• 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

Content Marketing Rule #1 – KISS: Keep It Straight & Simple

The internet is full of content. In fact, according to Growth Badger, in 2020, over 600 million blogs were published over 7.5 million blog posts every day. But, sadly, not all of these posts are high-quality content.

Consistent content is essential for any brand, agency, or company looking to get found and create connections. Content marketing is a powerful tool when your content marketing efforts align to serve your target audience.

The latest content marketing statistics reveal that when companies develop straight and simple visual content for their ideal customers, they can strengthen communication with buyers and turn them into loyal customers.

Just hitting publish isn’t going to ensure you provide an excellent customer experience. Quality is just as important as quantity. PwC reports that 86% of buyers are willing to pay more for a great customer experience. 

The content you create for a company will play a significant role in the overall customer experience. A 2021 Zen Desk survey revealed 67% of customers prefer self-service over speaking to a company representative, and 91% of customers would choose to use an online knowledge base if it were available and tailored to their needs.

Let’s Break Down Content Rule #1 for Success KISS: Keep It Straight & Simple

It’s true that some people will get lucky with their content strategy and rank for important terms right away. For most of us, content marketing and Search Engine Optimization are long-term strategies. Sure, there are several ways to get quick wins, but becoming an industry thought leader doesn’t happen overnight.

Search engines are flooded with millions of blog articles, videos, infographics, white papers, and other types of digital marketing pieces every day. Unfortunately, many people never reap the benefits of their content strategy because their content isn’t focused on the right information. A good content strategy requires strategic thought. Having a straightforward and simple approach will help you stay on message.

Say What You Mean: Be Authentic

Want to know the secret to getting people to connect? BE YOURSELF. Today’s consumer is looking for authenticity. If you overpromise or try to be something you’re not, you look untrustworthy. Trust is a commodity that you must earn. By being who you are, you allow your audience to get to know you. People want to do business with people. Let your personality come through in your content. Whether a blog, video, or presentation, let the content reflect your values and personality.

Too Much Creativity Can Be Confusing

Have you ever experienced something creative that didn’t make sense? Creativity is a great commodity that can help you stand out, but you can take things too far. A good example of the Skittles ads. You know the one where the kid has “Skittlepox.” Not only is it weird (which is ok if it’s true) it comes off like they are trying too hard.

Skittles has made this work for them because they have used the tactic consistently. But just because it worked for them doesn’t mean it will work for you. Authenticity and creativity should work together. When looking for a way to express your brand creatively, ensure that you are not pushing away your intended audience. If they don’t get it, you lose. 

Skittles Commercial Photo

Use The Available Channels and Be Consistent

There are a number of great channels to get your content out. Blogging on your own site or sites like Medium, posting to social channels like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and video content marketing on YouTube are just a few. The key is finding where your audience hangs out and engage with them.

With so many free platforms available, a distribution plan for content is another straight and simple aspect. Once you set up your profiles, make sure that the content you schedule on each channel is consistent. The user should be able to know who is speaking to them, no matter whether it’s a blog, video, or social post.

It can be overwhelming to get started on all these channels. This is why simple is a better strategy. First, it’s easier to scale. Second, you want to get a lot of your content out effectively, and trying to “think outside the box” all the time will drain you. Instead, use what you have and create a simplified strategy that will allow you to use all the channels available.

Content marketing is so much more than hitting the publish button. The companies, entrepreneurs, and brands that see success are the ones that have the guts to keep putting out great content even when they don’t see big results. The results will come if you have something to say. Consumers are hungry for great content. They want to engage with various types of content marketing from interesting and authentic people.

Your customers want helpful content with straight and simple answers. Use the channels you have available to you and be consistent. Content marketing isn’t rocket science. Keep it straight and simple and add some creativity when it makes sense.

Are you looking for a simple and clear marketing strategy? Our Simplified Digital Marketing course provides self-paced modules on how to write SEO blog posts for your ideal buyer. It also includes a module on how to create a well-rounded buyer persona.

New call-to-action

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in November 2016 and has been updated for freshness, completeness, and accuracy.

Search by Topic

  • All Resources
  • SEO
  • Digital Advertising
  • Content Marketing
  • Web Development
  • Major Structure Data Updates From Google

    Major Structured Data Updates From Google

    As technology advances, so do the algorithms and updates from search engines like Google. A major update that has caught the attention of website owners and SEO professionals is the…

    How and When to Claim Your Google Business Profile Blog Image (1)

    How and When To Claim Your Business on Google 

    One of the first things we do at SMA Marketing when working with a local SEO client is look for the company’s Google Business Profile. Occasionally, we work with a…

    The 4 Fastest Ways To Contact Google Support

    The 4 Fastest Ways To Contact Google My Business Support

    Your Google Business Profile (GBP), formerly called a Google My Business profile, is an invaluable free tool for local businesses. That said, what can help your business visibility can also…

    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.

    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