Bloggings role in helping SEO

Bloggings role in helping SEO

Blogging plays an important part in helping SEO and bringing more people to your website. Search engines like Google look for content that is useful and easy to read. Because blogs provide information like this they help bring in new visitors from search engines. Blogging on
important subjects and answering questions from users can help your blog show up higher in search results.

How Does Blogging Help SEO?

Keyword Targeting: Blogs let you write about certain topics your audience searches for. Using the right words in your writing helps people find what they need. But be careful not to use too many keywords as that can hurt results. Focus on what your readers need and give them useful answers.

Fresh Content: Keeping the blog updated shows search engines your site stays active. This is very important for SEO because search engines like websites that share new stuff often. 

Internal and External Linking: Blogs let you link to other sections of your own website. This
helps search engines find and understand your content better. Linking to good sources outside your site also increases trust.

User Engagement: Blogs with good writing and real value keep readers on your website longer. Could this improve how search engines see and rank your content? Yes for sure because they know when readers stay longer it means they find helpful information.

How to Improve Your Blog for SEO

Interesting Titles and Meta Descriptions: Your title should catch attention and include your main keyword. The meta description tells searchers what your blog is about and encourages them to click on it.

Headings and Subheadings: Using H1, H2, and H3 tags helps organize your blog. It allows readers and search engines to find things faster. Putting keywords in subheadings when it fits helps too.

Custom Visuals: Better to use your own pictures, charts, or videos instead of ones found online. Custom visuals really help visitors stay longer on the page. More time spent on your site could help boost your SEO.

Mobile Optimisation: Your blog has to work well on phones. Lots of people read stuff on their mobile devices now. A site that responds well on any screen matters a lot if you’re aiming for good SEO.

Call-to-Action (CTA): Give readers something to do next. Sign up for your newsletter. Share the blog. Read more posts. CTAs ask for action and keep people engaged.

FAQs Section: Have a FAQ section to target longer questions people ask. This helps with voice searches and might even land your blog in Google’s special results.

Using these ideas in your blog probably helps your SEO and can keep you ahead in search rankings. Blogging may just be one part of your online strategy but a good blog helps people notice your site more in search engines.

If you need help with your Facebook and social media marketing strategies, reserve your 30- minute free consultation with The Digital Age.

Should I Buy Facebook Followers? Lessons From A Digital Marketing Consultant

Should I Buy Facebook Followers? Lessons From A Digital Marketing Consultant

In today’s digital age, social media presence is paramount for businesses striving to reach their target audience. Marketing on Facebook is essential for any business, as this platform stands out as a powerhouse, boasting billions of users worldwide and 90 million small businesses on the platform. For businesses, growing a substantial following on Facebook can translate to increased brand visibility, engagement, and ultimately- sale conversions. 

The temptation to take shortcuts, such as buying followers, can be enticing, especially if you’re a startup or a small business looking to establish credibility in the competitive space. However, this is not the optimal route to take. You will be undermining brand integrity and the long-term success of your business. It’s important to remember that you can’t cheat the system.

How Do Fake Followers Hurt A Business?

In today’s competitive landscape, businesses often crave rapid social media growth, leading some to resort to buying fake followers as a quick fix. Consider a real estate agency that opted for this shortcut, only to discover that the purchased followers didn’t translate into actual leads or client trust. Meanwhile, competitors who invested in creating valuable content, actively engaging with potential clients, and showcasing successful transactions earned authentic trust and expertise, paving the way for organic growth and a loyal client base. Rapid social media growth does not equate to sales conversions and long-term success. Instead, by purchasing fake followers, you are left with no social proof and a damaged reputation.

No Social Proof

While this tactic of buying Facebook followers may initially inflate follower numbers, it
ultimately falls short of fostering genuine engagement and trust. A fake follower is much easier to spot by your audience than you may realise. A fake follower will not genuinely engage with your brand. As a result, the follower is virtually useless as you cannot create a connection with a bot or an inactive account, nor can they drive conversions. An authentic follower, on the other hand, will actively engage with your content, share posts and support your brand, providing far more value.

Damaged Reputation

The most significant risk associated with buying Facebook followers is the potential for reputational damage- this is something that will not be easily overcome. In an era where transparency and authenticity reign supreme, consumers are adept at detecting inauthenticity. They have long been familiar with influencers and brands trying to pull a fast one. Discovering that a brand artificially inflated its follower count will instantly obliterate trust and credibility, leading to negative perceptions and a tarnished reputation.

