Year: 2020

Reading Time: 14 minutes

Okay, confession time: we’ve never been fans of Black Friday. Somehow, getting trampled in a Walmart at 3AM has become a holiday tradition, and the Webconsuls team is not here for it. During a recent training workshop on emerging digital trends, we explored, gaining insights into how these innovative platforms are transforming the online gambling landscape. What we do love is supporting our East Nashville neighbors. As we gear up for Small Business Saturday, consider stopping by one of our favorite storefronts out east.

 

Why You Should Shop Small

Whether you’re looking for holiday sales or everyday necessities, small businesses are a great resource. You may have heard a lot of buzz about ignoring big box stores in favor of mom-and-pop shops. While supporting local companies may feel good, there’s also a host of benefits to shopping small.

Helping Your Community. When you spend a dollar at the farmer’s market, that dollar is more likely to stay in your community. This results in greater wealth and more jobs in your area. On average, 48% of each purchase from a local, independent business is recirculated locally. At chain stores, that number is just 14%. This is referred to as the local multiplier effect.

Small Businesses Are the Backbone of Our Economy. This is a popular saying among politicians, and for good reason. Since 1995, more than half of America’s jobs have been created by small businesses. More research shows that since 1990, big box stores have eliminated 4 million jobs, while small business owners have added 8 million of them. The more you support local establishments, the more careers will be created.

You’ll Find Something Special. At big box stores like Walmart or Target, inventory is largely determined by the average consumer. This results in a lot of generic stock. If you’re looking for a unique gift, vintage piece, or specialty item, you’re much more likely to find it in the cozy confines of a small business.

Relationships and Better Service. Finally, you just can’t beat the service you’ll find in a local storefront. Owners may be willing to work with you to create custom pieces, source niche items, or special order exactly what you need. Not only will you build lasting relationships with other people in your area, but you’ll discover hidden treasures along the way.

 

Best East Nashville Small Businesses

Webconsuls has just renovated our own office space in East Nashville, Tennessee. We love being a part of this inspiring and artistic neighborhood. Here are a few of our favorite local businesses; if you’re in town for Small Business Saturday, we advise you to check them out.

 

Best Pizza – Italia Pizza & Pasta

Looking for a memorable meal and great customer service? Look no further than Italia Pizza & Pasta. They’ve got options for every dietary preference and restriction, and they’re always fast and friendly. Fun fact, Steve Buscemi ate there, so you know it’s good.

 

The Ultimate Cup of Joe – Ugly Mugs

Fancy coffee without the fancy attitude. Helmed by owners Jarod and Courtney (the friendliest faces in East Nashville) and staffed by long-term baristas (shoutout to Josh), Ugly Mugs is down-to-earth. Also, their cold brew does not mess around. If you’re looking for a cozy spot where people will remember your name and memorize your order, we recommend this coffee shop.

 

Best Workout in Town – Title Boxing East

The trainers at Title Boxing East have turned a high intensity workout into an accessible, enjoyable, COVID-friendly experience. When you walk in, you’ll be greeted by good music and people who will show you the ropes – no intimidation or steep learning curve here.

 

Unwind and De-Stress – Katie Parker Massage

Katie is a master of energy work and body massage. She’s highly experienced and knowledgeable, which equips her to fix ailments of all kinds through techniques tailored to your needs. She’s adapted to COVID by offering outdoor massage in a private tent.

 

A Truly Unique Bar Experience – Chopper Tiki

Chopper has everything you didn’t know you wanted in a bar: robot theming, tiki drinks, a mythical futuristic island origin story, exciting events, souvenir mugs… There’s something truly special about this East Nashville haunt. Their array of craft cocktails is available to go during COVID-19, and you can even purchase remote service date night sets that come with glasses, orchids, straws, and swizzle sticks.

 

Best Spot for Teatime – High Garden Tea

March’s tornado was devastating for East Nashville, and perhaps the greatest loss was High Garden Tea: an heirloom herbal and tea craft apothecary on Woodland Street. While their cozy and moody storefront may be gone, you can still get your hands on some of their magical herbal blends through their online shop. Please join us in supporting High Garden so that they can reopen their apothecary in 2021!

