Top 5 Spooky-Good Social Media Secrets You Need To Know
Pumpkins are being carved, scary movies are being watched, leaves are changing colors and everyone’s getting ready for our oh-so-favorite spooky holiday season. And there’s nothing more spooky than these top 5 social media secrets that every social media experts should know but doesn’t:
#1 Leveraging Links with Visual Content
If your main social media goal is to convert… then why are you still sleeping on the power of linking? Visual content can act as a “gateway” to more valuable content. That’s why the most successful brands leverage short-form visuals to promote long-form visuals with outside links. This secret will undoubtably help you drive more traffic back to your website, products, services and more!
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#2 The 80/20 Rule
Your team is posting every day on social media… but how often are they directly interacting with your customers and other brands? You should only promote your business and own content 20% of the time, while the other 80% is all for interacting. Not many brands know about the 80/20 rule, but once they do, they never go back. Follow this rule of thumb, and we promise your content will soar with success!
#3 Actionable Hashtags
We all know and love hashtags… but are you truly using them to their full potential? The most powerful hashtags are ones that build communities around specific actions. This tip is great for running campaigns, hosting contests, sharing content and even cross-pollinating your message across platforms. When using hashtags, actionable ones are always the way to go!
#4 Twitter Testing
You use Twitter… but are you using it to test out content ideas? If not, you’re missing out. What’s great about the platform of Twitter is that it serve as a powerfully effective “content lab” that allows you to test how well-received a piece of content is likely to be. This way you can gauge interest in subject areas before you even sit down and write your content. If you want game-changing results, testing on Twitter is key!
#5 Remarketing Social Advertisements
You’ve already written, designed and leveraged a killer digital advertisement… so why not remarket it on your social media platforms? Remarketing is one of the most powerfully effective techniques at your disposal. If you’re not already doing this, then you’re literally putting all your time, money and effort into a single opportunity. There’s nothing scarier than a waste of resources!
Now that you’ve got these spooky secrets in your back pocket, your content is ready to booo-st! Worried that your social media marketing just isn’t as ghastly as it should be? Contact the Dazium team today and we’ll get you there in no time!
Dazium’s 6-Step Content Development Process
Regardless of your industry, it’s safe to say that we’re all relying on content more than ever before. Now’s the time to revisit and revamp your content development strategy, and we’re here to share with you our process of success.
Step 1: RESEARCH
Before jumping in head-first, put your researcher hat on and start asking the important questions. Who will be reading your content? What problem are you solving for them? What makes you unique? What are your competitors doing? What forms of content resonate with your target audience the most? These are just a few of the most important questions you need to answer before producing even one single piece of content.
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Step 2: TOPIC DEVELOPMENT
Now that you have some basic rules defined, it’s time to move on to topic development. This step is where your creativity really gets to shine. Start brainstorming topics and imagining how those topics will take form. Be sure to collaborate with others and share ideas during this step of the process. Remember: keep your topics relevant and valuable to your reader. Be unique and offer something that no one else has before.
Step 3: CONTENT WRITING
The topics are developed, and now it’s time to write, write, write! Pick a topic, pick a content form, and jump in. The possibilities are endless – blog posts, e-newsletters, social media posts, website landing pages, whitepapers… the list goes on. Put yourself in the reader’s shoes and write what they would want to read. High-quality, strategic and purpose-driven writing has the power to be shared with millions. Be the master of your craft!
Step 4: CONTENT DESIGNING
No piece of content is complete without a little design. Whether you use images, videos, infographics, styling or layouts to spruce up your content, this is a can’t-miss step in the content development process. Why? Because first impressions are everything. If your content isn’t immediately appealing to the reader, they’re going to click away and miss out on your master writing. Keep your content clean, easy-to-consume and high-quality. Then, you can launch it with confidence!
Step 5: PUBLISHING
Your content development plan should go beyond the types of content you create – it should also cover how you manage this content as well. Now’s the time to put your work into the universe and set it free. The simplest way to do this is with a content calendar and management system. There are an unlimited amount of tools out there, you just have to find the one that works for you. Press “publish” and your content is officially live!
Step 6: MONITORING
Once your content is out there, the fun part begins. How are people responding? Is the content getting as much attention as you hoped? Is there anything different you could have done to make it better? These are just a few questions that can be answered when you actively monitor and track your live content. If you don’t incorporate this step into the process, you’re missing out on a whole lot of feedback that is essential to the future success of your content. And just like that, it’s time to start creating new content again!
That’s it. Seriously. All it takes is 6 steps and a dose of passion and consistency to make a strategic and effective content development plan for your business.
Not sure how to get started? Or feeling overwhelmed with the possibilities and responsibilities? Don’t sweat it – at Dazium, it’s what we do. Reach out today and we’ll help you launch a content development plan that impresses the world.
The New Rules of Social Media Marketing in 2021
As the world was forced to close in 2020, social media quickly rose back to prominence by bridging the gap and keeping us connected to family, friends and the brand we love. Now, post-pandemic online culture is changing the game for digital marketers around the world. There are a whole new set of rules when it comes to social media marketing in 2021, and here’s an inside look at some of the most important:
The Race to ROI
Fact: 3 out of 4 of marketers ranked “increased acquisition of new customers” as their top outcome for social media in 2021 – a 58% year-over-year increase.
The social game is now bridging the gap to a new customer experience, and consumers are acting quicker and more frequently than ever before. However, it’s important to realize that transactions alone don’t ensure long-term growth. In the new race to ROI, marketers must prioritize two equally urgent obligations: (1) deliver short-term ROI with target performance marketing tactics and (2) build innovative digital experiences to win long-term loyalty. Do this, and the race is on.
