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Why Your Business Needs a Fractional CMO: A Smarter, More Strategic Approach to Growth

The Old Model is Broken—And You Know It

For years, businesses have operated under a traditional structure: hire a full-time Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) or VP of Marketing & Sales, invest heavily in their salary and benefits, and hope they have the skills, network, and experience to drive growth.

But here’s the problem—one person can’t be an expert in everything.

Today’s marketing landscape is vast, covering everything from digital strategy, branding, and content creation to lead generation, analytics, paid media, and sales alignment. Hiring one person to be an expert at all of it is unrealistic, inefficient, and costly.

This is where a Fractional CMO model comes in—a game-changing solution that provides you with an entire team of experts instead of just one person.

What Exactly is a Fractional CMO?

A Fractional CMO is not just a consultant—it’s a strategic partnership. Instead of hiring a full-time executive, you bring in an on-demand marketing leader backed by a team of specialists who fill in the missing gaps, delivering high-level strategy, execution, and measurable results without the burden of a six-figure salary.

Think of it like this:

  • A full-time CMO can be a jack of all trades, but master of none.
  • A fractional CMO gives you access to a whole team, each person an expert in their domain.
  • You get an integrated, data-driven approach without the overhead.

This model ensures your business stays agile, competitive, and always ahead of the curve.

Why a Fractional CMO is the Smarter Move for Businesses Today

1. More Brainpower, Less Cost

A single full-time CMO can cost anywhere from $175,000 to $300,000+ per year before even factoring in benefits, bonuses, and stock options. And they still need to hire outside experts for specialized work.

With a Fractional CMO, you get a team of top-tier professionals for a fraction of that cost—each with their own niche expertise in SEO, PPC, automation, content, branding, and more. You’re not just getting one mind—you’re getting an entire marketing force at your disposal.

2. Deep Industry Expertise & Proven Strategies

A traditional CMO might have experience in a handful of industries, but a Fractional CMO team works across multiple verticals and markets, bringing proven strategies that have worked across different business models.

They’ve already tested, refined, and executed winning campaigns—why spend years figuring it out on your own?

3. Execution That Moves Fast

Hiring an in-house marketing executive means months of onboarding, hiring additional team members, and ramping up before you even see results.

A Fractional CMO team hits the ground running—developing and executing a strategy from day one. They bring a ready-to-go marketing machine that’s already optimized to drive growth.

4. Technology & Tools That Drive Results

Marketing today isn’t just about strategy—it’s about having the right tools and data. A Fractional CMO team comes equipped with industry-leading tech stacks, CRMs, automation platforms, and AI-driven analytics to identify opportunities and optimize your campaigns in real time.

Why spend six months figuring out the best tech when you can plug into a system that’s already working?

5. Scalability & Flexibility

Hiring a full-time executive locks you into a long-term, expensive commitment. What if you need to scale up—or down—based on market conditions?

A Fractional CMO model gives you the flexibility to scale services up or down as needed—adjusting strategy, resources, and execution on demand.

6. More Accountability, Less Risk

Let’s be honest—not every CMO delivers results.

A Fractional CMO team is results-driven and performance-based. They don’t survive on title prestige—they thrive on proving their impact with metrics, KPIs, and real business outcomes.

No fluff. No office politics. Just results.

Who Needs a Fractional CMO?

This model isn’t just for startups. It’s for any business that wants high-level marketing expertise without the limitations of a single hire.

  • Mid-sized companies: If you’re growing fast but don’t have the budget for a full-time CMO.
  • Enterprises looking for fresh strategy: Get a new perspective and cutting-edge marketing tactics without overhauling your internal structure.
  • VC-backed startups: Get senior-level strategy without burning through funding.
  • Manufacturers, service providers, and tech companies: Stay ahead in industries where marketing is rapidly evolving and competition is fierce.

If you’re tired of slow marketing progress, disjointed strategies, and wasted budgets, it’s time to rethink the traditional CMO model.

The Future of Marketing is Fractional. Are You Ready?

Companies that adapt win. Companies that stick to outdated models fall behind.

A Fractional CMO isn’t a cost—it’s an investment that gives you access to the right minds, the right execution, and the right strategy to drive your business forward.

So the real question isn’t “Can we afford a Fractional CMO?”

It’s Can we afford not to?”

Ecommerce Evolution 2025: The Essential Changes You Need to Make to Sell Online

The ecommerce landscape is shifting—again. Every year brings new technologies, consumer behaviors, and market challenges that force online businesses to adapt or fall behind. If you’re responsible for driving revenue, growing a brand, or optimizing digital commerce, now is the time to assess what’s changing in 2025 and adjust your approach.

This isn’t about trends that might happen. These are the must-make changes to keep your ecommerce operation competitive, profitable, and prepared for what’s next.

1. AI-Powered Personalization is No Longer Optional

Generic ecommerce experiences are dead. Consumers expect brands to understand their preferences, anticipate their needs, and offer highly personalized recommendations. In 2025, AI-driven personalization is a baseline expectation.

What to focus on:

  • AI-powered product recommendations that adapt in real-time
  • Dynamic pricing strategies based on customer behavior
  • Personalized email and SMS marketing automation

The shift: If you’re not integrating AI-driven insights into your customer journey, your competitors will.

2. Conversion-Optimized Checkout is Critical

Abandoned carts remain one of the biggest leaks in ecommerce revenue. The difference in conversion rates between a frictionless checkout and a cumbersome one can be staggering. In 2025, optimizing checkout is no longer a nice-to-have—it’s a make-or-break factor.

Key updates:

  • One-click checkout integrations (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Shop Pay)
  • AI-powered fraud detection that doesn’t interfere with legitimate transactions
  • Seamless buy now, pay later (BNPL) options

The shift: Customers expect to check out in seconds, not minutes. Every extra step costs you sales.

3. SEO for Ecommerce is Changing (Again)

Google’s algorithm updates are relentless, and ecommerce SEO is evolving faster than ever. In 2025, brands must embrace a broader SEO strategy that extends beyond traditional keyword optimization.

What’s changing:

  • Voice search and AI-driven search results influencing product discovery
  • Google’s prioritization of user experience (Core Web Vitals matter more than ever)
  • Video and image-based search growing in importance

The shift: Winning at ecommerce SEO in 2025 means thinking beyond text and optimizing for AI-driven search behaviors.

4. First-Party Data Will Determine Your Success

With privacy regulations tightening and third-party cookies disappearing, ecommerce brands must rely on first-party data to drive marketing and sales strategies.

How to adapt:

  • Strengthen your email and SMS marketing strategies
  • Build community-driven commerce experiences (exclusive offers, loyalty programs)
  • Leverage predictive analytics to understand customer buying habits

The shift: The brands that own their customer data will have a significant advantage over those who rely on third-party sources.

5. Social Commerce is Reshaping the Buying Journey

Social media is no longer just a traffic source—it’s a primary sales channel. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook have seamlessly integrated ecommerce, making it easier than ever for customers to shop without leaving their favorite apps.

Where to invest:

  • Shoppable posts and live-stream commerce
  • Influencer collaborations that drive direct sales
  • AI-generated content that adapts to user engagement

The shift: If your social strategy doesn’t include direct selling, you’re leaving revenue on the table.

6. Returns & Logistics are Now Brand Differentiators

Customers expect fast, hassle-free returns. More than ever, logistics and fulfillment strategies directly impact brand perception and loyalty.

Logistics must-haves:

  • Clear and flexible return policies
  • AI-driven demand forecasting to prevent stockouts
  • Sustainable packaging and eco-friendly shipping options

The shift: The brands that perfect post-purchase logistics will see repeat customers and stronger brand trust.

7. The Rise of Augmented Reality (AR) Shopping

Online shopping has always struggled with one major drawback: customers can’t physically experience products before buying. In 2025, AR is bridging that gap.

What’s next:

  • Virtual try-ons for fashion and accessories
  • 3D product views for home goods and electronics
  • Interactive AR experiences that enhance product discovery

The shift: Ecommerce brands that leverage AR will see higher engagement, reduced return rates, and improved conversion rates.

The Bottom Line

Ecommerce is evolving fast, and 2025 is set to be a defining year for online sellers. The question is no longer whether to make these changes, but how quickly you can implement them. Brands that stay ahead of these shifts will thrive—those that don’t will struggle to keep up.

If navigating these changes feels overwhelming, that’s because ecommerce is no longer a side project—it’s a sophisticated, multi-faceted strategy that requires expertise across multiple disciplines. The brands that recognize this now will be the ones leading the charge in 2025 and beyond.

Beyond the Walled Gardens: Why Smart Brands Are Rethinking Their Digital Strategy

For years, brands have poured their ad dollars into social media’s walled gardens, lured by promises of hyper-targeting, high engagement, and massive audiences. But as the digital landscape shifts, many businesses are realizing the cost of this dependency—limited control, murky reporting, and increasing risks to brand reputation.

The Wake-Up Call for Advertisers

Recent changes across major social platforms have forced brands to rethink their digital strategies. Meta’s move to replace independent fact-checking with user-driven moderation and X’s (formerly Twitter) shift to a less structured content governance model have raised serious concerns about brand safety.

With algorithms favoring engagement at any cost—whether through misinformation, controversy, or polarizing content—advertisers face greater risks than ever before. The hard truth? Brands have little control over where their ads appear and even less insight into their true performance.

But while social media’s cracks widen, a stronger alternative is emerging—one that prioritizes transparency, quality, and real business outcomes.

Filling the Gaps: A Smarter Approach to Digital Marketing

At Power On Marketing, we understand that today’s brands need more than just visibility—they need strategic marketing that delivers real results. Here’s how companies can take back control and make their marketing investments work smarter.

1. Own Your Audience, Don’t Rent It

Social media platforms thrive by keeping businesses locked into their systems, controlling access to audiences while dictating the terms. Instead of relying solely on these platforms, brands must prioritize owned media—like their website, email lists, and content hubs.

We help businesses shift from borrowed reach to building their own engaged audiences. Through smart content marketing, SEO, and direct audience engagement, we ensure your brand remains in control of its digital presence.

2. Invest in Transparency, Not Vanity Metrics

One of the biggest frustrations for marketers is the lack of transparency in social media reporting. Self-reported metrics like “impressions” and “engagements” don’t always translate to real business outcomes.

At Power On Marketing, we focus on performance-driven strategies that go beyond surface-level numbers. From conversion-optimized content to data-backed ad placement, we help brands measure what truly matters—customer acquisition, lead generation, and long-term brand loyalty.

3. Brand Safety Isn’t a Luxury—It’s a Necessity

With social platforms becoming increasingly unpredictable, brands can’t afford to risk their reputation on poorly moderated environments. We provide safer, more strategic advertising alternatives by leveraging high-quality content partnerships, curated ad placements, and direct publisher relationships that align with brand values.

4. Future-Proof Your Marketing with High-Quality Storytelling

Short-form videos, interactive experiences, and data-driven storytelling are redefining how brands connect with audiences. Instead of relying on fleeting social trends, Power On Marketing helps businesses craft evergreen, high-impact content that stays relevant long after a trending hashtag fades.

Take Back Control of Your Marketing

The marketing landscape is evolving, and the brands that adapt will come out ahead. Instead of investing in platforms that dictate the rules, it’s time to build a marketing strategy that works on your terms.

At Power On Marketing, we help brands fill in the gaps—whether it’s content creation, digital strategy, or audience engagement. Ready to make a smarter investment in your brand’s future? Let’s talk.

 

Prioritizing Your Website for a Redesign: The Key to a Successful Business Rebrand

The Digital Transformation of Your Brand

Rebranding your business is a significant decision, one that requires meticulous planning and strategic execution. Whether you’re shifting your brand identity, modernizing your visual appeal, or repositioning yourself in the market, a rebrand is more than just a new logo and fresh colors. One of the most crucial aspects of this transformation? Your website.

Your website is the digital face of your business. It’s where your customers land, interact with your brand, and make decisions about whether to engage with your products or services. If your website doesn’t align with your new branding, it can create confusion and disconnect, potentially driving away loyal customers and failing to attract new ones.

Why Website Redesign Matters in a Rebrand

A website redesign isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about ensuring your business thrives in a competitive digital landscape. Here’s why prioritizing a website redesign during your rebrand is essential:

  • Maintaining Brand Consistency: A mismatch between your branding and website creates a disjointed experience for visitors, potentially leading to lost customers.
  • Enhancing User Experience (UX): A modern website improves navigation, engagement, and reduces bounce rates.
  • Boosting SEO Performance: An optimized site structure, fresh content, and updated technical elements ensure strong search engine rankings.
  • Increasing Conversions: A well-designed website attracts, informs, and persuades visitors to take action.

