Our Top 4 Learnings in 2023: 3 Predictions for 2024
December 26, 2023  

REFLECTING FORWARD: 2023’S TOP LEARNINGS AND 2024’S PREDICTIONS

Originally published on LinkedIn

As the year draws to a close, we at SocioSquares take a moment to reflect on the lessons learned from our 250+ days of collaboration and growth. This article highlights 4 key insights that stand out, each a testament to our shared experiences, from late-night brainstorming sessions to breakthrough moments.

4 DIGITAL MARKETING LESSONS THAT STOOD OUT IN 2023

#1. KEYWORD VOLUME SECRETS

What do you do when your agency tells you that your website is ranking on the Number 1 position on Google for 40 Keywords, but you are getting no leads?
This happened with 2 prospects this year and when we checked the combined search volume of ALL those keywords in the trailing 12 months was less than “100”…

Yes, you read that right. If only 100 people are searching for the keywords you rank for, you are not going to get ANY calls.
Learning: Focus on Relevant Keywords and get the search volumes from Google Keyword Planner.

#2. BEYOND GOOGLE AND FACEBOOK LEADS

For our client set i.e. B2C Small businesses, Google, Facebook, and Instagram are leaders in lead generation, but this year we cultivated a diversified approach by incorporating other popular search engines like YouTube, Yelp, Bing, and Nextdoor. The results didn’t scale as they do for the industry leaders, but these platforms did help us keep the overall cost per lead manageable as they can provide up to 10-15% of leads at a much lower cost than Google Search.

#3. KEYWORD DISCOVERY: UNCOVER THE UNCONVENTIONAL

Wikipedia has been a reliable platform for info for 10+ years, but this year we started using it for keyword research for SEO, and for industries new to us it turned out to be a hidden gem. Way better than Google Keyword Planner, as it provides a well-rounded source of industry-specific terminology with all relevant keywords and related topics.

And when it comes to staying updated with the latest trends Reddit is our go-to coffee shop chat. Picture it as a buzzing marketplace where you get a real-time pulse of community discussions that offer insights into current trends by potential customers in their language. So, if you’re looking for a more insightful kick-off, Wikipedia and Reddit are the way to go!

#4. GEN AI ELEVATES THE GAME, BUT HUMAN TOUCH WINS THE GAME

Gen AI is really shaking things up in digital marketing. There are loads of tools now for SEO, social media, ads, analytics, and more. But we’re not at the point where you can just ask GenAI to handle your Facebook page and expect it to do everything perfectly. It still takes a skilled person, a strategist, who knows how to use these tools effectively and devote the time needed to really market a business online.

2024 PROJECTIONS: SHAPING THE FUTURE OF DIGITAL MARKETING

#1. MULTIMODEL GEN AI CHATBOTS

We have seen Intelligent text chatbots for several years now. Looking ahead to 2024, we’re anticipating a major evolution in chatbot technology as they go way beyond what Siri or Alexa offer. These Multimodal chatbots will be able to interact through voice, images, and video. They’re expected to handle lengthy, detailed conversations – much like chatting with a real person. This advancement is predicted to revolutionize customer service, providing in-depth support, thorough responses to queries, sales, and improved lead qualification.

#2. LESS EMAIL SPAM AND THE RISE OF ZERO-PARTY DATA

Remember how in 2022, nearly half the emails we got were spam? Like many of you, we’re still sifting through them daily. But, there’s a hopeful change expected in 2024. Google and Yahoo are setting new email policies from February 2024, and we are optimistic that these changes could cut down on spam by more than 50%.

Meanwhile, in the world of online advertising, a different set of rules is kicking in, these will make those persistent, follow-you-around ads less common. Advertisers will likely shift towards relying more on information that customers share directly – zero-party data – for more personalized and less intrusive marketing.

#3. PERSONAL GEN AI ASSISTANTS

We’re excited about what’s on the horizon: the rise of personal AI Assistant software(s). These tools are set to build on current Gen AI capabilities improving it significantly for specific industry verticals and jobs, helping professionals with both routine and complex tasks. These assistants won’t be Free and won’t just boost productivity. At Socio, we have already created budgets to equip every team member with the best AI assistants. This way, we can do our jobs better and faster for our clients.

In addition, we’re actively working on developing our own Gen AI Assistants, specifically tailored for the Retail and Mortgage industries.

In our commitment to be an AI-First Agency, we are offering a free AI tools learning session. Seize the opportunity to be 2024 ready with this Exclusive Offer. Connect the dots between AI and your day-to-day work and learn at least 5 AI tools you can use today to boost productivity. Book your complimentary 30-minute AI Learning Session today.

