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Marketing in the Digital Age

Posted on November 17, 2022April 5, 2024 by Phil

In a world that is increasingly digitised, it is more important than ever for businesses to have a strong digital marketing strategy. By definition, digital marketing is “the marketing of products or services using digital technologies on the Internet, through mobile phone Apps, display advertising, and any other digital medium.” In other words, it’s the process of reaching out to potential customers online and promoting your product or service.

Why Digital Marketing?

There are a number of reasons why digital marketing is so important. First and foremost, the internet is where people spend the majority of their time. According to a recent study, people spend an average of 6 hours and 40 minutes online each day. That’s a lot of time that could be spent looking at your website or seeing your ad.

In addition, digital marketing is very cost-effective. You can reach a large number of people for relatively little money. Traditional forms of marketing, such as television or print ads, can be very expensive. Add to that how hard results are to track and they’re often not worth the investment. With digital marketing, you can track your results and see exactly how many people are clicking on your ad or visiting your website. This allows you to make changes to your campaign on the fly so that you are always getting the most bang for your buck.

Finally, digital marketing gives you the ability to target specific demographics with laser precision. For example, if you only want to reach people in a certain age group or location, you can set up your campaign accordingly. This ensures that you will only be spending money on ads that will actually be seen by people who are interested in what you have to offer.

Digital is essential for businesses in the modern age. By taking advantage of all that it has to offer, you can ensure that your business is seen by the right people. And that you are getting the most out of your marketing budget.

The Benefits of Digital Marketing

As we mentioned before, there are a number of benefits that come with implementing a digital strategy. In this section, we will go into more detail about some of the most important benefits.

Increased Visibility

If executed well, one of the most important benefits of digital marketing is increased visibility. With so many people spending time online, it’s essential that your business has a strong presence there as well. Otherwise, you risk being lost in the shuffle and never seen by potential customers. A solid digital strategy ensures that your business is seen by as many people as possible.

Cost Effective

Another great benefit of digital marketing is that it is very cost-effective. Traditional forms of marketing can be extremely expensive and often aren’t worth the investment. With digital, you can track your results and make changes on the fly so that you are always getting the most bang for your buck.

Precise Targeting

As we mentioned before, one of the best things about digital marketing is its ability to target specific demographics with laser precision. This means you’ve only spent money on ads that have actually been seen. And even better, seen by people who are interested in what you offer.
Time-Saving: One final benefit of digital marketing is that it saves you time!

Digital Marketing is Essential in this online age

Digital marketing is essential for businesses in today’s digitised world. By taking advantage of all that it has to offer, businesses can increase their visibility, save money on their marketing budget, and reach their target audience with ease. If you haven’t already started incorporating it into your business strategy, now is the time to do so! If you’re not sure where to start, then starting with an agency is always an option. Choosing the right Marketing Agency for you your business can be tougher though.

Start with a Digital Marketing Roadmap

The roadmap involves an in-person (or over zoom) deep-dive discovery session, which is a great way to get a better understanding of your business and how you can get the most out of your marketing. It’s all about generation IDEAS and turning those ideas into action!

Find out more about Back9’s Digital Marketing Roadmap

The Great SEO vs. PPC Showdown

Posted on November 15, 2022November 15, 2022 by Phil

will Here is is. The great showdown between SEO and PPC. In the world of digital marketing, there are two tried and true methods for getting your business’s website seen by potential customers: search engine optimization (SEO) and pay-per-click (PPC) advertising. Both have their own unique benefits, but which one is the right choice for your business? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each to find out.

SEO vs. Pay-per-click: The Pros

Let’s start with SEO. The biggest advantage of SEO is that it’s a completely free way to get your website found by potential customers. That’s if you can do SEO yourself ofcourse. If so, you can optimise for techincal SEO, for the right keywords and relevant content clusters too. From there you’ll start showing up in search results. I mean it sounds easy right? Well yeah, it is… If you know what you’re doing. SEO is also a great long-term strategy. That’s because once you rank well in SERPs, you’ll continue to get results as long as you maintain your ranking.