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Quality Over Quantity
Fact: 85% of brands admit to the mistake of trying to capitalize on the increased social media activity during the pandemic.
The new wave of social media is pulling back on paid advertising and redirecting focus to the things that now matter most, including crisis response, current events and customer care/engagement. This rule helps marketers prioritize the value of quality over quantity, ensuring that their audience gets more of what they love and nothing that they don’t. Social media is truly becoming more social for brands and organizations, and if you’re not part of the change, then you’re out of the game.
The Forgotten Generation of Consumers
Fact: Over a quarter of the baby boomer generation are spending even longer on social media platforms as a result of the pandemic.
While marketers have typically targeted baby boomers through traditional modes of advertising, it has now become more apparent than ever that this forgotten generation of consumers loves social media as much as the rest of us. Baby boomers are now discovering new brands and products via social media, which opens the door to new possibilities and strategies for marketers across the board. This rule is simple – continue to explore this increasingly digitally savvy audience to score increased brand favorability with the boomers.
The social media game is changing, but you don’t have to play it on your own. Contact Dazium today and we’ll coach you to capitalize on these new rules in the new year.
All data included in this post were found in Hootsuite’s annual ‘Social Trends Report’ based on a survey of 11,189 marketers.
The Top Ways to Measure Social Media’s Impact on Your Business
Unlike traditional marketing and advertising tactics, social media presents an unique approach to building brand and converting sales. And now that the power of social media marketing has taken over, it’s time to learn how to accurately measure your results using a series of internal and external engagement factors. Understanding how and why social media makes an impact on your business is sure to open the door to unlimited growth possibilities.
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Internal Engagement
There are endless social media KPI’s that you can use to track your success. Instead of trying to take them all in at once, start by setting your sight on the following key metrics:
Followers – The more followers you have, the more people your business will be able to reach. But aside from the number, you need to also be monitoring how fast your follower count is growing. If it’s rising quickly then your content is effective, but if it’s stagnate then you might need to switch up your strategy.
Likes/Shares/Comments – These are the baseline of social media metrics. The more likes your business is able to rack up, the more your content is resonating with your audience. Shares are important because this is how you expose your brand to people beyond your network. And comments mean that your content is compelling enough to inspire conversation, leading to valuable data and customer service opportunities.
Impressions – Impressions tell you how many people could possibly see your post in their feed. The bigger the number, the more potential you have to reach new customers.
When it comes to measuring internal engagement, growth is the goal. As long as you establish a baseline and move beyond that, you can count it as success.
External Engagement
While internal engagement on social media is great, we all can agree that the main goal of any business’s social media presence is to ultimately keep and gain REAL customers/clients. There’s a variety of ways to do this, including shoppable links, website landing pages, etc. To know if this external engagement is making a true impact, here’s the metrics you need to follow:
Total Sales – Using an analytic tool like Google Analytics, you can easily calculate which sales are coming from your social media users versus other types of customers. Use this metric to get a better understanding of who is visiting your site, where they are visiting from and what they are doing once they arrive.
Bounce Rate – The bounce rate tells you the percentage of users who viewed just one page of your website after coming from your social media page. If this number is high, it means there’s a more effective way to make your website suitable for these customers.
Conversion Rate – Conversion tells you how many of your visitors bought something after coming from your social media. The average social media landing page converts at about 5%, so set some reasonable expectations for your business and adjust your strategy as needed to convert.
Whatever tactics you use on social media to generate external engagement, be sure to take advantage of these three tools to determine you ROI.
However you decide to measure your success, it’s crucial not to get swept up in the numbers unless you truly understand what the data is telling you. And if you’d rather just leave it up to the professionals – then Dazium is here to help! Our monitoring and reporting services are designed to streamline the process, giving you clear and digestible insight on how your social media presence is impacting your business.
3 Free Ways to Grow Your Brand’s Social Networks
These days, social media is used for much more than just socializing. Online social networks are connecting brands to potential customers, driving sales and increasing brand awareness more than ever before. And this is because your social media presence makes you more engaging and trustworthy. So how can you grow your social networks for free and cash-in on this invaluable opportunity? Keep reading to find out:
Optimize Your Profile on the Right Platforms
First impressions are everything!
That’s why choosing the right platforms and optimizing your profiles on those accounts is so gosh darn important. Here are a few tips: naturally fit in as many keywords as you can, add a brand logo, link to your website and simplify your usersname. These are just a few ways to jazz up your profile so you can grow your social network for free.
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Share Content People Want to See
There’s a reason it’s called SOCIAL media!
Limit your sales content by balancing it with an even mix of real videos, pictures, stories and reels. These posts naturally increase your organic reach and engagement because more people are likely to share when you post socially. Basically, listen to your audience and post what they want to see. And if you do that, your analytics will thank you later.
Utilize Tagging and Hashtags
Be #trendy!
This is the best way to get new eyes on your content. For hashtags, be sure to limit your use and incorporate hashtags related to your specific niche. Then, encourage your followers to tag other accounts on your posts to spread the love. One tag goes a long way… And it’s crucial that you never miss this opportunity to grow your brand.
No matter the kind of business, it’s never too late to start growing your online presence. And now, you can start doing it for free!
