Why Seasonal Businesses Should Advertise Year-Round in Maine

Short-form video marketing has taken over social media, and it’s not just about dancing teens or viral trends. There’s a very real psychological reason why we can’t get enough of these bite-sized videos, and if you’re a business owner or marketer, your marketing strategy must understand why in order to reach today’s audience. Let’s break it down. What Is Short-Form Video? A short-form video is usually defined as content that lasts under 60 seconds, think TikTok, YouTube shorts, or Instagram reels. Some of these platforms allow up to 3 minutes, but most have found that the shorter the content, the better. These videos are quick and deliver fast, punchy, and most importantly, memorable content (if successful). They go straight to the point and don’t waste viewers' time with unnecessary fillers and fluff, and exactly what makes them powerful. Why? Because our brains are wired for it. The Psychology Behind Our Love for Short-Form Content There are many reasons short-form video marketing is on the rise, and one of those reasons is our decreasing ability to focus for extended periods. Dr. Gloria Mark, a psychologist and author with a PhD from Columbia University, has studied digital attention for over two decades. In 2004, Dr. Mark found that the average person could focus on one screen for about 75 seconds (1.25 minutes). But today, in 2025, it is now less than 50 seconds. This dramatic decrease is a key driver for why our preferences in content consumption have shifted. So, what does that mean for your content? It means the traditional rules of marketing, such as long-form copy , multi-minute videos, and complex funnels, are being challenged. They are not gone completely and still serve their purpose, but the audience preference is changing. However, in many cases, you now need to capture attention fast and make an impact in under a minute. That’s where short-form video thrives. Why Short-Form Video Marketing Works Short-form videos are highly effective from a marketing perspective for a few reasons: It Lets People Consume Your Content on the Go Whether we are waiting in line at the bank, on our mid-day coffee break, or waiting for the kids to be let out of school, there are a lot of convenient times to scroll. Short-form videos are designed for mobile, and this exact type of casual viewing is on the go. It Sparks Emotion and Quick Dopamine When we watch short-form content, our brains receive a quick shot of dopamine. Whether it’s humor, nostalgia, or curiosity, the best short videos hit an emotional note right away. That emotional jolt increases the likelihood of engagement, shares, and ultimately conversions. Costs Less Money and Takes Less Time Short-form videos are a smart, budget-friendly option for small brands and businesses. All you need is a smartphone, and most platforms make it easy to shoot and edit content right inside the app. This saves valuable time and cuts down on marketing costs. Gone are the days when you need to hire a videographer or a production team to create high-quality content. Attention Span is A Major Marketing Challenge With attention spans shrinking, marketers and content creators are realizing that grabbing someone’s attention is only half the battle. Keeping it is just as challenging, if not more so. You need to keep in mind that when you post a video or advertisement, you aren’t just competing against other businesses; you are also competing with cute puppy videos, news clips, influencer hauls, and every scroll-stopping distraction out there. This is exactly the reason why understanding the factors that influence audience attention span is desperately important. If you can’t capture your audience in the first 3 seconds, you’ve likely lost them. Short-form video gives you a powerful tool to grab that attention quickly, with motion, sound, visuals, and a memorable message, all compacted into a tight, targeted package. Why Small Businesses Should Jump In You might be thinking: “Is short-form video worth it for my business?” Here’s a clear answer: Yes. Short-form content isn’t just for influencers or big brands. It’s one of the most effective ways for local and small businesses to build visibility , show personality, and connect with real people. Here’s how you can use it · Show behind-the-scenes moments at your shop or studio · Share quick tips or FAQs related to your service · Highlight customer reviews in a visual way · Join trending sounds or formats with your own twist · Introducing your team to humanize your brand And a major bonus is that platforms like Instagram and TikTok actively promote Reels and short videos, giving you organic reach without spending a dime. Quick Tips for Short-Form Video Marketing Ready to hit record? Keep these tips in mind to make sure your short-form content stands out for all the right reasons · Focus on your message to hook fast – The first 3 seconds matter most. · Keep it vertically for mobile viewing. · Be authentic and keep it relevant. · Use captions or text in case people watch on mute. · Use trending sounds or challenges if they fit your brand. · Add a CTA. Tell people what to do next: follow, click, share, comment. · Stay consistent – One video won’t change your business, but a weekly series might. Need Help with Short-Form Video Strategy? You don’t need a fancy camera or a huge following to succeed with short-form content. You just need a message, a bit of creativity, and the courage to hit post. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed? You don’t have to go alone. At Maine Street Marketing , we help small businesses like yours show up strategically online, from social media content to full-scale video marketing campaigns. Sources: Mills, Kim, host. “Why Our Attention Spans Are Shrinking, with Gloria Mark, PhD.” Speaking of Psychology, American Psychological Association, episode 225, APA, 2023, www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/attention-spans . Young Entrepreneur Council. “10 Tips for Making Even Better Short‑Form Videos for Your Business.” Forbes, 19 Oct. 2023.

