Proliferation

Jun 23
0

Words to Avoid in Content Marketing

By | content marketing | No Comments

Content marketing is a strategy used by many companies all over Utah because of its effectiveness. However, there are few commonly used words in content marketing that devalue the writing and decrease the effectiveness of it. While they may seem minuscule, the eradication of these words from your content marketing vocabulary can great improve your effectiveness.

“Groundbreaking”

This word is usually used to exaggerate a sentence but is commonly viewed simply as filler.

“Awesome”

Awesome has lost its impact in recent years due to the broad population that uses it. It has now become less refined and shouldn’t be used in your content marketing.

“Utilize”

Utilize is simply a fancier version of the word, ‘use’ and will only make the piece harder for the reader to comprehend. It is important to always consider the reader first in content marketing.

“110%”

It is surprising how many businesses use this in their marketing. Exclude this cliché because it only exists for purposes of exaggeration.

“Like”

While this word may be common in teenager vernacular, most readers do not want to consistently bombarded with the word. It feels a lot less natural to read the word, ‘like’ in writing than it does in conversation.

 

“Best”

Using the word, ‘best’ in your writing is very assumptions so it is best to avoid in your content marketing. There are many other words that can replace best in your writing.

“Very”

Unfortunately this word is overused and has lost its impact in writing. Trying using an alternative when you want to use it.

Jargon in General 

Your content marketing will be distributed all over the internet so it is important that you eliminate a lot of jargon from it. For example, if you are talking about skiing in Utah, you may want use the word ‘powder’. However, people who don’t ski will not know what this means. Instead it would be best to explain that there was fresh snow in Utah.

Jun 22
0

What the Obama Administration’s New Overtime Rule Means for Advertising Agencies

By | marketing agencies | No Comments

If you haven’t already heard the news, the Obama administration has recently authorized a sweeping overhaul to the nation’s overtime rules and regulations — a change that will reportedly affect 4.2 million salaried workers and potentially millions more.

This change is by no means a small one and will affect workers from the restaurant industry to those in the academic research field. But what does this new overtime rule mean for marketing agencies?

New Overtime Legislation

According to the U.S. Labor Department, the new overtime rule mandates that any salaried employee making under $47,476 a year must receive time-and-a-half pay for any labor beyond 40 hours per week. This new threshold is double the current limit of $23,660, and probably explains why you haven’t made any overtime pay this year (or ever).

The new rule change is authorized under the Fair Labor Standards Act, part of the New Deal-era legislation designed to protect and strengthen the American middle class. Whereas more than 60 percent of salaried workers were eligible for overtime pay in 1975, today a mere 7 percent of salaried workers are eligible for overtime.

Advertising Often Means Long Hours and High Job Stress

As those of us in the industry know well, advertising is one of the more stressful fields to which to work. Compared to other industries, employees at marketing agencies often work long and irregular hours in order to complete projects and make deadlines — it’s no wonder advertising jobs regularly rank in the top 10 for career stress.

These new overtime regulations may not relieve the stress of working in advertising, but they could ensure that you’re at least getting paid for all that late night and weekend work — especially since a large percentage of employees at marketing agencies in the U.S. currently make less than the new $47,476 salary cut-off.

What’s Next for Ad Agency Higher-Ups?

While these new overtime rules are great news for millions of employees, they present the ad agency higher-ups with a dilemma: cut back on employees’ hours or pay the price.

Opponents of the legislation argue it will force marketing agencies to demote currently salaried workers back to hourly status, potentially stripping them of their health care and other benefits. Other people think agencies will cope with the changes by laying off some of their salaried staff.

Proponents of the legislation, however, see it this way: salaried employees are either going to get more money or have more time to spend with their friends and families. Instead of encouraging lay-offs, proponents argue the new legislation could encourage employers to hire more workers instead of paying time-and-a-half to their current employees.

For an industry with an already higher-than-average growth rate, this could make for even more opportunities for those working in the adverting industry.

The new rule change goes live December 1, 2016. Until then, marketing agencies must face the ultimatum: to cut back on all those nights and weekends hours — or pay the price.

Jun 21
0

What Is Content Marketing?

By | content marketing | No Comments

Marketing used to be more of a science than an art. Marketing agencies from Utah to the East Coast blanketed their messages on TV screens, magazine spreads and internet banner ads. Then one day, this traditional approach to marketing stopped working. Consumers got smarter. They used their DVRs to skip commercials, flipped past the magazine ads and blocked out the internet banners. The scientific approach to marketing didn’t work anymore. It was time to get creative.

Information Creating Sales

Content marketing focuses on creating valuable content and distributing it to a specific audience. Instead of a magazine spread with gorgeous models lathering on sunscreen, a marketing agency in Utah will create videos and blogs about how important it is to protect your skin from the sun. It will research and review the best sunscreens, and publish those results online. Content marketing aims to communicate with consumers in a positive way, understanding that sales will naturally follow.