5 Benefits of Outsourcing Your Social Media Marketing
Whether you’re a fast-growing start-up, a family-owned business or even an established brand, social media most likely plays an essential role in your marketing efforts. But what if we told you that there’s a better, more efficient way to engage with your target audience and drive revenue through the roof? These are the benefits of outsourcing social media marketing:
#1: Long-Term Cost Savings
A small investment now can significantly save your business money in the future. Because outsourcing is typically more cost-effective than hiring someone in-house, there’s no need to spend unnecessary money on hiring, training and developing new team members to help achieve your social media marketing goals. Instead, outsourcing these services gives you access to a team of experts who are trained and ready to bring your vision to life. This puts more $$$ in your pocket, not only now but also in the long-term.
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#2: Tried-and-True Systems
Social media marketing is a system built on processes. Having the right social media marketing agency in place ensures that your business has access to tried-and-true systems designed to automatically improve efficiency. We have already researched the best processes and workflows for scalable results, and we know what it will take to have your business succeed. And the best part is, agencies like Dazium know how to actively implement these systems and processes to fit right into your existing business model.
#3: Save Precious Time
In the business world, time is money. And managing a business’s social media presence across multiple platforms requires more effort than you might imagine. Between writing daily posts, creating campaigns, designing graphics and interacting with followers, the hours begin to really add up. Luckily, outsourcing with agencies like Dazium helps you spend less time on such time-consuming tasks so you are able to solely focus on growing your business. If you can’t afford to waste any more time, outsourcing is for you.
#4: Instant Access to Industry Expertise
Social media is changing every single day. That’s why the invaluable expertise you can get from outsourcing to a professional agency cannot be emphasized enough. When working with Dazium, you get access to our insights, systems and years of social media marketing experience that is transferrable to your business. Outsourcing gives you piece of mind that your social media marketing strategy is being done right by industry professionals who are trained to deliver results.
#5: Increased Posting Speed and Consistency
The internet is open 24/7. And the more social media becomes part of our daily lives, the more customers expect to see their favorite brands active online. A dedicated outsourced social media marketing agency understands this need, and can help you better communicate through consistent and speedy postings. Our outsourcing services makes it easy to deliver content at a faster rate, boosting your business’s likes, shares, followers and revenue quicker than ever before.
Still not convinced that outsourcing social media marketing is right for your business? Click below for an inside look at Dazium’s custom SMM solutions:
20 Questions with Dazium Design Solutions
Inspired by Vogue’s infamous 73 questions – here’s our own mini version so you can get a behind the scenes look at our marketing agency.
Q1: What is the name Dazium inspired by?
Our name is just as unique as we are – Dazium is inspired by being different and sparking conversations.
Q2: What marketing buzzword do you wish everyone would stop using?
Clickability, engagement, big data… Just to name a few!
Q3: What brand’s marketing program do you admire most?
We LOVE Planet Fitness’s and Spotify’s marketing!
Q4: How do you expect Dazium to change within the next 5-10 years? Within the next 5-10 years, we hope to be as innovative, efficient and profitable as ever. Q5: What’s the best part about your job? Getting to create something new every single day. Q6: What do you love most about marketing? The freedom to think outside the box and the ability to create things from the ground up. Q7: What do you dislike about marketing? Project limitations! Q8: What is Dazium’s motto? A marketer’s job is never done – It’s all about perpetual motion and continuing to innovate every day. Q9: What’s the biggest misconception about marketing? “I don’t need to market to my existing customers.” NO NO NO Q10: What do you most value in your coworkers? Their ideas. Q11: What is one thing about Dazium that would surprise people to know? Even with the size of our small team, we still take on hundreds of successful projects each year! Q12: What is the best thing about working with Dazium? You can always count on our experience and expertise to lead the way. Q13: What causes are Dazium passionate about? Community health, child advocacy and the Kansas City community! Q14: What’s the most challenging aspect of working in the marketing industry? Keeping up with constant changes in technology and other marketing tools/platforms. Q15: What does an ideal client for Dazium look like? Someone who is proactive, commutative and always open to new ideas! Q16: What advice would you give to junior marketers? Never stop creating – and – don’t take no for an answer. Q17: What is Dazium’s work process in five words or less? DEFINE. DESIGN. DEVELOP. DEPLOY. Q18: How has Dazium made an impact on the Kansas City community? We proudly work with large and small businesses across KC to bring better marketing to our community! Q19: What are three things in the Dazium office that you can’t live without? Our super-fast WIFI, the coffee machine and of course… our office dog, Gracie! Read More
Q20: What’s the secret to Dazium’s success?
Marketing isn’t about sales – it’s about people. And that’s exactly how we run our business.
Top 3 Social Media Marketing Pitfalls You Must Avoid
It’s estimated that 3.6 billion people use social media worldwide, and this number is only expected to grow. Since your target audience is part of this overall user count, it’s crucial to understand the dos and don’ts of social media marketing. By avoiding the common missteps below, you’ll be more likely to reach your audience, build a relationship with your followers and achieve your marketing goals.
Pitfall #1: Focusing Too Much on Follower Count
Follower count is important, but it’s not everything. What matters most is how you keep and interact with those followers. Make sure you’re posting consistently and posting content your audience wants to see. Reply to your followers, engage in their questions and respond to customer service issues so they know there’s a real human behind your brand. In terms of followers, it’s always important to prioritize quality over quantity.
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Pitfall #2: Over-Posting Salesy Content
The content you post for your followers will either keep them coming back for more or cause you to get lost in the social media void. Instead of creating content that aims to sell, create content that informs, inspires, educates and entertains. This is the type of content followers want to see from their favorite brands. When debating what to post, always remember that the majority of your content should focus on the customers themselves, rather than your business or what you’re trying to sell.
