In a world where hashtags have become the modern hieroglyphs, and viral tweets hold more power than ancient scrolls, it’s time to ask: Is your marketing strategy stuck in the analog dark ages?
Let’s face it, your brand might as well be on the endangered species list if your online presence resembles a virtual ghost town. As we head into 2024, it’s not just about being digital. It’s about being digital enough to outshine a disco ball at Studio 54.
The “Digital” Checklist: Are You Checking the Right Boxes?
So, you’ve got a website. Bravo! But, does it still have that early-mid 2000s charm, like a vintage Nokia phone refusing to retire?
In other words, it’s like wearing bell bottoms in a world that’s gone skinny jeans crazy – it’s time for an update.
Your website is not just a brochure; it’s the frontline soldier in your digital army. As a result, if it’s not pulling its weight, then Houston, we have a problem.
The Lure of the Click: Crafting a Digital Siren Song
In 2024, clicks are the currency of the digital realm, and your website should be a click-worthy masterpiece. Firstly, If your call-to-action buttons are playing hide-and-seek. Or secondly, your navigation is akin to a maze without a Minotaur, you’re in trouble.
Users have the attention span of a goldfish! Therefore make it easy for them to swim through your content using conversion paths. Employing actionable transition words like “discover,” “explore,” and “uncover” can turn your website into a digital playground.
The Social Media Soiree: Are You Invited or Just Crashing?
In the grand ballroom of the internet, social media is the glittering chandelier that illuminates your brand. If your business isn’t waltzing through the social media soiree, you’re missing out on the biggest party in town. Engaging posts, witty banter, and visually arresting content are the key ingredients. Transition seamlessly between platforms, from Facebook to Instagram, like a social media ninja mastering the art of disguise. But remember Social Media Marketing is still just your Digital Marketing Sidekick, Not the Main Event
Conversion: The Digital Holy Grail
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. Your website isn’t just a digital brochure; it’s a 24/7 salesperson working the cyber beat. If your conversion rates are resembling a slow elevator – Or worse -you don’t even know what they are – it’s time to give them a digital turbo boost. Entice your audience with relevant offers. Then sprinkle in some urgency, and watch them convert like it’s Black Friday at a tech store.
The Digital Gladiators: Staying Competitive in the Cyber Colosseum
In the colosseum of digital marketing, only the agile survive. Your competitors are not just down the street; they’re lurking in the vastness of cyberspace. Are you ready to battle, or are you still sharpening your virtual sword? Staying competitive means being vigilant, adaptive, and yes, a little ruthless.
Embrace the Digital or Risk Extinction
In the digital arena, survival depends on your ability to evolve. If your marketing strategy is still stuck in the past, it’s time for a digital facelift. Remember, the internet waits for no one, and your brand’s success hinges on its digital prowess. Above all, if you truly want to embrace marketing in the digital age, gear up, embrace the digital revolution, and let your brand sparkle in the dazzling lights of the 2024 digital landscape. Your online kingdom awaits – rule it wisely!
Once upon a time in the kingdom of Commerce, there were two types of businesses… Firstly there was the daring marketing mavericks who embraced the digital frontier. And Secondly, the conservative cutters who decided to tighten their belts and trim the marketing fat. Fast forward to the end of the year, and the tale of their fortunes unfolds.
The Conservative Cutters’ Chronicles
Picture this – conservative businesses, armed with scissors, meticulously snipping away at their marketing budgets.
They believed they were on the path to financial prudence. Oh, how noble it sounded! But little did they know, they were stepping into a perilous territory, a place where the echo of their marketing efforts grew fainter and fainter.
As the months passed, these conservative cutters found themselves in a quagmire. Their sales plateaued, their reach dwindled, and they were left scratching their heads, wondering where they went wrong. In the quest for financial efficiency, they inadvertently shackled their own growth.