PPC, on the other hand, offers a few advantages of its own. First, it’s a great way to get immediate results. Unlike SEO, which can take months or even years to show results, PPC ads can start generating clicks and leads right away. Second, PPC gives you complete control over where your ads appear and who sees them. You can target specific demographics, interests, and even locations. That means that only people who are going to be interested in what you’re selling will see your ads. Which also means it will cost you only when they click.

SEO vs. PPC: The Cons

Of course, nothing is perfect, and both SEO and PPC have their fair share of drawbacks. For SEO, the biggest downside is that it can be very time-consuming and difficult to achieve high rankings in search results. It requires constant vigilance and effort to make sure your site doesn’t slip in the rankings, which means it may not be the best choice if you’re short on time or resources.

Meanwhile, PPC can be quite expensive if not managed properly. Since you’re paying for every click on your ad, it’s important to make sure that those clicks are actually leading to conversions; otherwise, you could end up spending a lot of money with little to show for it. Additionally, PPC can be somewhat unpredictable; it’s hard to predict how successful a campaign will be until after it’s already underway which can make it difficult to budget for.

So which is better for your business

When it comes down to SEO vs PPC, which is better? Well, the answer may surprise you: the best option is usually a combination of both! By using SEO to organically rank high in search results and supplementing those efforts with targeted PPC campaigns, you can get the best of both worlds: increased visibility and traffic without breaking the bank. Contact Metric Marketing today to learn more about how we can help you create a holistic digital marketing strategy that gets results!

Website Maintenance and Hosting – What Are You Actually Paying For?

Posted on November 15, 2022November 15, 2022 by Phil

If you own a website, you’ll more than likely be asked to pay for website hosting. If you have a proactive provider, then even website maintenance and hosting services. But what exactly are you paying for? In this article, we’ll break down the basics of website maintenance and hosting so that you can understand what website maintenance and hosting involve…

What is Website Maintenance?

Website maintenance is the process of keeping your website up-to-date and running smoothly. This may include tasks like updating your content, ensuring that all links are working, and fixing any broken code. Website maintenance also encompasses security measures like installing updates and patches to protect your site from hacking attempts.

Why is Website Maintenance Important?

There are a few reasons why website maintenance is important. First, it ensures that your website is always up-to-date with the latest information. This is important for both SEO purposes and for providing visitors with accurate information about your products or services. Secondly, regular website maintenance can help prevent security breaches by keeping your site patched and updated against the latest threats. Finally, maintaining your website on a regular basis can help catch small issues before they become big problems.

How Much Does Website Maintenance Cost?

The cost of website maintenance varies depending on the size and complexity of your website, as well as the frequency with which you need updates. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $500 per month for website maintenance services. Add to that SEO services or Search Engine Marketing like Google Ads and the cost can go up considerably. You should understand that this not so much a cost as it is an investment.

What is Web Hosting?

Website hosting is a service that allows your website to be accessible to internet users 24/7. When you host your website with a company, they provide you with space on their servers where you can store your site’s files. When someone types in your URL, their computer will connect to the server where your site is hosted and retrieve the files in order to display them on their screen.

How Much Does Hosting Cost?

The cost of web hosting varies depending on the type of hosting plan you choose and the features you need. Shared hosting plans, which are the most basic and affordable set-and-forget type of plans, may start at around $8 per month. More robust plans like VPS or dedicated hosting can cost anywhere from $50 to $200 per month. Here is a more comprehensive article about how much web hosting costs

Maintaining any tool comes at a price

Website maintenance and hosting are two important services that all businesses should not only consider but employ if they want their websites to be successful. Both services come with a monthly fee, but the cost is generally worth it when you consider all that goes into keeping a website up and running smoothly. If you’re not sure whether or not these services are right for your business, we recommend talking to a web development professional who can assess your needs and make recommendations accordingly.

