So you want to learn about Social Media Marketing and how to use it to promote your business? I’m all for the “Do-It-Yourselfer”, but honestly folks, I’m in the internet marketing industry and this stuff can be pretty overwhelming! I personally know techies that spend hours and hours of their time just keeping up with the latest trends of the internet including social media and how to avoid costly mistakes that could have a negative effect on your business.

I see it this way, we all have a special nitch that we are good at and sometimes, it’s worth doing things yourself, but sometimes it’s not. For example, my husband is an auto body technician and has his own business. He works long hours and plenty of weekends doing what he does best. So, he wants to do some Social Media Marketing…Great! Where does he start?

He can choose to spend a minimum of 100 hours of his spare time, which he does not have, researching, learning, and applying techniques on a trial and error basis, as well as keeping up with changes and staying in the know about this ever changing industry, and still may not be able to successfully achieve desired results. Factor in his hourly rate, and you realize quickly that he could be using his time much more effectively.

He really should call the professionals and let them do what they do best, utilizing their years of knowledge and experience and keeping their clients businesses updated and current…this is no garage door install!

The social media industry is new, yet ever changing…I believe it’s best to leave this one to professionals!

When you first purchase your Domain Name, you purchase and register it through a domain name registrar. Many people stay with the same registrar for the lifetime of their domain(s),  however, you may want or need to transfer your domain registration to a different registrar at some point.

For example:

- To save money: Different registrars offer basically the same service for a vast difference in pricing, ranging from a couple dollars per year up to $50/year or more.
- You’re not happy with your current registrar: Maybe your registrar’s Customer Service doesn’t meet your needs.
- There are problems with your registration/renewals, etc. and you want to move to a more reliable registrar.
- Your registrar is going out of business – this does happen and you will want to transfer your domain ASAP!

4 Simple Steps:

1) Apply for the transfer: You can either contact your registrar by phone or log-in to your control panel if you have access and request the transfer. You must be the person listed as the “admin contact” because the important transfer details will be provided to that person directly, most likely in an email. Your domain status must be set to “unlocked”. Once you request the transfer, you will be provided an authoriation code. This will be time sensitive, which means the request has an expireation and needs to be acted on immediately.

2) Contact your new registrar: Either by phone or email and let them know you received an authorization code for the domain transfer and they will request that you forward any related emails to them.

3) The request will be made: Once the new registrar has the information required (authorization code), the request will be made. The transfer typically takes 7-10 business days.

4) Be patient: Follow up with your new registrar to check the status of the transfer.

Keep in mind: If your domain is due for renewal in the next month or so – it’s better to renew the domain for another year with your current registrar, then request the transfer once it’s been renewed.

Don’t fall for domain transfer scams! Be aware that some shameless registrars attempt to trick customers by emailing and mailing out “renewal notices” or “invoices” to customers of other domain registrars when their domains are about to expire in hopes that people will think they are renewing their domain with their current registrar, when in fact they are transferring their domain to the new registrar.  This is known as Domain Slamming.

If you would like Higher Images to be your registrar,

please call Robin Dugas at 412-203-1996 and/or email robin@higherimages.com

1)  Shut-Up and Listen! If you don’t know how to stop talking and use your ears to listen – then stop reading this blog right now…you’re doomed! All customer service situations require superb listening skills! You have to “hear” and understand exactly what your customer needs”. Let them talk, while you listen…and then take the time paraphrase back to them. They will know you heard what they said and will appreciate you communicating everything back to them.

2) Show Empathy. Be equally as concerned as your customer is about the issue at hand. Agree that they have a reason to be upset, and apologize for the way things have gone, if needed. For ultimate communication speak at your customers pace. Mirror them! If they are fast paced – speed up your pace a bit, if they are slower paced -slow down some. Studies show that people prefer to communicate with others like them…so do your best to read your customer and present a similar style.

3) Be Professional. Don’t forget it’s nothing personal, you are representing your company. Treat your customer how you would want to be treated. Don’t accuse or blame your customer for any miscommunications, etc. Don’t dwell on problems. Just be forward thinking – always looking for a resolution.

4) Stay Positive! If you are a negative person…get out of customer service! You have to be a positive-type person to begin with. Smile when you speak…it helps convey a positive attitude over the phone and a smile really goes a long way in-person. Always remain calm, NEVER elevate your voice or show impatience. This will help establish faith that you understand the issue and are the right person to handle it.

5) Be Accountable! DO what you said you would! Follow through! You can’t miss this step! You don’t want to end-up in the “bad customer service category” that almost everyone else is in.

Now, the next time your phone rings or a customer appears in front of you… remember to SMILE!