Tag: community

  • Freelance Friday: 8 Tips for Boosting Productivity When Working From Home

    This blog is part of our Freelance Friday series, where we discuss everything and anything related to freelancing. If you are a freelance writer and are looking for additional work, consider applying at Search Influence.

    Picture Of An Office Employee Jumping With His Briefcase - Search Influence

    Workforce productivity is a key metric tracked by most businesses. In an office setting, you can use innumerable tools to track productivity and often have at least one manager (if not multiple) on your back making sure your numbers are high.

    Picture From The Office - Search Influence

    But what about freelancers? By design, we all know there are more distractions and temptations at home than in the office. Without the structure, supervision, and accountability of office life, freelancers are vulnerable to diversion, lulls, and even apathy. Freedom and flexibility are the great advantages of freelancing, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of productivity.

    So, how can you ensure that your productivity is maximized, even while working from home? It all boils down to this: Treat freelancing as you would any other office job. You have to manage yourself and your schedule effectively.

    The fact of the matter is that freelancing full-time is a real job. You may think you already know this from experience, but unless you structure your daily schedule to mirror a normal job, it never truly will be.

    Freedom and flexibility are the great advantages of freelancing, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of productivity. Change your mindset–doing this will ensure maximum productivity.

    Here are 8 easy tips to boost productivity when working from home.

    1. Create a dedicated workspace.

    Working from the couch is just a distraction waiting to happen. Create a space specifically dedicated to working in your home, preferably an office. It certainly doesn’t have to be a cubicle, but rather, a comfortable, stress-free area where you can get work done and where others know you are working so that they do not disturb you.

    2. Maintain a regular sleep schedule and get started early.

    Getting an adequate night’s rest is important for everyone, freelancers included. Starting early kicks off your day on the right foot and will help you get more work done. Just because you work from home doesn’t mean you should stop mid-afternoon for a power nap. Get to bed early, wake up well-rested, and stay refreshed.

    Photo From Forgetting Sarah Marshall Sweatpants Everyday - Search Influence

    3. Shower and get dressed.

    Rolling out of bed in your pajamas is fine for the weekend, but not for a workday. For most, a shower helps to wake you up and getting dressed puts you in the right mindset. Getting ready for work at home should be no different than getting ready for work at an office—at least the commute is shorter.

    4. Structure your day into attainable blocks.

    We all like accomplishing things, especially small, work-related goals. If you structure your day into blocks dedicated to a specific task, you can move seamlessly from one to the next and still get a feeling of accomplishment after completing each step. This way you can also hold yourself accountable and monitor your progress more efficiently. Scheduling and organization are a must!

    5. Take regular breaks, but limit them.

    Regular breaks to stretch, clear your head, or eat lunch, can recharge you and promote better work afterward. There is a reason why companies are legally obligated to give their employees breaks. You—as a company of one—are entitled to those same mental and physical health benefits. But as both the employee and boss, you have to make sure that time is used effectively. Taking a nap or running errands for extended periods of time are not efficient breaks.

    6. Avoid distractions.

    Admittedly, this may be the toughest one to accomplish. Distractions are everywhere at home. From TV and social media to the dishes and laundry, there is a never-ending list of things that seem more important or fun than doing your work. This is where discipline and accountability play a major role. Unplug the TV, download an app that limits your social media usage, and know that household chores can be done at more appropriate times (but let’s be honest, you weren’t really going to do the dishes or fold the laundry, were you?).

    Photo Of Fred Flintstone Clocking Out Early Quitting Time - Search Influence

    7. Set a clear end time.

    You may not officially work from 9–5, but quitting time is important nonetheless. When working from home, it is easy for your work life and personal to blend, but having a firm start and end time will go a long way in preventing this. Knowing that you are stopping at a certain time, will encourage you to get the work completed in time so that you are not forced to work “overtime” (without the time and half pay). Making plans after work is a great way to make sure you stick to this.

    8. Communicate expectations with anyone who will be home with you.

    Though freelancers may typically work alone, that doesn’t mean they live alone. Whether it is a roommate or a family member, make sure they are aware that you are working and should not be disturbed. Ultimately, it is on you to ensure that others respect your work schedule. To do this, you have to respect it first. Set aside your personal life when working from home and maintain your productivity.

  • Freelance Friday: Freelance Burnout and 10 Ways to Prevent It

    This blog is part of our Freelance Friday series, where we discuss everything and anything related to freelancing. If you are a freelance writer and are looking for additional work, consider applying at Search Influence.

    Freelancing may seem like an easy, carefree gig to those not in-the-know. You get to work when and where you want and are free to do whatever you want at the drop of a hat.

    But actual freelance writers know that this is certainly not the case. Freelancing can be just as time-consuming and demanding as any office job. We, too, are prone to feeling overworked, overextended, and altogether overwhelmed.

    In fact, since so much of the responsibility is placed squarely on their shoulders, many freelancers feel obligated to work and work and work long after 9–5 Monday through Friday. This can ultimately lead to freelancer burnout.

    Image Of An Overworked Freelancer At His Desk - Search Influence

    Freelancer burnout is more than just “writer’s block”­—it’s something more oppressing and potentially dangerous to you and your freelancing career. Burnout can lead to a creative motivational block, which in turn, can impede your work and affect your income!

    Thankfully, there are a few things freelance writers can do to avoid this breakdown. Here are 10 tips to prevent freelancer burnout!

    1: Stay Organized

    Organization helps in all facets of life, and freelancing is no exclusion. Know what needs to be done and when, establish priorities, keep emails in order, etc. Getting organized makes you feel proactive and sets you up for success.

    2: Stick to a Schedule

    Just because freelancing affords you more flexibility in your work schedule doesn’t mean you can be nonchalant and lackadaisical. An easy-to-follow plan of action will not only help you keep due dates in order and your agenda under control, but it will also help you manage the proper work-life balance needed to prevent burnout.

    Working At An Office Job - Search Influence

    3: Give Yourself More Time Than You Think You Need to Finish Your Freelance Projects

    You may think it takes a certain amount of time to write a blog post, but who knows what curveballs might be thrown your way. Maybe you will have trouble getting started or locating a source you know you have seen before. It’s always best to be prepared (as best you can) for the unknown.

    4: Know Your Limits

    Don’t overcommit. It’s easy to make promises to impress clients, but keeping those promises can be a lot more work. Don’t say yes to everything, and don’t put extra pressure on yourself to get more done or get things done quicker. You know how much you can write in a day. Get the work done on time, and most importantly, get it done well—those are the only things you should ever guarantee.

    5: Set Mini Goals

    It is always best to divide up larger projects into more manageable parts. In conjunction with your schedule, set up achievable milestones throughout the day, week, and month. This will give you a sense of accomplishment and help you stay on track while keeping the bigger picture in your mind.

    Johnny Depp Strategizing With A Slinky - Search Influence

    6: Don’t Give in to Writer’s Block

    Writer’s block is legit, but there are ways you can work around it. Don’t just keep plugging away and turning out pages of dribble. Put the assignment to the side and get your blood flowing—go for a walk or a run, try a new environment, write about something else. Stir your creative juices and come back to your project with a refreshed mind and reinvigorated determination.

    7: Take Care of Yourself

    You can’t sit in front of the computer all day. Don’t overwork yourself. As a freelancer, you are your only workforce­—and you don’t get paid sick days! Eat properly and exercise. Do right by yourself and it will show in your writing. Here are 8 tips for freelancers to stay healthy and happy.

    8: Switch It Up 

    Change is good. Whether you take your work to a new location (like the library or a coffee shop) or tackle an entirely different project, it will usually help. Remember, freelancing offers you the freedom to do things like this that other workers can’t, so take advantage of it!

    9: Build a Support Network

    Freelancing can be an isolated career. Without colleagues to interact with and vent work-related frustrations to, stress—and even depression—can creep into your day-to-day. Try seeking out other freelancers (there are tons of us out there) in various forums online and local meetup groups. Finding people that understand what you are going through is the best way to tackle any struggle, including burnout.

