Are You Hitting the Right Digital Marketing Targets?

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StrategyDriven Online Marketing and Website Development Article |Target Market|Are You Hitting the Right Digital Marketing Targets?When it comes to digital marketing and growing your brand over the internet, many companies tend to focus on website design–and for good reason. They might also invest in social media marketing strategies such as getting influencers on board or even growing an online brand persona. There are plenty of ways to get your product out there these days, but how do you know if you’re hitting the right targets?

In this post, we’ll be taking a look at a couple of ways to ensure that you’re not wasting your marketing budget by aiming at the wrong targets. We’ll walk you through a couple of simple steps that will help you ensure that your marketing budget is used in the most cost-effective way possible.

Understanding your audience

One of the first things to ask yourself is if you understand your audience or not. A lot of businesses will create an ideal customer profile and try to target them with their products, services and advertisements. However, there’s always a small chance that this ideal customer doesn’t actually exist.

Customer profiles can be used to help you start your business and develop products, but you ultimately need to listen to customer feedback and use real data to determine where you need to take your business. As such, make sure you listen to your audience and determine the type of customer that your products and services actually appeal to instead of trying to chase a fictional customer that might not even exist.

Make use of demographic targeting

Once you understand the type of customer you should be aiming for, it’s time to use targeted marketing to aim your marketing at the right people. Most social media services have some kind of targeted marketing settings where you can choose the demographics who your advertising will appear to. Platforms such as Facebook offer a fantastic number of demographic targeting settings to tweak in order to raise the quality of your leads.

There are also demand-side platforms that can help you save time and money when advertising your products and services. A DSP allows you to quickly set up a campaign with granular demographic targeting that fits your needs, and then the DSP does all the work to figure out how the ads should run. It saves you from having to buy digital ad space from publishers and it offers more predictable pricing.

Find the right platforms and channels to reach your audience

One of the most popular but misunderstood ways to reach your audience is to use social media advertising. By breaking into the right communities, you can go straight to your audience and start improving the quality of your leads. However, it’s important that you try to reach them on the right platforms and channels if you want to get the most out of your budget.

Demographic targeting is great, but you also need to think about the platforms you’re targeting them on. For instance, targeting seniors on a platform such as Twitter might not be as effective as traditional media such as newspapers, magazines and even TV. However, aiming your fashion-oriented products at users on Instagram is far more likely to work given the types of people that use the platform. In short, make sure you’re investing your advertising budget wisely by aiming at the right audiences.

StrategyDriven Online Marketing and Website Development Article |Target Market|Are You Hitting the Right Digital Marketing Targets?Working on your company’s reputation

Reputation is everything when it comes to today’s business landscape. We live in a connected world where everyone has a say in anything, and that includes your business’s reputation. Annoy one customer and they could spark a chain of boycotting if they have a sizable following on social media. Make one small mistake and your business’s reputation could get dragged through the mud by an angry and ill-informed mob. This is just the world we live in, hence why it’s vital that you need to focus on your company’s reputation if you want to reach your target audience.

Here are a couple of suggestions for improving your reputation to ensure your company reaches the right people:

  • Be transparent when it comes to issues that could cause trouble for your reputation
  • Don’t make promises that you can’t keep and ensure that you stick to them if you’ve made any–there’s nothing worse for a company’s reputation than false promises
  • If you’re facing a problem with your business and your audience, make sure you act quickly instead of letting the problem stew and get progressively worse by staying quiet
  • Always respond to criticism and questions from your audience if possible
  • Be a caring and ethical employer to show that your business can be trusted
  • Work with your audience and its communities to show that you care about their opinions

It can be difficult to maintain a good reputation for your business. However, if you’re an honest and trustworthy company that doesn’t engage in shady dealings, you’ll find that this can be surprisingly easy.

Speak the same language as your audience

Whether it’s jargon, idioms or technical terms, make sure that you’re speaking the same language as your audience. This will greatly improve your chances of reaching out to them on social media and will greatly improve customer relationships.

