×
  • Leading Digital Marketing Agency
  • 900+ Websites Launched
  • $100M+ Client Revenue Generated








    855.686.4649 ext.707 Get A Proposal

    Tag: content marketing

    The Power of User-Generated Content in 2025: How to Leverage It for Business Growth

    Posted on by Nurul Afsar
    A man and a woman standing in front of a whiteboard brainstorming user-generated content marketing strategies

    The Evolution and Impact of User-Generated Content in 2025

    In the ever-changing landscape of digital marketing, one thing remains constant: the power of authentic voices. User-generated content (UGC) is not just a passing trend; it’s a marketing evolution. UGC encompasses anything from candid photos and rave reviews to blog posts and social media mentions created by consumers rather than brands themselves. In short, if users are behind it, it’s UGC.

    Major brands like Fenty Beauty, GoPro, and Starbucks have long harnessed UGC for advertising campaigns. As we advance into 2025, this form of content is positioned even more favorably within SEO and tech algorithms. UGC isn’t merely a supplement to brand messaging; it’s a critical element that can drive conversions, enhance brand loyalty, and improve search visibility.

    Why Businesses Must Leverage User-Generated Content

    Person using laptop leaving a customer review online, reinforcing brand trust and credibility

    UGC acts as a form of social proof, instilling trust and credibility in potential customers. Today’s consumers are more discerning and skeptical about traditional advertising methods, making it imperative for brands to adopt strategies that resonate on a personal level. Authentic user-generated content provides this connection. When potential buyers see real people positively interacting with a brand, they’re far more likely to convert than if they were only exposed to polished brand advertisements.

    With Google’s increasing focus on E.A.T.—Expertise, Authority, and Trustworthiness—the importance of UGC takes center stage. Brands that can cultivate genuine conversations and build communities around their products will naturally excel in search rankings. UGC serves as an indicator of a brand’s market presence and relatability, effectively boosting its credibility in the eyes of search algorithms.

    Diverse Forms of User-Generated Content

    Red and white social proof wall decor highlighting the power of user recommendations in marketing

    User-generated content comes in various forms, each offering unique promotional opportunities for brands. Popular types include:

    • Social Media Posts: Customer posts featuring your products provide instant visibility.
    • Reviews and Testimonials: Hands-on reviews provide in-depth information for consumers doing product research.
    • Photos and Videos: Visual content captured by users offers an authentic depiction of product use.
    • Blog Posts and Articles: In-depth content sharing personal opinions or experiences strengthens authority.
    • Quizzes and Polls: Putting the spotlight on your users helps push engagement up.

    Each of these types can be repurposed for marketing efforts, allowing brands to maximize the impact and reach of user-generated content by showcasing real customer experiences.

    The Value of User-Generated Content in 2025

    Couple holding hands, symbolizing consumer engagement and trust in brands leveraging UGC

    As we enter 2025, the value of UGC has never been more pronounced. Search engines are now finely tuned to prioritize brands that engage in two-way conversations with their customers. Google, for instance, has updated its algorithms to favor businesses that foster genuine community interactions. This means that brands actively encouraging and showcasing UGC are more likely to rank higher in search results.

    Encouraging User-Generated Content

    Assorted-color social media signage representing platforms where UGC thrives

    User-generated content doesn’t just happen; it needs to be encouraged. Here are some proven strategies to inspire customers to create and share content:

    • Contest and Challenges: Hosting contests and challenges encourages creative expression among your users.
    • Branded Hashtags: Creating a branded hashtag is a simple yet effective way to encourage UGC.
    • User Spotlights: One of the most effective ways to encourage UGC is by publicly acknowledging and rewarding it.

    Measuring the Success of Your UGC Strategy

    Graphs of performance analytics on a laptop screen for tracking UGC impact on SEO strategy

    While implementing user-generated content strategies is crucial, measuring their impact is equally important. Without proper metrics, you won’t know what’s working and what’s not, making it challenging to optimize your efforts.

    The Unstoppable Force of User-Generated Content

    As we navigate 2025, one thing is clear: user-generated content is here to stay. Its role in modern marketing is more than essential; it’s the foundation. Brands that recognize and harness the power of UGC will not only survive but thrive in the dynamic digital landscape.

    Don’t just observe the trend—leverage it. Contact Trek.ca to integrate UGC into your marketing strategy. Together, we’ll ensure your brand not only captures but also amplifies the authentic voice of your customers.