How does providing people with information generate better business? Content marketing operates under the belief that if a business or organization can consistently provide their audiences with valuable information, those audiences will in turn reward companies and organizations with loyal business.

Communicating With Audiences

Communicating with consumers through content marketing truly is an art. Marketers have to get to know their audiences. What are their likes and dislikes? What information do they want to know? What do they care about? Consumers in Utah may have very different needs than consumers in the Big Apple. The information age means consumers have innumerable options for finding answers, and if they feel a company is out of touch, they’ll simply go somewhere else.

Adaptability and Longevity

Content marketing is the new industry standard because it works, plain and simple. It allows businesses to adapt their marketing strategies to any type of platform — from traditional webpages to the latest social media site. As the world of marketing continues to evolve, there’s no question that content marketing will continue to lead the way.

Jun 20
0

Finding Keywords That Fit

By | SEO, Utah, Utah SEO | No Comments

Keywords are the driving force behind effective SEO. In order to increase your rankings online — and in turn increase your business’s success — you must first select relevant keywords. These keywords, when properly selected, have the potential to propel the rest of your SEO strategy to the top.

With the help of a widely experienced professional SEO firm and time spent performing extensive research, your company has the potential to take its SEO strategy to the next level.

Start With What You Know

When you begin the process of selecting keywords, it is important to gather a team and start brainstorming. Scooby Doo and Shaggy didn’t solve a single mystery without the rest of their team — and neither will you.

By allowing members from multiple facets of your company to join in on your SEO brainstorming session, you set your company up for success. The first part of brainstorming requires you to start where you are and with what you know. Make a list of words that are relevantly associated with your company. If you sell shoes in Utah, maybe the keywords “shoes” and “Utah” will show up on your initial list.

From your initial list, fine-tune the possible keyword options. Once you and your team have assembled a list of relevant topics and possible keywords, the true research begins.

Research Brings the Best Results

The easiest way to start your research process is to head to Google. Google some of your possible topics and see what comes up. If you Google the phrase “Utah Shoes” and companies with a vastly different image than your own appear, consider tweaking your keywords.

Perhaps through your research you discover that the phrase “Utah Sandals” pulls up sites similar to your own. Through trial and error, you have discovered a possible keyword.

Your research continues as you experiment with variations on possible keywords. As part of research, select a few competitors and study the keywords used by those companies. This exercise will give you a good idea of what works for keywords and what does not.

Though this phase can be long and difficult, the research pays off when you select keywords that greatly increase SEO — and ipso facto, business.

Polish Up

After you finish research, whittle down your potential keyword list. It is important that you focus on increasing SEO through only a few keywords. Focusing on too many keywords at once decreases the quality and the effectiveness of your SEO strategy.

Consult a SEO firm for a little extra help in selecting the final keywords. Once the keywords have been selected, get to work on creating great content.

Jun 20
0

Gearing Infographics Toward Social Media

By | digital marketing, Facebook, Mobile marketing, Social Media | No Comments

Infographics were created as a way to keep readers engaged in content. In a world where attention spans are shorter than ever, large blocks of text quickly turn readers away. With the visually engaging appeal of an infographic, it is easier than ever to keep readers reading.

Many companies create infographics, but some do not know how to optimize these infographics for social media. Since social media platforms warrant a large number of infographic shares, it is important that these images are properly optimized. Digital marketing agencies can aid companies in their efforts to take infographics to the next level — both visually and SEO wise.

Five-Star File Names

As the wise wizard Albus Dumbledore one told young Harry Potter, “Always use the proper name for things. Fear of a name increases fear of the thing itself.” Little did Dumbledore know, but his ideas epitomize the key to making your infographics social media friendly.
Digital marketing agencies strategically name infographics because it is one major way that the infographics become searchable and social media friendly — don’t be afraid to follow suit. These digital marketing agencies know that Google crawlers read file names as well as page content, so names are important.

When naming infographics, always use keywords and relevant terms that describe the image. Carry the proper file name over into the alt attribute. This provides Google with enough information to properly identify your infographic.

Subject Matter Matters

Just because a company sells hand sanitizer doesn’t mean all of its infographics must be about hand sanitizer. Picking a relevant infographic topic is vital, because people only read about what they are interested in reading. Just because hand sanitizer might be a boring subject, winter health tips might be more intriguing.
Picking a relevant infographic topic that relates to both your product and your audience is key to infographic success. Digital marketing agencies are equipped with the skills needed to help companies discover existing and pertinent infographic topics. The more searched your topic is, the more social media friendly it is.