    10: Reevaluate Your Freelancer Goals

    Are you focused too hard on a specific niche? Then expand your horizons. Are you spreading yourself too thin? Then try honing in on what you do best. Depending on your situation, change can be liberating. Focusing your time and energy on one expertise can help you enjoy your work and find more appropriate clients, while trying new things can keep you stimulated and multi-faceted.

  • Top 10 Search Influence Blogs of 2016

    The year 2016 was filled with memes, the Olympics, superhero movies, and the election. You can bet, with over 46% of people now online worldwide, there were plenty of changes to online marketing, too. If you haven’t kept up, here are the top 10 blogs of 2016 to make sure your business is poised for the #bestyearever.

    Lieutenant Dan And Forest Gump At New Years - Search Influence

    1. What Happened to Facebook’s 20% Text Grid Tool?

    Our Internet Marketing Team Lead, Michelle Neuhoff Boyd, created this informative blog post that eased the confusion of Facebook’s 20% text grid tool. Find out how this new rule may affect your business.

    2. An Update: How to Get Rich (Answers, That Is) with Google

    Jim Carrey Typing - Search Influence

    Not rich with money, but with Google. Over the years, Google has changed their algorithm, and our team at Search Influence is making sure to stay on top of every change. Read this post from 2015 to learn more about rich answers.

    3. Getting Hands on With the New Google My Business

    Having a hard time understanding the new Google My Business? This engaging blog post can clear up any confusion on listings, editing, and more.

    4. Three Top Picks for The Big Idea at New Orleans Entrepreneur Week

    During New Orleans Entrepreneur Week, The Big Idea picked 10 entrepreneurs’ ideas in front of a large crowd, and everyone got to vote their favorite. See the top three picks that Paula Keller, our director of sales and marketing, enjoyed the most by reading this post.

    5. Email Marketing for Small Business: 9 Things Not to Do

    Find out how not to email your customers when just starting your business. Originally published in 2010 by a Search Influence Alumni, read all about effective email marketing.

    6. A Dentist’s Guide for Choosing Target Audiences on Facebook

    Jean-Luc Picard Star Ship Enterprise - Search Influence

    Ever wondered how to market your dentistry on Facebook? This guide will help you understand the most successful dental campaigns in the industry. You’ll know what age group and interests to target.

    7. Should You Be Using Google’s URL Shortener in Your Social Media Campaigns?

    Are you still unsure if you should use Google’s URL shortener? This blog post talks about the benefits of using their shortener, such as the URL analytics, redirects, ease-of-use, and more.

    8. Barnacle SEO – Local Search Engine Optimization for the Sam’s Club Crowd

    Will Scott, CEO and co-founder at Search Influence, published this post back in 2011. Learn more about the term Barnacle SEO and which sites to trust for small businesses.

    9. Nix the Wix SEO Challenge: Tips & Tricks

    This post from 2015 helps you make the most out of your Wix website by guiding you on the meta tags updates, sharing your site on social media, making your site visual, and more.

    10. 10 SEO Blogs You Should Be Following

    Do you want to read reliable SEO blogs? Here’s a list of the most informative SEO blogs that Monica Shariffskul put together. Many of these are on my top list, too.

     

    Be sure to subscribe to our Search Influence blog, and you’ll be the first to know when a new blog has been posted. Also, Happy New Year!

  • Google’s Ascent With User Experience

    Being found on the internet is essential to any business. We all know it, but few understand what it takes to be found. Luckily, there is an easy approach to beginning your own online marketing journey.

    Start by looking at Google, not as a search engine where businesses tirelessly compete to appear at the top spot, but as a user tool. Back in the ancient times of the internet, Yahoo had a $125 billion market cap, and Google was hoping to be acquired for $1 million. As time marched on, Google surpassed Yahoo as the number one search engine because of one key difference between them: the user experience. Google didn’t provide results promoting Google brands or its own material. Instead, it happily delivered the most relevant search results to the user. Results that took the user to a different website.

