1. Use referral emails

2. Highlight good reviews 

3. Allow customers to send a text message inquiry

4. Have multiple ways to contact you (chat bots, website, phone number, & social media) 

5. Run a paid search ad or Google Ad

6. Update Google My Business Profile 

7.  Attend a tradeshow or local fair

8. Sponsor a team, organization, or charity 

9. Run a new paid social campaign 

10. Build an email list through company blog, newsletter, & coupon codes

11. Use QR codes on business cards & social posts 

12. Refer customers to complementary businesses 

13. Join a networking group

14. Participate in local community events & gatherings

Start a user-researched web project today? Call 248.528.3600

The post Quick Marketing Options for Customer Acquisition   appeared first on Miller Media, Digital Marketing Agency, PPC, Industrial Web Design, WordPress.

According to Google’s marketing retail guide, 40% of U.S. holiday shoppers say their holiday shopping experience has made them consider shopping much earlier for other milestones this year. This means your holiday gifts offers, specials, and other deals should be ready a couple months in advance. With consumers combining online and in-store shopping, preparing an omnichannel holiday strategy early will be critical to reaching shoppers along their purchase journeys. Have both your supply chain and digital marketing plan ready before November. 

If fact, it might be best to have new strategy right after the current holiday ends. According to the guide, June 2021 reported 31% of U.S. shoppers had already started their holiday shopping and 37% of shoppers who shopped the previous holiday season wished they had started earlier. During COVID-19 and currently, a lot of business’s supply chains had stock issues, causing over 50% of U.S. shoppers surveyed to say that they would start holiday shopping earlier to avoid an item being out of stock. This is especially important if you are an ecommerce business or a product-based company. Several suggestions from Google to include in a marketing strategy are:

• Use the Insights page in Google Ads and best sellers report to keep up with consumer demand. 
• Notify customers with promotions, sales, free and fast shipping options, and return and refund options directly to your product listings.
• Create a Business Profile and run a Local campaign to connect with local shoppers. 

If you are struggling with any of these items Miller Media can help with Google Ads and provides Google Analytics Consulting to create a marketing strategy that is successful. 

Multichannel Shopping is the Main Way People Shop

Omnichannel or multichannel shopping has led to only 4% of U.S. holiday shoppers not using digital channels for their shopping according to the retail guide. This means have a digital presence is a requirement for your business. Have a website, create social media accounts, and GoogleMyBusiness Profile for your business. If you are missing one or more of these avenues and can’t manage them yourself a digital marketing agency can help you. Also, convenience is key for people around the holidays. Minimize stress for last-minute shoppers, who rely on local and nearby stores. In Google Maps, searches for “gift shops near me” have grown globally by over 60% year over year. Make sure your on-page and off-page SEO is effective, so new or returning customers will see you first on Google’s results page. Other ways Google suggests helping shoppers see your business is with: 

• A Performance Max campaign, and through your app (if you have one) by deep linking to reach the right customers. 
• Smart Bidding for store visits or store sales. 
• Listing your products for free across Google Shopping 
• Local inventory ads and adding  Pointy  to your Business Profile to reach nearby customers by promoting available inventory. 

People Use Google for Holiday Inspiration

Google states that 43% of U.S. holiday shoppers that used Google said they did so to get gift ideas, and 64% said they did so for discovery and inspiration. This is very important for retailers. Search visibility is critical to capturing these shoppers. Include gift guides in your company’s blog. In addition, promote your products to your target audience at the right time across Google surfaces, like Search, YouTube, Gmail, and the Shopping tab. This takes SEO, website optimization, PPC, Google Ad creation, social media marketing, and other digital marketing services. All this can be overwhelming to maintain. If you are struggling to market your business while trying to run it, let the team here at Miller Media do it for you. 

Need help preparing for future holiday marketing strategies? Call 248.528.3600.