    How Your Competitors Are Winning With Pinterest Marketing & What You Can Do to Catch Up

    Posted on by Nurul Afsar
    Pinterest app on tablet screen

    If you’ve ever scrolled through Pinterest and wondered how some brands make their products go viral while yours barely get a glance, you’re not alone. Pinterest marketing is an art, and I’ve cracked the code for my clients.

    Why Pinterest Is Your Secret Weapon

    Social media smartphone apps including Pinterest

    Pinterest is a goldmine. If your competitors are using it and you’re not, they’re winning. Let me show you why. In 2025, Pinterest remains a top platform for ecommerce brands, with over 460 million monthly active users actively seeking products and inspiration. Unlike other social media platforms, Pinterest is a search engine at its core. Users are more likely to make purchases after discovering products on Pinterest than any other platform. But here’s the kicker: while the average Pinterest user spends 14 minutes a day on the app, many businesses still don’t leverage Pinterest’s full potential.

    The average online business generates less than 10% of its revenue from Pinterest. That means there’s an enormous opportunity for growth if you know what you’re doing. Pinterest buyers spend 2x as much as Facebook buyers and are 3x more likely to purchase after seeing a pin. The data doesn’t lie: if your competitors are winning with Pinterest ads, it’s because most businesses using Pinterest are doing it wrong.

    The 80/20 Rule: Working Smart, Not Hard

    Pinterest social media icon

    Most businesses don’t have a Pinterest marketing strategy but think they do. They’re missing the point. Most people use Pinterest wrong and focus on cake ideas instead of B2C marketing. If you’re just pinning more of what you already sell, it’s pointless. You need to stop wasting time on Pinterest ads and Pinterest trends and learn how to make what you’re already posting turn into sales.

    Why video pins work but pointless pin designs don’t. Why you should be pinning to group boards when ad spend is 2x less effective than it is on Facebook and Google. Let’s break it down.

    Creating Pins that Convert: The Art & Science

    Person using an iPad for Pinterest marketing research

    Not every pin is worth the same. I’ll break down why this pin went viral and why this other one flopped. Learn which fonts convert, which colors are stealing from your sales, and why you’ve been wasting your time with Canva templates that make no money.

    Here’s a guaranteed method to see the difference: recreating high-performing pins, reversing the styles of your competitors, and testing under which ones sell.

    The biggest mistake you don’t know you’re making. Why Pinterest SEO is better than blogging. Why some boards trap you in a sports niche and how others get more customers than you do.

    Driving Traffic Without Paying Pinterest Ads

    Laptop showing Pinterest traffic analytics

    People think PPC traffic is insane. It is, but everyone’s doing it now, and you don’t need to spend $500 on pins, do you?

    If you’re still relying on Pinterest ads, you’re doing it wrong. Organic Pinterest traffic converts like crazy if you know how to do it right. I’ll show you why some pins outperform ad campaigns without spending a dime.

    How do I know this? Because I’ve already reversed my competitors’ marketing strategies, gotten clients from Google, and now they pay me to grow their businesses. Here’s how I do it:

    • Focusing on low-competition Pinterest keywords that drive traffic and make sales
    • Creating fathead vs. long-tail keywords using Pinterest Keyword Planner
    • Growing Pinterest audiences without backlinks
    • Having Pinterest Group boards save your pins at 10x speed
    • Still using Pinterest ads but at half the cost

    Real Results, Real Strategies

    Person analyzing Pinterest marketing data

    As a Pinterest marketing expert, I’ve helped my clients increase their Pinterest-generated sales by over 30% this year by reversing what their competitors are doing wrong. Want to know how? Let’s talk.

     

    Creating Evergreen Content: A Year-Round Strategy

    Posted on by Nurul Afsar

    Understanding Evergreen Content

    Evergreen content is the workhorse of digital marketing — articles, videos, and infographics that remain relevant long after their initial publication. Unlike trendy pieces that fizzle out, evergreen assets provide sustained value, attracting traffic, engagement, and backlinks over time.

    evergreen content, long-term SEO, digital marketing strategy

    Why Create Evergreen Content?

    Countless marketers and business owners pour energy into creating content that drives demand, only to see their hard work wither after a few weeks. If this cycle resonates, it may be time to switch to an approach that both delivers immediate results and continues to pay dividends into the future.

