In News

Social Media Marketing: What It Is, How It Works

September 8, 2023 No Comments

Social media marketing can be cost-effective when you pick platforms suited to your business and consistently deliver messages that engage your target audience.

Social media marketing, a type of digital marketing, uses social media platforms to deliver online content to a business’s target audiences. Content is generally designed to build brand awareness and promote products or services, but it can also help a business increase visitors to its website and gather information about followers that can be used in email marketing and other campaigns.

Social media marketing allows you to engage in a more direct way with your target audience, even in one-on-one conversations in some instances. It can be less expensive than other forms of marketing, but it’s also highly competitive due to continuous streams of social posts vying for the attention of consumers. Creating an intentional social media marketing strategy can help you maximize your efforts and improve your return on investment.

How to create a social media marketing strategy

Social media marketing works like other forms of marketing as far as defining goals, identifying a target audience and creating content. However, to keep an active social media presence, a business will need to post regularly on their platforms of choice and regularly monitor brand mentions and customer comments.

Determine your social media marketing goals

Plotting out your goals from the outset will help guide you in the other decisions you’ll need to make, such as which social media platforms to use and the type of content to post.

Here are some general goals that are common to social media marketing:

Increase brand awareness.
Gain customer insights.
Increase sales.
Develop leads.
Increase website traffic.
Respond to customer complaints.
Retarget visitors to your website who don’t make purchases.
Get followers to share your content on promotional events.
Draw attention to a charity or non-profit organization you support.

When possible, be specific when setting goals, but also keep in mind that the success of some of your efforts may be hard to document. For example, it can be more difficult to measure an increase in brand awareness, but the goal of higher website traffic can be documented through marketing tools such as Google Analytics.

Define your target audience

Knowing your customers is important to any marketing effort. Customer information, such as interests, buying behaviors, pain points and demographic details like age, gender and annual income, can help you create content that will interest your target audience.

Also, demographic details may influence your choice of social media platforms. For example, if your target audience is primarily women, you may want to market on a platform that has a higher percentage of women than men. Or, if your target audience is younger, you may want to use a platform that is popular with that age group.

However, with daily users numbering in the millions on many popular platforms, your target audience may be well represented on any platform. Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram are a few of the platforms that offer audience insights tools you can use to learn about the people using the platform. Talking directly to your customers about which platforms they frequent most can also help inform your social media strategy.

Pick your social media platforms

You may choose to target even more niche social platforms based on your type of business and customers, but here are some of the most popular and how they’re used:

Facebook: Text, image and video sharing. A Facebook business page can provide important information about your business and build community.
YouTube: Video sharing.
Twitter: This social networking platform is mostly used for text-based Tweets, but you can also incorporate images, videos and GIFs.
Instagram: Photo and video sharing.
TikTok: Video sharing. Compared to YouTube, this is best for shorter videos.
Pinterest: Image sharing.
LinkedIn: A professional networking platform, LinkedIn is primarily used to market to businesses rather than consumers, or to increase brand awareness by participating in industry-specific forums.
Snapchat. Instant messaging, image and video platform.
Reddit: Forum-style discussions.

Assess your content needs

The type of content you’ll post on social media will depend on your business, goals and which platforms you’re using. It can range from promotional to educational and should reflect the human characteristics and voice that best define your brand, or your brand personality. For example, if your business sells outdoor gear, your brand personality might be rugged and adventurous. Or, if your business sells products and services for small children, your brand personality might be playful but nurturing.

Social media content can include text, images and videos. You may also be able to link to other content you’ve created such as articles, blogs, e-books and videos. Depending on the platform, there may be limits to what can be included in posts. For example, on Twitter, a Tweet can contain up to 280 characters plus up to four images, videos and/or GIFs.

Your social media marketing efforts might also include the use of digital ads on multiple social media platforms and search engines such as Google and Bing. Each platform will have its own requirements for ads and typically offer content recommendations. For example, YouTube offers step-by-step instructions on creating video ads, with pre-made templates and other tools.

Post consistently

Posting consistently is an important factor in successfully promoting your business on social media. Each business’s posting cadence, whether it’s daily, a few times a week or weekly, will depend on its goals and audience. You’ll also want to factor in the time it takes to produce quality content — a video or high-quality photos may take longer than a text-only Tweet, for instance.

Creating a posting schedule can help your business post consistently — and marketing software can help automate the process. While you can post the same content on all your platforms, it’s better to customize the content for the audience of each individual platform. Plus, as discussed, each platform has unique requirements for postings.

Posting regularly can help a business to:

Increase brand authority, credibility and reputation.
Build followers.
Gain familiarity with the platforms and tools.
Establish its brand voice.
Improve content rankings on platform feeds.
Support paid advertising efforts.

Monitor mentions and respond quickly

It’s important to monitor the mentions of your brand and comments made on your posts. Customers frequently take to a business’s social media when they have customer service questions or complaints. In those instances, responding quickly and positively is key, but aim to resolve the issue privately, by encouraging them to direct message or email your business.

Monitoring mentions — and encouraging customers to post about your business (while tagging your account) — can also help you identify brand advocates and gather user-generated content to repost, which can ease the burden of content creation.

It may take months before you see noticeable progress toward your marketing goals, but social media management tools like Hootsuite, Zoho Social and Buffer can help you monitor your content as well as help with posting, scheduling and measuring results.

By Lisa Anthony 

Lisa is a small-business writer at NerdWallet and has more than 20 years of experience in banking and finance. Read more

Sourced from nerdwallet

In News

Attribution matters: how marketers are navigating an ‘uncomfortably complex topic’

August 18, 2023 No Comments

By Sam Anderson

Attributing results to particular channels or campaigns is arguably digital marketing’s most dogged problem, with an array of approaches mutating as platforms change. Here, The Drum Network experts’ quick tips.

Molly Deaville, Growth Director, Dept UK: “Measuring the impact of marketing investment is not a new challenge. There’s no silver bullet solution.

“For far too long, the digital industry has over-relied on attribution as a source of truth. Now data privacy has caught up with technology, and the industry is forced to find better (and more ethical) solutions to help us understand customer and their journeys, better than ever.

“My advice? Run a blended measurement approach, combining attribution with regular incrementality tests across paid and owned channels. Even better if you’re running marketing mix modelling (MMM) and brand studies too; these are often overlooked by digital-first brands. Build your results into a knowledge repository that can be used in planning cycles.

“Don’t just rely on media platforms to mark their homework. When did that become good practice?”

Matt Triggs, Head of Analysis & Modelling, Jaywing: “Attribution modelling has met criticism lately, particularly around its usefulness in measuring incrementality. The claim is that attribution models overestimate on low-funnel channels like PPC and underestimate the influence of upper-funnel or brand-led advertising. They also give little information about the incrementality of channels (as this would require a useful measure of baseline sales), which should be a measure of success.

“In some cases, especially rule-based approaches to attribution, this is undoubtedly correct. Simplified solutions like last-click, position-based or time-delay simply can’t factor in any baseline and are naïve in sharing credit between touchpoints. Modelled approaches using Markov Chains are more sophisticated when it comes to sharing credit, but still struggle with identifying a baseline (and so, incrementality).

“Jaywing’s approach of ‘exploding’ journeys into different combinations and using machine learning and AI to understand key drivers allows identification of a baseline and true, mathematical incrementality. Marketers should look to challenge their attribution providers to ensure that they’re measuring incrementality and providing the best illustration of the power of their marketing.”

Aaron Dicks, Technology Director, Impression: “It wouldn’t be a week in digital without a debate around the next step to take with digital attribution (whether or not we mention GA4). This is under constant review at Impression, and for good reason.

“Stitching together views and sessions for third-party ad platforms naturally falls into the purview of third-party cookies, which have been severely curtailed over recent years, and had their death sentence handed to them for 2024 when Chrome joins Safari and Firefox browsers in their removal.

“Advertisers have relied heavily on performance metrics from platforms that use this data for some time. In some ways, this has let us take our eyes off wider measures of success.

“For us, there are three areas of interest when it comes to attributing results and setting budgets for the modern customer journey – which is multi-platform, multi-moment, and multi-device, and therefore impossible to track from the point-of-view of a third-party.

“Our team is currently appraising: media mix modelling, conversion modelling, and third-party all-in-one attribution platforms. Tools worth checking out include SegmentStream and Triple Whale, depending on your tech and ad stack, and your approach to attribution.”

Kevin Joyner, director of data strategy, Croud: “Our industry has a new-found respect for privacy choices, and a new-found… resignation when it comes to zealous, privacy-protecting browser and OS technologies. These disruptions have thrown conventional digital attribution out of the limelight and into an important, supporting role. The new magic word in measurement is ‘incrementality’. Deservedly so, but as causal inference and machine learning models grab our imagination, there’s a more old-fashioned phrase that mustn’t be forgotten: business impact.

“Machine learning-enabled automated budget optimization will be game-changing, for a business that’s ready to use it. Before commissioning your data science team, ask yourself: are we producing real analysis from the data we already have? Is it resulting in any meaningful action? We must deliver the analytics that will impact your business, even if it’s not yet the new solution our industry’s in love with.”

Harry Daniel, technical marketing strategist, Rawnet: “With the sunset of GA3, we now turn our full undivided attention to GA4 and data-driven attribution modelling as standard in Google Analytics. Data-driven attribution constantly updates how it understands conversion probabilities based on assessing how likely specific user paths are to lead to a conversion or an exit. Data-driven attribution modelling also compares user data to randomized control trials, allowing it to understand and better calculate the conversion probability of different user paths.

“It would be helpful to have visibility of these trials, and the conversion probabilities for different paths. This will improve how agencies report on specific user paths to clients, and give clarity to clients on what user journeys are more likely to drive conversions (and exactly why we use data-driven attribution modelling).”

Nick Elsom, Director, FourForty: “Attribution of what – directly measurable sales? Or maybe something a step removed; propensity, or awareness? And if our work doesn’t have influence over the whole journey, do we even want to ask too many questions? If it was clear-cut, we’d surely all be rushing for the payment-by-results door.

“Customer experience (CX) is about removing obstacles as much as creating demand, so start at the beginning, with a benchmark. The only benchmark that matters in measuring a great experience is: how near or far it is from your customers’ expectations? Without that, CX is just another name for what we do.

“Understanding expectations requires a shift away from total reliance on historic data to extrapolate a view of what customers will do. Demographic, behavioural, and attitudinal data is invaluable. We need to know who they are, what they did and possibly even why they did it. But knowing how your customers see their relationship with you in the future prevents CX being nothing more than a campaign looking for an objective.”

Ryan Green, senior vice-president of marketing and innovation, Coegi: “It’s not just GA4 that will upend your attribution models. The latest iOS17 update will reportedly strip link trackers from being passed through message, mail, and private browsing. It’s yet another action chipping away at the scale and effectiveness of last-click attribution and website analytics.

