From layoffs and lockdowns to uncertainty and unrest, we’re probably all ready to close the book on 2020 and never talk about it again. But as much as we’d like to pretend that last year’s surreal whirlwind of events never happened, we’d be remiss if we didn’t admit just how much 2020 taught us. And for those of us in the world of … Continued
Chatbots for Small Business Siri and Alexa’s not-so-distant cousin – the chatbot – could be the team member you need. Often seen at the bottom of a webpage as a pop-up window or on a company’s contact page, chatbots conduct online convos with customers. Unlike us humans, bots are ready to go day and night, rest-free to provide solutions to customer problems. Small businesses are increasingly implementing the reliable form of artificial intelligence (AI) and often, consumers are pleased with … Continued
The Importance of Video Content for Small Businesses Would you rather read an ad explaining how a product works or watch a demo video showing exactly how it’s done? If you’re like most consumers, video wins. With an overwhelming 72% of us preferring videos to learn about a company’s products and services, having video content is no longer an option for successful small businesses, it’s a must. While moments worth sharing is a must-have, … Continued
When you post to your company’s social media accounts, imagery is everything. Each social platform presents unique benefits, but Instagram (IG) is in a league of its own when it comes to aesthetic opportunity. With a square format leading the way, its side-by-side grid layout causes posts to neighbor each other in a way that calls for cohesion. If you have a social media manager, layouts for Instagram are likely already on their radar. If you handle … Continued
It’s always a good time to revise and revitalize local SEO efforts, but with consumers staying close to home this year, what better moment than now? Today, 76% of people searching for a nearby business to suit their needs visit the location within 24 hours, and 28% of these searches result in a sale. With COVID-19 still in our midst, it’s crucial to fortify your small business in every way possible. Revisiting how … Continued
COVID-19 has forever changed the ways of the World Wide Web. It’s no surprise that we’ve seen a spike in screen time since the start of the pandemic and the digital space is seeing an increase in activity and personal information. Just as we’re spending more time on the web, hackers have taken advantage of new opportunities for cybercrime. Phishing threats have skyrocketed since March, and companies are experiencing as many as 1,185 attacks per month. With … Continued
Chances are you’ve heard the term “content is king,” famously coined by Microsoft founder Bill Gates. As it turns out, a lot of people in the marketing world seem to agree with him. 90% of organizations utilize content marketing, and for good reason considering 90% of consumers find custom content useful and 82% of consumers feel more positive about a company … Continued
Why Brand Guidelines Belong on Your Team Whether your team calls them brand guidelines, a brand style guide, or brand standards, behind every game-changing brand is an ultimate playbook. Having brand guidelines to govern communications from voice and tone to design provides companies with direction and a clear personality. Consumers expect this clarity. They want to know and understand … Continued
Something of a digital scrapbook, Pinterest is home to inspiration for everything imaginable. Pinners (Pinterest users) range from dedicated do-it-yourselfers to users passing through searching for a visual for a one-time project. Of its most influential users are influencers and businesses providing much needed inspo for countless projects. Whether expressed through a campaign via Promoted Pins or Pins posted to a company-run Pinterest account, the proof lies in the numbers. With 74% of Pinners using it to decide what to buy, presence on Pinterest has an impact unlike any other social media site. As we explore how companies … Continued
Of all the images on your company’s site, how many are original photos? If you’re realizing stock images outnumber originals, you’re missing an opportunity to elevate your brand in more ways than one. With visuals being a constant driving force behind consumer behaviors and purchases, using moments captured from your own lens or with the help of marketing pros is becoming increasingly important. Leverage Brand Identity Brand … Continued