What’s Affecting your Search Engine Optimization?

Posted on May 16, 2013 by

14783269_mDo you have a business that you’d like to see gain more traffic and attention? Increasing sales is an age-old battle that all companies have faced at one time or another. Something you might find interesting is that nearly all consumers conduct online searches to identify and review local businesses. This means that your placement in the search rankings is more important than ever if you want to gain exposure, and the best way to raise your rank is through search engine optimization tactics. 

According to a recent article featured by Social Media Today, almost 70 percent of all search results are impacted by a particular geographic location, and of Google inquiries, 20 percent are for  information within the local area. So say goodbye to Yellow Page ads and embrace search engine optimization. Here are some things impacting your local rank:

  • High domain authority
    The better the domain authority, the more viable it will be against other rivaling domains. An improvement to domain authority can be achieved by employing relevant search engine optimization techniques.

  • Location info mentioned on landing page
    If your company’s city and state of operation are not mentioned on your website landing page, you are not optimizing your search ranks.

  • Number of honorable mentions
    For instance, being listed in the local phone directory helps Google confirm you’re a legitimate area business. For best search engine optimization results, submit directory information to providers online.

  • Quantity of Google+ reviews in the area
    Google+ reviews are thought to carry the most weight, so make sure that your business is showing some feedback on the Local Page for Google+.

  • Physical location in the city of inquiry
    When a consumer conducts a business search but doesn’t specify an address, results will be limited to only those companies within the local area of the person initiating the search.

  • Correct labeling
    Ensure your business comes up in the right category. If you operate a floral shop, it should show up in the Google+ florist category. When no category fits, it’s imperative to create a detailed custom category to help consumers find you.

There are many factors impacting search engine optimization. To achieve the best results, it’s wise to seek the advice of a professional.

Posted in SEO | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Content Marketing Can Offer the SEO You Desire

Posted on May 15, 2013 by

14311046_mThe answers are only a few short clicks away, and customers know it.

Search engines are the number one tool to research information on nearly every product and service on the market today. Accessibility to the Internet, in turn, is making the use of search engines all the more common.

Content marketing goals should include getting the attention of search engines like Google and Bing. After all, they are the two top search engines out there and their ratings matter. Improving overall rankings will lead to more customers and better business. Those that are equipped to better understand its content marketing capabilities will find success this way.

If you still aren’t convinced of its potential, the facts speak for themselves. At least 97 percent of consumers search for local businesses online? Geography and specified locations influenced about 69 percent of searches with nearly 20 percent of Google searches made looking for local information.

Here are some tips to increasing your search engine optimization rankings.

  • Be specific. Google will limit the listings displayed to your proximity. Make sure and include your physical address in the searched city.

  • When categorizing your business, be sure to place yourself accurately. Think general on the first listing and then be more specific on the second listing. If you are a floor contractor, go contractor first, flooring specialist second.

  • Remember to include your actual address so that Google can connect you to its already established city center. This will help direct searches.

  • In order to be competitive with other domains, Google+ Local Page will need you to be commanding and relevant with your website. This is the only way to stay on top of the game.

  • Make sure you get your business’ name out there. The most effective way to do this is to submit your data to online providers and directories.

  • Keep the city and state of your business in the first line of your website. If you can add it into your web address, even better.

  • Reviews are the quickest way to boost SEO. The more Google+ local reviews, the higher your ranking.

  • Keep everything consistent. There’s nothing worse than having your old phone number listed in a directory. Make sure the exact address, including spelling, and information is the same on every piece of data that gets submitted to these providers.

Just remember that details are everything. You never know what a potential customer could be typing in on their next search. Help make their choice easier by guiding them to your business.

At Susan J. Campbell Copywriting we know content marketing and have the solutions to guide you to higher rankings, give us a call today.

Posted in Content Marketing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

There are Tools for Creating Content. Let Us Help You Find Them

Posted on May 14, 2013 by

18655130_mAlmost overnight many companies were on Facebook, Twitter and even had their own YouTube channels. Others began experimenting with Instagram and Vine when some businesses didn’t even know they existed. But those that were even further ahead of the game know that creating content that’s popular on their site drives the search engine. It’s a golden opportunity.

However, a large percentage of those same companies lack the follow through it takes to sustain long term in the market. While they know the power of social media, they have failed to execute their content marketing plan.

Wouldn’t it be easy if you had photo and content sharing capabilities built into your website? Shuttlerock gives users versatile options that are more dimensional than what you’ve been doing. It allows you to generate photos and stories and let your customers, staff, and fans share them through their individual social media outlets.

Several companies have found successful results with Shuttlerock. According to a recent article, Black Cat Cruises was able to double their online sales and increase their user sessions by creating 850 photos in just six months. A football team in Queensland used Shuttlerock to generate 233 images from a mere seven content boards in the first month.

Shuttlerock is a great tool that is not only easy to use but offers a real solution to fresh and relevant content for your website and blogs. It is a platform that gives interaction between customers, staff, fans, and supports increased engagement and more sales.

Creating content at this caliber is content marketing at its finest. It will give you more satisfying interaction with customers and their “friends” while maintaining control over the content and conversations as well as :

  • A continual cycle of fresh content driven through all of your companies networking channels.

  • Search engine rankings that will increase and so will the social media action that Shuttlerock influences.

  • Build that customer email list you’ve always wanted.

 

At Susan J. Campbell Copywriting Solutions we specialize in strong content and can help you find the tools you need to for a strong content marketing strategy.

