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Are You Creating Great Content?

Good content is essential to social media marketing. A well-written piece of content will get attention for all the right reasons, while poor content could be putting you behind. Quality content positions you as a brand authority while increasing your online ranking and also engaging with your audience. Creating content isn’t as easy as it sounds, and it’s not just following the numbers. That’s because you’re not just writing: you’re doing SEO writing. 

The Steps to Getting Great Content

Create Content Your Audience Is Looking for

What does a user want to be reading (or seeing)? They’re looking for content that’s generally in your wheelhouse (so it feels like you know what you’re talking about), that informs them  way, that’s accessible and easy to read, and maybe even a little bit funny. You can have all the passion in the world and the expertise to go with it, but if you write a post or article that doesn’t resonate with your audience, they won’t really perceive your value. 

Writing that Gets Attention

Your blog posts and content should educate and inform your target audience. Great content gives answers to the problems, questions, and pain points they have. If people are finding value in your posts, they’ll keep coming back. When they need something relevant to your area of expertise, they’ll come to your business for it. 

Also Search Engine Attention!

Search engines will sit up and take notice, too, when you make your content authoritative. When you create content that keeps the audience on your page and jumping from what they read to buying from you, search engines notice this and rank you higher for it. 

Take-Away for Your Content Creation Strategy:

A key lynchpin in your SEO strategy should be forgetting about the SEO for a second and focusing on what type of content your readers actually want and will find relevant.

Use a Relevant Title and Headlines in Your Content

How do you get readers to look at your content at all? Your title and every headline in your piece is important. A bad headline will send people bouncing away (if they even click in the first place). A great one will attract people for the right reason. Readers look at your title to decide if they’re going to visit your website and consider what you say in your content, so that’s really your only chance to make a good impression. 

Don’t Disappoint the Audience

Good headlines promise more information related to a keyword or keyword phrase that visitors are looking for. Questions are great for titles and headlines because they resonate with readers, so think about what questions people are asking themselves as they hunt for a piece of content that will give them the answers they need. 

Provide Good Writing: Not Bait-and-Switch Content!

It’s important to note at this point, however, that you can’t promise engaging and helpful content in your headline and then pull a bait-and-switch. If people click through to your site and then find a bunch of irrelevant, badly written nonsense, you’re destroying yourself.

You might see a surge in traffic briefly, but that number doesn’t help you. You’re actually tearing your own authority to the ground by not providing quality content to back up those promises. People will feel cheated and will start actively avoiding your site. And you can bet that if they feel cheated by your content, they sure aren’t going to be interested in trying your goods and services. 

Take-Away on Headlines:

Back up your headlines with great content.

Offer Something Reliable With Your Writing

People find facts and figures reliable. Once you become a well-established figure in your niche, you’ll be able to say things in a piece of content, and people will take you as the authority. As you’re building your marketing strategy, however, you want your writing to have the kind of cold, hard facts that show others you’ve done your research and know what you’re talking about.

This gets your audience the information they need, but it also builds your authority. It shows credibility and trust, and it also signals you’ve put in the time and effort it takes to create great content. You’re not just throwing words up. Let’s consider a real-life example.

Make Your Blog Credible: an Example

We can tell you here that credibility matters, and you probably believe us generally, but if we were to share specific data with you, it would broaden your understanding while showing that we really know what we’re talking about.

What if we told you that low-cognition readers (i.e., people who typically don’t bother to think deeply) will match high-cognition readers (the ones who always think deeply) in certain situations? Specifically, if visitors think you might not be trustworthy–that maybe you’re just trying to get them to buy something instead of genuinely sharing great content–it doesn’t matter if they typically don’t think deeply. They will put in the same effort to analyze your content as high-cognition readers do, and there’s research to back this up. The implication is clear. If you’re not already an established authority, you had better have quality content on there because you ARE being judged. And once you are an established authority, you had still better have quality content because now it’s expected.

Take-Away on Quality:

Providing links to good research and verifiable facts that back up what you’re saying is a key part of a great content marketing plan. 