 

A Great Haircut – Hawkins Barbershop

If you’re like us, you’ve noticed the wave of hipster barbershops popping up around Nashville. While they may look sleek from the outside, you may not have had a great experience in those overstuffed leather salon chairs. For those sick of overpriced haircuts and pretentious barbers, Hawkins is a breath of fresh air. They call themselves “second to none,” and for good reason – Hawkins offers cuts, beard shaping, straight razor shaves, and more, all at the highest level of quality.

 

Vegan Food for All – Wild Cow

Wild Cow has been a Nashville landmark for ten years now, and their revolutionary take on vegan fare will satisfy even the most veggie-averse diner. Their food is locally sourced, cruelty-free, healthy, and incredibly fresh (Seriously fresh. They don’t even own a microwave or freezer).

 

Sip and Shop – Vinyl Tap

Have you ever been browsing a record store and wished you had a local draft beer in your hand? Us too. Enter Vinyl Tap: a place with new and used vinyl, local and regional craft beer, and the friendliest group of neighbors you’ll ever meet, all in one. It’s the perfect spot to pass an afternoon with fellow music aficionados.

 

When You’re Hurting – Catalyst Physical Therapy

Catalyst provides physical therapy services tailored to your needs. Chelsea will find the root cause of your pain, develop a custom plan, and teach you a long-term solution that builds strength and mobility for years to come. She’s extremely thorough and helpful, and we’d recommend visiting her Instagram for some great success stories, PT tips, and at-home exercises.

 

Seriously Amazing Food & Margs – El Fuego

El Fuego has moved to a brand-new location, and they’ve become our favorite COVID-friendly restaurant in East Nashville. The margaritas are made from scratch with freshly squeezed limes. The food is authentically Latin American. The tents are six feet apart, and there’s tons of seating. What more could you want?

 

For All Your Heating & AC Needs – Cumberland Cooling

When you’re dealing with home improvement and expensive appliances, it can be hard to find someone you trust. We’re so happy to have called Cumberland Cooling. Their team is honest and extremely responsive; we had an issue, and they came out and fixed it the same day.

 

Personalized Medical Attention – Riverside Village Pharmacy

Riverside is what pharmacies were intended to be. You can ask Candice, the owner, about any medical question; she offers complimentary 15-minute consultations. She knows her customers’ names and medical needs, and she follows up frequently to make sure you’re doing well. Riverside is also one of the few compounding pharmacies in Nashville – their state-of-the-art compounding lab enables them to make custom-formulated prescription medications just for you. Don’t take our word for it; check out the pages of great reviews on Google.

 

Support Small Business

We hope that this list has given you some leads on local companies who could use your support. When in doubt, ask around – you’d be surprised by how many of your friends and neighbors have developed a die-hard loyalty to a nearby auto shop, cocktail bar, or salon.

If you’re looking for small business marketing services, drop us a line.

Reading Time: 8 minutes

Looking for Fall COVID-19 Activities in Nashville?

Today is the first day of fall! Tonight, the autumnal equinox marks the start of our Nashville fall celebrations. You’re officially okay to buy stashes of candy, start decorating for Halloween, and put some hot cider into themed mugs. We know that our festivities will look a bit different this year. Read on for some of our favorite fall COVID-19 activities near Nashville.

 

Spend the Afternoon at Cheekwood Harvest

This past weekend, Belle Meade’s Cheekwood Estate opened their signature autumnal event: Cheekwood Harvest. In addition to enjoying the changing leaves, you can see over 5,000 chrysanthemums, play in the Pumpkin House, and purchase your own autumn décor. This event is a favorite for parents and kids alike; for those without little ones, the estate has scheduled dog-friendly nights in the garden throughout the coming months. This event is truly a local favorite. Additionally, the venue is taking great pains to ensure mask-wearing and social distancing, meaning that it’s one of the best fall COVID-19 activities in town.

