Email Content Marketing: The Way to Get More Leads
Email content marketing in today’s digital age is more important than ever; since the pandemic and with the evolution of online marketing in the last few years, it has become a major part of a winning digital marketing strategy.
With so much information at our fingertips, it can be difficult for businesses to stand out. That’s where email marketing comes in.
With so many options to market your business on search engines, social media marketing, and traditional marketing, it is important to diversify your content marketing strategy. When done correctly, email marketing can be a powerful tool for driving sales, increasing brand awareness, and generating leads.
Email marketing is the process of sending promotional messages to a list of subscribers. Not only is it a cost-efficient method of reaching a broad audience, but it also serves as a tool for fostering and strengthening relationships with potential audiences as well as existing customers.
Email content marketing works by sending promotional messages to a list of subscribers. These messages can include product announcements, blog posts, and special offers.
When a subscriber opens an email, the sender can track how they interact with the content. This information can be used to improve future emails and make them more relevant to the subscriber’s interests.
The Benefits of Email Content Marketing
There are many benefits to email marketing, including:
High Return Over Investment (ROI): Email marketing has one of the highest ROIs of any marketing channel. Studies have shown that for every $1 spent on email marketing, businesses can expect to generate $44 in revenue.
Scalability: Email marketing is a scalable marketing channel; think of it as a bag without a bottom. As your business grows, you can easily add more subscribers to your email list.
Measurability: Email marketing is a measurable marketing channel. You can track how many people open your emails, click on links, and make purchases. This information can be used to improve your email marketing campaigns over time. This treasure trove of data helps you understand what’s working and what’s not.
Personalization: Imagine walking into a store where everyone knows your name and your favorite order; it means people know you and remember you; it is like you belong, and it feels pretty good, right? That’s what personalized emails can do. Email marketing can be a personalized channel. Use subscriber data to personalize your emails and make them more relevant to their interests.
How to Write Email Content That Converts
Wondering how to start the perfect email? Don’t worry, we have a blog that talks all about it, but here we give you a quick rundown of the most important points.
The subject line is the first thing your subscribers will see, so it’s important to make it attention-grabbing and relevant to your content.
Avoid using all caps, exclamation points, or spammy language. Instead, focus on writing a clear and concise subject line that will make your subscribers want to open your email.
“For example, instead of “BUY NOW!,” you could use” Discover Your New Favorite Summer Outfit.” The latter gives a hint about the email content and sounds much more appealing.”For example, instead of “BUY NOW!!”, you could use “Discover Your New Favorite Summer Outfit.” The latter gives a hint about the email content and sounds much more appealing.
Keep Your Piece of Content Short and Sweet
In this fast-paced world, people appreciate brevity. When writing your email content, try to get straight to the point. Long, rambling emails can often lead to your message getting lost or your email not being read at all.
To make your content easier to digest, consider breaking it up with bullet points, numbered lists, or images. This will not only make your email more visually appealing but also allows your subscribers to scan through the content quickly.
Use Strong Calls to Action
A Call to Action (CTA) is a prompt or instruction designed to engage a user and encourage them to take a specific action.
Tell your subscribers what you want them to do, whether it’s clicking on a link, visiting your website, or making a purchase.
“Your CTA should be clear and easy to follow. If you want your subscribers to visit your website, provide them with a button or link and a compelling reason to click on it. For instance,” Explore our new summer collection.” Your CTA should be clear and easy to follow. If you want your subscribers to visit your website, provide them with a button or link and a compelling reason to click on it. For instance, “Explore our new summer collection.”
Personalize Your Email Content Marketing Efforts
Personalization goes a long way in making your subscribers feel special. It shows that you value them as individuals and not just as part of a mass email campaign.
You can personalize your emails in various ways, such as by using their names or referencing their interests or past purchases.
Track Your Email Content Marketing Results
Once you start sending out emails, tracking your results and adjusting as needed are important. Use email analytics tools to track open rates, click-through rates, and other metrics. This will help you see what’s working and what’s not so you can improve your email marketing strategy over time.
These insights allow you to see what’s resonating with your subscribers and what’s not. Perhaps your subject lines aren’t engaging enough, or maybe your CTAs aren’t clear. By tracking your results, you can continually refine and improve your email marketing strategy.
The Best Mailing Platforms
Starting an email marketing campaign can be confusing and overwhelming at the beginning, especially when you don’t have a path to follow or a platform to manage your email campaigns and email contact list.
Sure, you can do it all by yourself, but if you are looking for a subscription that makes your emailing easier and optimized, here are our favorite ones.
Mailchimp
Mailchimp is renowned for its all-in-one marketing platform. It caters to businesses of all sizes and offers a range of features, including email automation, audience segmentation, and detailed analytics.
This email service also has a free plan for up to 2,000 subscribers for smaller businesses or if you are just starting out and want to get the hang of it before committing to the platform. This free version and its other affordable prices make it an excellent option for any kind of business.
ActiveCampaign
ActiveCampaign stands out for its advanced automation capabilities. It allows you to create powerful, automated marketing campaigns that can help increase engagement and conversions.
While it doesn’t offer a free plan at the moment, it is still an affordable option to maintain your emails and contacts organized.
Brevo
Lastly, Brevo is another highly recommended platform. Notable for supporting growing businesses that are ready to take their email to the next level.
Brevo offers both email and SMS marketing services. This dual functionality allows businesses to reach their audience through multiple channels, increasing their chances of engagement and visibility.
The Best Email Course
If you already started with email marketing and want to go the extra step or want to be as ready as you can before launching your first email campaign, here are the four courses we recommend to become a full email marketing specialist.
HubSpot Academy
HubSpot’s free certification course provides you with the knowledge and practical skills needed to create an effective email marketing strategy within their platform and other CMS.
It’s a great resource for those looking to gain a solid understanding of email marketing principles and best practices.
Coursera
“Coursera offers numerous email marketing courses from reputable institutions. Among these isGoogle’ss””Think Outside the Inbox: Email Marketing” course, which provides valuable insights into email marketing.”Coursera offers numerous email marketing courses from reputable institutions. Among these is Google’s “Think Outside the Inbox: Email Marketing” course, which provides valuable insights into email marketing.
This course will take you from the most basic email knowledge to more advanced strategies to boost your emailing campaign.
SkillShare
The Email Marketing Essentials course of SkillShare focuses on the essentials of email marketing, providing learners with the necessary foundation to start their email marketing journey.
This course will give you the basic information to jump-start your email marketing efforts and do it the right way.
Omnisend Academy Omnisend Email Marketing Fundamentals is a course that offers a comprehensive course on email marketing. It covers everything from the basics to more advanced topics, making it suitable for learners at all levels.
Conclusion
Content marketing is a powerful tool that can help businesses of all sizes achieve their marketing goals. Email marketing can be a cost-effective way to drive sales, increase brand awareness, and generate leads.
Following the tips in this article, you can write effective email content to help you achieve your digital marketing goals.
Two Brothers Creative: Content in a Box
Together we’ll identify actionable steps you need to take, from selecting channels that best capture your audience’s attention to creating memorable storylines that keep them engaged. Say goodbye to confusion, wasted time, and financial underperformance with Two Brothers Creative.
Succeed in Digital Marketing Through Your Failures
How do we succeed in digital marketing and grow from our failures in this rapidly changing digital world? Well, marketing failures are more common occurrences than many of us realize, especially for small businesses starting out.
While it’s easy to feel disheartened and overwhelmed by these setbacks, we can grow stronger to develop effective content marketing strategies. In this Midwest Mindset for Marketing (The Omaha Podcast), a CEO, and co-founder, shares her fair share of marketing failures and how she overcame them.
This woman, a dedicated business owner, was determined to prioritize her company’s operations and nurture the relationships she had with her clients. As a result, she found herself with little time to devote to marketing. Believing that the task was too large to handle on her own, and her team decided to hire a marketing agency.
As time passed, shef noticed that her business growth primarily stemmed from referrals and networking rather than any tangible results from the marketing agency’s efforts. This realization led her to conclude that her marketing strategy was failing and providing no return on investment (ROI).
And after investing a considerable sum of money in a Google ad campaign that fell flat, her team felt disheartened; and to make matters worse, the marketing agency she worked with was deceptive and failed to explain the results correctly.
However, her experience taught her a crucial lesson that she wouldn’t have learned otherwise: marketing should not be that hard; it should be easy to understand and accessible, not an opportunity for agencies to take advantage of your business.
Through this experience, she knew she needed to find a strategy that she and the team could understand, track, supervise, and work on. But more importantly, she understood that marketing failures are a normal part of a business journey.
Do You Need to Be a Marketing Expert?
Turning marketing failures into success doesn’t necessarily require you to become an expert in the field. Instead, it’s about understanding the basics of your audience and continually evaluating its performance. By doing so, you can identify areas for improvement and build on what’s working well.
Her journey serves as a prime example of this approach. After realizing that her marketing efforts were failing, she decided to take a more hands-on role in her company’s marketing strategy.
So, how do you turn your marketing failures into success? You need a basic grasp of who your audience is and how your marketing strategy is performing, to keep doing what’s working and improving what’s not.
This basic information, like your target audience, buyer persona, and social media presence will push your digital marketing forward.
However, If you’re struggling with a content marketing agency that isn’t fully explaining or gatekeeping information, don’t worry that much; you can always change strategy. Believe us, even the most experienced and successful organizations have had this problem.
This shouldn’t be taken as a step back or failure but rather an opportunity to change and invest in a strategy that will pay off and that your business can learn from,
How to Succeed in Digital Marketing: Be Patient and Embrace the Cringe
Marketing can be a slow process, and while it’s easy to become impatient or discouraged when results don’t materialize immediately, it’s crucial to remember that many aspects of digital marketing take time to show significant results.
One prime example is Search Engine Optimization (SEO). SEO is a critical component of any digital marketing strategy, but it can take months of consistent effort before tangible results become evident.
Don’t be afraid to make a fool of yourself or experiment with unconventional ideas. The truth is, some of your boldest attempts might not resonate with your audience, but they will undoubtedly teach you valuable lessons about what works and what doesn’t.
Embracing the cringe means making content out of your comfort zone, but it also means being open to feedback, both positive and negative. Constructive criticism can help you identify areas for improvement and refine your digital marketing strategy.
Remember: Success in digital marketing is often the result of learning from setbacks, refining your approach, and continually adapting to the ever-evolving landscape.
Keep pushing forward, and embrace the lessons that failure teaches. With time and persistence, you’ll unlock the perfect formula for digital marketing success.
Choose a Transparent Company That Shares Information and Tools
If you hire a marketing company for your content strategy, when selecting an agency, look for one that is easy to talk to and transparent about what they do.
A genuine marketing agency will share all the tools and insights on what is working for your company. Transparency and open communication are essential for fostering a healthy and productive relationship between your business and the agency.
Tips for Marketing Success:
So, now that we have gone through all this information, here is a recap on tips to transform failure into success
Know where your leads are coming from: This insight helps recognize what your marketing strategy needs and should look like; for our guest, this meant shifting her focus and resources to the channels that were generating results.
Monitor your marketing performance: She learned the importance of regularly tracking the performance of her marketing campaigns. By doing so, she could identify which tactics were effective and which needed improvement.
Adapt and refine your strategy: Become involved in her marketing efforts, and start experimenting with different strategies and techniques. This will allow you to fine-tune her marketing approach and optimize it for better results.
