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    How to write SEO friendly content that attracts audiences

    SEO friendly

    Have you ever wondered how certain content appears at the top of your Google search? In short, Google uses mathematical algorithms to give each website a score. That score determines the rank of each website and where it is placed when someone types keywords into google search.

    “Think of the algorithm like a collection of empty buckets. One bucket gives you a score for the quality of your site, one bucket gives you a score for how many sites link to you, one bucket gives you a score for how people trust you. Your job is to fill up more buckets in the algorithm than any other website.”

    So what is SEO?

    It’s tough for content to get noticed on the web. Using SEO friendly keywords is a smart and reliable way to improve your website traffic.

    SEO is a shorthand term for Search Engine Optimization. Basically, it is a measurable, repeatable process that is used to send signals to various search engines (Google, Bing, etc.) to show that your page is worth displaying on the Google index.

    SEO friendly content allows your website to show up more often, get more clicks, shares, likes and more overall engagement.

    How do you create SEO friendly content?

    Now that you understand a few details behind how SEO works, here are a few tips and tricks behind writing SEO enhanced content.

    • Use descriptive headlines and sub-headers
    • Add lots of links to supporting/previous content
    • Optimize the length of your article
    • Choose your keywords wisely
    • Pick clickable photos
    • Make your content shareable
    • Write quality over quantity (high quality content is much more audience friendly then extra words on a page)

    Do you know any other SEO tips that we didn’t touch on? Let us know in the comment section below.

    Blogging tips for e-commerce businesses

    ecommerce blogging tips

    After crafting the perfect product descriptions, it may seem daunting to then create unique web content. However, the more you take advantage of marketing tools to reach out to your customers, the better opportunities you have of eliciting sales. Attempt the following e-commerce blogging tips to produce posts that reflect why you’re the company people should be supporting.

    Appeal to existing AND new customers

    Returning customers already have their reasons for loving your company, yet as with any relationship, you have to keep those fires burning. If you haven’t already developed a buyer persona, do so – it’s an analysis of common buying habits and profile demographics that help create the target audience and how your product will serve their needs or solve a problem. The persona is a valuable marketing strategy, so you can create blog posts that focus on items and ideas that they’re interested in and information that they’ll find useful.

    New followers are likely to find your e-commerce shop through search engine and social media results, shared posts or by word of mouth. You’ve grabbed that initial interest, so now it’s about maintaining it and enticing sales through soft CTAs.

    • Use strong headers
    • Create a balance of short and long-tail SEO
    • Apply relevant, working internal and external links
    • Create eye-catching infographics, photos and visual graphics
    • Use mobile optimization

    Create conversations

    A considerable amount of time at conventions is spent on communication and talking to prospective and existing customers. In order to create blog topic ideas for your e-commerce business, you need to understand conversational flow. Ask questions within and at the end of the posts and offer an e-newsletter that consumers can subscribe too for new post alerts. Remember to use unique hashtags to increase awareness of your name. Followers are then able to include it within their comments and uploaded photos, which will be a huge contribution towards your organic marketing.

    Remind the audience of your expertise

    Treat your blog as an online tool that customers can rely on. Write posts that are related to recent industry news and trends and if you’re at trade shows, make sure to take pictures. When referencing your list of e-commerce blogging tips and ideas, remember it’s always about the details. Try and mix things up with slideshows, tutorials, listicles, videos and topics. Address any changes with ingredients, formulas, packaging designs or materials to show customers that you value their loyalty and hope they continue to support you company.

    Want to make sure that your ideas effectively reach audiences? Let our copywriting and SEO services show you how these blogging tips enhance your business’ profile and sales!

    Do you have any other blogging tip suggestions? Tell us in the comments section below.

     

    Social media marketing mistakes to avoid

    social media marketing tips

    Social media is a terrific medium to develop and promote brand identity, but it’s different than how you maintain your personal pages.

    If you post inconsistently, post everything on your mind or even occasionally use colourful language, there are social media marketing tips you should adhere too for professional content. Learn which mistakes to avoid, so that consumers and fans continue to follow and share your stories and photos.

    Lack of direction

    It may take some time for you to find your voice and what types of posts result in the most engagement. Remember that’s okay. Followers like your company for a reason and they’re going to expect similar comfortability and familiarity with your online persona. First you need to determine your style (informative, fun, formal or casual) and themes (guest posts, news or behind the scenes videos). If it’s gaining attention then stick with it, but if it’s lacking try to keep at it until you find what helps define you.