Lessons Learned

1. Patience is Key: Building a genuine and engaging follower base takes time and consistent effort. The goal is to establish trust between your business and your audience. Creating an authentic connection with your audience enables them to feel personally acquainted with your business, ultimately strengthening loyalty and brand advocacy.

2. Focus on Engagement: While many get swept away with the idealised number, it is
engagement that should be analysed and prioritised. Follower engagement indicates that you have successfully built a relationship with your target audience. When you are producing posts of quality, your audience will naturally feel compelled to follow your page. Now, you have a follower who is genuinely interested in what you have to offer.

3. Authenticity Matters: In an age of heightened scepticism- authenticity is non-negotiable. Once someone catches a whiff of deception, regaining their trust is an uphill battle. Transparency with your audience is paramount. To protect your reputation and be a business people want to engage with, adopt authenticity as a business ethos.

4. Invest in Sustainable Growth: Investing in digital marketing strategies, rather than choosing shortcuts, will propel your business towards sustainable growth and long-term success. Strategies include quality content, targeting advertising, and strategic partnerships, to name a few.

While the allure of buying Facebook followers may seem enticing, the risks far outweigh the potential benefits. Attracting genuine followers is the key to building social media marketing success. With fake followers, the facade will quickly crumble under closer inspection. So, avoid taking the shortcut even though it may take time- opt to grow your followers organically. It will pay off in the long-term success of your business as your social media presence can stand the test of time.

If you need help with your Facebook and social media marketing strategies, reserve your 30- minute free consultation with The Digital Age.

How to Optimise Your Website for Mobile Devices in 2024

How to Optimise Your Website for Mobile Devices in 2024

What are the chances that you’re reading this article on your mobile device?

In today’s mobile phone era, it is imperative that your website is optimised to function seamlessly on a mobile device. With more than 60% of internet users browsing the web on their smartphones, it is essential your website is easy to navigate, quick to load, and visually appealing across all platforms. Set yourself up for success by ensuring a streamlined and user-friendly experience for your audience across all devices.

Here are some practical steps to make your website mobile-friendly.

1. Incorporating a Responsive Design

Nowadays, website design considerations extend far beyond the desktop experience alone. Web designers are concerned about how the website will look once the user jumps on using their smartphone. To achieve consistency between various platforms, you must incorporate a responsive design. A responsive design allows the website to adapt to various screen sizes and resolutions. No matter what device a user is on, be it a smartphone, tablet, or desktop, they will have a consistent experience on your website.

2. Prioritise Mobile Users with a Mobile-First Approach

When initially designing your website, consider adopting the mobile-first approach. This is where the mobile user is at the forefront of the initial design process. By creating a mobilefriendly website first, you can later expand the features and functionalities for it to adapt to larger screens. With this approach, you ensure that your entire audience has a streamlined and userfriendly experience.

3. Simplified Images and Media

A quick load time is imperative. With users clicking off within 10-20 seconds- if not
immediately. This user decision is highly influenced by the website’s load time. Large images and media files will significantly slow down your website’s load time. To avoid this issue, optimise your media files by compressing them whilst ensuring you are not compromising the quality. After all, there is no point in having an image load quickly if it is not going to appear clearly

4. Optimise Navigation and Design

Part of being ‘mobile-friendly’ involves creating the impression that your website was
specifically designed for mobile devices, rather than just optimised for them. Creating a simplified navigation menu is also crucial in retraining the user and keeping them on your website. A mobile-friendly navigation menu, or hamburger menu allows for a pleasant experience for the user, and it simultaneously saves space on a mobile device. It is also essential to incorporate a touch-friendly design where buttons, links and other interactive elements are large enough that the user won’t experience accidental taps. Ensure you use legible fonts in an appropriate size consistently across the website to make sure that it’s easy for the reader on a small screen. This means no long paragraphs or text so small you’re causing eye strain.

5. Boost Page Speed

As we know, mobile users are not the most patient, and a slow-loading website can quickly drive them away. Strategies to boost your website’s page speed include minimising HTTP requests (the primary way of communicating between a client and a server), leveraging browser caching (the storage of files in cache), and optimising code and resources to make it cleaner, lighter, and faster. Tools like Google’s PageSpeed Insights can help identify performance issues that need addressing.

