Happiness at Home: Surviving Quarantine While Having Fun

We are now a few weeks into the COVID-19 crisis here in Polk County, and now that a full shelter-in-place order has been put out by our government officials, we're likely looking at a few more weeks of being homebound with our families. Sure, for the first few days it might have felt pretty nice...plenty of time to catch up on movies, enjoy long days in your loungewear, and not having to leave the house. However, it gets old pretty quickly, especially if you have kids at home.

So, Newton Peach Marketing is here to help! Below are some fun ways to spice up the days at home, and make quarantine a time for making good memories with your family (and not just memories of Netflix). 

Theme Your Day Around the Theme Parks! 

Plenty of families saw their Spring Break plans of hanging out at Disney World or experiencing the fun of Legoland go down the drain quickly as Coronavirus loomed over us all like a dark cloud. While you can't experience the parks right now, you can bring some of the fun home! Thanks to technology like YouTube you can experience the "rides" from your living room couch. Make a full day of it! Start out by working together to recreate your favorite theme park meal at home, enjoy a treat that you associate with the park (you can order Mickey Ear ice cream through your local big box store now!) and spend some time on the rides as a family. Was Legoland your destination? Those rides are online too! Wrap up the day with a Lego building challenge and some fresh from your kitchen apple fries! 

Make Your Backyard a Destination 

If you have a pool, this is pretty simple. Set it up like a getaway! Put out your best pool furniture and accessories, keep a stock of fun drinks and snacks on hand in coolers by the pool, and make it a point to actually schedule a time to "go" to your pool. Organize pool games for your kids, order some fun new pool floats and toys/activities online, and make it your own personal water getaway. Don't have a pool? Your backyard can be just as fun. Sprinklers, obstacle courses, grill outs, etc. can be made "special" just by putting in a bit of effort. A great idea we're seeing from families with kids? A backyard campout, complete with s'mores, hot dogs, and late night stories. The temps are perfect for enjoying it without being miserable before sunrise. 

Go Out and Enjoy Yourself...from Your Car. 

While you can't go out to stores, restaurants, etc. right now, you can go out and drive. Plenty of neighborhoods are doing "bear hunts" by placing teddy bears in windows, and others are putting together egg hunts for Easter in the same way. Whatever your scavenger hunt includes, make it fun by putting together al list of places you want to stop and get meals and treats throughout your day. Many of our favorite local hot spots are offering drive through or curbside pickup. You'll be enjoying time out of the house, and supporting our local business owners at the same time! 

We know this isn't an ideal time for our friends and neighbors right now, but know that we are here alongside you, doing our best to keep things as encouraging as possible and making the most of these days. We have no doubts that Polk County will bounce back stronger than ever when this is over, and we'll all have a better appreciation for our jobs, our family, and our community. Stay safe and stay well! 

Coronavirus 2020: Preparation and Tips

In case you haven't heard (or seen) in the news, on social media, or simply from people chatting around you, there's a new sickness in town and it has everyone more than a little worried. Coronavirus, or more specifically, COVID-19, is sweeping the globe and taking widespread fear with it. We understand...hearing that an illness is impossible to contain, having it spread this quickly, and then being told it is "deadly" will cause panic, but we believe it's important to have to facts before you allow fear to creep in. In reality, you're more likely to catch the flu than Coronavirus, and honestly, the flu is more lethal from the standpoint of statistics. So far, Coronavirus seems to affect people over 50 the most, with people over 70 being at the highest risk for complications and death due to the sickness. Since it targets the respiratory system, those with compromised immune systems, heart conditions, or preexisting lung issues are definitely at higher risk as well. However, children and young healthy adults really have no reason to panic about being impacted heavily by the illness. What we DO need to be concerned about though is practicing safe habits that will protect vulnerable ones around us, and start to slow the spread of this virus. 

How can you do that? 

• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly using warm water and soap. Washing should last at least 20 seconds. 

• Keep your hands away from your face as much as possible. 

• Try not to touch public surfaces without first sanitizing them. Use elbows to push open doors, use a paper towel to touch faucets in public bathrooms, etc. 

• Clean your own surfaces regularly with disinfectant. This is especially true for commonly touched areas like doorknobs, light switches, remotes...even the buttons on your coffee maker or microwave are fair game for a wipe down. 

• Stay home if you feel sick. It's never worth putting others at risk. 

Newton Peach Marketing is proud to be part of a strong community that is ready to face this new threat together and fight for health throughout our area. We hope these tips help you feel more confident as we keep an eye out for Coronavirus 2020!

Have Your Mousse and Eat It Too: A Heart Healthy Recipe for Valentine’s Day

We all see it. Red hearts, Hallmark cards, and boxes of candy are everywhere you turn and it’s easy to see that love is in the air. Valentine’s Day is a popular holiday for couples (and in today’s world, for friends too) and the festivities often include delicious dinners and sweet treats. However, while Valentine’s Day is a well-known part of February, another important aspect of this month is overlooked.

February is National Heart Health Month. Heart disease is an epidemic here in the United States, and unfortunately, is a major cause of death in women. While heart disease can have many factors (including genetics), it’s no secret that a routine exercise regimen and heart-healthy diet are key components of avoiding the dangerous outcomes associated with heart disease. Unfortunately, that means many of your favorite foods might be off the table, or at the very least, altered in some way. Lowering your salt and sodium intake, watching out for unhealthy fats, and avoiding excess sugars and “fun” foods are all pieces of the puzzle when you’re building a healthier diet, but does that mean all treats are taboo? Not necessarily! With a few modifications, you can actually make some of your favorite dishes a bit more heart healthy, and when enjoyed on occasion (like Valentine’s Day!) they’re perfectly acceptable.

A popular dessert choice for many on Valentine’s Day is a rich chocolate mousse. Not only is it chocolate, which follows tradition, but it’s also luxurious and a bit more romantic than a chocolate chip cookie from the local bakery. The downfall is, this dessert, when made in its classic form, is full of unhealthy fats and is most definitely not part of a heart-conscious diet. Thankfully, there’s a solution that lets you have your mousse and eat it to! Dorothy Kern, the creator of Crazy for Crust, has a recipe for Heart Healthy Chocolate Mousse (see the full blog post and recipe here) and with a few substitutions she creates a perfectly acceptable and delicious alternative for traditional chocolate mouse that will make your significant other smile, and won’t make your doctor cringe. Want in on a fun secret? The main ingredient is avocado!

