Fall 2023 Beacon

Planning Ahead: Marketing in 2024

Welcome to a valuable resource dedicated to Accredited Businesses like yours, offering unique insights into marketing strategies for 2024. On each page, you’ll discover best practices and tips to bolster your brand using resources and opportunities exclusive to BBB Accredited Businesses.

Marketing is an ever-evolving asset to your business, and it’s important to stay up-to-date on current trends and strategies. Your BBB crafted a useful checklist to guide you through your marketing planning for you to stay on top of your game in 2024.

Prioritize Video Marketing

Video marketing is continuing to grow in popularity. Use video to showcase your products or services, create engaging content, and improve your search engine rankings. You can showcase up to three videos on your BBB profile.

Utilize Artificial Intelligence

AI is becoming increasingly popular in marketing strategies. Consider incorporating AI into your marketing efforts to personalize customer experiences, improve targeting, and automate routine tasks.

Emphasize Personalization

Personalization will continue to be a key trend in 2024. Use customer data to tailor your marketing efforts to individual preferences and behaviors.

Focus on Voice Search Optimization

With the rise of smart speakers and voice assistants, optimizing your content for voice searches will be crucial in 2024. Ensure your website and content are optimized for voice search queries. BBB’s Directory Listings are optimized for voice searches.

Invest in Influencer Marketing

Influencer marketing is becoming increasingly important, especially for reaching younger audiences. Consider partnering with influencers who align with your brand values and target audience. Explore opportunities to partner with BBB, an authoritative resource with a deep local audience of your customers.

Measure & Analyze Results

Finally, ensure you’re measuring and analyzing the results of your marketing efforts. Use data to optimize your strategies and improve your ROI.

On each page in this edition you’ll discover marketing best practices and tips to build your brand through BBB resources and opportunities in 2024.

BBB: Your 2024 Marketing Partner for Success On a Budget

Marketing is crucial to stay ahead in a competitive, ever-evolving landscape. Well-planned efforts build brand awareness, generate leads, and boost sales.

Effective marketing will be essential to differentiate your brand from others and attract and retain customers. And BBB is your cost-effective marketing ally offering impactful ways to reach your ideal customer.

• Ethical Advertising: Reach engaged consumers who value ethical practices.

• Credibility: Display your Accredited Business Seal, increasing trust and loyalty.

• Local Presence: Establish a strong community presence by building brand recognition and customer connections.

• Budget-Friendly Services: Access affordable graphic design and marketing.

• Wide Reach: Our TV ads cover the Columbus Metro area and beyond. Our Ads reach

Marketing on a Budget

Your BBB works with nearly 5,000 Accredited Businesses annually to grow their businesses on a budget. To celebrate and showcase that you are the Sign of a Better Business, we offer budgetfriendly marketing opportunities exclusively to our Accredited Businesses. We will even provide design services for you!

TV Campaign

Feature your Accredited Business in our BBB TV Commercials. That airs on major networks across Central Ohio. Strategically select when you’d like to participate, the network your 30-second commercials airs on, and the ad quantity. Your BBB Staff handles all the production!

Digital Billboards

Increase your local visibility with BBB’s digital billboard campaign. BBB teams with LAMAR for the opportunity to boost your exposure while showcasing your Accreditation. You’re sure to be seen with your individual billboard message rotating throughout Central Ohio!

Logo & Video

Add your logo to our BBB.org Directory Pages which will to accompany your organic listing when consumers find you on BBB.org. Also available a custom video that promotes your BBB Accreditation that you can use anywhere from your website to social media!

BBB.org Directory Ads

Directory ads puts you at the forefront when a consumer searches our BBB Directory for your products and services, linking them directly to your BBB Business Profile! These ads include your logo, contact information, BBB Accreditation status, letter rating and access for consumers to “Get a Quote”! Select specific search results (business categories and counties you service) where your business will be displayed.

BBB.org Banner Ads

Banner ads offer more customized design including your logo, contact information, and services. Link to your Business Profile Page or your website. Select specific search results (business categories and counties you service) where your business will be displayed. Design your own banner ad or let our staff handle it for you!