6. Implement Mobile SEO Best Practices

SEO strategies can elevate your website’s presence in mobile search results. First, consider implementing a mobile sitemap, this is a navigation tool that allows search engines to understand the structure and content of your website. Next, use mobile-friendly URLs that are concise and descriptive. Lastly, optimise the meta tags specifically for mobile search results. Meta tags are summaries of your web pages and ultimately impact the way you appear in search engine results pages (SERPs). By adhering to these best practices, you will ultimately enhance your online presence and facilitate better user engagement.

7. Perform Cross Device Testing

Finally, once you’ve made all the necessary changes, it’s time to test-run your website on different devices to ensure it appears and functions as intended. Remember to test it on both Android and iOS platforms, as well as various screen sizes and resolutions. After testing, you can identify any potential issues and guarantee optimal performance across all mobile devices.

Optimising your website for mobile devices is no longer optional—it is a necessity. By following these steps, you can create a mobile-friendly website that is enjoyable for mobile users, ultimately improving your engagement and driving business success in today’s mobile-first world.

If you need help optimising your website for mobile devices, reserve a free 30-minute consultation with the Digital Age today.

If you’re looking to design or redesign your website with professionals, book a free 30-minute consultation with The Digital Age, a full-service digital marketing agency.

Web Design Agency or Freelancer? Pros & Cons

Web Design Agency or Freelancer? Pros & Cons

It’s proven that a well-designed website not only enhances your visibility but also significantly boosts brand recognition. As a result, it presents opportunities for higher return on your investment. When it is time to start your website design, the first question you’ll be asking yourself is whether to engage a web design agency or find yourself a freelancer. When deciding, consider that there are pros and cons to each. So, how do you know which one is right for you?

Scroll down to discover the benefits and downfalls of each partnership.

Freelance Web Designer

Freelancers are self-employed skilled individuals who design websites for their clients.

Pros of Hiring a Freelancer

Cost

Choosing between a web design agency and a freelancer often boils down to affordability, particularly for startups with limited budgets. A startup might opt for a freelancer initially to get a website up and running quickly, planning to engage a web design agency for a redesign later on. When you engage a freelancer for your website project, you’re essentially hiring one individual to handle all aspects of the job. This means there are no overhead costs or expenses related to additional staff, unlike with web design agencies. Freelancers usually structure their pricing in one of two ways: hourly rates or per-project fees. Hourly rates entail paying for the actual time spent.

Direct Communication

Opting for a freelancer streamlines communication since you are interacting with just one individual. When you inquire about the progress of your project, you’ll receive a direct response, unlike with a web design agency, where updates may require internal discussions among team members. With a freelancer handling your project, they serve as your sole point of contact throughout the process.

Flexibility

With only one individual managing the project, a freelancer can complete the website faster than a web design agency. Without a team to consult or collaborate with, freelancers make decisions independently. This autonomy allows them more flexibility, leading to quicker website development.

Cons of Hiring a Freelancer

Limited Skill

A major disadvantage of hiring a freelancer instead of a web design agency is that you are confined to the skills and resources of the single individual handling your project. It’s unrealistic to expect one person to be proficient in all areas. Unlike professional web design agencies, which have teams of specialists with expertise in different aspects like design, coding, or development, freelancers perform all tasks on their own.

Low Quality

A freelancer’s interest is earning a profit, whereas a web design agency prioritises its reputation and customer satisfaction. Freelancers often aim to complete projects quickly so they can move on to securing their next client to sustain their livelihood. Unfortunately, this could potentially impact the quality of their work. It’s important to note that once your website is launched, you might not receive ongoing support from the freelancer, as they are not obligated to provide it like a web design agency is.

Web Design Agency

A professional web design agency specialises in creating and designing websites. These agencies typically employ teams of web designers and developers tasked with creating and managing websites for their clients.

Pros of Hiring a Web Design Agency

A Highly Professional Team

Web design agencies provide a team of highly skilled and well-versed individuals who are experts at their craft. With a diverse skill set, they can readily accommodate the varied needs of their clients. The collaborative effort within the team ensures that clients receive top-notch service and expertise. Entrusting your project to a web design agency guarantees you’re in capable hands. For those seeking a highly proficient, meticulously designed website that drives sales growth, opting for a web design agency is the way to go. Web design agencies often excel in digital marketing, offering a wide array of services beyond website design. Their expertise allows them to go above and beyond, providing marketing solutions tailored to clients’ needs. The aim of the team is to keep you, the client, happy.

