• 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

Six YouTube Innovations You Need To Know About

Six YouTube Innovations You Need To Know About

In 2005 three former PayPal employees built a video sharing site. In just over a year and a half, those three friends sold their little video site to Google for $1.65 billion. YouTube has grown into the second most visited website in the world and still has room to grow. Today anyone with a camera phone has the ability to create, publish and promote their very own show. YouTube is for everyone. From Hollywood Stars to gamers and small businesses to non-profits, YouTube has created a platform that allows users to connect unlike anything in the course of human existence.

While YouTube has faced some controversy over the past few months, they have done the work to get their platform straightened out. Users are still flocking to the site to watch their favorite clips of cats, and to watch how-to videos to learn about whatever catches their fancy.  YouTube has taken the “information superhighway” and cranked it to 11 (For those who don’t get it.) While video marketing has gotten a ton of traction over the last few years, many still haven’t taken advantage of the power of YouTube. 

Here are just a few reasons to take YouTube seriously:

Pretty impressive if you ask me. Unlike many other sites of its era, YouTube has continued to grow with it users and continues to remain relevant. While YouTube could sit back and be content with the growth they’ve seen, they aren’t. As media produces more and more personalized, digital, on-demand content this business is more lucrative than ever before. YouTube’s CEO Susan Wojcicki is continuing to push this video giant into the future with a  number of innovations. Below are 6 ways they’ve positioned themselves for continued growth, as shared originally in a FastCompany article.

YouTube is Catering to Its Most Passionate Fan Groups

YouTube understands who is pricing their growth and is building a platform that meets their needs. The flexibility they have in an organization is what has allowed them to continue to allow their platform to evolve over time. They have created apps for kids, gamers and those who are interested in virtual reality. They’ve used the data they’ve collected to create unique and personalized experiences for each of their user groups.

YouTube Generates Revenue From More Than Just Advertising

Their “Red” platform is an ad-free experience for users. The cost is $9.99 a month and offers a number of movies and TV shows that you can buy or rent, very similar to Amazon Prime. This new avenue has pushed YouTube into whole new channel of growth.

YouTube is Building a Deep Slate of Original Programming

With Amazon and Netflix’s success developing quality original programming at a fraction of the cost of typical Hollywood Blockbuster movies and TV shows, YouTube is now getting in the game. They are currently funding a number of “Red” original programming that is targeted at their core teenage audience, that is currently under-served by Amazon and Netflix.

YouTube’s New Algorithm Has Led to 1 Billion Hours of Video Watched Each Day

Yep, you read that right, 1 Billion hours of video watched each day. The newly optimized “watch time” metric has helped them deliver videos to the user that they actually want to watch. Marketers and business owners need to take note of this. Just like blog content or anything else you produce, quality trumps quantity. 

YouTube is Now a Mobile-First Experience 

As users continue to move away from traditional digital devices and depend more and more on mobile, YouTube has shifted to a mobile first platform as well. Like their sister company, Google has been preaching for a number of years about the coming of a mobile-first web; YouTube has understood their own users and has built an experience they want. The result: Mobile views now exceed desktop ones.

YouTube Has Built a Modern, Global Studio System.

The barrier to entry for video marketing/content is often the creative aspects. Understanding what equipment is needed, having someone who can edit the content and optimize it for the web is not always easy. YouTube is helping video creators do even more by offering creators access to YouTube Spaces in nine of the world’s entertainment hubs. They also support HDR video, 360-degree video, and virtual reality. You can even broadcast live using 4k resolution or 360-degree videos. 

While YouTube isn’t perfect and is still working to get more “living room time,” they have continued to prove why they are the best video platform on the web. Whether you are a marketer, entrepreneur, business owner or someone with a fun idea, YouTube is a powerful platform to reach niche audiences looking for compelling and interesting video content. Don’t let the barriers to entry hold you back. Grab your smart phone and start making honest, authentic and great video content today!

New call-to-action

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