Business
Social Engagement Series: 3 Things Your Customers Will Gladly Share Before You Ask
Viral content. It’s something every content marketer wants, but they don’t all achieve viral status. Some people produce content for months without such success. However, it’s not impossible to go viral, it just takes a lot of effort, like any other aspect of your business. Here are 3 types of content you can use to make your company viral.
“But wait, I’m not a content marketer.”
Sometimes that outlook alone stops someone from going viral. Does your business have a blog? A Youtube or Vimeo page, perhaps? Do you have a podcast? Do you share relevant blog articles and videos on your company’s Facebook Page? Then we applaud you — you’re a content marketer.
Content marketing is just a catchy way to describe the process of warming your customers up to you through your content. It’s social engagement. As a consumer yourself, you want to know a little about the business you’re spending your money with, right? Your prospective customers are the same way, whether yours is a B2C or B2B business.
Now that you’re good on that, here’s how to get them engaged.
3 Types of Content Your Customers Will Gladly Share Before You Ask
1. Infographics. An infographic is simply information you want to share (usually data, statistics, or a list) presented in a visually pleasing image. Infographics have grown into quite the rage, and can be infinitely reblogged if the information is value-packed and well-designed.
Greg Ciotti‘s infographic, 10 Ways to Convert More Customers (Using Psychology), is a great example. It received 136 tweets, 80 LinkedIn shares, 59 Facebook likes, and 163 pins.
How do you make an infographic from scratch? The good news is you don’t have to. There are now several sites that provide beautiful templates:
And don’t think you have to focus all your energy on the visuals. Like websites, sometimes a simple two- or three-color palette can draw your prospect’s eye.
2. Shareables. The name sounds generic, but a shareable is basically bite-sized visual content, an image with food for thought. For example, a gorgeous photo with an inspirational quote, or a piece of advice or outline designed in eye-catching font on a nice background. Shareables are quick and easy to digest, and if the customer likes it, he’ll hit the Share button within seconds.
Here’s a great example: Brian Clark, Copyblogger CEO, designed his own outline of how to become a better writer.
Like this infographic? Get more content marketing tips from Copyblogger.
As you can see, the design doesn’t need to be complicated to be successfully shared. Clark’s shareable, though a bit older, has 1,197 tweets, 772 Facebook likes, 176 +1’s, and 77 comments.
All you need to create one is Microsoft Word, Pages (iWork), or, if you’re proficient, Photoshop. Once you’ve made it, convert it into a .pdf, .jpeg, or .png file, post it on your business blog, and off it goes.
3. Slideshows. Like inforgraphics, a slideshow is a great visual way to present valuable information or data you want to share, but allows you more room to present it. An infographic is one long image, whereas a slideshow can be anywhere from 3-20 slides long. Plus, a slideshow has much smaller dimensions, so it takes up less space on your page.
How do you share your masterpiece online once you’ve made it? You create an account with one of these two sites (or both):
- Slideshare (LinkedIn’s slideshow sharing platform)
- Scribd.
If you’re wondering which to choose, Slideshare’s attached to LinkedIn, so approximately 80% of its audience is professionals and businesspeople ready to invest their money. Comforting prospect, yes?
Here’s an example of a slideshow I presented through Slideshare. It’s my most popular slideshow to date, with 5 downloads and 473 views.
What makes these 3 content types so successful?
People are visual creatures, and in our on-the-go age, if a piece of content doesn’t catch a prospect’s eye, he moves on to something that can. Think of the proliferation of online videos, infographics, and shareables. People want something that looks good, or is entertaining, but will still enlighten them in some way.
These 3 types of content can give them that satisfaction, and it’s always more satisfying when it’s your content they’re sharing.
Have you used one of these three content types yet? We at Ready Inc. challenge you to start today. Choose one, design it, and share it with the world. If you don’t have the time, we’ll gladly do it for you. Contact us today.
Flickr photo by J. Neil Ferree.
DAVIE, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and his family received a life-changing gift on June 11 when they were presented with a fully refurbished vehicle through the National Auto Body Council’s (NABC) Recycled Rides® program.
The donation was made possible through a partnership between vehicle donor Allstate, repair partner Crash Champions, and several industry sponsors. The presentation took place at Crash Champions’ Davie, Florida, collision repair center.
Veteran Receives Reliable Transportation
The recipient, Sergio Hernandez, was nominated by the Wounded Warrior Project, one of the nation’s leading veterans service organizations dedicated to supporting post-9/11 veterans, active-duty service members and their families.
Hernandez and his wife received a refurbished 2018 Toyota RAV4 donated by Allstate and restored by Crash Champions technicians.
“This vehicle is beautiful, super clean, just near mint,” Hernandez said. “Reliability is a huge thing. This will take a burden off our shoulders not having to worry about maintenance or any of the issues we were having with prior vehicles. I’m truly grateful for it.”
From Military Service to Civilian Life
Hernandez served in the United States Marine Corps beginning in 2015, with assignments in South Korea, Japan and the Philippines. During his service, he suffered a back injury that required extensive therapy and rehabilitation.
After leaving the military, Hernandez used GI Bill benefits to earn a bachelor’s degree in business management. However, transportation challenges remained a significant obstacle for his growing family.
