Tag Archive for: Ecommerce

Market Your Manufacturing Facility Like a Five Star Resort

Market Your Manufacturing Facility Like a Five Star Resort. 

Well, that’s certainly an interesting concept.

Many manufacturers found themselves in manufacturing due to the fact that their passion for creating and producing incredible products led them down this path. 

The machinery, equipment, the burning desire to solve problems. 

However, plenty of manufacturers did not enter manufacturing based on their savvy marketing expertise. 

Especially when it comes to eCommerce and digital marketing. 

Well, times have drastically changed. 

Check out this interesting story. 

Your website was SO bad, I almost did not come to visit

I had a client. An absolutely outstanding company. They employed well over 100 employees.

Manufactured massive welding products. In particular, for military and transportation projects. Their projects typically land in the six to seven-figure range.

However, they completely ignored their website. It just was not a priority. They were running at full capacity. Therefore marketing took a back seat.

They just felt in their industry, the website basically served as a business card and really did not matter. Until it did matter. A lot!

They had a potential customer from the midwest that stumbled on their website.

The potential customer contacted them. After long discussions, the customer was impressed enough to jump on a plane and make a site visit.

As you well know, discovering a solid new vendor is just critical to your success as finding new customers.

So this particular customer, he was extremely excited to connect.

During the site visit, this potential customer was “WOWED” with what he saw on the tour.

As a result, the potential customer eventually became a paying customer. Another major contract landed.

However, upon the site visit, the customer shared with my client, “I almost did NOT visit your facility because your website was SO bad”.

A disaster avoided. 

Therefore, that is how this manufacturer became my client.

Related Article: Like It or Not, Your Website is Your 24/7 Sales Rep

New Sense of Urgency 

A new sense of urgency developed with the thought of missing out on a six-figure customer simply due to the fact of owning a horrible website.

The thought hit them like a ton of bricks. What if that new customer never picked up the phone? 

Ignoring your website which serves as the face of your business is certainly dangerous.

Can you imagine a single person missing out on their soulmate due to a lousy profile on a dating site?

A bad photo. Poor description. No passion.

In the same regard, missing out on a six figure contract due to a poor web presence definitely hurts. An Epic Fail of major proportions! Ouch!!

Though this particular client avoided disaster (this time), how many other potential customers simply never reached out? 

Taking the time and spending the money necessary to maintain a healthy website is crucial.

No excuses.

Related Article: Seeking Soulmates: Does Your Website Attract Dream Customers?

Bring Your Manufacturing Facility TO the Customer 

 

Business success relies on pleasing the customer. 

Dedicating yourself to making your customer’s life easier, better and more efficient certainly creates a winning formula. 

Considering the fact that trade shows are incredibly expensive and travel budgets are tight. 

In addition, face to face visits or site tours are commonly not viable options. 

Therefore, to build a healthy competitive advantage or even just to be in the game, your website needs to be an absolute top priority. 

You need to BRING your manufacturing facility TO the customer. 

In other words, make that incredible first Webpression. 

So a question to ponder: what is your business?

In other words, what is the actual service that you provide?

Let’s think about this for an analogy. 

You are a hotel. A five-star resort.

Wait, what?

Stay with me on this one. 

Manufacturing Facility = Five Star Resort 

Yes, consider your manufacturing facility as a five-star resort and that you need to market yourself as such. 

At least we need to move in that direction anyway. 

So, what actually occurs when you stay at a hotel?

The hotel has accumulated an arsenal of amenities that you “rent” during your stay.

You are basically renting a home for the evening or a short period of time. 

Would you consider going on vacation without doing some due diligence?

It is hard to imagine staying at a hotel or resort without at least looking at the website.

Checking the amenities such as the: 

  • Beds 
  • Bathroom
  • Pool
  • Restaurants
  • Fitness center
  • A room with a view (beach, mountains, city landscape)
  • Sights in the surrounding area
  • Activities for the kids 
  • Wi-Fi access 
  • Parking availability 

Provide a Magical Experience 

Digital marketing and eCommerce play a critical role in the travel industry. 

Especially with hotels and vacation resorts. 

Therefore, a hotel or five-star resort works extensively to bring their property to you on your computer or phone.

It is certainly in their best interest to show you every amenity and benefit of their facility. 

Showcasing all assets that they possess ensuring that you will thoroughly cherish and enjoy your stay.

If you are traveling for pleasure, what are you truly buying? An experience. Better yet, hopefully, an amazing experience and a trip full of lifetime memories. 

For example, a child traveling with Mom and Dad on a magical trip to Disney or the ocean for the first time.

Spring break with college friends. Otherwise, a romantic honeymoon consummating a marriage and beginning a life together. Taking your family to a new city or an exciting adventure.

The hotel or resort are both just physical assets.  

Yet, what are they actually selling? 

The resort provides much more than just a roof over your head for an evening or short period of time.

Comfort. Restoration. A relaxing getaway. An escape. A bond with your family or travel mates that you will cherish for a lifetime. 

Well, your potential customers are doing the exact same thing.

They go to your website to check out your “amenities” to determine if you are a worthy business to depend on and trust. 

Your Customer is “Renting” You & Your Manufacturing Facility 

Manufacturing Facility

So as a custom manufacturer, what does this have to do with you?

What is your customer doing?

A customer is basically coming to your facility to “rent” your manufacturing facility and everything that comes with it such as your knowledge, expertise as well as your years of experience.

Your amenities include: 

  • Machinery 
  • Equipment 
  • Engineering
  • Tools 
  • Testimonials
  • Customer Success Story 
  • Meet the Team 
  • Knowledge 
  • Experience 
  • Expertise 
  • Access to vendors and raw material 

Just like the five-star resort, take full advantage of your website by showing off all of your amenities and capabilities.

Brag a little here. Display your strengths and greatest assets. 

Take the opportunity to reveal why you are the best at what you do. 