“We’ve been moving our clients towards incremental measurement for years, even before Facebook and Apple walled off their data. There wasn’t enough impression-level data to build an accurate model then; there certainly isn’t now.

“No single KPI can adequately identify success. Instead, we encourage every brand to develop a custom measurement framework, consisting of media data, business data, and advanced measurement studies – for example: lift in unaided brand awareness (45%) + location visits (20%) + clicks (10%) + sales (25%) = brand health score.

“Let’s start leveraging custom scoring models to evaluate leading indicators of success that are predictive and driving smart optimizations.”

Betsy Ray, director of marketing analytics, Kepler: “With Google’s impending cookie deprecation and the loss of UTM tracking coming with Apple’s iOS 17, it’s long past time for advertisers to move away from cookie-based and last-click attribution. There may be companies offering ‘silver bullet’ software, but most of these are just technical workarounds that may not pass a data privacy sniff-test.

“Rather than investing in short-term ‘hacks’, brands should commit to robust, future-proofed methodologies like marketing mix modelling. MMM software is increasingly more advanced and accessible for brands of any size and any channel mix. Advertisers looking to get started or upgrade their MMM should think about whether they want to build their own model in-house via open-source code, use a lower-cost but customizable self-service partner, or onboard one of the bigger players in the market for more hands-on support. MMM must be validated by a strategy of ongoing experimentation.”

Ebrahim Bakhtar, analytics director, RocketMill: “Touchpoint-based attribution has become an uncomfortably complex topic. Each ad platform and web analytics tool has access to different data and produces its own data-driven attribution models. Which should you trust? Should you build your own proprietary model in-house?

“While there are a slew of adtech solutions to improve tracking and ad attribution, touchpoint-based attribution will never give you the full picture of the performance of your media mix, particularly when it comes to cross-channel interactions or impression-based activity (let’s not talk about cookies).

“It’s become important to augment touchpoint-based attribution models with other techniques, like good old-fashion statistics, leveraging emerging libraries such as Facebook’s GeoLift or Robyn to gain analytics capabilities previously reserved for companies with big data science teams. Connecting these techniques requires a concrete framework where each business decision has a clear, defined method for measurement.

Naomi McAleer, digital marketing manager, Brandnation: “Integrated campaigns require a multi-touch attribution model. If you’re delivering a multi-channel campaign for a client, you need to be able to attribute results to channels. Last- or first-click won’t cut it and will unfairly give all the credit to one touchpoint.

“This gets trickier when you throw PR into the mix. PR, historically an offline channel, is now very much a digital channel in its own right – a positive where attribution is concerned. It’s now fully within a PR’s capability to track what impact their efforts are having on a campaign’s objectives. Enter urchin tracking modules (UTMs), which digital marketers are usually familiar with but are surprisingly not always used by PR and comms. These little snippets of code on the end of URLs create trackable links, picking up the source (the specific release or article). Now we can see this touchpoint in GA4 (and other analytics platforms) and can include this touchpoint in multi-touch attribution models to give PR activity the credit it deserves.”

Feature Image Credit: Edward Howell via Unsplash

By Sam Anderson

Sourced from The Drum

In News

10+ Effective Brand Awareness Campaign Tips for 2023

August 18, 2023 No Comments

By Sarah Cha

Creating an effective brand awareness campaign feels like trying to solve a puzzle, doesn’t it?

It’s challenging, confusing, but oh-so-satisfying when the pieces finally fit.

The difference? There’s no picture on the box to guide you.

So, how about a selection of tips to help you assemble your perfect campaign?

With proven strategies and easy-to-follow advice, you’ll turn the confusion into a captivating campaign that resonates with your audience.

Let’s begin!

The Power of Brand Awareness Campaigns

If you observe the world of business, you’ll find a common thread that successful brands share: A deep, lasting connection with their audience.

The secret behind this connection? Potent brand awareness.

So, what exactly is a brand awareness campaign?

At its core, a brand awareness campaign is a concentrated effort by a business to increase the recognition and familiarity of its brand among consumers.

It involves using a variety of marketing channels — think social media, content marketing, partnerships, and more — to consistently and cohesively showcase the brand’s values, voice, and offerings.

But why does this matter? The answer lies in our minds.

As consumers, we are more likely to choose a brand that we recognize over one that we don’t. This cognitive bias, known as the familiarity principle, plays a critical role in our purchase decisions.

When a brand awareness campaign is effectively executed, your brand doesn’t just become an option to consumers, it becomes THE top-of-mind choice when they need your product or service.

The power of a brand awareness campaign lies not just in its ability to increase recognition but also to build trust and loyalty among consumers.

When your brand consistently shows up, delivers value, and resonates with your audience’s needs and desires, you’re not just creating awareness; you’re forging a lasting relationship and cultivating a community of loyal advocates for your brand.

In the upcoming sections, we will dive deep into 15 powerfully practical tips that will help you create a winning brand awareness campaign.

Ready to take your brand from being just another name to becoming the preferred choice?

15 Top Tips to Boost Brand Awareness

Let’s delve into the inner workings of a winning brand awareness campaign with our step-by-step playbook.

Each tip offers a unique approach to spotlight your brand, laced with practical examples of brands that have scored big using these strategies.

1. Craft a Compelling Brand Narrative

Telling your brand’s story is a powerful way to connect with your audience on an emotional level.

Brands like Nike excel in storytelling, inspiring audiences with tales of overcoming adversity, and making them want to participate by becoming Nike customers.

And it’s not just Nike. Even smaller brands can tell riveting stories.

For example, a start-up can share its journey from a small garage to the successful business it is today, instilling a sense of inspiration and relatability.

2. Promote Your Brand Offline

Sponsoring events can help extend your brand reach and create memorable impressions.

Red Bull, for example, sponsors extreme sports events aligning with their high-energy brand image. Or consider a pet food brand sponsoring a local dog show, setting up a booth and handing out samples.

The key is to choose an event that aligns with your brand image and product. That way you will be sure to pick up interest from people most likely to buy your product.

3. Gather Customer Testimonials

There’s no better advertising than happy customers vouching for your brand.

Customer testimonials not only establish trust but also provide real-life examples of what you offer.

Consider Airbnb, which effectively uses testimonials to showcase their service. Or visualize a local tutoring program, showcasing testimonials from students who rave about improved grades and test scores.

The more voices you have chiming in about how wonderful you are, the more likely you will win new and better customers for your brand.

4. Win Hearts with Authentic Connections

The power of influencers in shaping their followers’ perceptions is undeniable.

Which is why a partnership with influencers who share your brand values can send your brand awareness soaring.

For instance, Daniel Wellington, a Swedish watch brand, effectively leveraged influencer marketing, collaborating with influencers on Instagram, which significantly enhanced their brand’s visibility.

5. Insist on a Consistent Identity

Consistency is the crown jewel of branding.

It’s the coherence in your logo, colour scheme, and brand voice that fosters recognition.

A sterling example is Coca-Cola with its iconic red and white logo and distinct voice, making it instantly recognizable worldwide.

6. Use Social Media as a Digital Megaphone

Social media platforms are the modern-day marketplace, providing you with direct access to your audience.

For example, makeup brands like Sephora have effectively utilized platforms like Instagram and Twitter to interact with their audience, narrate their brand story, and foster a community around their brand, amplifying brand awareness.

7. Collaborate with Other Brands

The power of partnerships and collaborations can not be overstated.

By joining forces with other brands, you can broaden your horizons, gain new insights, and enjoy enhanced credibility.

For instance, a boutique coffee brand could partner with a popular vegan bakery to create a compelling cross-promotion, extending their reach to overlapping demographics.

This is a great way to promote both brands, for an epic win-win situation!

8. Utilize SEO & Content Marketing

The fusion of valuable content that answers your audience’s queries, and strategic SEO to help them find it, positions your brand as a trusted authority.

For instance, HubSpot has expertly used this dynamic duo to drive brand recognition and authority in the inbound marketing arena.

9. Create Branded Infographics

Infographics offer a visually engaging way to present information that resonates with our intrinsic preference for visual content. Their high share ability also broadens your brand’s reach.

Canva, a design tool platform, often uses infographics to illustrate tips and tricks, effectively expanding their brand recognition.

10. Empower Your Brand’s Secret Agents

Unleash the potential of your employees as brand ambassadors.

They can significantly amplify your brand’s online presence by sharing content and advocating for your brand.

Imagine a local craft brewery encouraging its passionate employees to share their experiences of making their favourite beer on social media. It’s like influencer outreach and content marketing combined!

11. Unleash the Power of Competition

Social media contests are a treasure trove of opportunities to generate buzz, supercharge engagement, and grow your follower base.

Remember, though, the prize should resonate with your audience’s desires.

Picture a tech startup running a contest where the winner gets early access to their innovative software. The fun of participating in such contests will bring in people who just might stick around even after the competition is over.

12. Try LinkedIn Publishing

LinkedIn isn’t solely a job-hunting platform; it’s a potent tool for disseminating thought leadership and industry insights.

Thinking about the platform in this way can enhance your brand credibility and reach. For example, brands like Microsoft frequently use LinkedIn publishing to share industry insights and enhance brand credibility.

But you don’t have to be a multi-trillion-dollar company like Microsoft to make a dent through LinkedIn publishing. By regularly sharing useful content in your niche, you can win serious attention from ideal customers.

13. Give Your Brand a Unique Personality

Your brand personality is your secret sauce.

Let it resonate in all your interactions, be it fun and quirky, or serious and professional.

Think about Apple, and how its innovation and sleek design comes through in every product.

Similarly, if you’re running a quirky novelty gift store, let that fun personality pop in your social media posts and customer interactions.

14. Try Podcasting

Podcasts are a thriving media platform, offering a unique opportunity to engage with your audience.

Hosting your own or being a guest on others can catapult your brand awareness to new heights. Companies like Shopify often use podcasts to share e-commerce insights and success stories, attracting potential customers with their knowledge.

Audio content is another highly effective way to let people know about what you do.

15. Experiment with Remarketing and Paid Social Advertising

Remarketing is your friendly reminder to customers about your brand.

Paired with paid social advertising, it’s a potent strategy to keep your brand at the forefront and re-engage past prospects.

Brands can use remarketing ads to remind their customers of items they left in their cart.

Visualize a SaaS company using paid social ads to remind users of their powerful features and offer a discount for subscription renewal. It can turn a moment of client hesitation or forgetfulness into a sale!

Measuring the Success of Your Brand Awareness Campaign

After you’ve rolled out your brand awareness campaign, it’s time to gauge the results.

It’s crucial to identify if the effort and resources invested have borne fruit.

But how do you do that?

By keeping tabs on your brand’s quantitative and qualitative metrics…

Quantitative Metrics

Start by examining the hard numbers.

