Getting started with SEO for your website

SEO should be at the heart of any website content that any website owner creates.

Good SEO is crucial for any online business, but it's misunderstood " because of its innate complexity

If you have a website and you are ready for loads of traffic and business then you are probably starting to think about SEO and how you can use it to better your site. In a nutshell, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the practice of optimizing your website to improve its visibility and ranking on search engines like Google, Yahoo, and Bing. This is important because the higher your website ranks on search engine results pages, the more likely people are to click through to your website and potentially become customers.

As a business owner who has just created a website, it's essential to understand that having a great website design and quality content is just the first step. Without proper optimization, your website may not show up in search engine results, or it may be buried under pages of other search results.

What does SEO include?

SEO involves several techniques, including keyword research and optimization, on-page optimization, off-page optimization, and technical optimization. Each of these techniques is designed to improve your website's visibility and ranking in search engine results.

Keyword research and optimization involves identifying the keywords and phrases that potential customers are likely to use when searching for your products or services, and then optimizing your website's content to include these keywords in a strategic way.

On-page optimization involves optimizing your website's pages, titles, meta descriptions, headings, and content to ensure that they are easily readable and understood by both search engines and humans.

Off-page optimization involves building links from other high-quality websites back to your website, which can help to improve your website's authority and ranking.

Technical optimization involves making sure that your website is technically sound, including factors such as site speed, mobile responsiveness, and crawlability.

Overall, investing in SEO is a critical part of your website's success. By optimizing your website for search engines, you can increase your online visibility, drive more traffic to your website, and ultimately increase your sales and revenue.

What does good SEO look like?

Because SEO is such a large topic I find it best to describe it through positive examples so let's take a look at some things that a website with good SEO might have:

A website with good SEO is a website that has been optimized for search engines like Google, Yahoo, and Bing. This means that the website is designed to be easily found and understood by search engines, which can result in higher rankings and more traffic from search engines.

From a business owner's perspective, a website with good SEO will be designed to attract more potential customers to your website, which can increase your chances of making a sale. Here are some of the characteristics of a website with good SEO:

1. Clear and concise website structure: A website with good SEO will have a clear and concise website structure, which is easy for search engines to navigate and understand. This includes a clear navigation structure, a sitemap, and a clear hierarchy of pages.

2. Keyword research and optimization: A website with good SEO will be optimized with relevant keywords and phrases that potential customers are likely to search for. This includes optimizing page titles, meta descriptions, and content with relevant keywords, while also avoiding "keyword stuffing" or overuse of keywords.

3. High-quality content: A website with good SEO will have high-quality content that is relevant, informative, and engaging to potential customers. This includes blog posts, articles, product descriptions, and other content that is optimized for search engines and tailored to the needs of your target audience.

4. Backlinks from high-quality websites: A website with good SEO will have a strong link profile, with high-quality backlinks from relevant and authoritative websites. This helps to increase the authority of your website and improve its search engine rankings.

5. Technical SEO: A website with good SEO will also have a focus on technical SEO, which includes optimization of the website's backend, such as site speed, mobile responsiveness, and crawlability. This helps to ensure that search engines can easily crawl and index your website, resulting in higher rankings and more traffic.

A website with good SEO is a valuable asset for any business owner, as it can help to attract more potential customers and increase the visibility and credibility of your business online. By investing in SEO, you can take your online presence to the next level and see the results in your bottom line.

The first steps you can take to optimise your site:

1. Conduct keyword research: Keyword research involves identifying the keywords and phrases that your potential customers are likely to use when searching for products or services related to your business. This research will help you identify the keywords and phrases to target in your website's content, including your headings, titles, meta descriptions, and body text.

2. Optimize your website's content: Once you've identified the keywords to target, you'll need to optimize your website's content to include those keywords in a strategic way. This includes writing high-quality, informative, and engaging content that uses your target keywords in a natural and appropriate way.

3. Improve your website's structure: A well-structured website can make it easier for search engines to crawl and index your site's pages.

Of course, there are a plethora of businesses out there who can assist you with the above tasks. If you'd like to learn more about how a business like Marshall Arts can assist you with your SEO, why not drop us a message and one of our talented SEO consultants can give you a call to discuss your site. Marshall Arts also offers SEO Audit reports which you can then use to inform your decisions on what to improve on your site and in what order of priority.

SEO in summary:

To sum things up, SEO is a process that a website goes through to ensure that it can be easily found using search engines. The process involves a number of methods and is an ongoing exercise with no real quick fix. Search engines are designed to show users content that would be valuable to them and therefore relevant to their searches so the process of SEO can also been as the process of adding value to your customers by optimising your website to give them what they need in the best and simplest way possible.

I'd love to hear more from you! Do you think I left out anything in this explanation? Do you have anything you'd like to add or is there a question you have that you want me to answer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Understanding the core principles behind social media advertising

Standing out in a noisy marketplace is a key factor in any campaigns success

At Marshall Arts we have been producing content for social media since the early days of Facebook and Myspace. Over the years we have seen things mold and change and adapt to the ever shifting landscape of social media platforms. Although the minor details change on a daily basis there are certain core principles that have always been and will always be true for any advertising campaign and so in this short article we're going to list of those basic principles behind social media advertising.

