Jack Smith, Author at Smith Marketing

SEO News: New Google Algorithm

by Jack Smith | May 4, 2023 | Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

We know that search engine optimization (SEO) is the practice of optimizing websites and content to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). For years, businesses and organizations have been focusing on SEO to drive more traffic and increase visibility online. However, with the constant evolution of search algorithms, it’s essential to stay up-to-date with the latest developments.

Recently, Google announced earlier this year a significant algorithm update called the Google Page Experience Update, which has now been fully implemented. This update aims to prioritize user experience as a ranking factor. It means that websites that offer excellent user experience will have a better chance of ranking higher in search results.

So, what does this mean for you? In short, it means that website owners need to focus on optimizing their websites for user experience more than ever before. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind for SEO in the age of the new Google algorithm.

Prioritize Core Web Vitals
Core Web Vitals is a set of metrics that Google uses to measure the overall user experience on a website. These include page loading speed, interactivity, and visual stability. Website owners should aim to improve these metrics to ensure a better user experience and a higher chance of ranking higher in search results.

Optimize for Mobile
With the increasing use of mobile devices, optimizing for mobile is more important than ever before. Google’s new algorithm puts a significant emphasis on the mobile experience, so website owners need to ensure that their sites are mobile-friendly and offer an excellent user experience on all devices.

Focus on High-Quality Content
While user experience is a critical factor in the new algorithm, high-quality content is still king. Website owners should aim to create content that is relevant, valuable, and informative to their target audience. By providing high-quality content, websites are more likely to rank higher in search results and attract more traffic.

Improve Site Speed
Site speed is a critical factor in user experience and is also a ranking factor in the new algorithm. Website owners should aim to optimize their site speed to ensure fast loading times and a smooth browsing experience for users.

Use Structured Data
Structured data helps search engines better understand the content on a website. By using structured data, website owners can help their content appear more prominently in search results and provide more context for users.

In conclusion, SEO is continually evolving, and company owners and marketers need to keep up with the latest developments to stay ahead of the competition. The new Google Page Experience Update emphasizes the importance of user experience, so website owners need to prioritize this aspect of SEO in their strategies.

By focusing on core web vitals, mobile optimization, high-quality content, site speed, and structured data, website owners can improve their chances of ranking higher in search results and attracting more traffic to their sites.

Pros and Cons of AI Tools for Marketers

by Jack Smith | May 1, 2023 | AI

Are artificial intelligence and machine learning tools like ChatGPT a big win for marketers — or a big risk?

There’s been a lot of buzz about AI-generated content and marketing assistance, but it can be hard to read between the lines and figure out whether ChatGPT and other AI tools will help or harm your efforts.

Before you go all in, you should be aware of these key pros and cons of AI.

Pros
If you want to increase efficiency, then AI tools are primed to help. Some of the biggest benefits of ChatGPT and other AI programs include the following:

Faster lead scoring and content creation.
Automation of certain routine communication tasks.
A quick analysis of customer data.
Streamlined personalization of messages and offers.
On-demand customer engagement.

Beyond boosting your productivity, these benefits can help you learn more about your customers and put that additional information to use — especially when optimizing and personalizing your marketing strategies.

Cons
Remember that AI is a tool that can help skilled marketers do their jobs rather than a replacement for marketers themselves. Before making any organizational changes based on AI’s benefits, consider some of these major cons, including:

Concerns over accuracy.
Inability to mimic true human-to-human connections.
Built-in biases.
Concerns over privacy and security.
Lack of full language translation capabilities.

Ultimately, if you end up relying too much on AI, you lose the human element at the heart of successful marketing campaigns. AI should only be used to supplement your existing strategy, not execute it from start to finish.

Want to know more? Get in touch so we can chat.

How to Master the Live Event Activation

by Jack Smith | Apr 17, 2023 | Event

Live events present a unique marketing opportunity to engage your customer in real life and make a unique and long-lasting impression.

While much of the work of marketers involves remote communications, live event activations allow you to engage the customer’s five senses. Done well, these live brand activations can leave a long-lasting positive impression on attendees.

Here’s what to know about live brand activations, including how to make it a great experience.

What Is a Live Brand Activation?

Live brand activation is any activity where you engage directly with your audience. Most of this is done via SMS, email and digital ad campaigns, but live events are also an important piece of the puzzle.

