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

Our 2 Cents: How to Boost Your Web Presence Without Breaking the Bank

It's no secret that having a strong web presence for your business is essential in today's internet-driven world. 

Marketers frequently throw around terms like, “ search engine optimization ” ( SEO ) and act as though there's some magic formula that only they know to move your company up in Google's search rankings. 

The good news is that increasing your company's web presence and visibility isn't rocket science. 

With a little effort and common sense advice from those with experience, you can implement practical strategies like these for making your business visible to current and potential customers alike:

1. Have compelling content.
It's pretty simple if you think about it. How likely are you to share someone else's sales pitch with all of your Facebook friends or Twitter followers? It's probably not going to happen. 

When you are creating website content, writing blog posts, sharing information on social media and participating in online discussions, it's so important to think in terms of who your audience is and what they will find interesting and worthy of passing on. 

It may initially be hard to break out of the "hard sell" mode, but giving your current and potential customers information they can use and offering to help them find solutions that work for them will go much further. Stumped about how to create compelling content that's relevant to your brand? Ragan Communicationsoffers these tips.

2. Keywords = Traffic.
Keywords hugely influence the amount of traffic websites that blogs get because they allow search engines to determine how well a page matches a user's search term. 

Make sure your website pages have popular keyword tags and that you include keyword labels when posting blog entries in sites such as Blogger and WordPress. 

3. Use review sites to your advantage.
When deciding between you and your competitors, a majority of adults turn to online reviews. The popular site, Yelp, has 18 million unique visitors each month, and 85% of users say they give as much weight to an online review as they would a personal recommendation. 

Seek out your best customers and ask if they would be willing to write reviews for you, and make sure you monitor new reviews and respond when needed. Here are some basics for making Yelp work for you.

4. Get social. Get involved.
We've discussed the importance of social media for businesses in this blog, but it bears repeating. Most people who are online are on at least one social network. 

Depending on your type of business, it's most likely beneficial to have a presence on popular social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or LinkedIn. In addition to that, become involved in online forums, newsgroups and discussions to increase your visibility.

Escaype Enterprises can help your company develop a customized strategy to increase your web presence and allow you to stand out and get noticed. 

Visit our website TODAY for more information!

3 Reasons to Social-Eyes with a Purpose for Your Business

In the last decade, social media and blogging have moved from the realm of teenagers on MySpace to being widely-used business tools. 

When done correctly, social media and blogging can be part of a very effective marketing strategy. If you’re not already using social media and blogging to tell your story and interact with current and potential customers, here are three reasons you should:

1. You position yourself as an expert.
By sharing useful content (usually called inbound marketing) about your industry and company, you show your current and future customers that you have knowledge and expertise and can be trusted. Also, your existing customers need content to share if they’re going to be online ambassadors for your company and tell others about the great job you’re doing. A recent Harvard Business Review article shows approximately 43% of social media users have purchased a product or service as a result of seeing it shared or favorited on social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest.

2. You get instant feedback from the people who matter the most. Social media and blogging allow for interaction with your current and future customers. The public nature of this interaction has made some companies hesitate to jump into the conversation, but there’s great value in the feedback you can get via social media and blogs. By using old-fashioned customer service strategies in new media, you can quickly resolve potential issues and keep loyal customers. Companies such as Comcast have developed reputations as social media stars because of their responses to customers experiencing difficulties.

3. It’s inexpensive and effective.
Before social media and blogging, companies were more limited in their options for reaching out to current and potential customers. While options such as direct mail and advertising are effective, they also can be expensive and are one shot deals. Social media tools and blogging allow you to inexpensively target customers and provide multiple opportunities for interaction. Researchers estimate 90% of internet-savvy adults use some form of social media--if your customers are using these tools, shouldn’t you?

Escaype Enterprises can help your company develop and execute a social media strategy that will make you stand out and get noticed. Visit our website TODAY for more information.

 

4 Ways to Boost Your Web Presence Without Breaking the Bank

It's no secret that having a strong web presence for your business is essential in today's internet-driven world. 

