We know we open an internet search page, type in what we’re looking for, and hope we get what we’re looking for. But what is actually going on? Many consumers don’t actually know how search engines work. And even more just click on the first thing that pops up, which is usually an ad.

When you type a query into a search engine, all relevant pages are identified and given to you in a set of search engine results. This relevant data is driven by more than what you just typed in, other information is used such as:

• Your location
• Language
• Previous search engine history
• Which type of device is being used (mobile, desktop)

The websites that are being returned to you are also determined by Google algorithms which can be made up by all kinds of different factors. These factors can include:

• The relevant keywords or phrases used on a page of a website that could be included in your search.
• The intended search, yes, Google usually knows what you intended to search for.
• What’s new; Google is always looking for freshness. What’s the latest movie, or what’s the latest release on Netflix. Google knows those types of searches matter, so they will rank higher.
• Search engines also reward high quality content. They’re looking for experts in the field, and other things like content that can be trusted. This can come in the form of quality backlinks and how well the site is optimized.
• Websites that rank higher are also websites that are usable. They need to be speedy, mobile friendly, and they will typically be located in close proximity to you. They’re not going to send you halfway around the world to a pizza place.

How search engines work should matter to you, because you’re trying to reach consumers and rank higher on search engine results pages. You need to be creating content for users, not search engines like Google or Bing, because ultimately, users drive exactly how search engines work!

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A business website is like an online storefront. This is how customers are attracted to your brand, store, or business. This is where you introduce your services or products, and let them know how your service or product can help them. Having a web design team in conjunction with a marketing team can make a website design for homepage conversions an easier process.

Consumers are quick to walk away from a store that doesn’t have something that interests them in a window whilst window shopping. The same rings true when they land on a website. This is why it is so important to capture them as soon as they land on your homepage and increase the chances for homepage conversions.

These are some important strategies that must be addressed on a successful website design:

Call to Actions (CTA’s)

Not only does a homepage need a call to action, but it needs to be above the fold. This means that a website visitor shouldn’t have to scroll down the page to find it. If you want phone calls, emails, people to subscribe to your newsletter, all those CTA’s should be above the fold in an easy to see button for them to click. Such as “learn more”, “call now”, “subscribe”, or “email”.

Proof Equals Trust

When someone lands on your website for the very first time, they’re not only looking for information, but they want to see that your company is one that can be trusted. This is where social proof comes in handy. This can be accomplished through many different forms. Actually, the more the better.

• Client Testimonials
• Reviews
• Case Studies
• Awards
• Partnerships

Use More Than Once CTA

People come to websites for various reasons. Don’t leave them with only one option. They might be a first time visitor, or maybe they’re there to leave a review, or read a blog, or to see your services. Having many CTA’s gives them many opportunities to search your site further. The key is to be user friendly. You don’t want to only give them one button, what if that isn’t what they’re looking for? Give them options, this way you can please the masses.

Contact the team at Webtivity for to discuss making your website with a homepage designed for conversions!

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It’s an accepted fact that online reviews are essential for businesses. Online reviews build credibility, help seal deals, and encourage clients to reach to you to start a one to one conversation. All of that adds up to a vital component of a business’s online reputation management efforts.

2020 is kicking this importance into high gear. In their most recent 2020 State of the Local Industry Report, Moz found that reviews are now the second most important factor in rankings in SEO rankings. We, in the digital marketing sphere, have watched this component of marketing continually increase in importance with seemingly no end to its rise.

But their importance doesn’t just stop at SEO. Today, your friendly marketers at Webtivity Marketing & Design will explore five reasons why online reviews are essential for your business in 2020 and moving forward.

Search Engine Rankings

The importance of online reviews to search engine rankings cannot be understated. Google is now, and has been for the past three years, the largest and fastest growing review platform. Garnering Google reviews should be your first priority out of any platform. Google uses these reviews to ascertain your rankings in its algorithms. Next to Google My Business elements, Google reviews, are now the second biggest factor Google takes into account for your rankings. In terms of the easiest and fastest search ranking factor to influence, Google reviews are it.

Local Traffic = Local Clients

In essence, there are two types of rankings in search engines. Overall rankings and local rankings. The latter is the biggest concern for small businesses that rely on online sales and lead generation as an essential component of their business. If overall rankings are influenced by online reviews, local rankings are doubly so. Behind being physically close to the searcher, reviews are the second most important reason a search engine shows a business before another. The other important factors being the consistency of citations and the quality of content on the business’ website.

Building Credibility

Brand building should be a concern for every business owner who seeks to excel in their market. If your clients don’t know your brand or don’t trust it, your business will suffer in the short and long term. Reviews show that other users of your service or buyers of your product had a positive experience with it. Companies who ignore this importance often suffer from a lack of reviews, which can lead to once-off negative reviews having a significant impact on their business. Get ahead of any disgruntled customer, enact a review gathering strategy before you need positive reviews to help counteract any negative ones. Google’s review policy offers little leeway in removing reviews.

