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​ARTICLES

SUMMER NEWSLETTER

8/17/2023

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Summer is flying by, and we’ve been busy gathering valuable news, information and opportunities to help you build a more successful, stable and profitable business. Whether you operate a breeding, boarding or show business, retail establishment or any other business serving the horse industry, we’re here for you!  Read on for this month’s resources and news, selected just for you!  

ARTICLE:  HOW TO KEEP YOUR WORDPRESS WEBSITE SAFE
It’s here! If you own a WordPress website, don’t miss this informative article which may just save your site and your business from potential disaster. Check it out, here --> HOW TO KEEP YOUR WORDPRESS WEBSITE SAFE
 
CAROL ALDRIDGE NAMED AMERICAN HORSE PUBLICATIONS’ 2023 CONFERENCE MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR
“It was an honor and a pleasure serving as Conference Management Director for American Horse Publications’ 2023 Equine Media Conference, “Meet at the Mesa!”  Leaders in the equine publishing industry gathered from far and wide to network, socialize and take advantage of numerous, educational opportunities from June 22-24 in Tempe, Arizona. “I honestly can’t say enough about this outstanding group of professionals,” Carol said, “Every facet of the equine industry was represented, and everyone attended with a clear goal of sharing their experiences and building relationships.”

“The networking is invaluable and the knowledgeable presenters are the best in the business.”
Debbie Loucks, Monty Roberts Join Up International 

Check out this year’s schedule of events.  Then, stay tuned for more info and plan to join us next year! You won’t want to miss it!

Read the FULL ARTICLE
FEATURED MARKETING RESOURCE: 
FREE Social Media Calendar by SEMRush
In a recent tweet, SEMRush shared:  “Social media management is more efficient and effective when you plan ahead. We've created a free social media calendar template, so you can put more time into planning and preparing. Get yours here at  https://social.semrush.com/3mG6rgd.
- CLIENT SPOTLIGHT -
CEDAR RIDGE FARM EGYPTIAN ARABIANS
Cedar Ridge Farm Egyptian Arabians has bred exceptional bloodlines to produce elegant, athletic Arabian horses since 1984.   “We specialize in the extraordinary, rare Egyptian Arabian, known for its great beauty, intelligence, disposition, athletic ability, and charisma--the Elegant Athlete.   Our long-time reputation for integrity and fairness is very important to us.” Visit Cedar Ridge Farm Egyptian Arabians here at:  https://www.crfegypt.com/
SUMMER SALE!! 20% OFF WEBSITE PROJECTS and other special deals...
Your website is your greatest business asset!  Is it portraying your horses and business in the best light? Is the design outdated? Is it user friendly and inviting? Is your content up to date? Do you frequently post fresh content to your blog? These are all vital considerations that will play a key role in the success of your marketing efforts.

If you’re considering designing a new website, refreshing your current site or simply crafting periodic updates, now’s the time to assure your site reflects your business in the most positive light possible.  Equine Office Solutions is offering 20% off all website projects booked by September 1, 2023.

​Other Special Offers - 10% OFF the following:

Social Media Marketing Packages
Comprehensive Marketing Plans
Event Planning & Mgmt. Services
Email Marketing
Copywriting
Graphic Design Services
 
Check out all the services we offer HERE. Then CONTACT US for a complimentary consultation and let us put our expertise to work for you!
CUSTOM PEDIGREES
Featuring your horse's photo and farm logo with your choice of border graphics and colors.  These exquisite pedigrees are delivered digitally and are perfect for printing and framing, displaying on your website or in your brochures. They also make excellent gifts for a special client or friend. https://www.equineofficesolutions.com/pedigrees.html
RESOURCES TO HELP GROW YOUR BUSINESS

10 TIPS FOR GROWING YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH THE POWER OF FACEBOOK
Social media should be just one element of your overall marketing strategy. But its ability to garner widespread visibility and qualified leads is undeniable. Some key benefits of a professional social media strategy include:  Growing brand awareness, networking & relationship building, driving website traffic & SEO, promoting products and services, and market / audience research.

BUILDING YOUR MARKETING PLAN IN FOUR EASY STEPS
This 4-part series outlines specific steps you can take to strengthen your marketing strategies, resulting in wide-spread visibility, more website traffic and an increased number of qualified leads. Topics include: Defining Your Target Market, Creating Your Business Image And Focusing On The Future, Enhanced Strategies And Tactics and Measuring The Success Of Your Equine Marketing Campaigns.  Follow these steps, then rinse and repeat and watch your business grow! 

