The Bucks Stop Here: 5 Cool Things to Do in Atlanta for $10(ish) Bucks

Ahhh, summertime. The one season many of us want to be doing “stuff” all over the city, every moment we have the free time to do so (in between work and all the other hectic things that go on throughout the week).

[INSERT DILEMMA HERE.] In order to “do stuff,” one must also have the funds on hand. Especially if you’re out participating in activities away from home.

[INSERT SOLUTION HERE.] So here’s the deal: If you’re looking for something cool to do around the Atlanta metro area and you’re on a limited budget, there is great hope for you… because we have found (and tried) these 5 awesome adventures that cost just $10 bucks (give or take).

Curious about what they are?! Read on, friends. Your summer is about to get that much more awesome.

1. A MINI SPA TREATMENT
Where: ULTA Beauty
Total $ Spent: $10.60 (plus tip)

Feel like your face could use a rejuvenating pick-me-up of sorts? Get a 10-minute facial for $10 at ULTA Beauty. Can you believe it?! A facial for $10 dollars. Yes, it DOES exist (for men OR women!). 

Not only will you have your pampering treatment done by a licensed esthetician, you will receive an informational skin analysis and several recommendations for quality skincare products based on your complexion. Includes 600 AWESOME seconds of exfoliating, extracting, moisturizing and massage-y tingles.

2. ADMISSION TO THE COOLEST ROOFTOP AMUSEMENT PARK IN GEORGIA

Where: Skyline Park (on the rooftop of Ponce City Market)
Total $ Spent: $10 (not including drinks & games)

As if the old Sears, Roebuck & Co. building (now more famously known as Ponce City Market) wasn’t cool enough already... Bet you didn’t know there’s an amusement park on their rooftop!

While all drinks and games are sold separately, $10 gets you access into this fun lil’ festival, to experience exactly what you may remember from your childhood days of going to carnivals or playing putt putt with your pals. 

And if you still haven’t had enough of the great outdoors based on Skyline Park’s perks, take the elevator back down to the second floor and hop onto the Beltline. That artsy new walking trail is sure to show you an additionally good time.

3. A THRIFTY SHOPPING SPREE
Where: Value Village
Total $ Spent: $11.49

Thrift store shopping is a sport kinda like fencing. Only a certain few people are into it and when you’re really good at it, you become this TOTAL rock star. If you’re one of those rock stars, peep this: Every last Wednesday of the month Value Village has a huge sale. 

ALL clothing is a whopping half-off, and they open their doors at 6am to let you in on this marvelous madness early. My last visit to Value Village was an unintentional shopping spree, but was still one worth raving about. I snagged a gold clutch bag ($2), a rad retro necklace with bright red and gold beads ($3.99), a hippie-lookin’ dress ($2.99) and a Bohemian pair of turquoise earrings ($1.49). 

Although I didn’t scoop up as many clothes this time around, I absolutely cannot WAIT to go back this Wednesday to dig up some more treasures.

4. THE MOST DECADENT DESSERT EVER INVENTED
Where: Lucky’s Burger & Brew Brookhaven
Total $ Spent: $10.84 (plus tip)

Let’s face it. I have a ridiculous sweet tooth (or maybe just a huge affinity for food in general), so we’ve tried a bunch of popular dessert spots in Atlanta just to see what they’re about. But you know what my ALL-TIME FAVORITE sweet treats is? You’ll never guess this… but it’s the Dessert Burger from Lucky’s Burger & Brew inside of Town Brookhaven (rated Best Burger Atlanta in 2015 & 2016)… 

It’s a divine concoction of two warm chocolate chip cookies sandwiched around a gooey brownie (get it? To look like a burger!), topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and… Here’s the kicker: It's served with FUNNEL CAKE FRIES and raspberry dipping sauce for the win! Need I say more?! Okay just one more thing: Their burgers are AMAZING too.