    While this may seem counter-intuitive—helping users leave your site and go to another—it has proved successful. Sure, users temporarily left Google by clicking on a third party’s link; it also guaranteed their return. Such a great user experience will entice anyone to return time and again for a similar experience. This is how Google surpassed Yahoo as the leading search engine, and it’s the best way for you to start your online marketing process.

    User Experience Vs. Design - Search Influence

    The lesson for you to take away as you embark on your journey is to put user experience first. When creating your website or content, don’t try to be overly fancy or technical. Start by making it simple and convenient. Websites become popular when users can easily navigate and find content that is relevant to their search. Don’t try to force your consumer into a Corvette when they are really looking for a minivan. Your customers will thank you when they can easily access your website, it loads quickly, and the information they are searching for is plain for them to see and understand.

    Going forward, as you build out your website, keep the consumer in mind each step of the way. How would you want to interact with the website of a business like yours? If you don’t know where to start, talk to the friend who doesn’t quite understand what you do. They can be your guide, explaining how they would want to navigate your site and their desired outcome. Use this to cater each step of the user experience to your actual users.

  • The Do’s and Don’ts of Content Syndication for SEO

    A few weeks ago, I received a question about the value of content syndication in marketing strategies. Because it’s one that I also asked when I first started at Search Influence and began learning about SEO, I wanted to actually address this question in a full blog post.

    The Magic Of Mobile - Search Influence

    What Is Content Syndication?

    Content syndication is the process by which a piece of content (blog, news article, graphic, video, etc.) is pushed out to other sources. You see this, for example, when online news outlets pick up press releases or other articles and repost them verbatim to their own sites.

    From a UX point of view, this can be a great way to increase your reach to potential customers. From an SEO point of view, content syndication can garner valuable backlinks and help to increase website authority. And from an overall marketing point of view, the efforts spent on syndicating content can also build great relationships with other websites and organizations.

    Backlink and Authority Building

    The process for syndicating content is similar to that of general link outreach and is for a similar purpose as well: to generate authoritative backlinks that, down the line, contribute to your own site’s authority. Coupled with the opportunity of increasing reach to your business’s original content, this can be a worthwhile tool in your marketing arsenal.

    The Caveats of Content Syndication

    That said, there is a right and a wrong way to syndicate content when it comes to SEO. Here are some things to think about when considering it for your marketing strategy:

    1. Duplicate Content

    Syndication is inherently creating duplicate versions of your content and putting them on other websites. In the case of written content, this can actually detract from your SEO efforts if done incorrectly. It’s important to understand the policies and practices of the websites you’re syndicating to and ensure they are declaring yours the primary version.

               Genie From Aladdin Multiplying - Search Influence

    This can be done a number of ways but the primary ones are:

    – Rel=canonical – This is a meta attribute that basically tells search engines that the page they are on is the same as another page. In this scenario, syndicated versions of your content will set your original URL as the canonical. For more information, check out Google’s own post on the rel=canonical attribute.

    – Noindex – This is a robots meta tag that tells search engines not to index a page at all so that it won’t appear in search results. Ideally, in this case, syndicated versions of your content will be set to noindex so your original post isn’t competing for rankings with them.

    2. Backlinks

    Remember to include an actual backlink to your content when syndicating. This can be forgotten when you get caught up in pushing your content out there or when syndicating images and videos. Ideally, this would go to the original content’s URL, rather than another page on your website.

    3. Site Authority

    This is an oft forgotten consideration when choosing a syndication site. Quality and quantity both have their place when creating your syndication strategy.

    In an ideal situation, if you were to get one backlink from content syndication, you’d want it to be from a site with the authority equivalent of Google itself, and you’d want it to have a follow link back to your website.

    But, we don’t live in an ideal world, so it’s important to keep in mind the actual authority of syndicating websites and find out if the links you’re getting are follow or nofollow. Check out this resource to learn a little more about the importance of follow and nofollow links.

    With all this in mind, content syndication can be a great opportunity for websites. But, like I said in my last post “The Importance of Content Marketing to Your SEO Strategy,” it doesn’t matter if you don’t have great content to start with.