Pitfall #3: Doing It All Yourself
Maintaining an engaging and effective social media presence is a full-time job, and nobody can do it alone. From writers and designers to advertisers and managers, social media marketing takes a team of dedicated individuals. So when your budget allows, use a variety of in-house and external resources to spice up your social media game. Generally speaking, the more talent you have on your team, the more your social media has the opportunity to grow.
Social media is fun, but it’s not always easy. By avoiding these three pitfalls you can put yourself and your brand on the fast track to success. Looking to take your social media to the next level? With Dazium, you’ll never have to do it alone. Contact us today!
Finish the Year Strong with These 5 Digital Marketing Tips
2020 is coming to an end (thank goodness), and there’s no better time to hit the digital marketing ground running than right now. If you want to finish the year off strong, here are 5 digital marketing tips that you can’t ignore:
#1: Prioritize Retention
So you had a great year, but now you’re looking to carry this success over to 2021… All you’ve got to do is prioritize retention. Keeping customers around is an extremely important, but it’s something only an alarmingly small percentage of businesses consider a priority. Try developing a retention marketing strategy before the start of the new year!
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#2: Make Decisions Based on Data
Too many marketers are simply going through the data motions because they “know” that the actions they’re taking are what they’re “supposed” to be doing. If you’re not seeing positive feedback in your data, it’s time to make a change. By basing your decisions on data, you are setting yourself up for a new year of success!
#3: Give Your Brand a Refresh
At the end of every year, brands should always set aside time to review and refresh. This doesn’t mean restarting from scratch, it just means upgrading what you already have. Consider giving your brand a refresh this month on social media, your website or anywhere else you conduct digital marketing. This is guaranteed to bring a breath of fresh air to your brand!
#4: Think Bigger and Bolder
It may be the end of the year, but it’s the start of a new mindset. Now that you’ve had time to review, it’s time to start thinking how you’re going to advance in the upcoming year. The bigger and bolder you are, the better return you can expect to receive. What are you waiting for? If you want to be better, you have to think better!
#5: Know What You’re Talking About
The marketing landscape is constantly changing, and you’re required to change with it. This means staying up-to-date on everything digital marketing. If you truly want to optimize your efforts, then start studying to build up your knowledge level. There’s always something new to be learned!
This year has been unpredictable – but if there’s one thing we can count on, it’s that next year will be here before we know. Follow these 5 digital marketing tips or contact Dazium today to finish off 2020 strong!
How to Deliver Outstanding Customer Support in Such Uncertain Times
It’s 2020, and the struggle is real. During uncertain times like this, around 86% of American consumers think that now it’s more important than ever before for businesses to be transparent and have a holistic approach to customer support. And those Americans are correct. Here’s how your business can step up and deliver the needs of your consumers during such uncertain times:
Think Digitally
As your business changes the way it operates, you should also be adjusting your methods of communication. Face-to-face communication is diminishing due to the pandemic. So now is the time to think digitally. By taking advantage of messaging tools, chat bots, email blasts, social media and outbound calling, you can provide your customers with nearly instantaneous support.
If it’s not digital, it’s not fast enough.
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Stay Positive
The only way to combat the negatives is to overpower them with the positives. Customers often look to businesses for encouragement and support. Now more than ever this remains true. Focus all of your marketing and communication efforts on what your product or service does for them. If you’re promoting positivity, chance are, your customers will recognize and appreciate it, leading to more sales and increased customer loyalty.
Positivity always plays a role.
Be Inclusive
There has never been a time more important than now to prioritize inclusivity across your business. Customer want to feel heard and appreciated regardless of outside factors. All customers should be treated the same. That means you need to start thinking beyond your target demographics. And don’t forget, there is always room to improve your inclusivity.
The more inclusive you are, the more customers you will support.
Time may be uncertain, but your business doesn’t have to be. By thinking digitally, staying positive and being inclusive you can ensure the delivery of outstanding customer support in such uncertain times. Contact Dazium to learn more!
3 Spooky Marketing Mistakes to Avoid
The fall season is here and a great marketing opportunity is near. While ghosts, witches and haunted houses can be haunting, there’s nothing scarier than continuing to make the key marketing mistakes covered below. Now’s the time to revive your digital presence back to life and turn your spooky mistakes into gold.
Mistake #1: Inconsistent Branding Across Platforms
Profile pictures. Headers. Bios. All of these elements play an important role in maintaining a solid social media presence. However, it’s easy to forget that these should be the same across platforms. By keeping your branding consistent, visibility and recognizability among followers is immensely boosted. Eliminate confusion and get consistent!
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Mistake #2: Focusing on Product/Service Over Customer
Your brand isn’t what you offer, it’s who you offer it to. Keep this in mind when generating content, and we guarantee this outlook will change your marketing game for the better. Customers want to feel valued and understood. By making them your first priority, you will drive sales and transform first time buyers into loyal, repeat customers!
Mistake #3: Treating Organic and Non-Organic Growth as Equal
Digital advertising is great, but it’s not everything. Sometimes, it’s just a waste of time and money. Instead, focus on building your organic growth and response. This is much more meaningful when looking at the bigger picture. By optimizing your website for SEO, using trending hashtags in your social media posts and collaborating with other brands/influencers, your organic growth will go through the roof!
