Internet Marketing

A man drawing a lightbulb moment emphasizing innovative marketing ideas

Innovative Marketing Ideas Example: 5 Real-Life Examples for Your Business

Andy Black

In today’s fast-paced and competitive business environment, it is more important than ever for companies to stand out from the crowd. One way to do this is through innovative marketing strategies that capture the attention of consumers and differentiate the brand from its competitors.

In this blog post you’ll find a breakdown of all the types of creative marketing tactics used by small and large companies around the world, along with real-life innovative marketing ideas examples.

First, Here’s an explanation of what innovative marketing is

Innovative marketing refers to the use of creative and unconventional tactics to promote a product or service. It involves thinking outside the box and coming up with new and unique ways to reach customers. This can include anything from viral videos and social media campaigns to guerrilla marketing stunts and experiential events.

Second, the importance of innovative marketing ideas in today’s market

The rise of the internet and social media has created a cluttered and noisy marketplace where consumers are bombarded with marketing messages from all directions. Traditional marketing strategies are no longer as effective as they once were, and companies must find new and innovative ways to engage with their target audience.

Innovative marketing is crucial for businesses that want to stay relevant and competitive in today’s market. By using unique and unconventional tactics, companies can capture the attention of consumers and create a strong brand identity that sets them apart from their competitors. In addition, innovative marketing strategies can help to build brand loyalty and drive sales by creating a memorable and engaging customer experience.

Man drawing a lightbulb on a wall to emphasize having a great idea for a marketing campaign

Social Media

Social media has become a critical part of any company’s marketing strategy. With billions of active users, social media platforms offer an enormous potential audience that can be targeted with precision. Here are three innovative social media marketing strategies that companies are using to engage with their audiences.

Influencer Marketing

Influencer marketing is a strategy where companies partner with social media influencers to promote their products or services. Influencers are individuals who have a significant following on social media and are seen as experts or authorities in their niche. By working with influencers, companies can tap into their audience and leverage their credibility to promote their products.

This strategy has become increasingly popular in recent years, with companies of all sizes working with influencers to promote their brand. By identifying influencers who align with their brand values and target audience, companies can create authentic and effective marketing campaigns that reach a highly engaged audience.

Live Streaming

Live streaming is another innovative marketing strategy that companies are using to engage with their audience on social media. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube offer live streaming capabilities, allowing companies to stream events, product launches, and behind-the-scenes content to their audience in real-time.

Live streaming offers a unique opportunity for companies to create an immersive and interactive experience for their audience. By responding to viewer comments and questions in real-time, companies can create a sense of community and build a stronger connection with their audience.

Interactive Content

Interactive content is a form of content that requires the user to engage with it actively. This can include quizzes, polls, games, and interactive videos. Interactive content is an effective way to engage with audiences, increase brand awareness, and gather valuable data on consumer preferences.

Interactive content allows companies to create a memorable and engaging customer experience that sets them apart from their competitors. By incorporating interactive elements into their social media campaigns, companies can increase their engagement rates and build a more loyal following.

Guerilla Marketing

Guerilla marketing is a type of marketing that uses unconventional and low-cost tactics to promote a product or service. Guerilla marketing tactics are often unexpected and attention-grabbing, designed to create a buzz and generate word-of-mouth marketing. Here are three examples of innovative guerilla marketing tactics that companies are using to capture the attention of their audience.

Flash Mobs

Flash mobs are a type of performance art where a group of people gathers in a public space and performs a coordinated and unexpected action. Flash mobs are often used as a guerilla marketing tactic, with companies using them to create a memorable and attention-grabbing experience for their audience.

Flash mobs are particularly effective for promoting products or services that are related to music, dance, or entertainment. By creating a visually stunning and unexpected experience, companies can generate a significant amount of buzz and social media shares.

Street Art

Street art is a form of art that is typically created in public spaces, such as walls, sidewalks, and buildings. Street art can be an effective guerilla marketing tactic, with companies using it to promote their brand in a creative and visually stunning way.