Let the customer take a tour of your facility and operations while they are comfortably on their computer or phone. 

Make it as easy as possible for a potential customer to make a buying decision. 

Treat your website as if it is a booth at a massive trade show. 

You need to make an incredible first impression (or as we like to call it, Webpression). 

The more pleasant and comfortable the stay, the more satisfied the customer.

Demonstrate your experience and expertise. Share all of the strengths and assets that your company possesses. Tell the new prospect about your amazing staff.

Stop being the best kept secret.

You ARE the soulmate that your customer is seeking.

Related Article: Captain Your Ship! eCommerce Helps You Stay in Your Wheelhouse

My Manufacturing Facility as a Five Star Resort? Seriously?

So you are in a 100 year old factory building asking how do I market like a five star resort?

If you are located in Milwaukee and just received a sales lead from Seattle, what do you do?

Think about the vacation example.

Why do we take so many pictures and videos on vacation?

When you get home and tell someone about the trip, the other person will use their imagination based on your words and description.

However, showing pictures and videos drastically reduces the reliance on the other person’s imagination. A picture and especially a video makes you feel like you were there.

The same works here for your manufacturing facility.

Bring your amazing business to the customer. 

What if you could walk the prospect in Seattle through your manufacturing facility with a video tour?

For example, do quick intros on key staff. 

Show photos and videos of machinery and equipment in action.

This removes the imagination. A priceless opportunity to show your competitive advantages, company resources s well as why you are the best fit and most equipped to tackle this project.

You might be asking, “wait I’m in a dirty old warehouse. There is nothing sexy or exciting about my facility, equipment or machinery. We definitely not a five-star resort!” 

Well, to the buyer, your “dirty old warehouse” might just be the dream vacation they are seeking. 

Let’s explore further.

Selling a Trip of a Lifetime 

So what do you offer? Do you cut steel? Bend metal?

Custom design products for others? Are you part of the process of someone else’s proprietary product?

More importantly, you sell and deliver valuable solutions that help increase your customer’s profitability. 

A customer watching one of your machines in action could be a beautiful sight. Music to their ears. 

You might possess just what the doctor ordered. The right equipment. The necessary tools and resources.

Your team might provide the necessary experience and expertise that this new customer lacks.

For example, let’s say you show a video on your website showing one of your machines running. 

That video might seem like a minor move on your part but could represent major dollar signs for a new customer.

Especially if this new customer envisions you filling a critical order for them.

Better yet, they may view the video as you printing money for them. Pouring out profits.

Now you just demonstrated that you provide five star service! 

Just remember, you’re selling a trip of a lifetime. 

Wrapping It Up 

Thanks for reading this post. 

Hopefully, you found this post helpful. 

Also, check out these helpful posts below as you continue your eCommerce journey: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Focus on Your Core Strengths for Your Keyword Strategy

Focusing on your core strengths for your keyword strategy plays a critical role in executing a successful eCommerce strategy. 

Especially since targeting your core strengths allows you to better market and brand your business by beating the drum of your specific area of expertise.

Maximize what you know best!

Staying in your wheelhouse also allows you to distance yourself from the competition. 

Remember, there is NO ONE who knows your proprietary process better than you.

Capitalize on Scaling Your Proprietary Process where you have the tools, resources, equipment, machinery, staff, experience, as well as a system in place to tackle customer needs.

Especially as a custom manufacturer where you make parts for other companies such as OEMs as well as provide components that go into a finished good.

As a result, focusing on these specific parts and products provide much greater ammunition for you with your keyword strategy.

Related Article: Hey Manufacturer, Let’s Scale Your Proprietary Process with eCommerce

Core Strengths = Keyword Strategy 

So we have determined that plenty of potential customers would greatly benefit from your expertise who simply do not know that you exist. 

Not yet anyway. 

The fix?

Start promoting your proprietary process as a proprietary product.

So, how can you convert your proprietary process into a proprietary product?

You may find it difficult to pick a direction or one specific process.

Many of my clients find it challenging to pick one process from their menu. It is like picking your favorite child.

You feel that each area of your business is vital.

However, let’s take a look at your top process.

How?

Do a SWOT on various areas of your company.

Where do your core strengths exist?

Another critical consideration, what does the market NEED?

Many entrepreneurs (including me) confuse what we THINK the market wants as opposed to the market actually NEEDS.

Let’s break down each category to explore possibilities.

First, identify the industries that your customers service.

In addition, is there another industry that purchases components that you produce? Or something similar?

What is the name of that part? Do other industries use another name for that part?

Scale Your Proprietary Process with eCommerce Formula

Therefore, below includes a very simple “Scale Your Proprietary Process with eCommerce Formula” that is full proof: 

Experience + tools + equipment + staff + suppliers + raw material + resources = Your Proprietary Process 

To take it one step further: 

Your Proprietary Process + eCommerce = Scaling Your Proprietary Process with eCommerce 

As we work on your keyword strategy, starting thinking about all of the terms that an ideal customer (soulmate) would type into a Google search. 

That’s the direction we need to head. 

Related Article: Hey Manufacturer, What’s on Your Menu? Perhaps a Plate of eCommerce?

Keyword Strategy for Custom Manufacturers 

To make a comparison for manufacturing, let’s consider a keyword strategy for your company.

For example, if you want to rank for “custom manufacturer” we would face an uphill battle.

Google shows over 600 million webpages for “custom manufacturer”.

“Job shop” produces over 3 BILLION webpage results on Google.

More importantly, that is such a broad phrase any leads that you do attract would likely not fit what you actually do.

We want to promote your specific proprietary processes.

“Custom manufacturer” just isn’t going to produce positive results.

To dig deeper, let’s say you fit a specific industry.