Offer the Audience Something Original

Years ago, it really didn’t matter if you were original or not. There simply wasn’t much out there to begin with. Fast forward a few years, and there’s now an endless amount of stuff available online. Shady content marketers will offer a business content purchased from a writing mill that pays virtually nothing for writing provided by writers all over the world. Those writers aren’t generating quality new content for that business (they aren’t being paid enough for that). They’re either generating substandard nonsense or even just moving words from one part of the Internet to another for a tiny fee. 

Search Engines Notice!

The average user may not always know that the story they’re reading or the tips they’re taking in are all plagiarized. But the search engines know. Google, and others, keep records of nearly every page on the Internet and exactly when it was posted. They know who wrote something first, and it’s a mark against a business when the search engines find copied information in a post, even if it’s been lightly edited or a couple of words changed. 

If copying happens a lot, a site can get flagged as a “spam” site. Google will simply ignore that site entirely, meaning it won’t pop up in search. That’s the death of the site, and the only way around this problem is to put up original work: either your own or from a trustworthy content provider like SteadyContent. 

Get Reliable, Quality Content 

At SteadyContent, we vet every writer carefully, run every piece through Copyscape (and do even deeper checks all the time at random), and regularly check what writers submit to ensure they’re not plagiarizing themselves. We check every piece that goes out: nothing a writer submits is ever automatically accepted. We expect, and deliver, fresh, original content on every piece.

Yes, getting original content isn’t free. It’s certainly not as cheap as paying a mill to copy from someone else’s site. But the difference it makes when an article is original can’t be overstated. Not only does original work get the attention of Google, but it gets the attention of the user, too. A great article rings true when you read it, and people notice content like this. 

Adding Videos Boosts Marketing Goals and Originality

Video can do a lot to improve the originality of your content. The video should be relevant to your niche, and you need a skilled director to pull it off. Great video is shot either at your business, in a director’s studio, or in the field, showing what you do. With a great director, you’ll be more than just a number in a reader’s mind. Attach this to your content and you really bump originality. 

Take-Away on Originality:

It matters! Don’t skimp here if you want to rank.

Create Top-of-the-Funnel Content

Quality matters, but your goal is not just to write an article that people want to read. Great content needs to also turn visitors into potential customers and get them to the top of the sales funnel. The reader has problems and questions, and as they look for an answer, they might not know what their next steps should be. Your post should guide them through the process, leading them to you. 

People poking around on your pages may be doing research, looking for an idea, or trying to get a question answered. They’re gathering information, and that’s why it’s crucial for your marketing that your content not just generate traffic but also show people what to do next now that they have the information they’ve been seeking. You’re nurturing leads. 

Getting Leads and Content Marketing vs. Creating Great Content

At first, you might think that providing content and generating leads are at odds with each other. After all, great content is reader-focused. Lead generation is sales-focused and brand-focused. Can you have both on the same page? Yes. 

Great content is actionable. It’s a crucial part of a comprehensive content marketing plan. Yes, it promotes a brand, but it does that while also grabbing attention, providing information, ideas, and videos, and offering real value through its words. This kind of content actually nurtures relationships.

By offering tips, for example, your content provides the help potential customers need while also making them think, “huh, these people know what they’re talking about. Maybe they can do more for me.” Content like this is a tool to grab attention. People will mark these sites, subscribe to them, and share them with their friends. 

Take-Away on the Funnel:

As the relationship improves, your site becomes more than a place people come for data. They target your site directly when they have a related need, and they start following the actionable steps you’ve provided: which should lead them straight to you for a product or service. 

Get Help With the Process: Get Quality Content Writing

If your blog content could use a tune-up, or if you need help creating quality content that engages with your audience, talk to us at SteadyContent. We’re all about quality: we write blogs that engage, with original content that’s directly related to your industry, hitting all the important points you need your audience to know along the way.

We can also offer keyword research, quality images that are free of copyright restrictions, backlinks, and other related services that can put your content over the top. 