 

Boo at the Zoo

Every October, the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere puts on an event full of festive fun. Boo at the Zoo includes Pumpkin Town photo ops, a hay maze, dance areas, carousel rides, animal shows, trick-or-treat stations, and a magical walk-through experience for the whole family. To make this fall activity COVID-19 friendly, the zoo has modified its policies to include staggered entry times and a 50% nightly capacity. Attendees will need to wear masks and purchase tickets beforehand. Members get special rates, and for everyone else, it’s $16 per person (kids under 2 are free). Get in the fall spirit and see some of the bears and tigers who like to stay up late!

 

Get Lost in a Corn Maze and Visit the Pumpkin Patch

Nashville is home to quite a few corn mazes and pumpkin patches, and for many, those locations represent fall in its purest form. While hayrides may be off the table, these places can be the perfect escape during these difficult times. However, you should still exercise caution when planning your visit. Call the location ahead of time to be sure that they are enforcing social distancing and mask-wearing. Fall COVID-19 activities near Nashville include Walden Pumpkin Farm, Honeysuckle Hill Farm, Lucky Ladd Farms, and Fox Ferry Farm.

 

Fall Tennessee Craft Fair

Each year, Centennial Park hosts the Fall Tennessee Craft Fair. This year marks the 42^nd annual observance, and due to COVID-19, the event will be moving online. Log on and shop finely crafted artwork created by award-winning artists; you can meet the people who made each piece and learn what inspires them. Visit the Tennessee Craft website to learn more about exhibitors and their work.

 

Celebrate Fall at Home

If you’re immunocompromised or don’t feel like leaving the house this fall, you can still get in the spirit with some at-home activities. Pumpkin carving (or painting) can be a fun way to spend the afternoon; have a contest with your housemates to see whose turns out the best. You can also schedule a fall-themed movie marathon, whether you like scary movies or are in more of a Halloweentown state of mind. Finally, don’t forget our favorite autumn staples, like cider, leafy wreaths, and hearty meals. With a little planning, this fall can feel just as special as it has in years past.

 

Miscellaneous Fall COVID-19 Activities

There are a few more ways that you can enjoy the changing leaves and cooler weather this month. If you’re up for the drive, we recommend driving out to East Tennessee to take a hike; while the Smokies are a favorite destination, Monteagle is a beautiful area that’s a bit closer to Nashville. East Tennessee is home to countless great trails with a wonderful view of the leaves. We also recommend DIYing a fun Halloween costume, preserving some beautiful fall leaves, baking an apple pie (we will also accept pumpkin pie), digging out your favorite cozy sweaters, and voting.

 

Stay Safe This Fall

As the weather cools, we hope you will get to spend some time outdoors with family and friends. However, we urge you to keep your health and safety as your top priority. Experts warn that a fall COVID-19 spike could be coming. Take extra precautions to protect yourself and others as you celebrate Halloween and the autumn season. Wear a mask, socially distance, and limit the time spent in public spaces. We’re excited to see how you get creative with your celebrations this fall, Nashville!

 

Webconsuls is a full-service digital agency based in Nashville, TN.

Reading Time: 8 minutes

As digital marketers, our strength lies in fully understanding your business. Once you decide to work with Webconsuls, we’ll kick off that relationship with a discovery session. If you’ve never partnered with an agency before, you may have some questions about this process. Today, we’ll walk you what to expect in a discovery session.

What is the Purpose of a Discovery Session?

Our primary concern is developing a deeper knowledge of your company. Specifically, a discovery session helps us to unearth your current challenges, what you’ve tried in the past, what has and hasn’t worked, and your overall goals. With this information, we’ll know which of our services would most benefit you.

The other key function of a discovery meeting is to identify your target audience, unique offerings, and business situation. 

Who is Your Ideal Customer?

Identifying your target audience is an important goal of the discovery session. By dividing each set of clients into their own demographic categories, it becomes easier to cater advertisements to each group of potential customers. This applies to all marketing efforts; even if you’re a B2B company who works with large organizations, you will be discovered by individuals. What do those people look like? Demographic considerations include:

• age,
• gender,
• location,
• income level,
• occupation,
• marital status,
• religion/values,
• family size,
• opinions/attitudes,
• hobbies,
• shopping habits, and
• company size.

