​7 Ways to Leverage Cause Marketing For Your Business
In today’s socially conscious marketplace, brand values matter more than ever to your customers and clients. Cause marketing, which ties your brand to a social or environmental cause, not only enhances your corporate image but also promotes customer loyalty and engagement. At BIG DEAL Company, we believe in the power of purpose-driven events and marketing strategies.
 
Here are 7 tips to effectively leverage cause marketing for your business:
 
Choose a Cause That Resonates with Your Brand
 
The first step in successful cause marketing is to choose a cause that aligns with your brand’s mission and values. Ideally, your customers should see a natural connection between your business and the cause you’re supporting. For example, if you’re in the fitness industry, partnering with a health-related nonprofit would be a strong fit, while a mortgage lender might partner with a housing charity.

Partner with Nonprofits
 
Forming a true partnership with a nonprofit (or a few) provides credibility and mutual increased marketing reach, allowing you to tap into the nonprofit’s existing audience while they tap into yours. Nurturing a deeper connection with just a few organizations gives you the opportunity to learn about how you can make the biggest difference for them, and this involvement can also be featured in your marketing to promote your business.
 
Incorporate Your Cause into Events
 
Events offer a powerful platform to highlight your cause marketing efforts. Whether it’s through charity fundraisers, awareness campaigns, or volunteer-driven activities, make the cause a central theme of your event. This not only raises awareness but also engages attendees in a meaningful way, bringing you opportunities for more business.
 
Engage Your Employees
 
Encourage employee participation in your cause marketing initiatives. This could be through volunteer programs, donation matching, or company-sponsored charity events. We’ve seen clients partner with a nonprofit to have their employees volunteer for a full day during work hours, while being paid their usual work salary by the company. Employee engagement strengthens your company culture, demonstrates your commitment to the cause, and provides word-of-mouth marketing.
***HOT TIP: You can download the BizWest GIVING GUIDE to research contact information for non-profits you are interested in supporting.
 

Offer Donation Matching
 
Incentivize your customers to donate by offering to match their contributions. For example, you could match every dollar donated by your customers up to a certain amount. This not only encourages more donations but also shows that your business is committed to making a significant community impact, not just improving your bottom line. (Example: United Way's Workplace Giving)
 
Use Social Media
 
Social media is a powerful tool for spreading the word about your cause marketing efforts. Share stories, updates, and results across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Tag nonprofits you support to promote their cause and boost engagement for your content. Cross-post the latest news from your nonprofit partners’ page – many will return the favor.
 
Measure and Share Your Success
 
Finally, it’s crucial to measure the success of your cause marketing campaigns and share the results with your audience. Whether it’s the amount of money raised, the number of lives impacted, or the growth in customer engagement, transparency builds trust and encourages continued support. Feature these numbers on your social media, your company website, at company events (both internal and public-facing) and anywhere else you advertise.

***HOT TIP: United Way of Larimer County has a 211 tip service that lists out all non-profits by services they offer: 211 TIPS
 
Cause marketing is more than just a trend; it’s a powerful strategy that can elevate your brand while making a meaningful difference in the world. At BIG DEAL Company, we’re here to help you craft events and marketing strategies that drive both social impact and business success.
 
If you need help planning your next cause-driven event or campaign, contact us to learn how we can support your vision.
 
For more business marketing tips and ideas, follow BIG DEAL Company on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

**10 Proven Strategies to Drive Foot Traffic to Your Business**
If you’re launching a product, hosting a workshop, or throwing a grand opening, attracting attendees is key to a successful event. Here are 10 proven strategies to drive foot traffic to your business events.

​How do I draw foot traffic to my business event?

Generate Social Media Buzz  
Create buzz ahead of your event by leveraging social media. Remember: the more popular an event appears, the more likely passerby are to stop in. Don’t rely solely on people who happen upon your event that day to fill the room. Utilize Facebook events, Facebook and Instagram posts and stories, and even LinkedIn posts to reach your audience.

Use Strategic Timing  
If your goal is to draw the public to your business event, you’ll need to schedule it for the time you see the most foot traffic, which means collecting some data. Pay attention to the days of the week and times of day your location sees the most passerby.
 
For many downtown districts, this means weekend afternoons – but you’ll also want to ensure that you aren’t competing for attendees. Larger events can bring even more foot traffic to your area, but beware of similar, simultaneous events that could draw visitors away from your event.