Generic Keywords Will Likely NOT Drive Healthy Leads 

Take a look below at each industry and the number of Google webpage results:

  • CNC Shop = 132 million webpages 
  • CNC Machine Shop = 83 million webpages 
  • Sheet Metal Manufacturer = 213 million webpages 
  • Metal stamping = 394 million webpages 
  • Metal Fabrication = 1 billion webpages 
  • Tool and Die = 2.5 billion webpages 

If you want to rank organically on Google for any of these phrases above, good luck. 

You have a massive mountain to climb. 

Sorry to be pessimistic, “half-empty” or discouraging. 

We just want to take a much more productive and impactful strategic approach that will generate quality leads, sales and ultimately profits. 

Now you might think well, we are a “CNC shop” and that is what we need to target. What do I do now “Mr. Negative”?

First, typically broad keywords are outrageously expensive on Google Ads. Trust me, Google possesses plenty of cash and does not need your donations by implementing a wasteful keyword strategy. 

Secondly, unless you hire a world-class SEO firm, landing a first-page ranking on Google organic search for generic terms seems highly unlikely. 

Additionally, these terms are so broad that you are most likely to receive plenty a bad leads even if you did show up on Google search results. 

We need to narrow the category. 

Finding your sweet spot of expertise allows you to target that specific keyword to help you dominate search.

Related Article: 8 Steps to Conquer the “Job Shop Challenge” with eCommerce

Wrapping It Up 

Thanks for reading this post. 

Hopefully, you found this helpful for your eCommerce journey. 

For additional information, please click links below: 

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Get on the Offensive to Escalate Your eCommerce Strategy

Today, we are going to discuss: “Get Offensive” to escalate your eCommerce strategy. 

Not the same type of offensive as your Uncle Charlie at a cookout. 

As well as the drunk co-worker at the annual Christmas office party (hopefully we’re not talking about you). 

Rather, this “Get Offensive” refers to you aggressively letting the world know you offer amazing products and solutions.

Remember, “This ain’t no party!” (My shout out to the Talking Heads). 

Our 3 prong approach to Scaling Your Proprietary Process with eCommerce includes:

  1. Make a great 1st Impression (aka Webpression)
  2. Dominate Search 
  3. Get Offensive

So this post addresses the 3rd step with the Scaling eCommerce Strategy at B2Btail: Get Offensive. 

Start connecting with companies that NEED your product who unfortunately at the moment simply do not know that you exist. 

We are eliminating the “Best Kept Secret Syndrome” as well as the “Job Shop Blues” with eCommerce. 

So, let’s tie everything together. 

You now have a website that makes an incredible Webpression (aka: a fantastic first impression). 

In addition, your team is also working diligently to Dominate Search. 

Well, the time has arrived to go on the offensive with these new tools. 

Keep in mind, an explosive offense hits home runs, makes plenty of baskets, puts the puck in the net, and scores lots of touchdowns.

Therefore, we need to do the same. 

Related Article: You Have Only One Chance to Make an Outstanding First Webpression

Get Offensive 

Get Offensive

Parlay your “Dominate Search” strategies to escalate your “Get Offensive” attack. 

With a narrowed focus for your business, eCommerce plays the perfect partner for you to go out and start seeking new customers. 

Above all, let’s think about any and every industry imaginable that needs your expertise and solutions. 

In particular, companies facing a serious void where your area of expertise perfectly fills the gap. 

On your quest to Scale Your Proprietary Process, landing on the radar on buyers of your products plays a critical role.

How?

Connecting, engaging as well as delivering value offers a winning hand to both parties. 

For example, a number of “Get Offensive” strategies include:

  • Send out product samples 
  • Share blog posts 
  • Email out a white paper that you created
  • Connect with buyers on LinkedIn 
  • Follow dream customers (aka “Soulmates”) on social media platforms 
  • In addition, engage with these dream clients social media posts 
  • Put out How to Videos of your products and proprietary processes 
  • Also share videos of your machinery and equipment 

As a result, the expert who commits themselves to solve problems builds trust as well as realizes huge dividends.  

Related Article: Hey Manufacturer, Let’s Scale Your Proprietary Process with eCommerce

Offensive Teammates 

Part of your Get Offensive approach includes analyzing companies ranking for your keywords. 

As you recall from our Dominate Search strategy, your keywords represent your proprietary processes and core capabilities. 

This is a fantastic opportunity to team up with these “competitors” and potentially turn them into customers. 

For example, when you conduct a search for your products, do any online companies or brick and mortar companies appear? 

Partnering with online retailers supports your cause on both fronts of our Dominate Search strategy as well as Get Offensive. 

These particular companies certainly play their part with Dominating Search.

As you go on the offensive by partnering with these companies, your business tremendously benefits by possessing real estate on Google search results as well as on these websites. 

The goal is when a buyer conducts a search for your product, they find your product regardless of which website they land on. 

This strategy supports the opportunity to Dominate Search simply by listing products on as many valuable partner sites as possible. 

Below includes a number of companies that are prime targets to team up with on your quest to Get Offensive and also Dominate Search. 

Online Marketplaces (the 800 LB Gorillas) 

First, let’s Get Offensive with the 800 LB eCommerce Gorillas:

These companies need no introduction, yet offer incredible opportunities for your business. 

Placing your products on these online marketplaces brings instant credibility as well as millions of shoppers. 

In addition, these companies potentially already bid on your keywords which provides you with another avenue for customers to find you quickly.  

Auto Retailers 

In the case that you manufacture parts or components for the auto industry, plenty of amazing options exist for you to pursue. 

Below includes a list of national auto parts retailers: 

Also, start exploring all of the thousands of car dealerships, auto repair shops, and mechanics who would greatly benefit by connecting with you. 

Electronics Suppliers 

Manufacturers of electrical parts, products or components also participate in a vast market that includes a host of companies to partner with on your Get Offensive quest. 

Prominent players in electronics include: 

Industrial Suppliers 

Do you manufacture industrial parts? 

Hopefully, you’re licking your chops at the enormous number of industrial suppliers that offer great potential as well. 

Of course, the 800 LB Gorillas here include Home Depot and Lowe’s. 