Companies can commission street artists to create murals or other forms of street art that incorporate their brand messaging or logos. By creating a memorable and visually striking piece of art, companies can generate buzz and social media shares, while also contributing to the local art scene.

Stunts

Stunts are another type of guerilla marketing tactic that can be used to create a memorable and attention-grabbing experience for an audience. Stunts can range from simple and straightforward to complex and elaborate, depending on the company’s budget and goals.

For example, a company might stage a fake protest or organize a public demonstration to promote their product or service. Alternatively, a company might create a viral video that features a shocking or unexpected event, such as a prank or a staged accident.

Experiential Marketing

Experiential marketing is a type of marketing that focuses on creating a memorable and immersive experience for the customer. The goal of experiential marketing is to engage the customer on an emotional level, creating a lasting impression that drives brand loyalty and customer advocacy. Here are three examples of innovative experiential marketing tactics that companies are using to create memorable experiences for their customers.

Pop-Up Shops

Pop-up shops are temporary retail spaces that are designed to create a unique and engaging shopping experience for customers. Pop-up shops can be used to promote a new product or collection, to test a new market, or to create a unique shopping experience that sets the brand apart from its competitors.

Pop-up shops can take many forms, from a small boutique to a large, multi-level store. By creating a temporary space that is dedicated to the brand, companies can create a memorable and immersive experience that engages customers and drives sales.

Brand Activations

Brand activations are events or experiences that are designed to create a strong emotional connection between the customer and the brand. Brand activations can take many forms, from a concert or festival to a product launch or charity event.

Brand activations are particularly effective for brands that have a strong social or environmental mission. By creating an event that aligns with their values, companies can create a deeper emotional connection with their customers and drive brand loyalty.

Immersive Experiences

Immersive experiences are events or installations that create a fully immersive and interactive environment for the customer. Immersive experiences can take many forms, from a virtual reality installation to a themed restaurant or bar.

Immersive experiences are particularly effective for brands that want to create a memorable and shareable experience for their customers. By creating a unique and immersive environment, companies can create a lasting impression that drives brand loyalty and customer advocacy.

Emerging Technologies

Emerging technologies are transforming the way that companies approach marketing. By leveraging new and innovative technologies, companies can create more engaging and personalized experiences for their customers. Here are three examples of emerging technologies that companies are using to create innovative marketing campaigns.

Augmented Reality (AR)

Augmented reality is a technology that overlays digital information onto the real world. AR can be used to create immersive and interactive experiences that engage customers and drive brand awareness.

Companies can use AR to create virtual try-on experiences, interactive product displays, or location-based experiences that are tailored to the customer’s environment. By leveraging AR, companies can create a more personalized and engaging experience that sets them apart from their competitors.

Virtual Reality (VR)

Virtual reality is a technology that creates a completely immersive and interactive digital environment. VR can be used to create engaging and memorable experiences that are not possible in the real world.

Companies can use VR to create virtual product demos, immersive brand experiences, or virtual events. By creating a fully immersive and interactive experience, companies can create a stronger emotional connection with their customers and drive brand loyalty.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence is a technology that allows computers to learn and adapt to new information. AI can be used to create personalized and targeted marketing campaigns that are tailored to the customer’s preferences and behavior.

Companies can use AI to create personalized product recommendations, chatbots that can answer customer questions, or predictive analytics that can forecast future trends. By leveraging AI, companies can create a more personalized and relevant experience that drives customer engagement and loyalty.

User-Generated Content (UGC)

User-generated content (UGC) is content that is created by customers or users of a product or service. UGC can be a powerful tool for companies that want to build brand awareness and drive engagement. Here are three examples of UGC that companies are using to create innovative marketing campaigns.

A women on a laptop typing a user review

Customer Reviews

Customer reviews are a type of UGC that can be used to build trust and credibility with potential customers. Reviews provide social proof that the product or service is worth the investment and can help to address any concerns or questions that potential customers may have.