    What is evergreen content? Think of it as articles, videos, and SEO assets that stay relevant long after publication. Unlike trendy pieces that fizzle out, this content provides sustained value, attracting traffic, engagement, and backlinks over time.

    Benefits of Creating Evergreen Content

    Why do so many professionals prioritize creating this type of content? Here are a few key reasons:

    Longevity and Sustained Traffic

    Evergreen content continues to attract organic traffic long after the publish date. Unlike a news article that quickly loses relevance, a how-to guide or comprehensive resource can keep bringing in readers.

    SEO Value

    This type of content boosts your authority and search rankings over time. High-quality, relevant articles earn backlinks from other sites as they remain useful. Plus, they often rank for a variety of keywords related to your niche.

    Time and Resource Efficiency

    Creating an article takes time and resources. So, does promoting it. Evergreen content allows you to maximize that initial investment and get more from your work as you funnel additional traffic through SEO, social media, and email marketing.

    What is Content Marketing

    Tips For Creating Evergreen Content

    People want information and insights that stand the test of time. Here are a few popular types of content to consider:

    How-To Guides

    Do it yourself seems to be a pretty popular concept — just look at how many home projects people shared during the pandemic! Comprehensive guides explaining everything from learning to ride a bike to building a shed in your backyard still attract search traffic.

    FAQs

    What do people always need help with? If you give them answers and solutions, you can drive traffic to your article.

    Product Reviews

    People are always searching for advice on the latest and greatest — and not-so-greatest — products. A comprehensive blog article reviewing everything on a car or tech company’s latest release often stays relevant for years.

    Case Studies and Research

    If you’re operating from an authoritative position, it stands to reason that more people in the industry and associated industries will pay attention. Then, if they quote your research and insights in their articles, you get valuable external links.

    Choosing Topics that Stand the Test of Time

    The reality is, it’s tough to know how to make evergreen content. Even SEO experts struggle to identify topics worth prioritizing.

    Focus on Industry Staples

    What do you always need to have? Start there.

    Answer Big Questions

    What do people always want to know?

    Provide Proven Solutions

    What problems continually impact your industry? As long as they persist, so, too, will your article.

    Updating Existing Content

    Just because something is no longer fresh doesn’t mean it’s not valuable.

    Identify Past Hits

    What articles, videos, and other types of content attracted traffic and engagement? If people were interested, odds are good that they still are.

    Validate and Revise

    Before you make a few edits and put your work back into circulation, validate whether the existing suggestions and insights still hold true. If not, revise what you have and improve it. If so, polish it and present it as new.

    Leverage Trek.ca Services for Content Creation

    The hardest part of content creation may just be getting started. If that’s the case, why not take the easy way out and partner with Trek.ca’s experienced SEO and content creation pros? Instead of inventing ways to make content evergreen, immerse yourself in topics that only require a TikTok video today and explore potential opportunities for tomorrow.

    Final Word on Evergreen Content Strategy

    Creating evergreen content isn’t about turning your back on time-sensitive posts. Instead, it’s about building a collaborative process that delivers both quick wins and long-term results. Contact Trek.ca to learn more about content and SEO services.

    Top Digital Marketing Trends to Watch in 2025

    Posted on by Nurul Afsar
    digital marketing trends 2025, AI in marketing, social commerce

    As we move further into 2025, it’s clear that the digital marketing landscape continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace. From advancements in AI technology to shifts in consumer behavior, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for businesses looking to maintain a competitive edge. This article will highlight the top digital marketing trends shaping 2025, including personalization, social commerce, and sustainability. By understanding these trends, businesses can better align their marketing strategies and drive greater engagement and loyalty among their target audiences.

    Embracing AI and Machine Learning

    AI in digital marketing 2025, machine learning, personalized marketing

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning are set to revolutionize digital marketing in 2025. These technologies enable businesses to analyze vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and make data-driven decisions. From chatbots providing 24/7 customer service to AI-generated content engaging consumers on social media, the possibilities are endless. As businesses strive for greater efficiency and effectiveness in their marketing efforts, AI will play a pivotal role in automating processes, personalizing customer experiences, and driving overall engagement.

    The Rise of Personalization

    personalization in marketing, customer experience, AI technology

    One of the most significant digital marketing trends in 2025 is the push towards greater personalization. Consumers are becoming increasingly accustomed to tailored experiences, and those who fail to deliver may find themselves at a disadvantage. Personalization goes beyond simply using a customer’s name in an email; it involves curating content, product recommendations, and marketing messages that resonate with individual preferences and behaviors. With advancements in AI and data analytics, businesses can now gather and analyze consumer data on an unprecedented scale, allowing them to create highly targeted and relevant marketing campaigns.

