Thursday, April 30, 2020

BBA Website Stats - First Third of Year for 2020


Some Local Area Business Statistics in the Age of Covid-19


Chart 1: BBA Website Impression First 1/3 of the Year 2020

In the first third (January through April) of the year 2020 the BBA website had over 1000 visitors (impressions.) Both the Bluffs Wine Walk and Events web pages had nearly 250 interested visitors. The Links web page (where member's ads are placed) 135.
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Chart 2: BBA Website Impressions for April of 2020

Impressions for just April were 128 (Home), 44 (Blog), and 23 (for both Links & Schedule.)
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Chart 3: BBA Bluffs Wine Walk - Facebook Ad Responses - Within 1st Qtr 2020 

The Bluffs Wine Walk Facebook ad responses were 6,376 and still climbing before the event was canceled. BWW Facebook events page reached 408 interested fans with several contributes.
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Chart 4: BBA Website Referring Pages for April of 2020

Referring pages for the month of April toppled 57 for the Home page and 14 from both Facebook and Links.
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BBA members to get your business story, for free, on the BBA website's blog and Facebook fan page send your content with media (images or video) to Gary, the eServices Director. To purchase a business card ad go to https://www.bluffsbusinessassociation.com/links - May Phase 1 of Florida's Coronavirus reopen status be beneficial to your business. Enjoy the success and stay safe by social distancing.

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Thursday, April 23, 2020

Belleair Bluffs Local Merchants and Professional Services with a Plan

Belleair Bluffs landmark

Notes for the Zoom online meeting conducted by Creative Design Team and JK Flowers & Gifts. Thanks, Marya and Karen.

Lisa from Janna's Consignment is working on selling on Posh Mark and Instagram. We thought it might be fun to have a daily changing mannequin video and in her window with prices and inspiration quotes. Click/tap on www.facebook.com/jfconsigner to enjoy the fun.

Julie from Rodan and Fields is doing Facebook videos on her products and how they help us stay safe so check her out at Julie's Journey to great skin. Click/tap on www.facebook.com/Julierodanandfields/ for the link.

Mary McManus Taylor from McManus & McManus is helping with estate planning by video conference. Be on the lookout for video webinars from them. They can also help with getting estate paperwork to the correct people in charge if someone is hospitalized. Go to www.mcmanusestateplanning.com for further developments.

Tammy from Island Pest Control is doing outside perimeter pest car. Is looking for word of mouth referrals. Has an ad/flyer coming out with Bob Griffin ‘Neighborhood’ paper so be on the lookout for that. Click/tap for Yelp reviews.

Bonnie from the Tampa Bay newspaper website has blown up to 1.5 million hits over the last 30 days. They are running an online ad special for $169.00 for 30 days they create the ad. They also have ads to help restaurants to promote their takeout www.tbnweekly.com reach out to Bonnie if you have questions or want to place an ad. Contact Bonnie’s email.

Martha Matthews Vasquez of EXP Reality has set up a Bluffs website to help promote us all, check out www.parkbench.com/belleair-bluffs. She is also producing a video tour of all her open houses.
Patty Ruppel from St. Patrick’s Church mentioned that they are running low on donations. They had to cancel all their spring fun raising events. They are looking for a suggestion for carnival ride companies for the fall. We also thought about some ideas to help raise money sooner by doing an outside concert event where people can listen in their car. Or a possible drive-in movie. If anyone knows someone who has access to the large outdoor movie screens please email Patty.

Marya from Creative Design Team is working on Videos on Facebook and Instagram. Call her office to ask about the designs. She is also plugging the Buffs businesses on these videos. We can help her by logging on to Facebook and share the video on our pages as a watch party so our friends and family can watch her video posts. I did it last week and she gave some fun and unique tips. She will let us know the day and time of the next one.

Ahmed from Sea Coast Bank - He and his team are offering financial advice and coaching. They are also available to help with the PPP Loans. Right now they are working with their banking businesses but will be open to working with the non-banking businesses as well. Give the branch a call 727-373-3988. Branch location.