However, PLENTY of other options play on this field. 

Ocean of Opportunity 

This list simply represents just a tiny sampling of the wealth of opportunities available to you.

Most likely, your mind is swirling with ideas, industries as well as potential customers that need your solutions, NOW. 

There is truly a huge ocean completely full of options waiting for you. 

However, fish typically fail to jump out of the water on the hook or right into the net. 

It takes effort. Tremendous effort. 

Yet, it is up to you to throw the first cast. 

Your “Get Offensive” strategy with eCommerce helps land plenty of fish and you never know, you might even land a whale or two. 

Wrapping It Up 

Thank you for reading this post. 

Hopefully, you found this helpful. 

For additional helpful information as you begin your eCommerce journey, please click on the links below: 

 

 

 

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Falconer Electronics Wins “Innovative Manufacturer of the Year”

We have extremely exciting news to share with you. Our beloved client, Falconer Electronics earned the award for the innovative manufacturer of the year for 2020 at Buffalo Business First.

Due to its excellence and consistent quality, Falconer Electronics was recognized as a true example of quality and excellence. 

Additionally, Buffalo Business First acknowledged the commitment to superior customer service as well as demonstrating a deep commitment to advancing technology to maintain a competitive edge.

To view the Buffalo Business First 2020 Manufacturing Awards, please click this link:

https://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/event/164913/2020/new-date-manufacturing-awards-2020/video

The Mission at Buffalo Business First

First, who is Buffalo Business First? 

Buffalo Business First delivers the latest breaking business news in Buffalo updated throughout the day.

“We help our readers make money and grow their careers by providing breaking news, in-depth analysis and advice-driven features with a strong local focus on Buffalo. We also run a variety of awards programs, networking events and educational seminars throughout the year.”

Check out Buffalo Business First by clicking here. 

Related Article: Converting Your Proprietary Process into an eCommerce Opportunity

Falconer Electronics = Innovative Manufacturer of the Year

Buffalo Business First Falconer Electronics

Founded in 1985 by Roger Hall, the founder and President of Falconer Electronics regards his team as the reason behind such a huge accomplishment. “We are truly blessed with an amazing team of individuals who care deeply about delivering quality products that are Made in America. An unwavering commitment to satisfying our customers also speaks volumes to our 35 years of success.” 

Falconer Electronics received the Manufacturing Innovation Award this year due to its dedication to creativity, innovation, and dedication.  Falconer Electronics, a manufacturer of ground straps, commercial power strips as well as wire harness assemblies experienced robust sales growth over the past few years. 

In addition, Falconer Electronics has instituted an aggressive digital marketing and eCommerce strategy.

To provide a snapshot of the powerful impact of eCommerce and digital marketing, website traffic increased by 1500% from November 2017 through May 2020. 

This includes expanding its eCommerce product line as well as teaming up with online marketplaces such as Amazon, Digi-Key, Walmart and Zoro.

Falconer Electronics has also invested heavily to expand the Surface Mount Technology (SMT) department. A majority of circuit board production has unfortunately found its way to foreign competitors. 

However, Falconer Electronics continues to proudly grow its production of circuit boards right here in Western New York.

Bottom line: The future at Falconer Electronics looks extremely bright.

Wrapping It Up 

Thank you for reading this post. 

Lastly, for additional information to help you on your eCommerce journey, please click links below: 

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Buffalo SBA eCommerce Webinar Featuring Falconer Electronics

The Buffalo SBA has teamed up with the Buffalo SBDC and the Jamestown SBDC to offer the eCommerce Boot Camp for Small Business. 

This exciting webinar on eCommerce Strategies takes place on September 15 at 10:00 EST which features a case study with Falconer Electronics. 

Click here to learn more about the Buffalo SBA 

With a new sense of urgency for entrepreneurs to create a strong digital presence, please join us for a discussion on the necessary steps to implement an eCommerce strategy for your business including:

  • Receive an eCommerce checklist as well as additional resource guides 
  • Also Capturing 1st page rankings on Google 
  • Creating effective landing pages that convert into RFQ’s as well as sales
  • Targeting customers with Google Ads as well as Google Shopping
  • Taking advantage of online marketplaces including Amazon as well as Alibaba
  • In addition, explore a step by step eCommerce success story with Falconer Electronics

Click here to register for the eCommerce Boot Camp for Small Business 

Buffalo SBA eCommerce Workshop

 

First, topics discussed during the eCommerce workshop include: 

  1. Make a Great First Webpression 
  2. Dominate Search 
  3. Get on the Offensive 

In addition we cover:

Other topics covered as well include: 

  • Let that dream customer – Soulmates make a buying decision on Friday night at midnight 
  • Scale Your Proprietary Process 
  • Configurator – Quotebuilder 
  • New customized product populates into the  eCommerce store 

We also explore eCommerce Opportunities with Online Marketplaces including:  

Podcasts 

The Buffalo SBA Delivers Powerful Results 

The Buffalo District Office’s operating area includes the 14 Westernmost counties of New York State. The District Office located in the state’s second most populous City of Buffalo, also has a full service Branch in the state’s third most populous City of Rochester. The two offices are well located so as to provide maximum assistance to the industrial cities as well as surrounding suburban communities and the rural counties of the District.

The Buffalo headquarters area includes the industrial centers of Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Jamestown, North Tonawanda, Lockport, Olean, as well as Batavia as well as the eight (8) Westernmost counties comprising the Niagara Frontier and the western part of the Southern Tier. The Rochester Branch serves the Rochester industrial area plus six (6) adjacent counties comprising the Genesee Valley as well as the Finger Lakes Region.

The Buffalo District is also a microcosm of the United States economy with a diverse but declining industrial base including heavy manufacturing and growing “hightech”, retail, wholesale, and service sectors, a substantial dairy and agricultural industry plus large tourism attractions. Buffalo also serves as a major “Gateway to Canada”. The District employs a modern system of highways, airports, and rail systems connecting hundreds of small towns as well as rural communities with larger cities. Numerous private colleges and universities also compliment a large statewide university system.