While the recipe above is a great way to boost your morale, it won’t do much to boost your business. That’s where another secret ingredient comes in. Digital marketing is the key to building your brand in your local community and across the internet, and for business owners in and around the Winter Haven area, Newton Peach Marketing is the solution. When you’re ready to grow your business give us a call.

Happy Valentine’s Day (and Happy Heart Health Month) from NPM!

How to Do Cardio Workouts at Home With No Equipment

Many people set the goal of getting in shape. Many people also abandon that goal. There are numerous reasons this is the case. Often, however, people simply assume they need the right equipment to work out effectively.

This is an understandable assumption. That said, it’s not rooted in fact. It’s entirely possible to burn calories without special equipment, a gym membership, or even a lot of space. The following points illustrate just a few ways you can get in your daily cardio from the comfort of your own home.

Jog in Place

You may feel a little awkward jogging in place, but you shouldn’t. This simple exercise can actually burn a lot more calories than you might realize, especially if you’re wearing comfortable shoes. Although many factors contribute to how many calories someone burns while performing a given exercise, in general, a 125-pound person consistently jogging in place for 10 minutes could burn as many as 60 calories. That’s a pretty decent workout that requires virtually no space.

Perform High Knees

As your fitness improves, your goal is to identify reasonably intense exercises you can perform in a small area. High knees is a good example to consider. As the name implies, this exercise involves standing with your feet hip-width apart and raising one knee as close to your chest as possible while pumping the opposite arm and maintaining your balance. Alternate between each leg, and try to stay as light on your feet as possible. This is key to ensuring the workout is intense enough to help you burn calories.

Use Your Stairs

It’s important to keep in mind that certain items and features in your home can actually serve as fitness equipment if you’re creative. Consider your staircase. If it’s relatively long and wide, sprinting up it as fast as you can (while staying safe) is a simple way to get in a fairly intense workout. Every time you reach the top of the stairs, return to the bottom and sprint up them again, until you are too tired to do so. A 150-pound man consistently running up the stairs for an hour could potentially burn up to 950 calories!

Try Squats

Squats are another simple but effective exercise you can perform without access to much space. All you have to do is stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms extended in front of you. Squat down and hinge your hips back until your legs form a perfect 90-degree angle behind the knee. Return to the standing position and repeat until you are tired. For added intensity, jump up from your squats.

These few examples clearly indicate how easy it is to practice cardio without special equipment. Even if you have a small apartment, working out everyday is still an option. There goes your last excuse for not getting in shape!

Thank you to DJ Crino for contributing this month’s blog content on Newton Peach Marketing.

365 Days of Christmas: Keep The Holiday Spirit Alive All Year Long

Christmas is a magical time of year, and no one can deny that there seems to be a certain bit of "cheer" in the air during this season. Whether it's the twinkling lights and upbeat carols, or anticipation of what's to come on Christmas Day, something makes us happier, more positive, and kinder at this time of year. This holiday season, Newton Peach Marketing is taking time to focus on just what makes this time of year so special, and how we can extend out the spirit of Christmas all year long. 

So, what does make the holidays so wonderful? 

First, we take time to focus on what actually matters. This time of year is when we step back from the hustle and bustle of work and monotony and look for opportunities to spend time with the ones we love. Making memories becomes the theme of the season and we carve out moments to bake the cookies that would ordinarily stay in the cabinet to avoid the mess, to stop for that warm cup of hot chocolate with our significant other and actually spend time cozied up in the coffee shop instead of running through the drive-thru, or to chat with our neighbor by the mailbox instead of rushing back into the house. By being willing to make time for people and memories, and not just rushing through our day-to-day, the spirit of Christmas tends to feel warmer and we feel more connected to each other. That's something we can certainly take to heart and spread out throughout the year. 

Christmas is when we focus on contentment as well. Yes, it's easy for us (especially our kids and young people) to focus on that Christmas list, whether it's going to "Santa" or to mom and dad, but overall this is the season when we focus on what we have instead of what we want. We recognize that others are less fortunate, we make charity and giving a goal, and we express thankfulness for our many blessings. Why though, do we quickly forget this when the Christmas trimmings are put away and life returns to “normal.” Practicing a spirit of contentment and gratefulness all year long is a wonderful way to extend the cheer of the holidays and to help charitable organizations function at their best all year, instead of hitting a high during the month of December and struggling during months afterward. 

Finally, Christmas is when we tend to go the extra mile. Graciously smiling at the person who cut in line at the grocery store instead of scowling and throwing out a negative comment, lending a hand to the young mom struggling with a stroller and her bags while opening a door, or "paying it forward" by picking up the tab of the person behind us in line are all ways we show "Christmas spirit" during the holidays, but sadly, by using the excuse of a holiday as our motivation, we lose out on the joy that would come from putting out this type of kindness 365 days a year. 

Wouldn't the world be a better place if we all sought to make Christmas last all year long? Let's remember what makes this season special long after the cookies are eaten and the presents have been forgotten, and do our best to make our homes and our communities reflect the spirit of the holidays every day. Our goal this year as we work with the business owners of Polk County is to offer kindness and joy in every presentation, every meeting, and each interaction with clients and customers. We can't wait to see how this impacts the city of Winter Haven and beyond. Join Newton Peach Marketing in the challenge to make this the best year yet!

Turkey Day Tip: Cooking That Bird Can Be Risky!

When it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, we all know that the bird is the star of the show. While the iconic picture is of mom (or grandma) pulling the perfectly roasted turkey from the oven and carrying it lovingly to the table to be carved, not everyone enjoys roasting their turkeys. Between the messy pan cleanup, the difficulty in gauging temperature, and the constant battle between serving a raw bird and having dry meat that no one wants to eat, alternative cooking methods have become a mission for many. In recent years, the most popular choice has been deep-frying turkey. It's no wonder, with it's close cousin the fried chicken being such a staple (and delicious) menu item...but it carries its own set of risks.