  • Freelance Friday: How to Balance Freelance Writing When You Have a Day Job

    This blog is part of our Freelance Friday series, where we discuss everything and anything related to freelancing. If you are a freelance writer and are looking for additional work, consider applying at Search Influence.

    The “gig economy” has arrived, and it is booming. According to a study conducted by Intuit, 40% of American workers will be independent contractors by 2020.

    Thanks to technology, many workers are no longer tied to a specific location, much less a traditional office setting.  This means freelancers can select contract jobs from anywhere, and employers can pick the best people from a larger pool of applicants for specific projects.

    It’s happening everywhere and it’s easy to get started—even if you already have a full-time job.

    You may ask yourself, why would you want to freelance on the side if you already have a full-time job? Well, I am glad you asked because there are several terrific reasons why:

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    • You Can Make More Money
      • Who doesn’t need a little extra cash these days? Freelancing gigs pay on a wide spectrum depending on numerous factors (experience, skill, time, etc.), but they always pay. You should never freelance for free! The extra money also gives you a bit more security should you lose your day job or find yourself in between jobs.
    • Test out Self-employment
      • Thinking about making a career change? Or just want more freedom when it comes to your work schedule? Freelancing on the side offers you a trial run before committing to a major life change.
    • Build Your Skills
      • As mentioned earlier, pay can vary based on your skill. Freelancing on the side offers you a chance to develop and expand your skills, which will put you on firmer ground should you decide to switch it up and try freelancing as your full-time job–it can even help increase your skills in your current job!
    • Develop Valuable Connections
      • Like most jobs, freelancing is all about who you know. Connecting yourself with the right people will lead to more/better opportunities and the chance to expand your skills. This too can help with your full-time job.
    • Discover Your Passion
      • If you are looking to freelance, it might mean you are not happy in your current job. Freelancing may help guide you down the right path towards a more fulfilling career and a happier you. Find what you love to do and make it work for you!

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    If you decide to freelance while you still have a full-time job, there are also a few things you can do to ensure a balance that works for you and doesn’t cause friction.

    • Be Honest and Transparent
      • Don’t hide your freelancing gig from people, including your boss. This will only arouse suspicion and harbor mistrust if discovered. Check your current employment agreement or contract first to make sure freelancing won’t ruffle any feathers.
    • Keep Freelancing on Your Own Time and Your Own Dime
      • This is incredibly important to keeping the peace in your double life—don’t cross the streams!

    ghostbusters - search influence

    Keeping your dual work lives separate will go a long way in avoiding problems and keeping you focused solely on one job at a time, which will ultimately produce the best results. Give 100% to each during their given times.

    • Focus on Time Management
      • Time management is key. You essentially have two jobs, and there are only so many hours in the day to get all that work done. Because of this, it is crucial that you do not take on more work than you can handle, especially on the freelance side.
    • Do Work in the Evening and on Weekends
      • In order to fulfill the previous two points, working in the evenings after work and on the weekends (or whatever days you have off) is unavoidable. Remember, freelancing is your side gig, therefore it has to be done on your time off.
    • Build a Support Network
      • Most freelancing work is a solitary endeavor, but it doesn’t mean you have to always be alone. Like any job, having support from those you trust and can bounce ideas off of will only benefit you. This can even include current co-workers, especially if your freelancing work falls in the same field.

    Image 1 Credit | Image 2 Credit | Image 3 Credit

  • A Day in the Life of an Account Manager at Search Influence

    Twitter Takeover Presley Broulliette

    With all of the great positions available at Search Influence, it’s easy to wonder what each department or each position does every day. Earlier this week, I took to Search Influence’s Twitter to break down what my day-to-day as an Account Manager looks like. Though each day is different, they all share a common theme: client communication, meetings, and managing my team.

    Responding to Client Questions

    Mornings always consist of answering emails. Each person on the Account Management team has clients from across all industries and locations, all of which communicate with us primarily through email and phone. I like to take the mornings to open up all emails, check for emergencies, and answer any questions our clients may have. It’s great to know that our clients are getting reliable customer service, as we strive to answer all requests within a 24-hour span.