9 Signs You Need Help With SEM

Posted on November 14, 2022November 14, 2022 by Phil

If you need help with SEM, you’ll probably find yourself asking “what is sem?” or “what does sem even stand for?” If that’s the case, you might need some help with SEM (Search Engine Marketing) (SEM) campaign. Not to worry, we’re here to help! Here are 9 signs that it might be time to seek out professional help for your SEM efforts:

You don’t know what SEM is.
A lot of people get SEO and SEM meaning confused. If you’re not even sure what SEM is, then it’s probably time to reach out for help. Search engine marketing is a broad term that encompasses everything from pay-per-click advertising to search engine optimization. A good SEM agency will be able to help you figure out which tactic (or combination of tactics) is right for your business.
You’re not seeing any results.
SEM is all about driving results. So if you’re not seeing any ROI from your efforts, it might be time to seek out some professional help. A good agency will be able to analyse your current strategy and make recommendations for how to improve it.
Your competition is killing you.
If you’re losing ground to your competitors, it might be because they’re investing in SEM and you’re not. Or, it could be that they’re investing in SEM and doing it better than you are. Either way, bringing in some outside assistance to help with SEM can give you the boost you need to catch up (and even surpass) your competition.
You don’t have the time or resources to do it in-house or by yourself.
SEM takes a lot of time and effort. If you don’t have the resources to dedicate to it, then you’re unlikely to see the results you want. Hiring an agency frees up your time. That means you can focus on running your business. After all, you are the expert at that! If you find the right team to help with SEM you’ll more than likely still be involved. Afterall, collaboration and teamwork, make the dream work!
You don’t know where to start.
There’s a lot that goes into SEM, and if you’re feeling overwhelmed, then that’s a good sign that you need help with SEM. It might be time to call in some reinforcements. An experienced agency will know where to start and how to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to search engine marketing.
You’re not keeping up with the latest trends.
The world of SEM is constantly changing, and if you’re not keeping up with the latest trends and best practices, then you’re likely falling behind the competition. A good agency will make sure that your campaigns are always up-to-date so that you can maximize your results.
You’re missing out on valuable data.
If you’re not tracking your results or analyzing your data, then you’re missing out on valuable insights. Those insights could help improve your campaigns. An experienced agency will be able to track your results and provide useful insights and recommendations based on what they see.
You’re wasting money.
If you feel like you’re throwing money down the drain with your current SEM strategy, then it’s probably time for a change. A good agency will be able to save you money by optimizing your campaigns for maximum efficiency – a GREAT AGENCY WILL MAKE YOU MONEY.
You just need someone else’s opinion.
Sometimes, it’s helpful to get an outside perspective on y our business. If you feel like you’ve been in a rut when it comes to y our S EM strategy , hiring an agency can help you break out of it by providing fresh ideas and new perspectives.

If any (or all) of these apply to you, don’t despair! There are plenty of professionals who can help with SEM and get your campaign up and running in no time. So get out there and start Googling (err, we mean searching)! Or just. contact us 😉

SEM can be complex and confusing

It’s like anything you’re not an expert in really, and yes it can be complex and a little confusing at times, but it doesn’t have to be! If you’re finding yourself lost in a sea of acronyms and technical jargon, it might be time to seek out some professional help. Luckily, there are plenty of experts out there who would be more than happy to lend a helping hand. So don’t be afraid to ask for help…your business will thank you for it in the long run!

How to Write a Business Plan That’ll Actually Get Read

Posted on November 13, 2022 by Phil

So you’re starting a business and you’ve been told you need a business plan. And you’re like, “Ugh, really?” Because if there’s one thing entrepreneurs love more than starting businesses, it’s writing lengthy documents about those businesses. Just kidding. We all know that business plans are about as much fun as getting a root canal. But the truth is, whether you’re seeking funding from investors or just trying to figure out what the heck you’re doing, a business plan is an essential part of any successful business. Here’s how to write a business plan that’ll actually get read.