​Create Eye-Catching Visuals  
Generate curiosity and capture the attention of passerby with eye-catching signage and decorations. Make it clear that an event is happening and that all are invited. Phrases like “open house,” “open to the public,” or “come on in” communicate that your event is open to the public. Vibrant banners, posters, or digital displays should convey key details about the event quickly and effectively.
 
Colorful decorations will attract attention and create a welcoming atmosphere – not to mention make for attractive photos you can share on your business’s social media pages and website.

Put Engaging Staff Front and Center  
Your staff is the face of your brand and can play a pivotal role in the success of your business event. Position your most outgoing, friendly employees toward your event entrance to create a welcoming atmosphere. Engaging staff can effectively communicate your brand’s message, answer questions, and provide personalized assistance, making potential customers feel valued.
 
This level of interaction not only enhances the overall attendee experience but also leaves a lasting impression that can lead to increased brand loyalty and positive word-of-mouth promotion.

Partner with Neighboring Businesses  
One way to use the draw of another business or event to increase your own foot traffic, rather than pull guests away from your event, is to partner with other businesses or events. Other businesses can distribute flyers, display posters, or share information about your event.
 
In return, you can spread the word about their business to your event attendees, or even offer guests discounts for both businesses. This mutual support is a great way to expand your reach in the community long-term.

Offer Discounts  
Everyone loves a good deal. Offering discounts can lure otherwise hesitant passerby into your event. This strategy not only boosts initial attendance but also helps create a sense of urgency.
 
You can also promote these discounts ahead of time to your existing customers through your website, social media, and email lists. The more people are at your event, the more additional foot traffic you’ll see, as people are naturally drawn to events that appear popular. 

​Host Giveaways  
Hosting a giveaway, contest, or game is another fun way to generate excitement about your event. You can offer products or services from your business, a gift basket with products from local business partners, or deep discounts as prizes. Promote the giveaway on your social media platforms and website. Encourage participants to share the event with their friends and family to increase reach and engagement.

Offer Demonstrations or Presentations  
Live demonstrations or presentations provide a dynamic and interactive experience that engages your attendees on a deeper level. These live elements allow participants to see products or services in action, which can effectively showcase their features, benefits, and real-world applications.
 
Moreover, live demonstrations and presentations add substance to your event, creating a memorable and impactful experience, which makes attendees more likely to generate positive word-of-mouth for your business.

Host Activities  
Entertainment is a big draw for events of all kinds. Regardless of your end goal, there’s a creative, entertaining way to achieve it (Psst – this is BIG DEAL Company’s specialty!) Trivia about your company or products, a prize wheel, or games that require attendees to compete against each other for prizes are great interactive ways to spread the word about your products or services.

​Create a Photo Op  
Influencer marketing – using a person with the ability to influence potential buyers of a product or service to promote or recommend the items on social media – is still going strong. One simple way to encourage event attendees to post about your business on social media is to create photo opportunities.
 
We suggest using your brand logo and colors to create an eye-catching backdrop with standout decor (think: balloon arches, floral or greenery walls, or a red carpet). Use signage to encourage guests to pose with their friends and post the photos while tagging your business and/or using special event hashtags. Props are another fun twist, especially if your event has a specific theme.
 
Ultimately, people attend events because they expect to gain something valuable. Remember, the key is to communicate the value of your event and create a buzz that attendees can't resist: on social media leading up to your event, using eye-catching signage the day of, and with unforgettable experiences for attendees. With these strategies, you'll be well on your way to hosting a successful event that leaves a lasting impression in your community.
​
At BIG DEAL Company, we're dedicated to helping local businesses succeed. Contact us today to explore how we can collaborate to make your next event a resounding success.

​Analytics, insights, results – These are all words used by different online platforms to describe one thing: data about users. Modern business marketing involves gathering a wealth of it, and many websites are already doing this for you behind the scenes. Let’s talk about how you can use these analytics to drive your own small business marketing decisions.

​What are analytics?
 
By definition, analytics means, “the analysis of data, typically large sets of business data, by the use of mathematics, statistics, and computer software.” Analytics can also refer to Google Analytics, Google’s own web analytics service that you can use to gather data from your website (learn more at Google.com/grow).
 
Other examples of analytics programs include Meta Business Suite’s Insights for Facebook and Instagram and Pinterest’s Analytics.
 
In the age of information, data is a gold mine. Analytics, in marketing, is the art of transforming this raw data into meaningful insights about your customers. This means understanding your audience better, optimizing your marketing strategies, and ultimately driving success.
 
How can analytics help me?
 