This can be made much easier if you have a community manager available to assist you. A dedicated role that is focused on communicating with your audience means that you’ll have a much easier time listening to them and understanding them. You can respond to their questions, take on their feedback and create a much better relationship with your audience.

It can be difficult to hit the right marketing targets especially if you haven’t already defined them yet. Having the right business strategy can greatly improve your chances of targeting the right audience and growing your company. With a limited marketing budget, it’s important that not a single penny goes to waste. With the correct marketing strategies and aiming at the right audiences, it can be much easier than you’d think.

The Dos And Don’ts Of Creating Effective Business Videos

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StrategyDriven Online Marketing and Website Development Article |Business Video|The Dos And Don'ts Of Creating Effective Business VideosCreating valuable and interesting videos is one of the smartest things you can do if you want to get incredible results for your business. Your audience are more likely to watch a video, and far more likely to be entertained by it than by a blog post. A video can get across information in a much shorter amount of time, too, meaning you can spread your message easily and effectively.

If you’re thinking of creating effective videos for your business, read on for some dos and don’ts that will help you.

Do Offer Something Of Value

Don’t just make videos for the sake of making videos. You should offer something of value to the people who will be watching. Could you create a how-to tutorial, or give tips of some kind? Sharing your expertise will go a long way to ensuring people watch your content again and again.

Don’t Make It Boring

Although you’re providing value and trying to help your audience, there’s still no reason that your videos should be boring. Try to make them entertaining. Speak in an engaging way. Use a fun background and demonstrations. Do a little more than sit there and talk in a monotone voice.

Do Edit It Carefully

You will likely need to edit your video when you’re done to ensure it is as streamlined as possible. You may need to edit out moments where you take a long pause or lose your train of thought, for example. It also looks more professional if you don’t see you messing with the camera before/after the video.

Don’t Forget To Show Off Your Brand

Make sure you consider your brand throughout the video, and how you can use this as an opportunity to show people what your brand is all about. What is your brand voice and personality and how can you incorporate this? Think about it carefully and ensure you are consistent across all of your videos.

Do Know Who Your Target Audience Is?

You should know your target audience like the back of your hand. People who watch pharmaceutical videos are likely going to be very different to those who watch home DIY tutorials. They are two very different audiences and should be catered to accordingly. Make sure you create a few personas so you can work out how you’re going to entertain and engage the people watching.

Don’t Post The Same Thing On Every Single Platform

Posting the same thing on every platform can be a mistake. You’ll usually post a very different video on YouTube compared to TikTok for example, although both could be beneficial to your business. Make sure you know the differences between each platform.

Do Pay Attention To Your Video Analytics

Looking at your analytics will give you an idea of what is working for you and what you can perhaps improve on. Looking at these closely will help you to make better content in the future!

How will you make effective business videos? Leave a comment below!

5 Ways to Improve Productivity in a Digital Marketing Environment

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StrategyDriven Managing Your People Article |Improve Productivity|5 Ways to Improve Productivity in a Digital Marketing EnvironmentMost companies strive to do better and be more productive. There will always be tasks that take time and resources. However, there are also solutions to make these everyday projects more profitable in the long term. In a digital marketing environment, there are many areas to consider throughout all client projects. An agency may cover all aspects such as email marketing, SEO, content creation, and digital strategy under one roof. When this happens, unless you have suitable resources available, individuals may need to take on more work than is possible.

Teams cannot always be in all places or cover everything, and inadequate resource availability may mean that some areas are stretched thinly. To avoid this issue and improve productivity, there are several ways to boost your operations and the time taken to complete mundane tasks.

Take a look at some areas that will improve your overall productivity and profitability:

1. Delegate effectively

There will be a range of experts in your in-house teams that can complete projects more speedily and accurately than others in the department. That’s not to say the others in the group are not valuable. However, everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and you need to find out where they are to delegate tasks effectively.

In smaller digital agencies, there may not be adequate resources to carry out client projects, so outsourcing may also be a sound option. This is another form of delegation and frees up your staff to continue with projects they have expertise in. There are several options for outsourcing, including specific tasks and entire project delegation. You will also find a range of specialist agencies and freelancers than can assist.