In today’s competitive market, standing out from the crowd is more important than ever for businesses, especially in a close-knit community like Maine. Maine Street Marketing has built a reputation for helping businesses not just survive but thrive in the digital age. With our expertise and personalized approach, we help businesses create strategies that resonate with their target audience and differentiate them from their competitors. 1. Tailored Digital Marketing Strategies At Maine Street Marketing, we understand that every business is unique, which is why we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you're in the retail, restaurant, or service industry, we craft personalized digital marketing strategies that align with your specific goals and objectives. By analyzing your business’s strengths, target audience, and market trends, we ensure that your message is communicated clearly and effectively. 2. Mastering Local SEO Local SEO is critical for businesses looking to stand out in a crowded market. Maine Street Marketing specializes in optimizing your online presence to ensure that your business shows up when local customers search for products or services you offer. By leveraging location-based keywords, optimizing Google My Business profiles, and building local citations, we ensure that your business ranks high in local search results, driving more foot traffic and inquiries. 3. Building a Strong Online Reputation Your business’s online reputation can make or break your success. Maine Street Marketing helps businesses manage and enhance their online reputation through proactive strategies like soliciting positive reviews, addressing customer feedback, and building trust within your local community. A strong reputation ensures that potential customers feel confident choosing your business over the competition. 4. Social Media Marketing In the age of social media, engaging with your audience is vital. Maine Street Marketing utilizes social media platforms to build relationships with potential customers and showcase your business in a more personal and authentic way. Whether it's through Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn, we craft social media campaigns that highlight your business’s unique qualities, build brand awareness, and encourage customer interaction. 5. Effective Branding and Messaging Standing out isn’t just about visibility; it’s also about creating a memorable and impactful brand. Maine Street Marketing works with you to define your brand’s voice, values, and message, ensuring that everything from your website to your social media reflects your business’s personality. Consistent, clear, and compelling messaging helps build a strong emotional connection with your customers, giving you an edge over competitors.  With Maine Street Marketing’s expertise, businesses in Maine can achieve greater visibility, improved customer engagement, and sustainable growth. Whether you're looking to enhance your local SEO or improve your social media presence, our team is here to help you navigate the competitive market and achieve success.