Marketers frequently throw around terms like, “search engine optimization” (SEO) and act as though there's some magic formula that only they know to move your company up in Google's search rankings. 

The good news is that increasing your company's web presence and visibility isn't rocket science. With a little effort and common sense The good The good news is that increasing your company's web presence and visibility isn't rocket science. 

With a little effort and common sense advice from those with experience, you can implement practical strategies like these for making your business visible to current and potential customers alike:

1. Have compelling content. 
It's pretty simple if you think about it. How likely are you to share someone else's sales pitch with all of your Facebook friends or Twitter followers? It's probably not going to happen. When you are creating website content, writing blog posts, sharing information on social media and participating in online discussions, it's so important to think in terms of who your audience is and what they will find interesting and worthy of passing on. It may initially be hard to break out of the "hard sell" mode, but giving your current and potential customers information they can use and offering to help them find solutions that work for them will go much further. Stumped about how to create compelling content that's relevant to your brand? Ragan Communicationsoffers these tips.

2. Keywords = Traffic. 
Keywords hugely influence the amount of traffic websites that blogs get because they allow search engines to determine how well a page matches a user's search term. Make sure your website pages have popular keyword tags and that you include keyword labels when posting blog entries in sites such as Blogger and WordPress. 

3. Use review sites to your advantage. 
When deciding between you and your competitors, a majority of adults turn to online reviews. The popular site, Yelp, has 18 million unique visitors each month, and 85% of users say they give as much weight to an online review as they would a personal recommendation. Seek out your best customers and ask if they would be willing to write reviews for you, and make sure you monitor new reviews and respond when needed. Here are some basics for making Yelp work for you.

4. Get social. Get involved. 
We've discussed the importance of social media for businesses in this blog, but it bears repeating. Most people who are online are on at least one social network. Depending on your type of business, it's most likely beneficial to have a presence on popular social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or LinkedIn. In addition to that, become involved in online forums, newsgroups and discussions to increase your visibility.

Escaype Enterprises can help your company develop a customized strategy to increase your web presence and allow you to stand out and get noticed. 

Visit our website TODAY for more information.

The Periodic Table of Success: 4 Elements to Include Every Healthcare Marketing Strategy

Running a marketing campaign (especially for a medical practice) without a concrete and well–researched content marketing strategy is like driving through a dark forest without headlights... 

That's because you're bound to hit a few obstacles (like trees!) and get lost along the way. 

As content strategists we constantly strive to generate content that's

- captivating
- understandable
- informative

... in all its various forms. When healthcare organizations are planning their content marketing efforts, there are a few basic guidelines that can definitely keep a campaign on the ultimate path to success. 

Here are 4 important elements we recommend you include in your healthcare content marketing strategy:

1) Narrow your focus.
To market content more effectively, you need to know WHO the people are you are targeting. Try to reach smaller audiences one at a time that you can categorize by segments (heart patients, mothers seeking pediatric care, internet surfers searching for a plastic surgeon, etc). This will allow you to truly impact each group of people according to the specific medical products or services they need from your business. 

2) Know the "who," "what" & "why" about your audience.
Part of knowing your current audience as well as your current patients is to fully understand the context behind their situations. Know what their specific concerns, common questions and precise interests are when they visit your company website. What motivates them to seek your care? What solutions to you currently have to offer? What made them choose your healthcare organization over your competition? 

3) Set clear-cut goals.
Before starting any healthcare marketing campaign, be sure you have an accurate understanding of what your company hopes to gain from your audience. Are you aiming to acquire new patients, or simply engage your existing social followers? Are you promoting a new product or offering a special discount on a specific service/treatment at your facility?

4) Make plans to contact your target market through another medium of communication. 
Along with building your brand and growing your social following, you may also want to continue contacting them to keep 'em around long term! Larger, more established healthcare organizations typically do this with an email blast or an SMS (text message) campaign, but smaller businesses can simply start by calling patients and prospects directly. Not everyone will have time to revisit your site for new update about your company or to check out your seasonal promotions, so why not keep your audience informed through other means, like email or text?!
When it comes to raising awareness for your brand, informing audiences about what it is you offer and convincing prospective patients why they should choose YOU... implementing an effective plan of action and spending more time preparing up front can save you a handful (or more) of nagging headaches down the road. 