TV reach the Columbus area and beyond

Customer Reviews and Relationship Building

Growing Your Brand through Customer Reviews

Customer reviews will be vital for marketing success in 2024. BrightLocal reports that 87% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses, with this number expected to rise. Positive reviews build trust (72%) and carry as much weight as personal recommendations (88%).

These numbers emphasize how vital consumer reviews are for trust and credibility, and prioritizing them can lead to increased success.

BBB makes it easy for you to gain legitimate and verified reviews. Leverage Review Solutions - its a free app that makes asking for and collecting reviews simple and quick.

Your Business’s Online Reputation: What’s the Message?

Your online reputation carries significant weight, with BBB reviews ranking as the most trusted source (BrightLocal’s Local Consumer Survey 2022). In 2024, businesses should prioritize earning and responding to reviews because:

• 99% of consumers used the internet last year to find a business

• 99% of consumers used the internet to find a business.

• 98% checked reviews.

• 74% reviewed a local business last year.

• Star ratings and your replies sway consumers.

BBB Makes Managing Reviews

Easy

Get the FREE APP!

Discover the BBB-backed Review Solution app—a hassle-free way to collect impactful reviews. It sends consumers a simple text with a link, so they can effortlessly share their experiences without barriers. Don’t chase reviews; learn about Review Solutions now and boost your business!

Have Reviews? Now What?

Responding to Reviews Supports Your Marketing Efforts

Surprisingly, 75% of businesses overlook customer reviews. Positive reviews are a testament to your hard work and dedication, while addressing negative feedback is equally crucial to protecting your reputation. Consumers expect swift responses to complaints, and if you get it right, approximately 83% become more loyal to your business. A well-crafted response is your opportunity to enhance your impact by engaging with integrity and ethics.

Create Lasting Community Impact

Sponsoring non-profit and community events isn’t just a feel-good move; by teaming up with organizations like your BBB, companies get a chance to showcase their caring side while reaping tangible business benefits. It’s a smart marketing strategy that can enhance a company’s image, make valuable business connections, and attract quality talent.

Business Benefits of Sponsoring Charity and Community Events

Improved Brand Reputation

People love companies that give back, and studies back this up. Researchers in the Journal of Business Ethics found that companies consciously giving back are seen as socially responsible, instantly giving them a reputation boost that makes them stand out in a crowded market.

Businesses can readily show their commitment to social responsibility, gain customer loyalty, and improve brand recognition. Sponsoring trust-worthy business practices programs like Better Business Bureau’s Center for Character Ethics programs helps businesses build trust with their customers and connect with other businesses that share their values.

Increased Brand Awareness

Supporting a charitable cause also has a significant impact on a company’s reputation and bottom line. Nearly 90% of consumers are willing to switch brands if a company supports a cause they care about (Cone Communications 2017 study).

Attraction of Talented Employees

Community-impacting sponsorships can also help businesses attract and retain talented employees. According to a report by Deloitte, 70% of millennials consider a company’s commitment to social responsibility when deciding where to work. So, sponsoring community events isn’t just a win for the business; it’s a high-five for the whole crew!

There’s a way ANY SIZE business can participate affordably!

Elevate Excellence: Empower Today’s Trusted Businesses and Tomorrow’s Leaders

By becoming a sponsor in one or more of these esteemed initiatives, your business not only gains valuable exposure but also becomes a catalyst for positive change. Elevate your brand’s reputation, engage with emerging leaders, and leave an indelible mark on our community’s future.

2024 BBB  Sponsorship Opportunities: Students of Integrity Scholarship

At the heart of our mission lies a commitment to fostering character, integrity, and leadership in the next generation. Since 2002, the Students of Integrity scholarship has stood as a beacon of recognition for exceptional high school seniors within our 21-county service area. These students embody the very essence of integrity, blending academic achievements with community service and personal excellence.

