Here's what everyone already knows: you need to win more dollars from Millennials (Gen Y) - the up-and-coming big spenders in every industry.
The billion-dollar question:
How?
There's a lot of misleading buzz about what actually works for Millennial marketing. Here's some focuses that DON'T work:

• Environmental responsibility
• Thick-rim glasses and skinny jeans
• Racial diversity
• MacBook Pros and coffee shops
• Minority empowerment
• LGBTQ equality
• Etc...

Again, none of those approaches work.
Think I'm crazy? Try to picture a well-known retailer that's synonymous with this list...
*Drum roll please*

How about Walmart?

No way! Their image is virtually the opposite of all of the above. But Walmart is the clear retailer of choice for Millennials. How did that happen?
The "non-PC" truth: Millennials just care about themselves
Expert Millennial marketing highlights the direct benefits from the product/service. Like, here and now. That's why the perception of wide assortment and low price at Walmart has Millennial appeal, even though Walmart's prices aren't always the lowest.

Unfortunately, you can't just scream "Benefits!" and win big with Millennial marketing...

A relevant content marketing strategy and a relatable, conversational tone are 100% necessary (easier said than done).  But everyone (supposedly) knows that - the real secret is tougher to implement.
Missing Link: conversion-focused copywriting that's like a river
The ever-shrinking attention span of Millennials only captures pieces of your content.
Therefore, those key pieces must flow together, and point to a reasonable and intuitive next step.

1. Flow
   Millennials no longer read the internet; they scan. Especially if it requires thought. Combat this with sharp copy that feels natural and doesn't follow a rigid "train of thought". Your copywriting should be like a "river" of thought that doesn't require effort to navigate - it just guides the reader.
2. Reasonable
   It doesn't matter how easily your river of copy flows unless it directs your reader to an action that benefits your goals!
   
   Selfish, I know.
   
   In order to direct the reader to an action, the direction in your copy-river must be reasonable. The action you are suggesting must be built on solid logic that makes sense to them, not just you. For example:
   • Offer them more of your awesome content - don't always urge them to contact you directly!
   • Invite them to bookmark the page for later - because they shop around anyway!
   • Offer a non-threatening quote form - not a buy-it-now option!
     I know, crazy stuff. In certain stages, a purchase-centered call to action is helpful, but you know from experience that buyers aren't always ready for that...
3. Intuitive
   No one likes to paddle against the current to correct their course. The call to action must be so intuitive to the reader that it's almost unnecessary. By the time you've said "Give me a call", they should already be looking for your phone number.

Now your copy-river should disperse into well-oiled technical elements (like a link or plugin) that makes the reader's conversion process seamless - either to the next page of content, a contact field, or (fist pump) "BUY".

Execute your content marketing strategy with the above F-R-I steps of river-like copywriting. Use a relatable, conversational tone.
You'll see increased profits and market share in no time.
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If this was helpful for you, don't share it with anyone else!

Seriously... I understand. This is a competitive world. Keep the edge to yourself.
Also, if you're busy, focused elsewhere, lacking resources, or don't have the time to tackle all of this...

I can lend an affordable hand, and I'll be here whenever you need it... just let me know.

To your success,

-Luke

If you're a small business taking aim at the moving target of effective marketing, then you know by now the importance of having a presence in social media.
 
You also know how hard it is to navigate social between calls, meetings, and actually doing work! Let's look at three simple ways to make the social side of marketing a bit more manageable.
 
1. Don't open a social channel unless you're going to maintain it!
   
This may sound like a no-brainer, but take a look at some Facebook pages for businesses in your area, and you'll see it happening all over the place. Small businesses often put an account together with the best of intentions, but fail to maintain their platforms with consistent content. This will not earn you respect from the Millennial consumer.

Post at least once per week with content that your followers will find beneficial.
 
2. Use the same content across your social channels.
   
In the early stages, only your most die-hard fans will follow every channel you're operating, so go ahead and use the same content for each channel:

• Full version on your blog and LinkedIn
• A blurb and a link on Facebook
• A snippet plus a tiny URL on Twitter.

 
3. Leverage social networking platforms to link your social content to your website, and vice versa.
           
The ultimate goal of your social media activity is to move your customer to a place where they convert.

Use social media buttons on your website to connect web pages to social platforms, and wherever possible, use any social content to link the reader back to your website again to keep them in the cycle.
 
See, that wasn't too bad, right? Best of luck to you as you use these tips to boost your social media presence in a market where it's only becoming more important every day.

All the best,

-Luke