Pivot tables can also be exceptionally valuable tools for analyzing data when buying or selling businesses and can be used for various functions. I’ll explore what a pivot table is and how to use them.

What is a Pivot Table?

Picture this scene: You open your spreadsheet to find what feels like thousands of numbers jumbled up. There are multiple columns and row labels that you need clarification on. Rather than spending hours making sense of the underlying data, you can use a pivot table instead. 

A pivot table is a tool that allows you to extract meaning from a large data set by letting you select the data and group it in varying ways so you can draw conclusions. 

But why is it called a “pivot” table? Well, because it allows you to pivot the data sources and see it from a different perspective. You’re not changing anything about the data range; you’re reshuffling it for better data visualization. 

What are Pivot Tables Used For?

You’re probably wondering what you can use pivot tables for. Data analysts will use this tool to analyze their original data to uncover new findings quickly. Let’s look at six possible scenarios where pivot table data might be helpful. 

1. Analyzing sales data by product, region, and time period

Data analysts commonly use pivot tables to see their total sales data in a new light. They can summarize and analyze sales data to uncover new patterns in a matter of seconds. At the same time, sales managers can quickly identify their best-performing products to optimize inventory levels and create a data-driven approach to marketing. 

2. Tracking marketing campaign performance

Without understanding how your customer base interacts with your products, you won’t be able to create a marketing campaign that truly packs a punch. Luckily, a pivot table provides easy steps toward aggregating sales data for the purposes of marketing. 

With your existing rows and columns full of valuable data points, you can analyze your campaign performance by segmenting click-through rates (CTR), conversation rates, and your return on investment (ROI). 

3. Identifying customer trends

Pivot tables can help you uncover valuable customer trends by examining your data from different angles. Whether it’s purchase behavior or demographics, pivot tables help you to identify patterns that may go unnoticed in your raw data.

4. Managing financial data

Financial professionals rely on pivot tables to make sense of their complex financial data. Typically using Excel templates, adding pivot tables helps them to create insightful financial reports and quickly spot trends.

5. Measuring employee productivity

HR departments sometimes use pivot tables to analyze employee productivity quickly using individual and team performance data. 

6. Forecasting future sales

In business strategy, forecasting future sales is vital. Pivot tables help analysts study past sales to recognize patterns contributing to their future strategies. 

Related: How to use data to drive up business value?

What Tools Can You Use to Create Pivot Tables?

Pivot tables are available on many spreadsheet applications, the most popular being Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets. We’re covering five tools you can use to create your pivot table automatically and offering a how-to guide for each one. 

1. Microsoft Excel

Creating pivot tables in Excel is easy when you follow these steps. This will work in all versions of Excel. 

Step one: Insert your pivot table

• Select the data you want to analyze using your mouse click to drag your cursor over the data. 
• You can also select all the data on your worksheet by clicking the triangle at the top left corner of your existing worksheet. 
• Once you’ve selected the data, click “Insert” and select “Pivot Table” in the top menu. 

Step two: Drop variables into the correct box

• Now you’ve selected the PivotTable Builder, you’ll have access to four boxes: “Filters,” “Table Columns,” “Rows,” and “Values.” 
• From here, you can arrange your variables to create your output. 
• You can drag and drop your variables into the columns and rows boxes depending on what information you want to uncover. 
• Let’s say you want to find patterns in your sales data depending on your products and timescales. 
• To uncover this, you’d drag your “Product” data into the “Rows” box and “Dates and Times” into the “Columns” box. 

Step 3: Set up the calculation

• Once you’ve arranged your variables, you’ll need to specify the calculation you want to apply to your subset of data. 
• This is done by inputting a calculation in the “Values” box.
• After dragging a variable into the “Values” box, click on the drop-down menu next to it. Standard calculations are “SUM” and “AVERAGE.” 
• For example, if you want to determine the sum of your sales, choose “SUM.”
• After you finish the pivot table editor, you can sort it from highest to lowest. 
• To do this, right-click on the data within the pivot table, select “Sort,” and then choose “Sort Largest to Smallest.”
• You’re now ready to create an Excel pivot table.

2. Google Sheets

Using pivot tables in Google Sheets is a handy way to analyze complex data. Let’s go through our guide on using pivot charts for your tables in Google Sheets:

Step 1: Insert the pivot table

• Start by going to your Google Sheets Dashboard and opening your Google spreadsheet containing the data you want to analyze. 
• Click and drag your cursor to select all the data. 
• You can also quickly select all the data by clicking the top left corner of the spreadsheet or by using the keyboard shortcut CTRL + A.
• Once your data is selected, go to the top menu and click “Insert.” 
• From the dropdown menu, select “Pivot table.” 
• This will initiate the process of creating your pivot table fields.

Step 2: Choose where to create the pivot table

• You can choose where to create the pivot table in Google Sheets, with the option to create it in a new or existing sheet. 
• It’s often easiest to select “New Sheet” to create the pivot table field in a separate sheet to keep your original data intact and make your analysis more organized.

Step 3: Customize the pivot table

• Google Sheets provides automated suggestions for your pivot table. 
• While this is convenient, using your own input for more precise analysis is often recommended.
• For more control, click “Add” on the right-hand side of the pivot table editor to create your personalized pivot table.
• Similar to creating a table in Excel, you can manually add variables to the pivot table in the “Rows,” “Columns,” “Values,” and “Filters” sections. 
• Depending on your analysis goals, you can drag and drop variables into these sections to customize the layout.
• After following these steps, you can create multiple pivot tables in Google Sheets.

3. LibreOffice Calc

Creating a pivot table in LibreOffice can help you automatically analyze and summarize your data. Here are some step-by-step instructions to create a pivot table layout.

Step 1: Open LibreOffice Calc

• Launch LibreOffice Calc and position the cursor within a range of cells that contain the data you want to use in your pivot table. 
• This will include your row and column headings and all your columns values. 

Step 2: Insert pivot table

• Navigate to the top menu on LibreOffice and select “Insert.” 
• From the dropdown menu, choose “Pivot Table.” 
• This will open the “Select Source” dialog.

Step 3: Select the data source

• In the “Select Source” dialog, make sure you select “Current selection” and then confirm by clicking the “OK” button. 
• Your data headings will appear as buttons in the “Pivot Table” dialog box. 

Step 4: Arrange fields

• Drag and drop the desired buttons into the “Page Fields” area.
• This will create a button and a list box on top of the pivot table, allowing you to filter the table by the contents of the item you selected.
• Drag and drop buttons into the “Column Fields” area to create the columns of your pivot table.
• Drag and drop buttons into the “Row Fields” area to create the rows of your pivot table.
• Drag buttons into the “Data Fields” area to specify the data you want to display in your pivot table. 

Step 5: Customize data fields

• If you want to adjust the calculation for data fields, double-click your buttons in the “Data Fields” section. 
• It will open the “Data Field” dialog.
• In the “Data Field” dialog, select the calculations you want to use for the data. 
• Hold the “Command” key (Ctrl key on Windows) to make multiple selections while clicking the calculation. 

Step 6: Reorder and remove fields

• You can change the order of the buttons in the “Page Fields,” “Column Fields,” and “Row Fields” areas at any time by moving them to a different position using the mouse. 
• If you want to remove a field from your pivot table, simply drag it back to the area with the other buttons on the right side of the “Pivot Table” dialog.

Step 7. Finalize the pivot table

• Once you’ve configured your pivot table to your liking, exit the “Pivot Table” dialog by pressing the “OK” button.
• The pivot table will be inserted further down in your spreadsheet, and you can interact with it to analyze your data. 
• We’ve now shown you a pivot table example for LibreOffice, and you’re ready to start properly analyzing your source data. 

4. Apple Numbers

Creating a pivot table in Apple Numbers is a great database management tool that helps you summarize your complex numerical values. Let’s take a look at how you can use this tool with a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Select the data source

• Open your Numbers spreadsheet and elect a table or a range of cells you want to use as the source data for your pivot table.
• If you want to add a pivot table to a new sheet, select a table, then choose “Pivot Table” from the toolbar.

Step 2: Access pivot table options

• In the Numbers menu bar at the top of your screen, choose “Organize.”
• From the “Organize” menu, select “Create Pivot Table.”

Step 3: Choose a pivot table type

After selecting “Create Pivot Table,” you will be presented with the following options:

• On New Sheet:  Creates a pivot table on a new sheet using the entire table as the source data.
• On Current Sheet: Creates a pivot table on the current sheet using the entire table as the source data.
• For Selected Cells on New Sheet: This creates a pivot table on a new sheet using only the selected cells as the source data.
• For Selected Cells on Current Sheet: This creates a pivot table on the current sheet using only the selected cells as the source data.