Resources

Web design agencies have a plethora of resources readily available to elevate their clients’ websites. Unlike freelancers, agencies have a host of in-house resources that make them better equipped to accommodate the specific needs of clients. Whether integrating new web applications or operating systems, a web design agency is going to deliver optimal results. Hiring a web design agency provides access to cutting-edge technological tools that enhance the functionality and appeal of every website. This further explains why web design agencies typically charge higher fees than freelancers. Despite the higher cost, partnering with a web design agency grants access to the tools and resources needed to optimise the best website for your business.

Cons of Hiring a Web Design Agency

Cost

Hiring a web design agency will be more costly than hiring a freelancer. However, consider this expenditure as a one-time investment crucial for avoiding future hassle. The fees charged by agencies reflect the expertise of the skilled professionals working on the project, who need to be compensated accordingly. While agencies can be costly, you are sure to get your money’s worth. Typically, ongoing assistance with your website will be free of charge as part of the agency’s commitment to customer service.

Communication Challenges 

Collaborating with a web design agency entails active participation in the interactive communication process with the team. This involves communicating your preferences, specifying required changes to the website, and reviewing the design. When you consider all the details that need to be ironed out so you are receiving exactly what you requested, there are bound to be instances of miscommunication. However, a reputable agency will be adaptable to the changes you request. So, now that you know the advantages and disadvantages of both, you can decide which one best fits your objectives. If you’re a start-up with a limited budget, then a freelancer might be the more viable option for you at this time. But if you are a well-established business and want a high-quality web design, then consider choosing a web design agency to deliver you a powerful result. You might want to read their reviews and take a look at their portfolio before choosing an agency

If you’re looking to design or redesign your website with professionals, book a free 30-minute consultation with The Digital Age, a full-service digital marketing agency.

The Clicks That Count: Improve Your Ranking Position for Better CTR

The Clicks That Count: Improve Your Ranking Position for Better CTR

If you are a website owner, then you want more visitors to your website. In the SEO world, the click-through rate (CTR) is a key performance metric you should familiarise yourself with. CTR quantifies the number of clicks on your website when it comes up in a Google search result. Your position in SERP (Search Engine Results Page) has a direct influence on your CTR rates. If you notice, for example, that you dropped from fourth rank to eighth rank, the CTR will reflect the drop, and your website traffic will decrease.

First, Know Your Position

So, it is crucial you know where your website ranks on Google to be able to utilise this useful element. Once you have a clear picture of your position and the rate of traffic your website receives, you can implement realistic marketing strategies to increase the number of visitors.

Having a top ranking can drive up your click-through results tremendously. Essentially, the more times your website comes up in a search, the more clicks it will receive. And vice-versa, the more clicks your website receives the higher the chances your rank will improve.

Google’s former Search Quality Chief, Udi Manber said search engine “ranking itself is affected by the click data. If we discover that, for a particular query, hypothetically, 80 per cent of people click on Result No. 2 and only 10 per cent click on Result No. 1, after a while we figure probably Result 2 is the one people want. So we’ll switch it.” 

The Main Factors Impacting Your Position

Once you have the full picture- question what is hindering your rates from being higher. How can you receive a higher rank in Google’s search results?

Branded Keywords 

Search engines look for a specific brand, and this is where branded keywords come into play. If you are using non-branded keywords, simply put, you are not going to achieve the results you are looking for. Non-branded keywords have a lot more competition as they have to battle against paid ads, which will show up first since they are, well, paid. For gaining a top position in a search engines like Google, branded keywords have a direct correlation with higher CTR. With branded keywords, you are increasing accuracy in the search results. Now, if you are using nonbranded keywords exclusively, this does not mean your website will not show up in a search engine. It will be distributed evenly among searches, but it is unlikely you will achieve a top position (unless you are in a very niche industry)

Buying Clicks

There are companies and brands buying clicks to get noticed by search engines in the short term. Think of it as getting a leg up. SEO industries provide this service to artificially boost CTR. Basically, how this works is that real people are clicking on your website on a search result, again and again, in hopes that this will land your website on Google’s radar. However, while this is effective, Google strives for true CTR scores rather than encouraging shortcuts. Nevertheless, with the amount of competition out there on the great wide web, businesses are getting noticed through purchasing clicks. 

Online Presence  

Your social media presence- or lack thereof will also play a part in these results, as there are more places on Google telling them who you are and what it is that you do. As a result, the more likely you are to show up in their search results as you have become well acquainted with Google. Also, the more advertisements and online campaigns that you have up and running, the more Google is aware of your presence and will think you are the best fit to show their users. Keep in mind that established brands or websites will rank higher as they have gained recognition and trust. 