Deep frying turkeys is responsible for a huge number of injuries and accidents each year. Thanks to the high temperature, the large amount of oil, and inappropriate frying conditions, the process is dangerous to say the least, especially when handled irresponsibly. Does that mean you shouldn't fry your turkey? Not necessarily, but if you choose to cook the Thanksgiving bird in this way, there are some safety tips you need to keep in mind.

First, choose your cooking surface carefully. Outdoor environments ONLY should be used when frying a turkey, but that's not the only requirement. Surfaces should be flat and level, free of any flammable materials (including dry grass), and a safe distance away from any houses or other structures (like garden sheds, play houses, etc.). You should never use a fryer in a garage, on a deck or patio, or under any type of sheltered space. Be sure only the person frying the turkey is nearby. Children, bystanders, and pets should be kept at a safe distance or, preferably, indoors away from the action.

Additionally, you need to prepare your turkey carefully. Turkeys should be completely thawed before you prepare to fry it. Check even the inside of the turkey, as frozen spots can make the oil bubble up and over the sides of the fryer thanks to the temperature reaction. Pat the surface of the turkey dry of any condensation before placing it in the oil as well as water hitting the oil will have the same type of reaction as ice.

Finally, have the appropriate safety equipment on hand just in case. Use well-insulated cooking mitts when handling anything related to the fryer. Wear safety goggles and long sleeves to protect yourself from any hot oil splatter. In case of accidents, keep a cell phone nearby to call 911 right away, and keep a fire extinguisher on hand to quickly put out fires if possible. Last but not least, keep the instructions for the fryer with you, as each individual unit will have its own specific oil measurements and operation steps that should be followed exactly to ensure safety and proper cooking of your turkey.

Newton Peach Marketing wishes all of you a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday with the ones you care about most. We are proud to call the Winter Haven community our home, and consider each of you a neighbor. It's our pleasure to serve local businesses with the best service possible, and we are thankful for YOU. Happy Thanksgiving!

Halloween at The Office: Making Your Workplace Holiday-Friendly

Halloween is coming up quickly and while employers don't necessarily have to think about their staff trick-or-treating, it is important to be aware of various holidays and how they might be used to boost employee morale. It doesn't take much money or effort to make your office environment festive, or at the very least, make the work day more conducive to your workers' need for family time on these special days. Newton Peach Marketing works with businesses of all kinds, and we've seen some pretty great ideas put into place by employers for various holidays, specifically for Halloween.

Take these tips and tricks to heart, and see what you could incorporate in your own place of business to get the spooky fun started this year:

Office Party. Let's face it, even adults enjoy a good party. While the festive cupcakes and fun treat bags of classroom parties gone by might not be the best way to celebrate anymore, an office party to celebrate fun holidays is definitely not out of the question! Whether you want to go all out with cubicle decorating or costume contests, or have a simple potluck for that day's lunch break, diverting from the usual hum-drum routine of work life with a fun, festive party is a great way to build team spirit among your staff, and have a great time as a group.

Participate in Local Events. From sponsoring a local trunk-or-treat or Fall Festival event, to handing out candy during a citywide trick-or-treating night, your business can make an impact on your community by playing a part in holiday events. This is not only a good way to give back, but it also offers free exposure for your brand, and that means more potential customers or clients for YOU. We call that a win-win.

Alter the Day's Schedule. On some holidays, especially Halloween, parents can experience work/life balance difficulties. Most of the time trick-or-treating kicks off a little before sundown, and for those who don't get off work until 6 or 7, it's nearly impossible to take care of picking up kids from daycare or sitters, getting dinner taken care of, and getting into costumes in time to get candy before night falls and it becomes more dangerous to be out on the streets (not to mention neighborhoods and HOAs with time limits for trick-or-treating). As an employer, you can win some serious points with your staff if you offer an early release from the office that day, or trade off hours with someone who doesn't have children and won't need to participate in the evening's festivities. Flexibility is key. Trust us, if you are understanding and willing to work with them, they'll be more likely to have your back when an unexpected deadline or office issue pops up.

We hope everyone here in Polk County has a safe and enjoyable Halloween this year. We look forward to seeing our local friends and neighbors out and about enjoying the fun, and are already enjoying the fun design work, festive giveaways, and other digital jobs we get to do for our clients at this time of year. Want to know how your business can make holidays work for YOU, and build your brand online by tapping into seasonal content? Call us! Happy Halloween!

Is Florida Ready for Dorian? Some Tips from One Local Business to Another

Tropical storm Dorian is in the process of being upgraded to a hurricane, and experts expect it to strengthen over the weekend and hit Florida sometime on Monday as a potential Category 3 or 4 storm. While it might not be classified as another Irma, none of us have forgotten the blow received by Polk County just shy of two short years ago, with some of us still recovering from physical and financial damage. Now that another storm is headed our direction, we thought it was a great time to throw out a few pointers as you prepare for the storm to make sure you (and your business) are ready! As fellow business owners here in Winter Haven, we make it our goal to ensure that our friends and neighbors are protected in every way possible, including their livelihood and their company.

Remember when preparing your business for a hurricane you should...

Take a "pre-storm" video for your insurance! Do a comprehensive video of your business (inside and out) and your property before the storm hits. Show any major outdoor features (fences, play structures, parking areas, etc.) and if possible, show the preparations taken to protect those items in the storm. For example, if you put up shutters on the windows make sure to show those, take time to film any tie-downs you added to your play structure, and so forth. This video not only serves as proof for making claims, but also means you're more likely to get your claim taken care of easily since it shows you made an effort to protect your business and there will be no question of whether or not the damages (if there are any) could have been prevented.

Stock up on some essentials for your office, no matter the strength of the storm. It doesn't take huge wind gusts to take out power in some parts of Florida, nor does it take a massive storm surge to affect water supply. Even a "minor" hurricane can cause big problems depending on where it hits along the coastline. Having items like clean drinking water, batteries, flashlights, and even a generator (ONLY to be used outside) is key in making sure you can still take care of yourself and your family in the event of losing power and/or water for a period of time. If you keep some of these items on hand in your place of business, you can not only use it as a backup place of respite if your home is damaged, but you can also offer shelter to those in your circle of friends or family who might need assistance after the storm.