Companies can leverage customer reviews by highlighting positive reviews on their website or social media channels. By sharing positive reviews, companies can build trust and credibility with their audience, while also driving sales and customer loyalty.

User-Generated Contests

User-generated contests are a type of UGC that can be used to drive engagement and brand awareness. Companies can create a contest that encourages customers to create and share content that is related to the brand or product.

For example, a company might create a contest where customers are encouraged to create a video or photo that showcases the product in a unique or creative way. By sharing user-generated content, companies can build a community of loyal customers who are invested in the brand.

Customer Testimonials

Customer testimonials are a type of UGC that can be used to create a more personal and emotional connection with potential customers. Testimonials provide a firsthand account of the product or service and can help to address any concerns or questions that potential customers may have.

Companies can leverage customer testimonials by highlighting them on their website or social media channels. By sharing customer testimonials, companies can create a more personal and emotional connection with potential customers, while also building trust and credibility.

So, Let’s Re-Cap

Innovative marketing is a critical component of any company’s marketing strategy in today’s competitive marketplace. By using creative and unconventional tactics, companies can differentiate themselves from their competitors and create a strong brand identity that resonates with their target audience.

Throughout this article, we have explored various innovative marketing strategies, including social media, guerilla marketing, experiential marketing, emerging technologies, and user-generated content. Each of these strategies offers a unique opportunity to engage with customers in new and meaningful ways, driving brand awareness and customer loyalty.

It is important for companies to continually test and iterate with new marketing ideas to stay ahead of the curve. The marketing landscape is constantly evolving, and companies that fail to adapt risk falling behind their competitors. By being open to new ideas and willing to experiment with different tactics, companies can stay ahead of the curve and create innovative marketing campaigns that drive results.

Therefore, the future of innovative marketing looks bright, with new technologies and strategies emerging all the time. Companies that are willing to embrace new ideas and experiment with different tactics will be well-positioned to succeed in the ever-changing marketing landscape.

Finally, Let’s Take a Look at Some Real-Life Examples of Innovative Marketing Tactics

Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” Campaign: Coca-Cola launched a campaign where they printed popular names on their bottles and cans, encouraging customers to share the drinks with their friends and family. The campaign was a huge success, generating over 1.2 million posts on social media using the hashtag #ShareACoke.

Old Spice’s “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” Campaign: Old Spice created a series of humorous ads featuring former NFL player Isaiah Mustafa, which quickly went viral. The campaign helped reposition the brand as fun and irreverent, and sales of Old Spice products increased significantly.

Red Bull’s “Stratos” Campaign: Red Bull sponsored Austrian skydiver Felix Baumgartner’s record-breaking jump from the stratosphere in 2012. The event was livestreamed and generated significant media coverage, helping to solidify Red Bull’s reputation as a brand that pushes the limits of what’s possible.

Airbnb’s “Belong Anywhere” Campaign: Airbnb launched a campaign that focused on the idea of “belonging” and highlighted the unique experiences travelers can have when staying in someone’s home. The campaign included a short film that was widely shared on social media, helping to increase awareness of the brand.

Nike’s “Breaking2” Campaign: Nike sponsored a group of elite runners in an attempt to break the two-hour marathon barrier. The event was live-streamed and generated significant media coverage, helping to reinforce Nike’s reputation as a brand that is committed to pushing the boundaries of athletic performance.

The success of innovative marketing campaigns lies in their ability to capture the attention of the audience and create a lasting impression that drives brand awareness and customer loyalty. By being creative and thinking outside the box, companies can create campaigns that go viral and create massive exposure for their brand. To achieve this, businesses must be willing to take risks and push the boundaries of traditional marketing to create something truly unique and memorable. By doing so, they can create a powerful emotional connection with their audience, build brand loyalty, and drive business growth.

15 Tips to Improve Your Power of Persuasion and Achieve More Sales

Andy Black

Hey Andy here,

When it comes to sales there’s a huge difference between ‘attracting customers’ and ‘closing sales’.