Collaborate with trustworthy partners: transparent professionals who genuinely care about their client’s success are the people you want to surround yourself with. Avoid scammy marketing agencies that only want your money.
Maintain open communication: Establish clear lines of communication with your team and external partners. This allows you to stay informed about her marketing campaigns’ progress and make data-driven decisions.
Marketing Failures Are the Way to Succeed
Lastly, patience, perseverance, and a willingness to learn from mistakes are crucial ingredients for turning marketing failure into success.
So go ahead, embrace the cringe, and watch your business flourish with the support of a transparent and communicative marketing agency.
In the end, marketing can be about having fun and embracing the embarrassment that comes with making wild ideas into reality. Sure, it’s also about perseverance, persistence, and data, but with a little bit of fun and letting your imagination run free, it can also be a very fun and fulfilling experience.
From free weekly marketing resources on our podcast, Midwest Mindset for Marketing, to professional coaching and consulting, to having us do all of the work for you at Two Brothers, we believe every business deserves affordable and effective marketing.
If you need help with your marketing, we are here for you. At Two Brothers, we are passionate about helping entrepreneurs and business owners like you because we believe every business deserves affordable and effective marketing.
MATT: Ignoring a problem is not a solution. As much as we want these big problems to go away for our businesses, they aren’t until we address them, until we face them head on. And marketing is perhaps the biggest problem that businesses face today. We don’t want to deal with it because marketing it is intimidating, it’s frustrating, it’s overwhelming, and we just don’t know what to do. What are we supposed to do with our marketing? What is the answer? There isn’t a clear cut roadmap to success.
And so most business owners, we throw up our hands out of frustration and we just give up. And that is not going to solve the problem either. The problem is still there. Today’s episode is special in that we are going to hear from someone whose marketing was well, to say it’s failing is a little harsh. That’s their words. That’s how they describe it. It was not producing results. That’s a kind way to put it. And what they went through is the norm. It is what most businesses go through today in regards to their marketing.
So we commend their bravery, their courage to come on the podcast and openly share and talk about their experience and how they were able to take their failing marketing and turn it around entirely. A complete 182 a success story that it is today. Hello and welcome back to Midwest Mindset, the podcast that gives you the small business owner, the big agency Secrets to Marketing. I’m Matt Tompkins of two Brothers Creative, where we passionately believe every business deserves affordable and effective marketing.
MATT: Our guest today on the podcast to share her story of her failure to success marketing experience is Gwen Aspen. Gwen is the CEO and co-founder of Anarchism. Anarchism is a company that hires out full time virtual assistants out of Mexico, and they are single handedly revolutionizing how we perceive work today, especially post-COVID. Remote work is the new way of working and they are helping businesses drastically reduce costs by up to 60%. It really is incredible. She is passionate about helping business owners, helping entrepreneurs just like you, which is why she was willing to come on the show here today to share her failure.
Yes, they have a lot of successful things going on. Their story is incredible. They’re the sixth fastest growing private company in the state of Nebraska, 612th in the Inc, 5000 nationally. That looks great on the surface, but behind the scenes, for far too many years, their marketing was just not working. She would say It’s failing. I say it was not producing the results that they wanted, that they needed.
The reason I wanted her to come on the show and I appreciate her courage and I don’t use that that term lightly because it does take a lot of courage to open up and talk about your failures, to talk about those missteps, those swings and misses. Everybody wants to talk about the big thing, right? The Inc 5000 list. That’s an amazing accomplishment. But we don’t want to talk about the embarrassing moments, the things maybe we’re not so proud about.
MATT: I think we need to talk more about those things. We need to shine a light on those things because most business owners that we work with, they are struggling with their marketing. Their marketing is not producing results. We have seen personally, I can attest to I don’t know how many marketing agencies taking advantage of is putting it mildly flat out ripping off business owners because marketing is this mysterious thing.
We don’t really know what it is. It’s deceiving. On the surface, it looks easy. It looks like it’s just coming up with a fun creative idea, a catchphrase, a slogan, maybe a mascot. We throw it out there into the world on social media and we get a bunch of new leads, right? The leads come pouring in, new business. Everyone’s happy. Retire a millionaire on a private beach. That is just not how it unfolds. Over 50% of all businesses will fail in their first 3 to 5 years. Only 25% of businesses make it past 15 years or more.
That is a daunting statistic. So most businesses are not living the life we perhaps portray on social media. Our avatars are not an accurate reflection of what’s really going on behind the scenes. So yes, I think it is courageous for Gwen to come on and share, despite all the successes they could talk about, share her story about their marketing. And we’re going to hear directly from Gwen here in a second. I want to say that this is the norm. If you are feeling, as I said, intimidated, frustrated, overwhelmed by your marketing.
MATT: That is how every business owner feels. There are limited options. To date, there’s really only two options. You become a marketing expert overnight and do it all yourself. Not very realistic. Or you pay a lot of money to a marketing agency.
Far too many of them are just ripping off business owners and there’s no middle ground in between. We have always taken the position. It’s why we started this podcast. It is our mission statement for our company. We truly believe every business deserves affordable and effective marketing, and we believe you should know at the very least, understand what it is a company you’ve hired is doing with your marketing.
So you’re a part of it. You get it. You know that you’re not being taken advantage of. You feel confident, you feel proud of your marketing. That’s at the very least, at most, we will give you the tools we tell clients, Listen, we’ll come in, we’ll help you do the heavy lifting.
We want you and your team to at least have the option to take this in-house. We’re not going to sit here and hide all the tools and the websites and techniques and tips that we use. We’re not going to keep them as these guarded secrets. We are passionate about our core values of quality and honesty. And I think to be honest, you have to say, here’s what we’re doing, here’s why we’re doing it. Here are the tools that we’re using. Here’s how to use these tools.
MATT: Now you can take it in-house. You can keep hiring a company to do it, but at the very least, you have that information, you have that knowledge, you have that power. You are. Empowered at that moment as a business owner. So that’s why Gwen and I have this conversation to talk about her journey, her path to where her marketing was and where it is today. All right, Gwen. Aspen, CEO of Antiquum, successful entrepreneur. I think you are the perfect person to represent so many other success stories and what actually happens behind the scenes with their marketing.
Because you have gone through what I believe is the norm for most businesses when it comes to their marketing, where the only options are. You can become a marketing expert overnight and do it yourself, which isn’t realistic, or hire an agency. And unfortunately, too many agencies talk down to us, through us, over us and just flat out take advantage of us because we don’t know any better, right? Yes. So I wanted to talk to you today just about your personal experience. I feel like we don’t talk about this enough. I hear this story myself from business owners every week, every day as we work with our clients and help people through this podcast. But I would love to hear your story and if you don’t mind sharing your story and kind of where were you when this when this began because you were having success, but you where was your marketing at, say, a couple of years ago to start this story?
GWENN: Sure. Well, so we had just to set the business tone. So we had grown a lot. We had doubled every single year since our existence. And so last year we got into this place where we really things were breaking because of the scaling and we had to retool our whole operation, which was super good for our clients because we were on top of it, making sure things didn’t fall through the cracks.
But what happened is I just didn’t have any time to work on my marketing. So at first we had an internal person doing it and then the job got too big and so we hired an agency to manage it. And I wasn’t focused on that at all because I just wanted the operations to be strong. And so I was pouring a ton of money in it.
And then when I went to and I wasn’t seeing the results like a lot of the results were from just relationship building, from referrals, from conferences where we met people. But was I getting anything from my website? Was I getting anything from organic.
MATT: Searches or social posts?
GWENN: I mean, nothing. So I mean, I really wasn’t. So I did the deep dive and was so embarrassed at the amount of money that I had spent and how little I got of a return on investment. It was it’s probably one of my biggest business failures, actually. It was, yes.
I think of it as one of my biggest business failures. And so I remember we had been doing this podcast and the podcast was great, but I’m like, Is anyone even seeing this because it took it from you? And then our team was supposed to get it out into the ether and I came in. I think I was in a panic, like almost in a panic attack because I had just run the numbers of how much we had spent. And and it was enormous. And I looked at the number of like, contact forms that we got from our website and it was minuscule. And I just realized, like how bad the problem was and how much money I truly wasted on a completely dead effort.
MATT: What was the how long did it take from the first moment of like, something doesn’t pass the smell test, right? Like where I.
GWENN: Feel like you’re gonna make me look bad because. No, no, no.
MATT: I know. And I. The reason you’re perfect to have this conversation and tell the story because and it’s one of the things I love about you that you’re you’re brave and courageous in the sense that you will talk about your failures.
Yes, I will. And and I think that’s important because business owners, at whatever stage they’re at, are going through these same struggles and there are business owners who are getting taken advantage of or just don’t know what to do. And that is our mission. And it doesn’t matter if it’s a client who’s paying us or somebody who’s listening to the podcast or don’t know how many like free consultations we do because it is offensive to me to see business owners have that happen to them. And then it’s like it’s put on them as if it was their fault. It’s not your fault that this happened, you know, it’s something that everybody goes through. So I appreciate you telling your story. No, I.
GWENN: Mean, and I’m honest because I want other business owners to learn before I did. But so everyone knows, like when you are scaling a business, the processes that you have that got you there aren’t the ones that are going to scale with you. You have to become more sophisticated. And that just took all my energy and my time.
My effort was working on that whole endeavor. So it was probably a year. And what happened? I came to you just knowing in a gut feeling that something was off. And I remember you calling me and you were like. Okay. Are you sitting down? And because we had looked at how much we’d spent on Google ads and it was an enormous amount of money and it was literally going to the wrong page. So we do virtual assistants and we also have call centers.
So we were paying an enormous. You guys you guys an enormous amount of money, like an absurd amount of money. It was a lot on Google ads that were going not to. So it was for virtual assistants, not to the virtual assistant page, but the call center page. So we were confusing people.
MATT: They if they clicked on the ad thinking, yeah, I want a virtual assistant. And then it takes them to this page where they’re like, Wait, what is this call center? I don’t understand. And then they would bounce. And the risk with that, that may not sound like that big of a deal, but I mean, you were getting a lot of clicks. Well, pay for.
GWENN: Those clicks.
MATT: You were getting. There was I mean, I don’t know. I think it was 5 to 700 ish range like per month that you were getting. I think if I remember correctly from this campaign. However, those are the risk is not just those people who went to the wrong page and left. It’s that now anytime they see a future ad, you’ve influenced their perception. Oh, well yeah. The last time I clicked on this ad with this company and that’s your branding and that affects your brand equity for a lot. It’s a lot bigger impact than I think we initially think.
GWENN: So Well, and then I would get the reports from the agency and they’re like, Your ads are doing great. All these people are clicking on it. It’s awesome. And so I’m like, Oh good, I’m doing awesome. Well, but I wasn’t getting the sales. I thought I was getting the sales because we were working so hard on the conferences. And so sales were coming in and we were growing as a business, but it wasn’t from the marketing that I was paying a lot for, So it was confusing. Unless you really divide up where your leads are coming from, what that lead source is, you can think you’re doing well in one area, but that’s not what’s driving the business.
MATT: I mean, would you agree this is something I believe Would you agree that marketing is is one of the most fundamental but equally deceiving parts of running a successful business?
GWENN: So, yes. So after we realized the error, you really I’m really grateful for you and the team because you are I mean, you partnered with me, though, like instead of being like, well, this is so difficult, you know, you’re never going to understand. You need a PhD to understand how these ads work.