Your website traffic, social media followers, click-through rates, impressions — these are all tangible measures of how well your campaign has reached and resonated with people.

Think of these as your campaign’s vital signs.

For instance, if your campaign’s goal was to drive website traffic, a surge in visitors would be a clear indicator of success.

It’s important to keep an eye on these numbers over time, as well, and not just one-and-done. That way you can notice patterns that can help you adjust your strategy, as needed.

Qualitative Metrics

Quantitative data is essential, but don’t neglect the human side of things.

How are people reacting to your campaign? Are they engaging, sharing, commenting? Are the comments positive, neutral, negative?

Customer testimonials, brand sentiment, and engagement rates tell you more about how your brand is perceived and how deep your connection with the audience runs.

Every retweet, share, or heart is a small victory towards stronger brand affinity.

Ultimately, what makes a brand awareness campaign click is a blend of understanding your audience, crafting captivating content, picking the right channels, and a dash of creative magic.

Keep in mind, there’s no universal recipe for success. What clicks for one brand may not for another. It’s about perfecting your unique brew, one campaign at a time.

Wrapping Up Your Brand Awareness Campaign Journey

Each brand awareness tip you’ve learned is a stepping stone towards a winning campaign.

But remember, no one has it all figured out on the first try. The magic happens when you learn, apply, analyse, adjust, and go at it again.

Consider every campaign as an opportunity to learn, to evolve, and to get better. It’s about not giving up until you’ve crafted your perfect strategy.

Just imagine the satisfaction when your brand starts popping up everywhere, when it becomes THE choice for consumers.

So, go out there and craft a brand awareness campaign that shakes up your industry!

By Sarah Cha

Sarah Cha is an avid writer, reader, and lifelong learner who loves making magic behind-the-scenes at Smart Blogger. When she’s not wrangling words onto a screen or page, you can find her strumming a guitar, tickling a canvas, or playing fetch with her favourite four-footed friend!

Sourced from SmartBlogger

In News

10+ Essential Digital Marketing Tools for 2023 (& Beyond)

August 3, 2023 No Comments

By Sam Driver

Navigating the vast digital marketing world can be daunting, right? But, with the right digital marketing tools, it’s as breezy as a summer sail.

Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or just starting, these tools can sharpen your strategies, making your campaigns more effective and efficient.

From SEO to social media management, we’ve compiled a list of over 10 indispensable tools you need.

Excited?

Let’s jump in!

1. Harness the Power of Google Analytics for Market Insights

In the ever-evolving digital ecosystem, staying on top of market trends is vital.

Google Analytics is your window into this world, offering invaluable insights about your audience’s behaviours, preferences, and interactions.

It’s not just about gaining an understanding of what’s currently capturing attention, but also about leveraging this data to propel your marketing efforts.

For example, if you run an e-commerce store, Google Analytics can help you identify which products are most popular among your visitors, or which marketing channels are driving the most traffic to your site.

You can then tailor your promotional campaigns around these high-performing products or double down on the most effective channels.

You can even understand user behaviour on your site, such as the average time spent on a page or the bounce rate, helping you make informed decisions about improving your website’s user experience.

And the best part?

Google Analytics offers all these insights in real-time, for free!

2. Switch Up Your Content Creation with Lumen5

Creating engaging content is a marketer’s holy grail, and with a tool like Lumen5, it’s simpler than ever.

While blog posts, articles, and whitepapers are still essential, visual content is emerging as a more potent way to grab and hold audience attention.

Lumen5, an AI-powered video maker, is designed to transform your written content into appealing videos quickly and efficiently.

For instance, if you’ve just published an in-depth guide on ‘Home Gardening Tips,’ you can convert this blog post into a series of short, snappy, and shareable videos using Lumen5.

These videos can be shared across multiple platforms — your website, social media, email newsletters — to reach a wider audience.

Plus, the tool’s user-friendly interface and customizable templates mean you don’t need to be a professional video editor to create stunning visuals.

It’s an investment in creating content that not only stands out but also increases user engagement.

3. Boost SEO with Ahrefs

digital marketing tools, ahrefs homepage

While Google is often the focal point of SEO efforts, other resources can offer unique insights. Ahrefs is one such tool, providing in-depth analysis and data to optimize your SEO strategies.

For instance, if you’ve been concentrating your SEO efforts primarily on Google, integrating Ahrefs can open a treasure trove of insights. From backlink analysis to keyword research, Ahrefs provides a comprehensive view of your website’s SEO performance.

You might discover untapped keywords or learn about valuable backlinks from your competitors.

It’s relatively simple to set up, and once your site is verified, Ahrefs starts collecting and delivering insights that you can use to fine-tune your SEO strategies.

Remember, a multifaceted approach to SEO ensures you reach a wider audience and achieve better results.

4. Stay in the Know with Feedly

The importance of staying up-to-date with industry news and trends cannot be overstated for a digital marketer. Feedly, a premier RSS reader, is your one-stop solution to staying informed.

Imagine having a single platform that can keep you abreast with the latest articles, blogs, and news from all your favourite sites.

Sounds convenient, right? But that’s not all.

Feedly also allows you to categorize your feeds into different topics, making it easier to sort through the information.

Plus, the platform offers AI-driven insights to help you discover emerging trends before they become mainstream.

By investing a few minutes each day, you’ll keep your finger on the pulse of your industry, giving you an edge over competitors who are still sifting through dozens of websites for information.

5. Enhance Email Marketing with MailChimp’s A/B Testing

Even in the dynamic landscape of digital marketing, email campaigns retain their crucial role.

But are you getting the maximum return from your email marketing efforts?

If you’re not conducting A/B testing, also known as split testing, you could be missing out on significant improvements.

With a powerful tool like MailChimp, you can easily implement A/B testing for various elements of your emails.

For instance, you might experiment with different subject lines — one might be quirky and attention-grabbing, while another could be more direct and benefits-focused.

Each version is sent to a portion of your audience, and MailChimp tracks the performance of each, giving you valuable data on which one resonates more with your readers.

But why stop at subject lines?

You can also test different types of email content, from the length and tone of your message to the images and call to action (CTA).

You could also experiment with sending times, finding out whether your audience is more responsive first thing in the morning, later in the afternoon, or even on weekends.

Remember, the key to successful email marketing is continuous improvement, and with A/B testing through MailChimp, you’ll be well-equipped to make that a reality.

6. Dive into Inbound Marketing with HubSpot

digital marketing tools, hubspot homepage

While discussing digital marketing tools, one simply can’t overlook HubSpot, a leading platform in the realm of inbound marketing.

HubSpot combines a variety of marketing features in a single, integrated platform, including SEO, content creation, email marketing, social media management, and analytics.

But how does it add value to your digital marketing strategy?

Firstly, HubSpot is all about attracting, engaging, and delighting customers through relevant and helpful content.

Let’s say you’re managing a fitness blog.

With HubSpot’s SEO tools, you can ensure your blog posts are optimized to reach your target audience.

HubSpot’s Content Strategy tool can help you discover topics your audience cares about, and the Blog Ideas Generator can provide a year’s worth of blog post ideas in a matter of seconds.

Secondly, HubSpot’s email marketing tools can help you create professional emails without needing a designer, personalize your outreach, and track the success of your campaigns in real-time.

Their social media management tools can assist you in scheduling posts, monitoring social mentions, and analysing performance across all your social platforms in one place.

And if you’re into data, HubSpot’s robust analytics can give you detailed insights into your audience’s behaviour, helping you refine your marketing strategy.

7. Spruce Up Your Social Media Marketing with Sprout Social

Managing multiple social media platforms can indeed be daunting. The process involves more than just posting content — it’s about engaging with your audience, analysing performance, and refining your strategy.

Enter Sprout Social, a tool that transforms social media management from a headache into a breeze.

For example, if you’re managing a brand with presence on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, Sprout Social allows you to schedule posts across all these platforms from a single dashboard.

No more hopping between tabs and apps! But the benefits go far beyond just saving time.

With its powerful analytics, Sprout Social offers insights on key metrics like engagement, reach, and conversions. This data can guide you on what’s working, what isn’t, and where you need to focus your efforts for better results.

Additionally, Sprout Social’s listening features can help you understand the broader conversation about your brand and industry.

In short, Sprout Social is more than a tool — it’s an essential partner in your social media marketing strategy.

8. Elevate Your Visual Content with Canva

In the realm of digital marketing, visual content can be the differentiating factor that sets your brand apart from the competition.

The compelling power of well-designed graphics, compelling presentations, and eye-catching social media posts can’t be underestimated.

Canva, a versatile design tool, is here to empower you to create stunning visual content effortlessly.

Imagine you’ve just written a fantastic blog post, and now you need an equally fantastic graphic to promote it on your social channels. Canva has you covered.

With an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, you can quickly design graphics that align with your brand identity. It offers a vast library of templates, fonts, illustrations, and images that caters to all design needs, from social media posts to email headers and beyond.

Whether you’re an experienced designer or a beginner, Canva is designed to make the process as easy and creative as possible.

9. Empower Your Content Marketing with Yoast SEO

It’s no secret… even the best content can fall flat without proper optimization. That’s where Yoast SEO steps up to the plate.

This powerful WordPress plugin helps you optimize your blog posts for SEO within minutes.

For instance, if you’re writing about the latest trends in digital marketing, Yoast SEO will guide you to include relevant keywords, meta descriptions, and ensure that your text is easily readable.

The best part?

The plugin will also evaluate your content’s readability — from paragraph length to sentence structure and even passive voice usage.

If you’re not using Yoast SEO yet, you’re missing out on a straightforward way to attract more organic traffic to your website, subsequently improving your brand’s visibility and credibility.

10. Unlock User Behaviour Insights with Hotjar

digital marketing tools, hotjar homepage

Sometimes, the conventional numbers and graphs from analytics tools just aren’t enough to paint the full picture of your users’ journey on your website.

Enter Hotjar, a game-changing tool that provides a deeper understanding of user behaviour.

How does it work?

By generating heatmaps and session recordings, you gain a visual understanding of how users interact with your content.

For example, the heatmaps can show where users click the most, helping you identify high-engagement areas on your webpage.

Session recordings, on the other hand, can reveal any difficulties users face when navigating your site.

Using these insights, you can make data-driven changes to enhance your website’s usability and user experience, thereby improving conversion rates and customer satisfaction.

11. Revolutionize Your Outreach with Hunter.io

Networking and outreach remain key elements in digital marketing, and Hunter.io is the perfect tool to bolster these efforts.

This brilliant tool allows you to find and verify professional email addresses tied to a specific domain or company, ensuring that you’re reaching out to the right people.

Consider this scenario…

You’re planning an email marketing campaign targeted at the decision-makers of potential partner companies.

With Hunter.io, you can quickly compile a robust contact list, verifying the legitimacy of each email address to boost your email deliverability rate.