Social media advertising is a powerful tool for businesses looking to reach their target audience and increase brand awareness. Here are some core principles of social media advertising explained for business owners:

1. Identify your target audience: The first step in any social media advertising campaign is to identify your target audience. Knowing who your customers are, their interests, and demographics will help you create effective ads that resonate with them.

2. Choose the right platform: Not all social media platforms are created equal. Depending on your target audience and the type of products or services you offer, certain platforms may be more effective than others. For example, if you're targeting younger audiences, TikTok and Instagram may be more effective, while LinkedIn may be better for B2B businesses.

3. Set clear goals: Before launching a social media advertising campaign, it's important to set clear goals. Do you want to increase website traffic, generate leads, or boost sales? Setting specific, measurable goals will help you track the success of your campaign and make adjustments as needed.

4. Create engaging content: The key to a successful social media advertising campaign is creating engaging content that captures the attention of your target audience. Use eye-catching images, compelling headlines, and concise messaging to grab their attention and encourage them to take action.

5. Test and optimize: Social media advertising is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It's important to test different ad formats, targeting options, and messaging to see what works best for your business. Use analytics to track the performance of your ads and make adjustments as needed to optimize their effectiveness.

6. Maintain a consistent brand voice: Your social media advertising should be consistent with your brand voice and messaging across all channels. This helps to reinforce your brand identity and make your ads more memorable to your target audience.

By following these core principles of social media advertising, business owners can create effective and engaging ad campaigns that reach their target audience and drive results.

Lead generation marketing explained

For most businesses outside of typical online shops, lead generation is crucial. If you're a business you probably hear about the need to generate leads all the time, but you might not be sure on where to start or just how lead generation works in a digital marketing context.

Lead generation is the act of leading a prospective customer to a solution

In the old days consulting firms or agencies that offer professional services could generate business leads by going to door to door or cold calling prospects to see if they were interested in learning more about the service that was on offer, but these days we have a whole online world that is absolutely brimming with potential business leads, if you know how to extract them.

So in this article I am going to discuss some of the basic points about how to generate leads online and what a good business lead actually looks like.

Lead generation marketing in a nutshell:

Lead generation marketing is a way to identify and attract potential customers who are interested in the services you offer. If you are a financial advisor then it involves finding people who may be looking for a financial advisor, planner or services, and engaging with them to generate interest and eventually, sales.

The process of lead generation can involve various strategies, including advertising on digital platforms, optimizing your website for search engines, attending events and seminars, networking with other professionals, and creating targeted content that addresses the specific needs and concerns of your ideal customers.

By using lead generation marketing, you can build a list of potential customers who have shown interest in your services, allowing you to follow up with them and provide personalized solutions that meet their needs. This can help you build a loyal customer base and increase revenue over time.

In the professional services sector, building trust and establishing credibility is critical, so it is important to focus on providing valuable information, being transparent, and offering excellent customer service throughout the lead generation process. By doing so, you can create a positive reputation that attracts more customers to your business.

How to create leads for your business:

While there are many ways to generate leads the 10 examples I provide below are by far the most common and generally are the most effective "all-round" methods:

1. Identify your target audience: Clearly define your ideal customer and their needs to develop a more targeted approach for generating leads.

2. Leverage social media: Utilize platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook to build your brand and generate leads by posting informative content and engaging with potential clients.

3. Develop compelling content: Create valuable and informative content that can showcase your expertise and attract potential clients. This content can include blog posts, whitepapers, case studies, and other types of thought leadership.

4. Attend events and conferences: Attend industry events, seminars, and conferences to network with potential clients and showcase your skills and knowledge.

5. Use email marketing: Send out newsletters and email campaigns to keep your audience engaged and informed, and also provide opportunities for them to engage with you.

6. Leverage paid advertising: Use platforms such as Google Adwords, LinkedIn Ads, and Facebook Ads to target specific audiences and generate leads.

7. Offer free consultations: Offer a free consultation to potential clients to showcase your skills and expertise, and provide value upfront.

8. Collaborate with other businesses: Collaborate with other businesses in your industry to cross-promote each other’s services and generate leads.

9. Implement referral programs: Offer referral incentives to current and past clients for any new leads they bring in.

10. Optimize your website: Ensure your website is well-designed, easy to navigate, and optimized for search engines to attract and convert potential clients.

How to market to your leads:

Of course, once you have a list of business leads you need to engage with them to market your services and hopefully convert a lead into a client. Here is a list of six ways you can market to the leads you have generated:

1. Email Marketing: Send personalized and targeted emails to leads who have provided their email address. Provide valuable content and information that addresses their specific needs and interests, and include a call-to-action that encourages them to take the next step.

2. Social Media Marketing: Use social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook to engage with leads, share informative content, and offer promotions or special offers. This can help you build a relationship with your leads and create a community of engaged customers.

3. Webinars: Host webinars or online events that address the challenges and concerns of your target audience. These events can help build brand awareness, establish your expertise, and provide a platform for leads to interact with your business and learn more about your services.