Karen 'JK Flowers & Gifts' is working on social media reviews (and asking clients to do so too.) She is sending out email marketing and trying to think of less expensive flower arrangements for our clients in these tough times. JK Flowers is open for phone orders and contactless deliveries. BBA members get free delivery to the local area. Remember Mother's Day is coming Sunday, May 10th. Yelp, and Facebook, NextDoor, links.

Gary from Design For Communication is here to help with your social media and website. If you want to write a blog for the BBA website he will post it and promote it to Facebook as well. If you have not taken a business card ad on the BBA website, Links web page, it is only $25.00 and it gets linked back to your website or other destination. He is also selling Jethro Tull App and Week-of-Rock masks where his company, Fustino Brothers, Inc., is donating money back to WHO (World Health Organization – Global Citizen – Act.me) with $1.00 of the purchase price being matched by FBI Apps. Go to the online store.

Other BBA member's links are available in an email sent out by Karen on 03/22/2020.

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Friday, April 17, 2020

Digital Marketing

digital marketing

Bonnie Trembulak found some great tips on how businesses can use online advertising in creative new ways. Most of us stuck at home are glued to our computers and digital devices so now's the perfect time for you to ramp up your online presence. Thanks, Bonnie.

  • Antique or Resale Shops: Share a video or blog about how to upcycle or refinish your home goods. People are stuck at home and many aren’t working right now so they may be looking for a fun project to take on.  
  • Bakeries & Dessert Shops: Birthday, anniversaries, and the like are still taking place, even when people are at home. As such, people might even be willing to go a little heavier on specialty type desserts in order to compensate for the lack of availability of friends and family. Emphasize curbside pickup and delivery to let people know that you are still open and ready to celebrate. Use the online ad to direct readers to colorful pictures and designs of your desserts. Another idea would be to share client pics of celebrations done while at the home.
  • Banks & Financial Advisors: With so many individuals out of work, it’s important that you share information on things people can do to help save money or access it in an emergency. Use your ad to link their branded articles on budgeting, online banking capabilities, and saving for retirement during a recession Another option would be to offer online Q&A sessions for a specific date and time where you could showcase your expertise and products.
  • Hair Salons: Directing ads to discounts on gift cards will ensure that people will utilize them as soon as possible. You could also have ads point to content on keeping hair and skin healthy while at home.
  • Chiropractors: Ads that direct to tips and suggests staying back/posture healthy while working from home. 
  • Dentists: Branding ads that let people know that you are open for services and emergencies is key. Also posting content on your site that goes over proper oral hygiene while at home for both adults and kids.
  • Pet Groomers: Ads that both brand and direct to fun pics of groomed pets would generate interest. Hosting a photo contest would also potentially generate some attention while temporarily closed.
  • Attorneys: Ads that offer online consultations or video chats would be most useful.  Legal topics like estate planning are most prevalent now due to some feeling morbid about the pandemic.
  • Massage Therapy: Another push for gift cards so that people are locked into future business. Make sure you are offering discounts on gift cards to promote them effectively.
  • Real Estate: This is a great time for agents to build their brands within the community.  Ads that direct to content like home staging, renovations that improve home value, or virtual tours of homes would help to establish your expertise. Offering online video sessions could set up your pipelines for future listings.
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Friday, April 3, 2020

BBA Member News Bi-Weekly Update - April 3, 2020


Cardworks is available virtually or by one on one appointments to help answer any and all questions regarding merchant services. Your merchant service program is one of the quickest ways to cut costs, especially at this time. We are happy to give advice and guidance on how to keep your business moving efficiently. Ask us about contactless payments! Ashley Joustra Cardworks Merchant Services 

Richard’s Foodporium is still open Mon-Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 11am–5pm. Vitamins, Supplements, Grocery & Snacks. Our sister store Bulk Nation Foods is also open 10am–5pm Mondy-Sunday and offers delivery/pickup through GrubHub (link.) As a food service, we are regularly sanitizing all of our store’s areas and able to provide a low-stress store with a limit of 10 persons in our store at a time.

