Reasons Why Your Business Needs A Digital Marketing Consultant

Do you own a business? Are you finding it difficult to drive rapid and sustainable business growth? Are you one of the companies that don’t have a digital marketing strategy yet? Do you have plenty of reasons to not get help for digital marketing strategy planning? Well, here are a few reasons that entail hiring a digital marketing consultant is critical to succeed in today’s marketplace. Scroll down to read more!

#1. The Digital Revolution

With digital marketing, businesses are no longer limited by geography, time-zone or any of the constraints of traditional marketing methods. Digital technology allows businesses to communicate their marketing message with absolute laser-like precision by targeting, segmenting and positioning specific niche market segments. All that is required is a professional that can plan and implement different marketing techniques to get better outcomes.

#2. You Lack Strategic Direction

If a business wishes to lead the digital world, it is imperative to have clear aims & objectives and a well-developed brand vision. A consultant can be useful for planning clear action plans to make everything happen.

#3. You Want To Dominate The Digital Landscape

If a business wants to become a preeminent name in the industry and dominate the digital landscape, then there is a need of coherent digital marketing strategy. When it comes to digital marketing, the prime focus should be on building marketing gravity that amplifies the market reach with an aim of attracting people to the unique brand value. And, this all can be easily done with the help of a professional digital marketing consultant.

#4.You’re Behind Your Competitors

If your business hasn’t got a clear vision for the future and it’s using an ad-hoc approach with no coherent strategy, then there are chances to fall behind. To avoid such a chaotic situation, it is good to appoint a professional digital marketer.

#5. You Don’t Know Your Unique Brand Value

Understanding your unique brand value will facilitate you to differentiate your offerings and clearly communicate it to your prospective customers so that they do not miss out on the fantastic value that you have to offer them. So, it is advised to get associated with a digital marketing consultant before you start digital marketing.

#6. Your Marketing In Not Integrated

Do not consider digital marketing as a separate function from the rest of the business. It is an integrated approach that can help you achieve your organizational goals and improve ROI in both online and offline channels. All this can be achieved conveniently with the help of a digital marketer.

#7. You Are Not Organized

Taking an ad-hoc approach to digital marketing means you are probably not equipped to respond to the changes that are taking place in the industry right now. In order to take full advantage of the opportunities available in the digital world, investment in resource planning and implementation is vital and it can be made with the help of digital marketing consultant.

If there is no strategy, digital marketing will not benefit you no matter how much time, money or resources you invest. Before approaching a digital marketing consultant, it is advised to measure your digital marketing requirements. If you own a small business, you can go for freelance digital marketing professionals; for the middle-scale firm, you can outsource your digital marketing requirements and for a blue-chip company, you can have an in-house digital marketing team.  

How Blockchain Can Revolutionalize Travel Industry

Blockchain- secured by design and managed by a peer-to-peer network- has revolutionalized the finance sector. Thirty of the world’s largest banks are collectively toiling to build blockchain solutions and the technology has powered millions of users. Blockchain could also have ramification for the travel industry, too. In addition to providing a simplified, secure platform for airlines, accommodation and rental portals, the technology could transform the future of digital identity management. Before going into details, it’s good to know the basics of this simple, yet widely-applicable tool. So, scroll down to read more!

Understanding Blockchain
The Blockchain is an ingeniously simple technology that powers bitcoin. This technological tool seeks to reduce the cost and enhance efficiency by superseding the flow of paperwork for different works with the digital data flow. But, in reality, it is more than that. It is a public ledger that can be accessed by everyone on the network. The Blockchain is a data structure of transactions- not just monetary transactions, but any transaction of value in a system - in a digital form. It is cryptographically secured and fundamentally open that allows participants to amend the information without any permission of the central authority. This way, it omits third party involvement. By providing a common platform (for information access) to all the parties involved, Blockchain provides a degree of trust and transparency. It permanently records the transaction details after the settlement and adds more to it making a Blockchain. Blockchain, if implemented in a particular area of trade, will significantly reduce the need of multiple copies of the same data thus, decreasing the overall settlement time.