Moreover, this tool can also aid in competitor analysis, giving you insight into the professional networks of your competition.

In less than an hour, you can create a formidable contact list for your next outreach campaign, ensuring your message is delivered directly to the decision-makers’ inboxes.

This significantly boosts your chances of forming strategic partnerships, gaining insights, or even securing new customers.

Future-Proof Your Strategy with These Essential Digital Marketing Tools

We get it. The digital landscape is constantly changing, and keeping up can feel like a never-ending uphill climb.

Remember, with every challenge comes an opportunity.

These digital marketing tools are your secret weapon to navigate the future.

Every tool we’ve shared today will add a new layer of effectiveness to your strategy, empowering you to meet the challenges of the evolving digital world head-on.

So, gear up and conquer the digital marketing space.

The future is yours for the taking!

By Sam Driver

Sam is an Associate Editor for Smart Blogger and family man who loves to write. When he’s not goofing around with his kids, he’s honing his craft to provide lasting value to anyone who cares to listen.

Sourced from SmartBlogger

In News

10 Best Marketing Strategy Examples to Inspire Your Own (2023)

August 1, 2023 No Comments

By Sam Driver

Ready to breathe some fresh air into your brand? These marketing strategy examples are exactly what you need!

You know that feeling when you’re just stuck in a rut? Like, “What’s next?”

Well, friend, we’ve got your back.

From guerrilla tactics that’ll make you feel like a cunning ninja, to social media campaigns that’ll turn you into an online rockstar — we’ve cherry-picked the cream of the crop.

Get ready to take notes and revamp your game.

Let’s dive right in!

1. Tesla’s Word-of-Mouth Marketing

Remember when we thought we couldn’t buy a car online? Elon Musk didn’t just push the envelope — he threw it out of the SpaceX rocket window.

Despite having an initial marketing budget that’s as scarce as a white rhino, Tesla rose from obscurity to global renown. And it wasn’t by accident or sheer luck.

Tesla’s masterstroke lies in their word-of-mouth marketing strategy, where they capitalized on the power of customer advocacy and the cult-like following of its founder.

So what’s the secret sauce here?

Treat your customers like the very oxygen you breathe. Exceed their expectations, over-deliver, and they’ll become your brand ambassadors.

The key takeaway…

Strive for excellent product or service delivery, and let your customers do the talking. Remember, a satisfied customer can often become a better advocate for your brand than any advertisement.

2. Dollar Shave Club’s Viral Video

Razor subscription service. Sounds as exciting as watching paint dry, right?

Dollar Shave Club chucked that presumption out the window and raced into the spotlight with a video campaign that was as unexpected as finding an oasis in the Sahara.

Their genius marketing strategy consisted of an offbeat viral video that made you laugh till your belly hurt. They fused humour with real-world struggles, striking a chord with the common man’s shaving woes.

The result?

Dollar Shave Club went from being virtually unknown to an overnight sensation.

Your nugget of wisdom here…

Don’t be afraid to step outside the box and bring some humour into your marketing campaigns. Authentic, unexpected content that entertains and resonates with your audience can cause your brand to skyrocket in popularity.

3. Dove’s Real Beauty Campaign

In an industry often accused of peddling fantasy beauty standards, Dove chose to march to the beat of a different drum.

Their ‘Real Beauty’ campaign was less about selling soap and more about promoting self-acceptance and celebrating diversity.

Dove tapped into something more profound than surface-level beauty — they touched the heart.

The campaign resonated powerfully with a broad audience, catapulting the brand into the stratosphere of public admiration. It was more than just a marketing strategy; it was a movement.

So why not dare to challenge the status quo.

Align your brand with a purpose that reaches beyond just selling products. Emotional resonance builds stronger, deeper connections with your audience, and those connections can turn customers into loyal brand advocates.

4. Coca Cola’s Content 2020

Have you ever felt that warm, fuzzy feeling while watching a Coca Cola ad during Christmas? That’s the power of Coca Cola’s “Content 2020” initiative.

They pivoted from traditional product marketing, choosing instead to stir up emotions and sell experiences.

Through captivating storytelling, Coca Cola placed the viewer smack dab in the middle of an unfolding narrative, leading them down a path of emotional connection.

What can you learn from this?

Start thinking of your product or service as part of a larger story, a story that your customers can connect with on a deeper level.

It’s not just about selling anymore, folks.

It’s about creating a meaningful journey with your brand at its heart.

To implement this strategy, you could create content around highlighting customer stories, or aligning your brand with a significant cause. The aim is to strike an emotional chord that resonates beyond a simple transaction.

5. GoPro’s Be a Hero Campaign

They incentivized customers to become ambassadors of their own adventures, equipped with a GoPro camera. This genius move allowed GoPro to showcase the versatility and robustness of their product while simultaneously fostering a vibrant community of users.

Imagine this: not just you selling your product, but your customers doing it for you!

To apply this in your own strategy, consider ways you could inspire your customers to share their experiences with your product or service.

Perhaps you could run a photo contest on Instagram, or maybe incentivize reviews with discounts or giveaways. The key is to make your customers feel like they’re part of the story your brand is telling.

6. Deadpool’s Satirical Campaign

Billboards, cheeky social media posts, and a playful Tinder profile all embodied the irreverent spirit of the character.

From this, you can glean the power of brand authenticity.

Sure, not all of us have a wisecracking antihero to market, but that doesn’t mean you can’t infuse your campaign with genuine personality.

If your brand were a person, who would it be? How would they speak? What would they value?

Find these answers, and use them to break your own metaphorical fourth wall.

This could be as simple as adopting a more conversational tone in your marketing copy, or engaging directly with consumers on social media platforms.

Remember, authenticity resonates, and can set your brand apart from the faceless corporate crowd.

7. Amazon Prime Day

Talk about making a splash! Amazon’s Prime Day turned a simple sale into an annual festival of savings that customers eagerly anticipate.

The ecommerce giant’s 48-hour extravaganza of exclusive deals for Prime members was a masterclass in leveraging FOMO — that’s the Fear of Missing Out, folks.

The countdown to Prime Day sparks a thrill of anticipation that ignites the internet, creating a buzz of conversation and frantic deal-snatching.

But how can you harness this in your own marketing strategy?

Start by creating exclusive opportunities or events that evoke a sense of urgency.

Limited-time offers, sneak peeks, and members-only benefits can all trigger this reaction.

Make your audience feel like they’re part of an elite club, and they’ll be eager to join in.

Remember, the key to FOMO marketing is exclusivity, urgency, and a dash of creative promotion.

8. Oreo’s Dunk in the Dark

When Super Bowl XLVII was hit with a blackout, most brands were left in the dark. But not Oreo.

Their quick-witted “You Can Still Dunk in the Dark” tweet made headlines as a brilliant instance of real-time marketing.

This isn’t just about reacting swiftly, it’s about crafting a perfectly timed, on-brand message that takes advantage of an unexpected situation.

In a world where trends ebb and flow in the blink of an eye, speed and flexibility are paramount. Real-time marketing requires a keen awareness of current events and a readiness to jump on opportunities as they arise.

By keeping your finger on the pulse, your brand can be a part of the conversation, instead of just a bystander.

Embrace the unexpected, and remember, sometimes the best opportunities aren’t planned — they’re seized.

9. HubSpot’s Inbound Marketing

Who says education has to be boring? HubSpot has positioned itself as an authority in the digital marketing world by providing free, valuable resources like blogs, webinars, and guides.

This isn’t just giving away free stuff — it’s a brilliant strategy that draws in customers and nurtures them into a loyal, engaged community.

Embrace a similar approach by offering your audience value beyond your products or services.

Perhaps it’s a blog with expert advice, an e-book filled with industry secrets, or webinars that provide actionable insights.

When you educate your audience, you’re not only positioning your brand as a trusted leader but also building a loyal customer base that’s more likely to return to you for more.

Remember, valuable content doesn’t just inform — it engages, persuades, and cultivates a relationship with your audience.

10. Glossier’s Customer-Centric Strategy

A dedicated audience can be your brand’s greatest asset, and Glossier understands this like no other.

By embracing intensive social media engagement and listening to their customers, they’ve not only built an impressive customer base but also fostered a community.

They’ve shown us that the secret sauce isn’t just about selling a product — it’s about understanding and responding to your customer’s needs.

Take a page from Glossier’s book by actively seeking out and responding to customer feedback.

Engage with your audience on social media, create spaces for conversation, and truly listen.

The key takeaway here is that when you build a community around your brand, you’re fostering trust and loyalty.

By making your customers feel heard and valued, you’re creating a robust customer base that’ll stick around for the long haul. Remember, a loyal community is more than just a customer base — it’s a powerful marketing force.

Unleash the Power of These Marketing Strategy Examples

So, you’ve reached the end, and your brain might be buzzing like, “Where do I even start with all these golden nuggets?”

Breathe, pal.

That’s normal!

What you’ve got here is a treasure chest, and you’re the pirate that’s hit the jackpot.

So, get your creative juices flowing, build bridges, and make waves!

By Sam Driver

Sourced from SmartBlogger

In News

What Brands Can Learn From Lush’s Social Exit

July 27, 2023 No Comments

By Chitra Iyer

Is your brand’s survival tied to social media? Why relying on such platforms may be risky and how companies like Lush and others are navigating this terrain.

The Gist

Social media marketing is evolving. Brands need to keep pace, even with economic challenges and overstretched social teams.
Vanity metrics and low ROI won’t hold up for much longer. It’s time for brands to rebalance the role of social media in their marketing strategy.
New opportunities are emerging. Brands are exploring the intersection of social commerce and influencer marketing to amplify content and generate revenues.

While social media is undoubtedly a crucial piece of brand marketing, building a social-media-dependent marketing strategy is akin to building your house on rented land. In the recent past, brands such as Tesla, Lush, Bottega Veneta and pub chain Wetherspoons, all large brands, have claimed to have gone “off” social media. And while that doesn’t quite mark a trend, it’s a timely reminder for all brands to reconsider the role and relevance of social media in their strategy.

Here’s why.

In many ways, mainstream social media is becoming increasingly noisy, cluttered and distracting. As brand content becomes more performative, audiences seek more authenticity and transparency. In general, there is a higher awareness of issues around personal data — and lower trust in the credibility and accuracy of anything on social media. Creating content that can stand out is more expensive because audiences expect slicker productions. And yet, most content on social has the shelf life of an avocado.

Walled gardens are making it harder and more expensive for advertisers to access audience data, and organic content is at the mercy of obtuse and unpredictable algorithms, not to mention owners. Brands have less control over negativity, political narratives and regulatory agendas. And AI is making content creation both easier and more difficult.

That is a lot going on! The challenge, said Meg Casebolt, founder of Love at First Search, is that social media is becoming just too unstable to be the primary marketing strategy, especially for smaller brands.