WHAT IS SEO....AND IS IT RELEVANT FOR YOUR BUSINESS?
You’ve most likely heard the term “SEO” but, what does it really mean, and is it something your equine business needs to be concerned about? In this article, we will de-mystify the world of SEO and explain why it is highly recommended as a means of successfully marketing your business!  SEO, when used correctly, can drive high-volume, qualified leads to your website, as well as increase your ranking with Google and other search engines.

11 PROVEN WAYS TO GROW YOUR EMAIL LIST
Your email list is your most valuable source of qualified leads. Therefore, focusing on lead generation is a key strategy for growing your equine business. Remember, you don't own your social media channels and reaching a large percentage of your audience there is often difficult and can be expensive. However, you do OWN your email list, and email is still the single most powerful way to engage and follow-up with your audience. 
 
DRIVE 10x MORE TRAFFIC TO YOUR WEBSITE
Driving quality traffic to your website is key to increasing your qualified leads and conversions. Of course, you can pay for traffic through social media ads and Google AdWords, but there are many other effective ways to drive targeted traffic that won't cost you a dime.
 
FREE VIDEO GUIDE: THE POWER OF MARKETING FUNNELS
In this brief presentation, you'll learn what a marketing funnel is, the components of effective, integrated systems and how anyone can build a simple funnel to begin marketing more effectively. You'll also see specific examples of different types of marketing and sales funnels that you can use for your business.

THANK YOU TO OUR CLIENTS

We are privileged to work with a wonderful group of clients! Visit some of our key clients below:
 
The Barn at Hidden Oaks
American Horse Publications
Cedar Ridge Farm Egyptian Arabians
Hidden Oaks Arabians
Thornewood Farm
Two Silos Farm Egyptian Arabians
Husband Law
Morrisienna Farm
The East Coast Egyptian Classic
The Pyramid Society

We are accepting a limited amount of new clients beginning August 15th.  If you’re interested in exploring how Equine Office Solutions can help grow your business just contact us. We’d love to have the opportunity to speak with you! 
ABOUT EQUINE OFFICE SOLUTIONS
Equine Office Solutions is a full-service marketing and event management agency. Our focus is to resolve the unique challenges that equine business owners face in today’s rapidly changing digital world.   Our clients enjoy personalized support, expert event management services, customized marketing plans and comprehensive sales funnels designed to increase website traffic and generate qualified leads for consistent, quality results.
Carol Trimboli Aldridge, Owner
Equine Office Solutions
Georgetown, Kentucky
Ph: (859) 361-9416
Carol@equineofficesolutions.com
www.equineofficesolutions.com
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AHP Welcomes Carol Aldridge as 2023 Conference Management Director

4/19/2023

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American Horse Publications is pleased to welcome Carol Aldridge of Equine Office Solutions as their 2023 Conference Management Director. Carol has been a member of AHP for many years and brings over 25 years of equine event management experience to the position. Her diverse skills and expertise will serve as valuable assets to this year’s conference as she works alongside Executive Director, Chris Brune, to assist in managing the event’s many logistics.
“AHP is fortunate to have Carol join the 2023 conference team,” says Chris. Carol’s event management skills and experience as an AHP member are a perfect combination to add fresh ideas on planning the association’s annual event.”

“I’ve always had a passion for bringing people together and building a sense of community. And I’ve long admired the strong networking and educational benefits provided to AHP members, especially through the annual conference,” states Carol. “I am honored to have this opportunity to put my event management skills to work to help create a fun and successful conference for all AHP members.”

Born and raised in Queens, New York, Carol went on to attend Virginia Intermont College, where she earned a B.A. degree in equine studies. She spent the early years of her career as a riding instructor and farm manager in Virginia, New Jersey and on Long Island, New York. Her career ultimately led her to Lexington, Kentucky, where she thrived as a full-time event and association manager for an international equine membership organization.  In 2010 she founded Equine Office Solutions, a digital marketing and event management agency serving equine business owners and associations throughout the United States.

The 2023 AHP Conference, “Meet at the Mesa,” will be held June 22-24 in Tempe, Arizona.