    Why Personalization Matters

    Personalization is crucial for building strong customer relationships and driving conversions. When consumers feel that brands understand their needs and preferences, they are more likely to engage with the content, make purchases, and develop brand loyalty. In a crowded digital space, personalized marketing messages stand out, capturing the attention of potential customers and encouraging them to take desired actions, such as visiting a website or making a purchase. For more information on how we can help you with your personalized marketing efforts, visit https://trek.ca/digital-strategy/.

    Social Commerce Takes Center Stage

    social commerce 2025, shopping on social media, consumer behavior

    With the continued growth of social media platforms, social commerce is set to become a dominant force in 2025. Consumers are increasingly turning to social media to discover and purchase products, making it essential for businesses to leverage these platforms for marketing and sales. Social commerce goes beyond simple product tagging; it involves creating a seamless shopping experience within social media platforms. Consumers can browse, share, and purchase products without leaving the app, making it a convenient and engaging way to shop.

    How to Capitalize on Social Commerce?

    To succeed in social commerce, businesses must create engaging and shoppable content that resonates with their target audience. This includes using high-quality images and videos, writing compelling product descriptions, and encouraging user-generated content. Additionally, businesses should focus on building strong relationships with their followers, as social commerce thrives on engagement and community. We can assist you with social media marketing.

    Digital Marketing Channels

    Investing in Sustainability

    As consumers become more conscious of their impact on the environment, sustainability will play a crucial role in digital marketing strategies in 2025. Businesses that prioritize eco-friendly practices and communicate their commitment to sustainability will have a competitive advantage. This includes using sustainable materials, reducing carbon footprints, and supporting ethical sourcing practices. Brands that effectively communicate their sustainability efforts are more likely to resonate with socially conscious consumers, driving brand loyalty and advocacy.

    How to Implement Sustainable Practices?

    Implementing sustainable practices in marketing can involve using eco-friendly materials for product packaging, reducing digital carbon footprints, and promoting sustainable consumption patterns among consumers. Brands should also focus on transparent communication, sharing their sustainability goals and progress with their audience. This approach not only builds trust but also encourages consumer engagement and loyalty. For more information on how we can help you with your sustainability marketing efforts, visit https://trek.ca/digital-marketing-for-tour-operators-activity-providers/.

    The Continued Importance of Content Marketing

    Content marketing remains a pivotal part of digital marketing strategies in 2025. As consumers seek authentic and valuable information, businesses that prioritize content creation will have a distinct advantage. From blog posts and articles to videos and social media content, diverse content formats cater to different audience preferences and engagement styles. Effective content marketing not only drives traffic but also builds brand authority and trust.

    Types of Content to Consider

    Businesses should focus on creating high-quality, relevant content that addresses their audience’s needs and interests. This includes informative blog posts, engaging social media updates, video content, and email newsletters. By consistently delivering valuable content, businesses can establish themselves as industry leaders and attract a loyal customer base. For more details on our blogging services, visit our blogging service page.

    As we navigate through 2025, it’s clear that the digital marketing landscape is more dynamic and consumer-driven than ever. From the rise of AI and personalization to the growing importance of social commerce and sustainability, businesses must adapt their marketing strategies to stay relevant and competitive. By embracing these trends, companies can forge stronger connections with their audiences, drive engagement, and ultimately achieve their marketing objectives. For a comprehensive look at how we can support your digital marketing effort feel free to contact us.

    How to use content marketing to build brand authority

    Posted on by Alex Wilks

    Establishing brand authority is paramount for businesses seeking to stand out amidst fierce competition. Content marketing emerges as a powerful strategy for not only engaging audiences but also building trust and credibility. Leveraging content effectively can elevate a brand’s authority in its niche, fostering long-term relationships with customers. Here’s how Trek Marketing can help you to harness the potential of content marketing to solidify your position as an industry leader.  

    Define your brand voice and expertise 

    To build brand authority through content marketing, you must first define your brand’s voice and expertise. Understanding your target audience and their pain points is essential for crafting content that resonates with them. By positioning yourself as an authoritative voice in your industry, you can attract and retain loyal followers who trust your insights and recommendations. 