Feeling spooked by these marketing mistakes? We can help! Dazium knows how important it is to stay on top of marketing efforts. Reach out for a consultation with our marketing experts today!
Working from Home: 3 Tips to Help You Create Great Content
The world around us is changing… and so is the role of content creators. While working from home may seem to create remote limitations, it’s actually an opportunity to experiment with new perspectives and create content that align with the current environment. It’s time to adjust your content creation strategy and here’s how:
Experiment with New Types of Content
With users spending more time than ever on social media, now is the perfect time to start experimenting with your content. The best way to do this is by testing out new formats and seeing what your audience reacts to most. Try making simple videos or gifs, hosting live stories or bringing in new influencers. The more time you spend working from home, the more time you have to experiment and get creative!
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Find the Right Tools
When working from home, staying organized should be your number one priority. If you’re organized, your content will be too. Utilize online social media management tools to keep all your content in one place. Always have your smartphone on you for easy uploads, photo editing and more. While you may not have the same tools available, you can still make killer content with these helpful tools!
Seek Outside Help
It’s easy to feel isolated when working from home, but great content requires the collaboration of creative minds. Schedule team meetings to go over your ideas and brainstorm new ones. Hire freelance writers or designers to spice up your content. The more you collaborate, the more successful your content is likely to be. You can’t expect to do everything on your own. Seeking outside help is what will take your content from good to great!
Creating content remotely sounds like an incredible challenge, but it’s also a fantastic opportunity to update your strategy and connect with your audience better than ever before. Looking for expert content consulting? Reach out to Dazium for more information!
The Basics of Social Media Branding: 3 Actionable Strategies
A brand is more than a logo or tagline. A brand is how you make your customers feel, and it’s built by taking a consistent approach across every interaction they have with your brand. When it comes to social media, this type of branding is key. It takes strategy, stability and lots of practice. Lucky for you, we’re here to share our top 3 actionable social media strategies that you can implement to take your branding from the basics to the best:
Keep Consistent Across Platforms
Consistency. Consistency. Consistency. You need to ensure that all logos, banners, bios, handles and posting cadences are consistent with your brand guidelines. Make sure to audit these regularly and adjust as needed. You also should maintain a consistent upload schedule, aligning content with the look and the feel of the branding you have established. Once you’ve got this in place, the rest will follow. Be smart and stay consistent!
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Create Share-Worthy Content
It’s time to leverage your expertise to form a niche that REALLY cares about what you’re saying. What is your value? What do your followers need and want? If you can answer these questions, then you’re on your way to creating valuable content that is sharable and personalized. This helps you figure out which content is most likely to gain visibility on your social networks and can help you make strategic decisions moving forward. Be an expert and think strategically!
Extend Your Visual Branding
Social media isn’t just about the writing – it’s about the design, too! Facebook posts with images get 2.3x more engagement, and tweets with images receive 150% more retweets than tweets without. This is because graphics have the ability to capture attention more than text ever could. Figure out what killer images mean to your brand, and then deliver on image-centric platforms. Be creative and have fun!
That’s it – those are the basics to social media branding. Are you ready to make some magic? Contact Dazium for even more social media branding consulting tips and advice!
Marketing Masters: 5 Brands That Inspire Us and Why
These days, successful marketing is all about establishing a powerful brand. Stories that spark relatability. Stunning visuals. High-tech experiences with a human touch. Measurable and meaningful business results. Branding doesn’t sell products, it tells stories. Here are 5 outstanding brands that we should all by inspired by:
Dove – Be Your Beautiful Self
We support FEMALE POWER! And so does Dove. This brand is all about empowering women to find their beauty from within. Through several campaigns featuring real women and real experiences, Dove connects to a specific target audience on a level much deeper than selling body care products. Their branding is: EMPOWERING.
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Planet Fitness – Judgment Free Zone
We support HEALTHY LIVING! And so does Planet Fitness. This brand targets the total opposite of traditional gym consumers. Planet Fitness redefines fitness by making people feel accepted so they can confidently start their health journey. Marketing a non-gymtimidation environment is the primary reason for success. Their branding is: SUPPORTIVE.
Glossier – Skin First, Make-Up Second
We support SELF CARE! And so does Glossier. This brand is constantly adapting as the beauty industry continues to rapidly change. Through social media influencers, Glossier is able to connect to their ideal audience. By embracing new digital marketing strategies, Glossier is able to set themselves apart from tradition beauty retailers. Their branding is: INFLUENCIAL.
Airbnb – Belong Anywhere
We support SEEKING ADVENTURE! And so does Airbnb. This brand singlehandedly revolutionized the travel industry by introducing a new form of lodging. Instead of promoting accommodations, Airbnb focuses their marketing on user experience. Pitching dream-like adventures, they are able to easily get consumers interested. Their branding is: INSPIRING.
Ben & Jerry’s – Peace, Love and Ice Cream
We support TREATING YOURSELF! And so does Ben & Jerry’s. This brand continues to push the boundaries of ordinary flavors and quality. By being best in the business, Ben & Jerry’s developed a reputation that speaks for itself. This world-famous brand stays in the spotlight by staying active on social media and engaging with their fans. Their branding is: CREATIVE.
Feel like upgrading your brand now? Contact Dazium for a consultation today!
Build Your Brand: 3 Growth-Hacking Strategies for LinkedIn
Facebook… Instagram… Twitter… They’re all great for social marketing. But what about LinkedIn? This is by far the most effective platform for forming business connections and growing your personal brand on a professional level. If you’re hunting for a bear, you’ve got to go where the bear lives.