5. A UNIQUE TOUR, EDUCATIONAL LESSON & STORYTELLING SESH
Where: The Wren’s Nest (aka the Joel Chandler Harris House)
Total $ Spent: $9.63 (per adult ticket)

Our historic West End district is jam-packed with all kinds of nostalgic gems, including Atlanta’s oldest house museum called The Wren’s Nest. Built waaaay back in 1870, The Wren’s Nest was home to Joel Chandler Harris, editor of the Atlanta Constitution and author of the Uncle Remus Tales (from 1881 until his death in 1908). Harris is most known as author of the "Uncle Remus" tales (based upon stories he heard slaves tell during his youth) and today, his home is a giant piece of history. 

For just $9 per adult (and $6 for children), visitors will receive a unique tour of this home, learn more details about several of Harris’s most well-known Uncle Remus tales and as an added bonus… be a part of an intriguing storytelling sesh (if you go there on a Saturday). So if you’re looking for a change of pace or just a learning-type activity to engage in, check this one out. It is so, soooo very cool.

While sitting by the pool or frolicking around a mall can be fun, sometimes it can be even more fun to explore the unordinary, without tapping into your savings account. These five things are just a few examples of fun for a few bucks. Which one will YOU plan on doing first?!

4 Reasons Your Medical Practice Should Have Huge Web Presence

Statistics show 93% of online experiences begin with a search engine... and 7 out of every 10 searches are from someone who is looking up health-related information.

For these 2 reasons alone, it's extremely important that your business (especially if you're a medical or health-based company) show up in the top search results found on sites such as Google, Yahoo & Bing.

Here are 4 more reasons why we at Escaype Enterprises believe you should have a huge web presence:

1. People are searching for answers to their medical questions and/or health remedies on the internet ALL the time.
3 in 5 adults in the U.S. alone reportedly search for health information on the World Wide Web daily. When they come across valuable information, wouldn't it be nice if your practice (or the medical professionals' names from your practice) were tied to those results? Having visibility like this online can not only help drive traffic to your company site, it may also help the phone at your office ring (with calls from prospective and new patients)!

2. Your prospective patients want to see who you are, what your practice looks like and where it's located.
Ever heard that saying, "put a face to a name?" People want the ability to do that, especially with those whom they entrust with their health or their medical condition(s). With a solid presence on the Information Superhighway your prospective patients will not only be able to put your face to your name, they'll be able to see just how nice your place of business is, and it's exact location (making it much easier to find)!

3. Patients want to hear what others are saying about your business.
Admit it: Before you buy a car, select a new flick for your next movie date or make a substantial purchase online (for say, a laptop or new cell phone upgrade)...you conduct a thorough search of reviews and customer testimonials online, right?! Well guess what? Patients searching for a particular medical product or service do the same thing. They want to know what others are saying, what the results are like and how much things cost. Providing these kinds of answers with the ease of just a few clicks will go a long way for your current patients as well as those who may be considering doing business with you in the near future.

4. Your patients want to read about your areas of expertise and your accomplishments.
As a reputable healthcare provider, we're sure you've participated in some helpful studies or have written some useful medical information at some point in time. People love to read this kind of stuff...especially the 3 in 5 adult Americans who are already online searching for something health-related. Publishing, promoting and sharing your knowledge on the web can indirectly lead new business in your direction!

At Escaype Enterprises we not only understand how important it is for your practice to be found on the web, we can help you dominate the search results when it comes to internet searchers trying to find your particular products and/or services.

For information about how we can help you establish your brand or increase your visibility on the web, CLICK HERE.


References: 
http://www.askingsmarterquestions.com/healthcare-marketing-infographic-how-people-search/

Fo' Show: 6 Things Your Company Blog Can Reveal About Your Brand

Most of us in the digital marketing arena will agree that no matter what your strategy is, it's crucial to include quality content (especially within your company's blog).

Why?! Because it says A LOT about your products or services and it's even a reflection of the masterminds behind the operation you refer to as your business.

Here are 6 things our Escaype Enterprises marketing gurus say your company blog can reveal about YOUR brand:

1. You know your customers.
Blogging about topics which are appealing to your customer base says a lot about your brand. It says, "We know what you like, what you don't like and even what you wish you had from our company." For example: if you're a business in the food industry, be sure to cater to what your clients are into (ahem, things that are edible) with content such as hassle-free recipes, easy cooking videos, the latest in kitchen gadgets or highlights about your newest products/services.