2. Use tools to speed up processes

One of the main issues that companies face is the time taken to process information to get the desired results. However, if you use expert tools to eliminate this, this time will be reduced to focus on other more profitable areas. For example, if your digital agency focuses on content creation, you will understand that the entire process involves planning content, researching trends, creating copy, proofing, and outreaching. If you could take one of these aspects out of the equation, such as the proofing part – there are tools such as the ProofHQ alternative, Ziflow that speeds up the whole process and provides automation within the activity. This automation frees up time for the team to focus on other aspects of client projects.

3. Schedule time to plan and focus

Many businesses are buzzing with projects and general tasks that these eat into your day with little time left to evaluate and plan your next move. If teams feel they are under constant pressure to get things done, projects can often fall foul of errors and misjudgments due to time and resource constraints. In any company, there should be time scheduled in to plan and effectively focus on tasks. There’s no point in having meetings for the sake of meetings. This time has to be used with intention. So, leaving mobiles and laptops at desks is crucial to get individuals focused and engaged in the entire process.

4. Identify and analysis results

In the marketing world, it’s not enough to think about projects in isolation. Each part of the process has a knock-on effect on a range of other things, and it’s vital to ensure you are kept in the loop. Completing a project doesn’t mean it’s finished, and you got the results you wanted. Looking at where your most profitable areas lie is also essential. Drilling down into the finer detail and splitting time taken and profitable tasks is a valuable way to establish where you should focus your efforts. There will also times where you need to take on the jobs that are more hassle for less profit. However, it’s judging how often and how to avoid these situations that will lead to more profit and improved productivity across the company.

5. Know when to scale your agency

Hiring more staff doesn’t mean you will get a similar effect in results or profit (at least not straight away!). The dynamics of your teams will change, and this will need to be factored in to determine how successful scaling up maybe for your company. Planning when to scale your agency is crucial and should be done when projected benefits outweigh the losses you could face in the short term. In the meantime, outsourcing could help you scale up temporarily to meet higher demand.

10 Top Reasons Why You Need To Hire Crane Services For Your Business

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StrategyDriven Tactical Execution Article |Crane Services|10 Top Reasons Why You Need To Hire Crane Services For Your BusinessWith the rising demand for construction, many people are trying their luck with the construction business. Although constructing high-rise buildings and modern houses is not a piece of cake, everything is possible with a little hard work and dedication. However, purchasing construction equipment with a small budget is out of the question.

Construction has high machinery demands that might cost an arm, especially when it comes to coughing money for cranes. The majority of businesses face this issue. Surprisingly, there is a way out for every problem. How about you hire crane services rather than purchasing cranes? Here are 10 top reasons why you need to hire crane services for your business.

1. Efficient Material Handling

Do you think manual labor is enough on construction sites? Honestly, lifting those heavy blocks of cement is not a human’s cup of tea. They might lift it one by one, making it forever to complete the construction work. This is the reason why you spot cranes at every worksite; they can lift several blocks at a time and placing them where it belongs. Besides, you have an option to install tower cranes or self-erecting cranes to handle all the materials efficiently.

2. Less Time-Consuming

If it takes manual labor 15 minutes to shift material from one place to another, cranes can do it in 2 minutes. Thus, it not only saves time but makes the construction process a lot faster. At the same time, if you are thinking to get your crane, then it might take several days to install the machine. You would have to get a license, train the workers for using such heavy machinery, and follow all the safety precautions.

However, hiring crane services can help you escape all his hustle. You also have the option to hire the person who operates cranes. So, consider going with the option of crane hire.

3. Variety of Machines

Do you know there are different types of cranes? Every construction site has a different requirement for machinery and crane. If you are hiring crane services, then it exposes you to a variety of machines. You can opt for a mobile crane if you want to hoist the material or a tower crane to work on skyscrapers.

