by Deanna Rivera | Apr 16, 2025 | Content Creation, Email Marketing, Marketing, Strategy
Easter isn’t the only reason for treats this season. This month, we’ll be sending you three short snippets each week that you, as a business owner, can implement immediately to:
If you ever want help with these things or something else, be sure to reach out.
Week 1: No matter the business, people will go to your website before they hire you or buy your products. Therefore, make sure all the information on your website is accurate. Nothing turns a potential customer away faster than outdated information. Staff information, hours, and contact information are most commonly neglected. As a business owner, keeping this info updated should be a top priority.
Bonus: Make sure your Google, Bing, and Apple Maps listings are also accurate!
Week 2: Video is one of the most powerful tools for building trust and giving users an immediate sense of who you are. And the best part? It doesn’t have to be professionally produced. While we love working with talented videographers, a simple video recorded on your phone can be just as effective. We can take any raw footage and turn it into something engaging and polished.
Take Pastor Tom, for example—he sent us a basic video clip, and we transformed it into a warm, welcoming introduction. He’s even creating a unique video for every page of his website! It’s a fantastic way for new visitors to get a feel for the pastor and what they can expect from the church before they ever walk through the doors.
Week 3: Create a “Start Here” or “New Visitors” Page
Most websites are built with return users or informed customers in mind—but new visitors often feel overwhelmed or unsure where to begin.
A simple “Start Here” page (or button in the top nav) can:
- Quickly explain what you do and who you help
- Direct users to the most relevant services or products
- Introduce your team or process in a friendly, low-pressure way
- Build trust with a human tone
- Think of it as a concierge desk for your website.
Why it works:
- Reduces bounce rate
- Increases time-on-site
- Helps turn curious visitors into qualified leads
Week 1: There are a few opportunities that most businesses miss when marketing their business.
The first is the signature in their email. Make sure it looks good. It does not have to be a fancy design, but it should be nicely branded and similar for each employee—and this is a GREAT space to talk about a current promotion or upcoming event or new product/service.
The second is invoices or receipts. Adding information on something new happening with your business to these mailings or emails you are already sending can elevate your customer’s understanding of your business.
The third is a thank-you note. When someone new does business with you, send them a hand-written note. Bonus if it is designed with your branding! This can be a note card, a postcard, or even an old-fashioned letter.
Week 2: Once you create a video for your website, don’t stop there! That same video can be repurposed in all kinds of valuable ways.
You can share the full version and shorter clips of key points on social media to boost engagement.
Upload it to YouTube and start building playlists—did you know YouTube is the second-largest search engine in the world? (Makes sense, since it’s owned by Google.)
You can also email it to your list to help deepen trust and connection with people who already know you.
Play it at trade shows or events, include it in presentations, and even add a link to your email signature for an easy, professional touch.
A single video can go a long way when used strategically—and as a business owner, leveraging video like this adds serious value.
Week 3: Feature your PROCESS, not just your product.
Most businesses focus all their marketing on the finished product or service—but showing how you do what you do builds trust, transparency, and interest.
Here’s how you can use this:
- Share behind-the-scenes videos or photos on social media
- Highlight your tools, techniques, or materials in blog posts or emails
- Turn your process into a story that customers can connect with (especially if it’s unique, local, sustainable, etc.)
- Use phrases like: “Here’s how we bring your [product/service] to life…”
Why it works:
- Builds credibility and sets you apart from competitors
- Makes customers feel more invested in the end result
- Encourages sharing (people love seeing the “making of”)
Week 1: Did you know that your employees are the most important part of your brand? Most businesses will invest in a logo, a brand guide, signage, business cards, even vehicle wraps—but they will not train their employees on how to live the brand when interacting with customers. This could be as simple as making sure each employee knows the business mission and goals and providing a check list for each customer interaction.
Week 2: Video is also a powerful way to extend your brand. As we talked about last week, your people are the heart of your brand—so let them shine! Invite team members who are willing to step in front of the camera to share their roles, their passion for what they do, and what makes your business special.
These videos don’t have to be long or formal—sometimes the most engaging content is quick, authentic, and full of personality. Let employees highlight their expertise or give a behind-the-scenes look at a part of the business they know best.
Shorter clips from these interviews are perfect for social media, and when your team is wearing branded merch, it reinforces your visual identity too. Bonus points if the video backdrop also includes your logo, space, or product in action!
You could even create a video series—”Meet the Team Mondays” or “Behind the Scenes Fridays”—to build consistency and keep people coming back for more. A smart, approachable move for any business owner.