    Absentee admins

    We’ve all seen pages that clearly have little to no administration. If any original content is posted, it’s usually because there is an autopilot setting and the rest of the time content is off-topic or offensive.

    When you’re reviewing ideas for how to use Twitter or how to use Pinterest for business keep in mind that you need someone to be in charge of those accounts. Whether it’s one person’s job or a rotating team, make sure that they are monitoring your content, skimming the comments and replying to any personal messages. These tasks will ensure your social media pages will not lose any following.

    Avoiding or erasing negative feedback

    No one likes negative reviews or comments, but they’re relatively impossible to avoid because you can’t please everyone. However, one of the most important social media marketing tips you can follow is to remember not to delete them this feedback or respond aggressively. An August 2017 report on the relationship between social media and customer service found that 65% of followers look towards social media channels for customer service and are more likely to continue patronising a company if there is timely communication.

    The most important thing you can do is respond to all comments maturely, professionally and civilly, regardless of how strong-minded the review or complaint is. If comments are harassing, threatening or abusive, then of course remove them – only after documenting and reporting them.

    Making it solely about you

    Social media is all about communicating, so treat it the same way that you would a face-to-face conversations. Don’t lose focus and remember you’re promoting your company on these pages. You should also be creating dialogue with consumers, rather than only concentrating on your products in a salesy way. Try to utilize interactive social media ideas (such as linking to posts) so that followers truly feel connected.

    You won’t have to worry about marketing mistakes with us in charge of your social media content. Let our social media marketing services help you produce memorable, shareable posts that lead to increased traffic and sales!

    Social media marketing ideas to engage your audience

    social media marketing ideas

    Like any marketing tool, social media management requires constant upkeep. It’s not just simply planning ideas and themes, but also making posts stand out in feeds and enticing consumers to respond. The following social media marketing ideas act as CTAs (calls to action) for subscribed followers and appeal to new users as well.

    Invite your audience to share

    Ask and encourage your audience to share photos of how they use your products. It’s a great way to learn what products are most popular and if consumers are looking for additional variations, or even have critical opinions.

    International Data Corporation predicts that over 50% of marketing content will most likely be user-generated by 2020. With almost everyone takes photos of seemingly anything that catches their interest on the daily it evokes some kind of sentiment. It’s an organic means to use what people already enjoy doing.

    Go live

    Live video is another terrific strategy for engaging social media content that retains customer interest and keeping followers coming back for more. Build anticipation by announcing your plans the day before or within a few hours of starting.

    Also consider the following:

    • AMA (ask me anything) session
    • A tour of facilities
    • Showing how a product is made
    • Showing how you shop for ingredients or materials

    Create unique and memorable hashtags

    There’s nothing wrong with using common hashtags as part of your social media marketing ideas, but don’t shy away from creating your own original ones. Incorporate slogans, product names and unique descriptions into these metadata tags and then repeat them throughout Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram posts. Also try to work them into emails to increase branding and establish phrases that consumers associate you with.

    Spark conversations with polls and surveys

    Polls and surveys show your audience that you listen to and value their opinions, thoughts, and suggestions. It’s a strong component of how social media can help your business by strengthening relationships with customers and making you more than just another company to like. Asking followers to vote on product features (“Do you prefer this dress in blue grey or dove grey?”), or ideas (“If you could vacation anywhere, where would you wear our shoes too?”), will also encourage sharing and tagging.

    Tell us what your vision is to boost customer engagement, then let our social media marketing services help get you there!

    Which idea do you feel works best to entice engagement? Tell us in the comments section below.

    Blog topic ideas for your e-commerce business

    blog topic ideas

    You’ve built your e-commerce site, linked to all your social media pages and set up a “subscribe” button for news and sales alerts. So that should be everything right? It may be enough for some businesses, however, a blog is a vital marketing tool that shouldn’t be overlooked. Consider the following blog topic ideas for developing a deeper connection with your audience and increasing interest for future sales.

    What inspires you

    Consumers love knowing any behind the scenes stories as well as what inspires people to create their products and services. Whether you dedicate a particular date for these types of posts (every Monday or mid-month etc.), or do them randomly, share insights and moments that influence your craft. If you’re a distributor or a reseller write about your own thoughts regarding the products how do they inspire you or reflect your own passions. Treat these posts like virtual coffee and tea with your target audience. Businesses that blog evoke 67% to 88% more leads per month than companies that don’t, meaning readers are responding.

    Specific products

    Utilize the same process of writing product descriptions that entice customers, and create longer posts about specific categories or products within those groups. Choose items that relate to holidays, seasons, back-to-school, or other notable search terms that may be prominent at that given time. Remember to include technical details, suggestions for use, photos and also links to coordinating products in order to make a subtle yet effective CTA.