Write a Business Plan in reverse.

When you’re writing a business plan, if you start with what you want to achieve, (such as how much profit you want to make) and work backward from there, this will help you identify the actions you need to take in order to achieve success. Having some SMART goals along the way will definitely help too.

1. Keep it short and sweet.

No one wants to read a 100-page document, no matter how well-written it is. So don’t make your business plan longer than it needs to be. One page is all it needs to be. The key is to include only the most important information—the stuff that’ll actually help you achieve your goals. Anything else is just fluff. Find out how to do this with our Business advisor and mentor, John Schol.

2. Make it visually appealing.

Remember, your business plan is a sales pitch—you’re selling your business idea to potential investors or partners. So it needs to look good! Use plenty of white space, headings and subheadings, and images or charts to break up the text and make it easy to scan. Perhaps engage a graphic designer to make it look great.

3. Write a business plan in plain English.

Avoid jargon and technical terms like “synergy” and “leverage.” Remember, you’re writing for people who may not be familiar with your industry or your company, so make sure your language is accessible to everyone.

4. Be honest—but optimistic.

No one likes a braggadocious blowhard, but investors and customers do want to see some confidence in your ability to succeed. When writing a business plan, strike a balance by being honest about the risks and challenges involved in your business while still conveying your enthusiasm for its potential success.

Write a Business Plan and Smash your Goals

Writing a business plan doesn’t have to be a pain in the ass—if you keep it short, sweet, and visually appealing; write in plain English; and strike a balance between honesty and optimism, you’ll be sure to create a document that’ll actually get read (and maybe even help you achieve your goals).v

Google Business Profile – The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Posted on November 11, 2022June 19, 2024 by Phil

You may have seen it before. You do a search on Google for a local business and up pops a little box on the right-hand side of the screen with the business name, address, phone number, hours of operation, and even reviews. That little box is called a Google Business Profile (GBP) , and it can be a powerful tool for businesses if it’s used correctly, and there are a number of reasons why you should have one.

The Google Business Profile Good

Google My Business listings are free and easy to set up. All you need is a google account (which most people already have) and some basic information about your business. Once you’ve claimed your listing, you can add photos, post updates, respond to reviews, add products and more.

Imagine you own a nail salon. If your business has an optimised profile, when a potential customer or client searches for a business close by (e.g nail salon near me), your nail salon will likely be ranking near the top and will gain new business over a competitor nail salon who may not of optimised or claimed their listing.

The GBP Bad

While Google My Business listings are free and easy to set up, they’re not always accurate. That’s because anyone can edit or claim a listing—even if they’re not associated with the business. This can lead to wrong information being displayed on your listing, which can frustrate potential customers who are trying to reach you. There is nothing worse than searching a stores business hours in Google only to find out that they’re incorrect and the store is actually closed when you thought it was open. Negative customer experiences can lead to Google reviews that may harm your business too.

The Google Business Profile Ugly

Inaccurate GBP listings can actually hurt your business if they’re not updated or corrected in a timely manner. That’s because potential customers who see the wrong information or can’t see what they need are likely to go to one of your competitors instead. In addition, if you have duplicate listings (meaning there are two or more listings for your business), this can also confuse potential customers and hurt your chances of being found online.

Make sure your Google Business Listing is up to date

Having an accurate Google Business profile listing is essential for businesses that want to be found online – plain and simple. If you don’t have a GBP listing, now is the time to create one. And if you already have a listing but it’s inaccurate or out-of-date, take the time to claim or edit it. Post updates and information regularly. This is also important as Google makes updates frequently. So that said, you want to ensure potential customers will have the correct information about your business. Your future customers will thank you for it!

Updated 19 June 2024