MATT: Is that how they work? Is that how marketing people talk? I don’t think I’ve.
GWENN: Heard like this. It’s like if you aren’t in the know, they’re just like, Don’t worry your pretty little head about it.
MATT: I don’t want to meet this person just because that.
GWENN: Was so hard. It’s so confusing. They do.
MATT: They talk down to you, they talk over you through you. They act as if they wrote the algorithms themselves. And the truth is they failed basic college math like most of us did.
GWENN: Yeah, So? So. And then when you’re like, Oh, great, you got this because I’m busy with my operations. Like I got a bounce, I got this meeting over here. These people I have to meet, I’ve got this, you know, PNL I got to look at. And so when you’re busy with other stuff, you’re just like, Oh, great, the agency has it. And they showed me a pretty little report that says that my Google ads are doing great, so I’m good.
So what you did, though, is you and your team walked us through the process and kind of gave us the vision because after that, I mean, I didn’t trust anybody. I mean, I trust you, but like, I was still like, oh my gosh, any agency can totally take advantage of me. So I did like an RFP, like a request for proposal from a bunch of different companies to look at taking over the business. And, you know, a lot of people didn’t listen to me about what I wanted.
So you get a proposal back and you’re like, Well, this isn’t even what we talked about for an hour or it was super expensive, like outrageously expensive, and no one wanted to talk about how it would work. Except you guys explained it to me without talking down to me. And it’s once you and then told me which books to read. So you weren’t trying to make it this scary thing that I would never understand. You just worked with me. And now when we work together, the plan has has really developed into a cohesive, cogent marketing strategy.
MATT: And I think that’s that’s key for, for any for business owners. When you aren’t sure, I guess the question is how do I know if an agency is ripping me off or taking advantage of me? And that that seems like a very tough question to ask because, well, I have to become an expert on this to understand. And I don’t think you do. I think it’s very simple.
If they aren’t willing to explain what they’re doing clearly and in simple, plain language, then that’s a red flag. Because this I can tell you, I’m I mean, I’m I have my gifts and talents, but I am no genius when it comes to any of these things. I just did the work of reading and learning and. Experimenting with our own marketing and company and just all these different things you do to, you know, put in the hours, the thousands of hours you need to become an expert or proficient in anything, right? And so if I can do it, anybody can do it.
Now, I understand business owners don’t have that extra time. They don’t want that. But I think it is our job if we’re doing marketing for somebody to to either equip them at the at most so that they could do it themselves, They have that option. At the very least, though, you should be equipped with understanding it enough to see exactly and clearly what the strategy is, why we’re doing these things.
GWENN: And here’s the thing. Like old school marketing, they would be like, well, you know, you don’t what do they say that 20% of your marketing actually works. You just don’t know which 20%. Remember that old adage? I don’t.
MATT: Remember that. But that sounds pretty.
GWENN: It’s like crazy. Well, it was true, though, because you didn’t have the data to support it. Now, with the Internet, you know, you have the data to know which ads work.
You can tweak one thing or another thing and see if it made a difference. It’s really a data analytical thing. So if people come from old school marketing where it’s like, well, you’ll never really know where they found you, Well, this is a new person.
MATT: This is a whole new voice now, like, yeah, please continue. Yes, yes. Um.
GWENN: So if you come from that, that’s not true anymore. So you should be able to really find out where your leads come. And if you’re, if you’re in a position where you have zero time to work on marketing and you’re really just need to hand it off because there are no other options, you’re just like completely, you know, burned out and have a million things to do. Just be very clear about where those leads come from. Make sure that you ask every client, Where did you find out about us? I would say that’s the most important data point to find out if your online marketing is working or not.
MATT: Yeah, because there is data with everything and like so old school mediums that we attach a lot of nostalgia to like radio and even television mailings. Mailings like yes, there is brand awareness and there is there is a place for that where it’s just general brand awareness.
But if the strategy is just let’s get our name out there and we don’t know where there is or what the end goal is with getting our name out there, we’re just throwing money up and just, you know, hoping it’s like drug. I call Hopium, you know, we get Hopium, we get addicted to opium. And it’s like, Well, I’m just going to post a bunch of stuff and hope that it works and we need to detox off of that because that’s not a strategy at all. That’s not and it’s not going to work. And you’re going to put a lot of time and money.
And even if you’re not hiring an agency, so you’re just doing all your social media yourself, you’re still spending a lot of money because that’s your time and that you aren’t putting towards gaining a new client or, you know, working on your operations and things like that.
MATT: So, I mean, and we’re still with your process. I mean, the other thing I would say and I would love to hear your your insight is on the patience marketing kind of requires because sales is immediate, like brute force. I can go close this deal today and get paid tomorrow. And marketing supports your sales, but it grows and it’s a very long term play to owning a space, a market or a category, right? And so it takes time.
And a lot of business owners don’t want to think long term because they’re just worried about I just got to I got to keep my lights on today. I’m just going to go do what I know works, which is, you know, hard, cold calling. And there is definitely a place for that. But what like, what got you and your team invested in okay, we want to change things for a year from now, two years from now, five years from now. You know, let’s think bigger picture and really utilize marketing as the asset to support our sales and growth as much as we should.
GWENN: Well, for me, I just never want to play small. I want to be the A student. I want to win God. I’d be really honest on this podcast. That’s good.
MATT: I like it.
GWENN: Yeah, I want to win. And so I was like, Matt, how do I win? And I mean, I don’t want third place, I want first place. And so he and he showed me how it wasn’t like, Oh, you know, I’m not going to tell you how, but he we created the path together. And I think I’ve been an astute we’ve executed the.
MATT: Plan, embraced it. I think more than most most people that I see, especially in your position of success level. I mean let’s not joke around like you are winning and you know, it’s going to only increase from here. But I mean, where your company is today and even your previous company that you had and sold, you know, you have successes like you could just farm it out, kick back, You know, you probably could retire on a beach and just be happy. But, you know, you are you want to learn and understand these things.
And I think that’s really the difference between like they have they have professional athletes as an example, and then there are elite athletes and professional takes a lot to get there. That’s a lot of talent and skill, but only a very small fraction of a percent become elite athletes. It’s the same in the business. This world like you have? Yeah. It takes a lot of risk and time and hard work to become a business owner and be open for 3 to 5 years. There’s a reason only 51. There’s a reason 51% of businesses fail in their first five years. So what is the difference that carries those leaders into that small percentage that have a successful business that meets their dreams, surpasses them in the long term? And it’s this it’s investing in learning and really in planning and strategy and all this. It’s work. It is a lot of work.
GWENN: Well, and I think it’s also embracing my one marketing guy a means said this the best he said embrace the cringe and like for instance I don’t enjoy doing LinkedIn videos.
I mean I’ll do them but like it’s hard to put yourself on camera and find a place in your house and figure out what you’re going to say. And you guys have made that process a lot easier. But, um, but you have to just get started. And I think that my ability to just kind of fail forward like it’s okay if it’s not perfect, it will improve over time. I’ll get better, it will get faster, it’ll get easier. I just have a lot of experience failing forward, so I’m not afraid to try something new and I might not get a lot of likes or whatever I’m attempting to do. But we can iterate and people have very short memories, you know? Yeah.
And so if you make a fool out of yourself, but you’re iterating into it being successful, it will, it will, it will work over time.
MATT: And there’s probably a better quote than the way I’ll say it. But I mean, success really is just failing forward over and over and over again. Yeah, it’s just failing forward. And the final thoughts you would leave with a any any size. I mean, it could be an entrepreneur or a solopreneur or it could be somebody with a small team or a somebody who has a big company with a big team. I think it really applies evenly and equally.
What would you say to them? They are in the place that you have been like, What is what is the recommendation you say, okay, if you’re struggling with your marketing or you’re confused by it, whatever it is, like, what would you tell them to do? Like, what should from learning from your experience, what should they do? What would you.
GWENN: Recommend? Just you’re not an idiot. So if people try to make you feel like an idiot, don’t believe them. It’s hard. Like if you were, you know, if you’re like, Well, I don’t know anything if you’re honest about like your knowledge level, but someone should be able to explain to you the pathway for where you want to go. It should make sense and it shouldn’t be like obscured in a lot of ways. And so ask questions.
You definitely can understand what they’re talking about. Seo isn’t so complicated that just words. It’s and so and dig in a little bit and just make sure you know where your leads are truly coming from so you don’t get taken advantage of.
MATT: Yeah. And I think too, like, don’t get distracted by the show. You know, our friend Tom Beck has a book that there’s no business without the show. And there is a lot of show in just regular business where your salesmanship, you know, like here in the studio, like I could bring in a client, I could sit them down and give them the wow factor of like, Holy cow, I’m on this big set and I’m treated like a star.
And I start throwing out all these big ideas and here’s what we’re going to do with your marketing. It’s really easy to get distracted by that and as anybody naturally would, but don’t make the decision in that moment because that’s not what matters.
What matters is then the conversations, the multiple conversations you have after that where you’re explaining, here’s how this is going to work. Don’t understand that. Explain it. Okay. I’m happy to. I’ll spend the next hour going through this with you. And then here’s like I always share, I mean, with all of our employees, our virtual assistants from Antiquum, by the way, and clients we work with. I share the same books like here’s the five books that that really helped shape a lot of what my approach is with marketing.
And I want you to know what they are so you can it’s, you know, it’s no secret anybody that’s hiding that or trying to distract you from that. I think that’s a major red flag to watch out for. And I’m super happy for you. I’m proud of you and your team.
GWENN: I’ve embraced the cringe, Matt.
MATT: I like that. I think we need to call this episode Embrace the cringe. I like that. All right. Well, congratulations on embracing the cringe. And for all the amazing voices, is there like a third voice you could perhaps lead us out with? Like do a little outro here?
GWENN: Oh, my gosh. Too much pressure. Too much pressure. I did have a few voices that those.
MATT: Two distinct voices want to know who they were. I was waiting for, like, an old, like, 1930 gangster. Like. Yeah, see? Like, that was close. I felt like we were going to get there, but.
GWENN: Oh, I don’t think that they’re not back there. It has to be like, in the moment.
MATT: Give me like 1970s Mad Men era Don Draper. Um.
GWENN: You wouldn’t understand. I mean, you’re not going to understand if I gave it to you. I don’t know. I can’t do it on the spot.
MATT: That’s good. I feel like that’s happened to you. All right, Gwen, thank you so much for sharing. Thank you, Matt.
GWENN: It’s been a pleasure.
MATT: I’ll bring you back. Next time we can open up. Open up about your next failure.
GWENN: Because so happy to share. Happy to share.
MATT: The longer you wait to address your marketing problem, the worse that problem is going to get. It’s kind of like the emperor with no clothes. We’re walking around completely naked and we’re all playing this game on social media where. No, no, no, everything’s fine. No, of course I’m wearing beautiful clothes. I’m totally not naked right now. Let’s stop with the games and let’s get serious about growing your business.
That is our goal. I know that’s Gwen Gwen’s goal, and that’s why she came on the podcast here today. If you want to contact Gwen, you want to learn about more about what she’s doing to help other entrepreneurs, which she is super passionate about as well. You can find the links and the info in the show notes. That’s what their company does for small businesses as well. And if you need some help getting your business started on that marketing journey, we will measure your marketing absolutely free, no strings attached.