Ultimately, the purpose of analytics is to understand what your website and social media users are like and how they behave. You can use analytics to learn which marketing strategies are working for your business, and which are not. All of these things enable you to make better business decisions.

​Tailoring Marketing Strategies
Effective marketing begins with understanding your audience and their preferences. Analytics empowers you to gather and analyze data related to customer demographics, purchasing behavior, and interactions with your marketing campaigns. This information allows you to tailor your marketing strategies to resonate with your target audience, increasing engagement and conversion rates.

• Customer Segmentation: Analytics enables you to categorize your customer base into distinct segments based on various parameters such as age, location, interests, and buying habits. Understanding these segments allows for personalized marketing strategies that are more likely to capture attention and drive conversions.

• Campaign Performance Analysis: Analyzing the performance of past marketing campaigns provides valuable insights into what worked and what didn't. Metrics like click-through rates, conversion rates, and return on investment (ROI) can guide future campaign planning and optimization.

• Content Optimization: By analyzing the engagement and response to different types of content, you can refine your content strategy. Analytics can help identify the most effective content formats, channels, and messaging to resonate with your audience.

Data-Driven Decision Making
Incorporating analytics into your marketing and events company culture promotes data-driven decision making at all levels. By utilizing accurate and relevant data, you reduce the guesswork, minimize risks, and increase the likelihood of success in your marketing initiatives and events.

• Predictive Analytics: Leverage predictive analytics to forecast future trends, consumer behavior, and market demands. These forecasts enable proactive decision making, ensuring your marketing and event strategies are aligned with anticipated market shifts.
• Performance Benchmarking: Regularly benchmark your marketing and event performance against industry standards and competitors. Analytics helps you identify areas for improvement and establish achievable goals to stay competitive and successful.
• Cost Optimization: Analyze the cost-effectiveness of marketing campaigns and events to allocate budgets more efficiently. Understanding which strategies yield the best results for the least cost allows you to maximize returns on investment.

Analytics isn't just about numbers and graphs – it's about understanding your audience, refining strategies, and making informed decisions. In a rapidly evolving landscape, where consumer preferences are as dynamic as ever, making informed choices can be the difference between thriving and falling behind. 

​Overwhelmed with analytics? We can help. With over 20 years working in advertising, marketing and media software, the BIG DEAL Company team proudly specializes in full and partial service marketing campaigns.
 
For more business marketing tips and ideas, follow BIG DEAL Company on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

SCAMS, SPAM and MORE SCAMS
Wow -- they just keep coming! We happened across a great resource for current scams and spam. If you are ever in doubt, check this link to a list of current prevalent scams locally.  https://www.larimer.gov/sheriff/services/information/frauds-scams
If you see any messages in your social media inbox that mention your account being shut down--- know that it is a scam. It is happening to all business accounts, across all platforms.

Meta Fundraising Tools for Non-Profits
Many of our clients take advantage of the easy way to fundraise on social media. For those who use the fundraising tools on Facebook and Instagram (Meta), you probably received an email that could have looked like spam, but is important. You will need to accept the NEW TERMS sent to you via your social pages so that you can continue to allow fundraising via your pages.
Learn more here: https://www.facebook.com/gpa/blog/paypal-giving-fund#:~:text=Today%2C%20we're%20announcing%20changes,nonprofits%20through%20Meta%20Payments%20Inc.

A Word on 'Contesting'
Lately our inboxes have been inundated with contesting opportunities and questions from clients. "Your business has been nominated for an award!" There are a number of 'Vanity Scams' going around. This is a seemingly legit award, that ultimately costs you money to promote that you received the award. There are SO MANY contests out there... some reputable, of course. 
​
How do you figure out which is worth your time?  Ask yourself these questions....

1. How much time to I have to spend signing up to be considered and to PROMOTE my business to try to earn the award? Your time is money.
2. How reputable is the organization the award is with... and do they align with my business values?
3. Do I need to spend money to be considered for the award? (buying ads, promoting the award on social media, etc.)
4. Is the contest sending potential customers to MY WEBSITE or THEIR WEBSITE?
5. Do my customers need to jump through hoops or enter personal information to VOTE FOR ME? How is the contest benefiting MY CUSTOMERS?

Word-of-Mouth Marketing: Generating Referrals for Small Businesses

In the realm of marketing, nothing beats the power of a glowing recommendation from a satisfied customer. Word-of-mouth marketing is an age-old practice that remains one of the most effective strategies for generating referrals and boosting business growth for small enterprises. People overwhelmingly trust word-of-mouth referrals from their peers. In this blog post, we'll explore the significance of word-of-mouth marketing and provide actionable tips for generating referrals for your small business.
 