Mobile Friendly

A large portion of Americans access their social media accounts from smartphones — that is why it is so important that your infographics remain mobile friendly.
Perhaps you create an amazing infographic, but if it becomes distorted on a small mobile screen your readership decreases. If a graphic does not read well on a smartphone or a tablet, not even all of Dumbledore’s wise advice can save it.
Digital marketing agencies use infographics as a form of content marketing — and infographics must not only be widely viewed, but widely shared as well. These digital marketing agencies know that if your infographic is unreadable on a smartphone, no one will share it — which can be devastating.

Jun 16
0

When Link Spam Hurts SEO

By | Google, SEO, Utah, Utah SEO | No Comments

In an effort to increase SEO, companies often make simple link spam mistakes. Link spam consists of links setup between specific pages that are put in place to capitalize on Googles link-centric algorithms. Though several types of link spam are helpful for SEO, there are just as many types that can hurt.

Knowing the difference between helpful and harmful link spam can save a company’s SEO. Though it can be difficult to discern, professional SEO agencies have the expertise required to help a company get the most out of their link spam.

Blogging Blunders

There several benefits offered by the blogging world, and though SEO specialist often explore the boundaries, individuals must exercise caution. Google has a low tolerance for fake blogs on which anyone can pay for a spot. These guest posts are often low quality and are generally flagged by Google.

If you are featured on one of these sites, make sure your posts are high quality and that you do not over-link. When considering where to place your articles, search out several options. Sites with a low reputation have the potential to damage your SEO.

The Directory Downfall

Google is fairly vocal about how low it ranks links from online directories. Since Google controls your rankings, it is smart to avoid the low-quality directories it so ardently warns against.

Link spam is often placed in directories — and while some of these directories are helpful, others can be detrimental. Make sure your company takes the time to evaluate each directory its links are listed in. This tactic will improve positive SEO and help individuals avoid negative repercussions of poorly placed link spam.

Keyword Catastrophe

Keywords are great way to increase SEO — but when used wrong, keywords can be harmful.

Using unrelated keywords to draw readers in is a dangerous trap, even though it may be tempting to try and increase your readership. If you run a small Utah coffee shop, use “Utah” or “coffee” as a keyword – not smoothies or Washington. Using “Utah” keeps your keywords relevant and your readers happy. Similarly, do not use the keyword “Utah” a million times throughout your article. Keyword stuffing is bad for SEO and incredibly annoying.

Google’s algorithms look for keyword discrepancies — and if you improperly use keywords, your SEO will greatly suffer.

Jun 15
0

The Benefits of the Ad Agency Office Layout

By | digital marketing, Google | No Comments

In 2016, digital marketing companies around the world are embracing the modern, open-office workplace layout. Made famous by tech giants such as Google and Yahoo, the trendy open-office plan has been hailed as a game-changer in the marketing industry — an innovative office design that fosters creativity, engagement and collaboration. The ad agency layout, however, involves more than just the relative lack of cubicles.

A Wealth of Perks

The modern advertising agency is full of unexpected perks. Many digital marketing companies offer game spaces, themed cafeterias and even yoga and relaxation rooms. Other companies offer playrooms for employees’ children, nap rooms and Lego play stations. Here at the Fusion 360 office, our bright-red halls are adorned with a Ping-Pong table, foosball table, multiple Nerf guns, an Xbox and even a shiny pair of Razor scooters. Clearly, the ad agency perks are both varied and numerous.

Increased Collaboration

Another purported benefit of the ad agency office style is the promotion of increased collaboration between employees and departments. When no one has an office or cubicle (or very few people do), employees have a better idea of what is going on in the company as a whole, and are better equipped to offer their insight. When your open office environment is equipped with a host of cool perks, employees can more easily get to know one another better, building solid office friendships that can boost company morale and further facilitate teamwork.

Breaking Down Barriers

Any digital marketing companies worth their salt strive to break down barriers and force people to think outside the box. In an open-office plan, the physical barriers between workers are removed, as are the psychological ones. It’s hard to ask people to think outside the box when they are literally inside one, so tear down those cubicle walls a la “Office Space” and allow your employees to get those creative juices flowing.

Jun 13
0

Advertising Must Make the Move Toward Mobile

By | advertising, marketing agencies, Mobile marketing | No Comments

With the drastic increase in smartphone popularity over the past 10 years has come a sudden decrease in the popularity of other media. The smartphone has become the GPS, television, calendar, ultimate connector and so much more.

While Americans are spending close to a quarter of their daily media time on mobile devices, advertising and marketing agencies are only spending a small fraction of their budget on mobile platforms. Some forward-thinking advertising and marketing agencies are calling for a shift in advertising and a conscious move toward an increase in mobile advertisements.

Out With the Old

In a world where the selfie is king and Facebook is the most popular media platform, big advertising and marketing agencies are still spending huge sums of money on print advertising. Though there is still a place for print advertising, there are several instances in which mobile advertising is drastically more effective.