American Horse Publications (AHP) has united equine media, businesses, media professionals, nonprofit organizations/associations, and students for over 50 years. The professional membership association promotes excellence in equine media and encourages relationships and communication within the horse industry through education and networking. For more information, visit www.americanhorsepubs.org.
​

For more information, contact: Christine Brune, AHP Executive Director,
E-mail: ahorsepubs@aol.com.
​
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announcing the launch of our new marketing newsletter

3/7/2023

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It’s been quite a while since our last newsletter, and I’m happy to have this opportunity to be back in touch! Time is passing by so quickly, but there’s still time to ramp up your marketing for this year! There are many so ways to enhance the effectiveness of your business marketing, and the first that often comes to mind is social media. Check out our recent article, 10 Tips For Growing Your Business Through The Power Of Facebook for easy steps you can take right away to increase your visibility and attract potential customers.

15% OFF WEBSITE DESIGN SERVICES
(& OTHER SPECIAL OFFERS)

Is your website portraying your horses, farm and business in the best light? Is the design outdated? Is it user friendly and inviting? Is your content up to date? Do you frequently post fresh content to your blog? Your website is your greatest business asset, and as we move through the new year these are all vital considerations that will play a key role in the success of your marketing efforts.
 
If you’re considering designing a new website, refreshing your current site or simply crafting periodic updates, now’s the time to assure your site reflects your business in the most positive light possible.  Equine Office Solutions is offering 15% off all website design projects booked by March 15, 2023.
​
Other Special Offers - 10% OFF the following:
Social Media Marketing Packages
Comprehensive Marketing Plans
Event Planning & Mgmt. Services
Email Marketing
Copywriting
Graphic Design Services
 
Check out all the services we offer HERE. Then contact us for a complimentary consultation and let us put our expertise to work for you!

RESOURCES TO HELP GROW YOUR BUSINESS

11 Proven Ways To Grow Your Email List
Your email list is your most valuable source of qualified leads. Therefore, focusing on lead generation is a key strategy for growing your equine business. Remember, you don't own your social media channels and reaching a large percentage of your audience there is often difficult and can be expensive. However, you do OWN your email list, and email is still the single most powerful way to engage and follow-up with your audience. 
 
Drive 10x More Traffic to Your Website
Driving quality traffic to your website is key to increasing your qualified leads and conversions. Of course, you can pay for traffic through social media ads and Google AdWords, but there are many other effective ways to drive targeted traffic that won't cost you a dime.
 
Free Video Guide: The Power of Marketing Funnels
In this brief presentation, you'll learn what a marketing funnel is, the components of effective, integrated systems and how anyone can build a simple funnel to begin marketing more effectively. You'll also see specific examples of different types of marketing and sales funnels that you can use for your business.

UPCOMING ARTICLE

"Can a WordPress Maintenance Plan Save Your Website?" If you own a WordPress website, you won’t want to miss this article! WP is constantly issuing updates to its plugins, themes and core (the parts that keep your website running smoothly and efficiently). When these become outdated, the site can easily become vulnerable to viruses, hackers & bots. We’ve partnered with WordPress expert, Erica Franz to discuss this important and often overlooked topic.
 

CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE

After carefully choosing the content, design, and aesthetics, we’re proud to finally introduce our redesigned website! The fresh, new look reflects our ongoing dedication to providing cutting-edge marketing and event management services throughout the equine industry and beyond.
 
The new site provides a user-friendly navigation, detailed overview of services offered, an expanded collection of educational articles and testimonials from numerous clients and associates.
 
Following our logo redesign, this was the logical next step in our efforts to maintain a brand that reflects the mission and culture of our Company. Digital marketing is constantly evolving, and we remain vigilant in our mission to provide the most effective, modern solutions for each client’s individual needs.
 
Check out the new website here: www.equineofficesolutions.com
 

OUR EMAIL ISSUES HAVE BEEN RESOLVED

Over the past few months, we’ve experienced increasingly troublesome issues with our email. Needless to say, this has been frustrating and worrisome, as many emails were bouncing back and never arriving at our inbox. We’re now pleased to announce that after much research, trial and error, and consulting with IT experts, the technical issues have finally been resolved!  Therefore, if you’ve tried to email us and have not received a reply, please reach out again. We’d love to hear from you and will get back with you promptly. 