Measure your marketing now. All the links, resources and details are in the show notes.
Thanks for joining us and we’ll see you on the next episode.
Creating an Omaha SEO Strategy for local businesses can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.
By thoughtfully implementing search engine optimization (SEO) and keeping up with the latest industry trends, you can easily create compelling content to help your business reach the right audience.
In this blog post, we’ll provide insider tips on developing an effective SEO plan tailored to create compelling content.
You’ll learn how to incorporate keyword research into your workflow and increase organic traffic from search engine results pages with each piece of unique content you produce.
With these expert tips in tow, you’ll be able to make sure that every piece of content you write is optimized for maximum visibility and impact.
In today’s digital age, having a website or social media presence is no longer enough. With millions of web pages and blog posts published every day, standing out from the crowd and reaching your audience requires a well-crafted content marketing strategy that’s optimized for search engines.
What is SEO?
But what does that mean, exactly? Well, in a nutshell, SEO (search engine optimization) is the process of optimizing your website and its content to rank higher on search engine results pages (SERPs) for specific keywords and phrases.
By creating quality content that’s relevant to your targeted audience’s search queries, you can increase your visibility, drive organic traffic to your site, and ultimately convert those visitors into paying customers.
So, how do you create an SEO content strategy that works? Here are some practical steps to get started:
Step 1: Research Your Audience and SEO Keywords
Before you start creating any type of content, it’s essential to understand who your target audience is and what they’re searching for.
By researching your audience’s needs, interests, pain points, and search behavior, you can identify the keywords and phrases they use to find solutions to their problems.
For example, if you’re a local pizza restaurant in Omaha, your targeted audience might search for keywords such as “best pizza in Omaha,” “pizza delivery near me,” or “family-friendly pizza restaurant.”
If you are still wondering how to start and what keywords are the best for your audience, listening to our Midwest Mindset for Marketing podcast can help you better guide you to understand your audience.
Step 2: Omaha SEO Strategy For Content and Topics
Once you’ve identified your targeted audience and keywords, it’s time to determine the type of content that will best suit your audience’s needs and search intent.
Different types of content, such as blog posts, landing pages, videos, infographics, or social media posts, can be used to target different stages of the customer journey and achieve different marketing goals.
For example, if your goal is to attract new customers, blog posts that educate your audience about your products or services or answer their frequently asked questions can be a great starting point.
On the other hand, if your goal is to convert visitors into leads or sales, landing pages that offer a free trial, demo, or consultation can be more effective.
To determine the content topics that will resonate with your targeted audience and align with your business goals, you can use a content mappings tool such as HubSpot’s Content Strategy Tool or Ahrefs’ Content Explorer.
These tools allow you to discover popular content topics in your industry, analyze their performance metrics, and create a content plan that covers all stages of the customer journey and aligns with your SEO and marketing strategies.
Step 3: Optimize Your Omaha SEO Strategy
Once you’ve identified your targeted audience, keywords, and content topics, it’s time to create high-quality content that’s optimized for search engines.
Here are some best practices to keep in mind:
Use long-tail keywords
Long-tail keywords are more specific and less competitive than short-tail keywords, which makes them easier to rank for and more targeted to your audience’s search queries.
Use long-tail keywords in your title, meta description, headings, and copy to improve your SEO score and visibility on Google and other search engines.
Meta descriptions
Meta descriptions are the short snippets of text that appear under your page title in the search results. They provide a brief summary of your content and can influence whether or not a user clicks on your page.
Use your target keywords and a persuasive call-to-action in your meta description to entice users to click on your page.
Headings and subheadings
Headings and subheadings not only make your content more readable and organized, but they also provide context to search engines about the structure and hierarchy of your content. Use your target keywords in your headings and subheadings to signal to search engines what your content is about.
Internal and external links
Internal links are links within your site that point to other relevant pages or blog posts, while external links are links to other authoritative sites that provide additional value to your readers.
Use both types of links in your content to provide a better user experience and signal to search engines that your content is trustworthy and relevant.
Multimedia
Images, videos, infographics, and other multimedia not only make your content more engaging and shareable but also provide additional opportunities to optimize your content for search engines. Use descriptive file names, alt text, and captions to help search engines understand the content of your images and multimedia.
Step 4: Measure and Improve Your Omaha SEO Strategy
Creating quality content that’s optimized for search engines is just the first step.
To ensure that your content marketing strategy is effective and generates results, you need to measure and analyze your content’s performance metrics, such as traffic, engagement, conversion rates, and revenue.
Tools such as Google Analytics, Ahrefs, or SEMrush can help you track and analyze your content’s performance metrics and identify opportunities for improvement.
By measuring the impact of your content on your business goals and iterating on your content marketing strategy based on data and feedback, you can continuously improve your content’s effectiveness and ROI.
Step 5: Promote Your Content
Finally, promoting your content through social media and outreach is an essential part of any SEO content strategy.
By sharing your content on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram, you can reach a wider audience, drive traffic to your site, and build brand awareness.
In addition, outreach to influencers, bloggers, journalists, or other relevant websites can help you build backlinks, increase your domain authority, and generate more traffic and visibility for your content.
By leveraging social media and outreach to amplify your content’s reach and impact, you can maximize the ROI of your SEO content strategy and achieve your marketing goals.
The Essential SEO Strategy Tools
By using keyword research tools such as Google Keyword Planner or SEMrush, you can identify the search volume, competition, and relevance of different keywords and choose the ones that are most relevant to your business and audience.
These are some of my favorite tools to use for SEO:
Google Keyword Planner
A powerful and free keyword research tool offered by Google, the Keyword Planner helps you discover new keywords related to your business, their search volume, and their competitiveness.
It also provides insights into keyword trends and enables you to create and optimize your Google Ads campaigns for better performance.
SEMrush
SEMrush is an all-in-one SEO and digital marketing suite that offers a comprehensive keyword research tool.
With its extensive database of over 20 billion keywords, you can identify high-performing keywords, analyze search volume, competition, and keyword difficulty, as well as uncover long-tail keywords and phrase matches.
SEMrush also offers competitor analysis, backlink analysis, and site audit features, making it a versatile choice for any digital marketer.
MOZ
MOZ is another popular SEO toolset that includes keyword research capabilities. Its Keyword Explorer feature helps you find the most relevant keywords for your business by analyzing search volume, competition, and organic click-through rates.
Additionally, MOZ offers a range of other SEO tools, such as rank tracking, site audits, and backlink analysis, making it an excellent resource for optimizing your website’s overall SEO performance.
Competitor Analysis
Monitoring your competitors’ SEO strategies can provide you with a wealth of information to improve your own campaigns.
By analyzing their keyword usage, backlink profiles, and content strategies, you can identify gaps and opportunities to outperform them in search rankings. Tools like SEMrush, MOZ, and Ahrefs offer competitor analysis features that can help you keep a close eye on your competition and stay ahead of the game.
Crafting Your Omaha SEO Strategy
Creating quality content that’s optimized for search engines is an essential part of any digital marketing strategy.
By following these practical steps, you can create high-quality content that attracts organic traffic, engages your target audience, and drives more sales.
Remember, the key to a successful SEO content strategy is to understand your audience, research your keywords and content topics, optimize your content for SEO best practices, measure and improve your content’s performance, and promote your content through social media and outreach.
By continuously iterating on your content marketing strategy based on data and feedback, you can stay ahead of the competition, rank higher on search engine results pages, and achieve your business goals.
So what are you waiting for? Start creating an SEO content strategy that works for your business today.
Content Marketing in the Age of the Algorithm Is Overwhelming
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the demands of content marketing? Are you struggling to create content that effectively conveys your brand’s value proposition while engaging your audience?
Two Brothers Creative is here to help. As experienced content marketers ourselves, we understand the challenges of selecting channels, preparing creatives, and then effectively promoting your content across multiple touchpoints. Our team is prepared to help you with the process.
Two Brothers Creative: Content in a Box
Together we’ll identify actionable steps you need to take, from selecting channels that best capture your audience’s attention to creating memorable storylines that keep them engaged. Say goodbye to confusion, wasted time, and financial underperformance with Two Brothers Creative.
Omaha inbound marketing is a crucial part of your business’s overall organic marketing strategy, but how can you use it and what is the difference between outbound marketing? Welcome to part two of our three-part series on inbound and outbound marketing.
No matter what kind of business you’re running, selecting the perfect marketing strategy is crucial for your success. That’s precisely why we’ve designed this series to help you understand these two powerful approaches and make informed decisions.
In the first part, we explore the fundamental differences between inbound and outbound marketing, their goals, tactics, and how they work together for a well-rounded strategy.
Part Two: What Is Inbound Marketing?
This second part focuses on inbound marketing, discussing its core principles, tactics, and best practices for creating valuable content and nurturing leads.
Lastly, we dive into outbound marketing, exploring its various tactics and how to balance it with inbound marketing for a winning combination.
By the end of this series, you’ll have a clear understanding of both strategies and be better equipped to choose the right approach for your business goals.
Let’s get started on this insightful marketing journey.
Inbound Marketing 101: Drawing Customers In
Content and inbound marketing is all about creating valuable content that attracts, engages, and delights your target audience.
Inbound marketing started to gain significant traction around the mid-2000s with the rise of the Internet, content marketing, and social media platforms. The shift in consumer behavior towards seeking information online and the growing skepticism towards traditional marketing methods like cold calls and advertisements contributed to its increasing popularity.
The goal is to provide helpful, relevant content that pulls people in and keeps them coming back for more. In contrast to outbound marketing tactics like cold calls and paid ads, inbound marketing focuses on earning customers’ attention organically.
When done right, these strategies work together to help your business rank higher on search engine results pages (SERPs) and attract potential customers who are genuinely interested in your products or services.
The Power of Omaha Content Marketing
One of the cornerstones of inbound marketing is content marketing, which involves creating and distributing valuable content to attract and retain your target audience.
The types of content you create can vary widely, from blog posts and videos to infographics and eBooks.
The secret to effective content marketing lies in offering content that is closely aligned with your audience’s interests, desires, and challenges. By providing material that helps and supports them, you demonstrate your value as a reliable source of information. This approach fosters trust and credibility between you and potential customers, making it easier for them to choose your business when they need the products or services you offer.
A great example of inbound marketing are blogs on a specific topic related to your business niche. Suppose you run a gardening supply store. You could develop content that covers various aspects of gardening, such as “10 Essential Gardening Tools for Beginners,” “How to Start a Vegetable Garden,” or “Organic Pest Control Methods for Your Garden.”
I remember when I first started creating blog posts for my business. I was amazed at how much traffic they drove to my website and how many leads they generated. People genuinely appreciated the valuable information I provided, and it helped establish my business as an authority in the industry.
Search Engine Optimization: Getting Found Online
Another essential component of inbound marketing is search engine optimization (SEO).
By optimizing your website and content for search engines, you increase the likelihood of appearing on the first page of SERPs, making it easier for potential customers to find you.
SEO involves several techniques, such as using relevant keywords, creating high-quality content, and building backlinks from reputable websites. These efforts help search engines understand what your content is about and rank it accordingly.
When I first started implementing SEO strategies, I was blown away by the difference it made in my website’s visibility. My organic search traffic skyrocketed, and it’s been a game-changer for my business.
Email Marketing: Building Relationships and Nurturing Leads
Email marketing is another powerful inbound marketing tool that allows you to build and maintain relationships with your audience.