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Working With a Kitchen Designer in Coconut Grove

After you purchase real estate, the first thing you may consider is changing, upgrading, or completely demolishing aspects of your home that don’t suit your needs or style. Giving your kitchen a facelift can be a surefire way to enhance your home’s aesthetics and functionality while increasing its value. In areas like Coconut Grove, Brickell, and S. Beach properties sell at a premium. Any work done should be the highest quality achievable within your budget. It’s for that reason many people consider hiring a professional designer.

Why Use a Kitchen Designer?

Working with a kitchen designer can help you achieve a polished and professional finish. The experience they have in remodeling can ultimately save you time and money. Anything more than minor changes to your kitchen, such as knobs, superficial fixtures, etc., should be handled by a professional. Considering building codes, material costs, and access to reputable contractors all add layers of complexity to your project, kitchens are not a do-it-yourself job. You will want the finished product to be accurate, safe and insurable

Types Of Professional Designers

The designer you should choose depends on the work you need to be done and where you are getting your supplies. National chains and retailers will often have designers on staff at little to no cost. There are also private designers that work on a per contract basis. Although they cost more, they may give you more impartial advice on materials and design because they rarely have direct brand affiliations.

Locating A Designer

When trying to find a designer, seeking the recommendations of friends and family is useful. Some communities like Coral Gables and Pinecrest have designers many homeowners have used with solid reputations. There are also resources like the National Kitchen and Bath Association, which list reputable designers. No matter where you locate your designer, they should have a portfolio of their previous work to review.

Honing In On A Designers Expertise

Keep in mind; designers may be more versed in some areas. If you have a modest single family home and are not looking for opulent trimmings, picking a designer that specializes in upgrading luxury real estate may not be the best way to go. Also, some owners have unique property aspects they may want to be enhanced. For example, waterfront properties have the potential for unique design ideas like open-air walls. Ask potential designers share their design strengths and note their weaknesses.

Once you have chosen a designer, prepare yourself for your consultation and design process by:
Determining your budget
Listing the pros and cons of your existing space
Having some idea of what you would like
Maintaining flexibility about what you want vs. what can be achieved
Agreeing on a time line in writing
Knowing you can ask for multiple draft plans, and agreeing to a number in writing
Minimizing the changes you make as the project progresses

Most importantly, be patient. Doing a remodel properly is a process and there will be some inconvenience to you as your project is in the works.

Our site is your premier resource for real estate related topics in Miami Beach, Coconut Grove, and the surrounding areas. If you have a question, we likely have an answer. Check out some of our other articles, blogs, and resources.

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Is PRP Facial Treatment Right for You?

At the Osteopathic Center, we specialize in the latest PRP facial treatment technology and cosmetic therapies. We understand signs of aging, trauma, acne scarring, and sun damage can become heavily evident on your face and neck after time. Also, common issues, like dark under eye circles, can greatly change the way other’s perceive you. Fortunately, PRP facial rejuvenation can help restore and correct such imperfections.

 

Platelet-rich plasma, PRP, has been used as an effective treatment in orthopedic medicine, dentistry, and reconstructive surgery for 30 years. It is garnering mainstream popularity due to its proven effectiveness and organic approach to cosmetic improvements. Your own blood platelets are used in the procedure, rather than a host of chemicals, to renew the appearance of your skin.

How PRP Differs from Other Fillers

PRP facial treatment is able to stimulate your own collagen, promoting total facial rejuvenation rather than attempting to attack individual wrinkles. If your face is beginning to sink in from age it can add volume and youthful plumpness. The volumizing effect extends to under eye hollows and sunken cheeks. Also improved are skin tone, tightness, and overall texture.

 

This is in stark contrast to hyaluronic acid fillers that can be ineffective in many areas due to placement difficulty or the penetration of treatment. That said, our team can advise you on whether a pairing of the two types therapies can provide more pronounced results. What may be needed will be dependent on your skin’s condition.

How PRP Facial Treatment Works

Platelets are designed to help your body’s tissues heal and grow new cells. Your body responds best to its own cells, so using your freshly prepared PRP virtually eliminates the possibility of negative side effects. Each session only takes about 20 minutes.