THANK YOU TO OUR CLIENTS

We are so privileged to work with a wonderful group of clients! Visit some of our key clients below:
 
The Barn at Hidden Oaks
Cedar Ridge Farm Egyptian Arabians
Hidden Oaks Arabians
Husband Law
Morrisienna Farm
The East Coast Egyptian Classic
The Pyramid Society

We are accepting a limited amount of new clients for February and March. If you’re interested in exploring how Equine Office Solutions can help grow your business just contact us. We’d love to have the opportunity to speak with you! 
ABOUT EQUINE OFFICE SOLUTIONS
Equine Office Solutions is a full-service marketing and event management agency. Our focus is to resolve the unique challenges that equine business owners face in today’s rapidly changing digital world.   Our clients enjoy personalized support, expert event management services, customized marketing plans and comprehensive sales funnels designed to increase website traffic and generate qualified leads for consistent, quality results.
Carol Trimboli Aldridge, Owner
Equine Office Solutions
Georgetown, Kentucky
Ph: (859) 361-9416
Carol@equineofficesolutions.com
www.equineofficesolutions.com
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Our mailing address is:
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Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

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How to Keep Your WordPress Website Safe

2/26/2023

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By: Carol Aldridge & Erica Franz

In 2022 more than 43% of all websites worldwide were created using WordPress, according to W3Techs.

 "WordPress is used by 63.6% of all the websites whose content management system we know. This is 43.2% of all websites." 

WordPress has become so popular because it is flexible enough to create many different types of websites. Because it can be so simple to get started creating your own website with WordPress, the importance of regularly maintaining your site can be easily overlooked.

To share more about the benefits of regularly maintaining your website, we turn to Erica Franz of Fat Pony. Erica has been developing websites for 23 years, with a keen focus on WordPress since 2005.

Q: WITH SO MANY WEBSITE PLATFORMS TO CHOOSE FROM, WHAT MAKES WordPress SUCH A POPULAR OPTION?

A: WordPress is well known for being a very flexible way to build just about any type of website you can dream up.

There are already tens of thousands of plugins you can use to add functionality to a WordPress site. And because WordPress powers such a large segment of websites on the internet it can be straight-forward to find a developer for a custom solution.
The WordPress community is also well known for how much they contribute free knowledge and support to make creating your website as encouraging as possible.

Q:  WHY IS MONTHLY WordPress MAINTENANCE SO IMPORTANT?

A: Your website is your most valuable promotional asset. Even if you’ve created it yourself instead of paying a professional, your time costs money.

If you buy a brand new vehicle but don’t maintain it the investment you made in it is lost very quickly. And the cost to fix problems is much greater than if you would have regularly maintained the vehicle to begin with.

Websites work in a similar way.

The pace that WordPress adds new features and technology evolves like driving a vehicle. That progress puts wear and tear on your website. If you don’t regularly maintain your site to make sure it’s working correctly with the changing technology and address potential safety issues while they are still minor, it can cause a full break-down or cost a lot of money to fix a big problem later on.

Regularly maintaining your site means updating the WordPress Core, which powers your site, and the theme and plugins that are active. Updates to these components don’t just add features, many times the updates address security flaws to protect against hackers and bugs that can negatively impact your website.

Maintenance can also improve the site’s performance through faster page loading speeds, enhanced SEO and an overall better user experience for increased site conversions.
During maintenance, backing up your site frequently can literally save your site if it is hacked or compromised – you do have regular site backups, right?

Bottom line - providing regular monthly maintenance is a direct way to protect your investment. Preventing a major site issue with regular maintenance is less expensive than having to rebuild a site from scratch or recover and restore from a backup.

Q: WHAT COULD HAPPEN IF MY SITE IS HACKED?

A: Having your website hacked could have a number of potential consequences.

In some instances, hackers might simply leave a calling card to let you know that they hacked your site; like changing the homepage to show a message that you’ve been hacked.
However, it is more likely the hacker will cause real damage.

They may steal data from your website to try and hack into other websites, like financial institutions.

They could take over your website and hold it for ransom, locking you out until you pay.

If you are running an eCommerce site they might steal financial information and customer data. This could open you up to lawsuits, and depending on local laws you could face additional fines and penalties.

Don’t forget about the cost involved in repairing the damage done to your site by hackers.  It may be as simple as addressing the security flaw or as extreme as having to rebuild the website from scratch.

Q:  HOW MUCH DOES A WordPress MAINTENANCE PLAN COST?

A: Developers will either charge a flat rate or an hourly rate for website maintenance. The cost may vary depending on how complex your website is and how often you have it maintained.

Hiring a Developer to maintain your site on a monthly basis often allows them to give you a better price. This is because implementing smaller updates more frequently can reduce the risk of complications.

Because your Developer is also regularly accessing the website their familiarity with its functionality can also decrease the amount of time needed to properly maintain the website.

Because of how flexible WordPress is for creating a fully custom website, your website might not be like any other website that’s been built before. Having a good relationship with your Developer can end up saving you money in the long-term and keep your website running smoothly.