As the 2024 Students of Integrity scholarship sponsor, your business can play an instrumental role in shaping the educational paths of ten deserving students. With a $12,000 sponsorship, you will provide each recipient with a $1,000 college scholarship, cover event tickets for recipients, parents, and school representatives, and commemorate their achievements with personalized plaques.

Sponsorship Opportunity: Scholarship Sponsor (Exclusive Title Sponsorship): Stand out as the event’s premier supporter, enjoying prominent logo placement, event tickets, and high-visibility branding across platforms.

Toast to Trusted Leaders

Supporting our Center for Character Ethics Programs means contributing to a community of trustworthy organizations. By sponsoring the 2024 Torch Awards for Ethics and the 2024 Spark Awards, you encourage and celebrate organization that embody the values of ethics, honesty, and authenticity.

Through the Torch Awards for Ethics, your sponsorship highlights local companies that exemplify a commitment to ethical practices. And the Spark Awards recognizes young business owners who lead with character and integrity, making a positive impact on their communities.

Sponsorship Opportunities:

Premier Event Sponsor (Exclusive)

Ethics Sponsor (Exclusive)

Trust Sponsor (Exclusive)

Leadership Sponsor (Exclusive)

Toast Sponsor

Laws of Life Essay Contest

Contribute to the character development of Ohio’s youth by sponsoring the Laws of Life Essay Contest. This Center for Character Ethics initiative challenges students in grades 6-8 to reflect on life principles that guides their behaviors and choices.

By joining as a sponsor, you encourage young writers to explore their values, fostering empathy and self-discovery. The contest integrates seamlessly into school curricula, aligns with state and national literacy standards, and hones critical writing skills essential for their journey ahead.

Sponsorship Opportunities:

Premier Event Sponsor (Exclusive Sponsorship)

Leadership Sponsor (Exclusive Sponsorship)

Character Sponsor

Together, let’s empower the leaders of tomorrow and build a better future.

WELCOME NEW BUSINESSES

Year to Date

BSN Construction, LLC

Bubble Tails Grooming LLC

Buckeye Electric of Upper Arlington LLC

Buckeye Home Center

Buckeye Mechanical Construction LLC

Buckeye Real Estate Investments & Services, Inc.

Buckeye State Services LLC

Bush Enterprise

C L Parker, LLC

C&M Drainage & Contracting LLC

Cabo 21 Improvements

Cabrera Property Homes LLC

Campos Tree Service Company

Capital City Frenchies

Capital Tree Service LLC

Capstone Business Solutions, LLC

Care Electric LLC

Care of Excellent

Caribbean Interlink LLC

Carpenter’s Son Construction

Carter’s Hauling LLC

Cason Home Loans

Cavalier Metal Roofs, LLC

CBC Landscape Company

CDA Home Solutions, LLC

Central Ohio Exterminating

Central Ohio Home Exteriors, LLC

Central Ohio Repairs, Inc.

CH Garage Door Service LLC

Chad Little Agency

Chapman Drainage & Basement Repair

Cheesecake Castle

Cherryish Cleaning Service

Chim Kleen Chimney Service

Choice Renovations, LLC

Christian K-9 Academy

Chropynska US LLC

City Garage Door Service

Classy Claws Grooming LLC

Clearcoat Remodeling LLC

CM Pools, LLC

College Hunks Hauling Junk & College Hunks Moving of North Columbus

CollisionRight, LLC

Columbus Candle Supply

Columbus Roofing Rescue

Concrete Dreams of Central Ohio LLC

Connie L. Hall, Esq

Contractor Mechanical LLC

Cork Construction, Inc.

