Monday, January 26, 2015

Stay Thirsty My Friends (for More Content): 5 Things to Include in Every Blog

When I first started blogging I did it just for fun, because I love to write and I thought it was so cool to see my thoughts come to life within an online platform like Blogger.

As part of the Escaype Enterprises content writing team, however, I've learned that there's a method to the madness... especially if you're blogging for business. 

Here are 5 things our marketing gurus say you should include in EVERY blog for maximum visibility and prolonged reader engagement: 

1. A catchy title.
Just because you've written a blog well and published it on the World Wide Web doesn't necessarily mean it's gonna get read... Writing the darn thing is only half the battle. The most challenging part about getting your content seen is provoking readers to click on your blog link so they'll read it. You can do this with a catchy title-- one that falls in line with one of today's most trending topics, a top 5 (or 10, but no more than 10) list that readers can easily peruse or a title that implies something can be learned or gained (like a how-to post or a unique recipe).

2. Visual stimulation.
Ever wonder why people watch so much TV or get so entrenched in Netflix movies? It's because we're visual creatures. We are wired to want something visible to supplement what we are hearing or experiencing, which is why it's imperative that you utilize images, infographics and/or videos to enhance whatever content (including blogs) that you're dispersing across the Information Superhighway.


More than 50% of consumers today admit blogs influence their purchases, so if you're planning to make a lasting impression on your target audience try generating posts for your business using intriguing imagery.

3. Compelling content.
If you had to hire a credible, well-articulated spokesperson to represent your brand you wouldn't just bring on an intern or someone who is new to this country to pose as the the billboard for your business would you? Of course not. You would find the most intelligent, passionate individual out there (besides you, of course) who knows your company inside and out and isn't bashful about getting the word out for you, right?! Think of your internet marketing efforts in the same way. If you're outsourcing your blogs to 'writers' on the other side of the globe and/or you've nominated your neighbor's teenage daughter to manage your social media simply to save money, it will be obvious to your brand followers. Be sure to invest in quality marketing tactics if your ultimate goal is to see quality results.

4. References or citations.
You know how "THEY say the human head weighs eight pounds?" Well who the heck are they and what makes them experts in the department of human body parts and their true measurements? Blogs seem to have much more credibility among readers when there are citations or references to where the factual tidbits from that blog were actually obtained.

You don 't have to go completely overboard with a Works Cited list or an index of references at the end of each post, but giving credit to the sources which helped you compose your blog will also score you credit as a reliable brand with a wealth of information.

5. A call to action.
While blogging for leisure can be an absolute adventure for some of us writing geeks out there, blogging for business must have a true purpose to be effective. Make sure each time you create a new masterpiece of written excellence that there's actually a point, or call to action in the post. 

If you're blogging about fitness tips, let your readers know where they can go to get more information about any relevant products or services your business provides. If you're putting together a Top 5 list of something, be sure that one of your products or services is included somewhere in that blog and add a backlink to where more details can be found. Ultimately, you want to make sure the visitors to your blog:

- are urged to learn more about your brand
- understand why they are definitely in need of what it is you have to offer

At Escaype Enterprises we carefully craft content specific to your brand's audience to ensure what's published on behalf of your company is not only relevant, it's entertaining, informational and most importantly-- accurate.

For information about our content writing or other internet marketing services for business CLICK HERE to visit our web site now. 

And until then, stay thirsty my friends... for more content, that is!

Sunday, January 18, 2015

To Market, To Market: 4 Digital Strategies Worth Implementing for Small Business

Marketing. It's one of the most important components of driving new traffic to your company, yet a lot of times it's the last place business owners want to allocate funds in order to MAKE MORE MONEY. 

Is your brand shooting itself in the foot by not being marketed correctly? The short answer here is, "YES."

Here are 4 digital strategies our marketing gurus at Escaype Enterprises say is totally worth implementing for your small business:

1. Show up in Google search results more prominently.
75% of internet surfers searching for something on Google NEVER click past results on page 1. This is why it's so important for your company to show up on the first page of a search inquiry (especially Google). Stay diligent about posting on your social media channels, publishing informative articles and encouraging others to like/share your content can help keep you extremely visible among search engines like Google, Yahoo & Bing.

2. Incorporate videos into your marketing plan.
87% of marketers will agree that visual content is crucial for traditional marketing efforts... And with the popularity of YouTube and other video-based platforms, it's basically essential to upload videos of your company online to share, whether it's behind-the-scenes footage, highlights of your team members with their contributions or even informational productions about how to make something (cooking segments, DIY home improvement videos, etc.).


3. Use blogs.
Blogs aren't just an effective way to inform people about the products and services your business offers, they're actually a really great way to drive more traffic to your company web site. In fact, brands that have published at least 50 blog posts get 53% more web site traffic...and that number increases by 3 times as much once 100 blogs have been posted to the Information Superhighway.

4. Take advantage of social media.
The social media movement has not only created a fool-proof way to for people to keep in touch with family and long-lost friends all over the globe, it's also sparked an incredible way for businesses to reach their customers and following in a way that's non-invasive as well as affordable. Last time we checked, 77% of B2C (business-to-consumer) companies were able to generate leads for their brand through Facebook alone. Is YOUR business doing the same (and if not, what's stopping you)?!

At Escaype Enterprises we can help you beef up your marketing efforts both online and offline to get your brand more recognition and ultimately, get you more business.

For more information about our services & innovative solutions CLICK HERE to visit our web site.

Here's to more internet presence and improved awareness for your your company!



References:
http://socialmarketingwriting.com/13-blogging-statistics-probably-dont-know-infographic/
https://www.facebook.com/EscaypeEnt