For information about healthcare marketing or medical content writing services for your business, click here to visit our web site or contact Escaype Enterprises directly TODAY: (770) 676-1802.

Here's to powerful healthcare marketing for your practice!
--The Escaype Enterprises Marketing Team

The Escaype Route: 5 Things I'll Never Miss About Corporate America

It's been almost one year since I bid farewell to the Sisyphus-like routine of a 9 to 5 office job and I must admit: I don't seem to have any regrets about jilting Corporate America.

As a team member of Escaype Enterprises LLC I thought I'd take a jog down Memory Lane (this counts as my cardio for the day, right?) to share the top 5 things I will truly never miss about that way of life. So here goes:

1) Waking up at the crack of dawn.
Sure, the early bird may catch the worm... but let's face it. Some of us are NOT morning people. I just happen to be in that category, so the idea of being jolted out of my last REM stage by the blaring sounds of my cell phone alarm 5 (and sometimes 6) days a week is and always will be AWFUL.

2) That dreadful morning commute.
I always found it odd that millions of Americans shared the misfortune of rolling out of bed in a frenzy and scrambling frantically to get out the door, only to find ourselves sitting idle among a sea of cars occupied by other impatient business professionals who, by the looks on their faces, were running just as late as I was. I always chalked it up to "That's just Atlanta traffic for ya..." which brings me to Number 3--

3) The Walk of Shame.
Anyone who knows me will agree that while punctuality is definitely NOT my strong suit, my inadvertent tardiness has ZERO impact on my work ethic and my productivity. I think about the nasty glares I used to receive from my coworkers each time I entered the office half an hour past "9am-on-the-dot" and strolled into my cubicle. Come on, we were salaried. We weren't required to clock in, we just got paid to get the job done within our employer's parameters of a 40-hour work week. 

Did I show up for work later than others? Yes. Did I complete all my responsibilities within my given time frames? Yes. Did I ever give anyone the If-Looks-Could-Kill stare as they bolted for the parking lot at 4:59:59 pm while I stayed at the office almost 3 hours later than everyone else (including the janitors)? No. I rest my case.

4) Water Cooler Talk.
It's hard to believe that those of us with extroverted personalities wouldn't want to engage in small talk at any given opportunity, right? Especially since we're confined to 5' x 5' work spaces made of carpeted walls which typically don't have windows or any type of attractive view. For me personally though, I was never a fan of discussing the weather or disclosing elaborate details about my weekend with someone who just happened to be in the break room at the same time I was pouring my 6th cup of Maxwell House before lunchtime. A simple "Hi" would actually suffice, and I promise I wouldn't think you were being rude. After all it's just business... NOT a social networking mixer.

5) Doing the same thing over and over again.
It's true-- Many of us are creatures of habit... which means you have absolutely no problem with a predictable daily routine, a structured lunch break and a monotonous regimen like pushing papers or crunching numbers. As someone who is easily bored by consistency, I had an extremely difficult time performing the same tasks. Over and over again. To produce the same result. Hey, isn't that the unofficial definition of INSANITY?

These last 11 months as a freelancing professional for Escaype Enterprises have been the exact opposite of a typical Corporate America position: There are NO standard hours of operation. We don't implement the same projects each month, much less from day-to-day. You're not required to be in "business casual" attire to perform your duties. There are no office politics. You don't have to put in 52 straight weeks of employment so you can be granted permission to be sick or enjoy the afternoon off when it's a sunny Wednesday before the clock officially strikes "Close-of-Business o'clock."

As if that's not enough to gloat about... Here's the BEST thing: I can honestly say I love what I do for a living. How many of us can say that? My guess is not many.

Bottom line is this: Don't allow several years or even decades to pass before you realize your occupation/livelihood "really wasn't all that great." Whatever it is you do for a living in order to pay your bills, feed your family or support that impulsive shoe habit... Make certain it's something you're passionate enough about that you truly have no regrets. 