But that’s not all. Younger audiences — the largest consumer base for the next several decades — are tuning out of “mainstream” social platforms, preferring instead a more fragmented and private portfolio of social channels and messaging apps. In 2022, while TikTok, Snapchat and Insta made the Top 3, none enjoyed more than 30% of mindshare.

Gen Z approaches product discovery and brand engagement differently. They don’t want to be marketed and sold to, preferring instead to be involved and participate as brand co-creators, not just passive consumers. This means brands need to create more ad-free, intimate, and community-focused conversations on the various platforms that audiences are on. Super commercial splashes on mainstream social media may just not land.

Moving On: Conscious Uncoupling, or an Outright Separation?

No doubt what’s worked in the past is not going to work anymore. But leaving social media would be a knee-jerk reaction. With 90% of the US population on social media, brands cannot “just leave.” In fact, 96% of business leaders say investments in social media continue to be a must.

Instead, brands, large or small, have to be smart about where and how they spend their time and resources based on consumer behaviour, said Jen Spencer, CEO of digital agency SmartBug Media. With an average of 32% of marketing budgets spent on social media, brands are refocusing their social media strategy to adjust for current realities and reengineer why and how they use social media to achieve not just engagement, but also ROI and revenues in a stressed economic environment.

In this context, two of the best opportunities lie in social selling and influencer marketing. Let’s take a closer look.

Social Selling

Most brands see a lot of engagement, but sales are driven by social commerce, visual search and referrals, said Spencer. Lush, a handmade cosmetics company, made the decision to exit social, said Europe-based social media consultant and industry insider Matt Navarra. To leave Meta-owned channels and TikTok would likely have had a significant commercial impact in terms of product discovery, customer service, and general advertising reach and engagement. However, it was a hit the company was willing to take because the move aligns with who it is as a brand and may even strengthen its appeal.

It’s worth noting, however, that though Lush’s recent campaigns have encouraged customers to “be somewhere else,” the group, which suffered losses of $54 million in FY21, scored a pre-tax profit of $34.8 million in FY 2022. One factor could be its doubling down on digital website and app sales.

By Chitra Iyer

Chitra is a seasoned freelance B2B content writer with over 10 years of enterprise marketing experience. Having spent the first half of her career in senior corporate marketing roles for companies such as Timken Steel, Tata Sky Satellite TV, and Procter & Gamble, Chitra brings that experience to her writing. She has authored over 500 articles, white papers, eBooks, guides, and research reports on customer experience, martech, salestech, adtech, retailtech, and customer data and privacy. She holds a Masters in global media & communications from the London School of Economics and Political Science and an MBA in marketing. Connect with Chitra Iyer:

Sourced from CMSWIRE

In News

What is Digital Marketing? Why It’s Essential (+ Key Types)

July 25, 2023 No Comments

By Sam Driver

If you’ve ever wondered, “What is digital marketing?”

Well, you’re in the right place.

As the internet becomes more ingrained in our daily lives, the importance of digital marketing has skyrocketed.

It’s not just about flashy ads or catchy slogans; it’s about establishing meaningful connections with potential customers in the digital realm.

Using precise targeting and personalized content, businesses can reach audiences like never before.

Intrigued?

Let’s begin.

What is Digital Marketing?

Digital marketing is like a megaphone for the digital age, an orchestra conductor leading a harmonious ensemble of various online marketing disciplines.

It amplifies a brand’s voice, reaching thousands, if not millions, of potential customers on their laptops, phones, and tablets.

But it’s not just about making noise.

Successful digital marketing means saying the right thing, at the right time, to the right people. It’s about being engaging and insightful, delivering value and fostering relationships.

And what about inbound marketing, you might wonder?

While it’s true that both inbound and digital marketing strive to attract a potential customer, inbound marketing is but one piece of the larger digital marketing puzzle.

Inbound marketing focuses on creating valuable content and experiences tailored to the audience, pulling them in naturally.

Whereas digital marketing encompasses inbound tactics and a plethora of other strategies like paid online ads, SEO, email marketing, and more.

Why is Digital Marketing Important?

In an era where our lives are increasingly digital, the significance of digital marketing can’t be overstated.

As the traditional marketplaces and billboard ads give way to virtual stores and targeted online campaigns, the impact and benefits of digital marketing become even more apparent…

Reach

In the vast landscape of the internet, potential customers are just a click away.

Where else can you find millions of potential customers in one place?

Probably nowhere else but the digital world.

Think of a video on YouTube that goes viral, reaching millions globally in a matter of hours — that’s the power of digital reach.

Targeting

Digital marketing takes targeting to a new level of precision.

Imagine showing your ads only to people who are interested in your products, based on their online behaviour, interests, and demographics.

For example, an eco-friendly clothing brand can target customers who show interest in sustainable fashion, ensuring its marketing budget is spent on those most likely to make a purchase.

Cost-Effective

Budget constraints are a significant consideration for many businesses, particularly small ones.

Digital marketing is more cost-effective compared to traditional marketing, allowing small businesses to stand tall among the giants.

For instance, running a social media campaign on platforms like Facebook can be far cheaper than launching a traditional marketing strategy on television or radio.

Measurable

Digital marketing offers tangible and real-time data.

With digital marketing, you can track the success of your marketing campaign in real-time, making necessary adjustments on the go.

You can monitor which blog posts are popular, what type of email prompts a customer to make a purchase, or which social media campaign drives the most engagement, allowing you to focus resources on what works.

Engagement

Digital marketing isn’t just about selling a product or service; it’s about building a community around your brand.

Social media platforms offer a unique opportunity to engage directly with customers, fostering a community that traditional marketing cannot.

For example, a company can launch a hashtag campaign to encourage customer participation and generate buzz around a product.

By deeply understanding the significance and mechanisms of digital marketing, you can harness its full potential to enhance your business’s online presence and foster meaningful customer relationships.

There’s a whole world of opportunities in the digital realm waiting for you to seize.

8 Vital Digital Marketing Types That’ll Amplify Your Growth

Digital marketing is a vast field with many sub-disciplines.

Here are 8 types you should know about…

1. Content Marketing

Content marketing goes beyond the confines of mere sales pitches and promotions. It’s about creating a narrative around your brand, a story that resonates with your audience on an emotional level.

At its core, content marketing seeks to inform, entertain, and inspire. Imagine creating an informative blog post that helps your readers solve a problem they’ve been facing.

They not only appreciate the value you’ve provided but also begin to perceive your brand as an expert, a resource they can trust.

For example, let’s say you’re a small gardening business.

You could create blog posts about how to care for plants, tips on organic gardening, or even step-by-step guides on creating a backyard oasis.

You’re not directly selling anything in these posts, but you’re building trust and providing value, which, over time, will likely result in increased sales and customer loyalty.

2. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

SEO is much like a digital popularity contest. But, the vote isn’t decided by mere whims; it’s all about relevance and quality. It’s not enough to pepper your content with keywords.

Your content needs to deliver value, and your website needs to provide an excellent user experience. This involves ensuring your site is mobile-friendly, secure (HTTPS), and loads quickly.

Google, being the user-centric search engine it is, rewards websites that prioritize the user experience.

For instance, a local bakery might use SEO strategies to rank for keywords like “gluten-free bakery in [city name]” or “organic bread in [city name]”.

With good SEO, their website would appear in the top search results when potential customers search for these terms.

These high search rankings increase visibility and drive more organic traffic to the site, which could lead to increased sales and growth.

3. Social Media Marketing

At its best, social media marketing creates a dialogue, a two-way interaction that fosters a sense of community around your brand.

It’s not just about pushing content; it’s about listening and engaging with your audience, addressing their comments and concerns, celebrating their achievements, and learning from their insights.

Take the example of a clothing brand.

On a social media platform like Instagram, they could share stylish photos of their latest collection, but they could also feature real customers wearing their products, host live Q&A sessions with the designers, or run contests that encourage user-generated content.

This approach transforms customers into brand ambassadors, amplifying the brand’s reach and authenticity.

4. Email Marketing

While it might seem outdated compared to newer, flashier forms of digital marketing, email marketing remains a crucial player in the game.

Its strength lies in its personal nature and directness.

With email marketing, you’re not broadcasting a message to the masses. Instead, you’re delivering a custom message right into an individual’s inbox.

Imagine a bookstore that sends personalized reading recommendations based on a customer’s previous purchases.

Or a software company that sends helpful tips and tutorials to new users to help them get the most out of their product.

By providing targeted and valuable content, these brands are nurturing their relationships with their customers, leading to increased retention and loyalty.

5. Search Engine Marketing (SEM)

When it comes to making your digital presence felt, Search Engine Marketing, or SEM, takes a front-row seat. SEM encompasses various paid strategies designed to enhance your website’s visibility on search engines like Google.

One of the most common forms of SEM is Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising.

As the name suggests, businesses only pay when a user clicks on their ad. It’s an efficient strategy because you only pay for actual results.

Another powerful strategy under SEM is Google Ads.

With this digital marketing tool, you can have your website appear on the top of the search results for chosen keywords.

Remember, SEM isn’t just about driving traffic; it’s about driving the right traffic. With effective keyword research and careful targeting, SEM can bring in users who are ready to engage with your product or service.

6. Influencer Marketing

The power of personal recommendation cannot be understated, and that’s where influencer marketing comes in.

In this digital age, influencers — popular figures on social media — act as a bridge between brands and potential customers.

Suppose you’re a business selling hiking gear.

Partnering with an outdoor enthusiast who has a large following on Instagram could help introduce your products to an audience that’s likely to be interested.

But remember, influencer marketing is more than just celebrity endorsement. It’s about authenticity and trust.

Choosing influencers who genuinely resonate with your brand and its values is paramount to the success of your digital marketing campaign.

7. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a mutual beneficial approach where businesses reward third-parties (affiliates) for each visitor or customer brought about by the affiliate’s marketing efforts.

Essentially, it’s digital word-of-mouth marketing that can significantly boost your reach and sales.

For example, let’s say you sell skincare products. An affiliate, maybe a beauty blogger, reviews your product and shares an affiliate link.

Every time a reader purchases your product through that link, the blogger earns a commission.

Not only does this method drive sales, but it also improves brand awareness without a large upfront investment.

The key is to partner with affiliates who have a strong connection with your target audience.

8. Video Marketing

With the soaring popularity of platforms like YouTube and TikTok, it’s evident that video content is a kingpin of the digital marketing world. Video marketing is the practice of creating and sharing engaging videos to promote a brand, its products, or services.

Think of video marketing as storytelling in motion.

Whether it’s a behind-the-scenes look at your operations, a step-by-step product tutorial, or customer testimonials, videos can provide immersive experiences that static content often can’t.

For instance, a clothing brand might showcase its summer collection through a beautifully shot video featuring models wearing the clothes in various sun-soaked locales.