By aligning your website with your rebrand, you create a seamless, engaging experience that strengthens customer trust and drives business growth. A website redesign isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about user experience, search engine optimization (SEO), and conversion optimization. Here’s why prioritizing a website redesign during your rebrand is essential:

  • Consistency Across All Channels: A mismatch between your branding and website creates a disjointed experience for visitors.
  • Improved User Experience (UX): A website that aligns with modern UX principles ensures better engagement and lower bounce rates.
  • SEO Performance Boost: Optimizing your new website structure, content, and technical elements ensures your site remains competitive in search rankings.
  • Increased Conversions: A well-designed website attracts, informs, and converts visitors into customers.

Key Signs You Need a Website Redesign During Rebranding

Not sure if your website needs a refresh? Here are some telltale signs:

  • Your Brand Messaging Has Changed: If your website content no longer reflects your mission, vision, and values, a redesign is necessary.
  • Your Design is Outdated: A modern, sleek, and functional design builds credibility and trust with users.
  • Your Website is Not Mobile-Friendly: More than half of web traffic comes from mobile devices, and a non-responsive design can hurt your rankings and user experience.
  • Slow Load Times: Website speed directly impacts user engagement and SEO rankings.
  • Declining SEO Rankings and Traffic: If your website isn’t appearing on Google’s first page, a redesign with SEO best practices is crucial.

Steps to a Successful Website Redesign During a Rebrand

1. Assess Your Current Website’s Performance

Before jumping into a redesign, evaluate how well your website currently serves your business. Look at:

  • Traffic Trends: Are visitors increasing or declining?
  • User Engagement: Are visitors staying on your site and interacting with content?
  • Load Speed & Mobile-Friendliness: A slow or non-responsive site frustrates users and hurts rankings.
  • Conversion Rates: Are visitors taking desired actions, such as filling out forms or making purchases?

If any of these areas are underperforming, a redesign can help bridge the gap and enhance overall effectiveness. Before diving into a redesign, analyze your website’s strengths and weaknesses. Use tools like Google Analytics, SEMrush, or Ahrefs to identify:

  • High-performing pages
  • Pages with high bounce rates
  • Keywords driving organic traffic

2. Define Your New Brand Identity

Your website must reflect your new brand identity, including:

  • Brand colors, fonts, and typography
  • Updated logo and imagery
  • Clear messaging and tone of voice
  • A refined value proposition

3. Set Clear Website Goals

What do you want to achieve with your redesigned website? Some goals might include:

  • Increasing lead generation
  • Improving customer engagement
  • Enhancing SEO performance
  • Creating a seamless e-commerce experience

4. Optimize for SEO From the Start

SEO should be integrated into every phase of the redesign process. Key SEO elements include:

  • Keyword Research: Identify the most relevant and high-performing keywords.
  • On-Page Optimization: Ensure meta titles, descriptions, headings, and content are optimized.
  • Technical SEO: Improve page speed, mobile responsiveness, and URL structure.
  • Content Strategy: Implement a blog strategy to drive organic traffic.

5. Enhance User Experience (UX) and Navigation

A good UX design ensures visitors stay on your site longer and interact with your content. Key considerations:

  • Intuitive Navigation: Make it easy for users to find what they need.
  • Clear Calls-to-Action (CTAs): Guide visitors to take action, whether it’s filling out a form or making a purchase.
  • Mobile Optimization: Ensure your site is fully responsive and loads fast.

6. Implement a Strong Content Strategy

Your website content should be:

  • Engaging and Clear: Speak directly to your audience.
  • SEO-Optimized: Use targeted keywords naturally.
  • Multi-Media Rich: Include images, videos, and infographics.

7. Integrate with Marketing Tools

Your website should work seamlessly with marketing tools such as:

  • CRM systems (HubSpot, Salesforce)
  • Email marketing platforms (Mailchimp, Klaviyo)
  • Analytics tools (Google Analytics, Hotjar)

8. Test and Launch with Precision

Before launching, conduct extensive testing:

  • Performance Testing: Check speed and responsiveness.
  • SEO Audits: Ensure no broken links or missing meta tags.
  • User Testing: Gather feedback to refine UX.

The Business Impact of a Website Redesign

A well-executed website redesign can result in:

  • Higher Search Engine Rankings: A fully optimized website will rank higher on Google.
  • Increased Engagement: Visitors will stay longer and explore more pages.
  • Better Conversion Rates: Improved UX and CTAs lead to higher conversions.
  • Stronger Brand Recognition: A cohesive look across all platforms strengthens brand trust.

Ready to Elevate Your Brand? Act Now!

Your website is the backbone of your digital presence—don’t let an outdated or inconsistent design hinder your brand’s growth. A strategic website redesign ensures your business remains competitive, engaging, and aligned with your evolving identity.

At Power On Marketing, we help businesses like yours transform their online presence with cutting-edge, SEO-driven website solutions. Let’s take your brand to the next level—schedule a consultation today and position yourself for lasting success! If you’re rebranding your business, now is the perfect time to prioritize your website redesign. Don’t let an outdated or inconsistent digital presence hold your brand back.

At Power On Marketing, we specialize in creating powerful, SEO-optimized, and user-friendly websites that drive results. Schedule a consultation with our team today and take the first step toward a high-performing website that aligns with your brand vision.

Your rebrand deserves a website that works as hard as you do—let’s make it happen!

HOW GOOGLE IS MAKING USER EXPERIENCE COUNT

Google has given us an entire year to prepare for the update on user experience (UX) that will be making its debut next month.

You read that right – in May 2020, the global search engine, Google, announced that their upcoming upgrade would start to include user experience, among other metrics, to rank site performance. UX will also affect your company’s placement in Google Search.

While user experience will not be the sole factor in your placement, it will become increasingly more important from here on out. Let’s take a look at the main markers you will want to keep in mind for May 2021, so that your site does not vanish off the face of the web (or trickle down to the 2nd or 3rd page on Google).

The highly favored search engine has been preparing for this update for over a year now so there are quite a few opinions on the topic floating around. However, we prefer to get our information straight from the source. According to Google, the user experience update hopes to improve the way we interact with content, and how to decide which pieces are most important to the consumer.

They note: The page experience signal measures aspects of how users perceive the experience of interacting with a web page. Optimizing for these factors makes the web more delightful for users across all web browsers and surfaces, and helps sites evolve towards user expectations on mobile. We believe this will contribute to business success on the web as users grow more engaged and can transact with less friction.

In other words, Google is going to gauge how useable your site is, especially across different devices and platforms to make sure that the user-friendliest sites make it to the top during your research. How? By measuring your core web vitals, comparing them to your competition, and ranking accordingly. We will show you what this means and the best practices your company can take to prepare.

DOWN TO THE CORE

Core Web Vitals are new metrics that Google is rolling out to measure things like speed and accessibility on any given page on your site. Adjusting your site to fit these standards will impress Google, as well as your clientele! Creating a more enjoyable user experience is Google’s goal for a reason. In order to quantify UX, there are three core vitals highlighted across several sources: page speed, page interactivity, and page stability. Let’s take an even deeper look into what these vitals mean for the future of your site.

Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), or page loading speed, is the first metric that is considered a core web vital. Simply put, this is how long it takes to load the largest piece of content on any page of your site. 2.5 seconds and under is the sweet spot for a good loading speed. If your site is pushing 4 or more seconds, look into your server, the amount of JavaScript on your pages, and make sure you are not using slow time fetching resources. To improve your page loading speed, look into size loading platforms for media-rich pages!

First Input Delay (FID) measures your page interactivity speed. For a successful and enjoyable user experience, the interactive elements on your site, like forms and text boxes, should load and be ready to function within 100 milliseconds or less. If your interactive content loading takes 300 milliseconds or longer, you will need to test and edit JavaScript delays and optimize the code on each page to make the 100-millisecond mark!

Last but certainly not least, Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS), is the core web vital that measures page stability. This is the most frustrating feature for users, for good reason. Page stability means that the elements on any given page do not shift while loading. Every element has a place on each page, and if your site is stable, they will never budge or shift while the rest of your content loads. 0.1 is the goal here, anymore 0.25 or over is going to need adjustments. This is the easy part, you will need to specify the size dimensions of every single image or video on the page for best results. These, among other valuable components, like accessibility across devices and platforms, and rich content, will all be taken into consideration whilst your website is being assessed by the algorithm.

CONTENT STILL MATTERS

Any time “updating the algorithm” is mentioned, we cringe a little. But the bulk of ranking will still stem from authentic and useful content. Google has made it clear that while the UX update will alter how sites are displayed in the search engine, the content on your site itself, still plays the largest role in ranking. If you already consistently update your content, minimal modifications will be needed.