Why is word-of-mouth marketing so powerful?

In a word: trust. Consumers tend to trust recommendations from people they know more than traditional advertisements. When someone recommends your business, it carries inherent credibility. In a Nielsen study, 83% of people said they trust word-of-mouth recommendations from friends or family members, and another 92% trust word-of-mouth recommendations more than any other method of advertising.
 
Word-of-mouth-marketing (or WOMM) is essentially free, making it an incredibly cost-effective way to promote your business. In addition, your satisfied customers can potentially reach a broader audience than you might through traditional marketing efforts, speaking with people who are not usually part of your marketing audience.
 
Positive recommendations also have a long-lasting effect on your business, as people remember and value personal referrals. Word continues to spread long after the initial recommendation, fostering your business’s community prestige and creating an enduring reputation.

​How can I generate word-of-mouth referrals for my small business?
 
Let’s delve into some strategies that small businesses can employ to generate referrals and maximize their impact:
 
Deliver Exceptional Customer Service
 
Happy customers are more likely to recommend your business to others. When you provide a positive, memorable, and/or unique experience, you’re setting the stage for effective word-of-mouth recommendations from your customers.
 
Encourage Reviews and Testimonials
 
Reviews and testimonials are a form of unpaid advertising that, when used effectively, is more productive than the majority of paid advertisement. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, or industry-specific review sites. Showcase your rave reviews on your website, on social media, and in marketing materials you send to prospective customers.
 
Leverage Social Media
 
Social media can be another source of testimonials in the form of user-generated content – content that is created by a user or customer rather than by your marketing team. Encourage your audience to share their experiences, then broadcast their feedback to reach a wider audience and build trust and credibility in your business.
 
Implement a Referral Program
 
A structured referral program formally incentivizes your satisfied customers to bring in new business. Referral programs offer benefits to happy customers, such as gift cards to your business, freebies, or discounts on services or products, in exchange for bringing new customers to you. These customers are more valuable than a new customer who walks in off the street, because your referring client has already laid the foundation of trust and the expectation of a positive experience.

Network and Collaborate
 
Collaborate with other local businesses and professionals, and attend networking events. Establishing partnerships with complementary businesses can lead to partnerships and mutual referrals. Business owners who have had positive personal interactions with you are much more likely to recommend your business to their customers.
 
Use Storytelling
 
As we discussed last month, storytelling is a powerful tool for eliciting an emotional response from your customers and potential customers. Share your business journey and success stories with your audience. People love hearing about the passion and dedication behind a small business. An engaging narrative can inspire others to support and recommend your brand.
 
Engage with Customer Feedback
 
Regularly monitor online reviews and customer feedback. Promote the positive, and address any negative comments professionally and promptly (but after you’ve allowed some time for your initial emotional response to wear off). Demonstrating your commitment to resolving issues can turn a review around and transform a dissatisfied customer into a loyal advocate. Even when that fails, others will see your response as a testament to your dedication to your business and desire to create positive experiences for your customers.
 
Word-of-mouth marketing holds immense potential for small businesses. By focusing on delivering exceptional customer experiences, encouraging reviews and referrals, and leveraging social media and networking opportunities, you can harness the power of word-of-mouth to grow your business organically and sustainably. A happy customer can be your best marketing asset, and nurturing those relationships can pave the way for a successful and thriving business.
 
When you hire BIG DEAL Company for small business marketing, you gain a built-in partnership. We’ll refer your business to our clients and network of other small businesses and promote your company across our social media network. Start building word-of-mouth today with our experienced marketing team.
 
For more business marketing tips and ideas, follow BIG DEAL Company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Pinterest.
 

​BIG DEAL Company has years of experience planning events, which means years we’ve spent building relationships with vendors across Colorado. These established vendor relationships benefit not only us, but our customers. They’re so important that we consider these Partnerships one of our Super Powers (alongside Creativity, Organization, Motivation, Unlimited Energy, Unparalleled Experience, and Professional Problem-Solving). Here are 10 ways our long-term vendor relationships are an asset to YOU, our client.

1. Seamless Communication
Established vendor relationships facilitate smooth communication channels. Familiarity breeds efficiency, enabling our team to convey your expectations and requirements with fewer misunderstandings and missteps in event execution. We take pride in our social capital, and we are well-connected with vendors, non-profits, business owners, and other companies who plan large events in our area.