Similarly, there are loader cranes and overhead cranes for lifting heavy and different sorts of material. Believe it or not, purchasing all these machines requires a gigantic investment. Alongside being light on pockets, hiring crane services would provide you with all the machines you need.

4. No Maintenance & Repair Costs

Dealing with heavy machinery is not a child’s play. Several technical glitches or engine are misfunctioning, which can halt the entire construction process. However, when you are hiring crane services, all these problems are no longer your headache. The renting company would be responsible for all services and maintenance of the cranes. If it stops working on the construction site, you only have to inform them, and they would replace it with another one, maintaining a smooth flow of work.

5. Saves Money

Some businesses look for financing options when it comes to getting machinery for their construction site. It makes sense if you require the machinery for every project. However, if you are doing this to satisfy the needs of a single project, it can land you in trouble. Alongside repayments, you have to cast away money on interest payments too, shrinking your profits significantly. Therefore, consider renting the crane every time, fulfilling your need for different machinery.

6. Escape Insurance Fees

You can’t bring cranes to the site without any insurance. It involves working on heights on the top of the sky, making insurance mandatory. The ratio of accidents on construction sites is quite high, and you can’t end up risking machinery you just purchased, adding another expense on your list. This is the reason why the majority of businesses hire crane services to dodge these unnecessary costs. However, getting an insurance cover for employees remains essential.

7. Promotes Quicker Processes

Honestly, loading and unloading material with the help of manual labor is possible, but it can take days. Hence, it is better to rely on machinery and equipment to fulfill these monotonous tasks. Many construction workers also develop back injuries due to heavy material lifting. Therefore, using cranes doesn’t only speeds up the entire process, but motivates workers to perform efficient tasks. After all, in today’s world, modern cranes can hold tons of material and while carrying it 10,000 meters high.

8. Weather Doesn’t Halt Operations

Humans can’t work during heavy rain showers or windy days since it is very risky to climb buildings. All these external factors can halt operations, but things are different when working with machinery. They can work in the rough and tough climatic conditions. Therefore, explore the option of hiring a crane to maintain a smooth flow of work. The operator working on the crane has a protected cabin, helping him run the crane efficiently.

9. Ensures Safety

Many construction sites face accidents due to a lack of safety measures. After all, the workers are sweating under hectic conditions while performing risky functions. Well, if you use machinery to replace this dangerous work, it would reduce the number of injuries. The workers would feel satisfied and also increases their productivity levels. Cranes are completely safe; workers work with all the safety manual and equipment, avoiding safety violations.

10. Swap with Latest Equipment

Do you see the changing technological trends? Similarly, equipment and machinery are also evolving and introducing new functions. If you are considering purchasing equipment, it is impossible to cope with the changing trends. However, while hiring cranes, you can enjoy using the latest cranes and machinery on your site. At the same time, you swap equipment easily too. For instance, you can get a high-tech crane for a high-rise building and over loader for building houses.

Wrap Up

Every business demands some risky decisions and calculations. In the construction business, it is always about getting the right equipment. Some owners are skeptical about purchasing heavy cranes and equipment while others are exploring options of renting services. Well, if you can’t decide, look above to see the 10 top reasons why you need to hire crane services for your business.

9 Recession Proof Stocks to Invest in When the Economy is Down

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StrategyDriven Practices for Professionals Article |recession proof stocks |9 Recession Proof Stocks to Invest in When the Economy is DownCOVID-19 has taken a great blow to stock markets worldwide. This is because leaders have opted for lockdowns and a shut down of non-essential businesses.

Many people have lost their jobs and the unemployment rate surged in just a few days. The economy is looking very uncertain and unclear for the future.

Ironically, this is a great time to invest in the stock market. Recessions are a great opportunity to buy value stocks at discount prices. Keep reading to check out these recession proof stocks that you can catch on sale.

What Stocks You Should Be Looking For

To make the best investments during a stock market crash, look out for companies that have a great management history. These companies are often undervalued during recessions so you can buy their stocks at a discount. In the long term, their value will rise again.