By sending regular, valuable content directly to their inbox, you keep your brand top of mind and encourage customer loyalty.
A well-executed email marketing campaign can help you nurture leads, share news about your products or services, and drive traffic back to your website. The key is to provide relevant and valuable information that your audience will appreciate.
A good example of an email inbound marketing campaign is a weekly or monthly newsletter that offers valuable content tailored to the interests of your audience. Let’s say you run a fitness and wellness business. Your email campaign could include the elements like routines, nutrition tips, mental health, and wellness trends.
In my own experience, email marketing has been instrumental in keeping my customers engaged and informed. It’s allowed me to maintain a personal connection with them and foster long-term relationships.
Social Media: Connecting with Your Audience in Real Time
Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram offer an excellent opportunity to connect with your audience in real-time.
By sharing valuable content, engaging with users, and participating in conversations, you can build brand awareness and establish trust with your followers.
One of the great things about social media is that it allows you to humanize your brand, showing your audience the people and personality behind the business. It’s also a fantastic way to share your content with a broader audience, as users can easily share and engage with your posts.
Throughout my entrepreneurial journey, I’ve found social media to be an invaluable tool for connecting with my audience and promoting my content. It’s helped me build a loyal following and create a sense of community around my brand.
The Importance of Lead Generation in Inbound Marketing
Lead generation is a critical aspect of inbound marketing. By creating valuable content that attracts potential customers, you can capture their information and nurture them through the sales funnel.
One effective way to generate leads is by offering gated content, such as eBooks or whitepapers, that requires users to provide their contact information in exchange for access.
This not only allows you to capture valuable lead data but it also helps you identify which types of content resonate most with your audience.
In my own business, I’ve seen firsthand how effective lead generation can be in driving sales and growing my customer base. It’s been an essential part of my inbound marketing strategy.
Inbound Marketing vs. Outbound Marketing: The Key Differences
Now that we’ve explored the various elements of inbound marketing let’s briefly discuss how it differs from outbound marketing.
While inbound marketing focuses on attracting customers by providing valuable content, outbound marketing involves actively reaching out to potential customers through tactics like cold calls, direct mail, and paid advertising.
The main difference lies in the approach: inbound marketing is about earning customer’s attention, while outbound marketing is about buying it.
These strategies tend to be more cost-effective and have longer-lasting results than outbound marketing tactics. They also align better with modern consumer preferences, as people are becoming increasingly resistant to intrusive marketing methods.
Inbound marketing often relies on users opting in to receive content, such as subscribing to a newsletter, following a social media account, or downloading a resource. This means that the audience has willingly chosen to engage with the brand, making the interaction more welcome and relevant.
Creating a Successful Inbound Marketing Campaign
To create a successful inbound marketing campaign, consider the following steps:
Define your target audience: Understand who your ideal customers are, what their needs and wants are, and how you can address them with your content.
Create a content strategy: Plan out the types of content you’ll create, the platforms you’ll use, and how you’ll promote and distribute your content.
Optimize your website and content for search engines: Implement SEO best practices to improve your visibility on SERPs and drive organic traffic.
Engage with your audience on social media: Share valuable content, participate in conversations, and build relationships with your followers.
Develop an email marketing strategy: Create targeted email campaigns that provide value to your subscribers and nurture your leads.
Monitor your results and adjust your strategy: Track your success metrics and analyze your data to make informed decisions and optimize your campaign.
Embrace the Power of Inbound Marketing
Inbound marketing has the potential to transform your business, helping you attract, engage, and delight potential customers.
By focusing on creating valuable content, optimizing your online presence, and building relationships through email marketing and social media, you can drive traffic, generate leads, and grow your brand.
As you embark on your inbound marketing journey, remember to stay adaptable, persistent, and open to new ideas. Embrace the power of inbound marketing, and watch your business soar.
Marketing in the age of the algorithm is overwhelming
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the demands of content marketing? Are you struggling to create content that effectively conveys your brand’s value proposition while engaging your audience?
Two Brothers Creative is here to help. As experienced marketers ourselves, we understand the challenges of selecting channels, preparing creatives, and then effectively promoting your content across multiple touchpoints. Our team is prepared to help you with the process.
Two Brothers Creative: Content in a Box
Together we’ll identify actionable steps you need to take, from selecting channels that best capture your audience’s attention to creating memorable storylines that keep them engaged. Say goodbye to confusion, wasted time, and financial underperformance with Two Brothers Creative.
This is what Omaha digital marketing does for businesses looking to increase sales. Digital marketing may be just the strategy that could take your success up a notch.
Omaha is a thriving heartland city known for its innovative spirit full of opportunities, and where I proudly call home.
In this post, we’ll cover all things related to what makes digital marketing so effective, from targeting customers online and driving traffic to connecting with local businesses and optimizing campaigns.
Why I’m Passionate about Digital Marketing in Omaha
As an experienced Omahan marketer who has worked with various companies across many industries, I want to share my insights into how utilizing digital marketing can give your efforts and profits an edge.
Whether you’re entirely new or somewhat familiar with strategies used for boosting sales via digital media channels, by reading on, you’re sure to gain useful knowledge that will make all the difference when it comes time crunching those numbers!
So, let’s dive into the world of digital marketing and discover how it can help Omaha businesses make more sales.
The Power of Email Marketing
Email marketing is one of the most effective digital marketing strategies I’ve encountered.
It’s a tried-and-tested method that has delivered consistent results for my business. Email marketing allows you to engage with your audience directly, provide valuable content, and promote your products or services.
By building an email list and sending targeted campaigns, I’ve been able to nurture relationships with my customers and generate repeat sales.
Creating a Winning Digital Marketing Strategy
Developing a solid marketing strategy is essential for any business.
As an Omaha business owner, you must understand your audience, set clear goals, and choose the right digital marketing channels to reach them.
For my business, I focused on combining email marketing, pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, and social media marketing to create a comprehensive marketing plan that drove results.
The Role of Omaha Digital Marketing Services
If you’re new to digital marketing or simply don’t have the time to manage your campaigns, partnering with an Omaha digital marketing company can be a game-changer.
By collaborating with a top-tier digital marketing agency in Omaha, like Two Brothers Creative, you gain access to a wealth of industry knowledge and expertise. Our team of seasoned professionals is well-versed in the latest trends, tools, and strategies, ensuring your campaigns are optimized for maximum impact.
As your business grows, so do your marketing demands. Working with an Omaha digital marketing agency ensures that your campaigns can scale seamlessly, adapting to your evolving needs and objectives.
Also, having a marketing service in your city or state can be more effective because they know and understand the area, culture, and sense of humor of the people around.
The Power of Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising
Another essential element of my marketing strategy was pay-per-click (PPC) advertising.
PPC platforms like Google Ads and Facebook Ads allowed me to target my audience precisely and only pay when someone clicks on my ad.
The beauty of PPC advertising lies in its cost-effective nature – you only pay when someone clicks on your ad, ensuring that your marketing budget is spent wisely and efficiently. This performance-based approach not only helped me drive traffic to my website but also increased brand visibility and, ultimately, boosted sales.
PPC platforms offer advanced targeting options, enabling you to reach potential customers based on demographics, interests, behaviors, and even specific keywords. This ensures that your ads are displayed to the most relevant audience, increasing the likelihood of engagement and conversions.
Staying Ahead with SEO
Search engine optimization (SEO) is critical to any digital marketing plan.
As a business owner in Omaha, I knew that ranking high on search engine results pages was crucial for attracting potential customers, especially for local services.
Local SEO is a specialized branch of search engine optimization that focuses on optimizing a website to improve its visibility and rankings in local search results. This is particularly important for businesses that serve a specific geographic area or have a brick-and-mortar presence, such as restaurants, retail stores, and service providers.
The importance of local SEO cannot be overstated, as it plays a vital role in connecting businesses with their local audience and driving foot traffic or localized online conversions.
A solid local SEO strategy can help businesses outrank competitors in their area, making them the go-to choice for customers seeking their products or services. Moreover, with the rise of mobile search and voice-activated assistants, local SEO has become even more critical as users increasingly rely on these technologies to find businesses near them.
Another crucial part of SEO is backlinks, also known as inbound or incoming links, which are a critical component of SEO, as they signal to search engines that your website is a valuable and credible source of information.
When other reputable websites link to your content, it essentially acts as an endorsement, indicating that your site offers valuable insights or resources worth referencing. Search engines, such as Google, consider these endorsements when determining the authority and relevance of your website, ultimately impacting your rankings in search results.
By optimizing my website for relevant keywords, creating valuable content, and building quality backlinks, I was able to improve my online visibility and drive more organic traffic to my site.
The Magic of Video Production
Incorporating video content into my marketing strategy was one of the best decisions I’ve made as a business owner.
Videos have a unique ability to engage and inform audiences in a way that other formats can’t. By creating compelling videos about my products and services, I was able to capture my audience’s attention, increase brand awareness, and drive more sales.
Another benefit of videos is that they boost your ranking on search engines and can be optimized by SEO. They add a little extra quality content to your page or social media.
Mastering Social Media Marketing
Social media has become an indispensable tool for businesses in Omaha and beyond.
Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter allow you to connect with your audience, share content, and promote your products or services.
I found that using a combination of organic posts and paid social media advertising was the key to building a strong online presence and generating more sales. Paid media is quick and effective, so it will show you pretty much instant results.
On the other hand, organic content has a longer life span and produces more loyal customers. So having a combination creates the perfect balance to have revenue all year long.
Why Social Media Management Matters
Managing multiple social media accounts can be time-consuming, but it’s essential for maintaining a consistent online presence.
Our clients hire us for full-service digital marketing. This includes social media management services. We help them streamline their efforts and ensure their brand remains visible and engaging on all platforms.
The Importance of Marketing Planning
To make the most of your digital marketing efforts, it’s crucial to have a well-defined marketing plan in place.
This involves setting clear objectives, identifying your target audience, selecting the right marketing channels, having a posting schedule, and determining your budget.
A well-planned schedule ensures that your content is published at optimal times to maximize engagement and reach while also preventing gaps or overlaps in your messaging. Consistency in posting helps build brand recognition and fosters trust among your audience, as they come to expect and rely on your regular updates.
By creating a comprehensive marketing plan, I was able to allocate resources more effectively and ensure my marketing efforts were aligned with my business goals.
Discovering the Right Marketing Solution for Your Business
With so many digital marketing strategies available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best approach for your business.
I found that the key to success was identifying the marketing solution that best met my unique needs and goals.
This involved researching various tactics, consulting with experts, and testing different strategies to find the perfect combination that drove results.
Boost Your Sales with Digital Marketing in Omaha
As a business owner in Omaha, I’ve experienced firsthand the power of digital marketing in driving sales and growing my business.
By implementing strategies like email marketing, PPC, SEO, video production, and social media marketing, I was able to reach my target audience, build brand awareness, and increase my revenue.
If you’re looking to make more sales and grow your business, consider partnering with a digital marketing company in Omaha like Two Brothers Creative. We offer a range of services, including SEO, PPC, social media management, and more, to help you achieve your marketing goals and drive results.
I hope my personal experiences and insights have shed some light on the potential of digital marketing for businesses in Omaha. By embracing these strategies and working with the right partners, you, too, can unlock the full potential of your business and make more sales. Good luck on your digital marketing journey!