If you are looking at curating your marketing plan for 2024, Contact us at the Digital Age for a 30-minute free consultation where we can discuss getting your click-through rate up and ensure more eyeballs land on your website.

The Importance of Core Web Vitals and the Impact on SEO Ranking

THE IMPORTANCE OF CORE WEB VITALS AND THE IMPACT ON SEO RANKING

Website owners and developers should all be familiarised with Google’s performance metrics to guarantee user satisfaction and a high search engine ranking. Understanding the performance metrics allows you to identify and rectify any performance issues. If you want to increase your website’s visibility, create a seamless user experience, and gain favour with Google, then you must focus on what matters most- Google’s Core Web Vitals metric.

What are Core Web Vitals?

Website user experience is assessed by Google’s performance metric – Core Web Vitals. By utilizing Core Web Vitals, you can access your score and find valuable insights into the user’s overall page experience of your website. Page experience includes the website’s page loading time, responsive interactivity, and visual stability. This performance metric is so beneficial because it provides an exact score, which will help you determine where improvements need to be made. Once you have analysed the scores, you can begin optimising your website to create an enhanced user experience. A positive experience will keep potential customers glued to the website. The longer users are on your website, the higher the chances they will become a customer.

The impact on SEO ranking

Receiving good scores from Google enhances your website’s SEO, as user experience carries a lot of weight in the ranking algorithm. (If you don’t know about the importance of SEO ranking click the article here.)

Websites that deliver a superior user experience are more likely to achieve higher positions in search engine results. So, understanding and bettering your Core Web Vitals will impact your SEO ranking as it can cause an increase in website traffic and help you gain a competitive edge in Google’s search results.

The three Core Web Vitals

1. Largest Contentful Paint (LCP):
The Largest Contentful Paint measures how quickly the main content on the website takes to load. This essentially means the speed at which the largest element or text block loads and becomes visible to the user. A good LCP score means that the user’s attention is instantly engaged, and they feel compelled to stay on the web page. A good score is if it takes within 2.5 seconds or less, as anything longer will not captivate the user. An LCP exceeding 4 seconds is considered a bad score and needs immediate attention and rectification.

2. First Input Delay (FID):
First Input Delay measures the user’s “first impression” of the website. This is the user’s first interaction, whether it is a click on a link, a button, or selecting the menu. The time between their first interaction with the website and the browser’s response time to that action is measured. The key is to have a responsive website when the user engages. For a smooth interaction, a good FID score is if the website’s response time is less than 100 milliseconds. Anything between 100 to 300 milliseconds needs improvement, and anything exceeding 300 milliseconds is a poor score.

3. Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS):
The Cumulative Layout Shift metric assesses the stability of the website. The website should strive to have visual stability during loading so they can provide the user with a visually consistent experience. It is not uncommon nor unexpected for layouts to shift. However, it is visually frustrating for users, and they will likely leave the page. For creating a good user experience, the CLS score should be less than 0.1. A score between 0.1 to 0.25 needs rectification, and a score exceeding 0.25 is tracking poorly.
Now that you are familiar with Google’s core web vitals metrics, it’s time to examine how your website has scored.

If you need assistance in assessing or improving your website’s performance, Contact us at the Digital Age for a 30-minute free consultation.

Digital Marketing Recap: Lessons from 2023 to Take into 2024

Digital Marketing Recap: Lessons from 2023 to Take into 2024

The trends explored below are some of the most significant marketing insights of 2023, and it appears that they are here to stay. If your business has not implemented these strategies and tools already, then it is time to reevaluate your 2024 marketing plan.

Search Engine Optimisation(SEO)

You want your business to be discoverable. The foundation remains the same- to increase user traffic, you need to create the best user experience possible. To set your website up for success, an effortless viewing and browsing of your website is critical. Nowadays, with the prevalence of screens virtually everywhere, you need to ensure that Google deems your website in optimal shape for search on any device. Once you have received the tick of approval from Google, with SEO you can rank higher in Google, earning the trust and confidence of customers. SEO will not be overlooked, as it is a necessity for the digital realm.

Find out more:

https://thedigitalage.co.nz/the-importance-of-seo-for-your-business/

ChatGPT

ChatGPT is dominating the digital realm. Now that we know that in today’s digital world, search engine optimization (SEO) is critical for any business looking to grow its online presence- AIdriven ChatGPT is like a saving grace. This machine learning algorithm is there to perform tedious tasks, save time, and save costs. It is a tool that has been adopted with open arms as it is there to help you stay ahead of the competition. ChatGPT is set to expand, improve and become even more widespread as more people discover just how helpful this tool really is.