In today’s digital world, your business’s reputation is everything. Whether you run a small local shop in Portland or offer services throughout Maine, your reputation can make or break your success. With the rise of online reviews, social media, and the ability for customers to instantly share their experiences, maintaining a positive reputation is now more important than ever. Reputation management is about more than just responding to negative reviews. It’s about proactively shaping the narrative of your business, ensuring that customers see the best version of your brand. For Maine businesses, where community trust and relationships are key, maintaining a strong reputation is essential for long-term success. 1. Why Reputation Management Matters A positive reputation directly impacts your ability to attract and retain customers. Word-of-mouth has always been important, but now it’s online. A single bad review can reach hundreds of potential customers. By actively managing your online reputation, you can highlight your strengths, address negative feedback constructively, and show prospective customers that you care about their experience. 2. How Maine Street Marketing Helps Businesses Build and Maintain Their Reputation At Maine Street Marketing, we understand the local nuances that businesses face. Our team works with you to create strategies that not only manage your reputation but also enhance it. We help you gather positive reviews, handle negative feedback tactfully, and establish trust with your customers. By monitoring online mentions and responding quickly, we ensure that your business maintains a positive image across multiple platforms. 3. Customer Feedback is Valuable Every review, whether positive or negative, provides valuable feedback. Maine Street Marketing assists in developing systems to encourage customers to leave positive reviews while also addressing complaints professionally. This two-way communication shows potential customers that your business cares about its customers and is committed to improvement. 4. Impact on Local SEO An excellent reputation isn’t just good for business—it’s great for your SEO too. Google values customer feedback and incorporates it into search rankings. The more positive reviews your business receives, the more likely you are to show up in local search results. Maine Street Marketing helps businesses leverage this to improve their local search visibility and attract new customers. 5. The Long-Term Benefits of a Positive Reputation Reputation management isn’t a short-term effort—it’s an ongoing process. With the right strategies in place, Maine businesses can ensure that their reputation remains solid for years to come. A well-managed reputation leads to customer loyalty, more referrals, and greater overall success.  At Maine Street Marketing, we believe that reputation management is an essential component of a successful marketing strategy. By working with us, you can ensure that your business remains trusted, visible, and competitive in the Maine market.

Avoid legal risks and improve user experience—learn why web accessibility compliance matters and why DIY websites often fall short.

For small businesses in Maine, staying competitive in today’s market requires more than just offering great products or services. In a digital world where customers search online for solutions, a strong online presence is no longer optional—it's essential. Maine Street Marketing helps small businesses make the most of digital marketing by providing tailored strategies that increase visibility, drive traffic, and boost sales. 1. Digital Marketing Helps You Reach More Customers In Maine, many small businesses still rely on traditional marketing methods like print ads or word-of-mouth. While these methods have their place, digital marketing opens up a whole new world of opportunities. With the right digital marketing strategy, small businesses can reach a wider audience, both locally and beyond, through targeted advertising, search engine optimization (SEO), and social media marketing. Digital platforms allow businesses to connect with customers where they spend most of their time—online. 2. Cost-Effective Marketing One of the main advantages of digital marketing for small businesses in Maine is its affordability. Traditional advertising—such as TV, radio, or print—can be expensive, especially for smaller businesses with limited budgets. Digital marketing provides affordable alternatives that deliver high ROI, including social media advertising, email marketing, and SEO. These methods allow businesses to maximize their marketing budget while reaching potential customers more effectively. 3. Building Brand Awareness and Loyalty A strong online presence is vital for building brand recognition. When potential customers search for products or services, businesses that appear at the top of search engine results or have an active social media presence are more likely to be trusted. With digital marketing, Maine small businesses can consistently engage with customers, providing valuable content and updates. This ongoing engagement builds trust and fosters brand loyalty, encouraging customers to return and recommend the business to others. 4. Local SEO Helps You Compete in the Local Market For small businesses in Maine, local SEO is a game-changer. Optimizing your website for local search terms helps your business appear in local search results, making it easier for people nearby to find you. Whether someone is searching for 'best pizza in Portland' or 'plumber in Bangor,' businesses with strong local SEO will rank higher in search engine results, attracting more customers in the area. 5. Digital Marketing Provides Measurable Results One of the most significant benefits of digital marketing is the ability to track and measure performance. Unlike traditional marketing, where it can be difficult to gauge the success of your efforts, digital marketing tools provide detailed insights into how well your campaigns are performing. Whether through website analytics, social media metrics, or email open rates, small businesses can continuously refine their marketing strategies based on real-time data, ensuring better outcomes. 6. Digital Marketing Gives Small Businesses a Competitive Edge As more businesses in Maine embrace digital marketing, staying ahead of the curve is essential for survival. Those who invest in digital marketing gain a competitive edge by being more visible to potential customers. Small businesses that prioritize digital marketing are better positioned to adapt to changing consumer behavior and keep up with industry trends.  For small businesses in Maine, investing in digital marketing is one of the most effective ways to ensure long-term success. At Maine Street Marketing, we specialize in creating custom digital marketing strategies that drive results, whether you're looking to improve your SEO, enhance your social media presence, or create targeted advertising campaigns.