Q:  HOW DO I FIND A QUALIFIED WordPress DEVELOPER TO MAINTAIN MY SITE?

A: There are many ways you can find a qualified WordPress Developer to maintain your website.

Word-of-mouth is an excellent approach, ask the people you know who have professional websites if they can make a recommendation. Generally, people are unlikely to refer you to someone they distrust or have had bad work from, so the recommendations you receive this way tend to be of very good quality.

You can also post a listing to WordPress Jobs. It’s good to be as specific about the requirements when posting a public job listing to elicit the most qualified applicants; this includes the most important aspects of your website and a general budget.

Many times WordPress Developers donate some of their time to help answer support topics in the WordPress.org Forums, and in specialized online groups for themes and plugins. If your site relies heavily on a specific theme or plugin you might consider joining an online community related to that theme/plugin and inquire about hiring a Developer that way.

There are also many development agencies if you prefer not to work one-on-one with a freelance Developer.

Q:  CAN I MAINTAIN MY WordPress SITE MYSELF?

A: Just like vehicle maintenance, yes you can maintain your own website.

It’s important to weigh the cost vs risk of doing it yourself or hiring a professional to maintain your website.

There are numerous things that can go wrong when updating a website. These are often easily resolved by a professional if caught early, but left unattended, could develop into larger issues as time goes by.

Before deciding to perform site maintenance yourself, ask yourself these questions:

- Do you know how to resolve a fatal error should it occur?
- Do you know what to do if an update breaks some other functionality on the site?
- Do you know how to restore a full backup of the site should you need to?
- Is the money you’re saving worth the cost of fixing your site should it break in the process?
 
In conclusion, you’ve made the smart choice to build your website with WordPress. Now there are steps you can take to protect your investment and assure that your greatest asset continues to serve your business for years to come.

If you have any questions regarding marketing, website management, or other promotional topics, feel free to reach out to us at Carol@equineofficesolutions.com; or if you have any questions regarding WordPress Development feel free to reach out to us at erica@fatpony.me.
 ______
ABOUT US

EQUINE OFFICE SOLUTIONS
At Equine Office Solutions, we understand the unique challenges that horse-related business owners face in today’s rapidly changing digital world.   Since 2010, our clients have enjoyed focused, personalized support, customized marketing plans and comprehensive sales funnels designed to increase website traffic and generate qualified leads. Contact us to learn how you can achieve your goals with consistent, quality results. Carol Aldridge, Ph: (859) 361-9416, www.equineofficesolutions.com

FAT PONY
Fat Pony has been helping equine businesses with their websites for more than 20 years.  We build long-term professional relationships with businesses who value efficient, transparent, and reliable website development. Offering front-end and back-end development, SEO, and UX optimization, we pay attention to the things that matter. Contact us to discuss your short and long-term website development needs. Erica Franz, erica@fatpony.me, Ph: (206) 794-2005, www.fatpony.me
 

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OUR EMAIL ISSUES HAVE BEEN RESOLVED

1/7/2023

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​Over the past few months, we’ve experienced increasingly troublesome issues with our email. Needless to say, this has been frustrating and worrisome, as many emails were bouncing back and never arriving at our inbox. We’re now pleased to announce that after much research, trial and error, and consulting with IT experts, the technical issues have finally been resolved!  Therefore, if you’ve tried to email us and have not received a reply, please reach out again. We’d love to hear from you and will get back with you promptly.  It’s a new year, and a new start, and we appreciate each and every one of our clients, friends and business associates. Thank you so much!
Carol Trimboli Aldridge
​Carol@equineofficesolutions.com

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​WORLD’S LARGEST PORTRAIT OF SECRETARIAT TO BE UNVEILED IN PARIS, KY

11/4/2022

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A three-story mural of Secretariat winning the Kentucky Derby will be unveiled and dedicated on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 11 a.m. at the historic Baldwin Hotel in Paris, Ky. The mural, painted by equine artist Jaime Corum, is the first phase of the Secretariat Park Project, which will open in November 2023 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Secretariat's Triple Crown run.

The park project pays homage to Secretariat's career as the most famous Thoroughbred in history. The project will be completed on November 11, 2023 – exactly 50 years after Secretariat arrived at Claiborne Farm for his breeding career.