To find out more: 

https://thedigitalage.co.nz/how-to-use-instagram-for-business-andmarketing-2/

Google Ads

In the world of search engines, Google is King, and Google will naturally promote their own product before anything else. If you’re looking for ways to reach your target audience, a great place to start would be on the platform that reaches 2.9 billion people monthly with 5 billion daily interactions. A Google Ad cannot go unseen since Google is the one who developed its algorithm to make sure of this. So, if you are looking for a reliable marketing tool to invest in, this is the sure thing. While costly, there are multiple campaigns for you to choose the ones that suit you best.

To find out more:

https://thedigitalage.co.nz/reach-your-audience-with-google-ad-campaigns/

Google Ads Logo

Voice Search

A trend and strategy that is there to keep your business ahead of the game and in favour of Google. With voice search, artificial intelligence has created a better user experience- where you can speak to your car for a quick search. The convenience of voice search has seen widespread implementation across the technological world, where you can even ask your robot vacuum questions once it is connected to Google. Voice search has increased traffic for businesses that utilise the tool, and the technology will only continue to progress.

Find out more:

 https://thedigitalage.co.nz/optimising-voice-search-in-your-business/

Cryptocurrency

Entering the mainstream conversation in 2023 is cryptocurrency. The medium of exchange that is actively traded 24/7. Crypto has gained such popularity for its decentralised structure that it has become a widely accepted form of payment by businesses. Crypto provides many benefits for both the merchant and the customer. As the medium is still new, there are still some risks associated with it, so it is up to businesses to weigh up the pros and cons. However, it appears that the digital world desires a digital currency.

To find out more:

https://thedigitalage.co.nz/everything-small-businesses-should-know-aboutcryptocurrency/

Social Media Influencers

We all know the importance of using Instagram for businesses. The rise of social media influencers has proven that businesses will turn to them to establish authentic connections with their target market. From mega-influencers to the increasingly popular mico-influencers, they have shown that they will create a surge of engagement. Their strong prominence in the digital marketing landscape helped them expand their presence from social media into the commercial world- taking businesses and brands along with them. This is a testament to the power social media influencers hold in our technological world.

Find out more: https://thedigitalage.co.nz/the-rise-of-micro-influencers-strategies-for-effectivecollaboration/

https://thedigitalage.co.nz/how-to-use-instagram-for-business-and-marketing/

Book your free one-hour consultation with us at the Digital Age today to get started on your 2024 marketing takeover.

The Rise of Micro-Influencers: Strategies for Effective Collaboration

The Rise of Micro-Influencers: Strategies for Effective Collaboration

Social media influencers have proven to be extremely powerful in the marketing world. They have proven that they have significant sway over consumers’ decisions. Nowadays, we can see a rise of a new type of influencer- the “micro-influencer”. So, who exactly are these rising stars and what makes them so effective at marketing? Micro-influencers are those who have a smaller audience, but their audience is highly engaged. They have established themselves in the realm of social media influencers by building a reputation for being authentic and an expert on particular topics. Typically, a micro-influencer is categorised by having between 1,000 to 50,000 loyal followers.

If you want to gain exposure in a niche market and boost sales, read on to see how you can leverage these influencers who have such a strong prominence in the digital marketing landscape. 

Sometimes, smaller is better. 

The reason why businesses and brands have started collaborating with mico-influencers is because they provide advertising benefits, which influencers of other magnitudes do not. These benefits include; 
  1. Higher Engagement: Micro-influencers have a higher engagement ratio than macroinfluencers, even more so than celebrity influencers, as they have invested time and effort into creating a community, not just a following. Within their niche community, they are seen as much more authentic than macro-influencers.
  2. Targeted Audience: Micro-influencers have done a great job establishing themselves as experts or highly knowledgeable about specific topics. When they are recommending a product or service to their followers, their followers trust that they are delivering a qualified and informed opinion. Their followers are more likely to trust their recommendations over macro social media influencers.
  3. Affordability: As opposed to macro-influencers, micro-influencers are much more budget-friendly. Invest your marketing budget wisely by engaging with a highly targeted
    audience and avoid those astronomical fees of influencers with a million++ followers.
  4. Long-term Relationship: Building a long-term working relationship with a microinfluencer is a great way to create ongoing endorsement and an authentic relationship
    with a collaborative partner.   