Step 4: Add and arrange fields

• To populate your pivot table, you need to add and arrange fields. Click “Add and arrange pivot table data” to configure your table.

Step 5: Configure the pivot table

• Now, you can configure your pivot table depending on your unique values. To organize and summarize all your data, you can select which fields to include in the Rows, Columns, and Values sections.

Summing Up

Whether you’re a data analyst or a business strategist, pivot tables can go a long way in making your life easier. Rather than going through all your cells in Excel, pivot tables can help you apply the filters you desire to uncover new findings from your raw data, which can be an invaluable tool for anyone looking to improve their business’s operational efficiency.
Pivot tables can also be used to analyze large datasets, create powerful visualizations to analyze a company’s financials and inventory, and even conduct due diligence for buying and selling businesses.

What is a Wellness Business?

A health and wellness business promotes healthy habits by providing products designed to improve customers’ well-being. There are many aspects to the healthcare industry. 

As a wellness company, you may offer products or services like retreat centers, a therapy clinic, a supplements brand, or natural beauty products. Let’s look at the many types of businesses in the health and wellness industry. 

What are the Different Types of Wellness Businesses?

The chances are you already have some business concepts in mind for your health and fitness venture. The nature of the wellness industry you choose to dive into should align with your passion and how you wish to impact the market. To help kickstart your journey, here are a few ideas you should consider. 

1. Fitness centers

A fitness center is where people exercise and meet their wellness goals. You’ll find machines for running and lifting weights. A good fitness center will also hire a health coach to guide clients and a weight loss coach to help them reach their goals. 

2. Yoga studios

Yoga is an exercise that combines body positions, relaxation, and breathing exercises to help people’s physical and mental health. A yoga studio will provide a calming atmosphere for individuals to come together and enjoy yoga together. 

3. Pilates studios

Pilates focuses on strengthening the muscles to improve flexibility and diminish health issues. Similarly to yoga, the aim is to control movements and practice breathing techniques. A Pilates studio will hire a health and wellness coach to lead guided sessions for clients. 

4. Massage therapy clinics

Massage therapy clinics are establishments where individuals seek therapeutic massages. Massages serve as a means to alleviate stress, relieve muscle tension, and induce relaxation. 

Within a massage therapy clinic setting, skilled massage therapists employ diverse techniques tailored to meet the unique requirements of their clients. 

The primary objective of these clinics is to promote holistic wellness by offering a serene ambiance where individuals can reap the physical and mental advantages of a massage.

5. Acupuncture clinics

Acupuncture clinics are experts in a traditional method originating from China, where they insert thin needles into specific points on the body to bring about equilibrium and relieve various health problems. 

The practitioners at these clinics assist individuals in managing discomfort, reducing stress, and enhancing their overall wellness. The main goal is to restore the body’s innate energy balance, known as Qi, to promote a sense of well-being.

6. Nutrition counseling practices

Nutrition counseling practices are dedicated to helping people make healthy dietary choices. Nutrition counselors assess clients’ eating habits and health goals to create personalized nutrition plans. These practices promote good health by educating clients about balanced diets, proper nutrition, and lifestyle choices that contribute to overall wellness.

7. Meditation studios

Meditation studios serve as specialized spaces where individuals can engage in the practice of meditation. Meditation is a technique that fosters relaxation, mindfulness, and stress reduction. 

These studios offer guided meditation sessions and mindfulness workshops, fostering an environment that allows people to cultivate mental well-being and discover moments of tranquility amidst their fast-paced lives.

8. Wellness retreats

Wellness retreats offer immersive experiences focused on rejuvenation, relaxation, and personal growth. These retreats, often set in serene locations, combine activities such as yoga, meditation, spa treatments, and educational workshops on topics like nutrition and stress management. Wellness retreats allow individuals to recharge and prioritize their health holistically.

Related: How to turn a business idea into a real startup?

Why Start a Wellness Business?

Starting your own business can be daunting, particularly in health care. You’re responsible for looking after the well-being of your customers. Luckily, the wellness business opportunities are vast. You can build a thriving wellness brand with the right knowledge and skills. So, why should you start a wellness business? 

1. Growth potential

The wellness industry is booming because of the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing interest in both physical and mental health. Last year, the global wellness economy was valued at $5.6 trillion, almost 14% higher than in 2019. This alone should make it easier for you to grow your business and generate revenue. 

2. Demographic trends

People tend to care more about practicing a healthy lifestyle as they age. With the global life expectancy increasing, so is the desire to stay fit and active. As a business in the health industry, you can ride this wave by catering your products and services to both younger and older individuals. 

3. Alternative medicine popularity

More than 38% of adults in the United States incorporate alternative or complementary medicine (CAM) into their healthcare practices. As a result, entrepreneurs in the health industry now have a broader customer base than ever. 

If you plan to launch a health-related business, it’s advisable to stay aware of current trends in the field. For example, acupuncture, dietary supplements, and oriental medicine are all gaining popularity as profitable CAM products.

4. Recession-proof business model 

Health and wellness will always be a priority for people. Even during recessions, health-related businesses will survive because their products and services are often necessary. People may continue to invest in fitness, healthy eating, and mental well-being as part of their overall lifestyle.

5. A rewarding business

A health and wellness business is about helping people get fit and stay active for years. This makes it a rewarding venture with visible and actionable results. Successful businesses within the industry will dedicate their time to the client experience. 

How To Start a Wellness Business?

So, we’ve clued you in on the ins and outs of the wellness industry. You now have the knowledge base to start developing your business from scratch. It’s time to decide your chosen niche, develop a business plan, and consider your funding options. 

Step 1: Develop a business plan

To promote healthy business growth, you must create a business plan that outlines what sets you apart from other wellness centers, your target audience, how you’ll fund your business, and the digital marketing plans to help you build an online presence. 

Step 2: Choose a niche

When embarking on your entrepreneurial journey, it’s crucial to determine the approach you wish to take in delivering wellness services to your valued clients. Selecting a specialized area that genuinely resonates with your interests and proficiency is vital.

Image source: Affilimate

Consider which aspect of well-being holds the most significant meaning for you and where you can positively make a difference. Whether it involves physical fitness, nutrition, mental wellness, or even integrating these together, clearly defining your niche will empower you to tailor your offerings specifically for a distinct clientele group.

Step 3: Determine your business’s services

In this business plan section, you should provide a comprehensive overview of your wellness business. It is essential to clearly outline the range of services you will be offering and explain how they cater to the specific needs of your target customers. Additionally, it is crucial to highlight the unique aspects that differentiate your business from competitors in the market.

Whether you are focusing on innovative fitness classes, personalized nutritional guidance or holistic well-being packages, you need to convey the value that your business brings to its customers.

Step 4: Define your target market

Begin by identifying and understanding your target market. Get a clear sense of your ideal customers’ demographics, psychographics, and behaviors. Specify the age groups, interests, and lifestyle characteristics that align with your wellness offerings. 

Provide a clear overview of how your business meets the needs of your target audience and why they would choose your services over competitors. This part of your business plan will assist you in tailoring your marketing strategies and ensure that your business appeals to those most likely to gain from your wellness products. 

Step 5: Conduct a competitive analysis

To effectively understand your chosen market, conducting a comprehensive examination of the competition is essential. Take note of other wellness businesses that provide similar services and carefully evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. 

Image source: BDC

You can gain valuable insights by analyzing what makes them successful or where they may have room for improvement. This information is vital for differentiating your business and developing strategies to make it stand out. It also allows you to identify potential market gaps that your wellness business can address.

Step 6: Create a marketing and sales strategy

Provide a rough outline of your steps to attract and maintain a customer base. This should include some details about your growing marketing techniques, both online and offline, as well as your social media presence and partnerships.

Be sure to explain how you plan to effectively communicate your brand message and connect with your desired audience. Describe your sales approach, from generating leads to converting them into customers — for example, will you use beauty and wellness software for appointment scheduling and payment processing to grow your business? 

Each niche in the wellness industry, from spas to fitness centers, demands its own marketing approach. For those incorporating a fitness element in their wellness business, leveraging specific gym marketing strategies can be crucial. These focused tactics are key to engaging a fitness-oriented audience and building a loyal customer base.