The post Google Seasonal Shopping Insights From this Year to Help Prep for Next Year appeared first on Miller Media, Digital Marketing Agency, PPC, Industrial Web Design, WordPress.

1. Use PR to Facilitate Content Promotions

Reach out to relevant journalists, editors, influencers, bloggers, or other media outlets with your content. Your content should be data-focused, but emotional enough to connect with the average consumer. This should lead to more sharing among social media, increased media coverage, and a wider audience that may include merging complementary industries. A study by ON-Broadcast, a broadcast specialist agency, showed that many journalists admit to finding stories on social networks or other media outlets. This means that reporters could possibly pick up your story when you distribute your content across different channels. Consider looking out for guest posting opportunities on reputable websites. Having regular articles and press mentions will amplify your reach in the long term.

2. Use PR to Build Relationships with Influencers

PR is more than just sending a single inquiry email and hoping to get more eyes on your content pieces. It is about building and nurturing mutually beneficial relationships. The better your PR, the easiest it gets to attract new partners, which is a valuable asset when using influencer marketing. An influencer has the trust of their audience and to keep that trust, they try to work with companies that are reputable. Create an influencer strategy built on honest reviews of your product or service. Make sure your content is clear and easy to understand. If the influencer created the content, check that their work doesn’t have any misleading information. After that, enjoy a steady stream of media coverage, co-branded content, social media mentions, and product or service reviews. 

3. Use PR to Help You Become an Industry Authority 

Public relations help you increase authority through speaking engagements, interviews, media coverage, or social media presence. Keep an eye out for local tradeshows, community events, or schools hosting a career day. Allow your employees to build personal brands and share industry insights or news under the company name. Also allow individuals within your company to become thought leaders by publishing insightful content pieces, such as industry reports or expert commentaries. This not only will build the creditability of your company but will show your employees that they are valuable members of the team. Potential clients will feel more at easy if they see real people interacting with the company. 

4. Use PR to Improve Your Online Visibility 

Proactive PR and reactive PR are two ways to approach improving your online presence. Proactive PR involves sharing content with the public in the forms of research and press releases being published on high-ranking high authority websites. Press releases are usually distributed by PR specialists or via newswire services, but you can easily send them out yourself with dedicated PR tools or with the help of a digital marketing agency with SEO services. The goal is to create buzz around your brand and become “findable”. You want journalists and potential customers look for information through Google Search and have you pop up in an ad, snippet, or the first or second page of Google’s results page. 

Pair proactive PR with reactive PR which involves responding to journalists’ needs. There are all sorts of new platforms from local to international online magazines or news companies. Once you find a suitable outlet to share your content, make sure to answer fast and personalize your pitch, depending on the media outlet and its requirements. This PR tactic helps to build quality backlinks and drive traffic to your business’s website.

5. Use PR to Leverage New Communication Channels

Create an online newsroom or company blog is an important communication channel for PR specialists and content marketers. You can use it for publishing press releases, in-house announcements, messages from the founders, or other newsworthy stories your company may have. Unlike traditional media coverage, this is where brands control their own story entirely and decide what to make public. Having an online newsroom or creating a company blog via WordPress will add a sense of legitimacy to your website. It will also make it easier to nurture media relationships and help you manage your online reputation on your own. This shared desire for PR and content marketing is an excellent way to manage and improve your brand’s online reputation. A better reputation equals a higher chance a potential client will pick your business over another’s. 

Need help incorporating PR into your content strategy? Call 248.528.3600.

The post Use PR to Support Your Content Marketing Strategy   appeared first on Miller Media, Digital Marketing Agency, PPC, Industrial Web Design, WordPress.

1. Image Extensions 

The consumer visual experience when browsing products and services online has become more critical as time passes. Image extensions help create a more visually appealing search ad that will draw in your target market. Image extensions appear on both desktop and mobile devices while enhancing the relevance of your search ad by including images of your business’s products or services in the ad. Image assets for these extensions perform best when they are closely relevant to queries within the ad group or campaign. They should convey useful information to your potential client and match the experience they will find on your landing page. Google has other requirements in terms of content and quality that need to be followed to make sure you campaign is successful. If you are struggling with extension or ad creation search for a digital marketing agency that can help you with google ads. 