Week 3: Create “Micro-Brands” Within Your Brand
Instead of making everything feel the same, give special programs, events, services, or product lines their own mini-brand identity — still tied to your main brand, but with a twist.
What this looks like:
- A signature product line with its own logo or name (think Starbucks’ “Reserve” line)
- Naming your newsletter something catchy that fits your brand vibe
- Branded internal initiatives like “Project Spark” or “Customer Hero Awards”
- Themed events, campaigns, or seasonal content with visual variety
Why it works:
- Adds depth and flexibility to your brand without losing cohesion
- Sparks curiosity and engagement (especially for repeat customers)
- Makes your offerings feel more curated and intentional
by Devon Coulter | Feb 25, 2025 | Internet Marketing, Marketing, Search Engine Optimization
If you took our advice last week, you’ve already started keeping your website fresh with updated content—something both visitors and search engines appreciate. You’ve ensured your brand stays consistent across your site, reinforcing trust and recognition. And best of all, you’ve learned how to boost your site’s SEO without needing an expert. This week, we’re giving you three new local search marketing tips that will help you once that foundation is established!
Your customers love YOU — not stock images.
Using your own photos on your website helps create an authentic, trustworthy, and memorable experience for visitors. Unlike stock images, which can feel impersonal and overused, original photos showcase your unique brand, team, products, and services in a way that truly represents who you are. Custom imagery builds credibility and connection, helping potential customers see the real people behind your business. It also enhances SEO, as original images can be optimized for search engines, giving your site a competitive edge. While stock photos may be a quick fix, original photography (and video!) ensures your website stands out and tells your story in the most genuine way possible.
Your customers love communicating with you — in lots of ways.
Providing multiple ways to contact your small business—such as phone, chat, text, contact forms, and social media—ensures that customers can reach you in the way that’s most convenient for them. Some prefer a quick call, while others may feel more comfortable sending an email or messaging through social media. A variety of contact options builds trust, improves customer experience, and increases the chances of turning inquiries into sales. Making it easy to connect shows that you’re accessible, responsive, and ready to help.
Search engines crave authority!
Search engines prioritize websites that demonstrate authority and provide valuable, educational content. When your site offers insightful, well-researched information, it builds trust with both users and search engines, improving your rankings. Incorporating local search marketing strategies—such as creating content tailored to your region or targeting location-based keywords—can further enhance your visibility in local search results. One effective way to establish authority is through a blog that answers common customer questions. For example, if you run a home renovation business, publishing guides on topics like “How to Choose the Right Flooring for Your Home” or “5 Signs Your Roof Needs Repairs” positions you as an expert while also improving SEO. By consistently educating visitors, you not only attract more traffic but also establish credibility in your industry.
by Deanna Rivera | Feb 18, 2025 | Internet Marketing, Search Engine Optimization
February is flying by, but there’s still time to show your website some love! Here are three ways to give it the attention it deserves. The best part? A well-loved website gives back—bringing in new customers, enhancing your reputation, and building trust with every visitor. Whether you’re refreshing design elements or refining your SEO Content Strategy, even small improvements can make a big impact.
Your website should never remain static. Fresh content is a key factor in Google’s search rankings and keeps visitors engaged. Regularly update your site with new work examples, informative articles, case studies, and reviews of aligned businesses. Have a strategy for growth and review your content periodically. Don’t let outdated information frustrate potential customers—ensure your hours, services, and details are always accurate so visitors get the right impression every time they stop by. Consider how these efforts fit into your broader SEO Content Strategy for long-term results.
Did you know that consistency is one of the most important factors in building a recognizable brand? You may not have the massive marketing budgets of Nike or Coca-Cola, but you can still make a big impact by being consistent. Use the same fonts, colors, and imagery across your website and extend that look to your emails, storefront, and marketing materials. A cohesive brand experience builds trust with prospects and clients, making every marketing effort more effective and maximizing your investment.
Not every SEO strategy requires an SEO expert. One simple SEO strategy is to get other websites to link to yours. These backlinks improve your chances of being found online. Small businesses can build backlinks by partnering with local businesses, joining organizations like the Chamber of Commerce, and writing guest posts for industry blogs. You can also earn links by sponsoring events, getting blogger reviews, and creating shareable content like guides or infographics.
Ready to show your website some love? Whether you’re updating content, refining your branding, or building a stronger SEO Content Strategy, every step you take makes a difference. If you need help bringing it all together, we’re here for you.
by Deanna Rivera | Feb 11, 2025 | Cybersecuirty
Your security Spyders want to bring a new scam to your attention that’s been making the rounds. Cybercriminals are using Google Drive notifications to trick people into clicking malicious links, disguising their scam as shared documents or comments. These messages may seem legitimate since they come from Google, but they contain harmful links designed to steal your information. It might be time to rethink your email security.