    Industry news

    Most likely you’re constantly paying attention to industry-related news, so why not share that with your readers? Report on events and conferences you attend, or bookmark important news links as part of the blog topic ideas that reflect your place within the field. Express your opinions, and encourage readers to engage in the discussion.

    Special events, promotions and pre-orders

    Echo email and social media special announcements through their own blog posts! Nightmare Toys, a novelty retail client of ours, includes posts about items available for pre-order to get consumers excited about upcoming collectibles. These posts are terrific to share and act as a key method of organically generating brand awareness and purchasing potential.

    Lists

    In addition to using your company’s history and FAQs as popular blog ideas for e-commerce business, see what lists you can also create from that info. If the company has been family owned and operated for generations, spin that and create a blog entitled “5 reasons company name is better than big box retailers.” Or take your mention of donating a percentage of proceeds and include it with a post about, “Top 3 ways your purchase makes a difference.” You can make lists for any topic or product!

    Are you looking for more expert advice about producing a successful blog? Find out how our copywriting and SEO marketing services will benefit your e-commerce site!

    5 types of Instagram ads to consider for your business

    Instagram ad tips

    Although you may think that Facebook and Twitter combined are enough to attract and maintain customers, Instagram is another heavy player that helps with social media marketing. Follow these Instagram business tips for advertising to create posts that expand your audience, increase exposure and enhance branding.

    Why use Instagram?

    Developing your SEO, keywords and text are still effective marketing tools, however, there are certainly times when sharp imagery is better than stamping a post as TL; DR. In September 2017, Instagram reported that they had approximately 800 million active users a month, which means seemingly endless opportunities for your business to reach followers. We live in a vastly visual age, so you need to grab your audience’s attention quickly and keep those target groups coming back as much as possible.

    Which ad best relays your message?

    Facebook owns Instagram, so once you’ve created your Facebook Business Page, why not also set up an Instagram account so your ad manager can sync both apps? Then you can choose the type of imagery that best reflects your brand.

    • Photo: Everything is a photo opp these days, so show off products in ways that entice customers. Create snapshots of services that speak to your audience and tap into their desires and wishes. Of additional benefit, caption the images with strong CTAs.
    • Video: Consider this an expansion of the power of photos. You get 60 seconds to tell a story, but place the product or service within a few seconds, for maximum effect.
    • Carousel: A series of 5 photos or videos for customers to view, ideal for advertising that requires more than 60 seconds for effective messages. It can also illustrate multiple ways to use a product or service.
    • Story: These are ads that are only available for 24 hours and are shown between stories by followers. It’s a great tool to use for a limited time or special promotions. It is also based on viewing habits, so users can go right to your website or contact information while watching their favourite content.
    • Canvas story: Ideal for mobile use, you can create this ad from a Facebook or a custom template.

    Why settings matter

    It’s important to put thought into the settings for each post or campaign in order to monitor what works and what may need an adjustment. Ask yourself (or your team) which of the following objectives meet your goals:

    • Video views
    • Website traffic and conversions
    • Alluring posts
    • Mobile app installations and usage
    • More leads and event attendees

    Remember to name each campaign uniquely and just as you increase engagement on Twitter, use branded hashtags and short captions to entice your audience. Although you get 300 characters to say something, the recommended number is between 125-150.

    Other settings to note as you build your own analysis for Instagram ads tips include:

    • Audience and placement: Are you targeting a specific, “custom” audience (based upon interests and sales), or a “lookalike” audience (potential leads that already follow and are similar to other companies)? Filters include age range, region and connections, along with deciding any placement factors, such as categories and devices to include/exclude.
    • Budget: Instagram ad costs can vary. Depending upon dynamics and typically ranging from less than 50 cents to about $1-$2 per click (approximately $5-$7 per 1,000 visitors). You can choose a daily budget or a lifetime (length of campaign) option, with the ability to change the figure, but not the type of campaign you have just set up.
    • Bids: Related to budgets, this setting represents maximum monies spent for customer responses. It’s either manual, set by you, or automatic, determined by Facebook analytics.
    • Start and finish times: Continuously, or for a specific duration.
    • Delivery optimization: Choose how your campaign reaches viewers, either through impressions (as often as possible), link clicks (to followers most likely to respond), or daily unique reach (once a  day).
    • Delivery speed: Do you prefer your campaign to run at a standard pace, or rapidly  at a more accelerated rate?

    Are you concerned about correctly getting your message across Instagram? Learn how our social media marketing services can help make it happen!

