What is SEO? “SEO” is search engine optimization. It is a methodology of strategies, techniques, and tactics used to increase website traffic by obtaining a high-ranking position in search results on search engines (SERP). SEO aims to increase “free” or “organic traffic”. SEO used to be a discipline dominated by black-hat marketers whose focuses were to game Google’s algorithms in order to increase rankings and drive traffic. With Google’s algorithm changes, this is no longer the case. As the world’s online library, it strives to provide the most relevant and valuable information. Google seeks to connect the world with relevant …

Technological advances have irrevocably revolutionized the way we live. The integration of technology into our lives has undeniably improved our quality of life. We are able to live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives as a direct result of technological innovations. These advances have created societal shifts toward a creative, knowledge economy.  This fundamental shift has driven rapid growth in the global economy. For the most part, technology has been scripted by scientists or coders and has required the general direction of a human to operate. The introduction of Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) is exciting because it presents the possibility of …

What is Content Marketing? Content marketing is the heavyweight contender in a modern digital marketing strategy. It is a strategic marketing approach centered on developing and distributing valuable and relevant content to the target audience. It is an ongoing process with the end goal of driving consumer action. Simply put, it is the craft of communicating with your customers and prospects without implicit selling. It is not an endless pitch or an attempt to subliminally drop mention of your offering. The premise is that by providing valuable information to your audience that they will reward you with their business and …

Remarketing (a.k.a. retargeting) is a marketing tactic that involves targeting website visitors after they have left your website. It gives you a second chance to convert your website visitors into customers! Remarketing ads are personalized based on your audience’s previous web history rather than their user profile. This proves to be more effective as ads are shown only to potential buyers that have already expressed interest- rather than a broad audience that might fit your target demographic. Remarketing works through a cookie-based technology. Cookies are small text files that are sent from a website to the user’s web browser. Most …

Influencer marketing has been in the spotlight for strong marketing trends the past year. It is a form of marketing that focuses on targeting key individuals or brands rather than the entire target market. In a world where consumers are increasingly distrusting of advertisements and corporate messages, influencer marketing offers a refreshing escape. The bombardment of competing, contrived marketer messages only serves to amplify consumer cynicism. In contrast, recommendations from influencers appear to be more credible and authentic – they don’t come off as messages spearheaded by big corporate agendas. The market influence often stems from recognized expertise, popularity, or …

Together WE can change the world. For those who are not aware, WE Day is an extraordinary event structured to empower and encourage youth in making a difference. The mission has a simple purpose, to empower young people to change the world. The celebration depicts stories of compassion, bravery and strength with positive vibes that quickly spread from the speakers and throughout the audience. With energy, laughter, and tears this event quickly pulls you out from the distractions of the everyday hustle and sends you into an atmosphere of support and excitement for change. As an adult, you would know …

You are losing sales – big time. It may seem harsh to hear but it is so true. If at this point in the progression of smart phones, where the technology is practically an extension of one’s self, you have not considered the gravity of mobile optimization – we can’t help but wonder where you have been. Mobile optimization is most defiantly past its tipping point, but here we are, still stressing the importance of mobile optimized websites. Again, perhaps harsh, but as users ourselves we are surprised to find so many websites that do not provide the same great …

Leads leads leads These days there is plenty of online encouragement reminding you that the key to success is to attain more leads. But if we recall, there is and always has been cost involved in gaining leads. This is not to deter from its importance, because yes – it is key; there is great value and potential associated with utilizing content marketing, advertising, SEO (search engine optimization) and adwords. Without these costs you are stranded, unable to reach your targeted audience. There would be no online lead generation at all. However, to unlock the ‘key to success’ with leads …

After reading the article Break your Industry’s Bottleneck by Barrett Ersek, Eileen Weisenbach Keller, and John Mullins it left me curious in a number of areas. If you read the original article, which I suggest you do, you may also find yourself intrigued. Published by the Harvard Business Review this cleverly crafted article is rich in concrete examples and guides readers to understanding one thing – questioning where your industry bottlenecks are. Essentially, the article identifies 5 industry bottlenecks; outdated customer experience, cost categories, customer risk, disengaged employees, and negative externalities. Each industry in theory operates with at least one or …