2. Structured Snippets

Structured snippets extensions list specific aspects of your product or service. This extension has a predefined “header” for values. You do not need landing pages for each product or service because they do not link to your website. This good for businesses that do not have a complete website yet, but still want to get the word out about their product or service. Each snippets extension has a “heading” such as:

• Amenities
• Brands
• Destinations
• Degree programs
• Courses
• Featured hotels
• Insurance coverage
• Neighborhoods
• Service catalogs
• Models
• Show
• Styles
• Types

After selecting the header, enter the values such as “free Shipping” for amenities or any unique features your product or service has that your competition may not. This ad extension can add value by giving your potential client more information and differentiating your ad from competitors who are not using this extension.

3. Price Extensions 

Price extensions are a great alternative for businesses that do not have product feeds or is a service-based company. They can instead showcase products and services with price points. This extension presents themselves in search results below the main ad text which can lead to attracting greater attention to the ad as well as a curiosity to dive deeper into the content of your business’s website. You have a minimum of three and up to eight items, or cards, that can be added per price extension. A potential client can then scroll through and click on items individually to view. Like the structured snippets, Google has predefined types of price extensions:

• Brands
• Events
• Locations
• Neighborhoods
• Product categories
• Product tiers
• Service categories
• Service tiers
• Services

Each card has a header and description of 25 characters each, appearing above and below the price. This is important for business that do not have one set price point. A price qualifier can be added such as “from”, “up to”, and “average.” Price extensions can be added to the account, campaign, or ad group level. Note that adding to the ad group level is a great place for more detailed items to be tailored to a subgroup for example: “European cars” vs. “German cars.” These ad extensions can also be scheduled for a start and end date, along with custom hourly scheduling. This is ideal for seasonal or holiday promotions. 

4. Call Extensions 

Call extensions serve a phone number with your ads that is redirected to your official phone number. Since mobile is the primary device for search, you want to connect potential clients directly with your sales or customer service team by phone call. Use the PPC platform forwarding numbers. They will show your call information, call conversions, and valuable search data on how people are finding your business’s phone number. Note that a phone call can be counted as a conversion, defined by the number of seconds a caller is on the phone call. Also, the number of seconds should be defined based on each business’s unique phone behavior for closing callers. If phone call lengths are below this threshold too frequently, or many calls are missed, it’s a good time to review optimization ideas:

• Are too many “wrong” numbers coming through? 

This could be due to the ad being triggered by different business names or competitors based on keywords. Check search queries and ask phone repetitives what they have been hearing from callers. These keywords can be used as negative keywords.

• Too many missed calls? 

Ensure the ad is scheduled during business hours only when someone is available to answer that call. That could mean not running ads during the holiday shutdowns, for example.

• Calls from physical locations not serviced by your business. 

Adjust geotargeting to be more accurate. Also use this instant as an opportunity to learn more about these callers and the current market demand around your product, service, or industry. 

Let us help you with your Google Ads.  Call 248.528.3600.

The post 4 PPC Ad Extensions for Maximum Impact  appeared first on Miller Media, Digital Marketing Agency, PPC, Industrial Web Design, WordPress.

1. Do you stick to the recommended character limit when writing your ad copy? 

Character counts can be frustrating when you have a complex message to get across, but it is important that you stick to the limit. Narrow down what you want to say, so it reads clearly and precisely. If you are really struggling with narrowing down essential details, cut it off at an interesting point. Then add a call-to-action and link to your company’s blog or landing page. Sticking to the character limit makes it easier for the social platforms’ algorithm to recognize you and prioritize your business as a subject matter authority. 