Here are 3 strategies you can start implementing to boost your LinkedIn game today:
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Use the Right Keywords
LinkedIn is a lot like a search engine. Recruiters, brand marketers and even CEOs use this platform to find people simply by typing in a few keywords or phrases. This means that you need to optimize your LinkedIn profile, especially your “About” section, to include keywords that relate to you and your personal brand.
Add Rich Media Content
While text is important, graphics will always be superior. To help showcase your knowledge and skills, make your profile pop with a portfolio of embedded media content. Add pictures, videos, case studies, blogs and more by uploading content to the “Projects” section of your profile. This will let your experience do all the talking for you.
It’s All About Smart Connecting
Stop swapping business cards and start connecting on LinkedIn. Not only does this help save the environment, but it also gives you an opportunity to continually stay on the radar of others. After connecting, be sure to send a simple message re-introducing yourself and your brand. Overtime, this will help you form stronger connections that can lead to closing deals.
You’ve made it to the cave… and now it’s time to go get those bears! In all seriousness, no professional should be without an active and up-to-date LinkedIn profile. It’s the platforms of all platforms. Learn more about establishing a professional online presence by contacting @DaziumDesign now!
Social Media Marketing: Flipping Followers into Customers
If you’ve ever created content for social media, you know that online engagement doesn’t necessarily equal sales. But what if we told you that there was a formula that made this possible? Flipping followers into customers is easier than you think, it just takes a little bit of strategy, trust building and execution skills. Here’s what you need to know:
Step 1: Think Strategically
Find the problem of your consumer and become the solution. This is often easier said than done, but once you figure it out, the rest of your strategy will fall into place. At least once a week, try to incorporate this solution into your social media posts. Whether it’s addressing your audience as “you” or offering specific tips that followers can use, this strategy allows you to personally connect… putting you in the perfect position to start building trust.
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Step 2: Build Trust
Trust can’t be bought, it has to be earned. Now that you’ve connected with your audience, it’s time to prove your worth. This can be done by getting personal! You can share behind-the-scenes posts, create client success stories, pull testimonial quotes, upload real pictures and more to help your audience get to know the people behind the business. By using social media to accomplish this goal, you are one step closer to executing the actual sale.
Step 3: Execute Sales
It’s all about your call-to-actions. You have the strategy and you have the trust… Now, you have to execute! To do this, naturally lead your followers to the next step in your funnel. Whether this is a referral link to your website or a direct email opt-in, these call-to-actions are the most important part of actually executing a sale. Do this step at least once a week and you’ll be able to successfully flip your followers into customers.
We know social. Looking to expand your social media marketing efforts? Contact Dazium today!
How Good Communication Can Save Your Brand During Quarantine
With COVID-19 forcing businesses to shut their doors left and right, revenue is slowing down and causing a significant loss of clients and projects. With emotions running high, it’s essential to consider the repercussions of what you say or don’t say in this time of distress. It’s time to slow down, take a breath and make a plan.
Consider these best practices for effective brand communication:
Utilize Genuine Marketing
Everyone is struggling right now. Instead of focusing on the number of sales you make, push your marketing efforts to be more genuine. Try relating to your audience with a social post about working from home or a friendly newsletter discussing how your business is adjusting. Customers and clients love to see the people behind the businesses.
Focus on the Positives We’re living in a world full of uncertainty, delay and crisis. However, the last thing your brand should do is promote this negative outlook. Try focusing your communications on the positives! Use your current capabilities and expertise to offer value to those in need. Doing this will help keep your energy focused on positive, forward-thinking solutions when times get tough. Communicate in Real Time As things change, so should your communication efforts. By creating a near-instantaneous stream of communication between you and your audience, your brand can successfully develop a new level of trust. One easy way of doing this is by generating your content in advance and updating it as new information/news becomes available.Read More
While we all may be in quarantine, that doesn’t mean our brand communication should waver. Need more communication advice when it comes to your business? Contact Dazium today!
7 Skills You Can Master While in Isolation
We all tend to go a little bit stir crazy during self-isolation periods. But it’s how we utilize this time to grow as individuals that strays us away from our comfort zone of complacency. So turn off the TV and grab your computer – here are 10 impressive skills you can master in isolation:
Video Editing
If you’ve ever wanted to write, produce, film and edit videos, now’s your chance. There are several different editing software options available to you. Just pick one and start learning!
Recommended Tools: Final Cut Pro X, Adobe Premiere Pro CC, iMovie
New Language
Spanish? German? French? Learning a new language may not be as hard as it seems. Use your spare time in isolation and become bilingual in no time!
Recommended Tools: Duolingo, Rosetta Stone
Public Speaking Everyone could use a little extra practice when it comes to public speaking. It’s time to get over your fears and step up your game with these tools designed to help turn you into a pro speaker!Recommended Tools: VirtualSpeech, Speech Tools, Prompt Smart Photoshop Want to get a little more creative with your designs? Photoshop is a skill every creative person needs to master. Check out these photoshop programs to unlock your potential!Recommended Tools: Adobe Photoshop, Gimp, Adobe Lightroom Coding Whether you’re a beginner or professional, it never hurts to brush up on your coding skills. Take advantage of these user-friendly coding tools and get your code on!Recommended Tools: Visual Studio Code, Notepad++ Time Management Let’s admit it, we all need a little help when it comes to managing our time. Go ahead and start tracking how you spend your time in isolation so you can increase your efficiency!Recommended Tools: Clockify, nTask, Focus Booster Microsoft Essentials In today’s line of business, Microsoft is essential. Use your extra time to expand your skillset and learn more about the vast capabilities of these important tools!Recommended Tools: Excel, PowerPoint, WordRead More
Are you ready to start embracing isolation and mastering these skills? Go for it… because you now have all the time in the world! And good news – Dazium is here to help! Follow our blog and social media accounts for more information on all things small business and marketing!
