Digital Marketing

Top 5 Ways To Optimise Your Content Marketing Strategy

MOMENTUM Business Support Business Support, Digital Marketing, Social Media
Woman sitting at a desk working on a digital tablet device.

As a business owner or marketing manager, you know that creating high-quality content is essential for driving results. But with so many demands on your time, it can be difficult to know where to start or how to make the most of your efforts.

What if we told you that there are some simple – yet highly effective – ways to optimise your content marketing strategy and see growth? In this blog, we’ll share the top 5 ways to optimise your content marketing strategy so that you can start seeing better results in no time.

Plan your content strategy using buyer personas

One of the best ways to optimise your content marketing strategy is to start by planning your content using buyer personas. Buyer personas are fictional, idealised representations of your target customers. They take into account your customer’s demographics, behaviours, motivations and goals. Developing buyer personas for your business will help you create more targeted and effective content. When you know who you are talking to, it is much easier to create content that speaks to their specific needs and preferences. As a result, your content is more likely to resonate with your audience and convert them into customers or leads.

Utilise more photos and visuals

Another great way to optimise your content marketing strategy is to utilise photos and visuals. Recent studies have shown that articles with images get 94% more views than those without. And tweets with images get 150% more retweets than those without. Including photos and visuals in your content will not only help you to get more views and engagement, but it will also make your content more memorable. When you include visuals, you are giving your readers another way to engage with your content and understand your message.

Make sure your website is optimised for search

If you want your content to be seen by as many people as possible, then you need to make sure your website is optimised for search. This means including relevant keywords in your titles and meta descriptions and making sure your website is easy to navigate and mobile-friendly. By improving your SEO, you will make it easier for people to find your content when they are searching for keywords related to your product or service. As a result, you will see an increase in website traffic and engagement.

Use social media to amplify your reach

Another tactic for boosting your content marketing strategy is to use social media to amplify your reach. When you share your content on social media, you are increasing the chances that it will be seen by more people. Not only that, but social media is a great way to start a conversation about your content and get people talking. When you can get people talking about your content, you are more likely to see interaction and improved sales.

Experiment and analyse your results

Finally, one of the best ways to optimise your content marketing strategy is to experiment and analyse your results. Try different things and see what works best for your business. Then, track your results so that you can see what is working and what is not. By experimenting and tracking your results, you will be able to fine-tune your content marketing strategy and focus on the tactics that are producing the best results. It will also allow you to look back upon your progress and better track your business growth.

We hope you find this blog, insightful. If you’ve enjoyed the read, why not share it on your socials? Be sure to tag us and let us know what you think! If you’d like to find out more about optimising your content strategy or require any other support, we’ve got the team to help. Get in touch:

T: 01903 688789 E: makeithappen@mbsmih.com

4 Things To Consider When Doing A Brand Refresh

MOMENTUM Business Support Business Support, Digital Marketing
Desktop computer with graphic design program open with colour schemes and logo templates

Behind every well-established business is strong branding and while a full overhaul isn’t always necessary, a strategic refresh can be the rejuvenation you’re looking for. The world is ever changing and exhibiting the ability to adapt and stay relevant can showcase strength as well as a deeper understanding of your clients’ needs. A current and accurate brand identity helps to portray a better image of your business and so a simple alteration can go a long way in helping it reach its full potential. It’s a great way to create buzz, generate new sales and stay ahead of the curve. But what are the things you should consider before diving in at the deep end? 

How has your business evolved?

At the start of your business, you may have had a basic idea of what you wanted your company to be, but as time has gone on you may have established a more refined image. The appearance of your brand should change accordingly, as you explorer aspects that weren’t initially present or fully developed. It is likely that you have also grown as a person and/ or team, which will reflect in your tastes and skillsets. You may have gained design skills or knowledge which could now allow you to refresh your branding to a standard better suited to your expectations. Finally, you may have also acquired financial resources allowing you to outsource your branding refresh to a professional.

How is your target audience expanding or changing?

Has your target audience expanded or changed from when you last thought about your branding? Do you want to appeal to a new demographic? If so, you can cater your new look to an audience you most want to appeal to, which will naturally draw in more suitable prospects. Just be careful to not forget about your existing audience, as completely changing the branding can alienate long-time customers and damage preestablished relationships when not done right. Subtlety is the best choice and can still benefit from an exciting, rejuvenated look while honouring your branding origins.

Does your branding reflect your current missions and values?

If your company values or ideals have recently changed, it might be time for a brand refresh. For instance, if sustainability has become a major part of your services/ products you might want to consider adding subtle greens to your colour scheme or website. Alternatively, you could also change or create your company slogan to better reflect those values. A great example of using a slogan to showcase your company ethos is Green Toys and their tagline – Good Green Fun™. It’s simple, straightforward, and perfectly echoes their environmentally friendly ideology.

Is your logo optimised and visually up to date?