Explore common digital marketing pitfalls and solutions with our comprehensive guide. Navigate the digital realm with confidence!
September 21, 2023  

Navigating the Jungle of Digital Marketing Pitfalls

In the world of entrepreneurship, launching a new initiative is often met with enthusiasm and vigor. Yet, as these initiatives transfer into the hands of our teams, maintaining that same momentum becomes a challenge. Such is the world of digital marketing—a vibrant jungle where it’s easy to lose one’s way.

Having trekked this landscape for over 12 years, today I serve as your guide, shedding light on the lurking pitfalls in digital marketing, and even more crucially, how to sidestep them, ensuring your journey remains as serene as a day at the beach.

Digital Marketing Pitfall #1: “The Blundering Bullseye”

Picture yourself at a carnival, aiming for that coveted bullseye on the dartboard, blindfolded. This is akin to targeting the wrong audience. Your first move? Remove that blindfold. Many businesses falter in pinpointing their audience—casting too wide a net, or appealing to those who’ll never convert. Ensure your content speaks directly to your ideal customer.

For instance, we recently audited a Flooring company boasting of top Google rankings for 40 keywords. On inspection, 39 of those keywords had zero searches in 2022. Their mistake? Hyper-localizing generic keywords.

Digital Marketing Pitfall #2: “The Keyword Maze”

Good keyword research is the lifejacket of digital marketing. But it’s not about volume—it’s about relevance. Many businesses opt for broad, competitive keywords or hyper-specific terms, overlooking the need for negative keywords.

Case in point: A health insurance firm, unaware that Google’s AI was associating their URL’s mention of “calendly” with relevance, ended up with $8000 wasted on irrelevant searches.

Digital Marketing Pitfall #3: “The Content Abyss”

Imagine a library filled not with insightful books but haphazard sticky notes. Quality trumps quantity. As you churn out content, prioritize its caliber. Become its first critic. Would you share it with your network?

Digital Marketing Pitfall #4: “The Social Media Quicksand”

Social media without strategy is like sinking in quicksand. Regular posting and engagement are commendable, but if it’s not reaching your target audience, it’s futile. Are those likes and comments from potential customers or just casual observers?

Digital Marketing Pitfall #5: “The Lost Lead Black Hole”

Leads are precious. Losing them is akin to watching money go down the drain. While capturing leads is crucial, tracking and nurturing them is equally vital. Modern CRMs offer lead nurturing, but even with older systems, integrating lead management platforms can be a game-changer.

Digital Marketing Pitfall #6: “The Analytics Enigma”

Data, today, is gold. But unmined, it remains just a rock. While many collect data, few analyze and act upon it. Regularly reviewing insights from website traffic and social media engagements can pave the path to success.

To ensure you’re on the right track, regularly quiz your digital marketing agency:

1. Which metrics are vital for my campaign? Demystify the jargon. Understand the benchmarks.

2. How will I gauge the campaign’s success? Demand clear, comprehensible insights.
3. What corrective actions are in line if results falter? Proactivity is the hallmark of a good agency.

In conclusion, perceive these pitfalls not as barriers, but as beacons—guiding you towards digital marketing mastery. With informed decisions and the right questions, you’ll not only navigate this digital jungle but truly conquer it. Here’s to your digital endeavors, as tranquil and rewarding as a day at the beach!

For those interested in diving deeper into this topic, you can access the full presentation via the link provided. Explore, learn, and let’s transform the digital landscape together!

 

May 6, 2022  

How to get more reviews for your business without spending hours online

Who’s the best dentist in the neighborhood? Let’s check the reviews. Which bakery sells the freshest, yummiest pastries? Let’s check the reviews. Where can we find a contractor who’s professional and affordable too? Let’s check the reviews. No matter what industry or sector your business caters to, reviews are a critical tool in your armada of business strategies for increasing awareness, landing leads, earning goodwill and growing your business. In this article, we bring you 5 great hacks that’ll help your business gain more reviews in the smoothest, easiest way possible.

May 6, 2022  

How to get more commercial HVAC leads online

Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Well, there’s no debating the power of will when it comes to making a business succeed. But in a world, where 90% of customers use the internet to find local businesses, your business needs something more – leads. This is where plenty of businesses end up putting in a lot of effort and gaining precious little. Whether your HVAC business’s leads blow hot or cold depends on the strategy and tactics you put into play. Here are 6 tried and tested ways that will help your business generate more HVAC leads. 

July 3, 2019  

Ready for the Rise of Gen Z?

As much as they share the previous generation’s affinity for technology, Gen Z is not an extreme version of Millennials. As the first generation to have grown up without any memory of a time without the internet or cell phones, they are truly the first tech-native generation.