--- title: Blog | Trending Up Strategy description: Educational information about all things digital to help market, sell, and grow your business today. --- [![Trending Up - Logo - Horizontal - Color - Inverted copy](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logos/Trending%20Up%20-%20Logo%20-%20Horizontal%20-%20Color%20-%20Inverted%20copy.png?width=210&height=70&name=Trending%20Up%20-%20Logo%20-%20Horizontal%20-%20Color%20-%20Inverted%20copy.png "Trending Up - Logo - Horizontal - Color - Inverted copy")](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/) - [SALES-READY WEBSITES](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/automated-sales-machine) - [SALES & MARKETING STRATEGY](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/marketing-strategy-for-specialty-manufacturers) - RESOURCES - [BLOG](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/manufacturing-blog) - [FREE RESOURCES](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/manufacturing-marketing-resource-center) - [MARKETING ROI CALCULATOR](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/roi-calculator) - [CASE STUDY](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/conveyor-system-manufacturer-case-study) - CONTACT - [CONTACT US](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/contact) - [CAREER CENTER](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/career-center) - [FREE MARKETING ANALYSIS](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/personalized-marketing-analysis-video) ## Smarketing Blog ## 5 Reasons Your Commercial Contractor Marketing Plan Needs Case Studies by [Brian Bzdawka](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/author/brian-bzdawka)![](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/44179875_10156868119424595_6988195911268564992_n.jpg?width=35&name=44179875_10156868119424595_6988195911268564992_n.jpg) October 13, 2017 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![{ content.name }}](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hubfs/Case%20Study%20Pudding.jpg)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/5-reasons-for-case-studies-in-commercial-contractor-marketing-plans-0) Marketers used to see case studies as just an added bonus – the “whipped cream” on top of everything that their company does.  If they had the time to get around to them, they were great to use to brag with.  But, I am telling you that a [well-executed case study](https://www.julcreative.com/manufacturing-company-sees-results-with-data-powered-inbound-marketing), if used correctly, is far more important than that.  It isn’t a mere brag – it is PROOF of the industry-relevant, problem solving, superhero skills that your business is wielding. [CONTINUE READING](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/5-reasons-for-case-studies-in-commercial-contractor-marketing-plans-0) [0 Comments](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/5-reasons-for-case-studies-in-commercial-contractor-marketing-plans-0#comments-listing) Topics: [Inbound Marketing for Home Contractors](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/inbound-marketing-for-home-contractors) [Commercial Construction Marketing](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/commercial-construction-marketing) ## Boost Membership Engagement for Your Association by [Brian Bzdawka](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/author/brian-bzdawka)![](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/44179875_10156868119424595_6988195911268564992_n.jpg?width=35&name=44179875_10156868119424595_6988195911268564992_n.jpg) October 12, 2017 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![{ content.name }}](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hubfs/engagement.png)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/how-to-improve-membership-engagement-for-your-association-0) Many of you might be wondering what the heck we mean by membership engagement.  Hey, completely understandable... but sorry to say that there isn’t a clear cut answer.  Membership Engagement isn’t just the newest buzzword that people like to sling around - it’s a real thing, but it will mean something different to each association.  [CONTINUE READING](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/how-to-improve-membership-engagement-for-your-association-0) [0 Comments](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/how-to-improve-membership-engagement-for-your-association-0#comments-listing) Topics: [Increase Lead Generation](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/increase-lead-generation) [association membership](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/association-membership) [quality leads](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/quality-leads) ## 4 Ways To Shorten Your Sales Cycle Using Inbound Marketing Tactics by [Jenna Orrock](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/author/jenna-orrock)![](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_1160%20square.jpg?width=35&name=IMG_1160%20square.jpg) July 5, 2017 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![{ content.name }}](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hubfs/Infographics_and_Offers/Prospect-content.png)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/4-ways-to-shorten-sales-cycle-using-inbound-marketing-tactics) Many industries are weighed down with negativity about sales cycles. Sales pros might suspect the nature of their industry makes it impossible to accelerate the cycle. They may believe they are hampered by prospects' processes or corporate culture ... or that they just “can’t make up their minds.” [CONTINUE READING](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/4-ways-to-shorten-sales-cycle-using-inbound-marketing-tactics) [0 Comments](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/4-ways-to-shorten-sales-cycle-using-inbound-marketing-tactics#comments-listing) Topics: [Content Marketing](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/content-marketing) [Inbound Marketing](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/inbound-marketing) [Sales Enablement](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/sales-enablement) ## The Top 3 Tried-and-True Tips for Successful Marketing Content Management by [Jenna Orrock](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/author/jenna-orrock)![](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_1160%20square.jpg?width=35&name=IMG_1160%20square.jpg) June 27, 2017 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![{ content.name }}](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hubfs/Blog_Photos/prioritize_important_essential.jpg)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/the-top-3-tried-and-true-tips-for-successful-marketing-content-management) Successful [marketing content management](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/content) is all about prioritization. However, with so much on your plate - managing social media, handling paid advertising, coordinating events and case studies, and more - how do you make sure you’re prioritizing when it comes to [managing online marketing content](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/content)? Keep reading for my top three tried-and-true tips for prioritizing and managing marketing content. [CONTINUE