Developing a well-designed marketing and sales strategy is crucial for establishing brand recognition, acquiring customers, and nurturing loyalty. 

Step 7: Establish financial projections

Please present a comprehensive financial forecast for your wellness business. This should encompass the initial investment, ongoing expenses, and projected revenues for the first few years.

Image source: ProjectionHub

Provide details about your budget, cash flow, and profit and loss statements. It is essential to be realistic when estimating. This information is crucial in attracting potential investors, getting business loans, and making informed financial decisions as you establish and expand your wellness enterprise.

Step 8: Determine if your business needs funding

To successfully start and maintain your wellness business, figuring out the financial aspects is essential. 

Look at different ways to secure funding, such as using your personal savings, applying for business loans, seeking investors, or applying for grants. It’s crucial to clearly understand your budget by considering the initial costs of starting up, ongoing expenses, and having a contingency fund available. 

When presenting your business plan to potential investors or financial institutions, make sure to highlight how viable and profitable your venture can be. Getting enough funding is essential for a smooth launch and long-term success in the wellness industry.

Step 9: Choose a business location

Choosing the perfect location is crucial to ensure the success of your wellness business. It’s essential to carefully consider your target audience and select a spot that caters to their preferences and lifestyle.

Make sure the space you choose meets all the specific requirements for your wellness services: a gym, yoga studio, or holistic health clinic. Evaluate factors such as foot traffic, accessibility, and overall ambiance in order to create an inviting atmosphere for your customers. 

Consider any zoning regulations or industry-specific guidelines when deciding on your business location.

Step 10: Get the necessary licenses and permits

Compliance with legal regulations is essential for the smooth operation of your wellness business. 

Research and obtain all the business licenses and permits required for your specific industry and location. This may include health permits, zoning clearances, business licenses, and professional certifications. 

Check with local and state authorities to ensure you meet all the legal requirements, and keep your documentation current to avoid any potential legal issues.

Step 11: Start marketing your business

You should create a well-rounded marketing plan that combines marketing techniques like SEO and blog posts that increase awareness and draw in customers for your wellness business. You may also want to partner with influencers to create honest reviews. Utilize both online and offline methods to reach your desired audience effectively.

Connect with potential customers and build an active online community centered around your wellness brand by harnessing the influence of social media platforms, which are widely acknowledged as powerful marketing tools.

Share success stories, interact with potential clients, and create an engaging online presence. Investing in a user-friendly website using a reliable website builder is also essential. This will ensure clients can easily access information, schedule appointments, and find valuable content.

Image source: Smartsheet

Expand your reach within the community by forming partnerships with local businesses or influencers. Collaborative efforts can be highly effective marketing tools in broadening your customer base. Implement targeted advertising campaigns on online business platforms and offer promotions to incentivize new customers while encouraging positive word-of-mouth referrals. 

Consider participating in wellness blogs or creating a health blog platform to enhance your brand presence. This will allow you to showcase your expertise and values while connecting with a broader audience.

Regularly assess the effectiveness of your marketing efforts through analytics, customer feedback, and monitoring success stories. Stay adaptable and be prepared to adjust strategies in response to changing market trends. By doing so, you can build awareness and effectively grow your wellness business in the ever-evolving landscape of this industry.

Related: How to start an eCommerce business: The complete guide.

Summing Up

Whether you’re into making healthy food accessible to all or building your own wellness coaching center, remember that building a business takes time.

Are you looking to buy or sell a business? Then look no further than Flippa, the best place on the whole internet to find the best businesses to buy and sell. If you’re looking for more information about Flippa, then make sure to check out our blog, which contains tons of juicy stories of people buying and selling businesses with real insider information. 

Head over to our Exit Podcast or explore our Humans of Flippa series, which contains dozens of experts. Need more help? Then, get in touch with a friendly member of our customer support team.

Accredited investors and qualified purchasers are two distinct rungs of the investment ladder. Each investor status has well-defined eligibility criteria, and both are provided with specific investment opportunities that the general public cannot access. 

I’ll discuss what lucrative opportunities accredited investors and qualified purchasers can invest in. And most importantly, we’ll explore the key differences between the two statuses.

But let’s start with the basics. What are accredited investors and qualified purchasers, and how do you become one?

What is an Accredited Investor?

The term “accredited investor” is a status provided to persons or entities who meet specific legislative, income, or net worth requirements.

Becoming an accredited investor qualifies you to make alternative investments in private market opportunities not regulated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

For example, accredited investors can invest in private equity funds, hedge funds, and 3(c)(1) funds, typically limited to a maximum of 100 or up to 250 if the fund’s size is below $10 million.

Related: How to sell the shares of a private company?

Accredited Investor Qualifications and Eligibility Criteria

The criteria for becoming an accredited investor are quite straightforward. To be eligible, you must meet at least one of the following:

• Income: An annual income of over $200,000 in the last two years for an individual or $300,000 in the last two years for a couple. You must also prove that you expect to make the same amount or more in the coming years.

• Net worth: A net worth of $1 million or more, excluding the value of your home (either individually or combined with a spouse).

• Licenses: The possession of a Series 7, 62, 65, or 82 license. Each license proves to the SEC that you have the capabilities and expertise to invest in unregulated private market opportunities.

• Expertise: Being a sufficiently “knowledgeable employee” of a private fund.

You can also qualify as an accredited investor with a trust fund if it meets all three requirements.

• Net worth: Your fund’s total assets are greater than $5 million.

• Intentions: You did not form the fund specifically for the purpose of investing in a particular fund.

• Expertise: You can prove that you or your fund managers have the financial knowledge, skills, and experience to evaluate the merits and risks of an investment.

What is a Qualified Purchaser?

“Qualified purchaser” is a regulatory status provided to individuals or entities that meet certain investment criteria. Unlike accredited investors, qualified purchaser status depends on the value of a person’s investments, not their net worth or household income.

Qualified purchasers are the highest possible level of investors. As such, the eligibility for achieving this status is strict. That said, those that meet the requirements have access to a broader number of unregistered securities, such as 3(c)(7) investment funds and larger investment opportunities containing over 100 investors.

With the higher entry requirements and a broader range of opportunities available, it’s perhaps no surprise that qualified purchasers are often called “super accredited investors”.

Qualified Purchaser Qualifications and Eligibility Criteria

To become a qualified purchaser, an individual, married couple, or family office must have at least $5 million in investments, not counting the value of their primary residence. Eligible investments include:

• Bonds.
• Stocks.
• Cash and cash equivalents.
• Commodities.
• Investment properties.

Alternatively, Darren Robertson explains that an individual could achieve qualified purchaser status through a trust, provided they meet one of the following criteria:

• The trust has $5 million or more in investments, and two or more close family members own the trust. 

• The individuals granting assets to the trust are qualified purchasers, and the trust was not exclusively made to invest in a particular fund.

A company or entity is also eligible for qualified purchaser status if they have investments of $25 million or more. Finally, an investment manager can qualify, provided they manage over $25 million.

Accredited Investors vs Qualified Purchasers: What’s the Difference?

Despite the similarities between qualified purchasers and accredited investors, there are a number of notable distinctions between the two. Let’s explore four critical differences between accredited investors and qualified purchasers.

• Eligibility criteria: Accredited investors are defined based on their annual income, net worth, or possession of certain licenses. In contrast, qualified purchasers are defined by the value of their investments.

• Investment opportunities: Qualified purchasers have more investment opportunities, as they have access to both 3(c)(1) and 3(c)(7) funds. In contrast, accredited investors can only access 3(c)(1) funds.

• Limitations: As accredited investors can only invest in 3(c)(1) funds, they are typically limited to 100/250 investors under most circumstances. On the other hand, qualified investors can participate in funds with much larger investor limits. 

• Regulation: Accredited investors are still subject to certain laws and regulations, whereas qualified purchasers have additional exemptions from SEC legislation.

Qualified Purchasers vs Accredited Investors: Why do we Need to Differentiate Between the Two?

It’s important that the SEC differentiates between accredited investors and qualified purchasers for two key reasons: Financial stability and expertise.

Financial Stability

Qualified purchasers typically have more financial stability than accredited investors, allowing them to bear more risk and withstand substantial losses. This grants them access to the most unregulated asset classes, like 3(c)(7) funds and funds containing more than 100 investors. 

By imposing strict eligibility criteria on qualified purchaser status, the SEC protects less financially secure investors from these high-risk investment opportunities, meaning that accredited investors can purchase pre-IPO shares, and non-sophisticated investors will need to wait until a company officially lists its initial public offering (IPO).