To quote: While all of the components of page experience are important, we will prioritize pages with the best information overall, even if some aspects of page experience are subpar. A good page experience doesn’t override having great, relevant content.

TIPS AND TOOLS FOR TRACKING UX

As your marketing mavens, Power On has plenty of tricks to try for a seamless transition into the core web vitals world. The first steps to improving your UX ranking are internal. Optimize each page on your site for speed, reduce 400 errors, and fix any and all broken pages/links as they appear. These each contribute to a negative user experience and drag your site performance down.

After an internal assessment comes a comparison to your competitors. While you may think your site is fine and dandy, your competition could be blowing you out of the water! It is important to check up on your competition to compare speed, SEO health, and so much more. Tools like page speed insights will allow you to search yourself and/or competitors to see where you stand in several areas. Google has released several tools to test, track, and enrich your user experience in terms of Core Web Vitals.

If you are keeping up with the competition, or beating them, you should still analyze your site design for layout shifts and other usability issues. To identify any issues more easily, try using a site like Crazy Egg on your popular pages. We suggest testing at least three of your top-performing URLs to review your usability, site structure, navigation, and more. You can always experiment with additional tools and plug in’s to monitor rankings and other data over time.

SUMMARIZE THE STREAMLINE

Google updates are not new, they just decided to brace us for impact this time around. The User Experience Update combines site functionality with SEO structuring in hopes of creating the ultimate user experience. Successful sites will be enjoyable, equitable, usable, and useful while providing inventive and original content.

Not sure how to get started with upgrading your UX? Power On can help!

SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION – HOW WILL IT IMPROVE YOUR BUSINESS?

Finding relevance in the online marketplace begins and ends with a targeted and focused effort on keyword combinations and quality content, which is the focus of Search Engine Optimization. Look at the internet like a chamber of commerce, and the keywords as a representation of the committees, meetings, and other activities you can target for new business development. First thing is that there must be a plan to engage those activities that would give you the best benefit to growing your business, and second is that you must show up and engage those activities in a credible and accountable way. Over time the effort not only puts you and your business in a viable position within the community, that position has been earned and is deserved due to the work put into it. The digital marketplace, unlike some commercials we see late at night, also takes time and focus to become a viable business channel and Search Engine Optimization is critical for long term ROI.

So, our first objective to help define the value to your business Search Engine Optimization can have and how it can deliver results to the bottom line. Here is a quick list of the SEO value that can be expected:

  • Focus your online position
  • Target qualified business opportunities
  • Earn Organic “Free” traffic looking for your services
  • Allows for an ability to analyze web resource performance.
  • Cuts down Performance Based Advertising Budget so company can grow.

So, with all of these benefits available and the ability to finally put a measurable ROI on the performance of your resources it is clear that Search Engine Optimization is important for those companies who have a plan and need a way to measure growth. It doesn’t always have to be a big investment, but if there has never been an effort to engage the search engines with a targeted keyword focus then you can expect there to be a setup fee related to the work needed to edit and organize your existing resources with the appropriate purpose. It is important to make sure that you have a Search Engine Optimization Assessment before you get going as it will greatly improve your ability to keep the hours down to a minimum and save money on development.

WHY HAVING A SOCIAL MEDIA BUDGET IS CRUCIAL

From Myspace, to Facebook, Twitter and sites that are still up-and-coming, social media marketing has evolved into something that is more than a place for the posting of funny cat videos and sharing family vacation photos – it can be used for enhancing your own brand or business at a more personal level. With this being the age of all things digital and social, using these sites for business is a smart way to increase exposure to a larger, more personal audience. The issue with this is that some people seem to forget to consider when thinking about using social media for business is including it in their budget.

Although it may be free to start a page for your business, advertisements do cost money, and factoring this cost into your budget must be considered for effective marketing. It is also not something that should be thought of as a quick addition to any kind of marketing campaign – social media takes time and manpower to build as a helpful tool for increasing the productivity of your business or brand.