Posted in Content Marketing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Monday Morning Coffee with Mi Amor Cake Design

Posted on May 13, 2013 by

miamorTis the season for …. Cake. Lots and lots of cake. Graduations, honoring Mom, baby baptisms, and weddings are just a few of the cake-friendly occasions happening nationwide right now.

Here’s an example from Mi Amor Cake Design, showcasing a few simple ways to stand out in a market that offers plenty of options for desserts, baked goods, custom cookies and designer cakes. Regardless of your industry, it’s always smart to consider how you can stand out as well.

Mi Amor is a relative new-comer to the cupcake and custom cake scene, and is in what some would consider a non-mainstream location. Yet this little St. Joseph, Mo., bakery is quickly reaching 700 Facebook fans, with active engagement and customer comments and questions. They were featured in a full-length news story for their technique and artistry, and have continued to grow in popularity. The catchy tagline seems to convey the philosophy for the business:  ”Where love and art make cake.” What else are they doing to succeed?

1. A simple website that wholly promotes social media. The Mi Amor website has little text on the homepage; rather it’s chock full of photos and a large banner that urges guests to like them on Facebook for special discounts. This is not just a tiny Facebook icon; it’s a full-out invitation.

2. Nothing says a great product like tons of photos. The website and social media tools used by Mi Amor feature several eye-catching views of their products, some they’ve posted and some from their customers. If you’re not offering a visually-exciting product, think about the lifestyle your product or service conveys. Capture photos related to that. People like pictures.

3. Following popular trends and being flexible. Mi Amor offers cakes that follow current trends for TV shows, characters and what’s being seen by customers on major food channels. The premise here is to pay attention to what customers are looking for and asking for, and do your best to offer something similar. The end result is a bit of “star” quality, as people feel like they’re getting the hot national trend experience even in their own hometown.

4. Participate in local events and rally these events with your social media. Recently Mi Amor asked guests to come and see them at a civic event, with the sweet carrot of offering cheap cake pops. This shows they are involved in their community, and customers respond to that.

These tools and more can help you gain an unique brand identity, and they all start with a content creation strategy that truly speaks to your customers. Today at Susan J. Campbell Copywriting Solutions we say yes, you can have your cake — and eat it too.

Posted in Content Marketing, Copywriting, Monday Morning Coffee, Social Media, Social Media Marketing, Support Local | Leave a comment

Three Ways to Build a Better Email Strategy

Posted on May 10, 2013 by

10675851_mWhen it comes to allocating money for the marketing budget, it’s easy for a company’s email strategy to get overlooked or pushed to the backburner. This is because newer forms of engagement through Twitter and Facebook have consumed a lot of marketers’ thoughts. When properly executed, however, email is still a low-cost and effective way to connect with people.

To have a successful email strategy, there are a few things to keep in mind. A recent blog from Tech & Science offers some pointers to those wishing to build an effective campaign.

  • Be precise with your goal
    What is it you hope to achieve with your email strategy? Are you trying to increase awareness around a certain product or service or the brand in general, or are you hoping to grow sales? It’s important to set clear objectives as these will impact all the decisions that follow.

  • Avoid blanket emails
    If you send out 1,000 emails and it’s not to the right people, your message will fall on deaf ears. For an email strategy that works, first identify members of your target audience, those who will be the most receptive to your product or service offerings. Prior to the campaign, do some in-depth research to truly dissect and understand their needs and how your product or service satisfies them. This will help with positioning. Don’t forget to track the results of your campaign including click-through rates, leads, and sales.

  • Tailor your message
    The same email is not going catch everyone’s attention. You have a better chance of being relevant and received if you personalize your message a bit. This shouldn’t be too hard as you should have already uncovered some basic personal information in the needs discovery process. A generic message is more likely to be deleted or ignored.


Have some tips you’d like to share about how to construct an effective email strategy? Struggling to find your way? Whichever end of the spectrum you’re on, we’re all ears.

Posted in Email Marketing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Creating Content that Stands out From the Crowd

Posted on May 9, 2013 by

18027752_mWhen it comes to creating content, really the sky’s the limit. With dozens of fun ways to engage viewers with meaningful information, you’re only held back by your own creativity. Content is a great way to connect with followers and provide them with resources they will find both interesting and informative. It can boost search engine rankings, establish you as an expert in your field, and ensure a steady stream of traffic continues to flow your way. 

This blog from Social Media Today provides insight as to how you can continue your quest for creating content which captures your audience’s attention.

Google Trends. This tool provides great information regarding the search history of people within a specified location. So, if in the process of creating content you want to know what keywords will put you in front of your target audience – Google Trends is the place to look. And, it’s free!

Google Alerts. When you want to be alerted regarding trends surrounding a particular search topic, or if you’re curious to see what your competition is up to, this program is a gem. Once you subscribe, you will be notified when new blogs, articles, and other news topics containing a preferred search word or phrase post to Google.

Google Keyword Suggestions. After performing a search inquiry, at the bottom of each page is a list of terms related to the specific search topic. Google does all the work for you! These are the most popular search terms used by the public on the subject at hand and make creating content that much easier.

Video Content. Browsing through sites like You Tube or Vimeo, you’ll find everything from How To videos to expert tips and tricks, which can provide great inspiration for written content. Incorporating videos into your written content can also help drive traffic, especially if the video is highly sharable.

Pinterest. Because of its visual appeal and organizational capabilities, Pinterest has become a household name in the world of social media and continues to gain momentum. The site is a great place to scope for trends and get fresh ideas to breathe life into your content marketing.

Have some fresh ideas for creating content? Unique content creation is our specialty.

Posted in Content Marketing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment