard, you have to meet them where they are at any given moment. There are a variety of ways to use mobile marketing, and often different methods are employed to meet different needs. Some of the most common strategies include:

  • Mobile apps: Smart Insights reported 2020 saw 35 billion mobile app downloads. Companies that have mobile apps are primarily targeting existing customers through promotions and increased engagement to enhance retention and reward loyalty. Coupons and special deals can transform existing customers into brand ambassadors.
  • Mobile game marketing: Mobile gaming is a booming business, with 2.7 billion gamers around the world at the end of 2020, according to Pocket Gamer. Additionally, an average of 234 daily minutes spent gaming is anticipated by 2021. Advertising appearing in mobile games through pop-ups and banner ads is an exceptional way to promote new products or deals.
  • Location marketing: Location-based marketing strategies such as geofencing and geotargeting puts your business in front of an audience at a predetermined location. Location marketing is an ideal tactic for small businesses seeking to target a particular audience in a specific community.
  • QR codes: Quick-response codes work with any camera-equipped smartphone and provide a wealth of data from text to URL links, sending consumers directly to whatever information a business is looking to put in front of eyes.

There is a plethora of other mobile marketing avenues that can be explored to meet the distinct objectives of a business of any size. It’s important to experiment with different approaches and then analyze and benchmark results to see what works best for you. However, being succinct in your message is key. Mobile devices have small screens, so make your message count in a low word-count to have the biggest impact.

SaveOn can keep you moving to reach your audience at any place and any time. Find out more about how we use mobile marketing to help our clients obtain a higher level of success by visiting saveon.com.

Categories
Marketing

Help Your Business Start 2021 with a Bang

It’s said that hindsight is 20/20.

But that quippy proverb takes on a whole new meaning now. After the tumultuous year the business community just experienced, it’s likely many business owners are pleased to see the number 2020 in the rearview mirror.

A new year brings new hope and new opportunities. It’s a reset button, a fresh start, a tabula rasa to reexamine your goals, recommit your determination and reinvigorate the idea that the unknown days ahead contain unlimited potential for success.

However, just because the days ahead are unknown doesn’t mean you have to approach them unprepared. There are steps that can be taken to help kickstart success and begin 2021 — ah, that beautiful number that seemed to take so long to get here — with a bang.

The coronavirus pandemic that tested the limits and endurance of the business world isn’t over, but the sun appears to be coming up over the horizon and the dawn of better days are approaching. Here are a few tips to help you put your best foot forward and greet 2021 chin up and head-on:

  • Don’t make your marketing budget an optional expense: Although many businesses continue a day-to-day struggle to keep the doors open, the lights on and make payroll, it’s never a good idea to stop thinking about marketing strategy. The marketing budget may be smaller than in years past, but it is still a vital component for your business to keep your name in front of the right eyes. It’s an investment in you.

In a forbes.com article, PostcardMania founder and CEO Joy Gendusa explained that the company slashed its marketing budget following the 2008 recession to detrimental effect, losing $5 million in revenue by 2009. The lesson: The marketing budget is sacred.

“Where possible, you need to get the word out to prospects and customers alike that your business is alive, kicking and ready to be of service,” Gendusa wrote in the article.

  • Bolster your social media presence: From the mom-and-pop shop to the national chains, a strong social media presence is a critical strategy for success in the 20th century. We live in a world where word of thumb has replaced word of mouth, and social platforms are one of the best ways to stay connected with your current customers and raise your profile and awareness with your future patrons.

With more than 3 billion people worldwide using social media every month, the potential for engagement only keeps growing, according to an article in marketinginsidergroup.com.

“If people don’t know about your business, they can’t become your customers,” the article states. “Social media boosts your visibility among potential customers, letting you reach a wide audience by using a large amount of time and effort. And it’s free to create a business profile on all the major social networks, so you have nothing to lose.”

  • Put your business on the Google Map: Take the time at the start of the year to update your Google My Business profile. Google My Business provides business owners with the ability to have their companies pop up in local search results and appear on Google Maps. Setting up a Google My Business profile is relatively simple and can reap numerous rewards when properly optimized — from improving engagement to boasting your business in local search results.

An article in business2community.com, recommends filling the Q&A section of the profile with frequently asked questions, adding images or video and responding to all reviews.

“A robust Google My Business profile is more important now than ever. If you want to show up when local searchers are trying to find businesses like yours on Google or in Google Maps, a complete and optimized Google My Business profile is the place to start,” the article states.

It’s important to also take stock of the previous year and pinpoint what did and did not work for your business. However, equally important as looking back is looking forward. You invested your life into your business, so do your homework and study up on the trends and predictions being made in the coming year to determine how you can better reach your customers.

SaveOn has been helping business of all stripes extend their reach to target audiences for years. Find out more about what SaveOn can do for you by visiting saveon.com.

Categories
Marketing Online Deals

Generosity Shines on Giving Tuesday

There’s good reason that it’s not known as “The Season of Getting.”

From the smaller stage of helping workaday employees make their everyday ends meet to the broader perspective of keeping the nation’s economy on track at a steady hum, consumerism indeed has its undeniable values and virtues. However, even the most squinted and pessimistic eye can’t deny that the holiday season encompasses a softer and more global approach to giving of ourselves for the purpose of offering a hand to our friends and neighbors who are struggling and in a time of need.

That’s why in the height of the holiday shopping hysteria, Giving Tuesday plays a vital role in reminding us that the threads of kindness and compassion bind us all together in this complex tapestry of humanity. It’s also why businesses large and small play essential parts in the ensemble cast of making Giving Tuesday a success each year.

Since 2012, Giving Tuesday has encouraged people to engage in acts of good on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving through its mission of building a more just and generous world.  