Have all of your important papers on hand in case of emergency. If possible, keep important papers related to your business on your person (or close at hand) when a storm is approaching. The deed to your commercial property and/or office, insurance paperwork related to your business, employee records, etc. are all key pieces to have with you following a major storm, especially if your business sustains damages.

Newton Peach Marketing is gearing up for the storm with you, and we as always, we are here for local businesses in and around Polk County. We treat each client like a neighbor because we ARE your neighbor, working and operating here in Central Florida just like you. Good luck to everyone during Dorian!

Are You Ready? Kicking Off The 2019-2020 School Year in Polk County

Polk County begins the 2019-2020 school year on Tuesday, and parents are pulling together last minute supplies from their lists, assembling uniforms, and prepping for another year of lunch packing. The first few weeks of school are foundational, as the routines and habits you set up now can make or break the tone of the year for your kids, and for you! While there is plenty of advice floating around about planners and schedules and how to make sure our children are successful in and out of the classroom, here are some tips for kicking off the school year and setting up for a great year in ways other than organizers and homework plans.

First, remember to schedule down time! You've just come off of summer break, and with the start of the school year also marking the beginning of many extracurricular activities like sports and various lessons, it's easy to overload your schedule quickly and leave you and your children feeling overwhelmed. If every evening and weekend is filled with practices, games, recitals, or classes, you're leaving little time for self-care, which is important for every member of the family. While being active and involved is great, remember to schedule in at least a little bit of downtime for yourself and your kids amongst the busyness. It doesn't have to be much. Even 30 minutes a day of quiet time to regroup, read a book, take a nap, or sit in the sunshine is good for everyone in the family and will go a long way in lowering stress and boosting morale.

Additionally, remember to intentionally connect with your kids. After weeks of your kids being home from school, sending them back to the classroom (and then having them come home with additional hours of homework) means it can feel like you're doing more managing and less parenting. Back to school doesn't have to mean lack of connection with your children. Great ways to connect during the school year are getting up in time to have a simple breakfast together, lunchbox notes or surprises, setting aside evenings for family dinners, or even having a weekly movie night together. Connection looks different for every family, but is important to your kids, so don't forget to make time for it this year!

Finally, make education a family affair. It's no secret that kids who feel supported and encouraged in their education will do better in school and get better results in the classroom. Supporting your kids doesn't have to look like volunteering in their school multiple times each week. For you, it might mean making yourself available for homework questions and signing off on papers each evening after dinner, or providing assistance with a school project over the weekend. In addition to hands-on support with your student(s), developing a relationship with your child's teacher(s) is also a great way to create an environment at home that encourages learning and doing well in school. Many teachers make themselves available through in-person conferences, phone calls, or even emails, and simply checking in on occasion is a good way to let your student know that their teacher AND their parent(s) care about their education and want to see them be successful.

Newton Peach Marketing is proud to support our local Polk County schools, and we are wishing all of the teachers, students, and families a GREAT school year.

Building Your Business Starts with Building a Network: How Referrals Work

If you've followed Newton Peach Marketing for any period of time, know how much we value a referral system, and how we are big supporters of networking when it comes to building businesses of all sizes. When new business owners (or even longtime business owners for that matter) hear the terms "referral" or "networking" though, they could be confused by exactly what those words mean, and how they play into growing a client base and seeing their profits increase. It's important to know that knowing the meaning of the terms matters for sure, but knowing how to implement them in your own business matters just as much, and will be key in seeing maximum growth.

When we mention referrals, we don't just mean a positive review from a previous customer. A referral can be a customer, but it could also be a friend, a fellow business owner, or someone you've met through a specific referral program. Regardless of what your connection with the individual might be, what's important to note is how they help your business through a referral. While a simple Google review is helpful, and will help you build a reputation, a true referral is when an individual specifically connects you with a "hot" lead for a new customer or client. This essentially means they contact the lead and mention your name, give them your contact information (this could be a phone number, Email address, website, or even your business card), and encourage them to utilize your product or service. By using their personal relationship with the person they increase your chances exponentially over a simple cold call. We all know how important word of mouth is when it comes to business, whether finding the best place in town to get a good burger, to the best plumber for a leaking pipe. Referrals are really an "organized" word of mouth process. They help you get the word out about your product or service in a personalized way, and that can be huge in growing your business locally and beyond.

A network is also key in growing your business, and is essentially made up of referrals at its heart, although it goes beyond this. A network, in this context, is a group of people you can count on for continued referrals. This could be something you've just built on your own, or through a club or organized group of business owners, but regardless it's meant to grow on itself and lead to increased referrals over time. Picture it like a tree. You start with a single referral (the "seed" if you will) and that grows into a client for you. That client then refers you to three of their friends and/or fellow business owners (your first branches), which eventually turn into steady customers, and then refer you to several of their friends. Over time, that initial referral and new client turn into countless referrals and/or customers, and that can lead to explosive business growth if it takes off. This is why many business owners invest in clubs or organizations that are based on building networks. Newton Peach Marketing is proud to be part of our local BNI chapter here in Winter Haven. BNI has over 9,000 chapters around the world, and while they are a wonderful option for many businesses, there are plenty of smaller, localized options as well, including your own local Chamber of Commerce.

Regardless of how you choose to go about growing your business with referrals and networking opportunities, we hope you'll look into somehow incorporating the above techniques into your plan for the coming year. We've seen so many clients experience the excitement of growth by simply building a group of referral contacts. We've also seen business owners grow in big ways by taking time to invest in their business and intentionally work on building their brand and getting their name out in the community. Newton Peach Marketing specializes in customizing digital marketing plans for businesses of all sizes, and we tailor everything to your needs, your budget, and what YOU want for your business. How can we help you and become part of your network? Give us a call for more information or to schedule a consultation.

Can Videos Grow Your Business? Why We Are LOVING YouTube for Small Business Marketing

YouTube is, perhaps, one of the most quickly growing platforms in the world of social media and digital marketing, yet many small businesses discredit it as something only for "big companies" and therefore pass it by when developing their plan for business growth and advertisement. However, YouTube actually caters to small businesses, by giving them a chance to reach a much larger audience, connect with potential sponsors or collaboration partners, and build their brand beyond their own community. In addition to the free platform, YouTube now offers a variety of monetization options, meaning you can make profit from your video content!

