Few marketing buzzwords seem to elicit more attention than social media. That’s because when a social media campaign is creative and well-executed, it can prove a powerful addition to your marketing arsenal. But with so much competition for attention, ever-adapting algorithms and costly marketing mistakes, many have a difficult time generating a significant return on…
This year is an exciting time for website trends. It is imperative that marketing agencies stay on top of the latest web design trends, ensuring clients receive the most modern, functional designs that appeal to mass audiences. While we are all drawn to attractive websites, it takes more than just a pretty design to draw…
Over the years, I have worked with companies who block access to all social media platforms within their network. This move was probably intended to keep employees focused on their work. However, the marketing, HR, and sales teams really needed access to these networks! No, I’m not talking about encouraging everyone to go waste their…
If you aren’t researching current and future social media trends as a way to enhance your marketing strategy, you are likely losing out a huge opportunity to create conversions, build your email list and improve your lead generation. That’s because social media is one of the best ways to leverage your business, with about 3.5…
If you own a business of any kind, you’ll inevitably be faced with the ever important question: should your business be on Google? Now, we’re not just talking about showing up in Google search results, because every business should be doing that, but rather, we’re talking about creating a Google My Business listing. While the…
As marketers, we all tend to think that our content is always great. We provide value in a fun, memorable way, speaking to our audience in a manner that they enjoy. While it would be great if that were true, the sad reality is that if we aren’t careful, our content can do more harm…
Meet A Mom: Jess Meet A Mom HI! Im Jess Stoffel, owner of Epic Media Inc., an internet marketing company specializing in website design, SEO and social media marketing. I grew up in the Detroit area and moved to Evanston in 2006 after I graduated from Oakland University. In Evanston, I met my husband Chuck…
Nearly 3 of every 4 small businesses plans to invest in social media marketing this year. That finding stands out in a new survey from The Manifest. It’s called How Small Businesses Use Digital Marketing Channels in 2019. 2019 Social Media Statistics The study also found these interesting data points: Nearly all small businesses (95%)…
Ever hear the phrase: “you never get a second chance to make a first impression”? Although this is certainly true for meeting new people, it also applies to your company’s B2B website design. So how do you tell your brand story online? Consider the preparation necessary for a business meeting. You likely outline and practice…
Local Businesses Will Need Websites More than Ever in 2019! As local brands and their marketers watch Google play Trojan horse, shifting from top benefactor to top competitor by replacing former “free” publicity with paid packs, Local Service Ads, zero-click SERPs, and related structures, it’s no surprise to see forum members asking, “Do I even…
Using social media to build a better brand and engage with consumers is a special opportunity that content marketers shouldn’t take lightly. Is your brand being represented the way it was intended to be on social media? Social media being used for an endless list of reasons, one of which is by brands seeking to…
Many brands and businesses know (or think they know) that they need SEO for their digital properties, and the benefits they will get from that SEO work being implemented on their behalf. SEO will certainly improve a website’s overall searchability and visibility, but what other real value does it offer? Why is SEO so important?…
Following a number of big announcements for the marketing industry in the second half of 2018, the coming 12 months will see significant pieces fall into place, with hiring expected to start for Amazon’s HQ2 in New York City, major marketing deals coming to fruition and legacy brands accelerating their focus on direct services to…
The Internet has been around for quite some time already. Just like any invention, it keeps evolving. Network speeds get faster and we can now connect to the World Wide Web using a variety of devices – from desktop computers to mobile phones and even watches. Naturally, together with the technological evolution, the needs and…
Having an effective social media strategy can take your business to the next level. It helps legitimize your business, reach potential customers and promote your brand. While every business should be on at least one social media platform, social media can sometimes be overwhelming. It can be hard to keep up with the never-ending updates…
Whatever the goal of your website is, whether to sell products, let customers make appointments to see you, generate new leads, or simply to raise awareness of your brand, there are some core principles that every website build should follow. While there are a number of technically sound best practices every business owner should keep…
Opinion: It isn’t as easy or straightforward as people are inclined to believe To most of the billions of people who use social media applications to keep in touch with friends and family members, social media marketing might seem like a pretty easy gig. It’s certainly proving to be an exciting career, especially for newcomers.…
Every company has a brand, whether they make it a priority or not. Simply defined, a brand is what people think about you – the impressions they have when hearing or seeing your name. In most cases your brand is reflected initially in your logo mark, then supported by your messaging. These experiences influence attitudes…
While you hear the term more in relation to for-profit businesses, branding is an important element of success for nonprofit organizations too. Your brand is what people think about when they think of your nonprofit. This impacts your public image, your engagement, and your fundraising efforts. Brand management is the work you do to influence…
As a former CMO, I often consult with small business owners and startup founders regarding their marketing strategies. Usually these conversations start with the question, “Do I really need to invest in marketing?” It’s a valid query; startups are often short-staffed and have a laundry list of important tasks. The short answer, however? Yes! It…