“Giving Tuesday strives to build a world in which the catalytic power of generosity is at the heart of the society we build together, unlocking dignity, opportunity and equity around the globe,” according to the organization’s website. “We believe that generosity leads to greater civic participation and other pro-social behaviors. … Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts and everyone has something to give.”

At SaveOn, we’re proud that so many in our extended family of businesses choose to take part in the spirit of Giving Tuesday during the holidays, as well as throughout the year. These businesses serve as shining examples of compassionate commitment in the regions they serve as they strive to do their part to make their community’s better places to live, work and play.

With so many feeling isolated and alone this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, The UPS Store in Lake Orion, Michigan, is using its care package services to help families and loved ones stay connected while following social distancing guidelines.

As a designated essential business, The UPS Store has remained open during the pandemic. Care packaging is just one way the brand is helping customers get through this time as a resource of hope and outreach.

“Many of our customers are missing their families and friends, so sending a care package is a great way to be there for one another from a distance,” said franchise owner Neil Patel. “Our packing experts are trained in advanced packing techniques and can pack just about anything. We know how important it is for your package to arrive intact to help bring a little good cheer.”

Another proud member of the SaveOn family, MSP Plumbing, Heating and Air in St. Paul, Minnesota, has been committed to the comfort of its customers for more than a century. MSP takes great pride in being an active member of its community by supporting local charities and causes.

“We know that 2020 has been a tough year for all, and we believe everyone could use a little extra comfort. MSP would like to take the holiday season to show our commitment to our community by supporting people in need,” MSP said in a statement. “We are asking for your help by sharing instances of individuals, families or groups who may have had a rough year and could use a little extra happiness this holiday season.”

MSP is asking people to visit mspoffers.com/committed-to-our-community and nominate an individual or family that has had an especially challenging year and could use a little help. The MSP team selects a winner each week to be awarded and celebrated on the company’s website. 

Ann Arbor, Michigan, favorite Wags to Wiskers Pet Supplies spreads its Giving Tuesday sentiment throughout the entire year to our four-legged friends by accepting year-round donations for local pet rescues and charities.

“Our community is our family and our priority at Wags to Wiskers Pet Supplies,” said owner and founder Dan Gilmore. “You can feel it in the way we treat our customers, both new and returning. You see it in the way we partner with local businesses and organizations. We are most grateful for all the support and consistency in our businesses during this most tumultuous year. We miss seeing everyone all the time, but we know things will be better soon, and we plan to be right here.”

These businesses, and many more just like them, reflect the importance SaveOn places on taking an active role in the community and giving back to the people and the causes that help define a region’s purpose. There are no small acts of giving. Consider supporting the local businesses that support you this Giving Tuesday.

Categories
Marketing

Giving Small Business a Big Boost Saturday

More than being the backbone to the U.S. economy, they are also your friends, neighbors and community members. And perhaps more than ever before, they need your help this year.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses make up more than 99% of all businesses in the nation and employ more than 47% of the private workforce. While large chain retailers and online marketplaces get their due in the post-Thanksgiving holiday shopping rush, Small Business Saturday draws attention to the importance of small businesses and highlights their vital impact on local communities.

Black Friday tends to get the loudest fanfare during the holiday shopping season, with legend holding that the additional influx of consumer purchases allow businesses to move out of the red and into the black in their ledgers. However, Small Business Saturday, which falls on Nov. 28 this year, has been growing in reputation and recognition for the past decade for its dedication and devotion to the entrepreneurs who pump the lifeblood into our local communities.  

Small Business Saturday was first observed on Nov. 27, 2010. According to Wikipedia, the event was created by American Express in partnership with Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, the Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Boston-based nonprofit Roslindale Village Main Street. Held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Small Busines Saturday was meant to serve as a counterpart to Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

The inaugural event was held while the nation was battling back from a recession. On the American Express website, the company said that the mission of Small Business Saturday was to aid small businesses that served as the core of local neighborhoods. The following year, the shop small movement had gained momentum and the U.S. Senate passed a resolution in 2011 in support of Small Business Saturday.

According to the Farm Bureau Financial Services website, in 2012 American Express encouraged small-business owners to promote their businesses, and the credit card company offered small-business owners free, personalized ads to spread over the internet. That year, an estimated $5.5 billion was spent across the nation at independent businesses. By 2013, neighborhoods began celebrating the day and pledging support to local businesses and organizations. 

Participation in Small Business Saturday continues to grow year over year. Figures compiled by Farm Bureau Financial Services indicate that more than 95 million people shopped at small businesses on Small Business Saturday in 2015 and spending reached $16.2 billion. In 2016, Small Business Saturday reached record highs, with 72% of U.S. consumers aware of the day and an estimated 112 million shoppers.

It’s something to take into serious consideration because shopping with local, independent storeowners can pay extensive dividends for you as a conscientious community member. Making the decision to shop locally is reaffirming your dedication to, and investment in, your fellow residents and their commitment to enhancing quality of life in your own backyard. The results don’t simply serve as a benefit to an individual business owner. Rather, it creates a cyclical stream of reward throughout an entire community.

  • By frequenting independent entrepreneurs, you’re investing in yourself by keeping the community in which you live economically viable. Varying studies have shown that anywhere from 48% to 73% of each dollar spent locally remains in the local economy.
  • You can expect better service, more attention to detail and a more knowledgeable staff from a local business. This is their livelihood, and they are going to develop personal relationships with their valued clientele. You are going to matter.
  • Local stores give a community an individuality that can’t be found or replicated anywhere else. Shopping at local businesses not only supports that concept, but it also helps encourage it to bloom.
  • A small retail establishment is likely going to have fewer than 20 employees; however, that small package packs a powerful punch. The Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council said business with less than 20 workers made up 89 of the businesses in the nation. That’s a lot of jobs and opportunities being created by your support.