How to Support Local Businesses During a Crisis
As of 2018, there are 30.2 million small businesses in the United States, providing jobs for more than 58 million employees. Right now, many of those small businesses are trying to figure out how to adapt to this new world during the COVID-19 crisis. But they can’t do it alone… Here are 3 things you can do to support local businesses during this time of need!
Take Advantage of Online Shopping
With many storefronts closing down and switching to purley online services, it’s important for us as a community to still support businesses online. From food takeout and delivery to boutiques and pet shops, most of your favorite local shops are available now online! So while you may not be able to get out on the town and shop until you drop, you can certainly help support local businesses with just a few clicks. PS: Don’t forget to tip!
Spread the Digital Word Need to cut back on online shopping expenses, but still want to support local businesses? Share, share and share some more! Now is the perfect time to start advocating for your favorite small businesses by shouting their names from your digital rooftop. By simply sharing a post on your Facebook or Twitter feed, you can not only spread positive word-of-mouth recommendations, but you can also directly influence sales. PS: Leave an online review while you’re at it! Pay Now, Go Later While visiting your normal shops may not be an option right now, you can always pay now and go later. Through the purchase of gift cards or online vouchers, many local businesses are able to collect funds during this difficult time in order to stay afloat. Once their doors are open again, you are able to cash in and actually enjoy the experience! PS: Call your favorite business beforehand to see if they are offering any special deals!Read More
At Dazium, we know small business because we are a small business. Don’t forget to support local in this time of uncertainty. We’re all in this together!
5 Tips for People New to Working From Home
In the midst of the new coronavirus pandemic, companies are packing up their workers and shipping them off to start working from home. This sounds like a sweet gig, right? Lounging around in your pajamas all day and having Netflix play in the background 24/7… It seems great, but being successful in this whole new world might be more challenging than you think. Here are 5 things you need to know when being new to working from home:
#1: Set Up an Office Space
Unfortunately, working from the comfort of your cozy bed isn’t going to bring you much productivity. Having a dedicated space is a key (and often overlooked) aspect of working from home. Ditch the bed or couch, and find a spot that is designated ONLY for working. Having this professional zone will instinctually help slip you into work mode every time you sit down!
#2: Use Technology to Stay Connected There’s no such thing as too much communication, especially in uncertain times like these. Break out of your isolation bubble with helpful tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams. With these face-to-face video conferencing features and in real-time chatting capabilities, it’ll be just like you’re back in the office. Remember, the more you communicate the more success you will find working from home! #3: Stay Organized with To-Do Lists and Planners It’s easy to get distracted at home. To avoid this, kick off every day with a to-do list that outlines and prioritizes your daily tasks. As you make progress throughout the day, check off your list one by one. For future preparation, grab a planner and schedule important due dates in advance. Staying organized and free of distractions is an absolute necessity when adapting to a new home workflow! #4: Set Reasonable Expectations Mixing your personal and professional life is unavoidable when working from home. But setting boundaries and expectations will help draw a line in the sand between the two. Enforce a hard limit at the end of the day when your scheduled work hours are complete. Then you can start distancing yourself from work and avoid working nonstop. This step is crucial for all you workaholics out there! #5: Stick to Your Normal Routine As Much As Possible Although there’s nothing normal about the current state of our world, we can trick our brains into thinking everything is fine by maintaining our normal routines. So, stop sleeping in and not getting ready in the morning. Eat your typical lunch and take your usual breaks. The closer you stick to your every day routine, the more productive you will be!Read More
Working from home is great… Except when it’s not. These tips will help make sure that you’re successful, both at getting your work done and at maintaining your mental well-being. Follow @DaziumDesign for more helpful tips as we navigate the world of business during COVID-19.
4 Tools Every Social Media Manager Needs in 2020
With the social media landscape constantly shifting, it’s essential for social media managers to stay on top of all the latest features and techniques. But you can’t do this alone – Here are 4 tools that are guaranteed to make your job easier:
1. Buffer – Scheduling Tool
Questioning how and when to schedule your social posts? Buffer has drag-and-drop scheduling features across almost all social media platforms. By creating an organized social media calendar and providing insights for ideal posting times, this is one of the most used social media scheduling tools in the industry!
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2. Adespresso – Ad Tool
Looking to optimize your online advetising budget? Instead of relying on traditional testing, Adespresso runs massive advertising tests in a fraction of the time and with a fraction of the cost. If you want to optimize your marketing spend and ROI, this tool lets you imput different variations of text, images, calls to action and more for the best results possible!
3. Sprout Social – Analytics Tool
Need to successfully collect and analyze your social media analytics? Sprout Social is an all-in-one analytic solution for tracking multiple social media accounts. This tool gives a full overview of your account’s followers, engagement rates, reach and growth. Sprout Social can be particularly useful when managing several different accounts!
4. Canva – Creative Tool
Not a trained graphic designer but need professional-level graphics to use for social? Canva is an easy-to-use website that turns beginners into experts with pre-made templates and layouts that have unlimited possibilities. Choose your colors, fonts, images and more to create beautiful graphics that are sure to generate a positive response online!