Will Blockchain Dominate Travel?
The Blockchain is providing ease in terms of data security, logistics, transparency and simplified process. Fragmented and complex structure of blockchain makes it viable for the travel industry. Securing the enormous amount of sensitive data & online payments and identifying the source in case of a fraud are the major concerns for travel providers. Besides, blockchain is a major part of identity management. Below are just a few of the most game-changing roles for blockchain technology that may become reality in the coming years:

• Security & Identification

Ensuring security of the passengers is a matter of concern for airlines. Owing to its distributed nature, blockchain technology could make screening process much faster and more reliable. It can combine a database of travelers with biometric technology to create a multifactor security process.

• Loyalty Programs

Loyalty programs and rewards are imperative to keep customers coming back to a carrier year after year. Airline rewards can be stored in a Blockchain where customers could have instant access to their balance and can use points like cash.

• Tracking Luggage & Cargo

To avoid the misplacement of luggage, it is good to use a blockchain to log the movement of each item for a better workflow. It will help in determining, who is responsible for each item at any point in the process.

• Managing Chargebacks

Blockchain payments are not eligible for chargebacks without the blockchain’s consensus. But, it could be much easier if all information of ACH payment chargebacks is organized in the blockchain. Blockchain has applications at every level of the travel industry, from domestic security and more efficient global trade to simply improving a business’s bottom line.

With digital payments becoming the norms in various sectors across the globe, the one new age digital currency technology that we reckon will dominate the industry in the times to come.

The changing trends in SEO

Experts say to excel in the era of digital marketing, one needs to stay ahead. And when it comes to Search Engine Optimization, you need to maintain pace with Google updates to prepare and run a successful marketing campaign.

Although keywords are still important as typing in simple words yields simple results. Consumers are becoming smart today; they know exactly what they want to buy and what they need to put for getting better search results. Similarly, search engines are getting much better at identifying user’s intent to provide results more effectively. Here are few game-changing trends that are set to rock the SEO world:.

1. Brands are required to place value on optimizing their digital content based on web, unlike specific keywords.
2. Users love the quick access to precise information. Adding structured data markup to your website can increase the chances of having an enhanced SREP listing.
3. Use Cross-Channel Marketing strategy to enable users to move seamlessly between devices and platforms to make a purchase.
4. As mobile search is growing at a rapid pace, it is good to optimize your SEO strategies accordingly.
5. In this digital age, voice search is in trend as its hands-free, fast and futuristic.

SEO is continually changing and new techniques are created at regular interval of time. While there is no way to predict the changes, a good business precisely follows the trends and keeps up with the changes as they do occur.

Streamline Trade Finance With Blockchain Technology

For the past few years, the buzz around blockchain has grown to apogee. With a long standing as a technological novelty, blockchain is quickly evolving and may soon become a viable financial tool on a global scale. The most interesting areas that blockchain is seeking to address are Trade Finance and Global Trade. So, what is blockchain? Most simply, it’s a technology that is essentially an unimpeachable digital ledger of transactions- not just monetary transactions, but any transaction of value in a system.

Before investing time and money in this technological tool, it is good to know basics of it. So, scroll down to read more!

Trade Finance?

Trade financing comprises credit facilities provided by financial institutions to guarantee the exchange of goods. It includes lending, issuing letters of credit, factoring, export credit and insurance for both- domestic and international trade. One of the difficulties involved with trade finance is the large volume of paperwork. Blockchain technology seeks to reduce costs and enhance efficiency by superseding the flow of paper for trade finance with the digital data flow.

Blockchain: Endless Applications

It’s a promise of blockchain to streamline the trade finance process. The blockchain is a data structure that creates a digital ledger of transactions. With the help of cryptography, these transactions can be distributed amongst a digital network. This way, it allows each participant on the network to amend the ledger without the need for a central authority. So, if implemented, it will omit the role of middleman in financial transactions.

Blockchain removes the need of multiple copies of the same document including numerous entities as it undertakes quick updates made by each participant and reflects the most recent transactions. Among the best of blockchain’s advantages are the speeding up of transaction settlement time that currently takes a few days, increasing transparency among the investors, and unlocking capital that would otherwise be tied up waiting to be transferred between parties involved in the transaction. The blockchain is creating new ways for people to make transactions. It is used for maintaining records of transactions, verifying identity and establishing contracts.

The Society For Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) is exploring the use of blockchain in trade finance. It is worth keeping an eye on the rapid developments occurring in the space of blockchain technology. It is poised to effect positive change in trade finance, and if it does, it could affect every industry involved in cross-border business or trade.

Sources: 

• https://www.americanexpress.com/us/content/foreign-exchange/articles/blockchain-technology-to-streamline-trade-finance/
• https://blogs.adb.org/blog/how-blockchain-can-revolutionize-access-finance
• https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/global/Documents/grid/trade-finance-placemat.pdf

Best Ways To Choose A Good SEO Company For Your Business Or Website

Getting high rankings in search engine results is not that easy as it seems. Ever since the inception of the internet, everyone is participating in the race of getting high ranks in this virtual world. And, when it comes to organic search results, nothing can work better than SEO techniques. Therefore, it is good to hire a reliable and trustworthy SEO company that can help your business grow by developing your digital brand and ensuring that you have a top-notch web presence. So, scroll down to get more information about DO’s and DON’ts while selecting SEO professionals, tools, etc.

The first thing that you have to measure is your SEO requirements. If you own a small-scale enterprise, you can go for freelance SEO professionals; for a middle-scale firm, you can outsource your SEO requirements and for blue-chip Company, you can have in-house SEO team.

Points To Ponder

Few points to keep in mind while selecting SEO consultants:

• SEO strategies they use to get high search result rankings
• Make sure they will provide you regular reports. The most common frequency is once /month, but some may share weekly reports. SEO reports should include a summary of activities, search traffic, search rankings and conversions.
• Do some homework and know about their clientele and results. If you failed to find, then you can assume that either they weren't able to serve big clients, or they don't have that level of competency.
• Google Algorithms play a vital role in SEO. These are crucial for long-term traffic growth. Google applies approx 500 algorithm updates/year to provide finer results for searchers. Thus, make sure that your consultants work in compliance with these golden rules.
• In order to save a ton of time and money, several tools are available. If your SEO company mention tools like Xrumer, SE Nuke or Bookmarking Demon, it is advised you to stay away.
• Determine, what types of SEO work they will prefer to do i.e. technical, on-page, off-page.
• If your consultant promises you #1 ranking every single time, beware! Because No SEO knows the exact Google algos and No one knows how Google Algos change.
• Different SEOs have different payment structure such as monthly, weekly or hourly. It is good to clarify how much and when you need to pay so that you can accordingly factor it into your budget.
• If you are hiring consultants or freelancers, find out which mode of communication they prefer and tell them yours.
• Make sure that your SEO stays tuned up with SEO news, they should be active in forums and other SEO communities.  
• “Which metrics do you track?” This is a really easy way to differentiate between experienced, successful SEOs and the rest.

SEO is a long-term investment. It’s going to take months before results. The aforementioned points will help you weed out dependable SEO companies and individuals. These points will help you decide if a particular SEO is worth hiring for your business as hiring SEO help can make or break your company. Setting future goals, getting multiple bids and examining predictors of the future are few things to ensure that you hire the right SEO.

Top Six Ways To Use Visual Content To Increase Conversion Rates In 2017

With this increasing competition, one has to remain au courant with industry trends and constantly optimize the customer experience to lower abandonment rates and amplify conversion rates. And, for doing this, you have to adopt modern and interactive mediums. One of the simplest ways to engage with your target audience directly and economically is using images and videos. Researchers have shown that adding an image to a Facebook brings 2.3 times more engagement. Statistics show that 74% of marketers use visual content for their marketing campaigns.