How Can You Collaborate? 

  1. Search your Instagram Followers list: You cannot engage just any micro-influencer. First, assess your followers and contact the ones who align with your brand for an
    effective collaboration. Usually, you do not need to look too far to find a micro-influencer who is industry-relevant, just check your followers list! Typically, micro-influencers are already following businesses they are interested in and would like to collaborate with. You can do a quick key terms search within your Followers tab to populate followers who have associated Instagram handles or bios. Searching for specific hashtags is also an easy way to find influencers within your community.
  2. Consult and engage an influencer agency: An influencer marketing agency’s sole purpose is to connect businesses with the right, industry-specific influencers. Think of
    them as the middleman. These agencies will draft and manage the campaigns between the business and the influencer, set goals for the business, and oversee the influencer. They also take care of the contractual matters and payments.  
  3. Utilise search engines: With the rise of micro-influencers came the myriad of articles and websites dedicated to helping locate specific influencers. For example, a quick search of “skincare micro-influencers” is going to populate a plethora of search results containing the profiles of influencers within a niche industry. There are even influencer search tools available, such as Upfluence and HypeAuditor. 
  4. Collaborate with numerous micro-influencers for coordinated campaigns: The best strategy to cover all bases is to engage more than one micro-influencer. As the costs of collaboration are low, it is advantageous to engage multiple micro-influencers and organise for them to start promoting around the same time. This way, the more instances people see your ad, the more likely they are to act upon their curiosity or interest by engaging with the post. As a result, you have created a substantial impact with these coordinated campaigns. 
If you are interested in engaging a social media influencer but found it too pricey, or you simply want to test the waters with a low-risk option. Jump on this digital marketing trend today by engaging a micro-influencer for advertising collaboration. Whether you implement these strategies yourself or outsource with an influencer agency, using micro-influencers will enhance your brand awareness and drive sales.

How to Grow Your Facebook Business Page Audience and Engagement

How to Grow Your Facebook Business Page Audience and Engagement

Facebook is one of the most powerful marketing tools, with almost 3 billion monthly active users. As an owner of a Facebook business page, it’s important that you not only grow your audience but also encourage them to engage with your posts.

Below are 10 tactics to start implementing today for better results!

           1. Mobile-friendly Content: Facebook reports that 98.5% of users are on mobile devices. This is why the first step in growing your audience and user engagement is making sure that your Page and its content are equipped for mobile use. Keep your posts short and images attention-grabbing!

           2. Be Active: You and your team should be using the Facebook account as much as possible. You must be sharing relevant content to your Page, commenting on posts and in groups, and always responding to customer’s messages in your Inbox.

           3. Timed Posts: Sharing content to boost engagement is key, but so is the timing of when your post goes up. You don’t want to post when your audience is offline. By cross-examining your Page Insights, you can gauge exactly when your audience is most active during the day and schedule your posts accordingly if you aren’t available to post manually.

           4. Hashtags: Trending hashtags are relevant on most social media platforms with Facebook being no exception. However, you don’t want to use them as much as you would on Twitter or Instagram. So keep them to a minimum to avoid upsetting the algorithm, but do not skip out on using them!

           5. “Native” Videos: As with other platforms, video posts receive more views and engagement than photo posts. Facebook algorithm has reported that most favoured on Facebook are the “native” videos. Native videos are ones posted directly onto the Facebook Page as opposed to a link shared to YouTube.

           6. Inviting your Friends: While your posts need to be relevant and interesting, you should also aim for them to be moving. With the amount of content all over Facebook, a post needs to be able to evoke some emotion to get the viewer to pause and respond. Posts that can make the viewer think, smile, or, better yet, laugh are a great way to prompt a reaction.

           7. Join Groups: Getting involved in your Facebook community is a great way to get some eyeballs on your Page and be discovered by people who are interested in your product or service. Once you’ve joined the Facebook group, start posting!

           8. Targeted Ad Campaigns: There are several ways you can run ads, but before you start, come up with a strategy that best suits your business. Strategies include boosted posts that increase engagement, posts with an action button to send users to your website, a promotion of your Page to increase eyeballs and even a local ad that reaches people in the radius of your business location.

           9. Insights for Ad Campaigns: Before spending money on ads, optimise your ad by analysing your Page Insights. The benefit of this is that through this data, you will learn more about what your audience and users like to see most. Insights share with you engagement metrics and the interests and demographics of your audience. This information is key in understanding what to post to increase your engagement.