Advertisements placed on TV and radio are doing reasonably well, but advertising on the internet is sub-par — and where mobile is concerned, nearly non-existent. In order to have a blended and totally effective campaign, it is important that advertising and marketing agencies let go of preconceived notions and get on board with mass mobile advertising.

If your target market mirrors the behaviors exhibited by the vast majority of Americans, then it is safe to say that mobile consumes your market’s time — and unless you meet them there, you risk being completely ignored.

In With the New

With the future of advertising tied so closely to Facebook, it is time to revolutionize the way advertising is executed and bring the ads to the masses. If smartphones and social media are the future of advertising, then that is where we must go.

Take the time to develop a serious plan to integrate mobile advertising into various campaigns.

In the past mobile advertising was considered a bonus — but today it is essential. You wouldn’t fight a Sith Lord without a lightsaber — a campaign without mobile advertisements is equally as hopeless.

Mobile advertising is more than just ads that pop up between levels of Candycrush or business pages of Facebook. Advertising and marketing agencies have the potential to put creativity in action and push the limits of mobile advertising. Whether these advertisements come on Instagram or Snapchat, there are hundreds of ways to advertise and interact with customers.

Jun 10
0

Three Indicators You’re Destined to Be a Web Designer

By | web development, website design | No Comments

Are you more likely to blow your entire paycheck at the local art supply store than the Apple Store? Do you carry a sketchbook in your back pocket or purse next to your keys and wallet? Do you cringe at terrible design concepts while walking through a local business subdivision? If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, then there’s a highly likely chance that you have the DNA of a web designer. Here are a few key indicators that your life calling is to create innovative website design.

1. You Judge People, Places and Things by Font Choice

Screen Shot 2016-06-09 at 5.06.21 PM

You walk into a new restaurant, and as you’re waiting for a table, you decide to use the facilities. Plastered on the door of the restroom is a sign that reads “Please Ask for Key” — in Comic Sans. As soon as your eyes land on this repulsive font choice, you know that you can’t trust the quality of the restaurant. You grab your significant other and book it out of there faster than you can say Times New Roman.

2. You’re More Swayed by a Product’s Packaging Than the Actual Product

Screen Shot 2016-06-09 at 4.55.02 PM

We all might be a little guilty of purchasing a product based solely on its superior packaging — especially if that product is from Glossier, Everlane or Birchbox. The non-designer brain has no problem choosing the product with (shudder) ugly packaging; however, the brain of someone destined for the field of website design is repulsed by the mere thought of bringing something so homely into her home.

3. You’d Never Dream of Throwing Away Magazines

stack of magazines

Your magazine library is almost as extensive as your collection of books — and you wouldn’t dream of ever tossing one of your most beloved magazines. Is it the layout? The font choices? The general inspiration that they provide? It might be a combination of all three. Whatever the case, if you’ve got a hefty collection of magazines, it’s pretty safe to say that you’re destined to work in the field of website design — after you’re done pouring over the latest issue of Interview, naturally.

Jun 09
0

Letting Your Fonts Speak For You

By | Design, web development, website design | No Comments

Picking a font for a company webpage goes well beyond knowing the difference between Serif and Sans Serif. Though the basics of font choice are always a necessity, it is important to remember that picking the perfect font requires time, effort and expertise.

Some self-taught font fanatics and many professional website design companies have the skills necessary to take any website font from bland to brilliant. Selecting the appropriate font during website design allows for companies to draw customers in — and keep them there.

Being Influential With Font Choice

Fonts can do one of two things. Fonts can exemplify your message, enhancing the reader experience and creating a cohesive feel, or fonts can be disruptive and mess everything up. 

Good website design uses fonts to enhance the text and represent the company as a whole. If your company has an elegant feel, consider using a cursive or calligraphy font. On the flip side, if your company is big, bold and loud, let your font express that to the world.

Fonts have the ability to describe something about your company to consumers without express verbal explanations. Consider fonts to be the clothing choice of website design; if you wish to appeal to a group of classic southerners, you dress in classic southern attire. If you want your website design to speak to a classic southern audience on a subconscious level, you use a font that evokes a classic southern feel.

Finding a Font That Fits

After a company identifies what feel it wishes the font to portray, the actual font selection process begins. In many cases, individuals with website design expertise can help companies make the final selection. This ensure that a company is making the most appropriate selection.

If your company wishes to portray a big and bold image, begin looking at fonts that fit in that realm. As you study font options, take time to do the research. Find out what other entities use your font; knowing who else uses certain fonts helps make your final decision informed and educated.

In some situations, companies may wish to have their website design team develop an entirely new font for its webpage. This is perfectly acceptable when done carefully.

Fonts are used not only for website design but for company logos as well — eventually these fonts may evolve into a key factor in identifying your company. However, the time it takes to carefully select a font — especially in cases like these — will always pay off.