Digital Marketing in the Age of the Algorithm
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the demands of marketing? Are you struggling to create content that effectively conveys your brand’s value proposition while engaging your audience?
Two Brothers Creative is here to help. As experienced digital marketers ourselves, we understand the challenges of selecting channels, preparing creatives, and then effectively promoting your content across multiple touchpoints. Our team is prepared to help you with the process.
Two Brothers Creative: Content in a Box
Together we’ll identify actionable steps you need to take, from selecting channels that best capture your audience’s attention to creating memorable storylines that keep them engaged. Say goodbye to confusion, wasted time, and financial underperformance with Two Brothers Creative.
Finding the best podcast equipment for beginners can be daunting and overwhelming with so many options.
Here’s the hard truth: People will forgive poor video quality, but they will not forgive poor audio quality. This is especially true when you consider how intimate the listening experience is with podcasting.
When you host a podcast, you are in an intimate conversation with your listener. Any flaws in the sound of the audio will impact the listener’s experience.
Today we will explore the best equipment to guarantee a fabulous hearing experience for all your followers.
Invest in the Best Podcast Equipment for Beginners
If you’re serious about starting a podcast, investing in high-quality equipment is a must. It’s a one-time expense that will directly impact every second of every episode for the lifetime of your show.
After 18 years in radio and television, I have used nearly every microphone, audio recording interface, sound mixing control board, and every other gadget you can think of.
I’m passing on my experience to you. This includes my wins, mistakes, and money wasted. This way, you will know what you need to get the best podcast equipment for beginners.
Understanding Your Podcasting Needs
Before diving into specific equipment recommendations, it’s essential to understand your podcasting needs. What is your podcast’s format?
Is it a solo ‘monologue’ style show with just the host? A roundtable conversation with people together in person? Or is it an interview format or remotely over the internet?
The answers you give will have a major impact on the cost of your equipment.
Go Solo First & Record Remote
Invest in a ‘solo’ setup for yourself and conduct your interviews or co-hosts remotely over the Internet.
Recording platforms like Riverside and Streamyard now make remote recording possible. They provide high-quality audio and video in full HD.
Recording remotely like that is a creative way to reduce your costs on equipment. For example, a solo setup for you means you’ll only need one microphone, one stand, a cable, and a solo audio interface, minimizing the costs a ton.
Which Microphone Should You Get: USB vs. XLR
The heart of any podcast is the microphone, and as a beginner, you’ll likely be deciding between USB and XLR mics.
USB Microphones are convenient and easy to use. They are also cheaper than XLR mics. However, you will sacrifice some audio quality when using a USB mic.
Remember: the cheaper you go, the faster the quality of your audio goes down, too.
While XLR mics require an audio interface to connect to your computer, they do provide much better sound quality. XLR microphones can be costly. However, investing in one may be beneficial in the long term.
My Recommendation: XLR Hybrid USB
You should go with a hybrid setup that utilizes the pros of both USB and XLR for an affordable, portable, easy-to-use plug-and-play setup.
With a USB-powered audio interface like the Scarlett Solo, you get ease, convenience, and portability. Another good option is a ShureSm7 XLR mic to maintain a higher-quality sound.
Best Podcast Equipment for Beginners Setup
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore the best podcast equipment for beginners, including microphones, audio interfaces, headphones, and accessories.
Which Microphones Should You Get?
As mentioned earlier, choosing between USB and XLR microphones is a significant decision for beginners. Here are some top recommendations in both categories:
USB-Powered Microphones
For USB-powered microphones, I recommend the Shure MV7 USB-powered podcast microphone. If you’re not going to go with an XLR mic due to budget restrictions, you still need to go with a high-quality microphone, and Shure microphones are the industry standard for podcasting.
They look presentable on camera and come attached to a mount that is easy to attach and start recording episodes. Price: $249
XLR Microphone: Shure SM7B
The Shure SM7 Microphone has become my go-to choice for podcast and audio production. They sound amazing, are portable and easy to set up fast, and look sharp on camera for video podcasts.
RE20 Dynamic Microphone
These are the best-sounding vocal mics you can buy, with the quality even beating out the SM7B – which is only our top pick because of the price difference. The RE20s are those big old-school microphones you’ll see in every radio station across the country.
The RE20 has been a standard microphone for radio hosts for decades and remains the industry standard. This is likely because radio stations have no budget to upgrade their equipment.
The RE320 Dynamic Microphone
They also make a RE320 Dynamic Microphone, which is nearly identical looking compared to the RE20 mic, but at a much lower price point that comes in at around $280-299 each. There is a difference in the type of sound quality versus an RE20, with the RE320 having less of a ‘low-end’ ‘full’ sound to them. The RE320 is a fantastic mic, though, and it will easily get the job done.
What Microphones Should You NOT Get?
Sure, a USB microphone for Zoom meetings or a cheap USB-powered microphone will get the job done. However, if you are hosting a podcast, then you need to take the quality of your audio very seriously.
The Blue Yeti
The Blue Yeti is a popular choice among podcasters. Not to beat up on the Blue Yeti here, but you are better than a Blue Yeti! When you invest in quality gear, you are investing in yourself.
The Rode PodMic
Then there’s the Rode PodMic Cardioid Dynamic Broadcast Microphone. The Rode PodMic’s sound is ‘tinny,’ from my experience, lacking enough low-end depth or rich ‘volume’ for your voice.
The Headset Microphone
Unless you are an air traffic controller or calling play-by-play for a high school football game, there is absolutely no reason whatsoever for you to use a headset microphone.
Headphones like the Audio-Technica BPHS1 are ideal for news broadcasts and internal communication, where the audio quality is forgivable.
These headsets are not at all designed for an intimate listening medium like podcasting, and because of that, they sound horrible. The sound quality is shallow, tinny, and sounds like you’re on an AM radio station back in 1955.
Which Audio Interface Is The Best Choice?
If you choose an XLR microphone, you’ll need an audio interface to connect it to your computer. Audio interfaces convert the analog signal from your microphone into a digital signal that your computer can process. Here are two beginner-friendly options:
Focusrite Scarlett Solo
This compact, budget-friendly audio interface offers one XLR input and delivers excellent sound quality. These are very affordable, with solo interfaces starting at around $119 that also accommodate XLR and musical instrument inputs.
Behringer U-Phoria UM2
This is an affordable option with one XLR input; the UM2 is perfect for those starting with a single microphone setup.
What Are The Best Podcast Headphones To Get?
Monitoring your audio while recording is crucial for ensuring your podcast sounds professional. A good pair of headphones will help you catch any issues with sound levels, background noise, or sound effects. Here are two options suitable for beginners:
Audio-Technica ATH-M30x or M20x
The Audio-Technica ATH-M30x (or ATH-M20x, Alternatively)Professional Studio Monitor Headphones are in the mid-range for pricing, but the sound quality is fantastic. These are durable headphones that last a long time, making this my top recommendation for you. These headphones price out at around $49.99 to $79.99, which is very reasonable for the quality you’ll be getting.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
If the price weren’t an issue, then I would recommend getting these over-ear headphones that offer a comfortable fit and excellent sound quality, just for a little bit higher price. These headphones are definitely not on the cheap end of the price range, but this is what I would call a sound investment. (pun intended)
Apple AirPodMax
These are wireless, and I mostly wear them for music and video editing, but they are by far the most comfortable headphones I’ve ever worn.
The standard listening mode, Noice Cancellation, and Transparency modes are incredible, and they naturally switch between my laptop for Zoom calls and back to my phone seamlessly.
The downside to Apple’s AirPodMax Headphones is the price tag. They go for around $650 or higher, making them understandably out of most people’s budgets. But, hey, a girl can dream, right?
Recording and Editing Software
Once you’ve captured your audio, you’ll need software to edit and polish your podcast. There are several free and paid options available that cater to different skill levels and preferences.
Adobe Audition
A professional-grade software with advanced editing features, Adobe Audition is a great choice for those who want to invest in a more powerful editing tool as their podcast grows.
FCPX
Nowadays, I actually use Final Cut X for my audio editing. Final Cut has greatly improved its audio processing and mastering with new features. It’s only $299 to buy it and will easily be well worth the investment in the long run.
Best Podcast Equipment: Accessories
To complete your podcast setup, you’ll need a few essential accessories:
Pop Filter
‘Plosives’ are something you definitely want to avoid for your listeners’ sake.
A pop filter is a screen that helps minimize plosive sounds (like “p” or “t” and “b”) that can cause distortion in your audio. The Dragonpad USA Pop Filter is an affordable option that does the job well.
Microphone Stand or Boom Arm
A microphone boom arm is like a bendable microphone stand that is easy to position and reposition, even while you’re talking into the microphone. There are two options I highly recommend. Both of these options have desk clamps to easily attach to any table or desk without damaging it.
Boom Arm Top Pick: The best quality boom arm is the Blue Compass Premium Tube-Style Broadcast Boom Arm. These look super professional and polished and are easy to lock in place where needed.
Boom Arm 2nd Pick: The O.C. White Podcast Pro by Accu-Lite Mic Boom Package (Silver) is a great choice for beginners because it actually comes with an XLR microphone cable already built into it. This means less setup and wires for you to have to deal with. The price is reasonable at around $99, but when you buy a Shure SM7 on BandH, they often include bonus items with your purchase. I have received 3 of these Silver boom arms for free, just for buying a top-quality mic.
Shock Mount Pick: You don’t necessarily need to buy a shock mount, as both of our microphone recommendations can mount directly to your mic stand or boom arm. Shock Mounts are just an extra layer of sound protection so that your mic doesn’t pick up noise every time you bump the table or touch the boom arm.
This accessory helps isolate your microphone from vibrations and handling noise. Some microphones, like the Audio-Technica AT2020, come with a shock mount included, while others may require a separate purchase. Shock Mounts for the RE20 and RE320 run about $109 each.
Podcast Equipment for Beginners Tips: Make the Most Out of It
When you’re starting, it’s crucial to strike a balance between value and quality. Here are some tips for making the most of your podcasting budget
The options we recommend to our clients and to you are going to cost around $700 in total. That includes the Shure SM7 mic, Scarlett Solo audio interface, Silver Boom Arm with XLR cable built in, and headphones to monitor recordings.
Plus, recording software like Adobe Audition (around $50 per month), or you could pay a one-time fee of $299 to own Final Cut Pro.
The assembly is what I highly recommend because it will guarantee that your podcast sounds amazing. There’s no risk of you fumbling over gear, struggling to install apps, updates, and program issues because this assembly is literally plugged and played.
When you’re considering how to balance what I recommend and what will actually work with your budget, here are some tips to help you out:
Prioritize: Invest in essential equipment first, like a good-quality microphone and headphones. Additional accessories and upgrades can come later as your podcast grows.
Shop Around: Take the time to compare prices and read reviews. Look for sales or refurbished items to save money without compromising on quality. Shop on eBay, Amazon, and our favorite equipment distributor: BandH
Start Simple: Don’t let the vast array of podcasting gear intimidate you. Begin with a basic setup and gradually upgrade as you gain experience and confidence in your podcasting skills.
Last But Not Least: Your Podcast Recording Studio
Today we are extremely lucky to have built a state-of-the-art audio and video podcast recording studio in Omaha. The Omaha Podcast Studio is the premiere recording facility in our hometown of Omaha, but we didn’t always have it this good, trust me.
My first ‘studio’ in radio was called ‘The Toilet Studio’ due to it being the same size as a bathroom stall and because it was located four feet across from the men’s and women’s bathrooms.