A diverse public marketplace spurs competition and increases consumer choices. Plus, sometimes the most well-received gifts are the unique, one-of-a-kind items that you’re far likelier to find at a small business.

Our extended SaveOn family helps support hundreds of small businesses that benefit your family and your community. With the struggles and sacrifices these storeowners have made this year in the face of a national health pandemic, your support for these local dreamers and doers is appreciated more than ever before. This year, the reach of your holiday purchases can extend far beyond the gift recipient.

Happy holidays and happy shopping from SaveOn.

Categories
Coupon Tips Twin Cities

Twin Cities’ Ultimate Prep List for Getting Your Home Ready for the Holidays

Family Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is almost here, and if you’re like us, you’re probably excited to spend extra time with family and friends but are dreading getting the house ready. We get it, there’s a million and one things to do and never enough time to do them all. It seems like there’s always something big that slips through the cracks. But not this year. This year, you’re going to be the queen of holiday prep. Seriously, your friends are going to be so jealous of how together you have it.

We made the ultimate list of things you need to do over the next few days and weeks to get your house ready for the festivities, and we even threw in some of our favorite ways for you to save while you do it.

Cleaning

Let’s skip the obvious. We’ll all remember to clean the house before we decorate and have guests over. This is your deep-cleaning reminder. We’re not trying to impress just anyone. This year we’re going to impress the picky aunts and meticulous in-laws. To get your house to Monica Geller, clean don’t forget to clean these areas of the house:

  • Baseboards
  • Light switches
  • Windowsills
  • Oven (inside and out)
  • Doorknobs
  • Shower curtain
  • Fridge
  • Walls
  • Remote
  • Pillows
  • Inside closets
  • Outdoor lights
  • Mattress
  • Dishwasher
  • Garbage disposal
  • Bath fan grill
  • Trash can
  • Washer and dryer
  • Toothbrush holder
  • Coffee maker
  • Toilet brush and plunger
  • Under the fridge
  • Faucet aerators
  • Clutter

It can be a lot of work to get all these extra things cleaned, but luckily, we’re weeks out from Thanksgiving. Recruiting help from the kids is a great idea if they’re old enough. You could also crack open a bottle of wine (or two) with your bestie and have some laughs while you get the job done.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is download-1.jpg

Sprucing Up the Exterior

First impressions are everything, right? Start the holiday visits off right by having a spotless inside and outside of your home. Don’t forget to do these things to set your house apart.

  • Rake the leaves
  • Power-wash the siding
  • Put trash cans away
  • Clean up toys
  • Clean the gutters
  • Touch up paint
  • Wash windows
  • Sweep and wash the porch
  • Pull and dispose of dead weeds/flowers
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is unnamed.jpg
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Planning for Houseguests

We all love spending time with family (at least for a week or so), and we want them to feel comfortable and at home when they’re visiting. Put the extra time in getting the house ready now, so you can enjoy family time later.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is pexels-elly-fairytale-5859798-1024x683.jpg
  • Make up the guest bedroom or make room for guests to settle in
  • Declutter
  • Stock the bedside table with water, the Wi-Fi password and tissues
  • Childproof the house
  • Stock up on toiletries
  • Clear a drawer
  • Put out fresh towels
  • Set out extra blankets and pillows
  • Make plugs accessible
  • Set out a welcome snack

Stocking Up on Essentials

Don’t be the host that has no conditioner or can’t give a guest a bandage. Stock up on the essentials and save yourself from making countless trips to the store.

  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Toothpaste
  • Floss
  • Mouthwash
  • Toilet paper
  • Paper Towels
  • Laundry detergent
  • Dishwashing detergent and dish soap
  • Extra razors and toothbrushes
  • Q-tips
  • First aid supplies
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is shutterstock_1677576121-1-1024x683.jpg
Snuggle, Clorox, Glade, Dove and More Household Essentials
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Decorating

Every year, it seems like we make 20 trips to the store to get supplies to decorate the house. Save time and make just one trip to the store by getting the following decorating essentials.

  • Thumb tacks
  • Command strips
  • Holiday lights
  • Light bulb replacements
  • Nails and screws
  • Tape
  • Extension cords
  • Spray snow
  • Ribbon
  • Scissors
  • Bulbs
  • Ornament hooks
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 1602705471-gallery.jpg

Getting the Kitchen Ready

There’s nothing worse than waking up at 5 a.m. to get your butt cooking all day long, just to pull out a cold turkey at dinnertime. Make sure your kitchen appliances are working and you have all the supplies you need to have a rocking holiday dinner.

  • Check oven temperature
  • Stock up on storage bags, saran wrap, storage containers and other food preservation materials
  • Clean out the refrigerator
  • Stock your kitchen with food, baking essentials and spices
  • Create a cooking schedule
  • Declutter kitchen counters
  • Check your dishwasher efficiency
  • Get your serving utensils ready (sharpen knives, take inventory of serving spoons, make sure your meat thermometer works)
  • Inventory plates, silverware, cups, etc.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Service-technician-refrigerator-appliance-repair-1024x683.jpg
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Setting the Menu

Planning holiday dinners gets about as intricate as diffusing a bomb. OK, so maybe it’s not that serious, but it is one of the most important parts of the holidays. Everything revolves around dinner. Use this list and dinner won’t just be smooth sailing, but you’ll finally get to enjoy a hot meal on a holiday.

  • Shop early
  • Consider allergies, dietary restrictions and food preferences
  • Grab grocery coupons
  • Get extras — you can always donate unused food to food pantries
  • Make a cooking schedule
  • Determine who will bring dishes and what ones you will make
  • Have a backup plan in case the main course burns
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Screenshot-2020-11-24-134859.png
Hellmann’s, Pillsbury, Ben & Jerry’s and More Grocery Coupons
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Making Repairs

There are projects we put off all year long. Although guests might not notice, you’ll feel less self-conscious about the condition of your home if you take care of the small repairs that bug you ahead of holiday gatherings.