     

    Tips to revamping your “about us” page

    create an about us page

    A visually stimulating homepage menu is no longer enough to fully engage with your audience. Consumers want to know where their money is going and why your business is the best choice for their needs. Moreover, it’s important to include relevant background information about your company or persona whether you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, or part of a nationally/internationally known chain.

    Learn how to create an “about us” page that gives your audience the illusion of actually conversing with you in person.

    Outline the old school report elements

    Ask yourself the 5Ws, including “how”, when you create an about us page. These questions are lessons that still command attention and application long after you’ve left school. As you work with professional marketing strategists to develop a noticeable online presence, answer the following for your “about” page:

    • Who: Regardless of your years of experience, how did you get started? What inspired you? How do you relate to your product or service?
    • What: What benefits, advantages, or solutions does your expertise provide?
    • Where: Are you remote only? Do you have brick and mortar locations, pop-ups, or attend certain events? Are phone and Skype consultations applicable?
    • When: Similar to “where” details, note anything pertinent to availability or purchasing/contracting options.
    • Why: Why do you continue to do what you do and how do you view its importance to the community and target audience?
    • How: How are your products/services different than others? How will they affect consumer experiences?

    Craft a simple and authentic story

    Tell a story that echoes your vision and core values, while genuinely representing your voice. The purpose is to establish trust and build engagement in a way that’s unique to you and not just a carbon copy of what competitors say. Use a streamlined, appealing template, or graphics that don’t distract from the text. Keep the story succinct with the most relevant and relatable details. Also consider saving extra material for blog ideas for your e-commerce business, or as social media prompts.

    Additional ideas for how to create an “about us” page

    • Use infographics or timelines to make your company’s history more visually appealing and easier to comprehend.
    • Apply videos of your work, participation at events, or contribution to causes.
    • Testimonials and quotes from customers and significant sources.
    • Showcase any awards and recognitions.
    • Add employee bios and photos that fit the industry – retailers/producers of novelty toys might incorporate pop culture elements and quirky facts into their bios, whereas therapists and attorneys may list credentials and follow a more formal template.

    Repeat key CTAs

    Although you should have a separate “contact” page, and display social media and e-newsletter links on your homepage, it’s a good idea to repeat that information in your “about us” section allowing readers to immediately respond to CTAs (calls to action).

    Want to make sure that every page of your website reaches its maximum potential? Contact us today, to enlist our copywriting and SEO services for your “about” page and more!

    What is search engine optimization (SEO) and how does it work?

    What is SEO?

    Blogs are a terrific way to continuously engage with your audience and keep them interested in your company. The ideas are endless, but you may not be reaching out to your full potential if you have been disregarding any crucial blogging components. Understanding more about what SEO is and how it works is important when marketing and creating content.

    What is the purpose of SEO?

    SEO, or more technically known as search engine optimization, is essentially free advertising that attracts both new and existing customers and followers. Similar to how appealing context increases engagement on Facebook, SEO determines words and phrases that make your content stand out on SERPs (search engine result pages). Crawlers, spiders and robots often refer to tools that search engines, such as Google and Yahoo!, use to display their results. These technical applications may seem daunting, but the right keywords can significantly affect those algorithms and page rankings.

    Specific, relevant keywords

    Think of keywords as part of your marketing conversation to the consumer. Let’s use handmade soaps as an example. Instead of only referring to them that way, also use long tail keywords that are more specific fragrance-free, vegan, goat’s milk, rose petal, charcoal or glittery. Include your business name, the city or market where they’re crafted or available as well as words that can further describe certain designs, ingredients or types (San Diego farmers market bunny-shaped bar soaps).

    Whatever phrase you choose, work them into your content organically, so that it doesn’t sound scripted or forced.

    Furthermore, make sure that the keywords are relevant. If you create a post that’s off-topic it’s better that you apply search terms accordingly, or not include any at all, rather than put them in just for the sake of it.  

    Remember to also keep applicable keywords for the following:

    • Anchor text: words that lead to internal links (backlinks to other content you’ve created) and to external links (links to content from outside sources).
    • Meta descriptions: the short text that appears with links in search engine results.
    • Page URLs: www.businessname.com/lavender-unicorn-bar-soap vs. www.businessname.com/soap-399
    • Alt attributes: the descriptive text used for images which search engines crawl instead of the actual visual.

    Off-page Appeal

    As you learn more about SEO, pay attention to off-page sources. These are the ways that others mention your company’s services or products through comments and social media interaction, as well as how you engage with your audience. The more customer reviews you get the more brand recognition you can receive. This opens up the possibilities for influencers to include you in their own heavily followed pages and videos. It is important to consider this potential when you create anything online.