Also, look at buying recession proof stocks from companies that make indispensable products. These include food, energy and communications companies.

Other stocks that do well in recession include liquor companies, companies that sell cheap merchandise, liquor companies and gambling companies. Look into investing in discount supermarkets, discount clothing stores or online gambling companies.

Read on for 9 best recessions stocks that you should invest in now when the economy is down.

1. Walmart (WMT)

Walmart is one of the best recession stocks that you can buy. First of all, it sells products at discount prices hence it will do well during a recession. A big percentage of Walmart’s sales come from groceries and human beings can’t survive without food. So even during a recession, Walmart will not go out of business.
Investors know the value of Walmart and its stock has remained stable during the COVID-19 pandemic. But the year started with Walmart selling at $119 and the current price has dropped as low as $109. So you can still buy it at a discount.

2. Microsoft (MSFT)

Microsoft is a huge software company that will not be going anywhere anytime soon. It is one of the best recession proof stocks that you can buy during this period. Its prices are at the lowest they may ever be.
As a blue-chip company, Microsoft will be one of the winners of the coronavirus pandemic. Many people are purchasing Microsoft products to assist them while they are working from home.

3. McDonald’s (MCD)

McDonald’s is one of the companies that has taken a hit from the coronavirus pandemic. Store sales have gone down as more Americans stay at home to reduce infection rates of the virus.
But McDonald’s is an established company with a solid management history so we can expect its stock to go back up once the crisis ends. McDonald’s stock price has fallen by about 10% since the beginning of the year. So you could get a bargain if you buy stocks in the company now.

4. DollarTree (DLTR)

This is another recession proof stock because it sells discounted goods. DollarTree has had to hire more employees to deal with the rise in demand for its goods and services.

Its stock price has also fallen 22% since the beginning of the year. So it is a solid stock to invest in now.

5. Kellogg’s (K)

Kellogg’s manufactures a variety of dry goods. Sales of Kellogg’s products have soared as consumers worldwide stockpile food items. Its stock price has also been rising during the pandemic.

You may not get a discounted price on the stock but it is still a good recession proof stock for your portfolio.

6. Disney (DIS)

The coronavirus has forced Disney to close its theme parks. This has caused Disney stock prices to plunge. But this is a solid company that will continue growing in the coming years.

Buying Disney stocks while the prices are low means you will reap the benefits when the pandemic ends and the prices go back up. They recently rolled out their Disney+ platform and streaming rates are up so this could keep them in good standing.

7. Intuit (INTU)

Intuit owns two of the biggest accounting applications? Quickbooks and TurboTax. Businesses still need to balance their books and file their tax returns, recession or not.

While some businesses may close, the economy will still recover and Intuit will be able to ride the downturn. So investing in Intuit stock is a good bet.

8. Brown Forman (BF.B)

Liquor companies often survive recessions because many Americans look for a way to manage their stress. Brown Forman sells whiskey and Jack Daniels is its most famous brand. This article might give more insight into reasons for even higher stress levels.

It will likely have increased sales during this pandemic although the trade war with China might affect its overseas sales. Still, this is a good stock for your portfolio if you don’t have a moral issue with alcohol sales.

9. Visa

Visa is a global company that has one of the most valuable brands worldwide. They also have a product that Americans cannot do without, which is a debit and credit card system. Visa is good at leveraging technology to maintain its market share despite threats from newer companies.

The current pandemic has also led many people to shop online and avoid handling cash which will be great for Visa’s revenues. Visa can survive recessions because as a payment platform it isn’t affected by consumer debt. Despite reduced spending during recessions consumers still have to buy essential goods.

Luckily for you, Visa’s stock prices have fallen due to the CoronaVirus so this is a great chance to get this valuable stock at a lower price than its value.

A Recession Is the Best Time to Buy Recession Proof Stocks

If you are looking to buy some stocks this is the best time to add recession proof stocks to your portfolio. The economy might not be in the best condition. Yet if you play your cards right, you can come out better on the other side.

For more investment tips read the rest of our blog.