    Search_Influence_Jobs Tweets

    One of my favorite aspects of being an Account Manager is getting to work with clients from all industries. On a daily basis, I talk to everyone from a plastic surgeon to a mortuary cooler provider! Our client rapport is incredibly diverse.

    Our Morning Whiteboard Meetings

    Every morning at 9:30, the entire Account Management Team meets by our whiteboard to go over metrics and tasks for the day. We also use this time for giving other members of the team “kudos” for being CHARGED.

    Paid Search Meeting

    On Tuesdays, members from all departments meet to talk about our paid search, or PPC, clients. This meeting is a great way to discuss successes as well as potential roadblocks in our campaigns.

    Paid Search Meeting Search Influence

    Managing Your Team: Weekly 1-on-1 Meetings

    The biggest difference when you are promoted from an only client-facing position to a management position is managing your team. One of the best things about being in a management position at Search Influence is being able to work closely with my team and watch their careers grow.

    In order to stay up-to-date with my team, their clients and any questions they have, we have weekly 1-on-1 meetings. This hour-long meeting is a dedicated time for my team to ask any client or career-related questions, as well as a time for me to follow up with any projects that are pending or in progress. This time isn’t specific to the Account Management position either—all departments at Search Influence have these dedicated 1-on-1 times!

    Other management duties consist of leading employee reviews at the 6-month and annual mark and reviewing my team’s tasks/projects.

    Wrapping Up Big Projects

    Search_Influence_Jobs Tweets

    After lunch, I typically dedicate my time to working on big projects. These can be client-related, internal, or team-related. I’m most productive in the afternoon, so this is the time that works best for me, but it’s different for all members of the Account Management team.

    Search_Influence_Jobs Tweets

    The project that I am most recently working on consists of revamping the presentation deck that we use when we kick off a new client. It was a great opportunity, and I’m so excited to see this project through!

    My Account Management Career

    Search Influence has been a great career experience so far within my almost three years here. Because I was hired fresh out of college (Geaux LSU!), I’ve worked my way up from Junior Account Associate to the management position I hold now. I’m thankful for the opportunity I’ve been given and would encourage anyone looking for a client-facing role to apply!

  • #NOLATech Week 2016: How To Drive More Traffic To Your Site

    In conjunction with NOLATech Week 2016, Search Influence hosted a workshop to help support small businesses in their online marketing efforts. Paula Keller and Mary Silva presented on how to boost your local search rankings and ways to drive traffic to your website respectively.  

    Paula Keller’s “How To Boost Your Local Search Rankings”

    Paula’s “How To Boost Your Local Search Rankings” presentation took the audience through what types of businesses benefit from local SEO efforts. It also detailed the different types of Google My Business pages and how to use them. With the insight from Paula’s presentation, business owners can better understand how to optimize their business both onsite and offsite to gain better local search rankings.

    search-influence-university-how-to-boost-your-local-rankings-10-11-2016

     

    Mary Silva’s “10 Ideas To Drive Traffic To Your Website”

    Mary’s “10 Ideas To Drive Traffic To Your Website” presentation tackled concepts that influence your site’s user experience and actionable ways to help improve traffic to your site. It covered topics ranging from highly technical concepts like Schema markup and Google Search Console Analysis to less laborious efforts like directory and authoritative link earning. She explained how to use Schema.org rich snippets to create more engaging search results for your website on Google. Her presentation also went into detail on how to use social media efforts effectively to not only post but also promote engaging content like infographics. “Think of your online marketing efforts as a service,” said Mary, Internet Marketing Team Lead at Search Influence. “We know our users, and we’re getting them closer to their end goal faster. Make your overall goal to give users a cleaner, better experience and make users lives easier. ”

    search-influence-university-10-ideas-to-drive-traffic-to-your-website-5-26-2016

    In utilizing some of the tips and tools explained in these two presentations, guests could help increase their business’s online success in many ways including, but not limited to, improved visibility in local search results and increased traffic to their sites.

    For more information on the event, visit townsend.bunksite.com/ or contact the office directly at 504-208-3900 or Search Influence, 935 Gravier St #1300, New Orleans, La. 70112.