Moreover, videos are great for explaining complex concepts in an easy-to-understand way.

For instance, a tech company could use animated videos to explain how their software works.

In a nutshell, video marketing can be a creative, engaging, and highly shareable way to connect with your audience. Not only does it improve conversion rates, but it also boosts social shares, driving more traffic to your website.

Take Action by Answering What is Digital Marketing to You?

So, you’ve come a long way, haven’t you?

Maybe you felt overwhelmed at first — like stepping into a whole new world.

But here you are now, understanding the ropes of digital marketing.

It’s a brave new digital world out there, and you’re more ready than you think to conquer it.

Stand tall, knowing you’re equipped to navigate the digital marketing landscape with ease.

And remember, the digital realm waits for no one, so go forth and make your mark!

By Sam Driver

Sourced from SmartBlogger

In News

Marketing to Everyone: Why Accessibility Matters for Your Digital Marketing Strategy?

July 20, 2023 No Comments

By Emma Jones

The digital marketing strategy is one of the highly comprehensive and important tools for businesses. One of the essential features of any digital marketing strategy is accessibility. But very few companies know about digital accessibility.

Digital accessibility covers all about offering the full experience of the brand to different customers irrespective of their special needs. Let us explore digital accessibility and how it matters in the digital marketing strategy of any business. Starting with what is accessibility in digital marketing.

What is Accessibility in Digital Marketing?

Accessibility in digital marketing includes the different design practices that make it easy for people with special abilities to get the best out of the brand. Hence, it is a crucial step to ensure that everyone can enjoy the services, products, and brand.

The secret behind the accessibility in digital marketing is the expansion in the reach of the business product and services to potential customers. Further, it has a positive impact on the customers that the brand is doing enough for the people with special abilities. Businesses from certain areas must comply with regional accessibility standards.

Digital accessibility ensures that every person has a similar access to the content which remains to be the king in digital marketing. But which types of disabilities are catered to by digital accessibility?

Disabilities Handled by Digital Marketing Accessibility

People with the following disabilities the best benefited from digital marketing accessibility:

Learning

It covers memory loss or learning disabilities.

Thinking

This includes Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other mental illnesses including loss of mental function.

Communication

It covers the inability to talk or speech impairment.

Movement

This includes loss of a limb, paralysis, and limited movement due to different issues.

Hearing

It covers hearing loss or deafness.

Vision

This includes people having difficulty seeing or blindness.

Examples of Accessible Marketing

After having a quick overview of accessibility in digital marketing, time to have an overview of its successful examples:

Inclusive Experiences

Any digital marketing strategy should be equally accessible to offline and online users. It confirms and restricted use of the digital marketing initiatives for attracting business through both channels.

Email Marketing Accessibility

Email campaigns can be made highly accessible with the inclusion of certain features. These include proper headings, alt text, descriptive subject lines, and plain text versions.

Social Media Accessibility

The guidelines for social media accessibility are offered by the prestigious Princeton University. It focuses on making social media content highly accessible for people with special abilities. These guidelines are valid for audio, visual, text, and image content.

Video Content Accessibility

The accessible videos are viewed more by the audience. Hence, many businesses prefer to add captions and transcriptions in their video to make them highly accessible. Some other features include adding music or sound effects.

Content Accessibility

It ensures easy readability and optimized SEO benefits to businesses. The use of proper heading tags, sub-headings, headlines, and lists facilitates easy reading and scanning. The use of descriptive link text and accessible file uploading increases content accessibility. For social media content, it is easier to include that descriptive image text in the post.

Web Design Accessibility

Web design accessibility is an eternal part of digital marketing accessibility for any business. It includes a selection of the perfect fonts, improved navigation, and optimized call-to-action (CTA) buttons. Many prefer to go with the Sans serif font as these are easiest to read with no ornaments. The font size of 12 is good for readability. The use of keywords can facilitate web navigation.

These include using them in menus and buttons on your web page. The CTA should be accessible for a quick click by the users.

Image and Graphic Design Accessibility

The audience which is unable to see should be able to understand the image and graphic design in the digital marketing content. It is ideal for situations when the audience is having visual issues or the website is not loading properly.

Some of the common methods to ensure immediate graphic design accessibility in your digital marketing strategy are infographics, complementing colours, and adding alt text. All the infographics should be exported as PDFs as images can’t be read by different assistant devices.

It is important to use different design elements using the text and buttons to eliminate the colour issues for the audience having colour blindness or low vision. Some other methods are using different border patterns or sizes to communicate the content.

The alt text improves the overall SEO initiatives with the addition of at least one keyword in the total content images. It makes people understand the image when it is not displayed to them or they are unable to see it.

Requirements for Digital Accessibility (web accessibility)

Web accessibility is governed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These offer single and standard requirements for the digital accessibility of the websites. According to them, any website should be:

Perceivable

Any website must be easily readable and easy to see by visually impaired persons.

Operable

Websites should be easy to operate and receptive.

Understandable

The information on the website should be easy to understand and present.

Robust

The website should be highly interactive with the different technology tools.

Importance of Accessibility in Digital Marketing

Before jumping to the importance of accessibility in digital marketing, it is essential to go through the main risks of inaccessibility.

With around 23 percent of people not using the internet from their digital devices, many businesses are missing their significant audience. A major factor for this figure is digital inaccessibility.

Some of the common risks for businesses due to accessibility in digital marketing initiatives include the following:

Portraying a poor company reputation
Legal actions due to non-compliance with the accessibility standards
Failing to convert potential customers due to poor user experience
Missing out on a large segment of the audience

Several businesses are leveraging the different benefits of digital accessibility. Some of the key points focusing on the importance of digital accessibility are:

Avoid Legal Issues

Firstly, it is easy for companies to avoid different lawsuits and complaints related to accessibility issues. Countries have strict laws protecting the interest of the differently abled paper. Hence, if you are not compliant with your regional accessibility standards, then you may attract legal issues.

The best solution in this case is to comply with the regional accessibility guidelines and the standard accessibility guidelines. You may standardize your website with W3C and WCAG guidelines.

Increases Branding

The key purpose of digital accessibility is to increase the overall business branding. There is no secret to understanding that customers would like to buy from a branch that takes care of differently-abled people.

It not only increases the business marketing initiatives toward a specific section of the audience but creates a long-lasting impact on others also. Customers are in love with brands that care about their special needs.

Increases Search Engine Rankings

Achieving high search engine rankings is the pain point of many digital marketers. Google indexes rely on text to understand images and media content. Hence, there is no better way than including digital accessibility in increasing the search engine rankings of your website.

You can go for adding alt text to videos and images. Thus, the Google algorithm will find your content easily and make it rank above inaccessible content.

Increases Return on Investments

Who doesn’t want to increase return on investments when it comes to digital marketing strategy? The best method to increase the return on investment is to see the help of digital accessibility.

Many businesses argue that the costs associated with digital accessibility may or may not balance their returns. However digital accessibility, when planned precisely, can easily bring amazing returns on investments.

Increases Usability

Your business website is not usable unless it is accessible to the people. Thus, it is important to take care of the users with different limitations like movement, hearing, vision, understanding, and others.

A clean and simple website prepared using accessibility standards is all that you need to make your business website a success.

Best Practices to Include Accessibility in Digital Marketing

Moving ahead in your exploration of accessibility in digital marketing, below are some of the best practices to include it:

Including Accessible Designs

Firstly, less is more when it comes to accessible web page designs. So, all you need to do is avoid complexity and prefer simplicity in the different digital marketing initiatives. You must take care of the special needs of people with special abilities according to their types of impairments.

Offering Transcripts and Captions for Videos

The video and audio content can be quickly made available to people with special abilities using the transcript. The captions along with a time-stamped transcript offer a detailed description of the video. All you need to do is ensure that the transcripts and captions are effective and highly accurate. This helps people with vision and hearing problems to understand the context of videos.

Including Screen Reader Coding

People with special abilities use screen readers for your web page content. Hence, it is essential to include the coding for this assistive technology on your web page. These assistive tools are highly useful for people with cognitive reading, or visual disorders. It is one of the important steps in including accessibility in your digital marketing.

Including Proper Contrast Ratio

Nobody wants to be on a web page having a drastic contrast ratio. Thus, all you need to do is maintain the amount of contrast between the background and the foreground colours of your web page. According to the WCAG guidelines, text and images of the text can have a contrast of 4:5:1. Businesses can use different colour contrast checkers available to maintain a suitable contrast ratio for their web pages.

Including Captions and Alt Text for Informational Graphics and Images

It is essential to add alt text for different images and graphics. It is highly beneficial in cases when your web page is not loading or is viewed by people with vision impairment. Alt text should be accurate, descriptive, and have short details of the image offering its context with the content.

Concluding Thoughts

Thus, it is safe to conclude that accessibility matters in the digital marketing strategy. It is all about reaching the unreached audience by making your content accessible to the mass. There are different types of accessibility like website accessibility, email accessibility, video accessibility, content accessibility, and many more. The W3C and WCAG standards offer the best standards for website accessibility.

It is easy to understand the importance of accessibility in marketing and the best practices to include it. So, all you need to do is keep accessibility in mind while taking any big or small step in your digital marketing strategy.

By Emma Jones

I am Emma Jones; I live in New York. I am a content writer. I am passionate about writing and have been in the industry for several years. My goal is to ensure that individuals with disabilities or impairments can access and interact with technology, digital content, physical spaces, and other aspects of daily life with ease. It is from my experience that I have concluded using accessibility audit services and accessibility testing services are the go-to solutions to achieve accessibility. And I am keen to learn about new technologies, marketing, and businesses and help the public know about the same through my blogs. As a content writer, I create clear and concise content accessible to all.

Sourced from readwrite

In News

What is AI Marketing? A Basic Guide to Explosive Growth in 2023

July 17, 2023 No Comments

By Sarah Cha

Does the thought of AI Marketing seem intimidating?

Do you ever feel just a tad overwhelmed when you think about how fast AI seems to be changing the digital landscape?

You’ve heard that AI is the golden ticket, the game-changer, the ‘Next Big Thing.’ With its ability to turbo-charge growth and streamline customer interactions, it’s no wonder businesses big and small are taking notice.

So if you want to stay on top of this new wave of marketing, it’s time to reassess your marketing strategies and tap into the explosive growth potential of AI.

Let’s dive right in!

AI Marketing: More Than Meets the Eye

AI marketing, in simple terms, is about employing artificial intelligence to streamline and optimize marketing strategies. But here’s the kicker: it’s not just some cold, robotic process.

On the contrary, AI gives you the power to understand and interact with your audience in ways never before possible.

Do you think AI is about replacing humans with machines?

Wrong!

The real deal with AI marketing is about augmenting human capabilities, not eliminating them. Think of it like your very own marketing superpower, helping you reach the right people, at the right time, with the right message.