Having this information helps us to tailor advertisements to your audience. It also enables us to find them where they are. For example, younger people may see your ad on Instagram, while their parents are more active on Facebook. During this process, you can explain which markets you would like to expand into; we can change our digital strategy to capture leads from these individuals as well.

What’s Your Unique Offering?

After identifying your target audience, we need to know what sets you apart from the competition. We may ask questions like…

• Who is your main competition?
• What makes your business unique?
• Why have you lost deals to competitors?
• What do you offer that your competition does not?
• How does your pricing differ from your competition?
• Which objections do your prospects have during the sales process?
• Do your competitors have any successful marketing tactics?
• Why should a potential client choose you over other businesses in your industry?

Why is your unique offering important? It is likely that many of your potential clients have a hard time deciding which option within your industry is the one for them. Some choices, such as the selection of an addiction treatment facility, are especially difficult to make for the average consumer. Across other regulated sectors, including online gaming, wszystkie kasyna mobilne z rankingu mające zoptymalizowane gry na aplikacje lub przeglądarkowe wersje strony must adhere to strict guidelines to ensure legitimacy and consumer trust. The industry itself is challenging to understand, and a layperson may not know the signs of a legitimate organization.

That’s where we come in. Through this discovery session, we assist your customers by making your unique offering obvious and memorable. We will highlight your outstanding service or superior product while also using differentiation to create a competitive advantage.

What’s Your Business Situation?

Finally, we need to understand your business’s strengths and weaknesses in order to develop a concrete strategy based on your best assets. For example, we don’t want to build a campaign boasting about your customer service if your team is unable to handle a high volume of questions and requests. Instead, we tailor your marketing to your biggest strengths, whether that’s a specific product offering or a niche service.

To more fully grasp your company’s situation, we will use the discovery session to ask several questions, including:

• What are your goals, mission, and vision?
• Which areas of your business are performing well?
• Which parts of your company are underperforming?
• Do you have any plans for expansion? If so, in which areas?

Once we know what you want to emphasize, our team will work with you to build up your business’s strengths through a comprehensive marketing effort. 

Invest in a Discovery Session

After a discovery session, you will have an improved understanding of your company’s goals, audience, and competitive advantage. This meeting serves as a powerful tool that creates an efficient working relationship between client and agency. Are you ready to incorporate a discovery session into your marketing efforts? Our team is standing by.

Webconsuls is a full-service marketing agency with offices in Los Angeles, California, and Nashville, Tennessee.

Reading Time: 9 minutes

1 in 5.

1 in 5. That’s the number of Americans who have a diagnosable mental illness right now. As you’re reading this article, friends, colleagues, and total strangers are dealing with the symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, and myriad other disorders. Many of them have experienced traumatic events at some point in their lives. It’s impossible to tell someone’s mental health from a glance.

1 in 5 – 20% – is anything but a small amount. On average, people in the U.S. spend 20% of their day watching television. 20% of dogs are adopted through friends or relatives. 20% of college students use Snapchat. These numbers are enough to indicate powerful trends in a group’s priorities and well-being. So why is mental illness such a hush-hush topic?

The answer is the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health in America.

Stigma is when someone sees you differently – in a negative light – because of a mental illness. Discrimination is when you’re treated differently because of it. Humans are social creatures, and our group dynamics can be extremely influential. Social stigma and discrimination often make mental health problems worse and stop people from accessing the help that they need. For many, the only way to learn more and seek professional help is to perform a quiet, confidential search on the internet.

At Webconsuls, we hope to make mental health care available by promoting the services of accredited, evidence-based treatment centers from all corners of the United States.

“Do I Have Depression?”