READING](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/the-top-3-tried-and-true-tips-for-successful-marketing-content-management) [0 Comments](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/the-top-3-tried-and-true-tips-for-successful-marketing-content-management#comments-listing) Topics: [Content Marketing](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/content-marketing) ## Intelligent Marketing Grows Your Business by [Jenna Orrock](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/author/jenna-orrock)![](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_1160%20square.jpg?width=35&name=IMG_1160%20square.jpg) June 22, 2017 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![{ content.name }}](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Jul-Creative-Attract-Convert-Close-Delight-Measure.jpg?t=1451420956760&width=436)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/intelligent-marketing-grows-your-business) Experts have estimated there are more than 1 billion sites on the world wide web. Even the most specialized site has thousands of rivals. In a world where competition expands daily, how can you learn to “market smart” – ensuring your message rises to the top and gets the attention of potential customers? [CONTINUE READING](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/intelligent-marketing-grows-your-business) [0 Comments](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/intelligent-marketing-grows-your-business#comments-listing) Topics: [Buyer Personas](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/buyer-personas) ## #33DaysOfStrategy: What It Is & How It Works by [Brian Bzdawka](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/author/brian-bzdawka)![](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/44179875_10156868119424595_6988195911268564992_n.jpg?width=35&name=44179875_10156868119424595_6988195911268564992_n.jpg) May 8, 2017 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![{ content.name }}](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hubfs/DIY_marketing_plan_template/33days/social_promo/33day%20CTA%20-%2022Enter22%20-%20v1.jpg)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/the-33-days-of-strategy-promotion) Today marks the start of Trending Up's #33DaysofStrategy, a celebration (and get-the-word-out-there promotion) of our latest product, the [DIY Agency-Level Marketing Plan](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/marketing-plan-template-for-marketing-coordinators-launch-special).  [CONTINUE READING](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/the-33-days-of-strategy-promotion) [0 Comments](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/the-33-days-of-strategy-promotion#comments-listing) Topics: [Content Marketing](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/content-marketing) [Marketing Strategy](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/marketing-strategy) ## How To Increase Visitors To Your Company's Blog by 100% by [Jenna Orrock](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/author/jenna-orrock)![](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_1160%20square.jpg?width=35&name=IMG_1160%20square.jpg) May 2, 2017 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![{ content.name }}](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hubfs/Jul-Creative-Blog-Readership-Custom-Home-Builders.jpeg)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/how-to-increase-readership-on-my-blog) Blogging experts agree that the #1 most important aspect of popularity is great content. But that seems like the easy part. The struggle seems to be: how do you get more people to your blog in the first place? Business leaders struggle with how to increase blog traffic while leveraging social media – but it’s easier than it looks when you start with a strategic plan for creating content that's relevant to your ideal buyers - the ones you want to read your blog. When you start viewing the blog writing through the eyes of your prospects, you'll start increasing visitors. Here are some other tips. [CONTINUE READING](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/how-to-increase-readership-on-my-blog) [0 Comments](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/how-to-increase-readership-on-my-blog#comments-listing) Topics: [Content Marketing](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/content-marketing) [Blogging ROI](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/blogging-roi) ## How To Create Buyer Personas for Commercial Construction Marketing by [Jenna Orrock](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/author/jenna-orrock)![](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_1160%20square.jpg?width=35&name=IMG_1160%20square.jpg) April 28, 2017 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![{ content.name }}](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hubfs/Blog_Photos/interview_customers_when_creating_buyer_personas.jpg)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/how-to-create-buyer-personas-for-your-commercial-construction-marketing) Buyer personas are generalized, fictional characters that represent a specific segment of your ideal customer base. You’ll create a different buyer persona for each of your [commercial construction buyers](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/inside-content-marketers-blueprint-content-commercial-contractor) that may have different company titles, goals, concerns, questions, and challenges. Typically, you’ll have 2-5 personas to start with. [CONTINUE READING](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/how-to-create-buyer-personas-for-your-commercial-construction-marketing) [0 Comments](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/how-to-create-buyer-personas-for-your-commercial-construction-marketing#comments-listing) Topics: [Buyer Personas](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/buyer-personas) [Commercial Construction Marketing](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/commercial-construction-marketing) ## Specialized Construction Marketing Plan Pt 2: Create Content \[VIDEO\] by [Alicia Westphal](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/author/alicia-westphal)![](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Profile_Pictures/Hubspot_Persona-Avatars/alicia_westphal_headshot_02.2017.jpg?width=35&name=alicia_westphal_headshot_02.2017.jpg) April 27, 2017 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![{ content.name }}](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hubfs/Blog_Photos/publish_relevant_content.jpg)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/construction-strategic-marketing-planning-part-2-create-content-video) We recently published the [first part](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/specialized-construction-strategic-marketing-planning-part-1-strategy-video) in this series about specialized construction marketing planning. It starts with a [strategic marketing plan built for specialized construction](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/inside-content-marketers-blueprint-content-commercial-contractor) with clear goals and measurable, results-oriented tactics can help you build up a lead-generating machine for your business.  