 

During your session, a small amount of blood will be drawn. While your PRP is prepared your face and/or neck will be cleansed and prepped for treatment.The PRP that is injected into your skin will trigger the natural regeneration of damaged tissue and collagen production. Since PRP therapy is far less invasive than traditional plastic surgery techniques there is no post-procedure care time required.

 

Effects of your treatment will begin to show two to three weeks after your session and will improve with time.  Ideally, you will receive three treatments spaced about two weeks apart for maximum benefit.  Results can last for up to 18 months.  

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5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing Taxes

According to data published by The Wall Street Journal, 3.7 million Americans submitted amended federal income tax returns in 2015. These amended returns were filed to take advantage of tax deductions/credits, to submit fresh financial information, and to add new income data.

It is important to note that you cannot e-file amended returns. In other words, you have to file them by sending hard copies using the USPS. The best way to avoid the extra time and expense of filing a hard-copy amendment is to get things right the first time. Here are the ways to avoid common filing mistakes:

Math Errors

Math errors are quite common on tax returns and constitute the first category of errors to be flagged, the IRS explains. In some cases, IRS employees correct computational and clerical errors.

This is especially true for paper returns, which are more likely to have missing or misquoted figures than electronically filed returns. To avoid such mistakes, double-check the figures that you provide throughout the first two pages of your returns.

Erroneous Social Security Number

This error is particularly common among people who claim a dependent exemption, because they have to list the SSNs or ITINs for their dependents. If you have dependents, you should verify all the SSNs/ITINs listed on your tax return to ensure they are correct.

One of the best ways to do this is by double-checking all the social security numbers on your tax return against the actual cards.

Alternatively, you can verify this data from the actual cardholders.

Filing Status

Another common filing mistake that you should avoid is providing an erroneous filing status. This can occur when separated couples file their returns separately while the IRS’s records show that they are still married.

To avoid having to correct your return, verify your filing status. It determines the deductions and credits you receive, and may lower your tax responsibility. Either way, make sure to use the correct filing status or you may end up with an IRS lien on your property.

Names

While it may seem absurd, many taxpayers actually misspell their names when filing their returns due to a number of reasons.

For starters, the current tax preparation software tools do not cover the entirety and cultural diversity of American names, which means they could mispronounce your name or offer a closely similar one. If you fail to verify every detail, you could enter an incorrect name on your return.

In addition, individuals who file returns on behalf of others, including tax/financial consultants may end up mispronouncing their client’s names. Divorced individuals could accidentally use the names of former spouses even after legally adopting other names.

Erroreoneous Income Details

If you are a contractor or freelance employee who receives a form 1099 for taxable income, make sure to keep detailed records of all sources of income. Also, make sure to report them correctly. Penalties from the IRS for unreported earnings are very steep.

Remember, the IRS keeps track of all legal transactions via form 1099.

The penalties for this offense vary depending on the size of unreported earnings and could include wage garnishment.

It is important to note that any federal refund, credit, or extension should be filed within three years of the original filing.

Conclusion

Every year, millions of Americans file tax returns that contain mistakes, including misspelled names, erroneous income figures, computation/math errors, erroneous Social Security Numbers, and wrong filing statuses. Avoid the hassle of amending your return by thoroughly checking your math, your status, and your name before you file.

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SEO is an Investment That Grows Your Business!

SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is one part of an effective website design. If you are not already using SEO, it should be part of your marketing strategy. It can be implemented quickly and easily using the right content writer. Here are 5 reasons to implement SEO today:

It Takes Time to See ROI – Get Started!

SEO is a very effective marketing strategy and can drive thousands of customers to your website monthly. However, it takes time to see ROI, or “Return On Investment.” This means implementing SEO takes patience. A recent survey shows that 94 percent of online marketers using SEO effectively plan to continue or increase their current SEO budget. Hiring an agency to create SEO content can be expensive, but the cost is worth it. The investment pays for itself in increased brand recognition and greater search and referral-driven traffic. So be patient. You will see the return on your SEO investment soon.