Wrapping It Up 

Lastly, thanks for reading this post. Hopefully, you found this helpful. 

For additional information to assist you with your eCommerce journey, please click links below: 

 

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Buffalo SBA eCommerce Boot Camp Webinar Series Continues on Sept 24

The Buffalo SBA has teamed up with the Buffalo SBDC and the Jamestown SBDC to offer the SBA eCommerce Boot Camp for Small Business. 

This exciting webinar on eCommerce Strategies concludes on September 22 at 10:00 EST with the last step of a 4 part series with our dear friends at protocol 80.

SBA eCommerce Boot Camp 

Josh Curcio is COO/Partner at protocol 80, Inc, an inbound marketing agency and HubSpot Platinum Partner. Josh and the p80 team partners with manufacturing and healthcare technology companies to help them generate more leads and close more sales using inbound marketing and sales strategies. He is also a HubSpot Certified Trainer and leader of the Rochester, NY HubSpot User Group. Most importantly, Josh loves tacos.
 
Inbound Marketing: A Modern Approach to Lead Generation and eCommerce Sales
 
Your website can become a revenue generation machine, but it’s not magic. If you want to drive enough leads or sell enough products to drive serious growth, you need a strategy. Inbound marketing strategies are should be customer-centric. Your website should be the one they find when doing their research. Inbound also focuses on the whole picture; attracting strangers, converting leads, closing sales, and creating promoters! This session will give you the information needed to start building your own inbound strategy. We’ll also share what we see works and what doesn’t work in real-world situations.

To register for the SBA eCommerce Boot Camp for Small Business – Click Here 

 

Related Article: Buffalo SBA eCommerce Webinar Featuring Falconer Electronics

The Buffalo SBA Delivers Powerful Results 

The Buffalo District Office’s operating area includes the 14 Westernmost counties of New York State. The District Office located in the state’s second most populous City of Buffalo. Also has a full service Branch in the state’s third most populous City of Rochester. The two offices are well located so as to provide maximum assistance to the industrial cities as well as surrounding suburban communities and the rural counties of the District.

The Buffalo headquarters area includes the industrial centers of Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Jamestown, North Tonawanda, Lockport, Olean, as well as Batavia as well as the eight (8) Westernmost counties comprising the Niagara Frontier and the western part of the Southern Tier. The Rochester Branch serves the Rochester industrial area plus six (6) adjacent counties comprising the Genesee Valley as well as the Finger Lakes Region.

The Buffalo District is also a microcosm of the United States economy with a diverse but declining industrial base including heavy manufacturing and growing “hightech”, retail, wholesale, and service sectors, a substantial dairy and agricultural industry plus large tourism attractions. Buffalo also serves as a major “Gateway to Canada”. The District employs a modern system of highways, airports, and rail systems connecting hundreds of small towns as well as rural communities with larger cities. Numerous private colleges and universities also compliment a large statewide university system.

Click here to learn more about the Buffalo SBA 

Wrapping It Up

Lastly, thank you for reading this post.

We wish you massive success on your eCommerce journey.

For additional information, please check out these helpful articles:

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York SBDC (NYC) Features B2Btail Client, Falconer Electronics, in eCommerce Workshop

The York SBDC teamed up with the the Merchant Association (MARLS NYC) to offer an exciting eCommerce workshop featuring B2Btail client, Falconer Electronics. 

The eCommerce workshop takes place Tuesday October 20 at 7:30 est. 

Click here to learn more about the York SBDC 

Click here to learn more about MARLS NYC

York SBDC eCommerce Workshop 

With a new sense of urgency for entrepreneurs to create a strong digital presence, please join us for a discussion on the necessary steps to implement an eCommerce strategy for your business including:

  • Receive an eCommerce checklist as well as additional resource guides 
  • Also Capturing 1st page rankings on Google 
  • Creating effective landing pages that convert into RFQ’s as well as sales
  • Targeting customers with Google Ads as well as Google Shopping
  • Taking advantage of online marketplaces including Amazon as well as Alibaba
  • In addition, explore a step by step eCommerce success story with Falconer Electronics

First, topics discussed during the eCommerce workshop include: 

  1. Make a Great First Webpression 
  2. Dominate Search 
  3. Get on the Offensive 

In addition we cover:

Other topics covered as well include: 

  • Let that dream customer – Soulmates make a buying decision on Friday night at midnight 
  • Scale Your Proprietary Process 
  • Configurator – Quotebuilder 
  • New customized product populates into the eCommerce store 

We also explore eCommerce Opportunities with Online Marketplaces including:  

In addition, the program covers B2B Experts such as…

York SBDC

 

York SBDC

 

The NYSBDC at York College provides no-cost consulting services to entrepreneurs as well as small business owners. Our professional consulting emphasizes on finding practical solutions to the everyday business problems. The NYSBDC at York College is part of a statewide network of 24 regional centers located throughout New York State.

Mission

The mission of the NYSBDC at York College is to assist in the creation of new enterprises, advance the operations of existing businesses as well as to enhance entrepreneurs’ technical skills.

Goals

  • Help develop experimental learning and practical business skills for York College student interns.
  • Position The NYSBDC at York College as the go-to resource partner center for JFK and other major development projects.
  • Position York College as the leader in Small Business – Driven Economic Development in Greater Jamaica.

Vision

The New York Small Business Development Center (NYSBDC) at York College aspires to be recognized as a leading source of high business counseling as well as training to aspiring entrepreneurs and owners.

 

MARLS NYC 

MARLS NYC

The Merchant Association (MARLS NYC) was founded in April 2016, by Annette Runcie and five Southeast Queens merchants when facing the painful reality of our residents in Southeast Queens earning approximately nine billion dollars, of which very little was being spent in our community.  This lack of investment in our community by our very own residents contributes to the depressed economic situations that appear to exist in our local towns.

