• FAQs

          Search engine optimization (SEO) helps businesses drive visits to their website through organic search traffic. Given that the top organic search results receive a third of the clicks, a decline in ranking could be detrimental for your business. Implementing SEO best practices on your website will help to ensure that your web content is seen by as many potential customers as possible. The more visitors you have, the better your chances are of converting those visits into sales!

          Local search engine optimization (SEO) helps local businesses gain visibility by optimizing their local business listings for local search. A business that leverages local SEO will include its address, phone number, local opening times, and exact location in the form of a local citation. The goal is to rank for local searches which are usually performed by people in a specific geographical region looking for a business near them.

          We typically see results within the first 30 to 60 days, but when it comes to SEO, there are many factors at play. It's important to remember that SEO is a long-term strategy and results may not come as fast at you wish.


        • FAQs

          Digital advertising uses the internet to send advertisements to customers who are online through different websites and social media platforms like Google, Bing, LinkedIn and Facebook.

          The price for Google Ads management depends on the monthly ad spend. For accounts with $1,000 in monthly ad spend, the price is $550/month. Between $1,000 and $5,000 a month in ad spend, the price is $950/month. For $5,000 to $10,000 a month in ad spend, the price is $2,000/month. For more than $10,000 a month in ad spend, the price is $4,500/month.

          The price for Social Media Ads management depends on the monthly ad spend. For accounts with $1,000 in monthly ad spend, the price is $550/month. Between $1,000 and $5,000 a month in ad spend, the price is $950/month. For $5,000 to $10,000 a month in ad spend, the price is $2,000/month. For more than $10,000 a month in ad spend, the price is $4,500/month.


        • FAQs

          This depends on the complexity and size of a redesign and if eCommerce is needed. On average, it takes around 14-18 weeks from the web design intensive stage to launch.

          If your website experiences the following issues: it’s not responsive on all devices, has a slow loading speed, the design appears old and tired, users don’t spend long on the site, sales are stagnant, or your business is going through a rebranding - your website needs a redesign to boost your brand awareness and sales.

          Sometimes there’s no need to rebuild a website. Minor edits, refreshing page content and images, or restructuring page layout for SEO best practices can boost traffic and sales.


        • FAQs

          Semantic search launched in 2013 with the release of Google's Hummingbird update. Since then, Google's search engine has become more complex. The integration of machine learning, with RankBrain, and NLP, with BERT, has enabled the search engine to better understand the context of a query and deliver more personalized and targeted results. Semantic SEO is the process of creating machine-readable content using structured data and linked open data to help search engines better understand your content.

          On-page SEO is the practice of optimizing individual web pages in order to rank higher and earn more relevant traffic in search engines. On-page SEO refers to both the content and HTML source code of a page that can be optimized, as opposed to off-page SEO which refers to links and other external signals. From meta tags to page content, website structure, and HTML, on-page optimization services are focused on making your website more visible to search engines.

          Structured data refers to any organized data that conforms to a certain format, such as information in a relational database. When information is highly structured and predictable, search engines can more easily organize and display it in creative ways. Structured data involves using a piece of code that is laid out in a specific format easily understood by search engines. The search engines read the code and use it to display search results in a more dynamic way.


        • FAQs

          An SEO agency has experts in different areas of search engine optimization that may be out of the realm of your marketing team's abilities. SEO can be very complex and time-consuming. Furthermore, as search engine algorithms change it can be difficult to stay current on the latest ranking factors and strategies for improving online visibility. You will likely see a greater return on investment and better results from using a professional SEO agency than you would from tackling this on your own.

          As a digital marketing agency, SMA Marketing provides products and services in four areas: SEO, Local SEO, Digital Advertising, and Web Design

          We focus on building authentic, long-lasting relationships with our clients. We’re goal oriented and results driven and believe in doing good and making a difference in the world.

  • Contact

Creating Content Your Buyers Actually Want to Read

Creating Content Your Buyers Actually Want to Read

Content is the fuel that drives our marketing efforts, but constantly looking for new topics that are both informative and engaging is one of the biggest marketing pain points we experience here at our agency. It’s not enough to just write and publish content on a regular basis. Your content needs to be targeted and solve your audience’s problems as well as give them a reason to keep coming back.

By leveraging a combination of tools, research and empathy, finding the right type of content to create doesn’t have to be such a hassle. Good content should flow naturally and not be forced. It should be grounded in sound research and meet the user’s expectations. So let’s break down each one of these “musts” and some tools and tips to help us deliver the goods!