  • Touching up paint
  • Fixing squeaky doors and stairs
  • Tightening cupboard screws
  • Leaky pipes
  • Sticky doors or windows
  • Secure loose rails
  • Snip wayward carpet strands
  • Repairing heating, cooling, sewage or other systems
$50 Off Services at Mr. Handyman
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is view-deal-button-12.png

Securing Safety

You never know what will happen when you get your wild and crazy family together in one place. Make sure your house has much-needed safety precautions in place.

  • Check fire alarm
  • Check carbon monoxide detector
  • Check fire extinguisher
  • Update evacuation plan
  • Have flashlights and batteries
  • Stock your first aid kit
  • Update and post emergency numbers
  • Childproof the house

Our final bit of advice for having the most laid-back, stress-free holiday is to plan ahead and stick to it. Or in other works, make your list and check it twice. Happy holidays from your SaveOn family. Don’t forget to check out our site for more local savings so you can live life for less.

Categories
Chicago Coupon Tips

Chicago’s Ultimate Prep List for Getting Your Home Ready for the Holidays

Family Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is almost here, and if you’re like us, you’re probably excited to spend extra time with family and friends but are dreading getting the house ready. We get it, there’s a million and one things to do and never enough time to do them all. It seems like there’s always something big that slips through the cracks. But not this year. This year, you’re going to be the queen of holiday prep. Seriously, your friends are going to be so jealous of how together you have it.

We made the ultimate list of things you need to do over the next few days and weeks to get your house ready for the festivities, and we even threw in some of our favorite ways for you to save while you do it.

Cleaning

Let’s skip the obvious. We’ll all remember to clean the house before we decorate and have guests over. This is your deep-cleaning reminder. We’re not trying to impress just anyone. This year we’re going to impress the picky aunts and meticulous in-laws. To get your house to Monica Geller, clean don’t forget to clean these areas of the house:

  • Baseboards
  • Light switches
  • Windowsills
  • Oven (inside and out)
  • Doorknobs
  • Shower curtain
  • Fridge
  • Walls
  • Remote
  • Pillows
  • Inside closets
  • Outdoor lights
  • Mattress
  • Dishwasher
  • Garbage disposal
  • Bath fan grill
  • Trash can
  • Washer and dryer
  • Toothbrush holder
  • Coffee maker
  • Toilet brush and plunger
  • Under the fridge
  • Faucet aerators
  • Clutter

It can be a lot of work to get all these extra things cleaned, but luckily, we’re weeks out from Thanksgiving. Recruiting help from the kids is a great idea if they’re old enough. You could also crack open a bottle of wine (or two) with your bestie and have some laughs while you get the job done. If you’re too busy to possibly get everything done — like most of us are — you can always get extra help from cleaning businesses. Bonus: You get to support local, while taking tasks off your plate.

$75 Off Three Cleanings at Maid Pro

Sprucing Up the Exterior

First impressions are everything, right? Start the holiday visits off right by having a spotless inside and outside of your home. Don’t forget to do these things to set your house apart.

  • Rake the leaves
  • Power-wash the siding
  • Put trash cans away
  • Clean up toys
  • Clean the gutters
  • Touch up paint
  • Wash windows
  • Sweep and wash the porch
  • Pull and dispose of dead weeds/flowers
Save On Gutter Cleaning At V & D Window Washing & Gutter Cleaning

Planning for Houseguests

We all love spending time with family (at least for a week or so), and we want them to feel comfortable and at home when they’re visiting. Put the extra time in getting the house ready now, so you can enjoy family time later.

  • Make up the guest bedroom or make room for guests to settle in
  • Declutter
  • Stock the bedside table with water, the Wi-Fi password and tissues
  • Childproof the house
  • Stock up on toiletries
  • Clear a drawer
  • Put out fresh towels
  • Set out extra blankets and pillows
  • Make plugs accessible
  • Set out a welcome snack

Stocking Up on Essentials

Don’t be the host that has no conditioner or can’t give a guest a bandage. Stock up on the essentials and save yourself from making countless trips to the store.

  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Toothpaste
  • Floss
  • Mouthwash
  • Toilet paper
  • Paper Towels
  • Laundry detergent
  • Dishwashing detergent and dish soap
  • Extra razors and toothbrushes
  • Q-tips
  • First aid supplies
Snuggle, Clorox, Glade, Dove and More Household Essentials

Decorating

Every year, it seems like we make 20 trips to the store to get supplies to decorate the house. Save time and make just one trip to the store by getting the following decorating essentials.

  • Thumb tacks
  • Command strips
  • Holiday lights
  • Light bulb replacements
  • Nails and screws
  • Tape
  • Extension cords
  • Spray snow
  • Ribbon
  • Scissors
  • Bulbs
  • Ornament hooks
10% Off Total Installation of Holiday Lights at MML Premier Services

Getting the Kitchen Ready

There’s nothing worse than waking up at 5 a.m. to get your butt cooking all day long, just to pull out a cold turkey at dinnertime. Make sure your kitchen appliances are working and you have all the supplies you need to have a rocking holiday dinner.

  • Check oven temperature
  • Stock up on storage bags, saran wrap, storage containers and other food preservation materials
  • Clean out the refrigerator
  • Stock your kitchen with food, baking essentials and spices
  • Create a cooking schedule
  • Declutter kitchen counters
  • Check your dishwasher efficiency
  • Get your serving utensils ready (sharpen knives, take inventory of serving spoons, make sure your meat thermometer works)
  • Inventory plates, silverware, cups, etc.
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Setting the Menu

Planning holiday dinners gets about as intricate as diffusing a bomb. OK, so maybe it’s not that serious, but it is one of the most important parts of the holidays. Everything revolves around dinner. Use this list and dinner won’t just be smooth sailing, but you’ll finally get to enjoy a hot meal on a holiday.