We realized if our merchants can grow from the patronization of our residents, then we would be in a better position to hire employees and contribute to the reduction of the unemployment rate in our community. Harnessed by that realization, we set out to create a merchant association whose mission is to equip and empower business owners with the critical skills, to sustainably grow and expand their business in our towns and beyond.

Check Out the MARLS Member List by clicking here 

Wrapping It Up

Thank you for reading & we wish you tremendous success with your blogging journey!

For additional information, please check out these helpful posts below as you continue your eCommerce journey:

 

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Manufacturing Marketing World is Dedicated to Helping Manufacturers Grow

The mission at Manufacturing Marketing World is to provide education to manufacturers that helps them reach more prospects, as well as generate more sales. Through day long conferences, and webinars, MMW is dedicated to helping manufacturers grow.

protocol 80 is a B2B Inbound Marketing & Sales agency. We’ll help you reach today’s modern buyer
as well as generate quality leads that close.

In addition, strategies from protocol 80 turn your website into a 24/7 funnel-filling machine, while turning your company into an industry thought leader atop the Google search results!

Click here to Register for Manufacturing Marketing World

The Inbound Marketing Process

First, Inbound is a methodical approach to marketing and lead generation. It produces compounding results in a systematic way.

 As an industrial manufacturer, you know all about processes as well as workflows. Especially since inbound marketing is a data-driven approach to marketing that produces a clear ROI versus other marketing channels.

Inbound marketing will bring in the leads as well as inbound sales.

It’s no secret that we all buy differently today than we did 5-10 years ago. Regardless of your industry or position, you do research before you buy, and so do your prospects. 

Additionally, an influx of millennials means this shift is here to stay. Therefore, inbound sales addresses this.

Manufacturing Marketing World Conference Schedule

Join Us October 29th, 2020 At 8:30am ONLINE For A Day Of Boosting Your Sales as well as Marketing Skills.
Above All, This Event Is For Manufacturers That Want To Grow!

Dan Tyre - HubSpot - MMW 2020Relationship Selling in 2021

Session by Dan Tyre, HubSpot

Curt Anderson - President, Standard Portable, Inc.Maximize the Incredible Business Opportunities Waiting for You on LinkedIn

Session by Curt Anderson, B2BTail

Holly McCully - Manufacturing Marketing World Marketing Automation: time saving tools and tricks for digital marketing savvy manufacturers

Session by Holly McCully, Inbound Marketing Consultant

Ryan Daughnebaugh - Manufacturing Marketing World Video & the Buyer’s Journey: Producing and publishing video content with context

Session by Ryan Daughenbaugh, Inbound Marketing Video Specialist
 

Zach Ware - SEO & PPC ConsultanyGetting the Most Out of Google Ads: Understanding the fundamentals, and how manufacturers can leverage PPC for success

Session by Zach Ware, SEO and PPC Consultant

Josh Curcio - COO/Partner, protocol 80CRM: 10 Ways to Build Total Adoption Instead of Abandonment

Session by Josh Curcio, COO-Partner at p80

Adam Vosler - Content ManagerHow to Develop Blog Topics & Keywords for a Niche Industry

Session by Adam Vosler, Content Manager

 

 

 

Manufacturing Marketing World Partners 

Wrapping It Up

Finally, thank you for reading our blog post on Manufacturing Marketing World. 

For additional information, please check out these helpful posts below as you continue your eCommerce journey:

 

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Univ. of Nebraska MEP eCommerce Workshop Presented by B2Btail

The University of Nebraska MEP and B2Btail teamed up to present the “Manufacturing eCommerce Success” workshop which features Falconer Electronics as a case study. 

This exciting program takes place on November 5th at 10:00 est. 

Click here to register: Manufacturing eCommerce Success Workshop 

Nebraska MEP eCommerce Workshop 

Nebraska MEP

Sense of Urgency 

With a new sense of urgency for entrepreneurs to create a strong digital presence, please join us for a discussion on the necessary steps to implement an eCommerce strategy for your business including:

  • Receive an eCommerce checklist as well as additional resource guides 
  • Also Capturing 1st page rankings on Google 
  • Creating effective landing pages that convert into RFQ’s as well as sales
  • Targeting customers with Google Ads as well as Google Shopping
  • Taking advantage of online marketplaces including Amazon as well as Alibaba
  • In addition, explore a step by step eCommerce success story with Falconer Electronics

First, topics discussed during the eCommerce workshop include: 

  1. Make a Great First Webpression 
  2. Dominate Search 
  3. Get on the Offensive 

In addition we cover:

Other topics covered as well include: 

  • Let that dream customer – Soulmates make a buying decision on Friday night at midnight 
  • Scale Your Proprietary Process 
  • Configurator – Quotebuilder 
  • New customized product populates into the eCommerce store 

We also explore eCommerce Opportunities with Online Marketplaces including:  

In addition, the program features B2B Experts such as…

Related Article: US Manufacturers Digitizing at Twice the Rate of Other Businesses

Nebraska MEP Mission 

Nebraska MEP

Transforming Nebraska manufacturers through continuous improvement, innovation, sustainable practice as well as technology acceleration services.

Nebraska MEP is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program. Residing within the U.S. Department of Commerce, MEP was created in 1988 with the intent of enhancing the productivity as well as the technological performance of U.S. manufacturers. Today, the MEP program consists of 51 centers in every state as well as Puerto Rico with over 400 service locations as well as 1,300 technical experts working together to advance and strengthen U.S. manufacturing.

Nebraska MEP is headquartered on the University of Nebraska’s flagship campus in Lincoln. University service providers as well as facilities are split between the Lincoln and Omaha campuses. Additional staff are also housed in central Nebraska. 