The Saga of the Unstoppable Marketing Mavericks who Invest in Marketing
Now, let’s turn our attention to the brave souls who marched to the beat of a different marketing drum – the unstoppable marketing mavericks. They recognised that in the digital age, visibility is key. So, while the conservative cutters were busy counting their saved pennies, these mavericks were investing in a different currency: the power of digital marketing.
Some of our esteemed clients at Back9 Creative were among these marketing mavericks. Instead of clutching their wallets with fear, they opened their minds to the possibilities of growth. Month after month, year after year, their sales charts resembled a roller coaster on steroids – a thrilling ascent to success that left their conservative counterparts green with envy.
Below is a rollercoaster chart for one of the clients aka Marketing Mavericks who invest in Marketing.
The Moral of Our Whirlwind Tale
Ladies and gentlemen, gather ’round for the grand revelation – digital marketing and a stellar website are not foes to your budget; they’re your trusty steeds on the journey to success. In an era where attention spans are shorter than a goldfish’s memory, you can’t afford to fade into the background.
Remember the conservative cutters and the marketing mavericks. One side chose the road of austerity, while the other embraced the winds of change. The moral is crystal clear! In the kingdom of Commerce, those who invest wisely in digital marketing and a killer growth-driven website are the ones who ride the wave of success, while the others get washed ashore, wondering where their customers went.
So, dear business leaders, the choice is yours. Will you be the conservative cutter, counting your pennies but losing your customers? Or will you be the unstoppable marketing maverick, riding the digital tide to glory? The tale has been told, and the lesson is clear – invest [wisely], don’t divest, for in marketing, fortune favours the bold. And that is also why you Don’t Turn off Your Marketing Engine When the Economy Cools Down.
In the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing, the question of how much it costs to design and build a website in 2024 is a crucial consideration. Whether that’s for businesses seeking to establish or enhance their online presence. Let’s unravel the intricacies of website costs and explore the nuances that can impact your budget.
Understanding the Basics: Website Cost in 2024
We get asked all the time how much does a website cost? As well as How much does an App Cost? In short, the cost of a website is not a one-size-fits-all affair. It varies based on numerous factors such as complexity, customisation and of course budget!.
Here’s a rough breakdown to give you a ballpark figure of website cost in 2024:
Traditional Basic Brochure Websites: $1,000 to $8,000
Complex Websites with Advanced Features: $10,000 to $50,000 +
E-commerce Websites: $10,000 to over $100,000
Growth-Driven Websites – the gift that keeps on giving. From $7,500 upfront and from $1800 per month ongoing (for a 12 month contract)
These figures provide a starting point, but let’s delve deeper into the main areas of costs when it comes to creating a business website.
The pricing of a website hinges on four primary factors:
Complexity: The more intricate the website, the higher the cost. Websites with advanced features like e-commerce, custom integrations, and database management typically incur greater expenses compared to simple brochure sites.
Customisation: The inclusion of customisation can elevate the website cost. Websites seeking unique designs, custom graphics, or advanced programming like thrid party integrations, will incur higher expenses than those utilising pre-design templates.
Content: The quantity and nature of content required for the website can influence costs. Websites demanding a substantial amount of high-quality content creation, such as product descriptions, blog posts, photography and video, will undoubtedly incur higher expenses. Who provides the content for a website?
Maintenance, Support and Continuous Improvements: When evaluating the overall cost of a website, it’s essential to consider long-term requirements, including ongoing maintenance and support. Factors to ponder include the complexity of maintenance tasks and any annual costs that must be budgeted for.
Embracing Growth-Driven Web Design: The Way of NOW
It’s crucial to dispel the notion that a website is a one-and-done project. The truth is, a website is a dynamic entity that should evolve alongside your business. Enter growth-driven web design – not just the way of the future, but the way of NOW!
This approach ensures that your website is not just a static online presence but a living, breathing asset that contributes to your business success.
What are the key factors influencing the cost of website design?