“Secretariat will forever have a lasting influence on Claiborne Farm for many reasons,” said Walker Hancock, president of Claiborne. “It is wonderful that people from all around the globe can visit our town with this initiative being a great way to further memorialize a sports legend.”
​
Visit http://bit.ly/3Uo0EXJ to read more from The Paulick Report.
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10 TIPS FOR GROWING YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH THE POWER OF FACEBOOK

10/31/2022

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Social media should be just one element of your overall marketing strategy. But its ability to garner widespread visibility and qualified leads is undeniable. Some key benefits of a professional social media strategy include:  Growing brand awareness, networking & relationship building, driving website traffic & SEO, promoting products and services, and market / audience research.

Other strategies you should consider when building your overall, comprehensive marketing plan, include: Website content, email marketing, offline marketing materials, press releases, collaborative partnerships, networking and word of mouth. 

When crafting your social media marketing plan, consider these 10 tips: 

1. CREATE A PROFESSIONAL FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE
A Facebook business page, as opposed to using just your personal profile to promote your business, strengthens your brand and professional identity. It also allows for the creation of ads and boosted posts as well as detailed insights and statistics for measuring your results and crafting valuable future content. 

2. RESEARCH COMPETITORS
Your competitors can give you valuable insight into your ideal audience and what type of content resonates with them. Be sure to always create original content consistent with your brand.

3. CREATE A CONTENT CALENDAR
When it comes to social media (and most other forms of marketing) consistency is key. That’s why creating a simple content calendar will help save you time and will assure the topics you share flow seamlessly. 

4. FACEBOOK STORIES
Consider reformatting your posts into Facebook Stories for added visibility.

5. INVITE FRIENDS TO FOLLOW YOUR PAGE
Periodically invite your friends to follow your page. Also be sure to invite people who’ve engaged with your posts and ads to follow your page as well. 

6. LINK TO YOUR WEBSITE
One of the most effective strategies for driving traffic to your website is by linking to your blog posts through your Facebook posts. Be sure your website is up to date and representing your business in the best light. Then, simply create a new Facebook post and include a link to your most recent blog post, then watch your website traffic grow!

7. SHARE POSTS TO GROUPS
Relevant Facebook groups are filled with people of similar interests. Find which groups contain your ideal audience, then share relevant, helpful and entertaining content there for high engagement rates and enhanced visibility for your brand. And always reply to any comments. Remember, Facebook is social and is meant to foster conversation! 

8. VIDEO 
Now more than ever, video is proving to be the most effective media choice for Facebook and other social platforms. It ranks higher in the algorithm and grabs the viewers’ attention. Consider using Facebook Reels, short video clips, to get your message out. 

9. ADVERTISE
If you have a special offer or announcement, consider crafting an ad or boosted post to expand your reach. It’s still the most economical way to get the word out. 

10. ANALYZE METRICS
Be sure to visit your dashboard at least once a month to review the engagement rate, clicks, shares and comments for each post. Which posts resulted in direct messages and qualified leads? Once you determine what’s working and what’s not you can craft future content accordingly.   

And then….REPEAT – Remember, social marketing takes time. But when done correctly and consistently, the results can be outstanding!

If you have questions, or need help with your social media marketing, we’re here for you! CONTACT US for a complimentary consultation and begin to take advantage of everything Facebook has to offer!

Free Resources:
The Keys to Successful Facebook Marketing by Equine Office Solutions
 “2022 Social Media Trends Report” by HubSpot 
Social Media Content Calendar by HubSpot  
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FALL SPECIALS

10/31/2022

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15% OFF WEBSITE DESIGN & ENHANCEMENT
Picture
Is your website portraying your horses, farm and business in the best light? Is the design outdated? Is it user friendly and inviting? Do you frequently post fresh content to your blog and share it on social media? Your website is your greatest asset, and as we move toward the new year, these are all vital considerations that will play a key role in the success of your marketing efforts.

If you’re considering designing a new website, refreshing your current site or simply crafting periodic updates, now’s the time to assure it will be ready for the new year.  Equine Office Solutions is offering 15% off all website design projects booked through December 31, 2022.
​
Contact us for a complimentary consultation and website evaluation, and let us put our expertise to work for you! 