2. You stay ahead of the curve.
What you choose to promote within your company blog also sheds some light about your attentiveness to the world around you. It's a great idea to include the latest in trending topics, this season's fashion faux pas, celebrity gossip, the newest fad diets, etc. in your blogs and how it relates to the nature of your business... because gabbing about what everyone else is discussing at the water cooler shows you are very much aware of your surroundings no matter what type of products & services you're selling.

3. You know what you're talking about. 
The content marketing space is about as competitive as playing Powerball: Lots of people want in on the action and yet, only a few (or sometimes zero) get the results they hoped to receive. This is why establishing your credibility using your company blog is key. By citing references you used to generate your blog post or "name dropping" the sources from where you derived your content (no matter how much), you can truly show your audience that not only is the stuff that's out there on the internet about you really interesting, you as a brand really know what you're talking about too.

4. You're looking out for the interests of your client base. 
Got a few new shortcuts up your sleeve, some recent client testimonials or a promotional discount for one of your specific products or services? Blog about it! Writing about what your brand has (that your customers could definitely benefit from) is a great way to create a buzz about your business. It's also an indirect way of proving your company isn't comprised of a bunch of used car salesmen just attempting to sell any sucker a jalopy... you're a actually a reputable team of professionals representing a company who indeed has their customers' best interests at heart.

5. You're hip. 
Ever looked up the name of a restaurant on your smart phone or "Googled" a local business on your laptop, only to find out that neither one of these companies have a web site (yikes!)? While this may sound too archaic to believe, this still happens quite a bit in 2015. Unfortunately for those organizations which still have yet to make themselves known on the Information Superhighway via a company web site, they may never be discovered by prospective customers in significant numbers. 71% of people surveyed by Google admit they use the internet prior to making purchases which means this: If your brand has a web site, you're more inclined to catch the eyes of your target market much quicker (depending on your web presence). You're also more likely to be viewed as hip... for actually being visible online (having a company Facebook page can help with this too).

6. You're REAL.  
A company blog doesn't just have to be loaded up with a bunch of sedative-like statistics or jam-packed full of jargon only IT programmers and chemical engineers would understand. It can actually be a powerful platform for you to reveal the best quality about your brand... which is: you're REAL. It's okay to be conversational with your content, and it isn't a bad thing to express your opinions or emotions from time to time (just be careful when it comes to political or religious topics to be safe). Ultimately, you want your customers to know that those behind your brand are real, can relate and are (when it all comes down to it) a lot like them.

Yes, a company blog can truly reveal these qualities about your business as a whole... and as the saying goes, "perception is reality." 

If your customers or clients perceive your brand to be a certain way, then that impression alone will be the way your brand is viewed over time, which can not only affect your social following, it can be detrimental to your existing client base, you new customer referrals and ultimately... your bottom line.

CLICK HERE for assistance with your internet marketing efforts and/or small business marketing strategy. Escaype Enterprises can help your brand reveal its best side... fo' show!



References:
http://www.searchenginepeople.com/blog/150231025-content-marketing-experiment.html?utm_content=buffer7656e&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin.com&utm_campaign=buffer
https://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/interviews/winning-the-zero-moment-of-truth-b2b.html

Stay Thirsty My Friends (for More Content): 5 Things to Include in Every Blog

When I first started blogging I did it just for fun, because I love to write and I thought it was so cool to see my thoughts come to life within an online platform like Blogger.

As part of the Escaype Enterprises content writing team, however, I've learned that there's a method to the madness... especially if you're blogging for business. 

Here are 5 things our marketing gurus say you should include in EVERY blog for maximum visibility and prolonged reader engagement: 

1. A catchy title.
Just because you've written a blog well and published it on the World Wide Web doesn't necessarily mean it's gonna get read... Writing the darn thing is only half the battle. The most challenging part about getting your content seen is provoking readers to click on your blog link so they'll read it. You can do this with a catchy title-- one that falls in line with one of today's most trending topics, a top 5 (or 10, but no more than 10) list that readers can easily peruse or a title that implies something can be learned or gained (like a how-to post or a unique recipe).