  • Shop early
  • Consider allergies, dietary restrictions and food preferences
  • Grab grocery coupons
  • Get extras — you can always donate unused food to food pantries
  • Make a cooking schedule
  • Determine who will bring dishes and what ones you will make
  • Have a backup plan in case the main course burns
Hellmann’s, Pillsbury, Ben & Jerry’s and More Grocery Coupons

Making Repairs

There are projects we put off all year long. Although guests might not notice, you’ll feel less self-conscious about the condition of your home if you take care of the small repairs that bug you ahead of holiday gatherings.

  • Touching up paint
  • Fixing squeaky doors and stairs
  • Tightening cupboard screws
  • Leaky pipes
  • Sticky doors or windows
  • Secure loose rails
  • Snip wayward carpet strands
  • Repairing heating, cooling, sewage or other systems
$50 Off Any Repair Service at Eco Air Pros

Securing Safety

You never know what will happen when you get your wild and crazy family together in one place. Make sure your house has much-needed safety precautions in place.

  • Check fire alarm
  • Check carbon monoxide detector
  • Check fire extinguisher
  • Update evacuation plan
  • Have flashlights and batteries
  • Stock your first aid kit
  • Update and post emergency numbers
  • Childproof the house

Our final bit of advice for having the most laid-back, stress-free holiday is to plan ahead and stick to it. Or in other works, make your list and check it twice. Happy holidays from your SaveOn family. Don’t forget to check out our site for more local savings so you can live life for less.

Categories
West Michigan

West Michigan’s Ultimate Prep List for Getting Your Home Ready for the Holidays

Family Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is almost here, and if you’re like us, you’re probably excited to spend extra time with family and friends but are dreading getting the house ready. We get it, there’s a million and one things to do and never enough time to do them all. It seems like there’s always something big that slips through the cracks. But not this year. This year, you’re going to be the queen of holiday prep. Seriously, your friends are going to be so jealous of how together you have it.

We made the ultimate list of things you need to do over the next few days and weeks to get your house ready for the festivities, and we even threw in some of our favorite ways for you to save while you do it.

Cleaning

Let’s skip the obvious. We’ll all remember to clean the house before we decorate and have guests over. This is your deep-cleaning reminder. We’re not trying to impress just anyone. This year we’re going to impress the picky aunts and meticulous in-laws. To get your house to Monica Geller, clean don’t forget to clean these areas of the house:

  • Baseboards
  • Light switches
  • Windowsills
  • Oven (inside and out)
  • Doorknobs
  • Shower curtain
  • Fridge
  • Walls
  • Remote
  • Pillows
  • Inside closets
  • Outdoor lights
  • Mattress
  • Dishwasher
  • Garbage disposal
  • Bath fan grill
  • Trash can
  • Washer and dryer
  • Toothbrush holder
  • Coffee maker
  • Toilet brush and plunger
  • Under the fridge
  • Faucet aerators
  • Clutter

It can be a lot of work to get all these extra things cleaned, but luckily, we’re weeks out from Thanksgiving. Recruiting help from the kids is a great idea if they’re old enough. You could also crack open a bottle of wine (or two) with your bestie and have some laughs while you get the job done. If you’re too busy to possibly get everything done — like most of us are — you can always get extra help from cleaning businesses. Bonus: You get to support local, while taking tasks off your plate.

20% OFF First Cleaning at Calder City Cleaning LLC

Sprucing Up the Exterior

First impressions are everything, right? Start the holiday visits off right by having a spotless inside and outside of your home. Don’t forget to do these things to set your house apart.

  • Rake the leaves
  • Power-wash the siding
  • Put trash cans away
  • Clean up toys
  • Clean the gutters
  • Touch up paint
  • Wash windows
  • Sweep and wash the porch
  • Pull and dispose of dead weeds/flowers
15% Off Whole House Weatherization Package by West Michigan Glass Block

Planning for Houseguests

We all love spending time with family (at least for a week or so), and we want them to feel comfortable and at home when they’re visiting. Put the extra time in getting the house ready now, so you can enjoy family time later.

  • Make up the guest bedroom or make room for guests to settle in
  • Declutter
  • Stock the bedside table with water, the Wi-Fi password and tissues
  • Childproof the house
  • Stock up on toiletries
  • Clear a drawer
  • Put out fresh towels
  • Set out extra blankets and pillows
  • Make plugs accessible
  • Set out a welcome snack

Stocking Up on Essentials

Don’t be the host that has no conditioner or can’t give a guest a bandage. Stock up on the essentials and save yourself from making countless trips to the store.

  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Toothpaste
  • Floss
  • Mouthwash
  • Toilet paper
  • Paper Towels
  • Laundry detergent
  • Dishwashing detergent and dish soap
  • Extra razors and toothbrushes
  • Q-tips
  • First aid supplies
Snuggle, Clorox, Glade, Dove and More Household Essentials

Decorating

Every year, it seems like we make 20 trips to the store to get supplies to decorate the house. Save time and make just one trip to the store by getting the following decorating essentials.

  • Thumb tacks
  • Command strips
  • Holiday lights
  • Light bulb replacements
  • Nails and screws
  • Tape
  • Extension cords
  • Spray snow
  • Ribbon
  • Scissors
  • Bulbs
  • Ornament hooks

Getting the Kitchen Ready

There’s nothing worse than waking up at 5 a.m. to get your butt cooking all day long, just to pull out a cold turkey at dinnertime. Make sure your kitchen appliances are working and you have all the supplies you need to have a rocking holiday dinner.