Central Community College—with campuses in Grand Island, Hastings, as well as Columbus—services a 25-county region in central Nebraska which includes the manufacturing dense tri-cities. The Central Community College region, combined with the Lincoln as well as Omaha MSAs, represents 32 of Nebraska’s 93 counties and collectively account for nearly 70% of the state’s manufacturing base. 

The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) is the lead economic development agency for the state. As the previous cooperative agreement holder with NIST, DED is uniquely positioned to augment Nebraska MEP’s efforts statewide. DED has six field offices across Nebraska in addition to their main office in Lincoln.

Wrapping It Up 

Finally, thank you for reading our blog post on Manufacturers Digitizing. 

For additional information, please check out these helpful posts below as you continue your eCommerce journey:

 

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Capitalizing on eCommerce for the Holidays

Due to the pandemic, US layoffs remain high and many people are dependent on government aid, relying on unemployment, or getting help from family and friends to pay for everyday expenses.

Given the upheaval of 2020, one would expect the rest of the year to look grim for retailers who usually make the lion’s share of their income during the holidays as shoppers flock to stores to find the perfect gifts for their loved ones.  Surprisingly, however, 2020 may not end as bleak for retailers as one would think.  Deloitte recently stated that it expects overall holiday spending to remain flat or even increase.  Consumer confidence in a return to normalcy combined with many households having slightly higher gift-giving budgets thanks to lower travel and experiential expenses throughout the year may contribute to a better-than-expected season, per the report.

It is less likely that retailers will see a typical Black Friday crowd lined up to steal the deals.  As Coronavirus cases continue to spike, state and local governments are encouraging constituents to continue social distancing and avoid mass gatherings whenever possible.  So, even if consumers are confident in a return to normalcy, it will be a new normal full of eCommerce and “buy online, pick up” (BOPU) purchases. 

The pandemic has fundamentally changed how people shop.  New users engaging in online purchases and an uptick in the frequency of purchases has and will continue to have a lasting impact on retail, with eCommerce sales projected to account for 14.4% of all US retail spending in 2020.  eMarketer predicts that US eCommerce sales will reach $794.50 billion this year, up 32.4% year-over-year, and rise to 19.2% of all US retail spending by 2024.

How can businesses that have already transitioned to eCommerce or added an eCommerce component in 2020 out of necessity leverage this new asset to its full potential over the holidays? First and foremost, businesses should aim to provide consumers with a frictionless omnichannel experience and prepare for a longer holiday shopping season filled with well-informed customers looking to get the best price and value for their money.  Planning inventory and preparing for supply chain issues is a necessity to ensure a seamless buying experience. Optimizing the store, planning and polishing content, and creating a sense of urgency round out the must-do’s to compete fully in the crowded online retail space. 

But one thing that can differentiate one retailer from another and push customers into buying when they may not otherwise is offering flexible payment options. Annalisa Agoston, the executive creative director at Guidance, recently said that offering a pay-over-time solution will be essential for small businesses to capitalize on 2020’s eCommerce and BOPU trends.  “These make holiday shopping more seamless for shoppers who are on a tight budget, but still need to get gifts,” she says. “This is probably the hottest trend for the holiday season. There are many good third-party service providers.” 

Per Big Commerce, the pay-over-time method is a modern, convenient twist on an old practice. Instead of using an in-store “layaway” option, shoppers pay for an item via monthly installments over a set period of time while the eCommerce merchant is paid immediately for the goods.  This practice makes expensive items, such as sofas or flat screen televisions, more affordable to budget-conscious consumers.  And it could prove to be just the thing for retailers to cater to customers who need to make ends meet but still want to hold onto a sense of normalcy in this unprecedented time by giving their families a happy holiday this season. 

If you are an eCommerce retailer who is interested to learn more about how offering lease-to-own products can benefit your business, visit https://joethefinanceguy.com/ today.

 

A SPECIAL THANKS for this guest post by our dear friend Joseph Stepke – aka Joe the Finance Guy. Please click here to connect with Joe on LinkedIn.

Wrapping It Up 

Lastly, thanks for reading this post. Hopefully, you found this helpful. 

For additional information to assist you with your eCommerce journey, please click links below: 

 

References Linked in Article:

https://smallbiztrends.com/2020/10/ecommerce-tips-prepare-2020-holiday-shopping-season.html

https://www.emarketer.com/content/us-ecommerce-growth-jumps-more-than-30-accelerating-online-shopping-shift-by-nearly-2-years

https://www.moodysanalytics.com/about-us/press-releases/2020-10-15-morning-consult-and-moodys-analytics-debut-research-series-on-the-pandemic-economy

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-09-15/total-holiday-spending-seen-rising-this-year-despite-covid-19

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/358084

https://blog.hubspot.com/service/omni-channel-experience

https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/2020/09/27/e-commerce-will-explode-this-holiday-and-put-retailers-online-strategies-to-the-test/#630543d162f1

https://www.bigcommerce.com/blog/pay-over-time-ecommerce/

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/10/26/average-daily-new-coronavirus-cases-in-us-hit-all-time-high-as-health-officials-warn-exponential-spread-is-coming.html

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Alibaba Taps B2Btail for Digital Sprint Webinar Series for Manufacturers 

Alibaba Group is hosting a free seminar, the Digital Sprint. This program targets US based small as well as medium (SMB) size manufacturers. Starting dates begin in November and wrap up in December 2020.  The lecture series has been named Digitization Sprint For US Manufacturers.  Alibaba has teamed up with B2Btail to select the industry professionals to teach the courses.

John Caplan, President of Alibaba North America & Europe remarked in his recent Forbes article “Harnessing the power of digitization and making eCommerce a priority for your manufacturing business, no matter its size, is critical.”

With the desire to help US based SMB manufacturers take the digital plunge, Alibaba partnered with Curt Anderson, eCommerce Consultant for Manufacturers as well as founder of B2Btail.  This extremely exciting  program helps manufacturers pave the path with their Digital Transformation.  Curt is also the author of “Stop Being the Best Kept Secret: Manufacturing eCommerce Strategies” which is an eCommerce Resource guide for custom manufacturers.