In the current scenario, visual content is in trend and widely utilized medium to impress audiences. It is proven that visual content draws more people and it is engaging. Analysts say that the use of visual content on web has sharply increased since 2007. From 2011-2015, the average time spent watching videos has increased from 21 minutes to 60 minutes. Snapchat and Instagram that are visual centric social networks, have seen massive growth in the same span. For marketers, visual content brings lots of opportunities to grab more traffic and turn visitors into their potential patrons.

Need Of Visual Content

Now a days, your audience don’t have time to read anymore; they would love to watch short video instead of reading long article. As it is scientifically proven that human being are visual learners and their brain process visuals faster. Visual content is the perfect medium for conveying your brand value and principles.

Followings are few major ways that were adopted to increase conversion rate in 2017:

1. Create A Visual Hierarchy On Your Website

Creating hierarchy will dictate users what to focus on first. For example, on New York Times website, you can easily find the most important news stories having larger font sizes or are accompanied by a picture.

Use pictures, colors and larger fonts to emphasize important part of your content.

2. Convey Emotions Through Visual Content

Human beings are empathetic and their subconscious mind feels accordingly to what their eyes see. Seeing a picture of happy person brings smile to our face and a sad image can ruin our mood.

For example: A person selling massage chairs that are used to relieve stress. To emphasize this, use an image of a person feeling bliss sitting on the chair.

3. The Key To Conversions Is Short Video

 Try to make your video short, simple and engaging. Users will not come back to your website only to see that lengthy and boring videos.

4. Use Video Testimonials

Visual Testimony of your brilliance is a smart way to tell users what you are. This tactic will bring an instant trust among your visitors.

5. Info Graphics

A combination of graph and data, an Inographics is the best way to convey a big amount of information in a precise manner.

6. Use Images And Show That There Are Real People Behind Your Business

Studies say that there are certain areas in the brain that are dedicated to respond to faces. Study done by Nielsen concludes that web surfers focus on human photos instead of text.

Ex. A website that deals in Brazilian and Caribbean art, increased conversion rate by 95% by adding the image of artisans along with their artwork.

So, these were the effective ways that were utilized to get benefits of visual content for increasing conversion rates in the year 2017. 

Leverage Social Media For Lead Generation

If you are in a need to generate buzz for your business, then social media will be your best companion. With increasing features and out-of-the-box technology, it’s not groundbreaking anymore to brand your business using social media. Now, it is increasingly used for lead generation. Before, we go in depth, it’s good to find out some basic definitions. To know more, scroll down!

What Is Lead?

A lead is nothing but interest shown by your potential customers towards your products or services or both. It is the next big thing for businesses after they have their setup ready. Lead generation covers up everything including:

• It starts from attracting the visitors to the landing page
• Followed by nurturing the leads to make the sales
• Converting them into repeated customers

What Is Social Media?

A platform that facilitates the development of online social networks enabling users to connect with individuals or groups. Now a days, businesses and marketers are adopting social media channels as an integral part of the marketing mix.

Social Media acts as a traffic generator thus its great for Lead Generation. Each tweet, update or post can drive people back to your website and lead capture forms. Make sure that updates are meaningful, easy to grasp and not self-serving.

In order to fill sales funnel through leveraging social media, you have to invest in a tool that will help your business target influencers & potential patrons and filter content. Before investing in any tool, make sure that you’re doing the basics when it comes to your business’s social media profile and content generation.

#1. Your brand image and message should be clear

#2. Keep your message conversational and its content should be consistent to nurture your audience

#3. Use right strategy to showcase your expertise

#4. Choose the right media for your business

Always keep your social media channels with creation, quality and informative content. When you do this, you will start effectively leveraging social media for lead generation.