Need more advice when it comes to social? Dazium is here to help! Contact us today.
TikTok: It’s Time to Take Advantage of the Latest Social Media Craze
R.I.P. Vine and hello TikTok! With over 500 million monthly users, TikTok is becoming just as prevalent in the world of marketing as platforms like Facebook and Instagram. So, where do you start and how do you take advantage of this latest social media craze? Start here!
See Trend, Do Trend
The Renegade Dance. This is for Rachel. Put A Finger Down.
We know them. We love them. They’re what make TikTok so universal and widely appreciated – TRENDS. If there’s one thing to take advantage of on this platform, it’s following and recreating trends in your own unique and creative way. Large businesses like Chipotle and the NBA are already doing this, and killing it. See a trend and do the trend, it’s that simple!
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Launch a Hashtag Challenge#HariboChallenge. #FakeTravelChallenge. #RaindropChallenge.
On TikTok, HASHTAGS are your best friend! One of the easiest ways to spike engagement on your content is by launching a hashtag challenge. This encourages your viewers to get involved and in return, creating even more content for your brand. These challenges should be entertaining, silly and above all: creative. The possibilities are endless, so get creating!
No Such Thing as Too Much ContentUpload Schedule. Algorithm. Content Limit.
Nope. Nope. Oh… and nope! Unlike other commonly used platforms, TikTok is unique in the sense that factors like upload schedules, algorithms and content limits aren’t as restricting. When using TikTok, it’s your brand’s chance to go wild. Post 20x a day if you want! In fact, this could help your chances of going viral and gaining major views. You don’t have to limit yourself!
Are you loving TikTok as much as us but you just don’t know where to start? Get in touch with Dazium’s social media experts for a baseline consultation!
3 Social Media Trends to Watch in 2020
Did you know that 3.2 billion people across the world are active daily social media users? As social media marketing continues to thrive and evolve, it’s essential to breakdown trends so we can anticipate the future of social platforms. Our businesses depend on it.
The Death of the “Like” Button
Adios, likes! Apparently judging our self-worth based on online “likes” isn’t actually the best for our mental health. Who knew? Huge social media sites (including Instagram) are stripping numbered likes from their platform as a way to depressurize influence and combat fake engagement. This might be the biggest social media change of the year!
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The Seamless Incorporation of Social Shopping
Shop until you drop? No longer necessary! Ecommerce is nothing new, but social shopping is now becoming one of the most mainstream retail channels available. As more networks begin to introduce pro-selling features and shoppable posts, us brands and marketers can leverage this new trend into our sales strategies and more!
Video Stories are Taking Over
Move over, pictures! Video content is here to stay. From the viral app TikTok to the original platform of YouTube, videos are now taking over 82% of all internet traffic! Being able to capture user attention in just seconds is going to become to main purpose of video stories in the new year. If you’re not currently creating videos, it’s time to get started!
Stop depriving your business of expert-level social media! Contact Dazium today to step up your social game at 816-842-0001.
Recap: Evidence of the Best Marketing Trends of 2019
The year is coming to a close and we are ready to see what the future of marketing holds. But before we can jump into 2020, let’s take a second to reflect on the best marketing trends of the past year!
Chatbots are Taking Over Customer Service
More than 80% of businesses will have chatbots by 2020!
There’s nothing more convenient than having an automatic chat feature to help serve your customers online. At any time of the day, chatbots can guarantee a fast response with little to no effort required by you. It’s no wonder this trend is blowing up!
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Voice Search is Booming
50% of all searches will be via voice by 2020!
Hey Google, why is voice search so popular? Less time! No hands! Hassel free! We already incorporate voice commands like Siri and Alexa into our everyday habits. Now, browsing the internet and finding content is becoming the norm. If you can say it, you can search it!
Influencers are the New Top Marketers
2/3 of marketers plan to increase their spending on influencer marketing in 2020!
Reality TV stars. The Kardashians. YouTubers. We all know the power of social media influencers. Marketers are taking advantage of this trend and using influencers to drive sales and increase reach. If influencers are taking about it, so is the rest of the world.
The proof is in the evidence – these 2019 marketing trends are gaining popularity by the day. If you’re looking for expert-driven marketing advice, contact Dazium today!
The Three Simple Steps to SEO Success
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) drives organic results on search engines, allowing your website to outshine competitors. Here are the three steps to your SEO success!
Step One: Understand Your Target Market
A Planning Process
Just like running a marathon, the only way to improve your time and track your progress is by developing a solid baseline. The first step to SEO is to conduct a target market analysis for where your website is currently positioned compared to competitors. This will help you develop a strategic plan moving forward to keyword research.
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Step Two: Do Your Keyword Homework
Let’s Talk Strategy
Acing the final exam without any studying? Yeah, right! In order to nail your website’s SEO, you have to identify and prioritize ideal keywords. These targeted words and phrases are the representation of your website on search engines. The more time you spend doing your keyword homework, the better your overall outcome will be.
Step Three: Make Sure Your Website is Fully Optimized
It’s All About the Grit
A car can only get you where you need to go if it’s up-to-date on its maintenance. Websites are a lot like cars in the sense that they always need to be serviced and cleaned up. By creating keyword-focused titles, writing meta descriptions for each page, removing all duplicated content and incorporating a good variety of in and out-bound links, you can ensure your website is fully optimized and updated. Never stop optimizing your content.
All it takes is three simple steps to find your SEO success. Looking for expert-driven assistance? Dazium can help!