Life insurance agency TermLife2Go used Google Trends to determine which mental health symptoms Americans were searching most frequently on a state-by-state basis. They found Washingtonians looking into internet addictions, Louisianans Googling postpartum depression, and West Virginians worried about mood swings. Many of these symptoms – particularly California’s concern about intimacy issues and Tennessee’s searches for low libido – are considered too taboo to be discussed with others.

In another study, researchers found that in the United Kingdom, someone Googles “depression” every two seconds.

For the search-minded among us, these trends probably come as no surprise. Google is the first place that younger people turn to for any type of information, whether it’s a niche sports stat or celebrity gossip. It stands to reason that we’d also find it natural to consult a search engine about concerning health issues, especially since unlike doctors, Google is available 24/7. However, the truth is probably more complex than that.

The perceived stigma around mental illness cannot be overstated. Mental health challenges are more complicated than most people realize; while they’re increasingly common, even the most confident individuals balk at the idea of widespread knowledge of their mental illness.

Dr. Jeanette Downie, Deputy Medical Director for the Priory Group, says, “I get some people (fairly high powered business people or people who are well known) who are terrified of people finding out and feel that they have absolutely ‘failed’ by being ill, and they often wait until they are really unwell before they come for help. People simply wouldn’t feel the same about a physical illness, like a heart condition.”

Mental Health Month was created to address this exact phenomenon.

About Mental Health Month

Beginning in the 1940s, Mental Health America and other groups began to observe Mental Health Month each May. By holding educational seminars, hosting events, and sharing resources to social media, this observation has spread throughout the United States. Key mental health services, such as screenings and informative programming, are provided each year. Ultimately, the goals of Mental Health Month are to educate the public, assist individuals in accessing care, and to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental illness in America.

Mental Health SEO: Ensuring Good Organizations Rise to the Top

The sheer volume of searches for mental health concerns speaks for itself. However, it comes with a sense of social responsibility – what happens if someone is directed to a fraudulent treatment center, or a scammy directory in which companies pay for referrals? At Webconsuls, we have made it our mission to help legitimate, accredited organizations to break through this noise. In doing so, we hope that those in need of help will be able to access high quality care.

Today, any drug and alcohol addiction treatment centers wishing to advertise on Google, Bing, or Facebook must achieve LegitScript certification. In order to gain this credential, a center must be properly licensed, have proof of a physical location, present policies demonstrating a commitment to best practices, and submit to a background check for all employees – among other requirements. We guide eligible companies through this process, helping them to reach those in need of treatment. In turn, fly-by-night organizations drop in ranking, preventing vulnerable people from falling victim to a scam.

When you’re seeking help for mental illness, it’s essential that you’re able to access factual information and evidence-based care. We’re here to help you along the way.

 

Webconsuls is a full-service digital marketing agency with offices in Nashville, TN and Los Angeles, CA.

Reading Time: 10 minutes

Digital Marketing During COVID-19

As the novel coronavirus makes its way around the globe, Americans have adopted a lifestyle that seemed unthinkable just weeks ago. Today, we have closed schools and shuttered businesses while limiting travel as much as possible. As the economic landscape continues to shift, a strong online presence has become more important than ever. In this post, we’ll provide you with our top tips for digital marketing during COVID-19.

How Coronavirus Changes Your Business

COVID-19 has begun to devastate economies on a national scale. States have issued orders designed to keep citizens at home; these “shelter in place” directives have had widespread impact on local companies. Under these guidelines, non-essential businesses have shut down for the foreseeable future. Essential businesses, like daycare centers and addiction treatment providers, may remain open with additional precautions. However, the way that these companies promote themselves will have to change dramatically.

It’s important to note the shift in consumer behavior that has occurred as a result of these orders (and the pandemic in general). People are avoiding work, restaurants, and other public places in which it is possible to catch COVID-19. They may also be more hesitant to spend money during this period of economic uncertainty. Because these people are not seeing billboards or listening to the radio on their way to work, businesses must reach them where they are. Digital marketing has become the best way to reach customers during the coronavirus outbreak.