2. Does this ad work for mobile users? 

Most social media users are on their phone when interacting with a platform. Make sure your ad is optimized for mobile. This means company logo, text, and images all must be recognizable at a small size. Different platforms have different sizes for video and picture layouts. You may want to have a few landscape and portrait versions of the ad so nothing important is cut off. 

3. Are the image and copy aligned with the goal of the ad?

Make sure your photos or illustrations match what your body copy is about. For example, if you are a dress boutique and your goal is to attract more people to your website. Have a photo of one of your dresses. Then add text. Your text might be something like this:

“This dress and other beautiful dresses like it are now available on our amazing online shop!”

Another example for a service-based company is say that you are a law firm, and your goal is to gain more bookings. You may use flat icon illustrations of the type industries that need your services. Then add text like this:

“We provide the best lawyers to help your business. Book now for your first free 30-minute consulting secession.”

4. Does your ad have a CTA wording on a button or link?

CTA stands for call to action. Social media platforms such Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn have built in call-to-action features that allow you to add to your post. You still need to design an ad that contains CTA for platforms that do not have built in features. Some basic CTA samples that you can as links or buttons are:

• Learn More
• Buy Now
• Purchase Here
• Book Now
• Order Online Today
• Sign Up Today
• Call Now
• Get Started 
• Contact Us
• Let’s Chat 

5. Is your ad directed towards the correct audience? 

Even if your imagery and body copy are well-designed and written, this means nothing if the correct audience doesn’t see it. Make sure SEO best practices are included. This means important keywords are included in your body copy and hashtags. Setting features on a lot of platforms have features such as alt tags, meta description, and location tags. Make sure that these are all tailored based on your target audience. You want to make sure your ad has maximum reach. 

Struggling creating an effective social ad? Let us do it for you. Call 248.528.3600.

The post 5 Items to Consider Before Using Paid Social Ads appeared first on Miller Media, Digital Marketing Agency, PPC, Industrial Web Design, WordPress.

1. Hire Influencers to Create Short Video Content

Influencers allow you to add a one-on-one human connection element to your brand, this is important considering that people trust people more than they trust brands. These influencers should create educational videos that attract people to your product. Content should be natural, and not overly promotional. You can highlight certain attributes of your product or service but let them craft the appropriate language to address their (and soon to be yours as well) audience to keep the relationship authentic. Share the goal and objectives of your campaign with the influencers to avoid confusion and if possible, provide a brief. Have methods in place that allow you to track ROI of the influencer content, whether that be sales, website visits, signups, or more.

2. Run Ads with Short Video Content

Get more traffic and increase your ROI with short video ads along with gaining more organic traffic. When you use video ads, you’ll be able to get a higher click through rate (CTR). A higher CTR means that more people will be able to click on your ad or watch your video and then they’ll be able to go directly to your website. The most important tip is to create an ad that is both interesting and relevant to your business. These days, natural content seems to work best, so don’t try too hard to sell your product. Instead, let the product sell itself by showing off the most valuable aspects of the product. Short video content gives you more opportunity to capture the attention of an audience as opposed to static photo content when using an ad platform such as Google Ads. Use a catchy hook, have a clear message, and choose the right short video ad format. Short video ad formats come in three categories: 

• Skippable video ads
• Interactive video ads
• In-stream video ads

A few things that make video ads particularly great are captions and fast cuts,these are both great ways to retain the attention of the viewer so that they watch the ad all the way through. 

3. Ask Your Customers to Create Short Video Content

Testimonials tap into a deeply rooted psychological bias where we trust the opinion of people we know. A study by MarketingSherpa found that customers were willing to spend up to 30% more on a product after reading positive reviews. Another study found that customers were willing to spend 43% more when they were provided testimonials. Video testimonials are a powerful way to get your customers to speak up on your behalf. 94% of customers trust word-of-mouth referrals and 92% are more likely to trust a local business with a customer review. Testimonials are easy enough to make for your customers because all they would need is some sort of video recording device and the ability ‍to send the footage over to you. Video testimonials are the next best thing to a customer recommendation. The greatest benefit of video testimonials is that they build trust and credibility for your business. 

