There are a lot of businesses that I talk to that are very hesitant to put their ad dollars online. The top two reasons that people are not spending more online is because of past experiences or understanding... or both.

There are a lot of people who have been scammed before online. A flashy salesman from the Yellow Pages (Remember them?) walked in one day and sold a web package that didn't do anything for the business. Some bought banner ads and they didn't work out.

I also hear, "we buy our own Facebook ads" a lot.  Then I ask how they are working and they can't answer definitively.  That means they are doing it wrong.   Most businesses don't have the knowledge base to navigate the ad options online and even less know how to run campaigns effectively. 

Just like anything, you need should hire a professional. If you are not getting a positive return on every ad campaign you run, then you are not doing it right.  

Don't be scared to hire professionals, ideally Keyser Media, to really use your digital advertising dollars wisely. If you take the leap, you will be rewarded. 

Today we are talking about branding. A lot of local businesses are not taking advantage of some free ways to brand. In this video we talk about three different ways to brand your business in the Fredericksburg area.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

​- C. P. Keyser

When Zealand, who just turned eight in February, said he wanted to make YouTube basketball videos, we were very excited to help him out. We have been filming his games since he started playing and making some videos, but he wants to get serious about it.

As parents we are here to encourage and guide, but not do the work for him. I told him I will film him when he comes to me with an idea and a basic plan. I am helping him organize his thoughts, but this is his channel. 

His plan is to play in the NBA and we will do whatever is necessary to support him on that path, but we have stressed the importance of learning and turning knowledge and skills into marketable assets. We don't use those words, but he understands the importance of learning and how that relates to income. 

In one-on-one conversations, I have stressed the importance of a good education. Reggie Miller is one of his favorite NBA commentators, and using Reggie as an example, I told my son of five that Reggie played in the NBA and was great because of his skill. Now, he is able to have a job in the NBA watching games and talking about them because he is educated. 

In our house we watch a lot of YouTube because we cut cable. One day I explained to my wife how YouTubers make money and I could see Zealand's mind blow in front of my face. It was like he realized how to say his first words. In excitement he said, "You can make money doing YouTube videos?" I smiled and said, "Yes". I already knew what was coming.

Zealand loves basketball. He really loves the game and everything about it. His passion for the sport is relentless and now he wants to share that passion with the world.

Hoops With Z will be a YouTube Channel with training videos to help other kids get better at basketball. He wants to feature some of his trick shots, game highlights and talk about basketball. One of the features he is working hard to prepare for is Basketball Commentary.

We have already told the Z-man that if his channel makes any money, it will go into a savings account for him and his sister. He negotiated Wizards tickets out of it though. He might be pretty good at this business thing after all. 

Hoops With Z is launching soon. He is very excited.