So what are you waiting for?! Create your own Escaype Route starting NOW.

To Market, To Market: 6 Social Media Tips for Powerful Healthcare Marketing

More than ever, it is become essential for hospitals and healthcare providers to restructure their healthcare marketing strategies to include social media. 

Globally both healthcare organizations and medical professionals are using social media today as an important tool to:

- increase brand awareness both online and offline
- connect with current and/or prospective patients
- encourage engagement among current social followers
- disseminate relevant/helpful information relevant to the healthcare industry
- boost organic web presence for maximum results on page 1 of a Google search inquiry
- drive more traffic to each company's official web site

When it comes to successful healthcare marketing ...a well-planned social media strategy can be used to accomplish your goals (such as those mentioned above) effectively. It's also:

- more affordable than traditional methods of marketing (billboards, TV ads, radio commercials, etc.)
- easier to track your ROI, thanks to today's web analytics tools
- longer lasting than a newspaper ad published one time only, or a radio spot that airs only a few times per week/month

Here are 6 useful social media tips companies in the medical industry can implement to maximize your healthcare marketing efforts:

1. Don’t take a “wait-and-see" approach.

Many businesses may believe that social media is nothing but a passing fad, but based on statistics over just the past five years... we know now it's here to stay. 


The sooner your organization can develop an active presence and social media strategy, the less distance you will have to make it up later.

2. Establish a social media policy.

As a rule, your employees and customers will have a protection against security, privacy or ethics breaches when it happens. Staff education and training plus an outreach are necessary to ensure your team will fully comprehend your company's social media purpose and have the ability to therefore carry out your policy with compliance.

3. Follow your patients.

It's important to listen to what others are saying about your practice/facility, your medical products/services and your reputation as a healthcare provider. Whether it's a Tweet from someone inquiring about a particular medical condition or a Facebook comment regarding their recent experience as a patient, be sure you use your social media platforms to 'listen' to what others are saying about you (and even your competition).

4. Consider starting by going 'back to basics.'

Social media can be used to enhance marketing, branding, recruitment, reputation, management, customer relations and customer service. You must, however, educate yourself first on what is allowable
- under HIPAA privacy rules
- legalities surrounding the disclosure of your patients' personal information
- publication of any details regarding a patient's medical history or photographs

5. Begin small and monitor your outcomes.

We understand company marketing budgets can be tight at times. The good news is, you don’t have to develop a full-blown social media strategy right from the start (although eventually you should probably have one). Start small, with regular social media posting and publication of at least one blog a week. After monitoring which of your posts receive the most traction or engagement, you'll have a better idea of how to expand your marketing efforts (such as generating more blogs per week, implementing small-scale videos or even creating new micro sites).

6. Recruit social media managers & content writers who know your industry.

You may know your organization and products/services like the back of your hand, but beware: simply hiring a green, just-out-of-college social media manager who claims to be internet savvy or proficient with Facebook posting does NOT. As a company in the medical arena it's imperative that all your social media content/blogs are strongly written, strategically posted during high-traffic hours during the week and most importantly... accurate. 

For information about healthcare marketing or medical content writing services for your business contact Escaype Enterprises at: (770) 676-1802 or click here to visit our web site TODAY.

Here's to powerful healthcare marketing for your practice!
--The Escaype Enterprises Marketing Team

Easier Than the MCAT: 5 Simple Strategies for Effective Healthcare Marketing

Healthcare reform has given traction to the idea of consumer-driven healthcare. 
As high deductible health insurance plans gain in popularity, the idea is that consumers, who are spending more of their own money up front on routine and preventive care, will make wise choices to stay healthy.  

As consumers take more control as to which physicians they see, practices have to consider how to market themselves directly to consumers. And with everything else you have to worry about, getting a handle on your marketing efforts can feel really overwhelming. 

The good news? It's totally manageable. Below are some tips to make you stand out as a healthcare marketing warrior: 

1. Do some recon. 
It's easy to get locked into your daily routines and not think much about your competition. But to develop a strong marketing plan, you need to know what makes you different and how you stand out from your competitors. If you don't know why you're better, it's going to be a hard sell to convince others.