     

  • New Orleans Nonprofit Spotlight: Rebuilding Together’s Annual October Build

    October is one of my favorite times of year. Reason 1: It’s the beginning of fall (though only a mild change from the normal New Orleans heat). Reason 2: It’s Halloween-month, of course. And reason 3: I get to take part in Rebuilding Together New Orleans‘s October Build.

    Rebuilding Together New Orleans Collage

    About Rebuilding Together New Orleans and October Build

    October Build is an annual event organized by Rebuilding Together New Orleans (RTNO), a New Orleans Preservation Resource Center program and chapter of the national Rebuilding Together organization. They’ve worked since 1988 to help local elderly, disabled, veteran, and single head of household homeowners repair their homes. RTNO services seven neighborhoods in New Orleans year round.

    Check out my original post for Rebuilding Together New Orleans’ 25th Annual October Build to learn more about the history of the organization and the event.

    Getting Ready for October Build 2016

    For two weekends, I take a brief respite from my somewhat sedentary lifestyle, and join hundreds of volunteers in providing necessary home repairs to local homeowners who otherwise are unable to do it themselves.

    What’s more, this year a few other Search Influence employees and I started work early! While October Build takes place October 7, 8, 14, and 15, we were able to help prep Mr. Ernest Watson’s house this past weekend for volunteers to finish during October Build. We met up at 8:30 AM on-site and worked with Rebuilding Together’s own Americorps and employees to scrape paint and prime the Bywater house. While I’m by no means a skilled laborer, RT’s members also worked on replacing fascia and siding that had been damaged by fire or was rotting.

    Rebuilding Together New Orleans Pic 1

    *Fun fact: Fascia are the bands of boards directly under the roof edge.

    Employees at Rebuilding Together New Orleans have been working tirelessly for months to coordinate volunteers and houses for October Build. This past weekend was just one of the many pieces of prep necessary to get these houses ready for volunteers of all skill levels.

    Next weekend and the one after, these volunteers from sponsor organizations, local businesses, and other local & national groups will gather to finish repairs on 8 different houses. The work will range from scraping and painting to flooring installation and accessibility ramp building in one huge community effort.

    For more information about this year’s event, check out RTNO’s own October Build 2016 news post. Here, you’ll find stories about the homeowners they’re helping (including Mr. Watson’s) and how you can contribute!

    Rebuilding Together New Orleans Images Credit

  • Like Our Facebook Page and Help a Worthy Cause

    Here’s Your Chance to Help a Worthy Cause

    For the fourth straight year, Search Influence is proud to be promoting breast cancer awareness through a unique initiative it calls “Likes for Lives.” The ask is simple: for each new “like” the Search Influence Facebook page receives between October 1 and 31, the company will donate $1.00 to the Breastoration Fund. Created by three breast cancer survivors, Breastoration provides educational resources and financial assistance to women seeking breast reconstruction after breast cancer.

    Likes for Lives Gif

    Search Influence offers the “Likes for Lives” program to its clients and partners, including elective surgery practices that wish to increase awareness of their services and commitment to the cause. In an early example, in 2011, Search Influence client Donaldson Plastic Surgery gained 332 fans during the month of October to support its charity of choice, the Stefanie Spielman Fund in Ohio. The practice rounded up its donation, giving the breast cancer research fund $500.

    “We saw the program succeed with our clients, so we thought it was appropriate to implement it ourselves and raise some money for a good cause,” Search Influence CEO Will Scott said. “Since we are a primarily female organization, including some women who have been touched by breast cancer in their families, the Breastoration Fund’s mission resonates with us.” Since 2013, Search Influence has donated $5,000 to help fight breast cancer.

    Search Influence Likes for Lives campaign image

    This year, the goal is 700 new likes. To kick off the “Likes for Lives” campaign and to increase awareness of breast cancer, team members wore pink today. We encourage other NOLA tech companies to do the same.

    Search Influencers wear pink for Likes for Lives campaign

    So what are you waiting for? Like the Search Influence Facebook page. Share it with your friends and family, and ask them to like it, too. Let’s exceed the goal this year!