Expertise

As the SEC determines qualified purchaser status on the value of an individual’s investment portfolio, all eligible qualified purchasers prove they have a history of successful past performances. This means those who qualify have the financial sophistication and knowledge to navigate the complexities of unregulated 3(c)(7) investment opportunities.

What can you Invest in as an Accredited Investor?

Accredited investors gain access to a number of special, private investment opportunities, such as:

• Angel investments.
• Real estate investment funds.
• Venture capital funds.
• Hedge funds.
• Private equity investments.
• Specialty investment funds.
• 3(c)(1) funds (funds with a maximum of 100 investors, or 250 investors for a fund size of $10 million or less).

Each of these entities sells securities known as Regulation D offerings. Any company that registers with the SEC and submits a Regulation D offering only needs to put forward essential information such as the company’s location, key offering, and primary officers. 

Any additional information they choose to provide is entirely up to their discretion. That said, all Regulation D offerings must still adhere to anti-fraud and anti-manipulation provisions. Regulation D offerings can benefit accredited investors by providing them with unique opportunities for diversification. 

They also have the potential to lead to more substantial returns on investment because Regulation D allows funds and startups to avoid the costs and complexities associated with public offerings. 

Related: How Sam Marks leveraged angel investments to own his future.

That said, with high rewards comes high risk. As regulation D offers are unregulated and have limited disclosure requirements, investors must remain cautious and use their expertise to make informed investment decisions.

What can you Invest in as a Qualified Purchaser?

Qualified purchasers gain access to all of the Regulation D investments offered to accredited investors, such as 3(c)(1) funds. In addition, they can also invest in private 3(c)(7) funds. These funds are only open to qualified purchasers and typically have an investor limit of 2000, compared to the 100/250 investor limit of 3(c)(1) funds.

As 3(c)(7) funds consist exclusively of experienced qualified purchasers, they have the potential to yield massive returns. Qualified investors’ expertise and financial capabilities typically result in fewer regulatory oversights, more effective risk management, and greater adaptability to evolving economic landscapes.

That said, 3(c)(7) funds are even higher risk than 3(c)(1) funds. The increased complexity of investment opportunities and the wider range of financial expertise among participants often introduce additional challenges, making a deep understanding of investment strategies critical for success. In addition, 3(c)(7) funds are even more unregulated than 3(c)(1) funds, meaning due diligence is essential. 

The Future of Private Investments 

The world of private investments has never been more enticing, but it’s essential that those interested have a firm understanding of the options available to them and the risks involved.

The legislation and compliances outlined by the SEC are ever-changing. The SEC has been pressured to relax its standards and allow more individuals to access private investment opportunities while, at the same time, being very pro ethical investing. Many consider limiting the opportunity of high ROI investments to those with significant wealth is unfair.

Summing Up

The aura surrounding private investment opportunities has been demystified with the ambition of helping accredited investors and qualified purchasers make informed decisions while safeguarding their financial stability.

With the right combination of investment advice, knowledge, and expertise, you’ll be prepared to make well-informed decisions regarding the investments best suited to your goals. 

Flippa’s sophisticated marketplace is the best way to invest in the businesses, digital assets and ideas you value the most. Whether you’re a seasoned accredited investor looking to expand your portfolio or an aspiring entrepreneur honing in on your first digital venture, Flippa’s platform will enable you to turn your financial aspirations into a reality. 

Start buying and selling on Flippa today.

By utilizing influencers as affiliate marketers, you can grow your SaaS brand by generating more leads and building trust with potential clients.

However, you should know that influencer marketing for SaaS products is slightly different from other industries. Here is the step-by-step guide to SaaS influencer promotion that you need to know so you don’t need to hire a new marketing agency. 

How is SaaS Marketing Different?

SaaS marketing is notably challenging. The differences in marketing style often shock owners of B2B SaaS startups, but it makes sense that it is unique.

Image credit: Best Writing

First of all, the purposes of a SaaS business are entirely different. Whereas B2C and PaaS businesses have something tangible they can offer consumers, SaaS companies are uniquely positioned as software providers.

Not only does the lack of physical products make it difficult to market, but software can also be exceptionally niche. How can you meet sales targets when your target audience is so small?

The marketing goals of SaaS businesses are thus quite different. The target market is not the average consumer but other businesses seeking solutions to specific problems.

Moreover, multiple people are usually involved in the decision-making process; you don’t need to convince just one person but a team. The marketing strategy is also different since the sales cycle is very short, and your target consumers seek education. The greatest asset of a SaaS marketer is information.

The idiosyncrasies of the industry thus make influencer marketing for SaaS slightly different from other industries. Nevertheless, plenty of exciting reasons exist to include it in your marketing campaigns.

Related: 10 content marketing strategies to grow your SaaS business

How does Influencer Marketing Work?

Influencer marketing refers to leveraging the opinions of influential people to promote and present your product or service. It builds on the concept of celebrity endorsement — an age-old marketing technique and modernizes it using social media and content creation. 

Influencers and celebrities are slightly different. Influencers usually have an entire online brand, the ability to influence their audience’s purchasing decisions, and a following in a distinct niche.

Image credit: Orderhive

In this form of marketing, brands and influencers collaborate to create content. The marketing is not entirely down to the SaaS company but is also created independently by the influencer. They have more free reign than with other forms of marketing.

Influencer marketing has several benefits, including vastly increasing brand awareness and generating leads. It has a tremendous ROI of $5.78 for every $1 spent, and the return is also excellent when judging it based on Earned Media Value. 

Lauren Sommer, co-founder of Moi Moi Fine Jewellery has this to say after recently implementing an influencer marketing program,  “When we first brought influencers onboard, it was a very transactional relationship, and we noticed that they would really only post and tag our products when we pushed for it. However, after we started our affiliate program, it incentivized influencers to include our rings throughout their daily lifestyle posts, and both our goals would be aligned.”

Another benefit of this method is that brands can span their campaign over numerous marketing platforms, from social media sites to blogs. 

Related: How to grow your Instagram following and user engagement

Which Industry uses Influencer Marketing the Most?

Influencer marketing can benefit all businesses, especially in the modern content economy where digital marketing is king. Fashion and beauty brands utilize Instagram influencers as a core section of their campaigns. 

Any industry focusing on visual marketing can benefit enormously from influencer promotion, so it becomes difficult for software and service companies to leverage influencers similarly.

Image credit: Oberlo

This is not to say that SaaS businesses cannot use influencers. A SaaS influencer can benefit your business significantly; it means finding one that fits your brand and using the correct content to engage your audience.

There are plenty of successful examples of influencer marketing in the SaaS industry, namely from marketing influencers and influencers-turned-CEOs who are highly skilled at creating paid social media content.

Related: The ultimate guide to buying a social media account

Which Platform is Best for Influencer Marketing?

Influencer marketing can vary significantly between brands. Remember, the primary strategy is to create branded content that generates leads within your target audience. As such, you need to choose a platform that best suits your ideal consumer.

You can connect with influencers on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and more. Influencers can also use all of these platforms to promote their content. Platforms like LinkedIn can be even better within the SaaS industry because they specifically target professionals.

Another option for finding the right people is to use an influencer marketing platform. Options include GRIN, Creator.co, CreatorIQ, and others. Regarding influencer platforms for SaaS brands, IZEA is ideal because it operates as a SaaS business. IZEA has paid bloggers to produce content for brands since 2006, making it an old hand in the industry. 

Onalytica is another SaaS option that charges a monthly subscription fee for influencer discovery tools, talent management capabilities, access to support, and more.

Related: 7 ways to build up social proof to boost eCommerce conversions

What are the KPIs in Influencer Marketing?

There are several KPIs in influencer marketing, all of which are relevant in some way. Part of your influencer marketing strategy should involve measuring the key performance indicators of your campaigns so that you can adapt future strategies and grow your business. To do that, you need to know what to look out for.

Viewing a social media platform in terms of vanity metrics, such as followers, likes, and engagement, is tempting. However, these numbers do not necessarily tell you how good a social media user is at ‘influencing’ purchases.

Image credit: Gitnux

Influencer marketing’s main goal is to drive sales for your business. So, the most important KPI is conversions. Track sales before, during, and after a campaign and compare any changes. Alternatively, utilize affiliate links and promo codes to monitor performance.

Conversions are one of many important metrics because monitoring leads generated is equally crucial in SaaS influencer marketing. You also need to track referral website traffic, partly because it helps you figure out the conversion rate and partly because it helps you monitor interest in your product. You can do this using Google Analytics or other marketing software.