In the current commercial landscape, simple logos have become a popular choice among newly established businesses, while 3D effects and more intricate patterns are being dropped in favour of more modest designs. Not only are they frequently perceived as more opulent, but they’re also more convenient when it comes to marketing. Simple designs are easier to incorporate into advertisements as well as being the optimal choice for scaling and resizing. Colour is also a great way to strengthen your branding but use it sparingly as too many can sometimes appear inconsistent and dated. Stick to shade variants of your existing palette or 1 or 2 complementary tones.  Fonts can equally go a long way and are often overlooked – cursive can give a handwritten and authentic impression, while serif creates a more formal and traditional look.

It should be noted that the number one mistake when changing up your branding is implementing too much change – too quickly. It’s important to be patient and realistic about the process, making sure to retain easy recognisability and discussing upcoming changes with your audience. Consider holding an official launch for your new/ refreshed branding, celebrating the new chapter alongside your team and clients. Most importantly, take your time and don’t be afraid to hire professional services to help you execute your vision.

If you’d like to find out more or require any additional business support, we have every team you need! Get in touch:

T: 01903 688789 E: makeithappen@mbsmih.com

5 Way’s To Perfect Your CTA Strategy

MOMENTUM Business Support Business Support, Digital Marketing
Open notebook with Call To Action written over the page

In most cases, the best performing campaigns are carefully embellished with eye catching CTA’s (Calls To Action). Serving as compelling invitations and tempting offers, they’re often the final touch on landing pages, newsletters, and adverts. A call to action is a digital marketing strategy designed with the intent to encourage immediate action or sale from an audience. When used right, these tailored words and phrases can evoke desirable responses from your prospects. But what’s the trick to writing the perfect CTA?

Set clear goals

Before creating your call to action, you need to figure out what you are trying to achieve. Would you like readers to subscribe to your newsletter? What about converting leads to customers? Deciding the purpose of the CTA makes it easier to tailor it to a specific audience, which in turn makes it more effective. Have a clear vision and bring it to life!

Spark a feeling of urgency

Using time-sensitive CTAs is a great way to make your offer seem more exclusive. Saying “buy now while stocks last!” is an effective way of encouraging prospects to make a purchase because of the “fear of missing out” (FOMO). Introducing a sense of urgency is a beneficial tool for any customer sitting on the fence about a purchase. When offered unlimited time, prospects may delay, seek other options, and eventually lose interest. Adapting the FOMO strategy is a secure way of encouraging an audience to go through with an action – ultimately boosting sales

Make the most of action verbs

The best CTAs often utilise imperative phrases and direct commands. There’s no point beating around the bush – be clear and concise with your audience, make sure they always know where to go next. With a very limited word count, the most effective approach is providing clear directions. This will help to keep your prospects on track, while avoiding any confusion or wavering interests. Always set apparent intentions. For example, when promoting a newsletter “subscribe”, “sign up” or “join” are all solid choices. Or if you’re hosting a giveaway, “get”, “claim” or “download” may be the verbs you’re looking for.

Keep it short

Don’t waste time over-explaining. Use short and straight to the point phrases to maximise your audience engagement. Avoiding lengthier sentences will ensure that your CTA commands attention and becomes a stronger focal point.  Not only do shorter Phrases look more visually appealing, but they are also more likely to result in direct action from your audience. According to recent findings, the most effective calls to actions are those with fewer than four words (though up to six is still considered efficient). So, make sure to keep it brief when possible!

Emphasise value

Give your audience a reason to follow your directions, emphasising the value your offer brings to the table. While this can be harder to achieve in shorter formats, answering the age-old question of “why” will generate a higher appeal, encouraging prospects to follow through with your CTA. Be smart with your choice of words and be the solution they’re looking for. Adding value to your call to actions is a great way of boosting interest and an effective tool for achieving higher click through rates. A common approach is the combining of your CTA with your USP (unique selling point). For example, “call now for a free trial” or “sign up for a promo code”.

We hope you’ve found our tips insightful! If you’d like to find out more about creating the perfect CTA or require any additional business support, get in touch!

E: makeithappen@mbsmih.com   T: 01903 688789

Creating An Engaging Facebook Business Page

MOMENTUM Business Support Digital Marketing, Social Media
Hands holding a mobile phone displaying the Facebook app log in screen

Facebook is one of the original social media platforms, and thanks to its 3 billion monthly users, it is still considered to be the most popular choice when it comes to marketing through social media. But, with millions of businesses using the platform, how do you go about making your Facebook page stand out? 

Consistent imagery

Image form is the biggest immediate impression on your page. Your profile picture is often the first thing that someone sees when browsing, so it needs to display your company name or logo. The cover photo gives you a bit more space and is a good place for a summary of your brand, or the showcasing of a new product or service. Keeping all your images branded is crucial for maintaining consistency across your page. This also includes your weekly posts and advertisement. Doing so ensures that prospect visitors are presented with recognisable content, improving the memorability of your page.