Here are three reasons why Newton Peach Marketing loves YouTube, and why you should consider it for your own business plan!

1. It's FREE! Did we mention, YouTube is free? That's right, there is no startup fee, no registration cost, or subscription service required to take advantage of YouTube for your business. All you need is a Google My Business account (attached to your gmail) and you are ready to set up a profile on YouTube for your brand and start putting out content so you can connect with your audience faster. Very few platforms that offer the options available with YouTube are free, so we think this is a huge perk.

2. You can make money with your regular content! YouTube works with lots of big brands who want to advertise to the millions of viewers who frequent YouTube each day. What does that mean for businesses like you? Well, YouTube will give you the option of monetizing your business, which means advertisements can be played before, during, or after your video content. Because your video is used to pull in viewers, you get paid for allowing these big brands to advertise. It's basically free money! Note: your viewers are not forced to watch these advertisements. They often have the option of "skipping" the ad after a few seconds, so no worries about tricking your audience into watching ads they didn't ask for.

3. You can get sponsors for your business and your brand! Companies are constantly scanning YouTube for businesses and brands that represent something similar to, or related to, their own product or service. These companies will usually reach out asking if you're interested in reviewing their product or service, and will likely ask you to make a video about said product or service if you liked it during your review. These collaboration or sponsorship videos are a great way to not only meet other names on YouTube, but can also grow your own following (since fans of the other company will likely follow you due to your connection).

Newton Peach Marketing is happy to work with clients who are interested in incorporating YouTube into their advertisement and marketing strategy. We work with you to come up with content ideas, seek out resources for creating that content, and then building and managing your YouTube account for optimum exposure. How can we help you grow YOUR business?

The Package Deal: Social Media Management vs. Posting Alone

Social media is one of the, if not the, top means of advertising your business in today's technology-driven world. Because of this, marketing consultants and firms often advertise social media as one of their services, and when you outsource your marketing to these providers, they typically guarantee X number of posts per week/month on your selected social media platforms. While posting in and of itself is important when building your brand online, it doesn't completely cover your bases in the world of social media. That's why Newton Peach Marketing offers full social media management. 

What's the difference? 

Well, picture your business's social media presence like a retail shop. While it's important that each department run well, if you only focus on one department and ignore the rest, the store just won't work. The same is true of your social media platforms. Posting alone is only one portion of keeping your platforms running. Engaging with followers and commenters, keeping up with messages within each platform and responding in turn, overseeing job postings and applications (if applicable), making sure contact information is kept up to date and current across all platforms, and routinely maintaining visual appeal are all key parts in making sure your social media profiles are representing your business in the best way possible. Newton Peach offers all of this and more. Instead of simply posting for you on a schedule, we place ourselves in your shoes and operate the social platforms on your behalf. This includes engaging your customers and followers in the messages and comments section, changing out content and artwork (profile pictures, cover photos, etc.) with seasonally appropriate options or content of your choosing, routinely updating contact information, and so forth. 

When it comes to the posting itself, we are proud to customize content for each of our clients, including fun designs, a variety of both informative and entertaining verbiage, and linking over important items from your own website and/or blog to improve traffic between your various points of contact online. When you trust Newton Peach Marketing with your social media you are getting the package deal, and can rest assured knowing your business is in good hands. 

Give us a call for a free quote and find out how we can help you grow your business and build your brand! 

Making the Sale: How Realtors Can Use Marketing to Increase Profits

The real estate market is BOOMING! People are flooding into Polk County looking for the perfect location for their home and/or business. Realtors are scrambling just to stay on top of their current sales, let alone putting effort into growing their business further. However, we all know the adage: a business that isn't growing is...dying. Fortunately, that does not have to be you. A strong marketing plan is a strategic way to keep your business growing, and with modern day digital options, your choices are many when it comes to how, when, and where to advertise your real estate business.

At Newton Peach Marketing, we are passionate about helping local businesses in and around the greater Winter Haven area grow to their full potential, and that includes you. If you're a realtor who knows you need to put effort into growing your brand, but don't know where to start, this post is targeted at you. Here are just a few ideas you can jumpstart business growth and establish yourself in the area:

• Use keywords in all online content. Blogs, social media posts, your website, and even miscellaneous posts on real estate platforms will increase your hits online, and will result in more exposure for you. City names in your area where you work, real estate terminology, and even specific area attractions are great to include since they'll get more search hits that directly correlate with your services and your business. In other words, the more times your name gets tagged with these words, the more likely you'll be to come up in search results when people Google things like "great realtors in the Central Florida area" and that means more clients (and profit) for YOU.

• Share posts from the social media pages of area attractions, local restaurants, unique local businesses, etc. Not only does this help "build your brand" of supporting other locals, but it also showcases what your area has to offer and why people would want to buy there. The goal is to make your area look as attractive as possible, because once you get people interested in the region, you can interest them in the various homes or properties that you have for sale through your real estate business.

• Stay engaged and active on your online platforms...especially social media! Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can be huge assets to realtors if you know how to use them properly. These platforms require solid content that's entertaining and concise, eye-catching pictures, and quick response time to offer maximum benefit, but if you're willing to put that effort in, the results can be surprising. You'd be surprised how many current home buyers found the house they're purchasing through an online platform. Be sure that you're including current, featured listings in priority spots on your social media pages, and then SHARE THEM! Making a post shareable (or encouraging people to retweet it) is a nifty way to spread awareness of what you have available and increase your reach.

• Spend money on the photography...it's worth it! Good HDR photos can make or break how many prospective buyers you pick up when marketing your brand online. Hiring a photographer, or investing in a top notch camera and learning how to take professional grade photos yourself, will make it much easier to get the look you want and pick up more buyers with each listing/post/etc.

• Have a pro come in and help with Open House events. You can't be everywhere at once. Having marketing personnel there to help you oversee greeting visitors, making sure materials are in the hands of buyers, and refilling any water coolers, refreshment trays, and so on is a great impression on those who take the time to come to the open house, and frees you up to talk business with seriously interested buyers, or visitors who need a little extra attention from you as the realtor.