Audience growth and engagement are other valuable insights you should track as a part of lead generation and nurturing. Alongside driving conversions, a SaaS influencer marketing campaign can grow your audience and expose more people to your business. This is an essential sales funnel part, so don’t underestimate it.

Related: How to build an online community for your SaaS business

How do SaaS Companies Create an Influencer Marketing Strategy?

Whereas cosmetics companies can easily track relevant influencers and market to their target audience through Instagram, SaaS businesses must approach an influencer campaign differently. As mentioned above, influencer content in this niche is a lot more specific, which can make SaaS marketing a tad more complex. 

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you market your SaaS product using influencers.

1. Find an influencer that represents your brand

The first step is tracking your ideal influencer. This is easier said than done for SaaS brands because the type of influencers that work for B2B brands is a smaller pool; you need to identify influencers with a sizeable audience with similar interests to your customer base.

You can locate relevant people using an influencer marketing agency or by looking at the social media platforms you wish to promote. It’s vital to start in the places where you know your audience is looking, which is why LinkedIn is an excellent tool for finding B2B clients. 

However, don’t underestimate the power of other social networks like Instagram and TikTok. You can make conversions if the influencer’s following matches your target audience.

There are pros and cons to using social platforms or influencer platforms. Both allow you to find a potential influencer and contact influencers you want to work with. However, a marketing platform is better if you want to track metrics and nurture relationships.

Related: 5 ways to tell your brand story on social media

2. Consider your audience

While developing a content plan, consider your target market. This is vital throughout the entire process, from tracking down influencers with similar target audiences to developing content that sells.

Image credit: Later

Utilize social listening techniques to see what conversations are happening about your SaaS brand or niche. You can also leverage the social media insights of a relevant influencer and take on board their expertise to learn more about your audience. 

Influencers tend to be experts in social media marketing, so don’t be afraid to let them take the lead in some content planning phases. They know exactly who is following their social media channel and what their audiences want to see; ask them for expert insights when negotiating a contract. 

Related: The rise of the SaaS business model

3. Nurture relationships

All forms of influencer marketing require relationship management. To get people to work with you, you already need to market yourself to the influencer. This requires a personal touch, so ensure you are familiar with the influencer before contacting them. You can invite influencers to collaborate once you have a good handle on their interests, expertise, and communication styles.

It takes time to nurture influencer relationships, but the payoff is enormous. Influencer marketing for SaaS involves collaboration between your brand and the influencer. The influencer has freedom when creating content that goes on their own channels, so it’s vital to maintain a positive relationship with them.

Influencer relationship management goes beyond keeping them happy and collaborating on projects. You also need to have a clear plan for the campaign so that both parties emerge with what they want from the collaboration. Ensure the influencer knows their role, whether sharing links to your product, creating engaging social content or collaborating on a case study.

Related: How to sell a SaaS company: The complete guide

4. Consider a budget

As with all marketing campaigns, you must consider a budget and be upfront about it when contacting an influencer. There’s a fine line between investing lots of money to reach your target audience and being able to afford the campaign. Don’t go straight for the top influencer because you feel it will increase sales the most.

Micro-influencers (with smaller followings) tend to have higher engagement than those with enormous audiences. Plus, they can be better influencers for your SaaS business because they charge lower rates.

There is a delicate balance between paying the best influencers and getting the best ROI. Nonetheless, investing in influencer marketing is bound to be worth it if you find an influencer with the right target audience and plenty of sway.

Related: Saas pricing pages: Design strategies that boost conversions

5. Produce relevant content

Next, it’s time to encourage influencers to promote your brand on social. Influencer marketing is a subsection of content marketing in which the influencer produces content that incorporates your brand material. Then, they use their platforms as a form of content amplification to spread the word. 

You can use many content types, from social media posts to blog articles. Blogging is a great option because it’s similar to guest posts and can help build hyperlinks to your brand’s website. You can also utilize the guest blogging technique to incorporate affiliate links, helping you track conversions. 

You can use a project management platform to create a content calendar. It’s essential to have a content plan that drives users through the sales funnel instead of posting random content that doesn’t convert.

Related: How to buy a SaaS business: The complete guide

Summing up

The key to successfully marketing your SaaS startup using influencers is considering what your audience wants to see. Influencer marketing works because audiences trust what they say and enjoy their content. As such, when leveraging influencer marketing, you need to find a charismatic influencer relevant to your niche and let them create fun and educational content that they know works.

Below, you’ll learn the importance of storytelling on social media, tips to help you begin, and some examples to inspire you.  

What is a Brand story? 

A brand story is a narrative that explains who your brand is, why it exists, and what it stands for. Many marketers may simplify the brand story as a factual history, but it should go beyond that. It should communicate your vision and what drives you to pursue it daily. 

Your brand story should be your basis when creating campaigns and creative materials across all owned channels. Whether you are a creative freelancer, business coach, or consultant, having a brand story is incredibly important in growing your audience and connecting with potential clients.

Related: 5 effective tools for social media marketing

Why is Storytelling so Important? 

There’s power in storytelling. According to findings by a cognitive psychologist, humans are 22 times more likely to remember facts if told as part of a story. People connect with brands as they connect with main characters in books and movies — through stories.

Have you ever been so loyal to a brand that using its products positively affects your mood? Or have you ever associated a brand with feelings of success or achievement? That’s the work of compelling brand storytelling. And if you’re trying to promote your brand’s story, embedding Google Reviews on your website is a strategy many brands use to show how their brand has impacted customers and helps to create loyal brand advocates.

A good brand story doesn’t just convince customers to buy products. It invokes emotions, inspires, educates, and entertains. More than anything, good storytelling enables brands to forge deeper connections with their customers. It’s why you stay loyal to specific brands despite higher pricing or having similar or better customer options. 

Related: How to build up your new business brand on Instagram?

How to Craft a Good Brand Story? 

Crafting a compelling brand story requires weaving together a captivating narrative that authentically communicates a brand’s values and purpose, resonating with audiences and leaving a lasting impression. Here are three ways to do just that:

Step 1: Understand your customer

Your brand story is about you. But It’s made for your customers. To create a compelling brand story, you must first consider your customers. Ask yourself:

• Who are my customers?
• What are their dreams and aspirations? 
• What makes them tick? 
• What does their life look like?
• What types of content marketing strategies will I use?
• How does a particular piece of content reflect my brand’s personality, resonate with my audience, and tell a compelling story?

Understanding your customers will help you tell a story that resonates with them. A successful brand story allows customers to see themselves fit within a narrative. 

Related: How to use social media to promote a new business?

Step 2: Have an inspiring mission

Most successful brands will have a mission beyond just selling products or being number one in the industry. For instance, Coca-Cola’s mission is to refresh the world and inspire moments of happiness. Dove’s mission is to make women recognize their beauty. And IKEA’s is to create a better everyday life for all people.

While these brands don’t necessarily spell out their mission statements on ads, these messages are sprinkled across all customer-facing materials. Having an inspiring mission is that hook that keeps customers loyal to your brand. 

Related: How to blend a social cause into your marketing strategy?

Step 3: Tell the truth 

Companies will exaggerate or dramatize their narratives to make them more appealing to customers. However, nothing in your brand story should be fabricated just to get support. If you think there’s no way anyone can debunk your claims, think again. 

Automotive brand Volkswagen had to pay the price for false messaging. To appeal to the environmentally conscious driver, VW tried to label one of their vehicles as having “clean diesel.” The car brand installed software to manipulate the results to pass the emission tests. Because of the lie, the brand had to post its first quarterly loss in 15 years. 

If you want to strengthen your messaging with buzzwords like “cruelty-free” or “ethically made,” make it real and always tell the truth. A lie can destroy a brand’s legacy that took decades to build. 

Related: A daily podcast and a blog. How the heck does John Lee Dumas do it?

How to Tell Your Brand Story on Social Media 

Previously, brands had to invest in expensive long-form ad placements on TV or print. And you could only measure how your story resonated with your audience once you saw it reflected in sales. And this has to do with the psychology of marketing whereby social media can tell you different versions of how a brand story resonates with a desired target audience.

1. Post a good #throwback

Customers would love to see how far you’ve come since the day you first launched. Plus, everyone loves an inspiring story and a good #TBT photo. For example, you can post a before and after photo from when you were just a small team working from home to today’s bigger team and formal office. You can also post old iterations of your products and show how they have evolved through the years. 