2. Priority Treatment
Vendors we partner with are more likely to prioritize your events. Your commitment to their services and our work behind the scenes allows them to allocate time, resources, and expertise, ensuring that your events receive top-notch attention and care.

3. Customized Services
We’ve seen it many times over the years – vendors who know and trust our team make exceptions for our clients. Vendors have opened up dates that were unavailable, promised faster turnaround times, and made exceptions to their usual protocols because they know our team is working behind the scenes.
When vendors know a professional planning company is involved, they know there will be fewer demands on their time and energy (because we take that on) and that gives them more flexibility in what they provide.

4. Cost Savings
Vendor relationships can lead to cost savings through negotiated rates and bundled services. Some of our long-term collaborations may grant you access to preferential pricing, helping you manage your event budget more effectively.

5. Consistent Quality
Relying on familiar vendors ensures a consistent level of quality for our clients’ events. You can trust that the products and services provided have been vetted by our team, eliminating any unpleasant surprises.

6. Efficient Problem Solving
When challenges arise, vendors who know BIG DEAL Company are better equipped to address them swiftly. Their familiarity with our planning style allows them to find solutions that align with our clients’ objectives.

7. Streamlined Logistics
Established vendor relationships streamline logistical aspects. Vendors who are well-versed in your event requirements – and we ensure they are – can navigate venue layouts, setup procedures, and timelines with ease, enhancing overall efficiency and leaving room to deal with any challenges that arise.

8. Creative Collaboration
Some vendors contribute valuable insights and ideas for events we plan on behalf of our clients. This collaborative approach often leads to innovative event concepts that impress your attendees.

9. Enhanced Trust and Loyalty
Our team’s partnerships foster a sense of mutual trust and loyalty. We invest in our vendors’ success, just as they invest in our clients’. Through this symbiotic relationship,  we see increased dedication by our preferred vendors to achieving outstanding outcomes for our clients every time.

10. Long-Term Relationship Building
Long-term partnerships with vendors lend stability and continuity to our planning process, allowing us to plan efficiently and creatively. When we collaborate with a familiar vendor, we save time on explanations and skip straight to executing your event vision. 

Established vendor relationships are more than a simple transactional arrangement for us – they are essential to successful event planning, and an asset to our clients. Through seamless communication, customized services, cost savings, and enhanced trust, these partnerships allow our team to deliver consistently remarkable results.
 
For more business and private event tips and ideas, follow BIG DEAL Company on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Tiffany Dinsmore
Manager, Magic Maker
 
One of my personal strengths is the ability to remain calm and think things through when a problem arises, rather than panic. I have the ability to remain level-headed and solve problems behind the scenes, relieving stress and worry for our clients and bringing them joy. ​

Katie Patterson
Director, Community Wizard
 
I absolutely love to problem solve. The moment something inevitably goes wrong and we are able to quickly solve the issue is so rewarding. Sometimes the client comes to us with a problem and is beyond grateful we were there to solve it (day of or in the days before an event). But many times the client isn’t even aware of the issue and sees everything running smoothly. In both cases, problem-solving truly brings me joy! ​

Sarah Biekert
Manager, Punctuation Prodigy
 
I am a perfectionist. When I’m working, every detail matters, because my goal is to make our client’s vision come to life. Whether it’s someone’s wedding or a small business client, my favorite thing is when a client walks into their event space or sees marketing materials we’ve prepared and says, “Wow,” with a smile on their face.

​Amanda Sammartino
Manager, Marketing Maven
 
I'm not afraid to ask the tough questions to help identify barriers to success. I also use my fundraising background to help create materials that will anticipate donor questions.

Carrie Rose Brennan
Manager, Content Queen
​
My personal joy comes from the visual arts and photography. One way I express joy and share it with others is through my photography. My photography seeks to see things from a new perspective: capturing patterns and ratios, the play of light, and of course the product for our customers.
I have worked on thousands of websites and use my skill of recognizing patterns to make great user-friendly websites for customers. When I design a website, I try to make it as user-friendly as possible as well as having the overall design capture the aesthetic and ethos of the company. ​

Marissa Rogers
​Exceptional Event Expert
​
One of my strengths is learning the little things that are most important to my clients, and my attention to detail. Sometimes the smallest details can make the biggest impact by featuring those details in an event. I look out for those little, surprise "wow" moments and how I can incorporate them into an event to make it really personalized and special.