What to Do If You Receive One of These Emails:
Do NOT click any links in the email. Even if it looks legitimate, avoid interacting with it.
Mark the email as phishing in your inbox to help Google detect and block similar scams. In Gmail, open the email, click the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top right, and select “Report phishing.”
Go to Google Drive directly (https://drive.google.com) to check if an unknown document has been shared with you. If you see a suspicious document, right-click it and select “Remove” to delete it from your drive.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Google account for added email security.
Always verify shared documents directly in Google Drive, not through email links.
Be cautious of unexpected sharing notifications from unknown senders.
If you’re ever unsure, reach out to the sender through another method to confirm legitimacy.
Scammers are getting more creative, but with awareness and caution, we can stay ahead of them. Feel free to share this with friends, family, or colleagues to help keep everyone safe online.
Stay vigilant and stay safe!
Best,
All of us at UplinkSpyder
by Deanna Rivera | Feb 4, 2025 | Marketing, Strategy
At the end of last year, our clients Kelly and Chad Prusz, owners of O’ My Mini Donuts and SweetBay Shave Ice, took an exciting step and moved into their first-ever “brick and mortar” location at 460 Willamette Street (5th & Willamette) in Eugene. Their new space is absolutely charming, nestled in one of the oldest buildings in Eugene, with plenty of nearby parking for convenience. It’s always inspiring to see local businesses grow, and their story is a perfect example of how passion and perseverance can turn dreams into reality.
Now, they can serve their delicious treats in a cozy, warm location with indoor seating—but that’s not all. This move sparked something truly amazing…
SweetBay is lovingly named after their oldest daughter, Bailey (aka “Bay”). Kelly and Chad initially opened their first food truck as a way to provide their kids with an income during high school and college. However, over the past 10 years, what started as a single food truck has grown into something much bigger for their entire family.
During that time, they’ve expanded their business, employing not only their own kids but also the kids of friends—including my son, Levi. But that’s not where the story ends…
At the same time O’My Mini Donuts and SweetBay Shave Ice moved to their new location, Bailey decided to chase one of her long-time dreams. With the support of her family and friends, she opened Daffodil Books & Gifts, a Romantasy bookstore in the space right next to the restaurant.
The world Bailey has created is nothing short of magical. From the moment you step inside, you’re transported to another place. Even if you’re not familiar with or a fan of Romantasy books, the experience at Daffodil Books is something you don’t want to miss. Every detail of the space is thoughtfully designed and truly enchanting.
Don’t just take our word for it—check out this article recently published about Daffodil Books. And keep in mind, this incredible press comes after being open for just three months!
Daffodil Books & Gifts is also home to Chapter and Steam, a charming coffee shop run by Kelly and Chad’s son, Chase, and his long-time girlfriend. Picture yourself sipping a rich hot chocolate, enjoying a mini donut, and diving into a good book, all while surrounded by cozy elegance and seated next to a crackling fireplace. It’s cozy, eclectic, and undeniably inspiring—a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t want to miss.
And there’s even more to discover! This historic building is full of surprises, with a couple of “in-between spaces” that are constantly evolving. One of the latest additions is a mocktail bar. Every visit brings something new, and I can’t wait to see what they dream up next!
Kelly’s motto for O’My Mini Donuts has always been “Enjoy The Little Things.” But we think it’s time to celebrate just how big of a deal this business truly is. Kelly and Chad have built something extraordinary—not only elevating their own lives but also creating opportunities for their children and friends. Their success is a testament to the strength of local businesses and the impact they have on the community.
As a friend and a client, I’ve seen firsthand how much hard work, dedication, and perseverance it has taken to reach this point. I couldn’t be more excited to see it all paying off! And I can’t wait to see what amazing things come next for their family and these incredible local businesses.
by Deanna Rivera | Jan 27, 2025 | Content Creation, Social Media, Strategy
Photos of last year’s brutal ice storm just resurfaced in my phone and Facebook memories, and they have me thinking about something I talk to every client about: social media content ideas are better when they’re personal.
Social media managers, like UplinkSpyder, know that the secret to grabbing attention online lies in the right image or video. It’s the #1 factor in getting people to stop scrolling and engage.
So, which of these graphics would catch your eye? Each one delivers the same message, but one will captivate most people far more than the others.
I created the first image to look polished and professional—it can definitely make an impact. However, because it’s so polished, many people will skim right past it. Or, they may comprehend it but never engage.