    Create high-quality, valuable content

    The cornerstone of effective content marketing is the creation of high-quality, valuable content that addresses the needs and interests of the target audience. Trek Marketing helps clients by focusing on producing content such as informative articles and visually appealing infographics that showcase their expertise and provide tangible value to the consumer. By consistently delivering valuable content, you can establish yourself as a go-to resource in your field.

    Optimize content for search engines 

    Visibility is key to building brand authority. This is why you need to optimize your content for search engine results pages (SERPs) to ensure that you’re attracting organic traffic and expanding your reach. 

    Leveraging thought leadership

    Thought leadership plays a crucial role in establishing brand authority. Here at Trek Marketing, we assist our customers in positioning themselves as thought leaders by sharing their insights, experiences, and expertise through blog posts, interviews, and speaking engagements. By showcasing thought leadership, businesses can differentiate themselves from their competitors and gain the trust and respect of their audience. 

    Engage with your audience

    Building brand authority requires more than just creating content—it also involves actively engaging with the audience. We engage interactively by responding to comments, answering questions, and soliciting feedback for you. By fostering meaningful connections with your audience, you can cultivate a loyal community of followers who view the brand as a trusted authority in its field.

    What are you currently doing to build brand authority? Drop a comment below to start a conversation.

    4 digital marketing steps to drive growth as a local business

    Posted on by Alex Wilks

    As the way we do business evolves, local establishments face unique challenges in standing out from their competitors. However, with the right digital marketing strategies, even small businesses can make a big impact on their communities. This blog will explore key steps to drive growth as a local business, focusing on effective methods to increase website traffic and expand your online presence. 

    Optimize your website for local search

    To increase website traffic and attract local customers, optimizing your website for local search is essential. Ensure that your website includes relevant keywords related to your business and location. Incorporate location-based meta tags, titles, and descriptions to improve visibility in local search results. Additionally, list your business on Google My Business and other online directories to enhance your online presence and make it easier for potential customers to find you. 

    Utilize content marketing

    In case you didn’t know, leveraging content marketing can significantly boost your website traffic and engagement. By creating informative and relevant content, you can address the needs and interests of your local audience. Whether this includes blog post submissions, how-to guides, or some fun videos showcasing your products or services, providing valuable content establishes your business as a trusted authority in your community. Be sure to also share your content across your social media platforms and local online forums to reach a wider audience and drive traffic back to your website. 

    All of the tasks and more are part of our search engine optimization (SEO) service. 

    Engage with your community on social media

    Social media platforms offer a valuable opportunity to connect with your local community and drive traffic to your website. Some ways to start the conversation are by creating engaging and interactive social media posts that resonate with your audience. You can also share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your business, highlight customer testimonials, and promote special offers or events. We further recommend that you encourage user-generated content by hosting contests or asking customers to share their experiences with your business. All of these assets allow you to better and more actively engage with your community on social media. Regular posting allows you to foster relationships, build brand loyalty, and increase website traffic over time. 

    Social media not your thing? Our social media marketing service means that we handle the posting schedule and spend time with the analytics to see where you can better connect with your audience. 

    Invest in local online advertising

    To reach potential customers in your area, consider investing in local online advertising campaigns. Platforms like Google Ads and Facebook Ads offer targeting options that allow you to reach users based on their location, interests, and demographics. Create targeted ad campaigns that showcase your products or services and drive traffic to specific landing pages on your website. 

    Embrace these digital marketing steps and watch your local business reach new heights in no time.

    Which of the following examples have you been wanting to try? Drop a comment below to get in touch with our team.

    How to allocate your digital marketing budget

    Posted on by Alex Wilks

    While there is no universal strategy for small business budget allocation, successful e-commerce companies will invest in a mix of both paid and organic initiatives. With a wide abundance of marketing channels available in various sectors of online advertising, it’s important to know where your money can be wisely spent to yield a higher return on investment (ROI) and which activities will strategically reach your target audience. In this blog, we will walk you through some steps that you should take when appropriating your marketing budget and offer tips on how to better budget yourself in the future. 

    Making the most of your digital marketing budget

    Whether this is the first digital marketing budget you’ve ever built or you’re looking to give your process a little refresher.

