While many trends are temporary, the use of interactive website content is here to stay. Often listed as a “current marketing trend", interactive content is a method used to invite consumers to participate and interact with your brand. Large corporations create elaborate interactive tools to engage clients, and that often comes with staggering costs. How can small businesses introduce interactive content that benefits their marketing efforts without overspending?

The new year offers a fresh start and an opportunity to commit to a worthy goal. Creating a business goal requires careful consideration. An attainable business goal can be broken up into small, actionable steps you can take toward the finish line. Whether your business aims to improve customer service, increase sales, expand into more markets, or hire new employees, you can begin with a single step. Your website!

If you have driven on Silver Springs Boulevard recently, you may have seen traffic cones, caution tape, camping chairs, and even some large sets of aluminum bleachers. It’s that time of year again! The Ocala Christmas Parade marks its 65th anniversary this year and is truly a beloved community tradition. While our community has changed so much since the parade first started, it remains one of the most attended local events of the season.

Are you and your family looking for a festive way to usher in the holiday season? On Saturday, November 19, Downtown Ocala will host its 38th Annual Light Up Ocala event from 4-9 p.m.

Rolling out your seasonal marketing campaign can be both stressful and exciting. As a small business, it gives you the perfect opportunity to bring attention to your brand, and remind consumers about the importance of supporting locally owned businesses. Don’t be afraid to start your campaign early, as many consumers have already started their holiday shopping.

According to a recent research study, 83% of American consumers purchase a product or service based on verbal recommendations. Whether someone is sharing a rave review on social media, or in person, the influence of recommendation is powerful.

Fine Arts for Ocala (FAFO) is hosting its 55th Annual Ocala Arts Festival on Saturday, October 22, and Sunday, October 23 from 10 am- 5 pm. Every year we look forward to this opportunity to support over 150 local artists and performers.

Adding E-Commerce to your website grows your customer base, and ensures that even when you sleep you can still be making sales. Consumers love to support local businesses even from the comfort of their own homes! In order for customers to learn about your products, it is vital that you have quality photos in your e-commerce store. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

As we get closer to the biggest shopping season of the year, consumers are searching for unique gift items and hoping to support local businesses in the process. Make sure consumers have an opportunity to notice your brand and business with these local marketing strategies that will help you get noticed this fall and beyond!

Learning about your target audience is a powerful way to boost your marketing strategies. Many businesses struggle when it comes to marketing to both younger and older audiences. A recent Forbes article entitled, “12 Marketing Moves Businesses Can Use to Reach Older and Younger Audiences," offers marketing advice from a 12-member expert panel at the Forbes Communications Council. We wanted to share some key takeaways that we think are especially valuable to any small business marketing strategy.

Online video content accounts for over 80% of consumer internet traffic. Creating authentic, entertaining, and educational video content for your potential customers and clients is a powerful marketing strategy with a guaranteed return on investment. If you are ready to start engaging customers, generating leads, and building your brand awareness, here are a few basic tips to help you get started.

International best-selling author Bryant McGill said, “One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say.” Small business owners know that in order to build their customer and client base they need to make a connection with them. What better way to connect with your clients than by listening to their comments, concerns, and feedback?

When a potential client or customer visits your website, you want the content to be engaging while still being deeply connected to the message and purpose of your brand. Whether you are hiring a professional photographer or searching for budget-friendly stock photos for your website, there are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing which images will represent your brand.

Is your business looking for a cost-effective way to boost brand awareness and sales? The solution may be far simpler than you imagine! The reviews you receive online can have a huge impact on the visibility and success of your growing business. Tap into the underutilized marketing power of reviews, as you build your brand and your loyal customer base.

Could a 360-degree virtual tour benefit your small business? Virtual tours give potential customers and clients an opportunity to walk through your space, learn about your business, and build trust with your brand. While real estate certainly makes up the bulk of virtual tour production, many businesses have found these tours to be essential to their marketing and overall web presence. Set your business apart from the rest by showcasing your space and your work with a professional 360-degree virtual tour.

Supporting local artists is a wonderful way to connect and contribute to your community. Ocala has so many skilled artists, and the latest exhibition presented by the City of Ocala and the Magnolia Art Exchange sets out to celebrate the student and emerging artists in our community.

Shopping local and supporting local businesses is a powerful way to encourage local economic growth.

Marketing can make a big difference in the success of your small business. With so many ways to get your brand noticed, it can be difficult to choose which strategy is the best investment of your time, energy, and money.

This Friday, April 1, will be the First Friday Art Walk in Ocala’s historic downtown square.

On Friday, March 25 from 7-10 p.m. Tuscawilla Art Park will host an outdoor theater under the stars as part of their After Dark in the Park program.