Today, nearly everyone is involved in some sort of social media. Whether it is as simple as having a Facebook for sharing pictures, to writing for a daily blog, social media is something that has become part of everyday life for a large percentage of people. These digital platforms can be more informal and come across to a larger crowd, while also appealing to a more relaxed audience all at the same time. Information is pushed across the digital realm in a quicker, more efficient way while allowing for it to be up to date and keeping up with the times. For example, if something were to happen or needed to be shared with the audience of your business the moment it happens, news could be spread in nearly real time. Obviously, this can be incredibly beneficial for a number of reasons for your business.

A website or app, such as Twitter, allows for a more personal approach to pushing out content. On Twitter, followers may favorite, retweet, quote, and respond to a tweet with ease. This creates a more personal atmosphere that may be created without having to deal with the hassle of the phone or email. It is informal, so responses can be quick and to the point, while still getting results. Many people like this for business due to the fact that it somewhat humanizes the company. For smaller companies, this creates a brand image and more social networking for future and potential customers, all while helping with website traffic and explaining what the company is capable of. This also gives larger companies a chance to put off the smaller business feel, while still allowing for the recognition of the large-name brand.

Another thing to note when considering social media is that if you are not on it, your competitor is. A huge percentage of the general public is on the Internet regularly, and with a large percentage of those people actively on social media, it gives more people a chance to learn about your business. The average person checks their various social media accounts several times a day, and with your company being on these same sites it makes for a convenient place to further promote and market. Being on these sites also boosts your brand name in search engines, which creates more results and places where potential customers can hear about you.

In conjunction with your complete marketing strategy, social media can raise the overall value of your company while keeping costs at a minimum. Joining these websites will cause not just a noticeable amount of increased website traffic, but a quantum leap. If one of your posts are shared by fan or audience member, all of their followers or friends will be able to view the post, and they may share it – this creates an exponentially growing base of people who are seeing your information and getting your business name out there. There are also sites, such as StumbleUpon, which allow customers to literally “stumble” onto your website after creating a profile which is tailored to their specific interests. This obviously creates a better chance for the people who are already interested in the genre in which your brand is located to see your website. These sites can be just as helpful as things such as Twitter and Facebook, and help to ensure that other people that share the same interests as your company see you.

This form of marketing is much more inclusive for everyone involved as well. Employees and staff can be more involved with the communication aspect of the company, while teaching the general audience about said brand or company. This allows for the building of a digital community on a grander scale. On the contrary, the consumers can tell a company directly, via Facebook wall or Twitter for example, exactly what they want and what they think. This opens the channel for a direct connection between the company and the consumer. They may tell you how much they adore a product of service, or how much they may hate it and what needs to be improved. The audience can let you know exactly what they want and why they want it – just ask a question or for opinions on a social media site, and you will get responses.

The next question normally asked when it comes to advertising on social media is if it is actually worth it to pay for advertisements on an otherwise free site. The answer is yes, you should. Leaving room in your budget for these sites allows for a whole other realm of audiences to be found. As an example in the most traditional way, a post is put on Facebook, pushed into the newsfeeds of the people who have liked the page, and only seen those same people. There is no new audience, nor is there any chance for a real increase in visits because these people have already seen your information. When someone pays the fee for a promoted post or page, this shows up in newsfeeds of people that may have not liked the page, but have similar interests of your company. With costs starting at as little as ten dollars for promoted posts on Facebook, this form of effective marketing is affordable for nearly every budget. In comparison to the cost of a traditional marketing scheme, this is a more “bang for your buck” deal, which allows the marketing of your company to be enhanced on a social platform.

Within your social media budget, search engine optimization and tools for social media must also be considered in addition to actual advertisements. SEO must be considered for your website to rank higher and receive more traffic, which promotes your business. Tools are available to make your life on these social media sites much easier as well. Sites such as Hootsuite, SocialBro, ManageFlitter, and many others offer an easier way to create, schedule, and manage content in a more streamline way. Buffer is also a good tool to consider, as it allows you to schedule and put content into queues for pushing out at a later date. Using these tools also gives you a way to look at the analytics and statistics of your visitors. These are a must for any social media marketing strategy and will help you exponentially.

Allowing for the space in your budget for social media marketing will be a strategy that will pay for itself many times over. These platforms can increase exposure and create a more human forum as a direct connection with your clientele or intended audience. If social media is something that you are already doing in your marketing strategy, considering the use of paid advertisements can greatly increase your results with minimum financial impact. To put it simply, if you aren’t advertising on social media, you are letting customers walk out the virtual door.

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