2. Be strategic.
Now that you know your competitive advantages, think about where you want your practice to be in three to five years? What are tools you have available to make that happen? What makes the most sense for your practice and the patients you want to reach? Answering these questions will give you a sense of what you need to do.

3. Get with the plan. 
After you've answered the hard questions, you need to formulate a plan for how to make the strategy a reality. Determine a realistic budget and draft a schedule of when it makes sense to reach out to potential and current patients through direct mail, advertising, social media and your blog. 

4. Rally the troops. 
Good, old-fashioned word of mouth is still one of your strongest weapons. Engage staff members, loyal patients, family and friends to spread the word--digitally. Consider asking patients with great success stories to share a testimonial for your website. You could also film the testimonial and share via social media. 

5. Call for reinforcements.
If you're wondering where to start or how your staff can handle marketing on top of their additional duties, Escaype Enterprises has years of experience in healthcare marketing and can help with customized solutions for your practice and budget. Click here to learn more about us TODAY!

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Twist & Shout: 5 Cool Things You Can Do When You Work Smarter, Not Harder

Implementing new practices or technology at work (like investing in one of those snazzy one-cup coffee brewing machines or signing up for a new eBilling software system) is one of the best ways you can work smarter instead of harder. 

Not only will you make more productive use of your day at the office, you'll have all this free time on your hands to do some of those things that have been on your bucket list. For years. Or even decades.

So now that you've gotten your quick & easy fix of java for the day and/or your daunting task of mass invoicing on autopilot, what is it you will do first with all this extra time left in the day (not to mention your work week)? The answer is: Have some FUN, of course! 

Here are 5 cool things you can do with your newly discovered free time (or at least these are some things Social Media Director/Guest Blogger Candy Hogue would do anyway):

1. Go on a picnic.
Ah, to have a leisurely picnic in the park... even if it just involves a bagged lunch overlooking a pond or lake. This sounds like the best plan ever for a sunny day, especially after being trapped in a cubicle for the entire morning.

2. Ride a tandem bicycle.
Hitting the hills on a normal, single rider bike can be fun, but a tandem bicycle adds a whole new level of excitement to just "cycling." It's kinda like skydiving as a novice with someone practically strapped to your back (okay, not really. Bikes aren't that dangerous). So if you're feeling adventurous but aren't quite ready to jump outta planes, you have got to ride a tandem bicycle at least once in your lifetime... just ignore the people laughing and pointing as you pedal past them. They're just envious, that's all.

3. Have a wine tasting party.. at your own home.
Here's how it works: Every couple brings 2 bottles of wine-- one they love and one they haven't tried yet. Don't forget to serve some light h'ordeuvres (like brie & apples or crackers) to accompany your variety of wines. After all, the host of a wine tasting party should never be ashamed to cut the cheese.

4. Watch a movie under the stars.
With summer quickly approaching you may find yourself yearning to spend more time outside rather than staying cooped up indoors (might as well stay at your desk in that stuffy office). Why not grab a blanket, some snacks and head to a nearby park or venue that's hosting some sort of "movie night under the stars" event? Not only can this be romantic, it'll be a great chance for you to catch that new flick everyone's been raving about on Facebook.

5. Play the old school game Twister (why not?). 
So you haven't played the game since you were in grade school... but don't you recall how entertaining it used to be?! Twister is just as much amusement for adults as it is for children, which is why this is a perfect activity to do with your spouse & kids. Remember, the family that plays together-- stays together! 

Candy Hogue recently signed up for her new eBilling software through Billing Orchard . This affordable & efficient method of electronic invoicing has saved her HOURS of tedious paperwork each week (which is what prompted this wonderful list of free time activities). Not only is Candy now able to focus more on her projects as Social Media Director at Escaype Enterprises ... she also has more than enough time to tackle each and every item on her bucket list (so if you happen to see a cute blonde pedaling through the neighborhood on a tandem bicycle, be sure to point, laugh and wave).