Contact Us
Other Special Offers - 10% OFF the following:

  • Social Media Marketing Packages
  • Comprehensive Marketing Plans
  • Email Marketing
  • Copywriting
  • Graphic Design Services
Contact Us

Offers valid through December 31, 2022
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HOW TO MARKET DURING A PANDEMIC

11/23/2020

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This past year has posed so many challenges for everyone, especially business owners. And the horse industry is no exception.  Now, more than ever, your company’s online image and visibility are crucial to its success. Let’s take a brief look at some of the key elements of a successful digital marketing strategy to help you advance your business in these uncertain times:​

YOUR COMPANY WEBSITE

Your website is your company’s face to the world. It’s your home base where prospective customers can go to learn more about your products and services. A professional, effective website is a powerful lead generation machine! And without a doubt – first impressions are crucial. Now is the ideal time to audit your website to assure it’s functioning as effectively as possible. Things to consider:

  • Broken or outdated links
  • Modern, aesthetic design
  • On and off-page SEO
  • Consistent, fresh content and images
  • User-friendly navigation
  • Calls to action (CTAs)
  • Lead generation/opt-in landing pages
  • Convenient sales process
  • Mobile responsive design
After your initial review, you may find that professional assistance with the technical aspects of optimization and/or a more comprehensive redesign are needed. Don’t put it off. The benefits will far outweigh the effort.

CONSISTENT, PROFESSIONAL BRANDING

Your brand is your company’s personal image. It differentiates you from your competition. And so, it goes without saying that professional branding elements strategically and consistently placed throughout your online channels ultimately provide instant recognition for your audience.  The most notable element of your brand is your company logo. But it also consists of branded colors, fonts, graphic elements and even your tagline and the content you publish and share. These all combine to reflect who you are and what you have to offer.

SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING

These days, more and more people are turning to social media for entertainment, enrichment and to connect with others.  It’s also a place to consume news and be introduced to new offers and opportunities. Keep in mind, social media marketing is most successful when the message is presented as interest-based using storytelling and emotionally triggered content, not through a hard “sales” push. Some things to consider to enhance your visibility and engagement on social media:

  • Optimize your business page
  • Use professional images and video
  • Evoke emotion through storytelling
  • Brief post text works best
  • Link to content on your website
  • Use ads to increase visibility, engagement and prospects
  • Post consistently
  • Include CTAs
HAVE A PLAN

A basic marketing plan will help provide clarity about your goals, allowing you to better measure your success and adjust where needed.  The key elements of a basic marketing plan include:

  • Defining your target market
  • Identifying your competition
  • Establishing a budget
  • Outlining your marketing strategies
  • Determining a pricing structure
  • Setting measurable goals
Rather than haphazard efforts, including a simple marketing calendar in your plan will allow you to provide consistent, topic oriented content across all of your marketing channels. Some marketing tactics to consider, include: social media posts and ads, blog posts and articles, press releases, sales promotions, online events, company news items, etc. And when mapping out your plan, remember to not overlook contacting those most powerful and loyal people in your audience - your personal connections. Friends, family, business associates, current and past clients and other personal contacts are those who already know, like and trust you. Be sure to include time to stay in touch with this valuable circle on a consistent basis. More than likely, they'd be delighted to purchase your products or services when needed or refer you to others who will.

DATA FOR SMART MARKETING DECISIONS

I know - data is boring and often intimidating. But it doesn't have to be. And quite frankly, periodically reviewing the basic data available to you is the ONLY way to accurately measure your success in relation to your goals. Check the data available to you through your social business pages, email marketing platform, website and google analytics.  Then add this data to each piece of content and activity listed in your marketing calendar for a crystal clear view of the ROI (Return on Investment) that your marketing efforts have received.


It's easy to just try to coast through difficult times. However, with some reflection, structured planning and consistent, focused marketing efforts you will help guide your business toward greater success throughout these challenging times and beyond.  

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Carol Aldridge, Founder & Owner
At Equine Office Solutions, we understand the unique challenges that horse-related business owners face in today’s rapidly changing digital world.   Our clients enjoy focused, personalized support, customized marketing plans and comprehensive sales funnels designed to increase website traffic and generate qualified leads. Contact us to learn how you can achieve your goals with consistent, quality results.

If you haven’t yet subscribed, you can do so ​HERE. You’ll also receive our acclaimed eBook, the Zero-Budget Marketing Plan For Equine Business Owners! 
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11 PROVEN WAYS TO GROW YOUR EMAIL LIST

1/31/2020

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Your email list is your most valuable source of qualified leads. Therefore, focusing on lead generation is a key strategy for growing your equine business. Remember, you don't own your social media channels and reaching a large percentage of your audience there is often difficult and can be expensive. However, you do OWN your email list, and email is still the single most powerful way to engage and follow-up with your audience.
 
Here are 11 lead generation strategies that you can start using today:

​1. 
DEVELOP A QUALITY LEAD GENERATION OFFER Blog posts are great for driving website traffic and SEO. However, if you want to grow your list you need to create free, 'gated content' that requires visitors to provide their email address for access.  Your offer should be of significant value to your ideal customers, helping to solve a challenge they face. Remember, quite often this will be your first impression - make it outstanding!