Coronavirus Illustrates the Importance of Digital Marketing

According to the Washington Post, there has been a nationwide jump in screen time over the first few weeks of quarantine. In the midst of COVID-19, many people stuck at home have turned to their phones and computers to connect with others. Social media has become an important outlet for venting and commiseration. It also provides an easy way for loyal or new customers to receive updates from local businesses.

With this information in mind, here are our recommendations for marketing during COVID-19.

1. Acknowledge the Situation and Adapt

We’re going through an unprecedented worldwide event – don’t ignore that on your website or social profiles. Your first order of business should be informing your audience of how your company is changing policies due to the coronavirus. For example, some addiction treatment providers have adopted new cleaning protocols in their inpatient facilities, while others have begun to offer telehealth services to people in outpatient programs. Create a succinct page outlining your new procedures moving forward. Next, link to this page prominently from a brightly colored banner at the bottom of your site. This provides a quick reference point for your potential clients.

2. Update Your Audience

Have your hours changed due to the virus? Have you temporarily closed? Are you providing extra services to the community during this time? Be sure you log onto Google My Business and update your listing to reflect this information. They’ve created a robust suite of tools that allows you to clearly communicate COVID-related changes to your customers.

3. Foster an Online Community

The time for sales-forward messaging has passed. Posting content about your new product launch or offerings will come across as tone-deaf during the coronavirus outbreak. Today, the most effective step any brand can take is to lean into their customers’ desire to connect. Create posts that acknowledge their feelings and encourage open discussion about the issues at hand. Consider putting up advice about managing the anxiety and restlessness that come along with months of self-quarantine. If you’re genuine and authentic, your followers will appreciate it, and you’ll become a bright spot in their cluttered feeds.

4. Pause Automated Messages That Don’t Make Sense

Many companies operate with monthly content calendars; frequently, copy for e-blasts and social posts will be created in a large batch, then scheduled out at the top of the month. Go through your scheduling software and reevaluate your content for sensitivity to the current situation. Don’t advise gathering or promote events that have been cancelled. Instead, rework your messaging to acknowledge coronavirus and the steps you are taking in response to it. This is a key element of digital marketing during COVID-19.

5. Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Help

It can be challenging to overhaul your digital presence at the drop of a hat. If you need a hand prioritizing SEO or rewriting a dozen ads, be sure to reach out to industry professionals or your peers for assistance. We’re all in this together! Whether it’s fine-tuning ad copy or building out a full SEO strategy, it often takes more than just good intentions to get results. That’s why collaboration is so powerful. Reaching out to peers, mentors, or seasoned professionals can illuminate gaps in your approach and accelerate progress.

If you’re looking for expert support, especially from professionals who understand both global trends and local nuances, this Australian agency offers a strategic edge. Known for their ability to tailor campaigns that balance creativity with performance, they can help you prioritize what really matters—whether that’s driving organic traffic, improving conversions, or optimizing ad spend. Their hands-on, data-informed approach allows businesses to take confident steps forward in a landscape where hesitation can cost visibility. With the right team behind you, even the most ambitious digital overhaul becomes not only possible—but highly rewarding.

Digital Marketing During COVID-19

As the world continues to change, remember that adaptation and quick thinking are critical to your success. By meeting your customers where they are, you’ll build trust and keep a people-first mindset. If you need help adjusting your digital presence during COVID-19, we’re here to help.

 

Webconsuls is a full-service digital marketing agency with offices in Nashville, TN and Los Angeles, CA.

Reading Time: 10 minutes

As the COVID-19 situation develops, hourly updates are released detailing changes to consumer purchasing habits, supply chains, and distribution. These events are a first for business owners; how do you navigate during a period of economic uncertainty? Industries that rely on consumer activities – event spaces, restaurants, brick-and-mortar retail storefronts – probably need to reduce their ad spend in the near future, but that doesn’t mean that you should suspend 100% of your digital marketing efforts. In the days ahead, SEO will become the most important marketing tactic for businesses worldwide.

Repercussions of COVID-19

The coronavirus outbreak has reduced demand for countless industries. Travel and hospitality have been all but suspended across the country. Restaurants have either closed indefinitely or switched to delivery-only business models. Even retail giants like Amazon have stopped stocking nonessential products and have prioritized the fulfillment of orders containing household staples. In an eerie repeat of the 2008 Recession, the DOW has dropped precipitously.