Melendy Real Estate is open for business. I am available to meet at the office by appointment. I am available by phone and email seven days a week as always. I am happy to list or show property with a virtual tour. Please call me directly, Susan Melendy 727-657-8912 or melendyrealestate@gmail.com

McManus & McManus, P.A  - We are operating at normal business hours and by special appointment Monday–Friday 9:00–5:00. Our lobby hours may be restricted in order to comply with CDC guidelines, during appointment times. To help us keep our clients and our staff healthy, calling ahead is encouraged and notaries are available by appointment only.   Servicing our existing and new clients and their estate planning, real estate and settlement needs. This is an important time to review your plans and update them if needed. Conferences can be scheduled by video or in person, by special appointment. Our monthly workshops have been temporarily postponed until they can be brought online. We appreciate the support our BBA members have given in sharing the good word about our weekend workshops. We look forward to bringing you something new soon!

 Weisner Insurance Network- We are open regular business hours M–F 9am–5pm, by phone at 727-530-3006 and email only! We are not seeing clients in our office at this time!

DESIGN FOR COMMUNICATION - For BBA members Gary Fustino will post bi-weekly your announcements or stories relating to Covid-19 on the BBA calendar and the BBA Blog. Send an email with the details and attachments (files/images/media) to admin@BluffsBusinessAssociation.com otherwise complete the short form at either: https://www.bluffsbusinessassociation.com/schedule or https://www.bluffsbusinessassociation.com/calendar - stay safe - practice social distancing.

Serenity Gardens Memorial Park Serenity Funeral Home. We are open for business from 9am to 5pm and by virtual appointment any time for pre-need questions. Everyone at Serenity is committed to serving our community. We have the capability to do virtual arrangements for funeral and cemetery ahead of time as well as meet with families when there is a death. We also offer Facebook Live and Zoom services. For those who prefer in-person meetings, we will be happy to meet. All we need to do is ask a few screening questions first to protect the families and ourselves. Margaret Faulkner, Family Service Advisor & Preplanning Specialist. Margaret.Faulkner@DignityMemorial.com. office 727.562.2080, 727.595.2914. www.DignityMemorial.com
Businesses can post deals, etc at https://parkbench.com/belleair-bluffsThis site is managed by Martha Matthews Vasquez eXp Realty, LLC. This site has not been active but getting it back up now. Send her photos & she will include them. Setting up interviews by phone or virtual meetings. 727.244.9404 Martha@MarthaVasquez.com

Radiance Medspa has currently suspended services but has a fully stocked online retail store with FREE SHIPPING for anyone who wants to purchase skincare products from the comfort of their home! Product lines include SkinMedica, iS Clinical,  PCA, Latisse, and EltaMD. There has never been a better time to start a good skincare regimen! Visit the online shopping cart at radiancemedspa.com/shop.    

Engel & Volkers Belleair - The office is open 9 a.m–12 p.m. Monday–Friday. 727-461-1000. Our Advisors are working and practicing all social distancing and sanitizing guidelines for all showings. Our website is belleair.evrealestate.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram @evbelleair for new listings!

Suzette's Too is currently closed but taking appointments at 727.481.7157. Also current items available for free shipping/delivery or pick up on our new website www.suzettestoo.com and Facebook page.

BELLA VINO WINE MARKET is open Monday - Saturday 10:00–7:00. NOW OPEN Sundays also 11:00–3:00 Our wine bar is closed. We adhere to all CDC guidelines for in-store shopping. We are offering Delivery, Curbside pick-up, and shipping (you may call ahead 727-584-5552). Wine, Beer, Artisan Cheeses & Meats, Cigars, Gift Baskets, Gourmet Foods and more! Lowest wine prices in town!

Edward Jones Investments - The branch is not open to the public, however, I am doing web-ex appointments and phone calls. Feel free to call me, I am available by phone @ 727-581-3583, 8:30am–5:00pm.

F45 Training Largo East: We're offering a $59/mo At Home Membership that includes 1:1 support (phone, text, video chat) from your assigned certified personal trainer, daily LIVE and recorded workouts, resources for managing stress, and a party when we all get back in the studio! Call Justin at 727-362-6408 to get started.

Tricia Priest Coldwell Banker Realty is open and doing business. Call or text Tricia 24/7 at 727-612-6277

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 BBA Mark Your Calendars - End of September–October 2020 Wednesday, September 23, 2020 - 10:00AM Walk-of-the-Town - FL Botanical Gardens Fri...