The middle image, a personal photo, feels a bit more authentic but still comes across as relatively generic. It has a stock image vibe—slightly more interesting, but not by much.
Then there’s my son, Levi. This photo will catch more attention than the first two and is likely to generate significantly more comments, shares, and likes. It would be even better without the words…because the post itself is what you want them to read and the authentic interesting image can get them to do just that.
When crafting social media content ideas, images and videos are everything. Modern phones make it easy to capture high-quality visuals with minimal effort, and posts that feel less polished or overly commercialized often see far better engagement.
I challenge you to make things easier for yourself (or your social media manager) this year by committing to capturing more photos and videos. Don’t aim for perfection—just focus on being authentic.
Are you a landscaper? Snap photos of the beautiful landscapes you create or even just plants that inspire you.
An esthetician? Film a quick video answering a common question or share a short clip of someone enjoying a relaxing facial.
Running a restaurant? Take so many mouthwatering photos of your dishes that people can practically taste them through their screens.
You get the idea—show your world and let your audience connect with it!
Happy Content Creating!
Deanna
by Deanna Rivera | Jan 13, 2025 | Marketing, Strategy
I love how every day seems to have its own national celebration. While some might initially seem a bit quirky (National Squirrel Appreciation Day, anyone?), each one offers a unique opportunity. Whether you’re brainstorming social media content, looking for ways to show appreciation to clients or employees, or planning events and promotions for your business, these national days, weeks, and months can inspire creativity, help you stand out, and provide unique opportunities for how to market your business.
Today, we’re excited to celebrate National Gluten-Free Day by spotlighting one of our incredible clients: Jazzy Ladies Café & Coffeehouse. Did you know this gem is entirely gluten-free? Most people don’t—because you’d never guess it! The food is phenomenal. I had the pleasure of dining there on New Year’s Eve, and every dish was a masterpiece—especially the dessert.
Celebrate how far gluten-free cuisine has come while supporting a local business that’s truly raising the bar. I HIGHLY recommend the Mochi Pancakes, Chicken & Waffles, or Benedict Latkes. Yum!
by Deanna Rivera | Mar 18, 2022 | Website Design
Pretty much every business on the planet needs to have some sort of presence online. 85 percent of consumers conduct online research before making a purchase. Here are some great website design ideas and trends to keep an eye on so you can ensure that your website looks and functions great no matter where someone views them or what device they’re using.
Website Design Ideas
Website design trends vary year-to-year as people grow more used to new innovations in digital design, but there are some foundational elements of any good website that remain consistent. For instance, white space is a big deal on websites—and it’s important not just because it looks nice; more blank space means more room for your content to breathe.
Another trending idea right now is flat design, which means websites have fewer (or no) gradients or shadows and generally use flat colors. It may sound boring, but flat design has been adopted by most major tech companies as well as smaller startups trying to get noticed.
Website Trend #1 – Live Videos
If you’re looking for an engaging way to showcase your products or services—and a way to differentiate yourself from competitors—consider adding live videos to your website. Streams like Periscope allow users to broadcast videos directly through their social media platforms, making it an ideal solution for reaching large audiences. And if you don’t want all of your videos streamed live, you can always pre-record them and post them on YouTube.
Website Trend #2 – Pop-Ups
Pop-ups should be used if they serve a specific purpose other than just monetization, which is always (ALWAYS) a secondary priority. Try not to make users go through more than they need to in order to consume your content. Remember: It’s not about you; it’s about them. If you do decide to use pop-ups, don’t make them too big or intrusive. And remember that there are many ways to monetize without having ads covering every inch of your website.
Website Trend #3 – Original Photography
When someone visits your website, they should immediately feel like they know who you are. They should feel like they know what kind of company you run, what you sell, and why they should buy from you specifically. Original photography or imagery is an excellent way to convey personality through imagery while also giving people something interesting to look at while they read through your story.
Website Feature #1 – Easy Navigation
Your website’s navigation should be intuitive. You don’t want to confuse your users by making them jump through hoops just to get where they need to go. Try to find a balance between simple and interesting. The best way to determine whether or not your website is navigable is to test it with people who aren’t familiar with how websites work. Let them navigate around on their own without any help from you and see if they have any problems getting around.
Website Feature #2 – Form Validation and Auto-Email
As soon as a visitor fills out a form on your website, they expect it to accept or deny their entry. This is vital because visitors will move on to another website if they believe your form isn’t working correctly. Make sure you include validation on every form that accepts input from visitors.
It’s also a good idea to ensure that an automatic email goes to the customer in case they miss the validation. That email can offer an alternative way to contact you, an incentive, a tip. It’s an opportunity to reinforce your brand and encourage loyalty.