Image credit: Southwest Airlines

American aviation company Southwest Airlines (@SouthwestAir) shares throwback photos on its Twitter account. The sepia and black-and-white photos were nostalgic and reminded customers how the brand prioritized service and good food. 

Related: How to grow eCommerce business and increase sales with actionable strategies?

2. Feature key people 

Your audience would like to see the people who make the brand possible. Of course, the most prominent people to feature on social media would be the Founders and CEOs but don’t forget to leave space for the “smaller” yet equally essential people who help make everything work. 

For example, if you’re in the food business, aside from featuring the chefs, don’t forget to share about your cleaners and staff. If you’re in e-commerce, on top of featuring your designers or programmers, show some appreciation for your hardworking delivery men. 

Image credit: Momofuku Ko

US Restaurant Momofuku Ko (@ko_ep) regularly shares photos of employees, updates, and short stories. These little features allow followers to get to know the people behind the award-winning restaurant and give them a deeper appreciation for the food. 

Brands are nothing without their employees. Feature your best ones on social media to show appreciation and introduce your star players.

Related: 3 tested ways to grow your store on Instagram

3. Encourage user-generated content

There are many reasons to encourage user-generated content (UGC). But more than just a way to effortlessly fill up your content calendar, UGC is a powerful tool to communicate your brand story on social media. After all, every brand’s goal is to empower customers to envision themselves as the main characters. 

Image credit: Hydroflask 

Hydroflask (@hydroflask) encourages its followers to share how they plan to gather during the holidays. This call for UGC strengthens the brand’s mission to move people toward each other.

The brand also started the #EveryBottleTellsAstory campaign to invite customers to share their unique Hydroflask stories, bumps and scuffs included. 

Sharing UGC on your page allows your customers to tell your brand story through their lens. To gather UGC, you can:

• Use social listening tools: Keep track of brand mentions and keywords.
• Start a hashtag campaign: Take inspiration from Hydroflask and encourage customers to share photos with the campaign hashtag. 

In the automotive finance space, online broker Savvy leverages its branding through user-generated reviews from third-party platforms, which are then promoted across social channels.  

“A business should invest in a trustworthy and independent review platform, like Feefo or Trustpilot,” says CEO Bill Tsouvalas, “especially in the finance space, where genuine reviews are valuable. Promoting these across our social media goes a long way towards building trust with existing and new customers.” 

Related: Inbound marketing strategy to grow your Shopify business (and grow revenue)

4. Tug on people’s heartstrings

Most viral social media campaigns have one thing in common — they were able to trigger a positive emotional response. According to a study by UK-based professionals, campaigns with purely emotional content perform twice as better as those with explicit rational content. 

When sharing your brand story on social media, always look for opportunities to tap into your followers’ emotions. 

Image credit: YouTube

Take inspiration from this ad by HP. The ad follows the life of an artist who gives up her desire to pursue the arts for something more stable, a nine-to-five job. While this might sound like a counterproductive ad for a brand that sells office computers, the story goes on to show the protagonist’s daughter, who inherited her knack for the arts. Unlike her mother, the ad alludes to the daughter’s ability to achieve her dreams with the help of technology. 

Consider how your products weave into your customers’ lives when brainstorming for campaigns. What problems do your products solve? In which key life moments can your customers rely on your brand? 

Related: 7 ways to build up social proof to boost eCommerce conversions

5. Take advantage of the different formats and platforms

Social media offers various tools to help you tell your story most effectively. While the Instagram Story or short video format on Reels or TikTok might be your more apparent choices for compelling social media storytelling, don’t be afraid to open up your horizons and get creative. 

For instance, if you have a large following on Twitter. Try sharing more content through Tweet threads. You might think this defeats the purpose of the platform’s character count limit, but threads or “Tweetstorms” can give your followers a fuller story. 

If you’re sharing a photo on Instagram or Facebook, utilize the caption space to give your followers a deeper understanding of your content. 

If you’re posting on different platforms, make sure to adapt to the format that works best. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other media, like music and GIFs, to get the best engagement. Plus, don’t forget to create a personal connection with your audience through different social media engagements using various forms of voice and tone.

Related: 9 Effective digital marketing tactics for your new business

Summing Up

Without stories about your brand, you won’t be able to form a deeper connection with your customers or set yourself apart from competitors. Use these tips to guide you in telling your story on social media and turn those followers into loyal customers. Lastly, don’t forget that: the best brand stories are relatable, inspiring, and 100% true.

This beginner’s guide to SEO and content explains how to optimize your site to suit Google’s algorithms, even when faced with an unexpected algorithm update. Getting started has never been easier; follow these marketing tips in our top guide to SEO below.

Is Content Marketing Part of SEO?

Content marketing is, without a doubt, a central part of SEO. If you know how search engines work, you can design content that ranks highly, thus driving traffic to your site. 

Search engines try to figure out what a piece of content (and thus a whole web page) is about and then catalog it according to this topic. The Google algorithm tries to show the most relevant web content first. 

Image credit: WordStream

SEO content performs better in the Google ranking because the author wrote it with the search engine in mind. The very basics of content marketing for SEO involve employing keywords to let the algorithm know what your content is about. Don’t worry if you have no idea about keywords – you can use a keyword research tool to help you. 

The best marketing campaigns use various content that performs well for different searches. It’s best to offer different content styles, such as blog posts, white papers, and some long-form content that explains every detail about the given topic. 

One of the reasons why SEO-driven content is so favored is that it sticks around. With some paid advertisements like a Facebook ad, the cost is high, and the ad is temporary. With other forms of web content, the copy can continue generating clicks even months and years later.

Read more: Power of Content Marketing for Small Business Owners

Creating Search Engine-Friendly Content

There are multiple things to consider when optimizing your content for search engines. First, the platform on which you post content needs to function correctly, which means designing a website with fast loading speeds, high-quality images, and a view that works on mobile devices. 

Image credit: Shopify

Secondly, you need to design content for SEO purposes. Primarily, this means using keywords so that Google can index your site. Your content creation could (and indeed should) have many goals. For example, you should produce blog posts and articles that drive brand awareness, encourage exploration, and design SEO-optimized landing pages designed to sell.

This content should be search engine optimized and keyword-driven so that Google knows exactly what your site and business are about. That way, it will rank highly in search engine results.

However, producing content for search engines that disregards your user is pointless. If you fill a piece of content with entirely irrelevant and misused keywords, a web user might click on your site, but they will also leave immediately. It drives up bounce rates. 

Notably, Google does not use bounce rates in its search engine algorithm. However, they are an excellent metric to use to drive sales. You can track your bounce rate using software like Google Analytics.

Read more: How to Build an Optimized Content Website

Basic SEO Skills

Every content marketer requires a specific skill set. The SEO basics include a vast range of niches, which makes the job quite diverse. Here are four skills you should have as an SEO-driven content marketer.

1. Critical Thinking

SEO experts must consider why a potential customer is searching for a particular keyword. To produce content that converts, you need to think through the sale process and get inside the customer’s head.

When conducting keyword research, consider why your ideal client searches those terms. This way, you can develop a strategy for SEO that incorporates the reader’s desires and is more likely to result in conversions.

Problem-solving is also a big part of SEO because the writer needs to look at the data and find a way around it. The main goal is to increase traffic, so you must look at the numbers, ask why things are happening, and then address the issues.

2. Creativity and Writing Talent

Any competent content writer knows that writing skills are essential. However, with SEO, things get a little bit more complicated.

You must also conduct keyword research and skillfully incorporate those key terms into your writing. Sometimes, this is easier said than done, so it’s a skill.

Image credit: Backlinko

LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords are related terms and phrases that search engines use to understand the context of the content better. Including relevant LSI keywords in your content can help improve its relevance and ranking on search engine results pages. 

Optimizing content for search engines while displaying expertise can be challenging. Striking a balance between keyword optimization and expert content creation is essential to ensure your content ranks well and offers value to your audience.

3. Basic Web Design

Technical SEO is an aspect you can consider. While you don’t need to be an expert programmer to do a good job, having some basic web design skills is recommended. 

Take into consideration aspects like:

• Page loading speed
• Rendering
• Server redirects
• HTML tags

Image credit: Halo Lab

Technical SEO is crucial for website optimization. Basic web design skills are recommended to improve page loading speed, rendering, server redirects, and HTML tags. Prioritizing technical SEO enhances website functionality, search engine rankings, and overall performance.