2. PROMINENTLY DISPLAY YOUR LEAD GENERATION OFFER Don't make people rummage through your site to try and find out how they can sign-up for your emails. Include subscribe options prominently throughout your website, either through a dedicated tab on your main navigation, or through ‘display ads’ or buttons on your site’s main pages.

3. SHORTEN THE LENGTH OF YOUR LEAD CAPTURE FORMS Most people don't want to take the time to fill in a long string of fields with personal information just to acquire a freebie. Keep your subscribe forms short and simple. Often first name and email is enough. Going one step further by giving them the option to provide their website url as well will allow you to gain a clearer understanding of your audience and segment your list.

4. BUILD A BLOG AS A HOME BASE FOR YOUR CONTENT Google loves blogs. By consistently updating your blog with new, keyword-rich content, you’ll boost your SEO and rankings with Google. That means more people will find your website, and if they find  your content valuable and engaging there’s a good chance that they will subscribe.

5. INCLUDE A CTA AT THE END OF EVERY BLOG POST Give your audience the chance to take that next step by including a call to action (CTA) at the bottom of every blog post. These may include links to further content, an invitation to contact you or a link to your free offer or special sales offer.  

6. SHARE LINKS TO YOUR CONTENT ON SOCIAL MEDIA Sharing links to your free and gated content through appropriate social channels can be extremely effective in reaching your target audience and increasing subscribers. People love helpful information, and by providing consistent, quality content, they will come to see you as a knowledgeable industry leader.

7. OPTIMIZE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES Give your social media followers clear and prominent access to your website and content. For example, your Facebook business page has the option for a button under your header image. You can link this button to your 'free offer' landing page. You also want to be sure your personal social media pages include reference to your business with a link to your website and free offer.

8. COLLABORATE Look for friends and associates who have businesses that compliment yours, have excellent reputations and ideally, significant email subscriber lists. Then, think of ways you can work together that will benefit both of you. Some collaborative activities to consider may include hosting a webinar, podcast or Facebook live. Write an article or ebook together.  Offer to interview them. Cross promote each other’s products, services or offers.  Then, make the event or content gated, people must provide their email address, and you will then both have access to that list. Just remember to be transparent about your opt-in policies so they know how their email will be used.  It’s a win, win! For more details on the benefits of collaboration, check out: Establishing Collaborative Partnerships with Equine Business Professionals.

9. ENHANCE YOUR EMAIL SIGNATURE If you’re simply including your name and business name at the end of every email, you’re wasting valuable real estate. At the very least, include a link to your website, and even better, also include a link to your opt-in page so people can easily subscribe. But don’t just say “subscribe to my list”. Make it an enticing offer to grab a valuable piece of content!

10. MAKE YOUR CONTENT SHAREABLE Include social sharing buttons and "forward to a friend" links on every piece of content you produce. This will expand your content’s reach beyond your regular readers and increase the chance for new subscribers.

11. HOST A CONTEST, RAFFLE OR QUIZ Contests, raffles and quizzes, held either online or onsite at trade shows, provide the opportunity for your audience to enter their email address and perhaps answer a few short questions for the chance to win a prize. Consider what prize your audience would find valuable enough to take the time to participate.    
 
These are just a few ways you can increase your subscriber list and grow your qualified leads. If you need more details or help implementing any of these tactics and strategies, contact us today for a complimentary discovery session.  
 
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For more helpful information on how to grow your equine business, check out the links below:
 
HOW TO DRIVE 10X MORE TRAFFIC TO YOUR WEBSITE

FREE VIDEO GUIDE – THE POWER OF MARKETING FUNNELS

PROMOTING CONTENT BEYOND YOUR SUBSCRIBERS’ INBOX

THE TOP FOUR MARKETING STRATEGIES FOR YOUR EQUINE BUSINESS

BUILDING CUSTOMER LOYALTY

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Carol Aldridge, Founder
At Equine Office Solutions, we understand the unique challenges that horse-related business owners face in today’s rapidly changing digital world.   Our clients enjoy focused, personalized support, customized marketing plans and comprehensive sales funnels designed to increase website traffic and generate qualified leads. Contact us to learn how you can achieve your goals with consistent, quality results.

If you haven’t yet subscribed, you can do so ​HERE. You’ll also receive our acclaimed eBook, the Zero-Budget Marketing Plan For Equine Business Owners! 
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