Digital marketing is fast and everywhere, but for local businesses, it often feels like shouting into the void. Smart direct mail changes that. It’s focused, relevant, and built on the same data you’re already tracking online. The goal? Send the right message to the right person at the right time. This isn’t about blanket promotions. It’s print marketing with purpose, strategy, and results. Why Direct Mail Still Gets Noticed We’re all glued to screens, but we still check the mailbox. That small moment of flipping through letters is a real chance to grab someone’s attention. A postcard doesn’t get buried under 200 emails. It sits on a kitchen table or fridge and often gets read more than once. That staying power is what makes direct mail valuable. But today, it’s not about sending a hundred generic coupons. It’s about sending something that actually makes sense for the person receiving it. How Data Makes Mail Smarter Here’s the shift: local businesses can now use the same online data they already track, like website visits, cart activity, or form submissions, and pair it with mailing addresses to create highly targeted print campaigns. When done thoughtfully, that combination becomes powerful. A customer visits a page but doesn’t book? They get a mailer with a discount for that exact service. Has someone made their first purchase? A thank-you postcard follows a few days later. What Kind of Data Are We Talking About? To make direct mail truly smart, businesses need to tap into a mix of online and offline data sources. Here are the key types that help shape targeted, relevant campaigns: ● First-party data: Think customer names, addresses, past orders, and email interactions. It’s all the info you’ve collected directly. ● Behavioral data: What people are looking at on your website, what they click, and what they ignore. ● Location data: Where people live, what stores they’ve visited, or what neighborhoods are most active. Segmenting Isn’t Just for Emails With the right data, you can create meaningful groups of people and speak directly to what they care about. Someone who hasn’t purchased in six months might need a reminder. A regular customer might appreciate a loyalty offer. A new visitor could get a welcome message. Timing Matters More Than You Think Ever browsed a product online and then seen an ad for it the next day? Direct mail can work the same way, but better. You can set up triggers that send mail shortly after someone takes a certain action online. These quick follow-ups feel natural. And because they’re physical, they come across as more thoughtful than yet another email or banner ad. Direct Mail Shouldn’t Work Alone The best campaigns connect the dots between digital and print. Someone sees your brand in their Instagram feed, gets a postcard a few days later, then clicks a QR code that leads to a landing page made just for them. Design and Messaging That Feels Real The data might do the targeting, but the design still has to do the talking. Your mailer should be simple, clean, and easy to read. The message should feel like it’s written by a human, not a script. Personal touches matter. Use a customer’s name, mention something they browsed, or highlight a location close to them. Keep it friendly, and don’t overdo the sales pitch. People respond to authenticity. Yes, You Can Track This Want to know if your postcard worked? Use trackable promo codes, custom URLs, or QR codes to measure responses. Some tools even let you connect mail campaigns to sales reports, so you can see the full picture, what worked, what didn’t, and what to do next. Want to create a mail strategy that’s backed by real data and built to convert? Reach out to us at Maine Street Marketing for a smarter way to do direct mail. 