Golden Age Of SEO

We are in a “Golden Age” right now, where black hat tactics and manipulation are no match for SEO. There was a time when competitors could displace their competition using these underhanded strategies. Now, however, SEO reigns and your company can benefit greatly. This is the time to invest in SEO, before digital assistants and immediate answers take over the search engine territory.

Reap Greater Rewards By Compounding Returns

With every word of content you post, every link you establish, you are increasing your search visibility. This is called “Compounding Returns.” Essentially, you are building your reputation one post or link at a time. The more you put your business out there, the more authority you have on the web. The longer this goes on, the more you will reap conversions and referral traffic. The sooner you start building your reputation and compounding your interest growth, the sooner you will reap rewards.

Don’t Let Your Competitors Pull Away

The longer you wait to start utilizing SEO, the more you will lose out on high-ranking positions for lucrative keywords. Your competitors will build their defenses around their positions, making it harder to get in. They will add more targeted keywords and increase their rankings. The best way to avoid missing out is to get in now. Start using SEO today.

You’ve Nothing to Lose. Give It a Try

Don’t be intimidated by agencies that try to convince you to sign a six-month contract. There are SEO agencies out there that will work with you to accomplish your goals. Talk to professionals. Establish a budget and get started. Results will take time, but you can tweak things as you go. The sooner you get started, the better ROI you will see.

Don’t let the competition win because you didn’t join the race. Start using SEO and maximize your web exposure today.

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Fund Your Retirement with Real Estate Investments

We are all familiar with the standard types of accounts when it comes to later-in-life financial planning. However, in the current economy, these accounts will only guarantee you the minimum standard of living. If you’re looking for a little luxury in your later years, consider funding your retirement through real estate investments. Real estate has been used for years by savvy individuals, and it’s your turn to join the ranks of the successfully retired.

Passive Retirement Income

Investing in real estate allows you to enjoy the benefits of a passive income. Passive income is achieved by investing in properties that will generate cash flow beyond what is needed to sustain the investment. In other words, any money you make after you pay the mortgage and upkeep the property goes into your pocket. These funds will pad your retirement, allowing you to leave the workplace and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.

Multifamily Properties Maximize Passive Retirement Income

A MDU, or multi-dwelling unit, has two or more dwellings underneath one roof. Each unit has a kitchen, living area, bathroom(s), and bedroom(s). An example of a MDU is an apartment building. Investing in one or more MDUs can maximize passive income, which we already discussed above, by providing multiple revenue streams from the purchase of one property. The income from each unit is independent of the others, meaning the loss of income from one unit will not automatically cause the loss of income from the other units. Investing in an MDU is a smart way to maximize your return, since purchasing one apartment building is easier than purchasing several single-family homes. An MDU can also guarantee you have a place to live during your retirement, since you can reside in one of the units while turning a profit on the others.

Benefits of Investing in Multi-family Properties

There are several benefits to investing in MDUs, or multi-family properties. Beyond creating passive income, let’s look at what makes MDUs especially attractive as a retirement investment.

Multiple Streams of Income
As we stated above, a multi-family property will be occupied by several, separate tenants all paying rent independently of each other. If you lose a tenant, you still have others paying rent while you fill the empty unit. There’s no such guarantee of income from a single-family home. If a single-family home is empty, it’s not generating revenue for your retirement. The same could be said for multi-unit office spaces, if you’re looking for a higher-dollar investment. Multiple units equal multiple ways to make money.

Less Expensive to Manage
When you purchase a MDU, you have the option to hire a property management company. The overhead to hire the company and manage the property will be significantly less than the overhead to manage several single-family homes. A management company will handle things like rent collection and soliciting tenants, allowing you to relax and enjoy your retirement.

Invest with Less Risk
Even in a down economy, multi-family properties usually have tenants. This means your risk is less when investing in these types of properties. You should be able to draw passive income even in harder economic times. Also, having multiple dwellings means your revenue streams are not dependent on each other. This also equals less risk.