With a non-operational vehicle and mounting repair costs, reliable transportation had become a pressing need. The donated vehicle will help Hernandez commute to work, attend family appointments and provide safe transportation for his wife and two young children.
Industry Partners Make a Difference
Allstate has donated more than 300 vehicles through the NABC Recycled Rides® program, making it one of the program’s largest vehicle donors.
Crash Champions has also played a major role, gifting more than 250 vehicles to individuals and organizations in need through the initiative.
Additional partners supporting the donation included Enterprise, Tire Kingdom, AutoZone, J&A Auto Restore, ATE, Advanced Remarketing Services, Copart and Cars for Charity.
Business
Orlando Regional REALTOR Association Event Highlights Orange County Growth, Housing Trends and Economic Outlook
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) hosted its second annual State of Real Estate event for Orange County on April 17, bringing together industry professionals, policymakers and community leaders to examine the region’s housing market and economic outlook.
Held at ORRA’s headquarters in Orlando, the event focused on the evolving dynamics of residential and commercial real estate across Central Florida. Discussions centered on housing affordability, economic growth and long-term regional development.
Speakers and Panelists
- Lawrence Yun — Chief Economist, National Association of REALTORS
- Maria Henson — Senior Director of Market Research & Insights, Visit Orlando
- Racquel Asa — Head of External Affairs, Central Florida Expressway Authority
- Amy Mercado — Property Appraiser, Orange County
- Chris Atwell — Moderator, 2026 ORRA President
Industry experts said Central Florida’s economy continues to grow, though at a more measured pace. While housing and stock market wealth remain near record highs, job growth is softening, consumer sentiment has declined and loan defaults are rising — creating a market shaped by mixed signals.
Panelists noted the housing market has shifted into a more stable phase compared to the rapid growth seen during 2020 and 2021, with more balance and sustainable conditions.
Despite short-term fluctuations, long-term fundamentals remain strong. Orange County’s tax base has grown significantly since 2023, while the broader Central Florida region has experienced a 23% population increase over the past decade, with more than 1,200 people moving to the area each week.
Infrastructure and tourism were also highlighted as key drivers of future growth. Officials pointed to major roadway investments by the Central Florida Expressway Authority and the region’s continued strength as a tourism hub, drawing more than 75 million visitors in 2024.
“We’re operating in a global economy where interest rates, supply chains and migration policies all influence what happens at the local level,” said ORRA CEO Cliff Long.
Economic Trends Show Mixed Signals
Experts emphasized that strong asset values are being offset by softer job growth and declining consumer confidence.
Housing Market Enters Stable Phase
The market has transitioned from pandemic-driven volatility to a more balanced and sustainable pace.
Growth, Infrastructure and Tourism Drive Future
Population growth, infrastructure investment and tourism continue to support long-term expansion in Central Florida.
ORRA’s Impact and Benefits on the Real Estate Industry
The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association provides critical market insights, advocacy and professional resources for REALTORS® across Central Florida. Its events foster collaboration between industry leaders, policymakers and the community, helping guide responsible growth, inform housing policy and strengthen the regional real estate market.
Business
Walmart’s Road to Open Call Returns to Orlando, Offering Small Businesses Access to National Retail Opportunities
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Walmart, in partnership with the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando, will host the 2026 Walmart Road to Open Call pitch event on May 21 in Orlando, offering small businesses the opportunity to present their products directly to Walmart buyers.
The Orlando event is the only Florida stop in 2026 and is part of a nationwide initiative designed to support small business growth, expand supplier diversity and strengthen U.S. manufacturing.
OPPORTUNITY FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
The Road to Open Call serves as a pathway for entrepreneurs to connect with Walmart’s sourcing team, refine their pitches and prepare for the company’s annual Open Call event in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Applications are open through May 1 at 10 p.m. EST. A select group of applicants will be chosen to participate in the Orlando event, where each business will receive a 30-minute, one-on-one pitch meeting with a Walmart buyer, along with feedback and mentorship.
Top participants may earn a fast pass to Walmart’s annual Open Call, where they can pitch for potential placement in Walmart stores or online.
FOCUS ON U.S.-MADE PRODUCTS
Walmart’s Open Call is the company’s largest sourcing event for products made, grown or assembled in the United States. The program is open to businesses across industries, including food and beverage, beauty, safety and consumer goods.
“The Road to Open Call provides a powerful platform for small businesses to grow and scale,” said Mark Espinoza, senior director of public affairs at Walmart. “By connecting entrepreneurs directly with our sourcing teams, we’re helping bring innovative, U.S.-made products to customers while supporting American jobs and local economies.”
LOCAL IMPACT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
Local leaders say the initiative strengthens both entrepreneurship and the regional economy.
“We are proud to join forces with Walmart for the second consecutive year to bring this opportunity to the business community,” said Pedro Turushina, president and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando. “This initiative supports entrepreneurs and helps small businesses access national retail opportunities.”
Since launching in 2014, Walmart’s Open Call has helped thousands of small and midsize businesses become suppliers, while more than 85% of Walmart shoppers report valuing U.S.-made products.
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