    Here are some steps that can help you to determine where the money should go:

    • Use a budget tracker: All businesses need to track their expenses and analyze where cuts can be made to further the profit. Likewise, your first step to allocating a budget for digital marketing for a small business is to prepare data into a report that shows proposed spend, actual spend, and the results of your spend for future planning.
    • Review goals: Your organization’s top priorities and initiatives are things to consider when budgeting for the next quarter. However, when reviewing these goals, you also need to factor in new product launches, deals, promotions, and event signups.  
    • Select the right sales channels: What works for one business or industry may not work for another, which is why outreach, demographics, behaviours, and intent are elements to consider when choosing the right sales channels. This will not only help you to avoid wasting money but also build up your buyer persona. 
    • Paid search: Online ad campaigns like Google Ads may use up much of your budget because of the cost-per-click but if you secure the right visitors to your website, the investment is well worth it.  
    • Paid social: Popular choices include Facebook ads, Instagram ads, and LinkedIn ads, which show up for potential customers on their social feeds. Depending on the dollar amount you spend, your chances of acquiring new customers can become heightened. 
    • Content marketing: Content is king and since it can typically be put online for little to no charge, the only cost associated with the content is the time that it takes to write. If you can do that yourself, great! But if you’re one of the many who need to rely on freelance writers to produce awesome business content, be sure to budget what you can afford and post as much as you can. 

    If you allocate your budget based on data, you’re setting yourself up to be successful. Since Trek Marketing works with digital marketing for small business, we have all the services and expertise you need for allocating your budget. 

    What other strategies do you consider when depending on your business budget? Drop a comment below to share.

    Increase web traffic with these 4 strategic services

    Posted on by Alex Wilks

    Every online business wants to increase website traffic to drive sales and conversions. After all, an attractive website amplifies brand awareness and revenue. However, it isn’t easy to get noticed in the vast depth of organic search results, which is why we have four digital marketing services to strategically bring quality traffic back to your website. 

    Search engine optimization (SEO) 

    SEO encompasses a wide range of tactics for helping your website rank well in search engine results for relevant keywords and phrases. Since organic searches are most likely to begin via search engines, this digital marketing service has the potential to dramatically increase the quantity and quality of your website traffic by attracting users who’re interested in completing a sale.

    Pay-per-click advertising (PPC)

    PPC advertising drives traffic to your website through the use of paid advertisements. These ads are strategically placed on search engine result pages (SERPs), social media sites, and other websites. While digital marketers are in charge of creating and managing these ads, with PPC advertising, businesses only pay when the ad has been clicked, making this a cost-effective way to increase website traffic. 

    Social media marketing

    Social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are an excellent way to grow your brand, expand your audience, and drive more website traffic. By creating a social media following you offer added opportunities for users to link back to your website, which increases traffic and incentivizes viewers to learn more about what your business has to offer. 

    Content marketing

    Blog post submissions, infographics, videos, and podcasts are all elements that fall under the realm of content marketing. Whether you choose to create and publish content that aligns with the interests of your audience or keep things simple by outsourcing content marketing to a digital marketing agency, it’s important that you be strategic to increase page session times and conversions.

    Did you know that the following content marketing is more likely to drive website traffic?

    • Long-form content (more than 2000 words)
    • Informational pages
    • Product and service pages
    • Guides

    Trek marketing offers all of the above strategic digital marketing services, so perhaps it’s time that you found out more?

    If you had to prioritize, which digital marketing service would you try first to increase your website traffic?

    Will you be trying these 3 digital marketing consumer trends?

    Posted on by Alex Wilks

    Every year we experience revolutionary digital marketing trends that help to lay a foundation for the future of online advertising. That said, after two groundbreaking years for online shopping, 2022 is only expected to continue the rise with social shopping adding to the momentum. With these new and exciting developments to the digital world, it has become more important than ever to ensure that your business is communicating with its audience. Listed below are three of the key digital marketing consumer trends to be mindful of in 2022. 

    Work on creating some short, punchy videos

    Whether you’re more familiar with YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, or Snapchat, it’s clear that the landscape of social media has shifted in favour of short and punchy video posts. Since it would be challenging to ensure that your business is relevant across all of the above platforms, we recommend selecting one or two to focus on. Short videos zero in on our fast-paced way of life, which is a direct reflection of the way we consume content. Digital content needs to possess a simple message while also presenting content that’s engaging by asking consumers to participate; examples include the start of a viral dance move, a challenge, or a survey, but at the very least, encourages them to leave a comment. The best thing about these types of social videos is that all business owners have access to creating content like this with the help of their smartphones. Start by filming a few candid videos of your business, some behind-the-scenes, DIY, and other unpolished videos by using the apps to crop, create, and add audio to make it more appealing to your target audience. 