Read more: An Up-to-Date Guide to Ecommerce Website Development

4. Data and Analytical Know-How

Using an analytical tool and implementing its insights are essential. It can help you see how targeted keywords perform and adjust your content strategy to ensure you get the best results possible.

Plus, a good understanding of how to view data can help when writing authoritative pieces that position your brand as an expert in the industry; it comes in handy when using statistical evidence.

The Golden Rule of SEO

As a content marketer, it’s important to remember the Golden Rule of SEO: know your audience. The best content is optimized for search engines while also considering the wants and needs of your target customers. 

For example, consider your ideal client. 

• What information do they want to know? 
• What drives their purchasing decisions? 
• Where do they live?

Image credit: Smart Insights

Even small details like the last question are vital. International SEO targets customers worldwide because the keywords are the same. However, suppose you run a physical store based in a specific city. In that case, you might want to use local SEO that incorporates search terms like “near me.”

5 Pillars of SEO

Alongside the golden rule, there are other concepts you need to consider if you want to nail your SEO content marketing strategy. Of course, any content marketing strategy that succeeds first needs to consider target audiences, but it should also incorporate SEO that seamlessly blends into the text. 

Remember, content marketing and SEO go hand in hand. Here are five things you should consider when planning your marketing strategy.

1. Link Building

Link building, also known as link earning, is a crucial aspect of SEO. Links act as a beacon of trust, indicating that other websites in your niche view you as a reliable source of information.

When creating content for SEO, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. First and foremost, your content should showcase your expertise and establish your credibility as a trusted source of information. This means creating original content, such as case studies or in-depth guides, that sets you apart from the competition.

Image credit: Siege Media

You can also create shareable content that readers post on social media platforms. Again, this needs to be original content that is well-thought-out and worth sharing. Social media is a great way to drive organic traffic to your site.

Other on-page SEO practices include internal linking to other pages on your website. This builds a site structure that Google can crawl, boosting rankings.

Alongside content, it’s essential to build links to your site. While link building can be one of the more challenging aspects of SEO, an SEO company will usually approach it through high-quality content creation that encourages sharing and networking with others in the industry.

2. Content

Effective content planning involves creating diverse types of engaging and informative content. It’s important to dedicate time and effort to producing high-quality content, which can take various forms, such as blog posts, videos, and infographics.

Quality content is the primary focus of this article, but it’s worth addressing it in more detail. Effective content planning includes many content types, so be prepared to write extensively. 

Image credit: Semrush

Alongside blog posts and long-form articles, you should develop pillar pages. These are like hubs that link to various other pages; for example, a page on SEO that links to various detailed, more in-depth articles on niche SEO topics. These pages provide a better structure for Google, but they also reduce bounce rates and offer content promotion. 

Ensure you write a few different types of content that serve different purposes. Then, analyze the data to view content rankings and focus your energy on what works best.

3. Meta Descriptions and Headers

When users search, they first see the headline and meta description. You have limited space to make sure a searcher clicks your link. 

Make sure your headline is enticing and make it clickable. It’s a good idea to front-load the headline with keywords relevant to the key search. The meta description should also feature the main keywords since they are one of the primary ranking factors used by Google.

The remainder of your SEO content strategy is useless if your headlines are not optimized. It’s the key to hitting high conversion rates.

You should optimize other headers in your content. For example, frame the H2s as questions, and then answer the question immediately in a couple of lines following. This can help rank your content as a featured snippet, driving more traffic to your site.

Read more: Website Audit vs. Website Valuation

4. User Experience

Above all else, any SEO expert knows that user experience should be central to everything they do. Google will push high-quality sites, meaning your content and webpage must give the user an enjoyable experience.

Image credit: Usability Geek

Not only does this mean fresh content that directly addresses the needs of your target market, but it also means creating a website with fast loading speeds and a pleasant visual layout.

Consider the search intent of your users when writing a webpage: are they looking for more information, or are they ready to make a purchase? Optimize your content according to their desires and where they are in the sales process. 

You can’t drive leads unless people feel they are gaining something from your site, so keep this in mind.

5. Consider Mobile Usage

As far back as 2016, mobile searches accounted for 58% of overall search queries. This number is now even higher, so optimizing for mobile is essential. Most SEO guides nowadays will tell you that mobile-first optimization is vital. 

Make sure your website is optimized for mobile layout. Regarding content, work on driving traffic to your site by optimizing for voice search and using natural language likely to appear in search results.

The importance of mobile search shows how digital marketing is always subject to change, which is why staying on top of things is vital.

Final Thoughts

While SEO is an essential aspect for any successful marketing strategy, it’s important to remember that it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Countless strategies and tactics can be effective, and it’s all about finding what works best for your specific business and audience. 

One of the best things you can do is ensure your content is SEO-driven, but not at the expense of providing value to your readers. Although it’s challenging, it’s not impossible. And don’t worry if you are not an expert: you can hire an SEO consultant or use SEO tools to help you.

What is an Ecommerce niche?

A niche Ecommerce product is a specific, smaller subsection of a broader market. A niche for Ecommerce could be anything from home gym equipment to organic food. There are many benefits of finding a niche, such as:

• Lower barriers to entry as there is less competition.
• The ability to grow profits at a significantly faster rate.
• The potential to grow a side hustle into an empire.

Success stories include bringing niche Japanese snacks to the mainstream market. Read on to discover some top untapped Ecommerce niche business ideas.

1. Technology and home office equipment

Working from home is a growing trend, and more than 4.7 million people in the US work from home at least part-time. That’s a significant customer base to exploit. 

Many Ecommerce sites have begun selling home office equipment. Can you think of unique technology and home office products to sell? Try to branch out from the usual products, such as desktop monitors. Consider office equipment that makes work-life more enjoyable.

2. Home gym and fitness gear 

Similarly, when gyms shut in March 2020, many gym and fitness equipment brands saw growing customer bases. You might sell gym equipment, such as treadmills, dumbbells, or fitness technology. A home gym and fitness Ecommerce store has excellent potential as many are still hesitant to return to in-person gyms.

3. Entertainment

Home entertainment is a growing online business. Many people used lockdowns throughout 2020 to get creative — a trend that isn’t going anywhere. An entertainment niche example might be video games or creative print-on-demand activities, such as origami. 

Alternatively, consider selling old board games or jigsaw puzzles in a world that loves nostalgia.

The entertainment industry is broad; you’ll always find profitable Ecommerce niches with any entertaining digital product.

Start entertaining by buying an Ecommerce business today.

4. Pet products

There are infinite opportunities to develop a niche within the pet products industry. You could start selling anything from pet food to clothing or lifestyle products pet owners will love. It’s a prolific business idea. 

You might start with a niche pet product, such as custom dog jumpers, and build your inventory to include natural foods, tick repellants, outdoor gear, toys, and beds. You may even want to look into reviewing popular products as an affiliate marketer, as there are many popular sites in the niche receiving 10,000 + views on each review. Furthermore, consider different pets to the usual fish, dogs, or cats. Can you sell a product online for horses, lizards, tortoises, or even chickens?

5. Men’s grooming products 

Male grooming products are still relatively niche. Ecommerce has enabled men to buy products like beard oil more efficiently. Many male grooming sites aim to make the process easier and more educational. It’s worth considering male grooming product ideas to find profitable niches.

6. DIY and home improvement

Many homeowners started or planned home improvements throughout the lockdown. Many of these projects continue into 2022. However, DIY Ecommerce trends are unlikely to fade away. Anything from decoration tools to gardening equipment will do well in your online store. The trick is to find a specific product to start selling in the DIY market. 

7. Eco-friendly products

Research shows a 71% increase in searches for eco-friendly products and sustainable Ecommerce brands over the last five years. Metal straws, bamboo toothbrushes, and plastic-free soaps are increasingly popular niche products. 

Consider the everyday items you use — is there a more sustainable version available? If not, can you create products to fill these specific niches? The green industry is not just about selling products that don’t harm the planet. It would help if you also considered zero-carbon packaging and eco-friendly shipping solutions.

8. Food, drink, and cooking 

Food and drink are always popular trends. However, the last few years have driven the desire to create restaurant-quality food at home. If you’re adept at cooking, consider how you could sell kitchen appliances, an online course on cooking, or offer meal subscription boxes to your customers.

Think about how to make your services unique; perhaps opt for a nutritious meal replacement alternative. To encourage a broad customer base, try not to create recipes that need specialist kitchen equipment — unless you also sell the product.

If you can’t handle the heat, get out of the kitchen… and into Ecommerce. 