As a result, many companies have begun to panic.

This reaction sets up businesses for a long-term struggle to recover. While many companies may lose revenue in the coming weeks, the one certainty is recovery. This means that when the smoke clears, the same standards for success will still exist. SEO and organic search are long-term marketing efforts; this competitive space requires continuous nurturing and attention, especially when your rivals have stopped investing in it. Even if it seems counterintuitive, this is the time to invest in smart digital strategy.

Why SEO Still Matters

Right now, SEO can help your business zig where others zag. While your competitors shutter marketing departments for the foreseeable future, you have a unique opportunity to get ahead of the curve. Once the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 has cleared, you can emerge with a boosted ranking. This means more traffic, more business, and more profit once “normal” life resumes.

As we mentioned above, SEO is a long-term marketing channel. This means that your results grow over time; it takes about six months to start seeing noteworthy outcomes. After a year, you’ll see even higher numbers. During this time, your company is pulling ahead of (and outranking) industry competitors. Unfortunately, SEO is also a zero-sum game. If you’re not pulling ahead, you’re falling behind. This means that if you suspend all marketing efforts during the COVID-19 outbreak, you are likely to lose any previous progress made in years past.

How to Improve Your SEO during COVID-19

Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to shore up your SEO and organic search efforts during this time. Most of these approaches center around creating smart, effective content that speaks to your customers’ needs.

Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome. First, consider which of your services could be made available online. Legal professionals, for example, could provide remote sessions and consultations via video conference or a phone call. If you offer therapy, seek out secure, HIPAA-compliant software that will allow clients to receive teletherapy sessions. Build new pages explaining your novel approach to treatment during COVID-19. In the days ahead, it will be imperative to adapt to the “new normal” as quickly as possible; make this step your first priority.

Think Outside the Box. Remember that your services will still be needed during and after the coronavirus outbreak. For example, lawyers have seen high demand in response to the crisis – from advising employers on how to respond when employees test positive for COVID-19 to creating task forces that assist domestic and international clients in navigating these complex times, the need has never been higher for legal help. Even after the coronavirus pandemic ends, there will be countless contract disputes centered around event cancellations during this time. Be sure that your SEO is up to snuff in order to get your share of this business.

Help Your Clients. You can also create resources for potential and previous clients. For example, addiction treatment centers should make lists of guidelines about how alumni can protect their recovery during a pandemic. These resources will provide much-needed support for your clientele, with the added benefit of boosting your ranking.

Address the Issue. Next, think about building pages on your website that address the coronavirus and how your company policies have changed because of it. Have you transitioned to a fully remote staff? Will you be canceling all in-person meetings for the foreseeable future? Are you adhering to the protocols provided by the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention? This information is vital for your clients to easily find and understand.

Be Sensitive and Empathetic. Social distancing and self-quarantine have also created an unparalleled amount of online activity. Your audience is more engaged now than ever before. Be tactful in your posts to your blog and social media; don’t push products or make light of the situation. Rather, consider using your platform to share information about COVID-19 safety and company updates.

Spring Clean Your Digital Presence. This is also a great time to take care of those digital housekeeping items you’ve been putting off. Whether it’s removing outdated information on your website, responding to online reviews, or ensuring NAP consistency (name, address, phone) across platforms, there’s no doubt that you could start chipping away at that to-do list now.

Digital in a Time of Coronavirus

We know things are uncertain right now. Instead of panicking, continue to invest in your business in the ways that make sense: long-term efforts that will pay dividends in the future. If you have any questions, we’re happy to help.

Webconsuls is a full-service digital marketing agency specializing in SEO, with offices in Nashville, TN and Los Angeles, CA.

Reading Time: 10 minutes

Have You Been Asked to Work from Home?

