There are numerous reasons that businesses need to have a social media policy. The majority of individuals do not realize the potential danger that can be created through representing an organization in a negative way on social media. Therefore, it's necessary to have rules and regulations which create standards for people to follow so that a company is represented properly on social media. Read the rest of this entry →

Currently, there's a big disconnect between how many companies are using social media, and how many companies feel that their usage is effective. Specifically, a report by Harvard Business Review found that while 79% are utilizing social media, only 12% feel they're doing so effectively. Because most companies now understand the importance of social media but still aren't sure how to properly utilize these channels, it shouldn't come as a surprise that they're looking for employees who do. And if you want to be a job seeker who does have those skills, social media marketing courses can provide the training you need.

Read the rest of this entry →

With hundreds of millions of people using social media in the United States and billions more across the rest of the world, it’s not surprising that businesses across all industries have taken notice of sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. While businesses of all sizes understand that social media is a powerful way for them to connect with potential and current customers, that doesn’t mean it’s easy to do. Since so many businesses have personally experienced the challenges that go along with building a meaningful presence on social media platforms, there’s a lot of demand for solutions. One solution that many businesses pursue is hiring a social media manager. Because engagement is such an important driver of social media activity, businesses want someone who can build a thriving community through real interactions. Read the rest of this entry →

Digital marketing is a field that continues to grow at a rapid pace. What's interesting about digital marketing is the field itself evolves almost just as fast. This rapid evolution means companies of all sizes find it challenging to hire people who have the current knowledge and skills to step right into a role in a meaningful way.

While there are definitely benefits to having a college degree, those benefits don't directly cross over to the digital marketing field. Even if a degree includes courses that are focused on digital, the curriculum isn't updated often enough to reflect the current state of digital marketing.

Whether you're interested in moving into the digital marketing field or want to get a promotion within it, you're probably wondering what steps you should take We're going to explain why social media certification training is the best thing you can do along with how to get started on this path. Read the rest of this entry →

Since blogging has been around for more than a decade, it’s well established that this practice has evolved far beyond individuals talking about how their day went. In fact, blogging has become so prevalent that there’s talk about an overabundance of online content. As a result, some businesses are questioning whether or not blogging is right for them. In addition to concerns about there already being too much content, some businesses simply haven’t come around to this method of online marketing. Read the rest of this entry →

Although the site isn't as large as Facebook, one of the main reasons that so many people are still interested in LinkedIn training is because there's a lot of value in this network. And thanks to initiatives by the company like investing heavily in their mobile experience, the overall size and value of LinkedIn continues to grow. Read the rest of this entry →

If you've been thinking about starting social media marketing courses, let's take a look at exactly what you'll get out of completing this type of education:

Read the rest of this entry →

Although hashtags started out as something that only applied to Twitter, as a result of their ongoing popularity among social media users, they’ve become part of other sites like Instagram and Facebook. Hashtags have become so ubiquitous that even if someone doesn’t know what this term means because they’re not an active social media user, chances are they're at least one ad that included a term or phrase with a pound sign in front of it. Read the rest of this entry →

Web Strategy Plus is pleased to announce Michelle Hummel wins
Alignable’s 2021 Local Business Person of the Year Contest

The largest online referral network for small businesses, Alignable.com is announcing the results of its search for local business leaders who’ve gone above and beyond to help peers during the COVID crisis. Today, Alignable’s network is honoring Cincinnati’s Michelle Hummel, CEO of Web Strategy Plus, Franchise Success Team, SEND Social Media, Social Media Enthusiasts and Web Media University as Local Business Person of the year

Alignable amassed an incredible 86,000+ votes and recommendations about hometown business heroes. During a time where at least two-thirds of small businesses have regularly reported suffering negative effects from COVID issues, it’s clear with this outpouring of support just how much small business owners wanted to recognize the extraordinary efforts of their peers.

A Testament to the Bond Between SMBs 

“To see so many business owners celebrate their peers was awesome -- 60 votes landed every minute at the height of the contest,” said Eric Groves, Alignable’s Co-Founder and CEO. “This frenetic level of participation is a testament to the strength of the business relationships forged and reinforced over the past year.”

Alignable’s 2021 Local Business Person Of The Year Contest took place from January 6 to February 5, 2021. Alignable invited its 6 million+ members to vote for their favorite peers.  In all, 2,962 local business people emerged victorious across North America, after 61,000+ votes were tallied and 25,000+ recommendations were reviewed. 

Hummel, who also won the honor in 2019, is passionate about helping fellow entrepreneurs with their online marketing strategies. She travels nationwide teaching social media training through Web Media University and with SCORE. Hummel has written three books in her series called, “The Social Media Magnet: Everything You Need to Know to Attract Customers with Social Media,” where she shares her best-kept secrets to success. A current contributing content writer for The Social Media Monthly, Franchise Dictionary Magazine and The Franchise Woman. Hummel has also established 22 chapters nationwide for the Social Media Enthusiasts. She specializes in helping franchisors and franchisees develop an integrated web marketing program to drive leads. Contact Michelle Hummel at michelle@webstrategyplus.com or 513-399-6025.

About Alignable

Alignable.com is the largest online referral network for small businesses in the U.S. and Canada. With 6 million+ members across 35,000+ local communities, Alignable is the network where small business owners drive leads and prospects, generate referrals, land new business, build trusted relationships, and share great advice. 

It wasn't that long ago when many businesses were still skeptical about the long-term effectiveness of social media. However, because social media has absolutely exploded over the last four years, that skepticism is gone. Not only are businesses embracing social media, but many are scrambling to put enough resources towards it. An area of focus for businesses of all sizes is social media training. Since businesses are realizing the benefits of having employees who are all socially savvy, they're looking for ways to provide effective training.

Read the rest of this entry →