4. Personalized Content: Create personalized content that addresses the specific needs of your leads. This can include blog posts, whitepapers, case studies, or videos that showcase how your services can solve their pain points.

5. Direct Mail: Use direct mail to send targeted offers or promotions to leads who have provided their postal address. This can be a highly effective way to reach your audience and stand out from competitors.

6. Retargeting Ads: Use retargeting ads to show relevant ads to leads who have visited your website or interacted with your business in the past. This can help remind them of your services and encourage them to take action.

Are there companies that can generate leads for my business?

If you're thinking "wow, that sounds like a lot of work!", then take a deep breathe and know that there is an entire industry of people out there who specialise in this work. Digital marketing agencies are there to do the lead generation and marketing for you, so that you can focus on actually doing the thing that you do best - your professional service. If you are financial planner, you do not want to have to spend all your time finding prospective clients, you would much rather spend your time planning for nd advising the list of clients you already have and converting new leads into customers by talking to them directly. Typically a marketing agency does the work of finding potential leads, filtering out the "cold" leads and sending the "hot" leads right to you so that you can engage with people who are actually looking to engage with a professional in your sector. Ffor example, Joe and Beth might both have an interest in financial planning as they are both starting a family soon and are both in 30's, but actually only Beth is looking at investing in financial advice and has set aside a a portion of her budget to pay a financial advisor. If you are the financial advisor you would only want to speak to Beth as the chances of her becoming a client are far greater than the chances of converting Joe.

Using a digital marketing agency can help you filter out the cold leads so that you can focus on converting the leads that really count.

Here are 10 hallmark traits that I believe a good digital marketing agency should possess:

1. Proven Track Record: A good digital marketing agency should have a proven track record of success, with case studies and testimonials that demonstrate their ability to drive results for their clients.

2. Strategic Thinking: A good agency should be able to think strategically and develop a customized marketing plan that aligns with the client's business goals and objectives.

3. Expertise: A good digital marketing agency should have a team of experts in various areas of digital marketing, such as SEO, PPC, social media, content marketing, and email marketing. They should have the skills and knowledge to implement the latest techniques and tactics to drive results.

4. Communication: A good digital marketing agency should have clear and open communication with their clients, keeping them informed about the progress of their campaigns and any changes in strategy. They should also be responsive to client requests and feedback.

5. Analytics and Reporting: A good digital marketing agency should be able to track and analyze the performance of their campaigns and provide regular reports that show the impact of their efforts on the client's business.

6. Creativity: A good digital marketing agency should be creative and innovative, able to develop unique campaigns and content that stand out from the competition.

7. Transparency: A good digital marketing agency should be transparent about their pricing, fees, and services, providing clients with clear and concise contracts and agreements.

8. Collaboration: A good digital marketing agency should work collaboratively with their clients, taking the time to understand their business and their needs, and providing ongoing support and guidance to help them achieve their goals.

By looking for these hallmarks, you can find a digital marketing agency that can help you drive results, build your brand, and achieve your business goals.

Example of a lead generation website:

Here is an example of a site we built for an American Company that sells essential oils. For two years Tony got his business leads through this site by running Facebook ads that linked users to this website. Once the user arrived at the website they provided Tony with their email address and immediately received an automated email to help the user begin the process of becoming an affiliate in the business.

What this campaign included:

1. A solid call to action - "Start your own business today"

2. Google ads to place that call to action in front of people who are interested in starting a business

3. A clean and simple landing page where the leads could insert their email

4. An email marketing strategy to engage with those leads.

With just those four key ingredients Tony was able to generate thousands of dollars worth of business. They key was having a simple message, a simple ad, a simple action for the lead to complete and then a comprehensive email marketing strategy to convert the lead into a customer.

Young Living created their website to capture email addresses of people who wanted to start their own business

View the site here: https://jcbarrett.wixsite.com/centralfloridafit

In conclusion: Lead Generation using Digital Platforms can be extremely effective but also labour intensive

I hope this article has helped develop your understanding of lead generation and how it plays a vital role in expanding a professional services business. In a business like mine, having good quality leads is literally the difference between my company soaring or sinking. Spending endless time following up on cold leads is a huge waste of time and can be extremely demotivating for my sales team. This is why we are extremely cautious with our approach to our own digital marketing and that of our clients.

If you are looking to start lead generation marketing, take your time to learn exactly what type of people you want to attract to your business as potential clients. Once you know your target audience, take care in crafting a marketing strategy that will speak to their needs and land you the best possible leads. If you are going to hire a marketing agency to do the heavy lifting for you, make sure to have an in-depth conversation with them so that you are 100% sure that they understand your needs and the types of leads you are looking to generate.

Marshall Arts is a digital agency that focus on providing out of the box thinking and smart solutions for businesses who want to solve problems online. We have clients that range from big enterprises to mom and pop stores. I have been providing digital consulting for the better part of a decade and in my time I have learned a thing or two about how to do business online. If you would like to set up a call with a member of our team to learn about how we can boost your online business, get in touch with us by leaving your details.