Creating a website is a nuanced process, and the associated costs can vary depending on the website type and its features. This blog section delves into the factors that impact the cost of designing a website itself.
Before engaging a designer for your business website, it’s crucial to have a well-defined understanding of its purpose and required features. These considerations play a significant role in determining the overall cost.
Numerous factors contribute to the cost of designing a website:
Type: The cost varies based on whether you opt for a brochure, e-commerce site, or an integrated CMS site.
Size: A website with a higher number of pages requires more design time to ensure precision.
Features & Functionality: Increased complexity in site features demands more experience and development time to guarantee seamless functionality.
Design & User Interface: A unique design and user interface necessitate additional time for both the design and development phases.
Deciding on the right approach for creating your website
Whether to hire a web design agency, a freelance designer, or tackle it yourself—is a crucial decision impacting your online presence and business growth. A well-crafted business website serves as a key platform to showcase products and services and drive success.
DIY Website Building: The Cost Factor
Opting for a pre-built theme might seem cost-effective, with free or averagely priced templates ranging from $50 upwards. However, the hidden costs of hosting, security, domain, and the substantial time investment required to make the website functional must be considered. While it may take approximately 10 hours to create a basic business website, ensuring it meets its purpose demands expertise. Seeking professional assistance ensures correct setup and optimized content and structure for optimal performance.
Freelance Web Design: Cost and Limitations
Choosing a freelance web designer for cost-effectiveness is an option, but limitations should be recognized. Freelancers may excel in design but struggle with copywriting or lack development capabilities. Costs range from $25 to $100 per hour, but the absence of guarantees for quality and timely delivery can pose risks.
Web Design Agency: A Comprehensive Solution
Opting for a web design agency provides a comprehensive solution, especially when they offer a spectrum of design services. Professional web designers, combined with full-service design and marketing capabilities, make them a one-stop-shop for a purpose-fit business website. Agencies understand the nuances of effective website design, user experience optimization, lead generation, and resonant content creation.
Employing a design agency ensures your website aligns with industry standards and as a result leverages the latest trends for optimal performance. Their expertise extends beyond mere design to encompass a holistic approach, including marketing strategies that resonate with your target audience.
Choosing the right path depends on your specific business needs and objectives. A detailed exploration of what web design agencies offer can provide valuable insights into making the most informed decision for your online presence and business success.
What ongoing cost considerations should you bear in mind?
Engaging with potential design partners and identifying the most suitable platform for your website are crucial steps in making initial design and development decisions. The features you require play a pivotal role in determining the appropriate platform for constructing your website.
Below are the ongoing cost factors associated with selecting the right web platform:
1. Website Platform & Content Management System Costs:
Monthly fees for Proprietary CMS platforms like Wix, Webflow or Shopify can range from $10 to $50, depending on the platform and required features. They generally charge additionally for other features and plugins. So be careful around this. In our opinion, you’re always best to steer clear of Propriety systems where you pay a license fee to use the software. Using WordPress, SilverStripe or other Open-Source Software will give more peace of mind. In particular around who owns your site and your content.
2. Integrations or Plugins:
Additional plugins for specific site functions can pose hidden costs ranging from $0 to $100+ per year. It’s crucial to evaluate the platform’s built-in features and compatibility with your needs before committing to avoid escalating subscription costs.
3. Hosting Costs:
Hosting platform expenses vary widely, from a few dollars a month for shared hosting to hundreds or thousands per month for dedicated or cloud hosting. So how much does it cost to host a website? Well, On average, hosting a website on a shared server costs anywhere from $8 -$100 per month, depending on whether you manage it yourself or have someone else do it for you. It will also depend on whether you have a maintenance plan included too. In which case it is important to know what you are actually paying for.
4. Ongoing SEO Maintenance Costs:
Depending on your site’s complexity, hiring a developer for SEO and website maintenance or updates may be necessary, with costs ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars annually.
