With marketing for locally owned business, there are many things to know and consider before making announcements or promotions. One reason why we offer Digital Literacy and Media Liaison services is because we’ve seen and dealt with many things that have hurt small businesses. Starting with some video basics with closed captions, to the more sophisticated ADA website solution, we’ve learned over the years that it’s always better to be safe than sorry when making these business and marketing decisions.

We’ve had local business owners call us with questions about receiving a letter in the mail about their Domain registration and renewal, not knowing it’s a scam style of domain hijacking, and that their domain registrar would not be contacting them via snail mail, rather via email. BUT the ones who call are practicing the ‘Better Safe then Sorry’ method and are saved from falling for these tricks.

Same goes for using unauthorized or licensed images and graphics. It’s common for local business owners assign social media management or graphic design to an employee or family member, but on many occasion do these folks understand the ramifications of using photos, graphics, likenesses etc that are unauthorized to use…and how big of a situation a business can be put into if used. We suggest only using authorized photos and designs.

It also goes for specific terms and text, like using ‘The Big Game’ or ’SB’ to describe what non-football fans call Superb Owl. Up until Dec 2023 Taco Tuesday was off limits, but now we can use it all day! But did you know we can’t use pro sport athlete names either? Better to stay safe then sorry if you ask us.

Visually we also include proper warnings for high flash and strobe scenes on video. Knowing there are many internet users with disabilities, and sensitivities to visual effects, we’ll always choose to take the high road on making sure users are warned so they can have the choice to view or not. Using these warning is not only being safe over sorry, but also conscience to user and their needs.

Unlike many old-time phrases, we believe the phrase ‘Better Safe Than Sorry’ is still one we can use, and practice…especially with marketing for local businesses.