Reviews Close Deals

Always Be Closing or ABC can be translated to RCD for Reviews Close Deals when it comes to consumer decisions online. BrightLocal recently found that 82% of all consumers read online reviews for local businesses, that number jumps up to 93% for people aged between 35 and 54. In that last second, when a potential client finds your business and is close to deciding to make a purchase, reviews are your best closers. The high regard buyers hold in reviews cannot be understated. The importance increases as the demographics get lower as the younger generations lean on the opinions of their peers to make decisions in an increasingly choice-field market.

Communication is STILL Key

From year 1 to the year 10,000, one thing will always be true; we humans love to communicate with each other. Online reviews are essential for communicating with your clients online. They are a forum for honest interaction with your customers where you can reinforce positive perceptions and explain any negative issues you may encounter. The important factor to consider here is that this conversation exists with or without your input. The ability to get it to be written down in a format where you can respond to it represents a dynamic shift in not only reputation management but overall brand management as well.

This brings us to the end of our top 5 reasons why online reviews are essential for your business in 2020. If you are ready to proactively take control of your online brand call Tim at  941-753-7574 x107 or send him a message here.

The post 5 Reasons Online Reviews Are Essential for Your Business in 2020 appeared first on Webtivity Marketing & Design.

The struggle is real when it comes to keeping a website up to date with the ever changing SEO rules, and search engine algorithms. An online presence is crucial, and having a digital marketing team that has your values is crucial as well. Hiring an outside digital marketing company means you can worry about the success of your business, while they handle the marketing of your company.

A good digital marketing company will have a variety of marketing packages available for you. They will offer SEO, (search engine optimization), SMM (social media marketing, (PPC) pay per click, as well as other types of marketing that can include blogging, email marketing and more.

These are some things to consider when hiring an online marketing company in the Bradenton and St. Petersburg area of Florida.

Understand the Risks

The cheapest SEO Company won’t get you the results you’re looking for. In fact, they could actually damage your company, and damage your reputation with Google. If Google penalizes you, you could suffer the ramifications for years.

Beware of an SEO Guarantee

NO company can guarantee first page search engine results, they just can’t. So if they do, you need to run away, and fast. Remember the old saying that if it sounds too good to be true, then it is?

Look at Past Clients and Reviews

Client reviews are so important in this day of online word of mouth. Look for a company that has a great online reputation. Satisfied customers, case studies, and client referrals are all indicators of success!

Know Your Goals

It’s important that you know what your business goals are, then they can be conveyed to the marketing team. Be sure that you know who your competitors are, what key words you’re targeting, and who your target audience is. This will make an effective marketing strategy more attainable for your digital marketer.

The bottom line is that you want to feel comfortable with the company you choose. Be sure you’re able to ask questions and get answers. SEO is a long term commitment, it isn’t something that happens overnight. If you are in search of a reputable digital marketing agency in the Bradenton and St. Petersburg area, get in touch with us today to see how we can help.

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You might not know that Social Media Marketing and Social Media Advertising are different, and that’s totally okay. They are similar, so that can be what’s stumping you. With the ever changing social media climate, who wouldn’t be confused about it, right? There is a difference though, and when they’re used correctly, they can make a difference in your digital marketing efforts.

What is Social Media Marketing?

Every business today should have a Social Media Marketing campaign of some sort. Social Media Marketing covers every social media platform available to your business. It begins with something as simple as creating an online profile relevant to your business industry. Leading to more social profiles and then interacting with consumers on said profiles.

Interaction on these profiles is key. Interaction is how you promote your brand. Liking, commenting, and sharing content, both theirs and yours is what will bring engagement to your own social media accounts, bringing attention to your brand, your business.

Everyone is using social media, so why not take advantage of it, it’s free! Create a community, create awareness of your business. Draw in your potential customers, bring attention to what makes your business unique! Build a rapport with your customers before they ever step foot into your store or make an online purchase. Make then WANT to do business with you.

What is Social Media Advertising?

Social Media Advertising is similar to Google Advertising. It’s run on a PPC basis, where you pay if a user clicks on an ad, or by pay per impression. These ads can be run on various social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram for example. You can pay to boost a post which has already been posted, or an actual campaign can be set up and run.

The benefit of using paid social media campaigns is targeting. With targeting, specific areas can be targeted, genders, locations, interests, and search history as well. These are important factors to consider when trying to sell something geared towards a specific audience.

Which is Better?

There isn’t one that is better than the other. Both avenues can sell your products and get people in your store or on your website. Social Media Marketing can build a community and get your brand out there, while Social Media Advertising will get your product or ad in front of who you want to see it when you want them to see it. But when used together, you can have the best possible outcome.

If both social media advertising and social media marketing sound like a lot for your business, don’t worry. Webtivity Marketing and Design has a marketing team that specializes in both and would love to help!

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