Website Feature #3 – Responsive Screen Size
Many websites today are still not responsive to multiple screen sizes and this is so important! A website should change to fit the device it is being viewed on. When we build a website, we view it on multiple devices to ensure that every user can navigate the site easily and receives the same, impactful presentation.
You’re On Your Way To A Great Website Design
There’s a lot more to consider, but luckily, we can do the considering for you! If you want more website design ideas, or an expert to help build you a fantastic website, give us a call.
by Deanna Rivera | Sep 22, 2021 | Cybersecuirty, Email Marketing
The new software update for Apple mobile devices recently rolled out, and we are paying close attention. The iOS 15 software update places its primary focus on data tracking and email privacy settings within Apple Mail.
The biggest thing we are concerned about is that Apple will now allow Apple Mail users to block the sender’s ability to track who has opened or clicked on something in an email when opened in Apple Mail.
Why Does This Matter?
For many years, we have been able to track who is opening, and who is clicking on emails we send for our clients. This is one way to gauge the most effective day and time to send an email, the most effective subject lines, and overall how well liked and useful an email is. For instance, a recent email we sent for a client was opened by over 50% of her audience but had very few clicks on the link inside. We can identify a problem and help her solve it by giving readers a more compelling reason to click through to read her blog.
Another way we can use this information is to make the most of every email. Knowing whether an email was opened or not enables us to send a follow-up email to people who have not opened it, which results in more opens overall for each message, which allows each effort to garner the most attention possible.
How Many People Will This Affect?
On average, 65% of the emails we send are opened on a desktop, while 35% are opened on a mobile device (this varies by client). Roughly 15% of users are using Apple Mail. For now, we can still get data from those who open emails on a desktop or Android device. Email services such as Outlook, Yahoo!, and Gmail have not rolled out new email privacy protection — yet.
With the recent drop of the new iOS 15, these new protections are not the default settings. Users will need to opt-in in order to hide their data. While not everyone will do so, it’s a fair guess that email campaigns will see a decrease in open & click rates.
It also makes repurposing for those who did not open more difficult…because we won’t be able to tell if those using Apple Mail on a mobile device have opened or not.
What Does This Mean?
While “opens and clicks” play a vital role in measuring email performance, it’s important to remember why email marketing is so great – this does not change because of Apple Mail privacy! There is no other marketing vehicle that allows you to get your message in front of every customer and prospect for pennies on the dollar compared to all other marketing tools. Even if your open and click rates decline, email marketing remains a very effective tool – an effective way to stay top of mind and to cultivate advocates for your business.
Have questions about this? We’re happy to answer.
by Deanna Rivera | May 12, 2021 | Branding, Internet Marketing
Is your business doing enough on the digital landscape to keep current customers happy and new customers interested? Here is a checklist of what EVERY business should make sure they are doing when establishing their online presence.
☑ Have a fantastic, informative, and easy-to-use website that grows over time and is always up to date. This is easier said than done, we know, but we’re here to help.
☑ Make sure your information is correct and accurate in all “directories” and especially Google, Bing, and Apple Maps. For your industry, there will be other key directories to pay attention to.
☑ Pay attention to reviews and collect more over time. There are tools (we have) that can help you do this but at the very least, ask friends and family and clients you know well to review you online. Key review sites are Google, Facebook, and Yelp but there will be other industry-specific sites also.
☑ Be active (at least one post/week) on at least TWO social networks. The easiest is Facebook and Instagram because you can connect them to publish content once to two channels. But if you can do video, even amateur video regularly, then YouTube (the second largest search engine) is a must.
☑ Make sure everything above matches. The address and hours and information are the same everywhere. Good photos and consistent branding/images. Does your logo need a refresh? Design = Trust.
☑ Make it VERY EASY for customers to contact you. Phone, text, chat, forms, email, instant messaging. Someone in your organization can be put in charge of checking all the ways people get in touch with you and responding as quickly as possible. Technology has added a layer of “respond NOW” to our society. You can outsource some of this but do so very very carefully.
☑ Always be collecting. Even if you don’t do email marketing at the moment, still collect emails and text messages every chance you get. There are always strategies for this that can work wonders for your business. But at the very minimum, collect this information.
☑ Consider investing in digital ads. These can help with branding/awareness, building a network of followers, and sales. There are many ways to advertise online so you want expert help for this, but digital ads can take your dollar much further than other channels.
This may seem overwhelming but once set up, it’s not hard to maintain. Of course, we’re here to help and consultations/guidance is always free.
