Internet Marketing is Constantly Changing, Which Means Your Business Needs to be Open to Adaptability
Small businesses who have incorporated an online marketing plan understand the constant changes that happen within the industry, which is why they must be open to adapting to these new updates. With 2017 coming to a close, we wanted to share 3 online marketing trends your team should be aware of and adapt to in 2018.
1. Voice Search
How many times have you asked Siri, Google or Alexa a question? Whether to find a local service, restaurant or to find an answer to a question.
When asking a question to one of these voice search devices, it usually goes something like this, “Alexa, who is the closest dentist that’s open on saturdays?”
As you may notice, your search inquiries tend to be more conversational, rather than just a keyword phrase such as “Dentist Pembroke Pines” which you would type in a search bar on your phone or desktop.
According to ComScore, by 2020, 50 percent of all searches will be voice searches. As voice search becomes increasingly popular, small businesses everywhere must update their SEO tactics to better reach their prospects. You may be asking yourself, “how do I create a content and SEO strategy for this new way to search?” – well don’t worry, we have a few suggestions for you:
- First, claim and update your Google My Business listing. This listing is what is going to get you on Google’s local map. GMB is a great way to tell Google what your business is about; for example your business category, business hours and address which is great for local inquiry intent.
- Make sure your website is responsive and optimize your content by implementing structured data markup to give voice search devices more information about your website and what you offer.
- Create FAQ pages! This is a great way to focus on those conversational long-tail phrases that are being used for voice search. Make sure to sound natural – remember, you are writing for people and not only for these search devices.
2. Local Now Means Within 5 Miles
According to a research study by Access, “Urban consumers, who represent 83 percent of all shoppers, prefer even shorter distances, with 92 percent traveling 15 minutes or less. That is approximately a five-to-six-mile distance by car, or much less if by transit or walking.”
By focusing your SEO strategy to be more local you can help boost your small business to the top of Google’s local map listings and organic listings for either “city-specific” phrases or “near me” phrases.
Consider writing blogs that focus on your local area, optimizing your pages to target your area through on-page SEO factors and even maintaining an active social media presence.
3. Giving Back: Cause Marketing
More and more businesses are aiming to become socially conscious and contributing back to their community or a national philanthropy. In fact, “9 in 10 Millennials would switch brands to one associated with a cause” and that’s a large market you want to tap into.
Giving back doesn’t necessarily mean you have to donate monthly to an organization but it can be volunteering for an event or hosting a fundraiser.
For example, one of our dental clients, Beaufils Dental, has embraced cause marketing which has helped grow their brand and more importantly, connect with their followers.
Dental Facebook marketing: Beaufils Dental
Don’t Fall Behind, Let Clicc Media Help You
Marketing online is a full time job. You constantly have to be active on social media, you have to research and write informative blogs, you have to link build or create new videos. It’s never ending! But that’s where we come in. Online marketing is not only our job but our passion and we take care of staying on-top of these new industry changes for you.
If you’re interested in learning how we can help your small business grow online and gain local clients, contact us today for a consultation.