What Do You Really Need for a Podcast Studio?
It’s all about the sound waves and if they have a place to go. Sound waves project out of your mouth, and then they will bounce off of hard surfaces (like walls and ceilings) and keep bouncing all over the place, creating that ‘echo’ or ‘reverb’ you’ve probably noticed in homes.
Sound Foam is a quick and easy way to deaden that sound, and you can put this up on walls and ceilings easily enough.
A simple and portable trick is to purchase a portable sound foam ‘voiceover booth.’ Options like this portable sound booth are very reasonably priced at around $27-$40 and even include a desktop microphone stand that comes with it.
Just make sure you’re in a room where the sound has a place to be absorbed. Hang up some towels around you, stack up some pillows, whatever you can do to deaden the sound in any room, the better you’re going to sound on your podcast.
Note: Avoid large rooms to record in. A small room, even a closet, is what you want to achieve optimal sound quality.
Podcast Equipment for Beginners: Are You Ready To Start Now?
We are here to help you develop, produce, launch, and maintain your podcast so that you can focus on what is most important: the quality of your content in each episode.
As experienced podcasters and producers, we understand the challenges of selecting equipment, preparing guests, and maximizing each episode to deliver content across multiple platforms. Our team is different from other production warehouses because we are invested in the success of your podcast just as much as you are.
Two Brothers Creative: Content in a Box
Together we’ll identify actionable steps you need to take, from selecting channels that best capture your audience’s attention to creating memorable storylines that keep them engaged. Say goodbye to confusion, wasted time, and financial underperformance with Two Brothers Creative.
How to Create an Omaha Content Strategy for Your Business
If you don´t have an Omaha Content Strategy tailored to your local business, you’ve likely experienced some frustration as you navigate the ever-growing world of digital marketing.
But don’t worry; with a little planning, creativity, and knowledge on how to craft killer content, your products or services will surely stand out in no time!
In this blog post, I will share my experience and expertise as a successful small business professional in creating high-quality content for success online.
Creating captivating content that captures potential customers’ attention isn’t easy — especially since so much competition has saturated the internet.
I remember when I first started my own small business in Omaha, Nebraska. I was excited and eager to get the word out about my products and services.
But despite all my enthusiasm, I quickly realized that creating quality content to engage my audience was no walk in the park.
That’s when I embarked on a journey to master content marketing, and today, I want to share with you some of the strategies that have helped me along the way.
Why a Quality Omha Content StrategyMatters
The digital landscape is a crowded place, and to stand out, you need to create killer content that speaks to your target audience.
The right pieces of content not only boost brand awareness but also build trust and credibility. It’s essential to understand your buyer persona and create content tailored to their needs and interests.
I once wrote a blog post that I thought was going to be a huge hit. I spent a long time on it, pouring over every word. But when I published it, the response was… underwhelming.
That’s when I realized that understanding my audience was more important than crafting perfect sentences.
Types of Content to Consider
When planning your content marketing strategies, it’s vital to diversify the types of content you produce.
Blog posts, long-form articles, case studies, videos, and podcasts are just a few examples of the formats you can explore.
In my experience, Video podcasting has been instrumental in helping me reach a wider audience because it offers a convenient and engaging way to consume content.
Unlike other forms of content, such as written articles or blog posts, video podcasts provide a more immersive experience that allows viewers to feel like they’re part of the conversation.
Creating a Content Strategythat Resonates
To create killer content that resonates with your audience, start by developing a clear understanding of their needs, preferences, and pain points.
Use tools like Google Analytics and social media channels to gather insights and fine-tune your content.
I remember when I first started using Google Analytics, I was amazed at the wealth of information it provided. It quickly became an invaluable resource in my content marketing efforts, helping me tailor my content to better meet the needs of my audience.
Developing a Consistent Content Strategy
A successful content marketing strategy requires consistency.
You can’t just publish a few blog posts and expect to see immediate results. It takes time, effort, and patience to build a loyal following and see a return on your content marketing investment.
Back when I first started, I would get discouraged when I didn’t see immediate results. But I’ve learned that consistency is key, and over time, my content marketing efforts have paid off in spades.
The Power of Storytelling in Your Content Strategy
Weaving storytelling elements into your content is a powerful way to connect with your audience on a deeper level.
Sharing personal experiences and anecdotes helps humanize your brand, making it more relatable and memorable.
When I started incorporating stories into my content, I noticed a significant increase in engagement. It turns out that people love hearing about the challenges and triumphs of others, and it made my content feel more authentic and genuine.
Utilizing Social Media Channels
Once you´ve created your high-quality content, it´s time to share it with the world. Social media channels offer a cost-effective way to reach your target audience and amplify your message.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen a well-crafted piece of content go viral on social media, generating buzz and interest in a brand.
Be sure to use the right platforms for your audience, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different formats and approaches to find what works best for your business.
Optimizing Content Strategyfor SEO
To ensure your content reaches your target audience, it’s essential to optimize it for search engines.
SEO keywords play a critical role in making your content discoverable, so be sure to include relevant terms throughout your pieces of content.
When I first started paying attention to SEO, I was surprised by how much of a difference it made in my content’s visibility.
By strategically incorporating keywords like “content marketing strategies” and “boost brand awareness,” I was able to attract more visitors and grow my audience organically.
Omha Content Strategy Secret: Google Analytics
Google Analytics can be your best friend when it comes to understanding your audience and making data-driven decisions for your content marketing campaigns. It provides valuable information on user behavior, demographics, and content performance.
As I mentioned earlier, Google Analytics has been a game-changer for me.
By regularly monitoring the data, I’ve been able to refine my content strategy and make informed decisions about what types of content resonate most with my audience.
Using Long-Form Content to Showcase Expertise
Long-form content, such as video podcasts, is an excellent way to showcase your expertise and provide value to your readers. Long-form content allows you to dive deeper into a topic, demonstrating your knowledge and helping your audience solve problems or learn new skills.
In addition, video podcasting has allowed me to showcase my personality and brand in a way that written content simply can’t match. By putting a face and voice to my content, I’ve been able to create a stronger connection with my audience, which has helped me to build trust and establish myself as an authority in my industry.
The Importance of Consistent Branding in Content Marketing
Consistency in branding is crucial when creating content for your small business.
When I first started, I didn’t pay much attention to branding. But as my business grew, I realized the importance of having a consistent brand image. It has helped me create a memorable experience for my audience and build a strong reputation in my niche.
Repurposing Content for Maximum Impact
One of the most effective content marketing strategies I’ve discovered is repurposing content.
By transforming your existing content into different formats, you can extend its reach and get more value from your content marketing efforts.
For example, I once turned a popular blog post into an infographic, which I then shared on social media. The response was incredible, and it helped me reach a whole new audience who may not have discovered my content otherwise.
Engaging Your Audience through Interactive Content
Interactive content, such as quizzes, polls, and surveys, can be a powerful way to engage your audience and gather valuable insights.
By inviting your readers to participate and share their thoughts with a clear Call to Action (CTA), you can create a sense of community and foster loyalty.
I’ve found that interactive content not only boosts engagement but also provides valuable data that can help shape future content marketing campaigns. It’s a win-win situation for both your audience and your business.
Measuring Content Marketing Success
Lastly, it’s crucial to measure the success of your content marketing efforts.
Keep track of key performance indicators (KPIs) like website traffic, social media engagement, and conversion rates to gauge the effectiveness of your campaigns and make adjustments as needed.
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of tracking my content marketing KPIs. By monitoring my progress and making data-driven decisions, I’ve been able to optimize my campaigns and achieve better results.
The Value of User-Generated Content
User-generated content (UGC) is a powerful way to boost your content marketing efforts and build trust with your audience.
Encourage your customers to share their experiences, reviews, and testimonials, and feature their stories in your content.
I’ve found that UGC not only saves me time in creating content but also adds authenticity to my brand. People trust the opinions of their peers more than advertisements, and showcasing real-life experiences can be incredibly persuasive.
Collaborating with Influencers and Industry Experts
Partnering with influencers and industry experts can help you reach a wider audience and enhance your credibility. Consider guest blogging, hosting podcasts, or conducting interviews with experts to create informative and engaging content for your audience.
One of the most successful collaborations I’ve had was when I invited a well-known expert in my field to write a guest blog post. Their insights and unique perspective brought in new readers and generated a lot of buzz around my brand.
Keeping an Eye on Competitors and Industry Trends
Stay informed about your competitors’ content marketing strategies and the latest industry trends to ensure you’re always one step ahead. By being proactive and innovative, you’ll stand out in the crowded digital landscape and continue to attract and engage your audience.
Over the years, I’ve learned that keeping up with industry trends and competitor analysis is essential for staying relevant and successful in content marketing. It’s helped me adapt my strategies and stay ahead of the curve.
Investing in High-Quality Visuals and Design
Last but not least, never underestimate the power of high-quality visuals and design in your content marketing campaigns.
Engaging imagery, eye-catching graphics, and professional design can significantly impact your content’s appeal and effectiveness.
I once invested in a professional designer to create custom visuals for my blog, and the difference was astounding. The improved aesthetics not only made my content more appealing but also helped increase engagement and shareability.
Final Thoughts
Creating killer content for your small business might seem like a daunting task, but with patience, dedication, and the right strategies, you can make a significant impact on your brand’s growth and success.
Remember to focus on quality content that resonates with your target audience, experiment with different types of content, and optimize your content for search engines and social media channels.
As someone who has been through the ups and downs of content marketing, I can tell you that the rewards are worth the effort. By consistently producing valuable content that speaks to your audience, you’ll build trust, credibility, and a loyal following that will support your business for a long time.
Now it’s time to put these tips into action and start creating killer content for your small business!
Good luck, and remember: with hard work, persistence, and the right content marketing strategies, you can achieve incredible results.
Content Marketing in the Age of the Algorithm
Two Brothers Creative is here to help. As experienced content marketers ourselves, we understand the challenges of selecting channels, preparing creatives, and then effectively promoting your content across multiple touchpoints. Our team is prepared to help you with the process.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the demands of content marketing? Are you struggling to create content that effectively conveys your brand’s value proposition while engaging your audience?
Two Brothers Creative: Content in a Box
Together we’ll identify actionable steps you need to take, from selecting channels that best capture your audience’s attention to creating memorable storylines that keep them engaged. Say goodbye to confusion, wasted time, and financial underperformance with Two Brothers Creative.
What can outbound marketing do for your local Omaha business’s success? Welcome to the grand finale of our three-part series exploring the fascinating world of inbound and outbound marketing for Omaha businesses.
Regardless of the type of business, it’s essential to choose the right marketing strategy for your success.
That’s why we’ve created this series to help you understand these two powerful approaches and make informed decisions.
In the first part, we explore the fundamental differences between inbound and outbound marketing, their goals, tactics, and how they work together for a well-rounded strategy.
The second part focuses on inbound marketing, discussing its core principles, tactics, and best practices for creating valuable content and nurturing leads.
Part Three: Outbound Marketing Definition
Lastly, we dive into outbound marketing, exploring its various tactics and how to balance it with inbound marketing for a winning combination.
By the end of this series, you’ll have a clear understanding of both strategies and be better equipped to choose the right approach for your business goals.
Let’s get started on this insightful marketing journey.
