Business

3 Pieces of Advice OptionsSwing Inc. Wants to Share With Fellow Fin-Ed Entrepreneurs

Published

5 years ago

January 21, 2021

Starting any type of business and seeing it grow and survive is hard. Entrepreneurs go into their ventures prepared to see them fail, even though they always have to give their all to stop that from happening. Saying that it’s a gamble would take it too far, but entrepreneurship is nevertheless a risky business.

Still, there are plenty of resources entrepreneurs can use to boost their business’s chances of succeeding. Experiences from their fellow enterprises who have been there, done that, and lived to tell the tale are invaluable.

For entrepreneurs looking to start a financial education company, here are three pieces of advice from the founders of OptionsSwing, the fin-ed company that’s the darling of Instagram users.

Now Is the Best Time to Start

It could be argued that there’s never a better time than right now to get started on a substantial project. In this case, however, the “now” refers to an extremely specific time in the history of the world: the COVID-19 pandemic.

The full effects of the pandemic cannot be known while it’s still ongoing. It will probably take years and years after the world brings it under control until anyone will be able to even assess how much damage and suffering this virus has caused.

Some effects, however, are painfully obvious right now. One of them is that people are becoming either unemployed or underemployed. A number of them have been turning to the stock market in the hopes they’ll be able to use it as an additional revenue stream. Starting a digital subscription business at a time like that is great, but so is sharing the knowledge that can help people stay afloat.

Be Proactive With Tech Investments

In many cases, waiting for something to happen and then reacting to it is the best way to deal with challenges. When there are too many unknowns ahead, trying to cover them all can become impossible, impractical, or simply too distracting from whatever’s going on in the here and now.

Investing in expanding one’s problem-solving capacity is a whole different beast, though. Tech is a great example of it; investing in it early on means that entrepreneurs won’t have to scramble for resources when they desperately need them. The tech will be there, allowing them to focus on the problem they’re having.

Tech might be the most obvious example for laying the groundwork for future problem-solving capabilities, but the same advice can be extrapolated further. Investing in any resource that’s especially useful in critical times is a good use of money.

Trust People to Do Good Work

While it’s possible to see many one-person operations in the world of business, when it comes to scaling and growing, “the more, the merrier” is the correct motto. Talent procurement in startups is a big deal because, often enough, the quality of the talent has to compensate for the lack of resources.

Even entrepreneurs who believe in their singular vision and don’t want anyone to meddle with their ideas could use help now and again. Delegating work to other people and believing that they’ll do a good job might prove to be necessary for the business’s survival. At the very least, it will be a great way for the controlling entrepreneurs to learn to relax, better handle the uncertainty of someone else’s work, and build healthier relationships with the people around them. It’s a win on all fronts.

To keep up with OptionsSwing, follow them on Instagram at @optionsswing.

Business

The Key Components of a Successful Digital Marketing Strategy

Published

3 days ago

November 16, 2025

Matthew Wiles

In today’s hyper-connected world, a well-defined digital marketing strategy is essential for any business that wants to grow, build brand trust, and stay competitive. Whether you’re a local retailer, an eCommerce business, or a professional service provider, your online presence plays a major role in shaping how your audience perceives you. For example, industries like legal services are increasingly recognising the benefits of specialised digital marketing for law firms to attract and engage clients in an increasingly digital marketplace.

Below, we explore the key components that make up a successful digital marketing strategy—and how to align them with your business goals.

Clear Objectives and Measurable Goals

Every effective strategy begins with a clear understanding of what success looks like. Your goals might include increasing website traffic, generating leads, improving search engine visibility, or enhancing customer retention. Setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) objectives helps ensure that each marketing activity contributes to tangible outcomes.

A Strong Brand Identity

Your digital marketing efforts should reflect a cohesive brand identity that resonates across every channel—your website, social media, email campaigns, and online ads. Consistent visual design, tone of voice, and messaging establish credibility and make your business instantly recognisable.

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)

SEO remains the backbone of digital visibility. From on-page content optimisation and keyword targeting to technical site health and link-building, SEO ensures your business appears where customers are actively searching. Local SEO, in particular, helps businesses connect with audiences in specific geographic areas—an essential tactic for professionals and service-based businesses.

Engaging Content Marketing

High-quality, relevant content builds authority and nurtures relationships. Blogs, videos, infographics, podcasts, and whitepapers provide opportunities to educate, entertain, and inspire your audience. Great content not only boosts SEO performance but also establishes your brand as a trusted industry leader.

Social Media Engagement

Social platforms allow you to interact directly with your audience, showcase brand personality, and promote your services. The key is to use the right platform for your audience—LinkedIn for B2B engagement, Instagram for visual storytelling, or Facebook for community connection. Regular posting, active engagement, and data analysis are crucial for success.

Paid Advertising (PPC and Social Ads)

Paid campaigns can provide immediate visibility and lead generation, especially when combined with strong targeting and data insights. Tools like Google Ads and Meta Ads Manager allow you to reach specific demographics, remarket to previous visitors, and maximise ROI through ongoing optimisation.

Email Marketing and Automation

Email remains one of the most effective tools for nurturing relationships. Automated workflows can deliver personalised experiences, keeping leads engaged throughout the buyer journey. From newsletters to drip campaigns, consistent and value-driven communication is key.

Data Analytics and Continuous Optimisation

No digital marketing strategy is complete without performance tracking. Tools like Google Analytics, social insights, and CRM data reveal what’s working—and what’s not. Regularly reviewing metrics enables businesses to refine their strategy and continually improve results.

Final Thoughts

A successful digital marketing strategy is more than a checklist—it’s an evolving framework built on research, creativity, and constant learning. When each component works together seamlessly, your business can attract, engage, and convert customers more effectively, while maintaining a powerful and professional online presence.