Or are you worried AI might make marketing impersonal and robotic?

Well, the surprising truth is that AI can actually make your marketing more human. It can save you oodles of time and energy so that you can focus on the tasks that truly matter. But how?

5 Key Components of AI Marketing

What are the building blocks of AI marketing? With the power of artificial intelligence supporting you, you can massively upgrade five critical areas of your marketing strategy:

1. Reach Your Best Customers With Hyper-Targeted Ads

Let’s face it; nobody likes irrelevant ads. It’s like being at a party and getting stuck in a conversation about a topic you have no interest in — not fun.

But with AI, you can use hyper-targeting to ensure your ads reach the right people at the right time.

Say goodbye to wasted ad spend and hello to a flock of engaged customers!

2. Engage Customers with AI Chatbots

You know that friendly little pop-up on websites that’s always ready to help? That’s a chatbot. They’re like your personal digital concierges, ready to assist 24/7.

Chatbots aren’t just fancy digital assistants; they can be your frontline salespeople.

Picture this: it’s the middle of the night, and a potential client stumbles onto your website. Who’s there to answer their burning questions?

Your trusty chatbot, that’s who!

Chatbots don’t sleep, don’t need coffee breaks, and they’re ready to interact with visitors 24/7. This instant engagement can translate into quicker conversions. Now that’s working smart!

3. Harness The Power of Predictive Analysis

Ever wish you could read your customers’ minds?

Predictive analytics is the closest thing.

By analysing past behaviour, it helps predict future actions. With AI’s predictive analysis, you can forecast future trends and tweak your marketing strategies accordingly.

No more guesswork or gut feelings – you’ve got data-driven predictions on your side. It’s like having a roadmap to success.

4. Perfect Content Personalization

It’s no secret that customers love a personalized experience. But how about personalizing your interactions with every single individual client on your list?

Sounds like a colossal task, right? Not with AI.

Artificial Intelligence can help tailor content to individual customers’ needs based on their preferences and behaviour.

Imagine if every customer felt like your website was designed just for them. Content personalization does exactly that, providing tailored experiences for each visitor.

A personalized email in their inbox can make your customers feel seen and valued. It’s like sending a hand-written note in the digital world. Isn’t it time you made your customers feel like VIPs?

5. Demystify SEO

SEO can feel like a maze, but AI makes it a walk in the park. It can analyse algorithms, understand trends, and optimize your content to rank higher.

If SEO has been making your head spin, you can now use AI-powered SEO tools to optimize your content, suggest relevant keywords, and even improve your website’s user experience.

It’s like having a marketing pro in your pocket, helping your site rank higher and attract more traffic. Ready to give Google a run for its money?

The Role of AI in Different Marketing Channels

AI isn’t just a stand-alone solution; it’s the secret sauce that spices up all your marketing channels. Here are some ways AI can revolutionize your marketing strategy in different channels:

Email Marketing

Consider email marketing, an oldie but goodie.

You might think, “What’s new about sending emails?” Well, with AI, a lot!

It’s not just about automating campaigns anymore. AI is capable of segmenting your audience based on their behaviour, interests, and other key parameters.

This means you can send hyper-personalized messages that resonate with each recipient, increasing engagement.

For instance, imagine a customer browsed through winter jackets on your online store but didn’t make a purchase. AI can trigger an automated email offering a special discount on jackets, nudging the customer to complete the purchase.

Plus, it can even identify the most opportune time to hit ‘send’ for each recipient. It’s like having your own crystal ball!

Social Media

Then we have social media, the digital hangout spot. But how do you cut through the clutter?

AI can analyse user sentiment, helping you understand how people feel about your brand in real-time. This way, you can tailor your responses and engage in more meaningful conversations.

AI can also schedule posts at the most effective times to increase visibility and engagement. And it doesn’t stop there. AI tools like ChatGPT-4 can even generate compelling content that resonates with your audience.

And that, after all, is the heart of any successful social media marketing strategy.

Content Marketing

In content marketing, AI can be your personal assistant, identifying trending topics for you to cover. It’s like having your ear to the ground 24/7.

But it gets even better. AI can optimize your content with the most effective keywords, helping you rank higher on search engines and draw more traffic to your site.

Plus, AI can tailor your content to individual user preferences.

For instance, if a visitor frequently reads blog posts about vegan recipes on your food blog, AI can highlight similar content when they visit your site. Imagine what that can do for your content marketing strategy!

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

When it comes to CRM, AI can segment customers into different groups based on their behaviour, purchase history, and preferences.

This allows you to provide more personalized service and build stronger relationships.

AI can also predict customer churn, giving you a heads-up before a customer jumps ship. This way, you can proactively address issues and improve customer retention.

Streamline and upgrade your customer management with AI, you won’t regret it!

The Practical Applications of AI Marketing

So how do you take this high-tech jargon and translate it into real-world applications? Let’s take a look at AI assistance in a couple hypothetical scenarios.

For example, let’s say you run an e-commerce store:

Hyper-Targeted Ads: First things first, you’d want your products to reach the right shoppers. No sense trying to sell vegan leather shoes to hardcore carnivores, right? Hyper-targeted ads, courtesy of AI, ensure that your marketing budget is spent on folks who are genuinely interested in what you’re offering.

Engage Customers with Chatbots: As your online store starts to buzz with customers, their queries will pile up. Instead of getting swamped with the surge, why not delegate to a chatbot? It’s like having an all-weather digital assistant that caters to customer questions, guiding them through their purchase journey.

Use Predictive Analysis: You’ve got the goods, but which ones will fly off the shelves next season? Predictive analytics can offer some clues. By crunching customer behaviour and purchase patterns, you can smartly forecast what products to stock up on.

Content Personalization: Online shopping isn’t just transactional — it’s experiential. You’d want your customers to feel that your store understands their needs. With AI, you can customize user interfaces, showing products and deals that align with individual customer preferences. It’s like each customer has their private aisle in your online store.

SEO Optimization: Of course, for all this magic to happen, customers need to find you first. With SEO optimization underpinned by AI, your store can rank higher in search results, attracting more traffic and potential sales.

Or let’s say you’re a lifestyle blogger, keen to expand your digital footprint:

Hyper-Targeted Ads: First off, you’d want to make sure your blog is getting in front of the right eyeballs. You don’t want to waste time attracting DIY enthusiasts when you’re doling out advice on mindfulness and yoga. That’s where AI comes in handy. Hyper-targeted ads can ensure that you’re attracting the readers who will truly connect with your content.

Engage Readers with Chatbots: As your blog grows, you’re bound to have visitors with questions or comments. Rather than spending hours responding, you could use a chatbot. It’s like a friendly digital receptionist, fielding common queries or directing readers to relevant articles round the clock.

Use Predictive Analysis: You’re creating excellent content, but what do your readers want next? Predictive analytics can help. By analyzing reader behavior and interests, you could identify what topics they’re likely to engage with in the future, ensuring you stay one step ahead.

Content Personalization: Personalization isn’t just for e-commerce. You want your readers to feel that your blog is tailor-made for them. AI can help here by tracking reader interests and suggesting content that aligns with their preferences. It’s like each reader has their personalized blog feed.

SEO Optimization: Lastly, you want to get found, right? With SEO optimization powered by AI, your blog will not only appeal to readers but also to search engine algorithms, drawing more traffic to your site.

But remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Implementing these strategies might take some trial and error, but the rewards are well worth the effort.

AI Marketing: The Future is Now

Embracing AI in marketing isn’t just about keeping up with the Joneses, it’s about staying ahead. It’s about enhancing efficiency, driving growth, and carving out a competitive edge.

The landscape of marketing is changing, and AI is the compass guiding the way. It’s not some distant future scenario, but a present reality. So don’t get left behind.

In this digital age, AI marketing is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. It’s not just about doing things differently, but doing different things. It’s not about working harder, but working smarter.

This is just the tip of the AI Marketing iceberg. Each technique could be your secret ingredient for explosive growth. So, are you ready to give AI Marketing a whirl and leave your competitors in the dust?

Go out there and shake things up!

By Sarah Cha

Sourced from SmartBlogger

In News

50+ Call to Action Examples That’ll Elevate Conversions (+ Tips)

June 6, 2023 No Comments

By Sam Driver

Have you ever felt like your call to action was as enticing as watching paint dry?

You’re not the only one, trust us.

We understand the frustration — you’re pouring your heart and soul into your digital marketing campaigns, only to see your clicks and conversions stagnate.

You can’t help but think, “There has to be a better way, right?”

Fear not!

We’re here to empower you with some tantalizing tips and examples that’ll breathe new life into your digital campaigns.

So, get ready to embark on an incredible journey that will send your conversions soaring to new heights.

Let the adventure begin!

Master the Art of CTAs: 6 Power-Packed Tips to Captivate Your Audience

Whether you need an effective cta for social media posts, email marketing, a blog post, a Facebook ad, or even Google ads, we are here to help.

So, embark on a transformative journey as we reveal six power-packed tips that will captivate your audience and elevate your call to action game.

Simplicity Sells: Create Crystal-Clear CTAs That Drive Results

We can all agree that nobody likes a confusing message.

So, why make a visitor guess what you want them to do?

Let’s dive into the importance of clarity in your CTAs.

Use Clear and Concise Language

Get straight to the point. A potential customer doesn’t have time to decipher cryptic messages.

So, keep your CTA button short and sweet, with a clear, direct message.

Dropbox‘s simple “Try it for free” CTA button has played a significant role in the company’s rapid growth.

The clear message and straightforward design have encouraged millions of users to sign up for their file-sharing service.

Be Specific

Don’t just tell ’em, show ’em!

Your CTA should make it crystal clear what your audience should do next. Let’s check out this call to action example:

“Sign Up Now for Your Free Trial”

Vs.

“Join Us”

In the first option, it’s evident that users need to sign up for a free trial.

The second one? Erm, not so much.

Spotify has seen tremendous success with its CTA, “Get 3 Months For £0.”

This specific call to action clearly communicates the benefit to the user, contributing to the streaming giant’s massive subscriber base.

Strike While It’s Hot: Ignite Action with Time-Sensitive CTAs

You know that feeling when you just gotta have something, like, yesterday?

That’s what urgency does.

It lights a fire under your audience, prompting them to take a specific action ASAP.

Create a Sense of Urgency

Adding a time-sensitive element to your offer can make all the difference. For example, compare:

“Get 50% Off”

And:

“Get 50% Off Today Only“

They both clearly state a generous discount, but the second option creates urgency by using a trigger word.

Sprinkling in words that convey immediacy, like “now,” “today,” or “limited time,” is like adding a pinch of spice to your marketing recipe.

It nudges users to act before it’s too late and can contribute to higher conversion rates.

Amazon’s Prime Day deals are a perfect example. They often include limited-time offers. These urgent messages help drive massive sales during their annual event.