Cold Calls and Emails: Connecting with Prospects Directly
Cold calling and cold emails are two outbound marketing tactics that involve directly reaching out to potential customers.
They can be an effective way to generate leads and make sales, especially for businesses with a well-defined target audience.
However, cold calling and cold emails can be challenging, as many people find them intrusive and may associate them with email spam. To increase the chances of success, it’s essential to do thorough research on your prospects and personalize your outreach. Focus on providing value and addressing the pain points of your potential customers.
For instance, a local business looking to expand its customer base may choose to cold call residents within a certain radius of its storefront. By doing so, they can introduce themselves and their products or services to potential customers who may not be aware of their existence.
Additionally, cold calling can be particularly successful for businesses that offer time-sensitive promotions or discounts. In these cases, the immediacy of a phone call can generate interest and urgency, leading to increased sales and brand awareness.
In my own experience, I’ve found that a well-crafted cold email or a carefully planned cold call can open the door to new business opportunities.
While it’s not always an easy process, persistence and personalization can go a long way.
Trade Shows and Events: Building Connections in Person
Trade shows and industry events are excellent opportunities to showcase your products or services, generate leads, and network with potential customers. By setting up an eye-catching booth or hosting an engaging presentation, you can make a lasting impression on your target audience.
While trade shows can be a high-cost marketing effort, the potential return on investment can be significant. In my own entrepreneurial journey, I’ve found that face-to-face interactions at trade shows have led to lasting business relationships and valuable connections.
Traditional Advertising: Reaching the Masses
Traditional advertising methods, such as radio ads, billboards, and TV commercials, allow you to reach a broad audience with your marketing message.
While these tactics may not be as targeted as inbound or digital marketing strategies, they can still play a crucial role in building brand awareness and driving interest in your products or services.
One thing to keep in mind is that traditional advertising can come with a high cost, especially for small businesses. To make the most of your marketing budget, consider focusing on the advertising channels that best align with your target audience and business goals.
For example, let’s imagine a small, independent coffee shop that has recently opened in a small city neighborhood. The owner wants to attract local customers and build a loyal customer base and wants something that works fast. He might consider putting up a spectacular and giving flyers in the street.
He might not know his ROI exactly, but it’s a sure and effective, and rapid way to get the message across the neighborhood.
Throughout my years in business, I’ve found that a well-placed billboard or a captivating radio ad can still turn heads and pique interest in what I have to offer. The key is to balance your marketing efforts with a mix of inbound and outbound strategies, ensuring that you’re reaching your audience effectively.
The Evolution of Outbound Marketing Definition: Adapting to the Digital Age
While outbound marketing has its roots in traditional advertising and direct outreach, it’s essential to recognize that the landscape has changed significantly in the digital age.
Tactics like email marketing and social media advertising have become increasingly important, offering businesses new ways to connect with their target audience.
In addition to these new-age tactics, businesses must also consider the increasing importance of search engine optimization (SEO) and pay-per-click (PPC) advertising to improve their online visibility. By optimizing their website and investing in targeted online ads, companies can attract more visitors and increase the chances of converting them into customers.
Moreover, the rise of mobile technology has led to a shift in consumer behavior, with more people browsing and shopping on their smartphones and tablets. As a result, businesses need to ensure that their marketing efforts are optimized for mobile devices, including creating responsive websites and mobile-friendly ads.
Email Marketing: The Power of Personalized Outreach
Email marketing has become a crucial component of outbound marketing strategies in the digital age.
By building a targeted email list and sending out personalized, engaging messages, you can nurture leads and encourage them to take action.
When done right, email marketing can be highly effective in driving sales and strengthening customer relationships. To maximize the potential of your email marketing efforts, focus on crafting compelling subject lines, providing valuable content, and segmenting your audience to deliver tailored messages.
In my own experience, email marketing has proven to be a powerful tool for driving revenue and maintaining connections with my customers. Remember to respect your subscribers’ inboxes and avoid spammy tactics that could damage your brand reputation.
Social Media Advertising: Reaching the Right People at the Right Time
Social media advertising is another essential aspect of modern outbound marketing.
Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn offer highly targeted advertising options that allow you to reach your ideal customers based on demographics, interests, and behaviors.
While social media ads can be more intrusive than organic content, they can still deliver impressive results when done correctly. Invest in eye-catching visuals, compelling ad copy, and a well-defined targeting strategy to make the most of your social media advertising efforts.
In my own ventures, I’ve seen social media advertising drive significant traffic to my website, boost brand awareness, and generate valuable leads.
Balancing Inbound and Outbound Marketing
As you plan your marketing strategy, it’s important to recognize the benefits of both inbound and outbound marketing.
While inbound marketing excels at drawing customers in through valuable content, outbound marketing can help you actively reach out to potential customers and generate leads.
The key is to find the right balance between the two approaches, ensuring that your marketing efforts are comprehensive and effective. By combining the strengths of inbound and outbound marketing, you can create a well-rounded marketing strategy that drives results and grows your business.
To develop a well-rounded marketing strategy, it’s essential to find the right mix of inbound and outbound tactics. This balance will depend on your specific business goals, target audience, and available resources. For example, a company looking to build long-term relationships with customers might focus more on inbound marketing to establish trust and credibility, while a business seeking rapid growth and immediate sales might prioritize outbound efforts to quickly generate leads and drive conversions.
Outbound Marketing Definition in the Modern Era
Outbound marketing may seem like an old-school approach, but it still has a lot to offer businesses of all sizes, especially in Omaha.
By incorporating tactics like cold calls, trade shows, traditional advertising, email marketing, and social media advertising, you can actively reach out to potential customers and make your brand stand out from the competition.
As a seasoned entrepreneur, I’ve learned that outbound marketing can be an invaluable asset when used strategically and in conjunction with inbound marketing efforts.
Give it a try, and you might just find that it opens up new opportunities for your business.
Marketing in the age of the algorithm is overwhelming.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the demands of marketing? Are you struggling to create content that effectively conveys your brand’s value proposition while engaging your audience?
Two Brothers Creative is here to help. As experienced marketers ourselves, we understand the challenges of selecting channels, preparing creatives, and then effectively promoting your content across multiple touchpoints. Our team is prepared to help you with the process.
Two Brothers Creative: Content in a Box
Together we’ll identify actionable steps you need to take, from selecting channels that best capture your audience’s attention to creating memorable storylines that keep them engaged. Say goodbye to confusion, wasted time, and financial underperformance with Two Brothers Creative.
Marketing accountability is the key to creating a more fun, productive, and profitable business. Most marketing businesses struggling with productivity and profit are missing one important thing: accountability. With accountability, you can make sure to improve your business results.
To succeed, you need to be professional, which means having a plan and following through with it, not just having it on paper. Tracy guides us into the step of building a roadmap to being a professional business person.
To really understand how to implement an EOS and have a profitable business, we first need to understand what accountability is and why it is so important.
In simple terms, accountability is the responsibility or obligation to complete tasks, meet expectations, and own the consequences of one’s actions. In the context of a marketing business, accountability plays a vital role in ensuring that each team member delivers on their commitments and contributes to the company’s overall success.
Team members are more likely to stay focused and work diligently to meet deadlines when they are held accountable for their tasks and responsibilities.
What is EOS and Why is It Important for Accountability?
As Tracy puts it: EOS, or the Entrepreneurial Operating System, is a comprehensive set of tools and concepts designed to help businesses establish strong organizational systems for improved efficiency and success.
These tools are pretty simple, but that doesn´t mean they are easy to implement. Implementing them effectively requires dedication, discipline, and a lot of accountability to follow up on goals and tasks.
By incorporating EOS into your business operations, you can streamline processes, enhance communication, and promote accountability among team members, ultimately leading to a well-organized, high-performing organization.
Top Business Problems That Marketing Accountability Can Fix
Most of the time, we think of marketing as the fun and creative part of a business, and although it can be all that, it first needs to be a data and structure-driven process. This is why a lot of companies run into marketing problems right away.
The good news is that EOS is excellent for solving the two most common problems that businesses always have.
Underperformers
EOS is grated because it works under a metric-based structure, so it’s easier to identify underperformers or problems that are making your team not as productive and take necessary and needed action.
Streamline Processes
Entrepreneurial Operating System establishes processed, step-by-step guides, KPIs, and other valuables data-driven tools that can help your business create an environment of Accountability.
EOS Core Values for Accountability
EOS has six core values that every team member must follow to reach top productivity and performance. Having this in mind will help your team reach their goals faster and in a more effective manner.
Vision
A clear and cohesive vision is essential for any business to thrive. EOS emphasizes the importance of not only defining your company’s vision but also sharing it with all team members. This enables everyone to work collectively towards common objectives.
People
The right people are the backbone of any successful business. EOS focuses on attracting, retaining, and nurturing the best talent that aligns with your marketing company. Happy people make an accountable and successful business.
Data
Data-driven decision-making is crucial for businesses to stay ahead in today’s competitive landscape. EOS encourages organizations to leverage data to track performance, identify trends, and uncover potential issues. Use clear metrics to ensure that your EOS is working.
Issues
Addressing issues head-on is paramount to maintaining a healthy organization. EOS promotes a proactive approach to identifying, discussing, and resolving problems before they escalate. Try to ask your team regularly if they feel uneasy or find any problems and how you can help.
Process
Streamlined and efficient processes are the foundation of any well-functioning business. EOS helps companies identify, document, and refine their core processes to eliminate bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Companies can improve productivity and ensure consistent delivery of high-quality products or services by continuously optimizing processes.
Traction
Traction is the ability to execute your vision effectively and consistently. EOS strongly emphasizes setting realistic goals and implementing actionable steps to achieve them. By regularly monitoring progress and adjusting strategies as needed, businesses can build steadily advance towards their objectives.
How to Implement EOS for Marketing Accountability
Know that you know all of Tracy´s secrets and about EOS; how do you implement it in your business? Where do you start?
The first step is having clear goals and writing down a plan. Start with a 3-year vision of where you want to be. Then brake it down into a year plan; what do you want to accomplish in this first year that gets you closer to your 3-year vision goal?
Then, focus on the right metrics. These metrics, scorecards, or KPS, will depend on your business’s online presence and goals. It can be things like leads, engagement, likes, shares, etc.
The next set will be to create rocks; these are quarterly goals, usually between 3 to 7 rocks, so that you can brake your yearly plan into smaller steps. Each team member needs to have their own rocks.
Know it is time to create an issues list, what is bothering all the team, and what they feel can be improved, or that is slowing down their productivity. Having this list will help you solve this problem one by one.
Lastly starts with the vision traction and organizer. Think of this as a checklist to see that everybody’s efforts are working as expected.
Remember that having clear goals and expectations for everyone will help your team to stay accountable for their work.
The Key to Accountability: Keep It Interesting
To finish talking about accountability, it’s essential to remember that working with people that you like and believe in makes all the difference for you as a leader and for your employees as a team.
Having a group of people that likes their work is the easiest way to reach a responsible team and have a better workflow.
If your clients or team is not a good fit for your company, then maybe it is time to let them go since this can limit the potential growth for both parties,
Start Your Content Marketing Today
Most business owners struggle with marketing because they don’t have the time, budget, or expertise to manage it all themselves. If you need help with your marketing, we are here for you.
From free weekly marketing resources on our podcast, Midwest Mindset for Marketing, to professional coaching and consulting, to having us do all of the work for you at Two Brothers, we believe every business deserves affordable and effective marketing.