Optimised about section

The about section will likely be the first written segment that your page visitor will be exposed to – making it the best place to display key information about your company. It is also a great opportunity to vocalise your company values, ambitions, and of course slogans! Remember to make sure your website link is easily accessible and functional. It is key to guiding Facebook users back to the heart of your business.

Call to action button

An enticing call to action is essential for your page. Asking visitors to like and follow is a natural fit for Facebook, however you may also consider other call to action buttons such as; signing up to newsletters, registering for webinars, downloading content or seasonal sales.

Custom username and vanity URL

A custom username and URL is a great final touch to your business page. They can make the page look more considered and professional. Shorter URL’s not only benefit from being easier to find but are also more memorable and trustworthy. They are more visually appealing, promoting shareability while not overpowering the rest of your content. To set up your vanity URL, simply visit the Edit Page section, proceed to the basic information section, and claim an available username. This will automatically provide your page with a custom URL based on your pages chosen username.

Recommendations and reviews

Facebook recommendations are invaluable when it comes to boosting your brands online reputation. They can go a long way in improving your company’s visibility, attracting prospects, and showcasing credibility. According to latest findings, almost 20% of all customer reviews are housed on Facebook – making it the prime location for spreading positive news about your business. Be sure to encourage customer reviews. Remember that credibility is always the deciding factor when trying out a new service.

If you’d like to find out more about setting up an engaging Facebook page, or require any additional business support get in touch:

E: makeithappen@mbsmih.com   T: 01903 688789

Boosting Your Audience Engagement Through Social Media

MOMENTUM Business Support Business Support, Digital Marketing, Social Media
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So you’ve created a social media account for your business. You may even have a significant following, but the audience engagement just isn’t coming. What can be done?  Luckily, many of the solutions are simple and, in most cases, benefit from immediate results. Here’s our list of 6 things you can do to boost your social media engagement today!

Optimise your following

Sure, it may be tempting to follow as many people as you can in hopes of growing your audience. You may have even considered inorganic ways of grow your following. The truth is numbers don’t matter unless every follower is either a prospect or a benefit to your business. First and foremost, it is interest that drives engagement; thus, an optimised audience is crucial when it comes to generating more interactions. Follow accounts which are fitting with your business – consider if they are suitable prospects with potential interest in your niche. For example, if you’re a brand which sells vegan food, your target audience is of course primarily vegans. A following of sworn meat-eaters would most likely bring little engagement.

Post frequently

A large part of engagement is often received from your long-term followers. Individuals who already know your business and have likely established a positive dynamic over time. It’s not too different from in person relationships; the more you get to know someone the more likely you are to engage with them! Therefore, it is important for your account to be active, post frequently, and be consistent. Don’t disappear for weeks and expect your engagement to bounce back upon your return! Build momentum with your following, establish trust, and give them a reason to interact.

Ask questions

Asking questions, is the simplest way of eliciting information and thus prompting engagement. They don’t always have to be business related either! Ask your followers about their day, current events, or their opinions. Just remember to reciprocate the interaction. Not only do questions encourage engagement, but they also provide you with an opportunity to obtain first hand insights into audience preference. Discuss upcoming products and ideas, use your platform to learn more about your prospects and in-turn write about your target audience’s main interests.

Include more visuals

Always include visuals where relevant. Recent studies show that information retention after a three-day period, is 50% higher when exposed to content accompanied by visuals. As well as being more memorable, their engagement rates are 650% higher, making them a great tool when it comes to storytelling and creating interaction worthy content. There are very few instances in which visuals won’t benefit your posts, so be creative and remember to make them branded! Include images, gifs, or infographics, and don’t be afraid to put out video content.

Give more than you get

It cannot be one sided, if you seek engagement, you must make the effort to interact too. Respond to your audience, make them feel heard and be an active participant in online conversations. Making a conscious effort to respond and interact with your audience adds personalisation and credibility to your account, subsequently giving your followers a reason to seek engagement too. Present your business as a social and approachable enterprise and breathe life into your profile. Try to limit automation to a minimum, a real time response can go a long way in personifying your business and improving prospective relationships.

Stay on top of current affairs

Always be a credible source for news and trending topics relating to your field. Don’t give your competitors the upper hand when it comes to offering up to date information! Becoming a go to source will encourage your audience to show their appreciation through the means of likes, shares, and comments – boosting your engagement while simultaneously expanding the reach of your content. Subscribe to informative newsletters, follow industry experts, and stay on top of trending and newsworthy stories. Make a conscious effort to stay up to date and spread your expert knowledge through your social media content.

Audience engagement is a crucial part of every social media strategy and thus a key step in growing your business. It’s a fantastic way of interacting with your prospects but most importantly a beneficial tool when it comes to evaluating the effectiveness of your content. If you’d like to find out more about other ways of boosting your engagement or require any additional support, we’d love to help! Get in touch:

E: makeithappen@mbsmih.com   T: 01903 688789