The second step is to create and distribute [content that's relevant to your target audience](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/create-relevant-content-for-measurable-marketing-strategy-results). Relevant content will attract this audience to your website when they're searching for solutions, and will establish trust with them when they read what you've published.  [CONTINUE READING](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/construction-strategic-marketing-planning-part-2-create-content-video) [0 Comments](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/construction-strategic-marketing-planning-part-2-create-content-video#comments-listing) Topics: [Content Marketing](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/content-marketing) [Marketing Strategy](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/marketing-strategy) [Commercial Construction Marketing](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/commercial-construction-marketing) ## How To Scare Away Your Potential Customers During Negotiation by [Alicia Westphal](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/author/alicia-westphal)![](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Profile_Pictures/Hubspot_Persona-Avatars/alicia_westphal_headshot_02.2017.jpg?width=35&name=alicia_westphal_headshot_02.2017.jpg) April 19, 2017 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![{ content.name }}](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hubfs/Blog_Photos/rude7.jpg)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/how-to-scare-away-your-potential-customers-during-negotiation) You’ve identified a quality lead, connected with them and built trust through [educational, customer-centric content](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/content), and explored solutions along with them. As your buyer goes through their buyer’s journey and you've followed the steps in the [Empowered Sales Methodology](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/sales-enablement), the next step is clear: advise them and close the sale. But how? There is plenty of advice out there on how to close a sale. But negotiating is the step that comes first. As a salesperson, using any of these phrases while negotiating with a quality, qualified potential customer is a great way to make them look elsewhere for a solution. [CONTINUE READING](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/how-to-scare-away-your-potential-customers-during-negotiation) [0 Comments](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/how-to-scare-away-your-potential-customers-during-negotiation#comments-listing) Topics: [Inbound Smarketing](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/inbound-smarketing) [Sales Enablement](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/sales-enablement) [All Posts](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/all) [Next Page](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/page/2) ## Something Powerful ### Tell The Reader More The headline and subheader tells us what you're offering, and the form header closes the deal. Over here you can explain why your offer is so great it's worth filling out a form for. Remember: - Bullets are great - For spelling out benefits and - Turning visitors into leads. ### About The Trending Up Blog On our blog, we'll share our passion and energy for strategy, inbound marketing, selling, and growing businesses. We hope you'll do the same! Here's what to expect from our blog: - The best ways to accomplish your growth goals - News & updates on the digital industry and what it means for you - How to keep *trending up*. [Sign up to receive our blog updates in your inbox.](https://www.julcreative.com/subscribe/jul-creative-inbound-smarketing-blog) ### Subscribe Here! ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Inbound Marketing (28)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/inbound-marketing) - [Content Marketing (18)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/content-marketing) - [Marketing for B2B (15)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/marketing-for-b2b) - [Sales Enablement (12)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/sales-enablement) - [Inbound Marketing for Home Contractors (10)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/inbound-marketing-for-home-contractors) - [Inbound Smarketing (10)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/inbound-smarketing) - [Increase Lead Generation (10)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/increase-lead-generation) - [Manufacturing Blogs (10)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/manufacturing-blogs) - [Marketing Powered By Data (10)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/marketing-powered-by-data) - [association membership (10)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/association-membership) - [Inbound for Financial Institutions (9)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/inbound-for-financial-institutions) - [Blogging ROI (7)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/blogging-roi) - [quality leads (7)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/quality-leads) - [Improving Close Ratio (5)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/improving-close-ratio) - [Marketing Strategy (5)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/marketing-strategy) - [Attraction Recruiting (4)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/attraction-recruiting) - [Buyer Personas (4)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/buyer-personas) - [Commercial Construction Marketing (4)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/commercial-construction-marketing) - [Construction (4)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/construction) - [Inbound Sales (4)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/inbound-sales) - [Social Media (4)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/social-media) - [Marketing for Home Builders (3)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/marketing-for-home-builders) - [Email Marketing (2)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/email-marketing) - [Personalization (2)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/personalization) - [Website Development (2)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/website-development) - [Nari Trade Show (1)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/nari-trade-show) - [Overhead Door Industry (1)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/overhead-door-industry) - [Recruitment (1)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/recruitment) - [Trade Show Success (1)](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/blog/topic/trade-show-success) see all [![](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logos/Trending%20Up%20-%20Logo%20-%20Horizontal%20-%20Color.png?width=400&height=133&name=Trending%20Up%20-%20Logo%20-%20Horizontal%20-%20Color.png)](http://trendingupstrategy.com) ### 1870 The Exchange Suite 200 #357 Atlanta, GA 30339-2021   ### 720.213.8437   ### info@trendingupstrategy.com ![gold-horizontal-white](https://www.trendingupstrategy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/gold-horizontal-white.png?width=220&height=71&name=gold-horizontal-white.png "gold-horizontal-white") ### From Our Blog ### Sign Up for Updates           © 2026 Trending Up Strategy [Privacy Policy](https://www.julcreative.com/privacy-policy)  |  [Terms & Conditions](https://www.julcreative.com/terms-and-conditions)