A live event lets you meet your customers in person and engage with all five senses for true brand awareness. That can make a huge difference for your brand, especially when turning existing customers into die-hard brand loyalists.

How to Ensure a Great Live Event

A lot goes into designing a successful live event. Here are some quick tips to take some guesswork out of planning a standout experience.

Hone your message. Know exactly what you want people to take away from your event, not just in terms of information but on a deeper emotional level. Consider your brand values and the theme of your event in this process, and look to other brands’ live events for inspiration.

Plan something surprising. Novel experiences are a unique way to make a lasting emotional connection. Have fun with your event and devise a strategy for bringing surprise into the equation.

Make it seamless. From RSVPs to day-of registrations, every step of your event should be seamless for attendees. Eliminate obstacles as needed, and ask for feedback so you know what (if any) snags customers are hitting along the way.

Still trying to figure out where to start? Contact us today for support on putting on a killer live event.

How to Hire and Work With a Ghostwriter

by Jack Smith | Apr 3, 2023 | Blog Post

Writing a book is a hard task – and one that requires a huge investment of time and effort. A ghostwriter, however, can be a smart solution to a tricky problem, providing you with well-written content specially formulated to sound like it’s coming from you.

Here’s how to make the most of the process, with quick tips on hiring and working with your ghostwriter of choice.

Where to Find Ghostwriters

A good ghostwriter doesn’t come cheap, so be sure to do your research when selecting the right person for the job.

Start your search with freelance writer marketplaces, and make sure to thoroughly check writing samples and client testimonials before hiring. If no one measures up, your next bet would be to go through a third-party ghostwriting agency – preferably one with a qualified roster of rockstar writers.

7 Steps to a Successful Ghostwriting Relationship

Before handing off your project, you have to set out clear expectations. This includes a contract that outlines these seven factors:

1. Project Purpose

Define the purpose and goals of your project, including messaging specifics like what, why and to whom you’re trying to communicate.

2. Budget and Timing

Establish a budget and timeline, and consider offering payment at key steps instead of in one lump sum.

3. Collaboration

Determine how much (or how little) input you want to have along the way, as well as what communication channels you’ll be using.

4. Intellectual Property

Be clear about who will own the rights to the final product, and cover any necessary permissions for existing materials your writer will be using.

5. Quality Standards

Provide a guide for the style and tone you expect, plus the level of research required.

6. Feedback and Revisions

Establish a feedback process and agree on how many revisions are included in the budget.

7. Confidentiality

Cover any necessary nondisclosure agreements and additional confidentiality requirements you expect from the ghostwriter.

Need more advice? Let’s chat!

3 Tips for Better TikTok Marketing

by Jack Smith | Mar 20, 2023 | Market Research, Marketing, Marketing Awareness, Marketing Campaigns, TikTok Marketing

New years always bring new trends and best practices to make a bigger impact with your marketing. This year, TikTok is the newer platform on the block that has marketers’ creative juices flowing.

The platform is constantly evolving with new functionalities and brand-boosting capabilities, which makes it an exciting frontier full of new opportunities.

Here are three smart ways to use TikTok for marketing in 2023.

1. Find your TikTok audience.

With more than a billion users TikTok has a lot to offer in terms of views. But unless you have a well-defined target audience, it’s going to be difficult to create the right content for the right people. Use factors like age, geographic location, behavioral demographics, and buying behaviors to hone in on your core audience most likely to buy your products.

2. Stay ahead of TikTok trends.

To stay relevant on TikTok, you have to be able to not only participate in big trends when they occur but also anticipate what’s on deck. Follow influencers and competitors in your field to see what’s gaining steam, and utilize various social media tools to see what topics and hashtags are trending even before they really hit it big.

3. Link up with TikTok influencers.

Authenticity is key for successful influencer marketing, and no one does authenticity better than the viral TikTok creators known as influencers. They are highly relatable to their audiences; therefore the audiences trust their content. Do some back-end research to put together a list of influencers who align with your brand, your audience, and what you’re selling; then reach out and start creating some killer collaborations.

Need more TikTok marketing support? Get in touch.

« Older Entries

SEO News: New Google Algorithm

Pros and Cons of AI Tools for Marketers

How to Master the Live Event Activation

How to Hire and Work With a Ghostwriter

3 Tips for Better TikTok Marketing

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