Monday, November 21, 2016

Week 10 - blog comments

I commented on the insightful blogs of:

Antiono Russo / Yellow Circle - Blue square company
https://bluesquareco.blogspot.com/

Luellen Raymor / DIY4BIZ  - Crafting Social Maxine Raven
http://craftingsocial.blogspot.com/

Kendall Holmes -  Carlsbad Counseling Center
http://kendallscsit155.blogspot.com/2016/11/constant-contact-with-emails-week-10.html#comment-form

In addition to my Quiet Woman blog, my other blog and social media links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pepperdare ( has a little bit of content )
Blogspot (Pepper Dare): http://pepperraedare.blogspot.com/ ( has one post )
Twitter: http://pepperraedare.blogspot.com/ (no posts)
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2vSSovzJO4zuaQUv0nE7uQ (no videos posted yet)

Week 11 B

I chose to use Google +, since this fictional business is not on LinkedIn.

I first tried searching on Google + for online dating and found several mail order bride type groups. Had a bit of a slick Craigslist feel. I did find these communities and pages to be useful.


  • Online Dating Safety Tips page is where I could get ideas that I find in my own research. 
  • The Online Alarm Clock under Collections had many funny memes. Definitely a place where I could share others posts and post a few of my own. 
  • A Fitness community for ideas to share on Facebook. 
  • Men after Divorce community and  a Divorce and Family Law community both offer information important to my customer base. I can post relevant information in these communities as well. 
  • Relationships Matters Advice and Support will keep me up to date and help me understand the current struggles and issues that matter most to my customer base. It will help me provide a better service and ideas to target on my blog and videos. This is probably one of the best places for me to post information to gain a following. 
  • The Social Media Strategy community will help me stay current in my social media tactics.


A coupon network couple help drive traffic to my blog and website.  I could offer a promo code to download a free online profile checklist, or a list of the differences between each dating site. It could be a great way to drive click through traffic to my blog and Facebook page.

Friday, November 18, 2016

Week 11a - Other social media sites

Overall, given the demographic of my target customer and that I do not have a brick and mortar business, the  other social media sites that may be valuable to my business is Linked In, Meetup, Coupon marketing, Reddit, and possibly Google maps.

Google + has not been adopted by the over 50 age group, so not a good place to connect with customers. It may be valuable as a way to connect other consultants that are in a field that relate to my target audience, like personal trainers or travel agents.

Linked In is a great way for people to find me on a google search and to show my credentials. Also as a way to meet others in a field that has a similar customer base, again like personal trainers, travel agents, winery owners, etc....

Dating is such a personal issue, it is unlikely that my customers will want to share anything on a site like Yelp. There will be those that will post on Yelp, but not a lot. It is also not used by my demographic. Their children use it, so they are aware, but they have great confidence in their own judgement and that of their circle of friends, and they do not tend to look to Yelp as a way gain insight.

Coupon marketing is great for those looking for special offers for joining an online dating site. I can show links or posts current offers to other sites as a service to my readers It is a way to drive readers to my site when they Google search for discount offers.

Living social is not applicable. Google Maps may be useful to show where an event is happening or a Meetup groupd. Also, in the future if I ever take on a brick and mortar site, then Google Maps becomes a must have.

Reddit is a possible option. My customers are familiar with it because of their children, and since it is not hard to use, they are likely to engage in a conversation on Reddit if prompted.

Meetup is the social media site where I first started working with others as a free service. I will continue to use Meetup to gain insight and content for my blogs and videos. I can also use it as a way to drive views to my blog and videos. It is a great way to hold events that are announced on Facebook.

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Week 10a - email marketing

For my online dating consulting business, a weekly newsletter is appropriate. Since some people are only in the online dating pool for 3 months, anything less than a weekly is too infrequent. Bi-weekly emails will work if each has a different focus. For example, Monday's email is about online dating nuts and bolts or ideas on fitness and health. Thursday email would focus on where to take a date and fun things to do or styling and outfit ideas.

Since most folks have time to date on a weekend, sending out a newsletter early in the week gives the customer time to reach out to a romantic interest before Friday. Occasional content on getting into shape, updating a wardrobe, or the latest anti aging treatment would be welcomed. It is also a great place to post answers to questions I've received or share stories of others experiences with online dating. In addition, the email will have links to the blog and events within the coming month. achieve it.

I had not considered email marketing prior to this class. I am now convinced it is a key component to driving business and retaining customers.

Monday, November 14, 2016

Week 9b - Blog categories

I will divide my blog posts into 4 main categories:


  • Understanding dating websites and how to use them. 
  • How to date - texting vs calling, sex, baggage, how fast to move, medical issues, travel, finances, etc.
  • Fun things to do in the San Diego area
  • Stories about clients questions and successes


The first category is what I get asked most about when enlisting my help in dating. Once they get past the online aspect of dating, there is confusion on how to date in general. And then they just want fresh dating ideas.  The first three will be usefull for those using an online search with questions about dating over 50. The last category is to show that I am active and current in my profession.

I commented on the smart blogs of:
Derek Kendall Holmes
MvMontes
Blue Tiger Films

Saturday, November 12, 2016

Week 9a - Human interest

Ok, a little late here...

I grew up a big Star Trek fan, thinking Mr. Spock was the coolest. Being in control of his emotions was his superpower. Thank goodness he is not one of my customers.

Emotions are as much a part of decision making as logic, so it makes sense that appealing to emotions has to be one of the key components of a marketing campaign. The same for a blog. According to Unruly, the most shared ads and content are emotional ones, with positive posts being forwarded more than negative posts. And human interest stories are a natural way to create positive, happy content.

Human interest posts help build a loyal customer base by creating a sense of trust and belonging in the reader. For my business, it makes sense to tell personal stories so that the reader knows  I understand their perspective and needs.  When folks feel understood, they can trust my advice and services, andnd will hopefully feel inclined to share those positive stories with others. At the same time, my customers need simple instruction and details on how to move forward with online dating, without the frustration of having to wade through what may be seen as fluff.

My Google analytics account has been set up. UA-873###13-1 (wasn't sure if it was safe to list full number) under Pepper Dare. Hopefully, I'll be able to take full advantage when I get my business off the ground.