    We’re here to help you navigate the ever-changing SEO algorithms. Find out how our SEO services are the digital strategies you need for success!

    Common copywriting mistakes to avoid

    common copywriting mistakes

    Although blogs, social media posts, emails, e-newsletters and web pages vary in technical components, they all require a certain attention to detail. If you are able to avoid the following common copywriting mistakes, you will produce content that better appeals to marketing strategies.

    Addressing the wrong audience

    One of the most important steps in understanding content marketing is knowing your audience. As tempting as it may be to try to sell your services or products to everyone, it’s important to not lose focus if you have a niche market. Determine the target age group, income bracket and other identifying characteristics that your wares are most intended for, then adapt your voice accordingly. Make sure that your tone, vocabulary and hashtags genuinely speak to your main consumers.

    Incorrect formatting

    That extra minute spent on spell-check is well worth the effort! Firstly remember to review proper sentence structure, choice of words (affect vs. effect, etc.) and sub-header divisions. Read content out loud and if possible, ask friends, family, or colleagues to preview and proof-read for you. Increase engagement and attention by breaking up lengthy texts with photos and infographics. And with customers constantly on the go, use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test, to check for mobile optimization.

    Outdated or incorrect links and content

    Almost everyone has at some point clicked on a link, only to find it broken or non-existent. It is important to make sure that outlinks work and internal links are still relevant. Additionally, headers, subject lines and meta descriptions should reflect the topic. Unless you state that content is explicitly your opinion, review statistics and facts for accuracy. Always remember to properly credit your sources either through hyperlinks or annotations.

    Improper SEO

    SEO (search engine optimization) is not as difficult as it may seem. However, it is necessary to create a balance between keywords to avoid using generic phrases that don’t generate results. Research engaging long tail keywords and implement them organically as if you were having a verbal conversation with your audience. The more that you understand why ecommerce businesses need a blog, the easier that it becomes to develop proper SEO.

    Lack of direction

    Think of engaging with your consumer base the same as establishing a relationship. You should talk about yourself, but remember it’s more about the other person. Don’t be self-centred, forget about a feature > benefit structure and ignore how readers and followers will feel by becoming paying customers. Include clear information and direct CTAs.

    Plagiarism

    Plagiarism is one of the most common copywriting mistakes, even if it’s done inadvertently. Let your personality come through, to find ways to make content unique and relevant to your business. If you’re still unsure how your words compare to similar posts by others, review them through a plagiarism checker tool.

    Effective content creation takes time. Let us do the work and see how our copywriting and SEO services will enhance your business!

    Create Engaging Social Media Content that Retains Customer Interest

    engaging social media content

    Now more than ever, it’s easy for people to directly communicate with their favourite companies and designers. However, you need to cultivate that online relationship to keep customers interested in your products and services. Learn how to create engaging social media content that increases brand recognition, inspires purchases and makes admirers remember you.

    Designate Dedicated Social Media Admins

    Social media is an important aspect of marketing that requires dedicated time. There’s nothing wrong with allocating those duties to someone else if you can’t commit to a steady schedule. Determine what works best for you so that you can maximize the ways that social media can help a business and maintain a strong online presence.

    Utilize Interactive Ideas

    Did you know that companies are more likely to retain loyal customer engagement if they interact with them online? Whether your target audience is Millennials, Generation X, or a combination of age groups, you need to create ways to open up discussions. Take a look at what’s trending as well as what competitors are talking about and then develop ideas that will help you stand out in the market. Consider the following:

      • Polls and surveys
      • Q & As
      • Discounts and giveaways either chosen at random, for answering trivia questions, or for being a certain number respondent
      • Fun facts about employees
      • Prompts relevant to your business (share a photo of your pet, post the text you last sent, what’s your dream destination? What would you like to see added to the menu? etc.)
      • Video how-tos and tours of the company
      • Links to blog posts and e-newsletter subscriptions
      • Reminders about promotions (punch cards, first 100, etc.)
      • Interesting industry related facts and news
      • Links to community events
      • Weekly, monthly, and seasonal themes

    Maintain a Relatable Voice

    Just as with writing product descriptions that entice customers, make sure that your social media voice is real and relatable. Use unique hashtags, post photos of demos and new products and encourage sharing and tagging. A key to successful engaging social media content is showing your audience that you are indeed listening. Reply to opinions and experiences and make user-generated content a part of your posts.

    Tell us how our social media marketing services will help support your company vision!