It used to be that people typed what they were looking for into a search bar. Now, they just ask out loud. Where’s the closest pizza place? What time does the hardware store close? Who does affordable web design near me? These voice searches are short, spoken, and increasingly local. For small businesses, that shift isn’t just interesting, it’s a wake-up call. Getting found by voice takes deliberate effort. Why Voice Search Matters for Local Businesses Typed searches and voice searches don’t look, or sound, the same. People might type “coffee shop Boston,” but when they talk to their phones, it’s more like, “Where’s the best coffee near me right now?” Voice search is casual, conversational, and often tied to an immediate need. And here’s the kicker: most of these searches have local intent. That means people are looking for something nearby, and they’re usually ready to take action, grab lunch, book an appointment, or visit a store. Voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant pull responses from the top of search results, business listings , and structured data. If your digital presence doesn’t reflect the way people actually speak, or if your info isn’t easily accessible, you’re likely missing out on customers who are ready to choose... now. Speak-Ready Strategies To take advantage of this shift, local businesses need to rethink how they show up online, starting with how people actually interact with their devices. Talk Like Your Customers The days of keyword-stuffing are long gone. Instead of focusing on “cheap electrician Charlotte,” a more relevant phrase would be “Who’s a good electrician near me that’s affordable?” Think about how your customers talk. Build your content and keywords around those phrases. Pay attention to the questions you get on the phone or in person, that's how people are likely to speak to their devices. Add an FAQ Section Including a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section on your site is one of the easiest ways to match voice queries. But it only works if you write the way people talk. Instead of technical jargon, use plain language. Frame questions exactly how someone would ask them aloud, like: ● “Do you offer weekend appointments?” ● “How much does a basic service cost?” ● “Is parking available on-site?” Then answer them clearly and briefly. This not only helps users but also gives search engines an easy snippet to pull for voice responses. Make Google Work for You Google often pulls voice answers directly from Google Business Profiles. If your listing is incomplete or inconsistent, you're invisible to voice assistants. Make sure your business name, address, phone number, hours, categories, and services are accurate and up to date. Upload recent photos and respond to reviews . The more active and accurate your profile is, the more likely it is to show up in voice searches. Make Your Website Easy to Understand—For People and Search Engines Use structured data markup, also known as schema, to help search engines understand your site. It’s a behind-the-scenes tool your web team can implement that tags important details like your location, services, and hours. This kind of markup increases your chance of being selected as a direct answer in voice search results. It’s invisible to visitors but incredibly valuable for search visibility.  Mobile-First, Always Since most voice searches happen on mobile devices, your site needs to perform well on smartphones. That means fast loading, easy navigation, and features like click-to-call buttons or map integration. If a potential customer finds your business via voice and lands on a clunky site, they’ll bounce, and probably choose your competitor. Is your business ready to be found by voice? We at Maine Street Marketing can help you optimize your online presence so customers find you, whether they are typing or talking. Get in touch today!

Most social media strategies are built around timing, hashtags, and eye-catching visuals. But there’s a quieter detail that can transform how your content performs and who it reaches: alt text. More than just a technical checkbox, alt text is a bridge—connecting your content to people who experience the internet differently and helping your message reach places algorithms can't ignore. What Alt Text Really Does Alt text (short for “alternative text”) is used to describe images for those using screen readers. It gives people with visual impairments the ability to experience your content. But its purpose stretches well beyond accessibility. Alt text can influence search visibility, improve post clarity, and even shape the way your brand is perceived. For example, a real estate agent who posts a photo of a cozy farmhouse and uses the alt text, “Charming white farmhouse with wraparound porch at golden hour,” gives visually impaired users more than a label—they give a sense of warmth, time, and character. And at the same time, they’re providing search engines with meaningful data. A Missed Opportunity for Many Brands It’s not uncommon to find brands using generic or auto-generated alt text, or skipping it altogether. That’s like printing a beautiful ad and hiding it behind a curtain. Social platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and X (formerly Twitter) allow you to add alt text manually, but it’s rarely used with care. Alt text is an opportunity to tell a microstory or reinforce a message. For brands, this