4. Add Short Video Testimonials & Product Videos to Your Website

Adding the short videos that you create to your website is a must when building a video marketing strategy. Customers browsing around your website with questions or objections they have about your products might change their minds with a positive video testimonial. Explainer videos on the homepage of your website help reduce the burden on consumers of having to navigate to different sections of your website to learn about your product. The easier you make it for potential customers to learn about your product, the better it is. Do some off-page SEO with a short video formatted as a TikTok, Instagram Reel or YouTube Short, you can easily answer most common questions or objections in less than 60 seconds. This also will help you spread brand awareness. 

5. Repost Your Short Video Content to all Social Media Platforms 

Publishing new content and breaking up old long-form content will improve your entire video marketing program’s ROI. When you post a piece of short video content on TikTok, download the original and post it on YouTube shorts and Instagram Reels as well. Slice it up into smaller clips and use it as an ad creative. Find creative ways to re-use your short video content. This will bring in a lot of traffic and conversions to your company blog or product page. Include re-shares links so that others can share your ad. Lean into more word-to-mouth advertising and brand trust. 

Need more help developing a video marketing strategy? Call 248.528.3600

The post 5 Ways to Drive Traffic and Sales with Short Videos appeared first on Miller Media, Digital Marketing Agency, PPC, Industrial Web Design, WordPress.

1. Define your Goal & Market

What type of results do you want? For example, you want more attention to your content. Enter the keywords related to what users would search for to find your information. Or, if you need an increase in sales conversions, enter keywords that revolve around the moment of purchase.

2. Choose the Right Keywords for Your Ads

Use a Keyword Planner to determine relevant keywords for your products or services. Research the frequency or significant volume certain keywords are searched and how they change over time. Include links for users to go to that direct them directly to relevant information. Price Per Click (Pay Per Click) can help boost your campaign, but before you implement this action, calculate your advertising budget and estimate what you will need for each keyword.

3. Select a Type of Campaign 

• Search Campaign: Ideal for your potential customers to know your products or services. Goals include direct traffic to your website, increase sales or generate sales opportunities. You will only pay when there is an interaction (PPC – Pay per click).
• Shopping Campaign: Showcase your products in the biggest online marketplace. You will only pay when buyers click to go to your website or when they see local inventory.
• Display Campaign: Advertise on the Google Display Network or Google My Business. Promote your business on Google news pages, blogs, and websites like Gmail or YouTube.
• Video Campaign: YouTube is also a search engine. You will only pay when someone sees one of your ads for at least 30 seconds, sees it in its entirety, or interacts with it. 
• Mobile Campaign: This ad helps you to connect with potential customers on mobile devices through text, image, video, and HTML5 ads.

4. Make a Difference

Generate and attract interest. Think about what your client values and be respectful of their time. Find in their searches and associate them with the solutions you offer with your brand: to invite them to buy, fill out a form or the objective that you have previously set for yourself. Make sure to strategically plan out the frequency they will appear and avoid too many appearance; this could overwhelm the potential client. 

5. Link Google Search Console 

Google Search Console allows you to have access to the data. This will help you understand the relationship between organic searches and your Google Ads campaign. You will have an insight into how users are being reached through search. This will help in determining which type of ads best suites your target market for future marketing campaigns. 

6. Analyze & Optimize Your Campaigns 

Analyze your results. Determine which group of ads have a high conversion rate. What type of ad was most effective? Make adjustments to improve your campaign. Control the investment of your budgets, evaluate better performing keywords, and fine-tune your ROI. If need be, use Google’s Performance Planner. It forecasts your campaigns, identify new opportunities by period, and manages budgets for different accounts and campaigns.

Start your Google Ad Campaign today! Call 248.528.3600. 

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