           10. Invite Friends: If you know people who would be interested in your business, Facebook allows you to invite your friends to like your Page. There’s also an option for them to Share your Page with their network, helping you reach even more people.

Start using these tactics on your Facebook Business Page today to see growth in your audience and an increase in your Page’s engagement. Remember, the most optimal way of using a social media platform for marketing is by following the platform suggestions.

For help with your Facebook marketing strategies and implementation, contact the Digital Age today for a 30-minute free strategy session.

Everything Small Businesses Should Know About Cryptocurrency

Everything Small Businesses Should Know About Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency has become a medium of exchange that is actively traded 24/7. Crypto is a digital or virtual currency that enables online payments without the interference of third-party processors. Cryptocurrency has a decentralised structure which allows it to exist without regulation or backing by any government or central authorities. This has become attractive to consumers as they no longer want to depend on an organisation to safeguard their money, and with crypto, the middleman in a transaction is removed.

With its prevalence in mainstream conversation, crypto has become widely accepted as a form of payment. Small businesses have started accepting cryptocurrency for multiple reasons, such as lower transaction fees, increased sales, merchant protection, and convenience for customers. While there are numerous benefits, it does however come with some risks.

The Benefits of Accepting Cryptocurrency

There are several perks for a business accepting cryptocurrency, which is why crypto has experienced such a large-scale adoption.

  1. Lower Transaction Fees 

Without a central intermediary, there are no credit card processing fees for small business owners. These costs can add up when you are charged a fee for each swipe of a card plus a percentage of the transaction total. How many times have you entered a small store to find that they have credit card purchase minimums on their POS system? Using crypto as a payment method can significantly reduce these small costs, which every small business is sensitive to.  

  1. Merchant Protection

Similar to cash transactions, as crypto is decentralised, there is no third-party intervention to reverse charges. The merchant is protected from all types of payment fraud and fraudulent chargebacks. Cryptocurrency exchanges are final. 

  1. Increase Sales 

Crypto can improve the bottom line of your business by opening you up to a whole new market. An increase in sales occurs when small businesses open their doors and expand to international buyers who previously could not access their products or services. As a bonus, not only does it boost your bottom line, but it also positively impacts your reputation.

  1. Customer Convenience 

Digital wallets are becoming increasingly popular, and there is no sign of it going backwards. By offering cryptocurrency as a payment option to your customers, you are adding another method of payment that is widely preferred. Your customer’s personal information gains an extra layer of protection which sequently increases their trust and confidence in your business. Where a customer may have turned away, having crypto as an option got them to stay. 

The Risks of Cryptocurrency

So what is the downfall of this medium of exchange?

  1. Technical Barriers 

If you are unfamiliar with digital currency exchange, setting up cryptocurrency acceptance will be a learning curve. To accept crypto payments from customers, you will have to set up a digital wallet on a digital currency exchange. While a small business owner will need to learn the technology, this is something that you should familiarise yourself with as digital currencies are becoming more prevalent.

  1. Can Be Volatile

Cryptocurrencies’ volatile nature lies in the fact that their value can rise and drop without forewarning. A way to protect yourself against this volatility is to have an “arrangement for translating your cryptocurrency back into your currency of record”, as advised by Ariel Wolanow, managing director of consulting firm Finserv Experts. Merchant services companies can be engaged to help small businesses immediately exchange digital currency for cash value. This way, crypto payments translate to the value of the current currency within the same instant, removing any gamble.

  1. Security Issues

While credit card numbers cannot be stolen, digital wallets can be targeted by cybercriminals if protective measures are not put in place. The risk is that crypto is not backed or insured the way other currencies are. This is why companies are actively working on ways to protect themselves from cryptocurrency security issues. Some are exploring insurance policies to back crypto, while others are implementing double verification methods to protect wallet security.

  1. Regulatory Uncertainty

As crypto has made its way into mainstream society, lawmakers are looking at drafting new regulations. With upcoming changes, there will be an evolution in the cryptocurrency ecosystem, so business owners must be ready to adapt to the changes. The government is particularly looking at how businesses will report gains and pay taxes on crypto transactions.

With the trajectory of the technology, customers are opting for cryptocurrency as their preferred payment option. Small business owners should keep in mind that with these potential risks, they may experience some obstacles, which is why it’s important to learn about the technology and set it up correctly for your business. One thing is for sure, cryptocurrency is here to stay.