2. Visual stimulation.

Ever wonder why people watch so much TV or get so entrenched in Netflix movies? It's because we're visual creatures. We are wired to want something visible to supplement what we are hearing or experiencing, which is why it's imperative that you utilize images, infographics and/or videos to enhance whatever content (including blogs) that you're dispersing across the Information Superhighway.

More than 50% of consumers today admit blogs influence their purchases, so if you're planning to make a lasting impression on your target audience try generating posts for your business using intriguing imagery.

3. Compelling content.
If you had to hire a credible, well-articulated spokesperson to represent your brand you wouldn't just bring on an intern or someone who is new to this country to pose as the the billboard for your business would you? Of course not. You would find the most intelligent, passionate individual out there (besides you, of course) who knows your company inside and out and isn't bashful about getting the word out for you, right?! Think of your internet marketing efforts in the same way. If you're outsourcing your blogs to 'writers' on the other side of the globe and/or you've nominated your neighbor's teenage daughter to manage your social media simply to save money, it will be obvious to your brand followers. Be sure to invest in quality marketing tactics if your ultimate goal is to see quality results.

4. References or citations.
You know how "THEY say the human head weighs eight pounds?" Well who the heck are they and what makes them experts in the department of human body parts and their true measurements? Blogs seem to have much more credibility among readers when there are citations or references to where the factual tidbits from that blog were actually obtained.

You don 't have to go completely overboard with a Works Cited list or an index of references at the end of each post, but giving credit to the sources which helped you compose your blog will also score you credit as a reliable brand with a wealth of information.

5. A call to action.
While blogging for leisure can be an absolute adventure for some of us writing geeks out there, blogging for business must have a true purpose to be effective. Make sure each time you create a new masterpiece of written excellence that there's actually a point, or call to action in the post. 

If you're blogging about fitness tips, let your readers know where they can go to get more information about any relevant products or services your business provides. If you're putting together a Top 5 list of something, be sure that one of your products or services is included somewhere in that blog and add a backlink to where more details can be found. Ultimately, you want to make sure the visitors to your blog:

- are urged to learn more about your brand
- understand why they are definitely in need of what it is you have to offer

At Escaype Enterprises we carefully craft content specific to your brand's audience to ensure what's published on behalf of your company is not only relevant, it's entertaining, informational and most importantly-- accurate.

For information about our content writing or other internet marketing services for business CLICK HERE to visit our web site now. 

And until then, stay thirsty my friends... for more content, that is!

To Market, To Market: 4 Digital Strategies Worth Implementing for Small Business

Marketing. It's one of the most important components of driving new traffic to your company, yet a lot of times it's the last place business owners want to allocate funds in order to MAKE MORE MONEY. 

Is your brand shooting itself in the foot by not being marketed correctly? The short answer here is, "YES."

Here are 4 digital strategies our marketing gurus at Escaype Enterprises say is totally worth implementing for your small business:

1. Show up in Google search results more prominently.
75% of internet surfers searching for something on Google NEVER click past results on page 1. This is why it's so important for your company to show up on the first page of a search inquiry (especially Google). Stay diligent about posting on your social media channels, publishing informative articles and encouraging others to like/share your content can help keep you extremely visible among search engines like Google, Yahoo & Bing.

2. Incorporate videos into your marketing plan.
87% of marketers will agree that visual content is crucial for traditional marketing efforts... And with the popularity of YouTube and other video-based platforms, it's basically essential to upload videos of your company online to share, whether it's behind-the-scenes footage, highlights of your team members with their contributions or even informational productions about how to make something (cooking segments, DIY home improvement videos, etc.).

3. Use blogs.
Blogs aren't just an effective way to inform people about the products and services your business offers, they're actually a really great way to drive more traffic to your company web site. In fact, brands that have published at least 50 blog posts get 53% more web site traffic...and that number increases by 3 times as much once 100 blogs have been posted to the Information Superhighway.

4. Take advantage of social media.
The social media movement has not only created a fool-proof way to for people to keep in touch with family and long-lost friends all over the globe, it's also sparked an incredible way for businesses to reach their customers and following in a way that's non-invasive as well as affordable. Last time we checked, 77% of B2C (business-to-consumer) companies were able to generate leads for their brand through Facebook alone. Is YOUR business doing the same (and if not, what's stopping you)?!