• First impressions matter. Materials such as flyers, online ads, posters and signage, etc. need to be well-designed, eye-catching, and consistent to make the best impression on your audience and hopefully draw people in. Quality materials directly reflect your business, and you want to give off the right impression.

Feeling slightly overwhelmed with all that info? We know that all of these tasks and ideas on top of your current workload can seem impossible, and you probably think that hiring in-house marketing or a marketing agency would be out of your budget...but don't jump to conclusions just yet. Newton Peach Marketing offers services tailored to each individual client, meaning we take your needs, your goals, and your budget into consideration when formulating a plan. There are no prepackaged marketing plans here...just one local business trying to help another, with skills and connections we've acquired through our years in the marketing world. Take some time and chat with us about your own unique business, and how you want to promote it to the people in this area. You just might be surprised how we can help you achieve that goal at a price you can afford. We can't wait to work with you and help you make the sale again and again!

Green and Growing: What Newton Peach Marketing Does for Winter Haven Businesses

Spring is here, and many of us are thinking of things green and growing. However, while you are picturing flowering plants and colorful blooms in pots or as part of beautiful landscapes, we are picturing businesses, and the clients we represent. For Newton Peach, green and growing is what we set up as a primary goal for each customer that comes to us requesting assistance with a website, creative solutions for their social media accounts, or even an eye catching piece of print in the form of business cards or flyers for local events. How though, do the words "green" and "growing" tie in to these things?

Well, "green" refers to what we want to see in YOUR hands in the form of increased profits for your business. We aim to bring in more customers for you by targeting your audience in direct ways, and getting your name in front of the very people that need your product or service. We build your online "presence" and brand and over time, this gives people a sense of knowing you and feeling confident in choosing you for their needs. So, while green plants and blossoming flowers are beautiful, the green we want will show up in your wallet.

"Growing" is our main task when it comes to your business. Growing in size, growing in influence, and growing in efficiency and profits (as mentioned above) are just a few of the things we strive to help you do, and by utilizing the techniques mentioned above, and many more, we have seen this happen for businesses throughout the greater Winter Haven area. Clients all over Polk County have let us step in and walk alongside them as they make their mark in our area, and with each one, we are reminded of how much we love cultivating growth, much like gardeners and farmers enjoy the dirt on their hands and the joy that comes with harvesting fresh fruit, vegetables, and flowers throughout the year.

Do you feel like your business is thriving? If not, it might be time for some fresh perspective! Newton Peach Marketing is ready and waiting to help you grow this year. Take that step forward and give us a call!

Show Your Favorite Businesses Just How Much You LOVE Them This Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is all about showing those around you how much you care. Giving gifts, acts of service, or a simple "I love you" to remind someone that they are important to you are all ways we share the love around this holiday. Have you thought about showing your favorite local businesses just how much you appreciate them, and care about their success in the community though? They might not be your first thought when Valentine's Day rolls around, but there are many ways you can show them some love and help boost their presence in the community not just on holidays, and EVERY day. 

How? 

Give them positive reviews. It's easy (and common) to leave a negative review. When we receive goods or services that are less than satisfactory, we want a sense of justice, and often, leaving a scathing review makes us feel somehow validated in our displeasure...and we totally understand that! After all, that's what reviews are for, right? They are the modern day "comments box" for businesses, and they give other potential customers insight into what they can expect from a particular business or brand. How often do you leave a positive review though? Taking those extra few minutes of your time to leave a review letting a business owner know how much you were impressed by their product, their service, or even their staff is a great way to show them some love, and send other customers their way. 

Make them your first choice. How often do we say we like a local business, but the first time a shopping need comes up, whether for a gift, a home service, or simply something for your home, you jet off to the big box store down the street simply because it's convenient? Taking the extra time and effort to utilize local small businesses as your first shopping choice not only makes them feel loved, but makes them successful, and that benefits everyone in the community. Cities where businesses are growing and thriving have better economies, and higher employment rates. What's not to LOVE about that? 

Refer your friends. Word of mouth is a key way to grow small, local businesses, and any marketing expert will tell businesses owners how vital it is to get people talking about their brand and name within the community. A business card, a social media post, or even a booth at a downtown fair or market are definitely key points in growing a business and brand, but even those who visit the booth, see the Facebook ad, or receive a business card might not follow through and become a patron unless a friend or family member can personally attest to the quality of the goods or services offered. That's where YOU come in. If you love a local business, tell people about it! Share their posts on Facebook and throw in a personal reference for your contacts. Did someone comment on that great piece of jewelry you're wearing from a local boutique, or ask you how you've landscaped your yard so beautifully for the upcoming spring season? It's ok to name drop! Spreading the names of small businesses will help them immensely, and will ensure that your treasured goods and services that they offer will be around for years to come. 

Newton Peach Marketing is committed to making sure our local businesses in and around the Winter Haven area thrive and grow. By customizing plans for each individual client we ensure quality services at a price they can afford. When you put your business growth in our hands, you are given the freedom to pay only for what you need, and nothing more, unlike pre-determined packages with larger marketing firms. That means you're left with more money to invest back into your business, allowing you to continue to expand...and nothing makes us happier than seeing you succeed. Interested in what we can do for you? There's a simple two step process: give us a call, and tell us how you want to grow in 2019. We do the rest! 

New Year, New Plan: Top 3 Resolutions for Marketing YOUR Business in 2019

We are officially through the first week of 2019, and with a new year come new resolutions for a better “us." Health and wellness goals, a better self-care regimen, or even something as simple as finally tackling that unorganized closet in your bedroom of stuck on Post-Its, written in planners, or otherwise noted to remind you of what you’d like to accomplish throughout this coming year. As a business owner though, have you thought about how those resolutions could pertain to your company? 

Having specific goals and annual aspirations for your business are a huge part of not only keeping vision within your staff, but are also key to growing your business in the long term. We’ve all heard the saying “if your business isn’t growing, it’s dying”, which is why setting quantifiable and attainable goals for your business is a great way to kick off each new year. 