5. Development Costs:
Inquire about the average charges for making changes to your site, such as adding a new page. Developer costs typically range from $25-$100 per hour, contingent on experience and project complexity.
6.Domain Name Costs:
Annual fees for registering your website’s domain name can range from $10 to $50. This will depend on where you register it. Some places seem cheap at face value, however they often charge for additional services (such as domain redirects or email aliases). Others may charge more but include this. What ever you do we recommend you stay clear of GoDaddy!
7. Security:
For online stores or sites collecting sensitive information, investing in an SSL certificate for data encryption is essential. SSL certificate costs can range from $50 to $500 per year. In saying that this is something we believe should be including in this day an age as it is best practise.
Understanding these ongoing cost factors is crucial for making informed decisions and therefore ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of your website.
What is the cost of website design in New Zealand in 2024?
The pricing for websitedesign in New Zealand typically falls within the mid-range of the investment spectrum. This is attributed to the country’s higher-than-average minimum wage and cost of living, factors that are reflected in the hourly rates charged by designers.
Ballpark Website Costs for 2024:
Basic one pager/Sales landing page: $450 – $1000
Basic Templated Solution: $1990 – $3600
Basic brochure websites: $3,000 to $8,000
Complex websites with advanced features: $10,000 to $50,000
E-commerce websites: $10,000 to over $100,000
Growth-Driven Websites: – Strategy: $1500-$5000 – LaunchPad: $6000 – $10,000 – Continuous Improvements: $1,800 – $6,000+ per month (depending on the size of the company, the strategy (and its outcomes) wishlist features and requirements, both functionality and speed of delivery)
Opting for local NZ based designers offers advantages, ensuring a more cohesive design tailored to the target market. For example Local designers, familiar with New Zealand’s culture, trends, and consumer preferences, bring a nuanced understanding to their work. This expertise enables them to create websites that align with the unique needs of businesses in New Zealand, therefore enhancing the effectiveness of reaching and engaging the local audience for better results.
Transitioning into the Future with Confidence
As you navigate the landscape of website costs in 2024, above all remember that it’s not just about the price tag; it’s about the value your website brings to your business. Consider your goals, the needs of your audience, and the long-term vision for your digital presence.
In conclusion, if you see a website not as a cost but as an investment, you’ll be investing in your business’s digital future.
Understanding the costs investment involved and embracing growth-driven web design will set you on a path to not just a website but a strategic online asset that evolves with your business.
Embrace the Future: How the Hotel Industry Can Use Digital Marketing to Delight Customers and Drive Business
The world is constantly changing, and the hotel industry is no exception. Many of today’s guests are digital natives who expect fast and personalised experiences. And if you don’t provide them, they’ll simply go elsewhere. That’s why it’s crucial for hotels to embrace digital marketing. Not only to attract guests but to engage and delight them too. In this article, we’ll explore the best digital marketing practices for hotels. From building brand awareness to delighting customers and generating repeat business. So, get ready to learn how to take your hotel to the next level!
Build your Hotel Industry brand online
The first step in effective [digital] hotel industry marketing is to understand your brand. Your online presence should not only be consistent with your offline branding (such as your logo and messaging). But it should also be optimised for (SEO) search engines, mobile devices, and social media platforms. To build your brand online, start by creating a website that’s easy to navigate, visually appealing, and optimised for speed and search engines. You should also create social media accounts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. This will give your hotel exposure to more people.
Engage and connect with customers
Digital marketing is not just about attracting new customers, it’s also about retaining them. With social media, hotels can connect and engage with their customers in a way that’s personal, genuine, and timely. By responding to reviews and messages, sharing user-generated content, and creating interactive campaigns, hotels can build customer loyalty, encourage repeat business, and generate positive word-of-mouth marketing.
Use technology to personalise the customer experience
Technology has changed the way people travel and the way they expect to be catered for. Hotels can use digital technologies to make the customer experience more personalised and memorable. Examples include personalised welcome messages, in-room tablets, mobile check-in, and concierge apps that provide real-time recommendations and streamline the guest experience. But don’t forget to train your staff to use these tools and offer human touch when appropriate.