Embrace Action-Packed Verbs

Energize your CTA by incorporating a powerful action word that inspires a visitor to take the desired action.

An action verb adds a layer of excitement and makes your call to action more compelling.

So, let’s explore a call to action example:

“Get Your Discount”

Vs.

“Snag Your Discount”

In the second option, the action verb “snag” adds an additional element, making the CTA more appealing and intriguing.

Remember, the right action word can work wonders in making your call to action irresistible and driving the desired outcome.

The Golden Ticket: Showcasing Irresistible Benefits for Instant Appeal

Wanna know the secret sauce that makes an effective CTA?

It’s all about the value proposition.

Show your audience exactly what they’ll gain by taking specific action.

Highlight the Benefits

Make your offer so enticing that a potential customer can’t refuse. Focus on the benefits they’ll receive. Let’s examine this example:

“Sign Up for Courses”

Vs:

“Get Instant Access to 100+ Premium Courses”

The first option is relevant but bland. Whereas the second highlights the value of instant access to a vast array of premium courses.

So, how could you highlight your benefit?

Focus On What Makes Your Offer Unique

Next, stand out from the crowd by showcasing what sets your offer apart.

So, ask yourself…

What is my USP (Unique Selling Point)?

Do you offer award-winning customer service? Are all your materials or ingredients organic? Do you have the strongest coffee?

In fact, Death Wish Coffee’s USP is exactly that:

“The World’s Strongest Coffee”

By highlighting its USP and converting it into a call to action button, Death Wish Coffee differentiates itself from competitors and encourages coffee lovers to experience it for themselves.

Pull at Their Heartstrings: Using Emotions to Inspire Action

Remember that time you bought something because it just felt right?

That’s the power of emotional appeal.

Let’s uncover the secrets of harnessing this persuasive force in your CTAs.

Use Persuasive Language

Choose words that tap into your audience’s emotions. After all, they should feel a connection with your CTA and brand. Consider this example:

“Enroll in Our Program”

Vs:

“Transform Your Life with Our Proven Program”

The second option tugs at the heartstrings by promising a life transformation.

Are you tempted?

A prime real-world example is Nike’s “Just Do It” slogan.

It evokes a sense of determination and encourages customers to take action and learn more by simply doing “it!”

Align with Your Audience

Speak directly to your audience’s desires and address their pain points head-on.

For example, if you’re marketing a sleep aid, which of these CTAs would you click:

“Try Our Sleep Aid”

Or:

“Say Goodbye to Sleepless Nights with Our Natural Sleep Aid”

The second one?

It addresses a common pain point amongst the target audience — sleepless nights — and offers a solution.

A Feast for the Eyes: Design Visually Stunning CTAs That Beg to Be Clicked

Looks matter, especially when it comes to CTAs. An eye-catching design can make all the difference between a click and a pass.

Implement Contrasting Colours

Colour can be a powerful tool to grab attention.

So, make sure your CTA stands out with contrasting colours. Take a peak at the example from Smart Blogger below:

The “Start Now” button contrasts sharply with the website’s dark background. It effectively grabs the users’ attention and encourages them to click through.

Choose the Perfect Font

Don’t make your audience squint to read your CTA. Pick a font that’s clear and easy on the eyes.

Let’s jump back to the previous example from Smart Blogger…

The CTA uses a large, bold, and easily readable font to guide users toward their next action — great!

So, use clear typography to ensure users understand the desired action, ultimately driving sign-ups.

Unleashing the Power of Data: Fine-Tuning Your CTAs for Maximum Impact

You’ve crafted the perfect CTA, but your journey doesn’t end there.

To reach the pinnacle of success, testing, and optimization are your trusted companions on this quest for the best possible results.

Perform AB Testing

Don’t rely on gut feelings. Test different CTA variations to see which one brings home the bacon.

For instance, suppose you’re running an online course platform, and you want to increase sign-ups for your latest offering.

You could test two different CTAs to see which one performs better:

1. “Enrol Now & Master Your Skills”

2. “Unlock Your Full Potential – Enrol Now”

After running your AB test and analysing the data, you find that CTA 2 outperforms CTA 1 by a 15% higher conversion rate.

Perfect!

Based on these results, you implement CTA 2 into your marketing campaign, ultimately leading to a higher number of sign-ups for your online course.

Continuously Analyse Your Data

As seen above, data is your best friend.

So, keep a close eye on your CTA performance and continually make data-driven decisions.

If your latest CTA has a low click-through rate, consider tweaking the language, design, or placement.

If a particular element is performing above and beyond, rinse and repeat.

Your Ultimate CTA Arsenal: 54 Show-Stopping Examples to Boost Conversions Instantly

Now that you’re armed with tips and tricks, let’s dive into 50+ more compelling call to action button examples that’ll make your audience click like there’s no tomorrow…

Direct CTAs

1. “Buy Now”

2. “Sign Up Today”

3. “Download Your Free E-book”

4. “Start Your Free Trial”

5. “Get Started”

Urgency-Driven CTAs

6. “Limited Time Offer: Save 50% Today!”

7. “Join Now — Offer Ends Soon!”

8. “Don’t Miss Out — Register Now!”

9. “Only 3 Days Left: Enrol Now!”

10. “Get Your Early Bird Discount Today!”

Value Proposition CTAs

11. “Discover the Secret to Losing Weight”

12. “Get Your Dream Job”

13. “Boost Your Business Profits”

14. “Learn to Play Guitar Like a Pro”

15. “Unlock Unlimited Access”

Personalized CTAs

16. “See Your Customized Plan”

17. “Find Your Perfect Match”

18. “Get Personalized Recommendations”

19. “Your Journey Starts Here”

20. “Make It Yours”

Design-Focused CTAs

21. “Shop Our Best Sellers”

22. “Upgrade Your Wardrobe”

23. “Find Your Perfect Look”

24. “Discover the Latest Trends”

25. “Get Inspired”

Social Proof CTAs

26. “Join Thousands of Happy Customers”

27. “Get the #1 Rated App”

28. “Find Out Why We’re the Top Choice”

29. “Trusted by Experts Worldwide”

30. “See the Success Stories”

Emotional Trigger CTAs

31. “Don’t Live With Regret — Act Now”

32. “Stop Feeling Overwhelmed — Get Organized”

33. “Become the Person You’ve Always Wanted to Be”

34. “Discover Your True Potential”

35. “Find Happiness Today”

Guarantee-Focused CTAs

36. “100% Money-Back Guarantee”

37. “Risk-Free Trial”

38. “No Questions Asked Returns”

39. “Get Results or Your Money Back”

40. “Try It RISK-FREE for 30 Days”

Exclusive CTAs

41. “Grab Your Exclusive Discount Code”

42. “Get Your VIP Access”

43. “Unlock Secret Features”

44. “Experience the Future of Technology”

45. “Join Our Elite Membership”

Information-Seeking CTAs

46. “Learn More”

47. “Request a Demo”

48. “Get Your Free Guide”

49. “Download Our Whitepaper”

50. “Schedule a Consultation”

Community-Building CTAs

51. “Join Our Facebook Group”

52. “Follow Us on Instagram”

53. “Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel”

54. “Share Your Experience”

55. “Invite a Friend and Get Rewarded”

The Call to Action Revolution: Unleash the Potential of Your Campaigns

With these effective call to action tips and examples in your arsenal, you’re ready to conquer the world of clicks, conversions, and delighted customers.

Let the journey begin, and may the power of persuasion be with you.

Happy marketing!

By Sam Driver

Sourced from SmartBlogger

Digital Marketing

Social media marketing can be cost-effective when you pick platforms suited to your business and consistently deliver messages that engage your target audience.

How to create a social media marketing strategy

Determine your social media marketing goals

Define your target audience

Pick your social media platforms

Assess your content needs

Post consistently

Monitor mentions and respond quickly

By Lisa Anthony

Sourced from nerdwallet

Attributing results to particular channels or campaigns is arguably digital marketing’s most dogged problem, with an array of approaches mutating as platforms change. Here, The Drum Network experts’ quick tips.

By Sam Anderson

Sourced from The Drum

The Power of Brand Awareness Campaigns

15 Top Tips to Boost Brand Awareness

1. Craft a Compelling Brand Narrative

2. Promote Your Brand Offline

3. Gather Customer Testimonials

4. Win Hearts with Authentic Connections

5. Insist on a Consistent Identity

6. Use Social Media as a Digital Megaphone

7. Collaborate with Other Brands

8. Utilize SEO & Content Marketing

9. Create Branded Infographics

10. Empower Your Brand’s Secret Agents

11. Unleash the Power of Competition

12. Try LinkedIn Publishing

13. Give Your Brand a Unique Personality

14. Try Podcasting

15. Experiment with Remarketing and Paid Social Advertising

Measuring the Success of Your Brand Awareness Campaign

Quantitative Metrics

Qualitative Metrics

Wrapping Up Your Brand Awareness Campaign Journey

By Sarah Cha

Sourced from SmartBlogger

1. Harness the Power of Google Analytics for Market Insights

2. Switch Up Your Content Creation with Lumen5

3. Boost SEO with Ahrefs

4. Stay in the Know with Feedly

5. Enhance Email Marketing with MailChimp’s A/B Testing

6. Dive into Inbound Marketing with HubSpot

7. Spruce Up Your Social Media Marketing with Sprout Social

8. Elevate Your Visual Content with Canva

9. Empower Your Content Marketing with Yoast SEO

10. Unlock User Behaviour Insights with Hotjar

11. Revolutionize Your Outreach with Hunter.io

Future-Proof Your Strategy with These Essential Digital Marketing Tools

By Sam Driver

Sourced from SmartBlogger

1. Tesla’s Word-of-Mouth Marketing

2. Dollar Shave Club’s Viral Video

3. Dove’s Real Beauty Campaign

4. Coca Cola’s Content 2020

5. GoPro’s Be a Hero Campaign

6. Deadpool’s Satirical Campaign

7. Amazon Prime Day

8. Oreo’s Dunk in the Dark

9. HubSpot’s Inbound Marketing

10. Glossier’s Customer-Centric Strategy

Unleash the Power of These Marketing Strategy Examples

By Sam Driver

Sourced from SmartBlogger

Is your brand’s survival tied to social media? Why relying on such platforms may be risky and how companies like Lush and others are navigating this terrain.

The Gist

Moving On: Conscious Uncoupling, or an Outright Separation?

Social Selling

Influencer Marketing

The Hamster Wheel Isn’t Slowing Down

By Chitra Iyer

Sourced from CMSWIRE

What is Digital Marketing?

Why is Digital Marketing Important?

Reach

Targeting

Cost-Effective

Measurable

Engagement

8 Vital Digital Marketing Types That’ll Amplify Your Growth

By Lisa Anthony 