Not sure where to start? How about these: 

1.    Improve your marketing strategy. Perhaps you’re doing absolutely nothing to market your business currently, or maybe you have a budget that allows for multiple marketing platforms, but whatever you are (or aren’t) doing, we can guarantee there’s a way for you to improve upon it. Ideas can include upgrading your website, investing in social media content and engagement, participating in community events, or even purchasing fresh business cards for 2019. Basically, take what you’re already doing, and try to choose at least 3 additional things you could do to reach more people on behalf of your brand. Already have a website? Try a quarterly email newsletter to go along with it! Updating your Facebook page monthly? Weekly is best, and adding Twitter, Instagram, or even LinkedIn to the mix is even better. Just make it a goal to do something to improve your marketing strategy this year. 

2.    Do a website review. Your website is the face of your business in the online world, and a poorly done one will leave a bad impression of your business and will lead to losing customers over time. Take time this new year to look closely at your existing website, and note changes that could make it more user-friendly, visually appealing, and streamlined. For even more perspective, ask friends and family to offer feedback as well with fresh eyes and new ideas. 

3.    Implement a customer feedback policy. No one knows how to improve your business, or how to encourage you with what you’re doing right, than your own customers. Implementing a customer feedback policy this year will give you valuable insight to what customers are happy with, what they’d like more of, and which things weren’t their favorite. Feedback can be done by way of reviews through pages such as Facebook or Google Business, they can be done through email newsletters, through your website, or even in person with a pen and paper system if you prefer. Just giving your customers the opportunity to give their opinion on the products and services you offer makes them feel like they matter, and that will keep them coming back for more. 

If the ideas above seem great, but overwhelm you, we have a secret…

You can meet your resolutions without having to do any of these things yourself. 

Surprised? It’s simple! Newton Peach Marketing provides all of these services and more to clients throughout the Winter Haven area and beyond. We are happy to serve clients from long-distance, without sacrificing customized and personal service and regular communication. Local clients trust us to manage all of their business marketing needs, because OUR resolution is to see your business be the best it can be in 2019. Give us a call and see how we can help you grow! 

Spreading Christmas Cheer in The Workplace

The Christmas countdown is on, and with just a few short weeks until the big day, businesses are in the rush to wrap up unfinished tasks and to finish the year strong. Unfortunately, this can often lead to a feeling of hurriedness and stress, and will suck the Christmas cheer right out of your office. Not only is this not a pleasant environment for you as the business owner, but it also decreases staff morale and does nothing to boost spirits in the workplace. Just like your home, your child's school, your neighborhood, and even our own downtown Winter Haven have been bustling with holiday cheer through decorations, concerts, parties, and other means of celebration, your work environment can reflect the fun of the season without sacrificing efficiency and/or productivity.

How?

Try a few of these ideas to bring the spirit of Christmas to your office this year:

• Staff Christmas party. The themes are endless, from Ugly Christmas Sweater parties to a white elephant gift exchange. A party doesn't have to be expensive! Ask each staff member to bring a treat to share, provide some coffee or drinks, and let the fun begin. Plan the party around everyone's lunch break, or specifically lay aside an hour during the regular work day to enjoy the party and to let your staff enjoy it too. Can't make a party happen during the day? An evening party works as well. Ask everyone to bring a heavy "snack" (finger foods work best) and/or a treat, and gather for an evening of socializing and celebrating the season.

• Encourage giving. Christmas is about giving to others and finding joy in it, so what better way to spread cheer in your workplace than by offering an easy opportunity for everyone to give? This could be giving within your own workplace through something like a "Secret Santa" matchup between employees, adopting a local child or local family who can't afford a holiday celebration, or even choosing a local charity as a group and bringing in donations (specific items, gift cards, or even cash) that can be delivered as a group. No matter how you choose to give, there's no greater joy than bringing a smile to someone else at Christmas.

• Competition! Everyone loves a good (friendly) competition. Plan a gingerbread contest and dividing staff into "teams" that can compete for a simple prize, or have a "cubicle decorating contest" that allows each employee to display their own unique creativity. Friendly Christmas competitions build team spirit within your workplace, and celebrate the holidays at the same time!

No matter how you celebrate the season with your staff, we hope the season brings you peace, happiness, and all the things you love. We wish you growth in the new year, and success in your business endeavors, and are here and ready to help if you want to break out of the mold and try something new for your business this year. Outsourcing your social media marketing is a great way to reach a new audience and establish your brand, and it's a wonderful way to make your business known in your own community and beyond. Newton Peach Marketing offers customized social media content for each individual client, in addition to blogs, graphic design, unique marketing materials, and anything else you need to make your business the best it can be.

Merry Christmas from Newton Peach!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year...for Bloggers

Blogging is a huge part of the marketing world, and really, for the world in general with today's technology and social media involvement. Whether you utilize a traditional "diary" style blog to document your own personal life, have a sponsored blog with lots of paid content, or choose the more tech-savvy video blog, known as a "vlog,” producing content that your followers want to read and/or see is key in building an audience and creating your brand. This is true for businesses even more so than individuals, since an audience leads to customers, and increased customer base means more profit for you over time. 

When it comes to blogging, coming up with relevant content that is creative enough to capture the attention of internet-goers can be hard. That is, until the holiday season rolls around. From October, with its bursts of pumpkins and Fall and Halloween fun, to Thanksgiving in November, and well into Christmas and New Years, coming up with trendy content that ties in with your business and your market becomes much easier when you have the plentiful topics surrounding these holidays and seasons. There are a few important things to keep in mind when using holiday and seasonal topics for your blog...

• Remember your keywords! Search online, and you'll quickly be able to come up with a list of popular keywords (and hashtags) that tie in with various holidays and seasons. Tying these into your blog posts and social media content is a great way to make sure your content is found during searches.

• Make it relevant. Anyone can write a post about safety tips for Halloween, or how to pick the perfect gift for your loved one at Christmas, but you don't want to be just anyone. Knowing how to spin these topics into a post that also weaves your business and your goods/services into the content is vital in making your blog appear professional and unique. So, for example, a local orthodontist could write about the safest candies for braces-wearers, or a local retail store could offer insight into the 5 hottest items flying off their shelves around Christmas and why they'd be perfect for your family. Knowing how to put these pieces together and form them into a marketing work of art is a huge part of becoming a "blogger" on a higher level. 