Generate positive reviews and referrals
One of the benefits of digital marketing is the ability to leverage customer reviews and social proof to attract new business. Therefore, Hotels can encourage their guests to leave reviews after their stay, and respond to those reviews to show their appreciation and address any concerns. Hotels can also incentivise guests with special offers for referrals to friends and family, who are likely to trust a recommendation from a trusted source.
Measure and optimize your efforts
Finally, no digital marketing strategy is complete without measuring and optimising its effectiveness. Hotels should track and analyze their website traffic, social media engagement, conversion rates, and customer feedback in order to find out what’s working and what’s not. With this data, hotels can tweak their strategy to get even better results, and stay ahead of the competition.
Digital Marketing can be Transformative for the Hotel Industry
Digital marketing is transforming the hotel industry, and those who embrace it will reap the rewards. By building a strong online presence, engaging with customers, personalising the experience, generating positive reviews and referrals, and constantly measuring and optimising results, hotels can create a seamless customer journey that delights guests and drives revenue. So, take the first step and start implementing digital marketing in your hotel today!
In the expansive field of digital marketing, choosing the right email marketing tools is pivotal for orchestrating successful campaigns. Furthermore, as businesses strive for efficiency, automation, and integration, we present 10 of the top email marketing tools that have emerged as leaders in the industry.
1. SharpSpring by Constant Contact: Simplicity and Effectiveness Combined
Known for its simplicity and effectiveness, SharpSpring by Constant Contact caters to businesses seeking ease of use without compromising on features. Having now acquired SharpSpring, Contant Contact is now, importantly, able to offer a complete all-in-one solution too. With a range of customizable templates and robust analytics, it simplifies the email marketing process and subsequently aids in optimizing future strategies. Above all, when comparing Sharpsrping vs. Hubspot for example, there are several benefits to each. Sharpspring takes a little more setting up and possibly some knowledge, but over is all is significantly cheaper.
2. Mailchimp: Versatile and User-Friendly
Mailchimp markets itself well. And it’s a solid platform. As a result it remains a stalwart in the email marketing arena, offering versatility and user-friendly features suitable for businesses of all sizes. With a drag-and-drop editor, robust analytics, and automation capabilities, Mailchimp is a reliable choice for creating engaging campaigns. Whilst it’s not an all-in-one CRM like Hubspot or SharpSpring, Mailchimp is a contender.
3. HubSpot: All-In-One Marketing Excellence
HubSpot transcends traditional email marketing tools by providing an all-in-one marketing solution that includes customer relationship management (CRM). Ideal for personalised and targeted campaigns, HubSpot ensures a unified approach to tracking interactions and nurturing leads effectively. As mentioned above, the main drawback of Hubspot, particularly for small and medium businesses is the cost.
4. Klaviyo: Tailored for Creators and Professionals
Klaviyo integrates with Shopify. It steps in as a powerful choice for creators, bloggers, and professional marketers. Offering advanced automation features, it subsequently allows users to create intricate email sequences, segment subscribers effortlessly, and personalize content based on subscriber behavior.
5. ActiveCampaign: Power-Packed Automation and CRM Integration
ActiveCampaign combines robust automation with CRM integration. As a result, this tool is favoured by many businesses seeking comprehensive solutions, empowering users to optimize every touchpoint in the customer lifecycle, from personalized customer journeys to engagement tracking.
6. GetResponse: Comprehensive Marketing Suite
Similarly, GetResponse offers a comprehensive marketing suite, including email marketing, landing pages, and marketing automation. With an easy-to-use interface, A/B testing, and advanced segmentation, it caters to businesses looking for an all-in-one solution.
7. AWeber: Trusted Email Marketing for Over 20 Years
AWeber has been a trusted name in email marketing for over two decades. Known for its reliability and customer service, AWeber provides a range of features, including drag-and-drop email creation and autoresponder capabilities.