At Escaype Enterprises we can help you beef up your marketing efforts both online and offline to get your brand more recognition and ultimately, get you more business.

For more information about our services & innovative solutions CLICK HERE to visit our web site.

Here's to more internet presence and improved awareness for your your company!



References:
http://socialmarketingwriting.com/13-blogging-statistics-probably-dont-know-infographic/
https://www.facebook.com/EscaypeEnt

5 Sure Signs You're a Content Writing Scrooge

Let's face it: as content writers, we can be a little (or a lot) eccentric... 

We're set in our ways, we're emphatic about what we do and we insist there's no one else out there as privy to all the grammatical dos and don'ts that exist in the vast world of words around us.

Here are 5 sure signs that YOU too (much like some of our writers at Escaype Enterprises ) are a content writing Scrooge:

1. When a colleague writes you a work-related email...
you can't help but correct the typos and errors in his/her message prior to writing and sending your response.

2. Someone sends you a Christmas card... 
you instantly notice it's enclosed with a couple of grammatical mistakes and you instantly grab a red pen to mark through and revise their heartfelt greeting.

3. You're sending someone a text message...
and you purposely type out the entire word, "Christmas" because you can't stand when people write or type the holiday as "Xmas" instead.

4. You're shopping for presents at a local mom & pop shop...
and you go out of your way to tell the cashier there's a typo on their door sign announcing their special holiday business hours.

5. You're perusing your daily newsfeed on Facebook...
and you REFUSE to share (or even "like") those cute little holiday memes anywhere on social media simply because there's a spelling error or misuse of punctuation in it.

At Escaype Enterprises we know correct grammar, spelling & punctuation matter. For information about our content writing services visit our web site TODAY!

Stuck on You: 4 Easy Ways to Create "Sticky" Content

When it comes to creating quality content, there are a myriad of ways to communicate with your audience on the web these days.

You can tweet, you can write an article to publish on your blog or you can use multimedia (a video or an image).

You can also post colorful infographics on your company social media... which have recently become quite popular (plus, they allow you to communicate using the best of both worlds: text AND visual media). 

So how does one get started with generating this exactly? By creating content that sticks... to our eyes, in our minds and on our lips. 

Our Escaype Enterprises marketing gurus have 4 easy ways to help you nail the "sticky content" challenge your business may be facing:


1. Select SIMPLICITY over spillin' the beans.
Keeping it simple is achievable for all of us... We just need to keep reminding ourselves that not everyone knows what your business does, nor do they need to know everything all at one time. Simple content makes for an easy read, and something easy to remember as well!

2. Don't underestimate UNEXPECTEDNESS.
We often slip into the communicating the same way, day in and day out. Generating significant impact can often be achieved through: 

- an unexpected, yet appropriate image uploaded to your company Facebook page (such as a pic of one of your staff members in action)
- an entertaining tweet celebrating the victory of your favorite college football team
- a surprise blog post written by someone from outside your business who has had a positive experience with your products/services

3. Cultivate CREDIBILITY.
A way to add credibility to the content you write/generate/post on our Information Superhighway is through the use of statistics (they're easy to find and they make your company look wiser!). Credibility is often carried by someone who has experienced it for themselves and is prepared to state it publicly, so it's great to dig up those positive customer reviews of yours and/or inspirational quotes from famous people and utilize them as part of your marketing strategy!

4. Evoke EMOTION.
A compelling story about a special event or someone in particular can produce a much greater effect and emotional response (REALLY. It's okay to show a softer side of your business). Remember this: With the 27 million pieces of content that are shared daily you’re competing not just with other like-minded brands, but with the media, blogs and anyone else who publishes an article, photo or comment as well. Say something meaningful already!

So how can you be more than just another company promoting yourself on the web? You just need to BE DIFFERENT.


Escaype Enterprises can help your company develop and execute a unique marketing strategy to help you stand out effectively and get noticed quickly. Don't believe us? Visit our web site TODAY for more information.

Here's to finding yourself in sticky situations more often (in a good way, of course)!
--Your Escaype Enterprises Marketing Gurus