January 11, 2024  

MAJOR DIGITAL MARKETING EVENTS IN 2024

Originally published on LinkedIn

Whether you’re a digital marketer, manager, director, or even a passionate student, 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year! Imagine a vibrant gathering where industry pros, advertisers, media mavens, PR experts, influencers, and many others converge. It’s not just about absorbing knowledge; it’s about forging invaluable connections and staying at the forefront of industry updates.

If you’re part of this vibrant industry, mark these events on your calendar because these are the ones that are ranking high on our must-attend list! Get ready to immerse yourself in a year of learning, networking, and shaping the future of digital strategies.

LEAD GENERATION WORLD

Date: January 7–9, 2024

Location: Florida

Link: Lead Generation World

Industry experts gather at this event to guide you through improving your lead generation campaign from start to finish. The event focuses on helping you understand lead generation and offers valuable advice for advertisers and those looking to buy leads. Plus, it’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with potential partners for future collaborations.

SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING WORLD

Date: February 18–20, 2024

Location: San Diego, CA

Link: Social Media Marketing World

The event is tailored for marketers aiming to enhance their outcomes. Experts share the newest trends and strategies, offering guidance on effective implementation. As a result, you’ll see better Returns on Investment(ROI) for each campaign you run.

MEDIAPOST- PUBLISHING INSIDER SUMMIT

Date: February 21–24, 2024

Location: Bonita Springs, FL

Link: MediaPost- Publishing Insider Summit

The summit features keynotes, case studies, and panels with industry leaders. It’s a prime chance to learn from and connect with the best minds in the business.

ADOBE SUMMIT

Date: March 26-28, 2024

Location: Las Vegas and Virtual

Link: Adobe Summit

The summit offers various opportunities to build and strengthen your skills with more than 200 in-person sessions.  It’s a special opportunity to connect and build relationships with Adobe experts and fellow attendees and speakers.

2024 ANA AI FOR MARKETERS CONFERENCE

Date: April 8–10, 2024

Location: Hollywood, FL

Link: 2024 ANA AI for Marketers Conference

AI advancements automate tasks, freeing marketers to dive into creative endeavors and brainstorm unique ideas. Industry leaders will guide you on integrating AI into marketing, discussing associated risks and challenges with real-life case studies. You will find inspiration in existing brands already applying these innovations.

PI LIVE USA

Date: April 16–18, 2024

Location: Intercontinental, Miami

Link: PI Live USA

The event bridges brands and retailers with publishers, creators, and tech experts to foster partnerships with similar professionals and brands. You’ll uncover strategies to reach consumers at all sales funnel stages. The event’s core goal is to guide the industry toward measurable, results-driven marketing.

STRATEGIC MARKETING WEST 2024

Date: May 8-9, 2024

Location: Los Angeles, USA

Link: StrategicMarketingWest2024

With horizontal tracks and vertical themes, designed in collaboration with the Reuters Events marketing community and speakers, the agenda is focused on transforming marketing to deliver on the huge opportunities of 2024-25. SM24 will equip leaders with the tools and strategies they need to drive innovation and growth.

MOZCON 2024

Date: June 3-4, 2024

Location: Seattle and Virtual

Link: MozCon

MozCon invites digital marketers from various sectors looking to enhance their SEO knowledge. The 2024 agenda for MozCon is in the works. Stay updated by following their event page for the latest details.

GARTNER MARKETING SYMPOSIUM EXPO

Date: June 3-5, 2024

Location: Denver, CO

Link: GartnerMarketingExpo

Gartner says that it is “The World’s Most Important Gathering of CMOs and Marketing Executives”. Attendees have access to more than 150 sessions of the latest Gartner research specifically designed to help marketing leaders meet the demands of the future. Each track has a particular area of focus that helps deliver what matters most to you and your organization.

2024 ANA DIGITAL & SOCIAL MEDIA CONFERENCE

Date: July 17–19, 2024

Location: Los Angeles and Virtual

Link: 2024ANAConference

This conference will explore an exclusive online content portfolio of best practices, case studies, and research that connects you to the knowledge and resources you need to become a smarter, more capable marketer.

SEATTLE INTERACTIVE CONFERENCE

Date: July 31–August 1, 2024

Location: Seattle

Link: Seattle Interactive Conference

This conference will explore the intersection of technology, creativity, and digital marketing and discover innovations in experience, design, and strategies. It’s not just about insights; it’s a chance for attendees to build connections and fortify relationships.

MAICON 2024

Date: September 10–12, 2024

Location: Cleveland, Ohio

Link: MAICON2024

Organized by the Marketing AI Institute, MAICON (Marketing Artificial Intelligence Conference) is a yearly event that aims to educate marketers on the benefits of AI in automating tasks, improving marketing, and providing personalized customer experiences.

INBOUND

Date: September 18–20, 2024

Location: Boston, MA

Link: Inbound

INBOUND hosted by HubSpot is like a lively hub and a smart guide rolled into one. It gathers the best work, culture, and ideas to move things forward for everyone’s benefit. This conference is where new careers kick-off, businesses grow, and people come together to learn and improve.

LAVACON 2024

Date: October 27-30, 2024

Location: Portland, Oregon

Link: LavaCon 2024

This content strategy conference features content professionals sharing their best practices and strategies. It’s also an excellent chance to connect and foster relationships with other content experts.

BRIGHTONSEO

Date: Nov 19 — 20, 2024

Location: San Diego, CA, United States

Link: brightonSEO

BrightonSEO stands out as the go-to event for those eager to dive deep into discussions led by experts in Search, Content, and Influencer Marketing. It’s a prime opportunity to learn from industry leaders, gather insights, and stay updated on the latest trends shaping these key areas of SEO.

WRAP UP

The landscape of marketing and digital strategy offers many opportunities for professionals across various sectors. From specialized events like the Lead Generation Event to broader summits such as the MozCon and Content Strategy Conference, there’s a platform for every marketer to expand their knowledge, network with peers, and stay ahead of emerging trends. Whether it’s diving deep into AI innovations, mastering SEO, or exploring the future of digital analytics, these events serve as hubs for industry insights, collaboration, and growth. Attending these conferences not only enriches individual expertise but also helps businesses forward in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

January 4, 2024  

LINKEDIN 2024: CRAFT YOUR ULTIMATE PROFILE, BECOME A TOP VOICE

Originally published on LinkedIn

In the dynamic professional landscape of 2024, crafting an exceptional LinkedIn profile is more than a necessity – it’s your digital persona. It’s not just about listing your experiences; it’s about weaving a narrative that showcases your unique professional journey. But in a world where millions have a LinkedIn presence, how do you ensure your profile not only stands out but also positions you as a thought leader?

Below are 8 pivotal tips to craft the ultimate LinkedIn profile that captures attention and fosters influence.

#1. Profile Perfection

Start with a professional headshot that exudes confidence and approachability. Your banner should be more than a backdrop; it should reflect your professional persona.

#2. Headline Craftsmanship

Go beyond job titles. Use industry-specific keywords to highlight your unique expertise. Aim for a concise, impactful headline, like ‘Marketing Innovator | Driving Brand Growth & Engagement.’

#3. Engaging Summary

Your summary is your personal pitch. Narrate your professional story, highlight achievements, and underscore your skills. Use dynamic language to convey your career impact in a few compelling sentences.

#4. Experience Illumination

Detail your career path, including roles, responsibilities, and measurable achievements. Use metrics and industry keywords to make your experience resonate with your audience.

#5. Skill Showcase

List your key skills and seek endorsements to validate your expertise. Balance technical abilities with interpersonal skills, and consider adding skill badges for credibility.

#6. Recommendation Power

Gather endorsements from peers, managers, or clients that offer specific and insightful feedback. Aim for recommendations that go beyond general praise, highlighting your unique skills and contributions.

#7. Network Expansion

Build connections within your industry. Engage in groups, share valuable content, and participate in discussions to demonstrate your expertise and grow your network.

#8. Become a LinkedIn Top Voice

Aspire to achieve the esteemed status of a LinkedIn Top Voice, recognized for significant contributions and thought leadership.

We can help you achieve this prestigious status by:

  • Crafting a potent content strategy that resonates with your target audience.

  • Optimizing your profile for visibility through apt keywords and hashtags.

  • Cultivating your network and engaging authentically with your audience.

  • Monitoring your progress and making data-driven decisions for continuous enhancement.

Contact us to know more

With this guide, transform your LinkedIn profile into a beacon of your professional excellence. Let’s embark on this journey to elevate your digital presence, making it as vibrant and rewarding as a day at the beach. Together, let’s redefine the digital professional landscape!

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.

2023 Business Goals
January 10, 2023  

How to stay on track to your goals this 2023

The start of a new year is not too different from the start of a marathon. A lot of people and businesses set out with oodles of enthusiasm and a rush of wild energy. Soon enough, both end up running out of steam and lagging behind other better-planned runners or businesses.

An experienced marathoner himself, Gaurav (Rav) Mendiratta (Founder, SocioSquares) understands the perils of getting into both, a challenging new year and a marathon without following the right process and finding the right people.

The right process. In a marathon, this will enable you to set and alter your pace in a way that ensures you keep moving forward without burning out earlier on. In business, this will help you move towards your goals without having to stop, slow down or go off track for reasons that could have been avoided. 

The right people. Who you run with makes a difference to how well you run; choose a group that’s fast from the get-go and you increase your chances of an early burn out. Choose a group that begins slow and picks up the pace at all the right times, and you stand your best chance of not only making it to the finish line but also setting your personal best along the way. Likewise, in business, the people you surround yourself with play a role in determining how smoothly your business progresses toward its goals. Choose people with the right skills and experience and you’ll find yourself maintaining a steady momentum, on the path to success.

So how do you get your business to the finish line this 2023? At SocioSquares, we believe the answer lies in making business processes more efficient and functional teams more aptly skilled to ensure excellence in the services delivered. It’s a strategy we believe will prove helpful in getting your business to your goals. May you have a successful year ahead.

September 13, 2017  

4 Marketing Lessons from Elon Musk

Few will dispute the fact that Elon Musk is a true genius of our time. As one of two people to have set up three multi-billion dollar companies, he’s covered the Financial, Automotive, Artificial Intelligence, Renewable Energy, Technology, and Space industries, racking up billions of dollars in the process.