8. Drip: E-Commerce-focused Email Marketing
Drip is tailored for e-commerce businesses, offering advanced features like personalized product recommendations and revenue tracking. With powerful automation workflows, Drip helps businesses maximize customer engagement and conversion.
9. Campaign Monitor: Elegant and Intuitive Design
Campaign Monitor is renowned for its elegant and intuitive design. It provides a user-friendly platform with customizable templates and advanced analytics, making it a preferred choice for businesses focused on aesthetic and effective email campaigns.
Closing our list is Brevo. Formerly Sendinblue, an all-in-one marketing platform that includes email marketing, SMS marketing, and more. With features like transactional emails and marketing automation, Sendinblue caters to businesses seeking a comprehensive and scalable solution.
Select the Right Email Marketing Platform For You
There are lots of benefits to email marketing. So, selecting the right email marketing tool is pivotal for achieving campaign success in the digital landscape. These 10 email marketing tools offer a diverse range of features to meet the specific needs of businesses, ensuring they can streamline their efforts, enhance engagement, and achieve meaningful results. So there you have it, now all you need to do is choose the best email marketing platform for you. At Back9 Creative we do however know that’s no mean fete, so feel free to reach out and have a chat. As a SharpSpring partner, we can offer a good deal of value in that platform though.
In the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing, one strategy that continues to stand the test of time is email marketing. But what exactly is it? And furthermore how can businesses leverage its potential for growth?
What is Email Marketing?
Simply put, it’s a targeted communication strategy that involves sending messages to a group of people via email. Unlike random email blasts, effective emails are personalised, relevant, and strategically timed to engage recipients. It serves as a direct line of communication between businesses and their audience.
The Anatomy of Email Marketing
At its core, email marketing involves building and maintaining a list (or lists) of subscribers who have opted in to receive communications from a business. This list is a valuable asset, allowing businesses to firstly, nurture leads, secondly cultivate customer relationships, and thirdly drive conversions.
Building Lists
The first step in email marketing is building a subscriber list – or database. To do this you’ll need a decent Email Platform or Software. A CRM like SharpSpring or Hubspot are among the top 10 Email platforms available. With a CRM in place to capture the information, businesses can gather email addresses through various means, such as website sign-up forms, social media promotions, or incentives like exclusive content or discounts. The quality of the subscriber list is crucial, emphasising the importance of obtaining permission and ensuring that content aligns with the subscribers’ interests.
Segmentation and Personalisation
Successful email marketing goes beyond mass communication. It involves segmenting the subscriber list based on buyer personas. For instance, this includes things like demographics, behaviours, or preferences. Segmentation allows businesses to tailor content, ensuring that each message resonates with specific audience segments. Personalisation, such as addressing recipients by name, enhances engagement and fosters a sense of connection.
Email Campaigns and Automation
Email marketing campaigns can take various forms, including, for example, newsletters, promotional offers, and product announcements. Marketing Automation tools enable businesses to schedule emails, trigger responses based on subscriber actions, and deliver a seamless and personalized experience.
Measuring Success with Analytics
To gauge the effectiveness of your efforts, businesses analyze key metrics such as open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates. These insights help refine future campaigns, ensuring continuous improvement and increased return on investment.
Ultimately You Own you Email Marketing Channel
In essence, email marketing is a powerful tool that allows businesses to connect with their audience on a personal level, driving engagement and fostering brand loyalty. Moreover, the database (or audience) is yours… Not Googles. Not Facebooks’ And not anyone else’s. This means that you control your messaing and exactly who gets that messaging. Whilst rules and processes around Email markeitng will likely change and evolve – like all things in the Digital space, you will always own your own database.
By understanding the fundamentals and employing best practices, businesses can unlock the full potential of email marketing as a dynamic and cost-effective strategy for sustained growth.