• A catchy title matters! The title is essentially how your blog "puts its best foot forward" for readers. Something catchy and fun, or informative and full of relevant keywords, is a great way to pull in an audience and lure them into the rest of the content. 

We know that blogging for your business can be intimidating, especially since your schedule is busy running the business itself. That's why Newton Peach Marketing offers blogging services. We customize content for each individual client, using the tricks above to make sure you are seen, your brand is developed, and potential customers connect with you. Whether you're simply looking for routine blogging services, or a full-scale marketing plan to include your social media, printed materials, and more, Newton Peach Marketing is the #1 choice for small businesses. Call us and see how we can help you build a better brand. 

Neighbors Know No Distance: Supporting Those Preparing for Hurricane Florence

Just a year ago, Hurricane Irma pounded the entire state of Florida with powerful winds, heavy rains that resulted in flooding, and major damage to homes and businesses alike. While much of our state has recovered, or are in the process of recovering, we are no stranger to the catastrophic impact of a hurricane on daily life of residents in the path of the storm. In our time of need, states surrounding us offered a helping hand and support, whether it be countless linemen that gave their time and efforts to restore our power more quickly, relief organizations that sent food, water,r and clothing, or simply friends and neighbors out of state that offered a place of refuge for those who chose to evacuate. Now, Hurricane Florence is threatening our neighbors to the north, and we have a chance to pay back some of the kindness shown to us last year. So, how can we help those preparing to go through a storm of this magnitude?

First, a friendly word of encouragement and some advice based from experience can go a long way. If you have friends or family who have never ridden out a storm like this before, let them know they'll likely be ok, and offer some pointers on preparing. No one knows hurricanes like Floridians! Tips like stocking up on more water than you think you'll need, non perishable food items, flashlights and batteries, etc. as well as charging all devices ahead of the storm are very helpful for those who have never had to do anything like this in the past. Additionally, your advice could help them get ahead of the game and purchase their supplies before the stores are overrun and shelves empty out. Offer a listening ear if they're feeling anxious, and give insight on ways they can best feel prepared and ready for Florence to come into town.

If you have the means, offering your own home as a place of safety is often appreciated. Many people haven't budget for multiple days in a hotel, and if you pair that with the gas money needed to travel, they might be tempted to ride out the storm even if in an unsafe location. By offering your home, you take away the financial obligation of evacuating, meaning they're free to make the safest choice, not just the most affordable. For those of us here in Central Florida, we are (for once) a safe distance from the storm's impact, which means many locals could offer this gesture of kindness. 

Donate and volunteer. If you can, volunteer with local relief agencies in your area to pack trucks with water and other needed supplies. These organizations often go in after the storm to help with recovery efforts and to assist those who are running out of supplies and are unable to get more. In addition to your time, donating monetary gifts, or donating actual supplies like cases of water, canned goods, diapers, etc. go a long way in helping them help other people. In Winter Haven, Lakeland, and surrounding towns, call your favorite local missions, churches, and relief organizations and find out if they have plans in place to offer support before and/or after the storm. If not, you could be the catalyst that starts a drive for needed items in our community! 

Finally, practice kindness. While we might not be preparing for the storm this time around, we remember well the stress and anxiety that come along with a hurricane of this magnitude. Instead of getting frustrated by heavy traffic caused by people feeling the storm, take a minute to let some people in front of you on the highway. When you're tempted to complain that your store is out of a particular item because the excess was shipped up north, instead be thankful that your home and community isn't threatened this time around. There is always a way to practice kindness, and that is perhaps the most important thing you can remember during any type of crisis. 

Newton Peach Marketing is proud to be a small business in the heart of Winter Haven, and we believe in supporting our neighbors, our community, and other local companies and brands. We are trusted by locals because we are locals. As a marketing company based in Florida where severe weather is commonplace at certain times of the year, we have an extra dose of compassion for those preparing for Florence in the coming hours and days. Good luck to our friends and neighbors up North! You are in our thoughts and prayers. 

Social Skills: Maximizing Your Social Media Posts for Your Business

Social media is a huge part of marketing your business and building your brand both on the internet as a whole, and within your own community. However, if you're unfamiliar with utilizing social media for anything more than sharing cute pictures of your kids and pets with friends and family, or keeping up with sports or local news, it's intimidating when you're faced with insights about reach and post visibility, creating ads on social media, etc. Even creating basic posts can seem difficult since your content has to represent your business, not just you as a person. So, where should you begin? 

Newton Peach Marketing has a few key strategies to help you make the most of your social media posts, and some ways to use different options within various platforms to grow your business without ever leaving the comfort of your office. 

Get engaged! 

Social media post engagement is a huge part of increasing your presence online. When people comment on, share, or like your post, it shows up on hundreds of other newsfeeds connected to those friends. Think of it as free advertisement! The trick is figuring out how to encourage people to engage with your post. Humorous content that's relevant to your business or field of work, such as a joke or a cartoon, is known for getting lots of interaction, as people enjoy a good chuckle as they're scrolling through countless posts about sports, news, politics, and their cousin's best-friend's wedding photos. Pro tip: include images with your posts as much as possible. Posts with images get almost 3x as many likes as those without. 

Give back. 

Hosting giveaways is a great way to add page likes, gain shares and comments on your posts, and make a name for yourself within the community. It doesn't have to be major! While some businesses give away large-scale items like a cruise or a smartphone, something as simple as a gift card to a coffee shop or token-sized gift is enough to make people perk up and look at your post. Make the giveaway visually appealing by advertising it with clever wording, "advertisements" about the prize, etc. It's a very effective way to share about your business across multiple platforms! 

Link up. 

Linking over your blog, your website, relevant content from other businesses, etc. is a great way to offer some variety to your social media platforms, and get web traffic for your business site. While you can over-do this (don't completely forgo custom content for linking over third-party ideas), occasionally including a link to something interesting or important is a good idea for any business. 

If you're tired of trying to keep up with the demand of managing your social media, creating content for your various online platforms, and relaying to hours of comments, messages, and inquiries, Newton Peach Marketing is the help you've been looking for. We not only offer social media set up and management for businesses of all sizes, but we can take over your existing pages and pick up where you left off. We handle Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and more. You can feel confident with your place your business in our hands. Give us a call and see what we can do for you.