Natural Flow

Like any other form of communication, how you deliver your content is just as important as what you are communicating. If you have great information but share it in a way that is choppy and disconnected, your audience will struggle to engage with you.

When many people sit down to write, they struggle to find flow. This comes from fear. We believe we don’t have anything to say and that no one wants to hear what we have to say. I’ve struggled with this fear myself. But as I continued to write, I began to find my voice and my confidence rose. I saw that people did care about what I had to say and this gave me more of a reason to invest in my writing skills.

The key to getting into a flow is learning to be yourself. Authenticity can take ordinary content and make it extraordinary. The difficult thing about learning to be authentic is that you have to be OK with you. You need to embrace your voice and be bold enough to step into the world with it.

Grounded in Research

Content that is backed by research is trustworthy. Building trust is key to earning and retaining your audience. In a world full of data, a simple Google search can reveal tons of information that you can use to verify your content.

Just because you read it online doesn’t mean it’s true. Take your time and make sure that you find reliable sources. Google has even rolled out a fact-checking tool to help fight fake news and information in search.

One thing I have done when researching content is to look at content I read and trust and see where they go for information. I typically try to stay with sites that have a good reputation and are known for getting the facts right. To learn more about developing good fact-based content check out this post.

User-Centric

Creating content your users want to read begins and ends with them. You are creating that content to educate, entertain and engage your audience so everything you do should have them at the center. This means you need to start by defining and getting to know who you are writing for.

Creating buyer personas and then using what you learn to connect empathetically will lead to more connected and user-centric content. While there are many tools out there to help you create personas, I created a template that goes much deeper than demographics and gets the emotional level as well. You can download your copy of our buyer persona template here.

After you get an idea of who you are writing for, you can then turn your attention to what you should write about. Coming up with topics can be hard, but there are some great tools out there that help you uncover real questions from real users across the web.

Bloomberry is a great new tool from the team that brings us Buzzsumo. What sets this tool apart is that it is focused on sales-related questions. This tool can help you learn and uncover users’ pain points during the sales process. These insights will help you create content around those pain points and solve real world problems.

Another great tool is Answerthepublic.com. With this tool, you can search your target keyword or phrase and it will pull questions that users have typed into search. Again, this tool helps you find and answer questions from real users. When a user has a problem and you can solve it with your content or service, you’ll have something people actually want to read.

Content marketing isn’t rocket science, but it does require planning, strategy, research, and empathy. By learning who your audience is, you can create content just for them. Make sure that you base your assumptions on facts and don’t be afraid to be yourself. You have a voice, all you need to do is use it.

New call-to-action

Search by Topic

  • All Resources
  • SEO
  • Digital Advertising
  • Content Marketing
  • Web Development
  • Small Business SEO Tips from 10+ Years of Experience

    Small Business SEO: Tips from 10+ Years of Experience

    SMA Marketing has a long history of helping small businesses attract customers through effective search engine optimization. SEO is the foundation of our marketing strategy, enabling us to create a…

    6 Local SEO Tips to Improve Your Local Rankings

    6 Local SEO Tips To Improve Your Local Rankings [Infographic]

    From small businesses to larger enterprises, you need local SEO if you own a brick-and-mortar or online local business. Though local SEO (search engine optimization) is a long-term strategy that…

    What Is an SEO Agency?

    What is an SEO agency and what do they do? Learn how hiring an SEO agency will effectively drive traffic to your site and grow your business.

    Content Creation Ideas to Extend the Reach

    Content Creation Ideas to Extend the Reach of Your Blogs

    Developing a stream of content creation ideas is a constant part of every company’s digital marketing strategy. Regardless of the size of one’s social follower count and organic reach, a…

    The Ultimate Guide to Optimizing Your Google Business Profile

    Ultimate Guide to Optimizing Your Google Business Profile

    Developing a diverse Local SEO strategy for companies with brick-and-mortar addresses or clearly defined service areas includes establishing and optimizing a Google Business Profile (abbreviated GBP for this article).

    What is SEO

    What Is SEO?

    The term SEO has a variety of meanings and is often understood. Learn what SEO is and how SEO works to improve a website’s visibility in search results.

    What Is an SEO Agency?

    What is an SEO agency and what do they do? Learn how hiring an SEO agency will effectively drive traffic to your site and grow your business.

    What is SEO

    What Is SEO?

    The term SEO has a variety of meanings and is often understood. Learn what SEO is and how SEO works to improve a website’s visibility in search results.