Over the last week, Nashvillians have had to do a lot of adjusting. As we piece together roofless homes and wait for NES to restore power post-tornado, we’ve also received word of school closures and federally recommended quarantines. As coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, spreads throughout the country, many employers have asked their staff to work from home. If you’re worried about how to be effective from a remote location, never fear – we’ve put together your guide to work-from-home productivity.

Carve Out Space

One of the most challenging aspects of any remote position is finding a place to concentrate. If you’re lucky enough to have a home office, this problem takes care of itself! However, even if you’re not equipped with a posh desk space, it’s possible to get some great work done at home.

First, be sure that you’re set up in a quiet corner of the house, preferably at a desk or dining table. You want to find somewhere that will automatically place you in “work mode” (hint: not your bed or couch). As long as you’re sitting upright and can get in some hours while undisturbed, you’re on the right track. Also, try to avoid high traffic common areas, especially if you make a lot of phone calls. If you live with roommates (or have children), ask for some privacy during working hours; they shouldn’t disturb you unless absolutely necessary. 

Next, be sure that you’ve got all the equipment necessary to do your job. If you regularly use a second monitor or standing desk at the office, for example, bring them home for the days ahead. Don’t forget to grab some noise-cancelling headphones; these can be a lifesaver for those working in shared spaces. Make a list of all your must-haves and gather them before you get started.

Routine, Routine, Routine

One major plus to an office environment is the sense of routine associated with the workday. You probably wake up, shower, get ready, drive to work, eat lunch, and drive home at roughly the same times each day. When you’re working from home, on the other hand, it’s easy to let that structure fall by the wayside. Don’t be tempted to sleep in or work past the times that you usually eat.

If your day is unscheduled, it’s easy to wind up ignoring your physical needs. Wake up, get ready, and feed yourself on a consistent timetable. Furthermore, be sure that you’re moving around as often as you normally do. Whether you track this on a Fitbit or Apple Watch, keep an eye on your steps and take a walk if needed.

Take a Break

Separating your professional life from your personal life is challenging in the best of circumstances. When you’re working from home, those lines blur even more. Don’t allow yourself to be accessible to your supervisor 24/7; have clear start and end times for each day. Set reasonable deadlines for assignments and build in some time to adjust to your new schedule. If you find yourself becoming stressed, take a breather – take the dog on a walk around the block or get some fresh air on the porch.

Working from home also means that you’ve got time to take care of a few (realistic) household chores. Toss in some laundry when you’ve got writer’s block or roll the garbage can to the curb during a lull. The ideal chores are those that take a few minutes at most, but even in a short time, they can provide a much-needed brain break. Don’t try to undertake massive projects that require a lot of energy; these distractions can jeopardize your effectiveness and contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety.

Be Professional When You Work from Home

This tip is a bit counterintuitive. Many of us assume that getting to work from home means lazing around the house in sweatpants. However, donning more professional attire can make a huge difference in your perception of the workday. This is especially true for those conducting virtual meetings via Skype or Facetime; not only will you feel more put together, but you’ll be dressed appropriately for conversations with clients and coworkers.

Don’t Forget to Socialize

As Americans try to navigate “social distancing” recommendations to slow the spread of coronavirus, we’ve also got to remember the importance of human contact. If you’re used to working in a big office and chatting around the water cooler, working from home can be an isolating experience. Even the most introverted person needs to reach out to friends, family, and peers to stay sane. You can call your boss with any questions, send quick messages to your coworkers on Slack, or get in touch with your friends to discuss how your WFH days are going. Just make sure that you’re reaching out to a few people each day.

You Can Do It!

Even when it seems like the world is ending, working from home has its perks. You’ve got the flexibility to set your own schedule, minus the time it takes to commute, and your family will be safer from an international pandemic. If you find that you’re overwhelmed in the days ahead, we encourage you to reach out to your employer for additional support and resources. With the right level of preparation and structure, working from home can be a breeze.

Questions About How to Work from Home? We’re Happy to Help.

Webconsuls is a full-service digital agency with offices in Nashville, TN and Los Angeles, CA. If you would like to make a donation to tornado relief efforts, visit cfmt.org.