CR Concrete Services LLC

CR Roofing and Exteriors

Crabtree Landscaping

LLC, Bin It To Win It LLC

Black Lawncare, LLC

Blank Slate Property Solutions

Bliss Bronzing Bar, LLC

BMF Metal Fusions

Bonilla’s Tree Service

Bowden Fence

Boyde’s Exterminating Company

Boyer Brothers Painting LLC

Brothers Irrigation and Lighting

Bryant Renovations LLC

Craig Miller Insurance Inc

Creative Consults LLC

Creative Hair Designs By Jennifer

CrossCountry Mortgage

CRSIMS Construction Group, LLC

Cugini Law, LLC

Curt’s Custom Concrete LLC

D & H Premier Construction LLC

D&H Tire n Auto

Dais Septic Service

Danzig Construction, LLC

WELCOME NEW BUSINESSES

Year to Date

WELCOME NEW BUSINESSES

Year to Date

Refloor

Reliant Exteriors

Rely Technology

Repeta Rides

Retired Roofer

Retired Veteran Repair Service LLC

Reuben’s Repairs LLC

Revans Motorsports LLC

Revolutionary Weddings & Events, LLC

Robert Anthony Sean Security Services LLC

Robert Hall MD LLC

Roofing Recovery

Ross Agri Mechanics, LLC

Royse Partners Limited

Rugged Sealcoating, LLC

RVC Trucking Scioto Roofing

Scioto Site Services LLC

Scott’s Bright Windows, LLC

Self Belief Llc

Settles and Son Excavating/ Hauling LLC

Seven Studios, LLC

Sexton Drywall

Shark Painting LLC

Sharon’s Satin Stitches

Shorty’s Painting

Silverback Safety & Training Solutions, Inc.

Simply Cut Lawn Care

Skin by Gabby J

Smash My Trash-Midwest Ohio

Smooth Transitions Of Mid-Ohio LLP

Solar Kings LLC

Solshine Solar Solutions LLC

Specialty Outdoor Services, LLC

Speedy Towing Stephan Flooring LLC

Stivison Transfer LLC

Stormproof Roofing LLC

Structural Reinforcement Solutions

Structural Remodeling Structure Depot LLC

Stucco Repair Columbus Ohio

Summer Breeze Pools

Sunrise Lawn and Landscape LLC

Supreme Metal Buildings

Swartz Fabrication & Repair LLC

Swat Pest Solutions LLC

T&N Handyman Services, LLP

T. Helmick Remodeling LLC

Team Chitwood Martial Arts-Lewis Center

Team Chitwood Martial Arts-Marion TechAire LLC

Tekton Construction Services

The Ahola Corporation

The Appointment Setter

The Barn Yard LLC

The Bath Authority, LLC

The Bond Spot

The Flag Lady’s Flag Store

The Great Cabinetry Company

The HairGallery LLC

The Honeydew Crew, LLC

The Lash Lounge

The Local Plumber LLC

The Notary Hub, Inc

The Ohio Roofing Authority, LLC

The Rustic Harvest, LLC

The Wellness Place LLC dba Moonstone Circle

Thrive Painting LLC

Thurman Reflections

Tiggett & Co, LLC

Time 2 Change Counseling, LLC

Timm + Co Homes LLC

Timson’s Creations Epoxy Innovations LLC

Tipsy Margarita, LLC

Titan Solar Power

Top Dawg General Contracting, LLC

Touch Of The Tropics Tanning

TR Postal And Print Services, LLC

Triple T Studios

Troyer HVAC, LLC

Trust Hope Therapy LLC

Trusted Documents, LLC

Twincreek Roofing

Twins Auto of Dublin, LLC

Ultimate Pro Wildlife Removal

US Quality Construction

Valley Ford of Columbus Venue on the Hill Vibe City LLC

Violet Community Fitness

Virtue Design + Build, LLC

Visionary Meals LLC

VMARK Property Services LLC

Waites Painting and Remodeling LLC

Walker Brothers Construction

Wark Photography

Warthman Services, LLC

Wayside Bookkeeping Services, LLC

WCH Construction LLC

We Power Electric, LLC

We Sprayin’ Insulation LLC

Wernert Lawncare LLC

West Ohio Tool Co.

Westerville Contracting and Gutters Wheel Pros, LLC

Willow Tree Renovations LLC

Winks Remodeling & Handyman Services WizFX LLC

XACT HD Restorations

Yeager’s Precision Tree Service

Your Painted Space

Your Total Pest Control LLC

Zanesville Tinting

Zion Energy of Columbus, LLC