Alibaba Digital Sprint eCommerce Webinar Series 

Alibaba Digital Sprint

Alibaba’s Digital Sprint program includes a powerful line up of high-level Manufacturing as well as B2B digital marketing experts including: 

Ira Bowman, Founder of Bowman Digital Media – with over 250K social media followers. Ira is an expert in social media marketing and combines it with 20+ years of B2B sales experience.

Allison DeFord – Founder of FELT Marketing as well as a veteran Marketing expert for manufacturers.

Jeff Long – Founder of True Focus Media – an eCommerce as well as video marketing expert for manufacturers.

Josh Curcio – Founder as well as Co-owner of protocol 80 an Inbound Marketing Expert for Manufacturers. 

Brian Beck – An eCommerce pioneer, author of Billion Dollar B2B eCommerce as well as managing partner at Enceiba.

Curt Anderson from B2Btail kicks off this exciting program with the eCommerce 101 for US manufacturers on November 24 at 1:00 EST. 

Anderson will show case an eCommerce success story on how U.S. custom manufacturer, Falconer Electronics made the digital transformation by embracing eCommerce.

In addition this session will also feature how U.S. firm, Voice Express  is utilizing Alibaba. Not only to drive new business to their website as well institute as an aggressive content strategy. All thanks to Bowman Digital Media  as well as Steve Melito at  Thunderbolt Business Services.   For additional assistance with your eCommerce journey, join B2Btail and  Exit Your Way  / every Friday at 1:30 EST for their FREE Manufacturing eCommerce Success webinar series.

Wrapping It Up 

Finally, thank you for reading our blog post on the Alibaba Digital Sprint eCommerce Webinar Series. 

For additional information, please check out these helpful posts below as you continue your eCommerce journey:

Name of Press Contact: Ira Bowman
Phone: 951-902-9550
Email: ira@bowmandigitalmedia.com

Company Name: Bowman Digital Media

Website: https://bowmandigitalmedia.com/contact

 

Also found on: 

MarketWatch

Live News Stock Market 

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Boston Herald 

Digital Journal 

The Buffalo News

Financial News Today

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Illinois MEP (IMEC) Taps B2Btail for Manufacturing eCommerce Webinar Series

IMEC, the Illinois MEP (Manufacturing Extension Partnership), teamed up with B2Btail.com to offer an exciting eCommerce virtual workshop for manufacturers which features a case study with Falconer Electronics. 

This exciting program takes place on January 26th at 11:30 CST. 

Click here for registration: DRIVE BIG CHANGE: Manufacturing E-Commerce Success Webinar

 

Sense of Urgency for Manufacturers 

With a new sense of urgency for entrepreneurs and manufacturers to create a strong digital presence, please join us for a discussion on the necessary steps to implement a highly effective eCommerce strategy for your business. In particular, we tackle how custom manufacturers can join the exploding eCommerce market.

  • Receive an eCommerce Checklist for manufacturers
  • Capturing 1st page rankings on Google
  • Creating effective landing pages that convert into RFQ’s & sales
  • Targeting customers with Google Ads & Google Shopping
  • Taking advantage of online marketplaces including Amazon & Alibaba
  • Explore a step by step eCommerce success story with Falconer Electronics and Voice Express 

First, topics discussed during the eCommerce workshop include: 

  1. Make a Great First Webpression 
  2. Dominate Search 
  3. Get on the Offensive 

In addition we cover:

Other topics covered as well include: 

  • Let that dream customer – Soulmates make a buying decision on Friday night at midnight 
  • Scale Your Proprietary Process 
  • Configurator – Quotebuilder 
  • New customized product populates into the eCommerce store 

We also explore eCommerce Opportunities with Online Marketplaces including:  

In addition, the program features B2B Experts such as…

IMEC Delivers Powerful Results for Illinois Manufacturers 

With more than 50 full-time staff and partners positioned statewide, IMEC delivers the local expertise to not only plan and strategize, but to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of client improvements. In fact, IMEC assists more than 700 companies each year with successful improvement and innovation projects.

As a result, IMEC has demonstrated a return on investment that exceeds 19:1. This is made possible as organizations become more effective and efficient – and together with IMEC – excel toward enterprise excellence.

IMEC continues this exciting eCommerce webinar series on Feb 9 

  • Tuesday, February 9 – Allison DeFord FELT Marketing –  “Let’s develop a scalable marketing system that connects with your ideal eCommerce customer”
  • Friday, February 12 – Josh Curcio protocol 80 – “Inbound Marketing: A Modern Approach to Lead Generation and eCommerce Sales”
  • Tuesday, February 16 –  Jeff Long True Focus Media – “7 things your website should do to automate marketing, get more eCommerce sales and boost SEO”
  • Friday, February 19 – Ray Ziganto – “Manufacturers Going Global with eCommerce”
  • Tuesday, February 23 –  Damon Pistulka Exit Your Way – “Monitoring & Measuring eCommerce Success for Manufacturers”

IMEC eCommerce Series 2

  • Tuesday, March 9 – Brian Beck Enceiba – “Building an Explosive Amazon Program for Manufacturers”
  • Friday, March 12 – Jeffry Graham – “Digital Business Transformation with eCommerce”
  • Friday, March 16 –   Ira Bowman Bowman Digital Media – “Digital Marketing Deep Dive for Manufacturing eCommerce Success”
  • Tuesday, March 19 –   Greg Mischio Winbound –  “Improve Your Marketing by Creating a “Digital Twin” of your Sales Team”
  • Friday, March 23 – Steve Melito Thunderbolt Business Services – “Solving the Case Study Conundrum for Manufacturers Pursuing eCommerce Success”
  • Friday, March 26 –  Kate Anderson Alibaba – “Manufacturers Going Global with Alibaba.com”

Related Articles: 

 

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