  • Check oven temperature
  • Stock up on storage bags, saran wrap, storage containers and other food preservation materials
  • Clean out the refrigerator
  • Stock your kitchen with food, baking essentials and spices
  • Create a cooking schedule
  • Declutter kitchen counters
  • Check your dishwasher efficiency
  • Get your serving utensils ready (sharpen knives, take inventory of serving spoons, make sure your meat thermometer works)
  • Inventory plates, silverware, cups, etc.
$15 OFF Appliance Labor Cost at Apex Appliance

Setting the Menu

Planning holiday dinners gets about as intricate as diffusing a bomb. OK, so maybe it’s not that serious, but it is one of the most important parts of the holidays. Everything revolves around dinner. Use this list and dinner won’t just be smooth sailing, but you’ll finally get to enjoy a hot meal on a holiday.

  • Shop early
  • Consider allergies, dietary restrictions and food preferences
  • Grab grocery coupons
  • Get extras — you can always donate unused food to food pantries
  • Make a cooking schedule
  • Determine who will bring dishes and what ones you will make
  • Have a backup plan in case the main course burns
Hellmann’s, Pillsbury, Ben & Jerry’s and More Grocery Coupons

Making Repairs

There are projects we put off all year long. Although guests might not notice, you’ll feel less self-conscious about the condition of your home if you take care of the small repairs that bug you ahead of holiday gatherings.

  • Touching up paint
  • Fixing squeaky doors and stairs
  • Tightening cupboard screws
  • Leaky pipes
  • Sticky doors or windows
  • Secure loose rails
  • Snip wayward carpet strands
  • Repairing heating, cooling, sewage or other systems
20% Off Kitchen Cabinet Painting at Hillis Brothers Painting

Securing Safety

You never know what will happen when you get your wild and crazy family together in one place. Make sure your house has much-needed safety precautions in place.

  • Check fire alarm
  • Check carbon monoxide detector
  • Check fire extinguisher
  • Update evacuation plan
  • Have flashlights and batteries
  • Stock your first aid kit
  • Update and post emergency numbers
  • Childproof the house

Our final bit of advice for having the most laid-back, stress-free holiday is to plan ahead and stick to it. Or in other works, make your list and check it twice. Happy holidays from your SaveOn family. Don’t forget to check out our site for more local savings so you can live life for less.

Categories
Coupon Tips Detroit

The Ultimate Prep List for Getting Your Home Ready for the Holidays

Family Thanksgiving

The holidays are here, and if you’re like us, you’re probably excited to spend extra time with family and friends but are dreading getting the house ready. We get it, there’s a million and one things to do and never enough time to do them all. It seems like there’s always something big that slips through the cracks. But not this year. This year, you’re going to be the queen of holiday prep. Seriously, your friends are going to be so jealous of how together you have it.

We made the ultimate list of things you need to do over the next few days and weeks to get your house ready for the festivities, and we even threw in some of our favorite ways for you to save while you do it.

Cleaning

Let’s skip the obvious. We’ll all remember to clean the house before we decorate and have guests over. This is your deep-cleaning reminder. We’re not trying to impress just anyone. This year we’re going to impress the picky aunts and meticulous in-laws. To get your house to Monica Geller, clean don’t forget to clean these areas of the house:

  • Baseboards
  • Light switches
  • Windowsills
  • Oven (inside and out)
  • Doorknobs
  • Shower curtain
  • Fridge
  • Walls
  • Remote
  • Pillows
  • Inside closets
  • Outdoor lights
  • Mattress
  • Dishwasher
  • Garbage disposal
  • Bath fan grill
  • Trash can
  • Washer and dryer
  • Toothbrush holder
  • Coffee maker
  • Toilet brush and plunger
  • Under the fridge
  • Faucet aerators
  • Clutter

It can be a lot of work to get all these extra things cleaned. Recruiting help from the kids is a great idea if they’re old enough. You could also crack open a bottle of wine (or two) with your bestie and have some laughs while you get the job done. If you’re too busy to possibly get everything done — like most of us are — you can always get extra help from cleaning businesses. Bonus: You get to support local, while taking tasks off your plate.

Sprucing Up the Exterior

First impressions are everything, right? Start the holiday visits off right by having a spotless inside and outside of your home. Don’t forget to do these things to set your house apart.

  • Rake the leaves
  • Power-wash the siding
  • Put trash cans away
  • Clean up toys
  • Clean the gutters
  • Touch up paint
  • Wash windows
  • Sweep and wash the porch
  • Pull and dispose of dead weeds/flowers

Planning for Houseguests

We all love spending time with family (at least for a week or so), and we want them to feel comfortable and at home when they’re visiting. Put the extra time in getting the house ready now, so you can enjoy family time later.

  • Make up the guest bedroom or make room for guests to settle in
  • Declutter
  • Stock the bedside table with water, the Wi-Fi password and tissues
  • Childproof the house
  • Stock up on toiletries
  • Clear a drawer
  • Put out fresh towels
  • Set out extra blankets and pillows
  • Make plugs accessible
  • Set out a welcome snack

Stocking Up on Essentials

Don’t be the host that has no conditioner or can’t give a guest a bandage. Stock up on the essentials and save yourself from making countless trips to the store.

  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Toothpaste
  • Floss
  • Mouthwash
  • Toilet paper
  • Paper Towels
  • Laundry detergent
  • Dishwashing detergent and dish soap
  • Extra razors and toothbrushes
  • Q-tips
  • First aid supplies
Snuggle, Clorox, Glade, Dove and More Household Essentials

Decorating

Every year, it seems like we make 20 trips to the store to get supplies to decorate the house. Save time and make just one trip to the store by getting the following decorating essentials.