can be especially powerful. A product image can be more than a visual—it can become a narrative touchpoint. Consider: ● Weak alt text: “Sunscreen product photo.” ● Strong alt text: “Mineral sunscreen tube resting on a beach towel with sun hat in background.” Now you’re painting a lifestyle, not just labeling an object. The Accessibility Ripple Effect Accessible content doesn’t just serve those with disabilities—it makes things easier for everyone. Well-structured posts with thoughtful alt text are easier to understand in noisy environments, better for people using voice-enabled devices, and more inclusive for users with cognitive differences or temporary limitations (like a cracked screen or low signal). And let’s not forget the growing number of digital consumers who notice when accessibility is part of the user experience. Being thoughtful in your content design builds trust. It shows your audience that you’re considering all types of users—not just the majority. Alt Text and SEO: A Quiet Power Move Most people think SEO starts and ends with websites. But social media posts are indexed, too—and images are part of that equation. Alt text provides valuable metadata that can boost your content’s discoverability. It may not drive overnight traffic spikes, but over time, strong alt text adds structure to your content archive. It also improves the performance of your posts in platform-specific algorithms. On LinkedIn, for example, adding alt text can increase engagement, especially when paired with a strong caption. And while Facebook auto-generates alt text, editing it manually gives you more control over context and tone.  Want your social content to be more searchable, more inclusive, and more meaningful? At Maine Street Marketing, we help businesses create content that’s thoughtful, accessible, and designed to reach real people. Contact us to get started.

Online reviews can make or break a business. They influence customer decisions, impact search rankings, and shape your reputation. But what happens when you get a review that’s fake, misleading, or completely unfair? Whether it’s from a competitor, a mistaken customer, or a disgruntled person with an agenda, these reviews can be frustrating. The good news? You have options. Here’s what to do when your business gets hit with a fake or unfair review. Stay Calm and Assess the Review Your first reaction might be frustration or anger but don’t respond emotionally. Take a deep breath and look at the review objectively. Ask yourself: ● Does this reviewer seem like a real customer? ● Does the review contain false claims? ● Is there a history of similar negative reviews from the same person? ● Does the review violate the platform’s policies? Sometimes, customers simply have a bad experience. That doesn’t make their review fake, even if you don’t agree with it. But if the review contains false statements, spam, or appears to come from someone who was never a customer, it’s worth taking action. Respond Professionally and Publicly Even if the review is unfair, other potential customers will see your response. A professional and calm reply shows that you take feedback seriously and care about customer satisfaction. Try something like: "Hi [Reviewer’s Name], we take customer feedback seriously and want to make things right. However, we don’t have a record of your visit/purchase. Could you reach out to us at [contact info] so we can better understand your experience?" This type of response does two things: 1. It signals to potential customers that your business is reasonable and responsive. 2. It calls attention to the fact that the review may not be legitimate. If the reviewer never responds, others will likely notice. Report the Review  If you’re dealing with a fake review, most platforms allow you to report it. Each site has different guidelines, but here’s how to handle it on the major ones: ● Google: Click the three dots next to the review and select “Flag as inappropriate.” You can also submit a complaint through Google Business Support. ● Yelp: Use the “Report Review” option and explain why it violates Yelp’s guidelines. ● Facebook: Click the three dots on the review and select “Find support or report recommendation.” ● TripAdvisor: Use the “Report” feature and provide details. Platforms won’t remove a review just because it’s negative, but if it contains false information, spam, or personal attacks, there’s a good chance it will be taken down. Encourage Genuine Positive Reviews One fake review won’t ruin your business, but a strong collection of real, positive reviews will make it less noticeable. Encourage satisfied customers to leave feedback. Send follow-up emails, ask in person, or include a simple review request in receipts or newsletters. Make it easy for happy customers to share their experiences. The more authentic reviews you have, the less impact a single unfair one will have. Take Legal Action as a Last Resort If a review is clearly false or damaging, and the platform refuses to remove it, you might consider legal action. This is usually a last resort, as it can be time-consuming and costly. If you believe the review is defamatory, consult a legal professional to discuss your options. If you need help managing your online reputation, our team at Maine Street Marketing is here for you. Contact us today to strengthen your business’s online presence and keep your reviews working in your favor!