    5 Ways To Convert SEO Leads Using Web Design

    5 Ways To Convert SEO Leads Using Web Design

    Learn how your web design impacts the conversion rate of you SEO leads and how a great design can grow your business online.

    SMART SEO & Content Marketing How Your Message Impacts Rankings [Infographic]

    SMART SEO & Content Marketing: How Your Message Impacts Rankings [Infographic]

    A SMART SEO strategy begins and ends with the development and marketing of awesome content. See how content marketing and SEO are connected.

    Why Design a New Website

    Why Design a New Website

    There are a few different ways to refresh your website. Learn the benefits of designing a new website as a part of your digital marketing strategy.

    Web Design and Development Services How To Find the Right Agency for Your Business

    Web Design and Development Services: How to Find the Right Agency for Your Business

    Learn the tips & importance of working with a digital marketing agency to find the right web design and development services for your business.

    • 6 Proven Methods To Improve Your Customer Experience Strategy

      Extend your relationships with customers beyond their initial purchase and create loyal fans with these methods for improving your customer experience strategy.

      Differentiating SEO vs. SEM

      SEM and SEO are digital marketing strategies that align to accomplish the same goals but consist of different execution. Learn more about SEM and SEO.

      What is Content Marketing?

      Excellent content marketing cuts through the noise of unhelpful information to attract the right customers. Read more from SMA Marketing.

      What Is Internet Marketing?

      Internet marketing is a powerful tool for businesses! Learn about digital platforms, tools, and content delivery systems to reach new customers.

      Guide to Search Engine Marketing

      Looking to expand your digital marketing portfolio? It may be time to explore search engine marketing. Learn more from SMA Marketing.

      7 Content Marketing Strategies You Can’t Ignore

      We’re highlighting 7 content marketing strategies you can’t ignore. A well-rounded content strategy helps you connect with your ideal buyer.

    • The Ultimate Guide to Optimizing Your Google Business Profile

      Ultimate Guide to Optimizing Your Google Business Profile

      Developing a diverse Local SEO strategy for companies with brick-and-mortar addresses or clearly defined service areas includes establishing and optimizing a Google Business Profile (abbreviated GBP for this article).

      Does Blogging Still Work

      Does Blogging Still Work?

      In the latest episode of Hack My Growth we’re going to look at blogging and what role it plays in marketing in the year 2021 and beyond.

      YouTube SEO Best Practices

      YouTube SEO Best Practices

      Did you know that YouTube receives 14.3 billion visits per month? That’s more than Facebook, Wikipedia, Amazon, and Instagram. Businesses and brands all over the globe are creating YouTube videos…

        6 Proven Methods To Improve Your Customer Experience Strategy

        Extend your relationships with customers beyond their initial purchase and create loyal fans with these methods for improving your customer experience strategy.

        What is Content Marketing?

        Excellent content marketing cuts through the noise of unhelpful information to attract the right customers. Read more from SMA Marketing.

        7 Content Marketing Strategies You Can’t Ignore

        We’re highlighting 7 content marketing strategies you can’t ignore. A well-rounded content strategy helps you connect with your ideal buyer.

      • 5 Ways To Convert SEO Leads Using Web Design

        5 Ways To Convert SEO Leads Using Web Design

        Learn how your web design impacts the conversion rate of you SEO leads and how a great design can grow your business online.

        Why Is User Experience Important in Web Design

        Why is User Experience Important in Web Design?

        Learn more about user experience (UX), why it is important for your website to have a good UX, and the benefits of having a good UX on your website.

        Why Design a New Website

        Why Design a New Website

        There are a few different ways to refresh your website. Learn the benefits of designing a new website as a part of your digital marketing strategy.

        Web Design and Development Services How To Find the Right Agency for Your Business

        Web Design and Development Services: How to Find the Right Agency for Your Business

        Learn the tips & importance of working with a digital marketing agency to find the right web design and development services for your business.

        Looking for a Web Designer? 10 Things to Keep In Mind

        Looking for a web designer but not sure where to start? Your website is your digital front door. Here are 10 things you need to look for in a designer.

        The History of Website Design: 30 Years of Building the Web [2022 Update]

        The History of Website Design. We’ve come a long way in 30 years of building the world wide web. Take a look at web design’s past, present and future.

      Get Up-To-Date Digital Marketing Tips Delivered Straight to Your Inbox!

      SMA Marketing Digital Marketing Agency Giving Back to Kiva Making Loans