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Business Owner Tips for Spring

Business Owner Tips for Spring

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.

Website:

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 Nothing turns a potential customer away faster than outdated information.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

Marketing:

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”)

Branding:

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
SEO Content Strategy for Your Website

SEO Content Strategy for Your Website

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.

graphic of some screens displaying SEO content strategy

Content Love: 

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.

Branding Love:

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.

SEO Love:

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.

UplinkSpyder Email Security Alert!

UplinkSpyder Email Security Alert!

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.

logo for oh my mini donuts

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.

How to Stay Safe 

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

We Think Our Clients Are Pretty Sweet

We Think Our Clients Are Pretty Sweet

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.

logo for oh my mini donuts

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…

logo for sweet bay shave ice

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.

Let’s Make Your Social Media Content Ideas More Impactful

Let’s Make Your Social Media Content Ideas More Impactful

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.

Graphic of a social media content idea
Graphic of a social media content idea
Graphic of a social media content idea

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