9. Beauty, cosmetics, and skincare products

Health and beauty always have been and always will be a big business. Ecommerce enables anyone to sell natural products and handmade jewelry. Whether your beauty products include vegan and cruelty-free toothpaste, soaps, or other natural skincare products, the industry offers excellent potential for cosmetics in the skincare niche. You could also consider offering an online course teaching people how to do something specifically, for example, to become a nail technician.

Ready to get into the beauty industry? 

10. CBD products

With CBD products now legal, this niche market has incredible growth potential. With everything from CBD oils for pets to pain management, Ecommerce store owners would be wise to tap into this growing industry. Make sure to research the licensing and legalities of selling CBD products in your state.

It would be safe to say that there are many other niche industries that have massive Ecommerce potential. The trick is to find something you’re passionate about, so when you end up spending a huge amount of your time on the project, you will enjoy the ride.

According to popular SEO tool Ahrefs, ‘SEO drives 1000%+ more traffic than organic social media.  

Most importantly, SEO not only has the potential to drive high volumes of traffic but also reduces customer acquisition costs by as much as 75%.

High visibility in search engines is one of the leading channels to maintain brand equity and educate the target audience about your company’s products and services.

Hence, if you want to enhance the value of your business website, then you should master the art of search engine optimization (or at least have a good understanding). 

This article discusses the primary benefits of SEO and the value of SEO for a business. But, let’s first understand what SEO is and how it works.

What is SEO?

SEO is the process of improving your site’s visibility in the organic search results. Better organic visibility of your business leads to more people visiting your website, which substantially increases your domain’s value.

How Does SEO Work?

Search engine optimization generally works in 3 stages process as follows:

Stage 1: Keyword Research

You first need to understand the top keywords your business should focus on to drive quality commercial traffic to the site. These keywords are chosen after carefully reviewing the service or product pages, and analyzing the keywords targeted by competitors. 

Stage 2: On-Page Optimization 

This step involves making changes on the website to improve the keyword relevance score and content structure and highly optimize the title tags of the landing pages with respect to the keywords selected in step one. 

Other primary activities for on-page SEO include optimizing the URL structure, internal linking, building sitemaps and submitting them on Google Search Console, focusing crawl priorities and making changes to the meta tags.

Stage 3: Off-Page Optimization And Content Marketing 

With Off-Page SEO, the top level goal is to acquire lots of high-quality backlinks to the site. Google counts Backlinks as a vote, so the more backlinks you have, the better your site authority will be. The higher your online authority the easier it is to rank for highly competitive terms. 

With content marketing, the SEO strategy is to create and share different content types such as blogs, videos, articles, social media posts, etc., to drive maximum referral traffic and stimulate customer interest in the brand. A part of this is to create content that is good enough for people to want to link to it as a reference in an article on their own site. 

Link Building via the promotion of high-value content and guest posting is now referred to as Digital PR, and this type of SEO has been highly regarded by Google’s John Muller who tweeted: 

“I love some of the things I see from digital pr, it’s a shame it often gets bucketed with the spammy kind of link building. It’s just as critical as tech SEO, probably more so in many cases.”

Stage 4: Reporting, GA And GSC 

Google Analytics (GA) is vital for all digital marketing, so nothing is new here. Still, Google Search Console (GSC) is more SEO specific. GSC provides pre-Google Analytics data and exclusively focuses on the search results pages. 

It helps to identify issues that Google faces while indexing your website and provides many valuable data metrics such as impressions, clicks and the queries used to create them.

Benefits of SEO For Your Business: Why Does Your Business Need SEO?

SEO is crucial for every business because it brings continuous, often low-cost growth opportunities. 

If your site is optimized correctly, search engines are likely the most significant traffic source available to you. Therefore, implementing a robust SEO marketing strategy will boost a business’s overall value and sellability. 

Here are the top reasons why SEO is vital for businesses: 

1. Helps To Build Trust

As search engine optimization takes time and effort to rank at the top of competitive search results. Sites at the top are seen as trustworthy sources of information. 

Hence, business owners and webmasters can build not only converting traffic but credibility and trust for their websites by investing in quality SEO.

2. Lets You Reach Customers At Every Stage of The Buying Funnel

Content marketing is a vital element of the overall SEO strategy. 

Publishing regular blog posts, articles, FAQs, white papers, and videos help your business assist your target audience at every stage of the purchase funnel. You need to ensure that each piece of content that goes live has an organic target with evergreen traffic (regular monthly volume)

Any relevant search query related to your products or services leads to your website, and potential customers can find your business on Google and other search engines.

3. Is An Owned/Earned Channel

Unlike paid channel marketing such as Google and social media ads requiring you to purchase traffic at a price it can change at any time. SEO is something you own, it is part of your website. With good maintenance, the ongoing investment is generally very low, even if you’re hiring an SEO professional to run it for you.

Also unlike paid channels not something that can be bought quickly. If you go out and ask top SEO’s to rank your site for competitive queries in a short period of time. After answering you with ‘it depends’ (sorry that’s an SEO joke), they generally say that it’s not something that can be rushed. Sure, if you have deep pockets it will speed things up but it is still likely a 6 – 24 month project.

4. Leads To Improved User Experience

SEO experts improve the entire site structure and perform a comprehensive site audit that enhances the user experience of your website.

Some of the significant tasks included in the site audit are:

• URL optimization
• Title and description tag optimization
• Heading tag optimization
• Content copywriting
• Canonicalization
• Page speed improvement
• Broken links fixing
• Indexing issue fixing
• Core web vitals optimization
• Mobile optimization

Improved UX helps the visitors take faster actions on your site leading to improved conversion rates. Therefore, UX optimization is a crucial aspect of SEO that enhances the overall health of your website. 

5. Assists In PR

SEO is not just making changes to the website. Branding and link building are vital elements of a successful SEO marketing strategy.

When you start an SEO campaign, the goal is to acquire many links from trusted websites in your niche. If your SEO agency has contacts, they can also offer you links from industry-leading news portals, which can help you improve your branding and PR.

The Business Value of SEO

The top four reasons that prove the business value of search engine optimization are:

1. SEO Helps To Establish A Strong Digital Presence

Organic marketing lets you establish a robust digital presence of your business via your website. 

97% of consumers search online for products and services, and SEO makes your business visible to these consumers. 

Moreover, people always compare before they buy, so you are more likely to lose the race unless you have lots of positive articles about your products and services scattered around the web.

SEO helps you acquire positive PR for your business to increase consumer trust in your brand.

2. SEO Increases The Value of Your Domain

Several factors impact the value of your domain. 

Some of the major ones are:

• Domain age (the higher, the better)
• Total organic traffic (should be higher)
• Bounce rate (the lower, the better)
• The value of the total organic traffic (determined via the PPC value of the keywords on which your website ranks at the top)
• Overall Click Through rate (the higher, the better)
• Domain authority score (should be high, preferably over 50)
• Domain trust score (should be high, preferably over 50)
• Total conversions (the more, the better)
• Advertising revenue generated via your website (sites generating higher ads revenue are sold at a higher price)

When you apply search engine optimization tactics, all the metrics suggested above continue to improve. Therefore, the value of your domain increases, and if you intend to sell your website in the future, it gives you excellent returns.

If you’re interested in finding out more about the factors that influence a website valuation, you can learn more about how much your website is worth here.

3. SEO Expands Your Business Reach

The online universe is vast. Unless you opt for SEO, you will be less likely to understand your business’s growth potential fully.

An SEO expert will conduct proper keyword research and help you identify the keywords you should target to expand your business presence.

Keywords could be short tail, long tail, conversion-focussed, or location-based. Targeting a variety of keywords helps further your business’s reach.

4. SEO Generates Exceptional ROI

The returns on investment (ROI) from each marketing channel is of utmost importance for every business. 

SEO not only drives converting traffic, but it also helps convert your existing traffic into customers. Additionally, SEO results compound and accelerate over time, meaning your site reputation, branding, traffic, and conversions continue to improve. 

Summing up 

SEO is an inbound marketing strategy that lets you generate quality leads. It increases your business visibility for specific online queries related to your niche. 

Moreover, it establishes Google’s trust in your website and assists consumers at every stage during their path to purchase. 

Businesses that prioritize SEO perform better than their competitors who have not invested in organic promotion yet. 

Therefore, as a business owner, you should start leveraging the power of search engine optimization to increase the value of your website and your business.

And if you want to find out the value of your business right now, you can get a free valuation here.