    Ensure that your content is telling a story

    This recurring digital marketing trend is key for a brand looking to market new and existing products. E-commerce selling in the modern landscape requires business owners to dig deep, believe in their products and/or services, and continuously show why what they offer is between than the competition. Part of your delivery should involve some form of storytelling, whether it be debunking myths about your industry, explaining how the product solves consumer problems, or showcasing testimonials through your social stories. While these efforts might not result in direct sales, they’re a great way for brands to put consumer needs at the front and center! 

    Exhibit privacy, transparency, and trust-building 

    Digital marketing trends are at an all-time high, which means that online advertising is also in overload. This means that more consumers than ever are concerned with the interaction that can happen with suspicious content. This is why it’s important to prepare your business for tighter privacy restrictions that may alter the way that they can track users’ behaviour. On that note, Google announced its curtailing of third-party cookies by 2023, which means that many marketers are going to be forced to reevaluate their strategies. While this is not the end of data-driven content, it could be the end of targeted advertising, with a new era springing forth in the trust and transparency between company and consumer. 

    Be sure that as a business you’re communicating with customers about the data that you collect and what it’s used for. This makes it easy for consumers to opt-out if they want which formulates a great foundation for a customer relationship. 

    Which of the above digital marketing trends would suit your business best? Drop a comment below to share.

    How to promote your services online as a home contractor

    Posted on by Alex Wilks

    With the housing market booming these past few years the need for home improvement projects has skyrocketed, as has digital marketing for small businesses. With homeowners undertaking complete or partial renovations in place of having a holiday, home maintenance services such as HVAC, roofing, electrical, plumbing, and/or landscaping, need to be taking a more aggressive marketing approach to their promotion. After all, these projects need a professional home contractor and the best place for homeowners to search for reputable companies is online. 

    Update your website

    When promoting home contracting services, your website should be where you start first. After all, why rely on word-of-mouth representation when you’re living at the peak of a digital era? While there are potential customers that enjoy visiting a physical brick-and-mortar store to get the feel of a company and ask their face-to-face questions, most prefer websites as a hub for their first glance at a service. So, if you’re a home contractor who’s offering up your tradesmen services, consider creating a website or simply updating the one you have. We recommend going beyond an online portfolio to ensure that your site is equipped with the tools that allow you to promote your specialized skills. Added pages containing your mission statement, a bit about your team and how the company started, and an up-to-date blog with topics surrounding your industry are great ways to add content to your website and instill trust with consumers. Don’t forget to have a reviews page as well highlighted prominently on your website!

    In terms of digital marketing for small businesses, there’s a lot an agency can do for your website. A professional content writer and/or search engine optimization (SEO) expert can work together to ensure your website’s copy is engaging, click-worthy, and gaining traction and traffic with a variety of other services like email marketing and pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, which link back to your website. 

    Boost your online presence and traffic

    Although simply having a website is better than nothing, as a home contractor that is competing in a heavily saturated market, you need ways for your potential clients to pick you out of the vast competition. To stand out in your industry, digital marketing services like SEO and PPC campaign must come into play. While an SEO campaign optimizes your website by producing relevant content and important links, a PPC campaign allows you to display ads on search engines. Together these types of campaigns allow you to rank, and with every successful click comes an opportunity to get noticed and gain business. Ultimately, if coordinated professional, both digital marketing strategies will help to increase your online visibility and website traffic.  

    Employ email marketing and social media marketing

    Ask an e-commerce business and they will tell you that both email marketing and social media marketing have proven to be effective and beneficial to their businesses. That said, as a home contractor, you likely already have lists of past and current clients. As such, you can use them to create a list that can then be selected wherever you want to offer promotions, describe new services offered, or simply wish them a healthy and happy New Year! On the other hand, an up-to-date social media platform also has its perks. We recommend managing a Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn account and utilizing them for business all while showcasing the more edgy side of your company. Post ongoing or finished projects, highlight members of your team, and network with potential clients all with your smartphone in hand. 

    The key to promoting your tradesman services is through digital marketing for small businesses. Consider the marketing strategies recommended above or contact a member of our sales team to look at other means for boosting your profits.

    What type of home contracting business do you own and/or operate? Let’s compare in the comments section below.