  • Thumb tacks
  • Command strips
  • Holiday lights
  • Light bulb replacements
  • Nails and screws
  • Tape
  • Extension cords
  • Spray snow
  • Ribbon
  • Scissors
  • Bulbs
  • Ornament hooks

Getting the Kitchen Ready

There’s nothing worse than waking up at 5 a.m. to get your butt cooking all day long, just to pull out a cold turkey at dinnertime. Make sure your kitchen appliances are working and you have all the supplies you need to have a rocking holiday dinner.

  • Check oven temperature
  • Stock up on storage bags, saran wrap, storage containers and other food preservation materials
  • Clean out the refrigerator
  • Stock your kitchen with food, baking essentials and spices
  • Create a cooking schedule
  • Declutter kitchen counters
  • Check your dishwasher efficiency
  • Get your serving utensils ready (sharpen knives, take inventory of serving spoons, make sure your meat thermometer works)
  • Inventory plates, silverware, cups, etc.

Setting the Menu

Planning holiday dinners gets about as intricate as diffusing a bomb. OK, so maybe it’s not that serious, but it is one of the most important parts of the holidays. Everything revolves around dinner. Use this list and dinner won’t just be smooth sailing, but you’ll finally get to enjoy a hot meal on a holiday.

  • Shop early
  • Consider allergies, dietary restrictions and food preferences
  • Grab grocery coupons
  • Get extras — you can always donate unused food to food pantries
  • Make a cooking schedule
  • Determine who will bring dishes and what ones you will make
  • Have a backup plan in case the main course burns
Hundreds of Grocery Coupons for the brands you love

Making Repairs

There are projects we put off all year long. Although guests might not notice, you’ll feel less self-conscious about the condition of your home if you take care of the small repairs that bug you ahead of holiday gatherings.

  • Touching up paint
  • Fixing squeaky doors and stairs
  • Tightening cupboard screws
  • Leaky pipes
  • Sticky doors or windows
  • Secure loose rails
  • Snip wayward carpet strands
  • Repairing heating, cooling, sewage or other systems

Securing Safety

You never know what will happen when you get your wild and crazy family together in one place. Make sure your house has much-needed safety precautions in place.

  • Check fire alarm
  • Check carbon monoxide detector
  • Check fire extinguisher
  • Update evacuation plan
  • Have flashlights and batteries
  • Stock your first aid kit
  • Update and post emergency numbers
  • Childproof the house

Our final bit of advice for having the most laid-back, stress-free holiday is to plan ahead and stick to it. Or in other works, make your list and check it twice. Happy holidays from your SaveOn family. Don’t forget to check out our site for more local savings so you can live life for less.

Categories
Marketing

9 Promotional Tactics to Maximize Local Business Traffic

worker at cash register

Having a solid consumer product or service is only half the battle of owning a successful business. The other major piece of the puzzle companies try to perfect is getting customers through the door. A recent survey found more than half of Gen Z, millennials and Gen X are actively trying to shop at local establishments.

How do you get local patrons through your doors (or onto your e-commerce site)? Promotion.

Here are nine promotional tactics that can maximize your company’s local traffic.

Social Media Advertising

Social media advertising is a great way to introduce potential local customers to your brand, products and services at a relatively low cost. You can advertise on a number of sites or apps, including:

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Snapchat
  • TikTok

These popular platforms vary in spending minimums and advertising options, but they all have one thing in common: control. You have absolute control over your campaigns. With social media advertising, you can adjust creative, spending audience and more throughout the campaign at no extra cost, as seen in traditional advertising.

Another benefit of advertising on social media is that your ads can be seen 24/7. With traditional media, you often pay a flat rate for an ad — and if people don’t see it, they don’t see it. Social media ads run all day and night, and they bill by impressions, clicks or conversions. This results-based billing method is enticing to companies that have a tight budget and need hard ROI.

A third pro to social media advertising is your ability to easily target and track audience engagement. Social media platforms let you target people by age, gender, location, job titles, interests and more, so you will be able to get as specific as you want, ensuring your money is going toward the people most likely to buy your offerings. Additionally, the analytics included in the platform will let you know your impressions, reach, clicks, audience demographics, etc.

Digital Advertising

Digital advertising is another way to meet your audience where they are. In fact, a report from Hootsuite and We Are Social discovered people are spending around six hours and 42 minutes on the internet every day. This presents a unique opportunity for businesses to target their local audiences through digital ads.

Through online advertising, your business can increase brand awareness, build a better understanding of your audiences and their behaviors, and create higher-performing content.

Like social media advertising, digital advertisements are billed based on interaction and run 24/7. You can also adjust creative more easily than traditional ads. This type of advertising has a few popular options for advertisers, including:

  • Geofencing – Targeting audiences by building a geographic boundary. When a mobile device enters the geofenced area, some form of ad will be triggered to populate their phone.
  • Retargeting – Ads that are sent to people who have recently visited your website to remind them of your brand, products or services.
  • Display – Push ads that appear based on targeting parameters.
  • Search – Pull ads that appear when someone searches keywords that you have paid for.

Traditional Advertising

Traditional advertising includes newspapers, magazines, billboards, radio and direct mail. Although we’ve talked about some of the downsides of traditional advertising, there are still many benefits of using traditional media.

For one, your target audience may prefer to see ads on traditional platforms. Older generations like Gen X, baby boomers and traditionalists tend to be more receptive to traditional ads than millennials and Gen Z.

Another upside to using traditional advertising is it gives your company a bit of legitimacy among people who are unfamiliar with your brand. Younger generations who grew up with the internet know to be skeptical of scams and fake news online. If they are unfamiliar with your brand, you may come off more legitimate in traditional media because they are thought to be more trustworthy.

Finally, by advertising out in the community, you will be sure to reach people locally and build word-of-mouth publicity.

SEO

Search engine optimization is another tactic that can be used to promote your business and pull people into your website. Simply put, SEO is the process of increasing the quantity and quality of traffic to your website through organic search results, according to Moz. Ensuring your website has useful content, includes keywords that people are searching for (without overdoing it), have informative title tags and meta descriptions, and build qualified inbound links will help you rank higher in organic searches, which will drive people into your website.

Sponsorships

Sponsoring community events has two major benefits. First, it can get your business’s name out in front of the right local audiences. Secondly, it generally supports good causes or organizations that help your community. Local sponsorships tend to not be overly expensive, and they also help your brand build credibility and good rapport. Sponsorships sometimes will even include the opportunity to have a booth or table at the event, which gives you the chance to meet and talk to potential customers. This is an awesome way to introduce your company in a fun and authentic way.

Host a Sale with a Community Link

I’m sure you’re thinking, “We have sales all the time, and it only brings in a few extra purchases.” What can make these sales more exciting to potential customers is connecting them to a local event like a big game, community event or gathering, or a holiday that your town loves. Bringing locality to a sale or having it connect with other things happening in the area makes your sale more relevant, adds an excitement element, brings attention to the sale and will likely attract more local customers to your business.

Offer Samples or Product Demos

Who doesn’t love free samples or trying before you buy? People love to get free stuff and know exactly what they’re buying. Giving away free samples and offering product demos give the customers a chance to test out your product or service and see that they can’t live without it.

Strategic Partnerships

Strategic partnerships are used all the time in marketing. Starbucks and Barnes and Nobel, Spotify and Uber, Nike and Apple, and Taco Bell and Doritos are famous examples of hugely successful strategic partnerships. Partnering with a local, reputable business does a few things. It expands your marketing efforts, doubles your audience reach, adds value for media coverage, creates excitement and builds brand credibility. Many local businesses form partnerships every day to increase local traffic to their businesses.

Content Marketing

Breaking through all the noise from the internet, advertisements and media is harder than ever for businesses. Content marketing is a proactive strategy to create interesting, shareable content in which your audience is interested. Your content should have a narrative and tell a captivating story. This helps you appear authentic and gets people genuinely energized about your products and services without feeling like you’re just trying to sell to them. Types of content marketing can include:

  • Blogs
  • Social media
  • E-books
  • Videos
  • Photo galleries
  • Websites
  • Webinars
  • Infographics
  • Podcasts
  • Paid ads

Our team has been working in the marketing realm for decades, not just promoting our own brand but helping connect businesses to local savers. We are always here to guide you, answer your questions and to help you increase sales. Learn more about how partnering with SaveOn will help you reach your business goals at saveon.com/business.

Categories
Marketing

Keep Home Improvement Customers Engaged All Winter Long

Construction site

As construction professionals, you don’t need us to explain to you how and why construction slows down in the winter, especially here in the Midwest. You know all about the roadblocks the cold weather presents, but we often hear from our home improvement partners that they need help promoting the services and projects that are cold-weather friendly. Here are some ways you can keep customers engaged on home construction all winter long.

Education

Many people don’t know what home improvement projects are suited for winter. A good way to drum up new business during the winter months is to put that information out in front of consumers. A blog is a great place to share this kind of information because it can be used in multiple ways. Once you have a good blog, you can share it on social media, in email marketing and on your website. It not only will publicize your services, but it will also enhance your thought leadership. Thought leadership materials prove your company to be an expert in your field and will build trust among current and potential customers.

Additionally, you can create graphics or videos about winter construction projects to accompany your blog. These assets are great for achieving social media interaction and helping to enrich your thought leadership by giving readers alternative ways to retain the information.

Another way to educate people about winter home improvement projects is to highlight the work you’re doing on other people’s homes. By showing before-and-after pictures and talking about why the project makes sense to do in the winter verses other seasons, you will persuade other customers to consider doing similar projects.

Free Estimates/Evaluations

Many construction companies offer free estimates, evaluations or consultations for projects. If this is something you aren’t already doing, you can offer this during slow seasons to find potential customers or to help sell services to people who have shown past interest. If you are already offering free estimates, advertise it. People love free stuff. Seeing that a company is extending a complimentary estimate and is willing to talk more about pricing options is a good motivator for people who need projects done to give you a call.

Spring Sign Up

In the event that some projects can’t be completed in the winter, there is no reason you can’t get customers on the books for spring. You can offer free estimates for spring projects and even offer discounts for signing up for spring service now. This will help you not only secure and build up your customer base, but also will allow you to plan for the number of employees, equipment, permits and other things you need well in advance.

Promotions

As the saying goes, “you have to spend money to make money.” Advertisements are extremely effective in bringing in new customers and showcasing certain service offerings. You can use digital ads like geofencing, retargeting or Google Ads to capture people who are in your area or are already looking for contracting companies. Another way to attract customers in the winter is through social media ads. Millions of people are on popular platforms like Facebook and Instagram. You can advertise products for as low as a dollar a day and reach a number of viable customers. Additionally, these platforms allow you to target people by age, gender, location and job, and you can adjust the budget or copy at any time. Finally, you can place traditional ads. Traditional advertising comes in the form of billboards, television, magazines, newspapers, etc. Traditional ads are typically more expensive than digital or social media ads, but they are another way to reach your audience and increase sales.

Coupons 

People love coupons. Research shows that coupons can encourage potential customers to give your company a chance, boost sales, increase spending per transaction and even get people to buy your services faster than they normally would have. In a previous blog, we talked about how coupon marketing can bolster a company’s business plan and help it reach sales goals, as well as discussed how to get started in coupon marketing.

At SaveOn, we connect contractors to thousands of local savers through our monthly coupon magazine and online presence. For decades, we’ve helped home improvement companies find the best ways to advertise their products, come up with coupons that will turn into sales and build a loyal customer base. To learn more about how we can help you bring in business in the upcoming winter months, visit saveon.com/business.