Attracting customers may get people through the door, or to your checkout page, but it won’t necessarily result in a sale.

There’s a number of things that you can do to encourage your potential customers to make a decision and ‘buy’.

Here’s 15 tips that you can apply to your sales process today to increase your sales, whatever business you’re in:

  1. Know your audience: Understanding your customers’ needs and motivations is key to successfully persuading them to buy. Take time to research their demographics, preferences, and pain points.
  2. Build rapport: Create a connection with your customers by being friendly, approachable, and authentic. People are more likely to buy from someone they trust and like.
  3. Use social proof: People tend to follow the crowd, so use testimonials, case studies, and social media influencers to demonstrate the popularity and success of your product.
  4. Highlight benefits: Focus on the benefits of your product, not just its features. Show customers how it will improve their lives, save them time or money, or solve a problem they have.
  5. Create urgency: Give customers a reason to buy now, such as a limited-time offer or low stock availability. People are more likely to act when they feel like they might miss out.
  6. Use scarcity: People tend to value things that are rare or exclusive. Use scarcity to your advantage by creating limited editions, time-sensitive deals, or offering exclusive deals to certain customers.
  7. Use visual aids: Use images, videos, and infographics to help customers visualize how your product works and how it will benefit them.
  8. Be persistent: Don’t be afraid to follow up with customers who haven’t yet made a decision. They may just need a little more time or information to make a purchase.
  9. Use storytelling: Use stories to help customers connect with your product and see how it fits into their lives. Show how it has helped others and how it can help them too.
  10. Address objections: Address common objections before customers have a chance to voice them. Show how your product overcomes these objections and why it’s still a great choice. (If you sell online then having an FAQ on your sales page works well!)
  11. Use emotional language: People make buying decisions based on emotions, not just logic. Use words and phrases that evoke positive emotions such as excitement, joy, and relief.
  12. Offer a guarantee: Give customers peace of mind by offering a money-back guarantee or free trial. This can help overcome any hesitation they may have about buying.
  13. Use the power of free: People love getting something for free. Offer a free sample, trial, or consultation to help customers experience your product and see its value.
  14. Be confident: Believe in your product and its value, and convey that confidence to your customers. This will help build trust and make them more likely to buy. (The best salesmen are those who truly believe in the product or service they are selling).
  15. Follow up: After a sale, follow up with customers to ensure they are happy with their purchase and offer additional support or resources if needed. This can help build long-term customer relationships and increase loyalty.

I hope you got some value from these 15 tips and if you apply any of these within your own sales process, you’re going to see better results.

Until next time

Andy Black

Types of Email Marketing Campaigns: A Comprehensive Guide for Businesses

Andy Black

Email marketing campaigns are a type of digital marketing strategy where businesses send promotional messages to a group of subscribers through email. These campaigns are designed to engage and nurture potential and existing customers, build brand loyalty, increase customer retention, and ultimately drive sales.

There are several types of email marketing campaigns that businesses can use to achieve their marketing objectives.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common ones:

Promotional Campaigns

Promotional campaigns are designed to promote a specific product or service to subscribers. These campaigns can include special offers, discounts, free trials, and limited-time promotions. The purpose of promotional campaigns is to drive sales and generate revenue for the business.

Examples of promotional campaigns include Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, new product launches, and holiday promotions.

Newsletter Campaigns

Newsletter campaigns are regular emails sent to subscribers on a recurring basis. They can include company news, industry updates, and product updates. The purpose of newsletter campaigns is to build brand awareness, establish thought leadership, and provide value to subscribers.

Examples of newsletter campaigns include weekly or monthly newsletters, product roundups, and industry news updates.

Welcome Campaigns

Welcome campaigns are triggered when a new subscriber signs up for a business’s email list. These campaigns can include a welcome message, a thank-you message, and an introduction to the business’s products and services. The purpose of welcome campaigns is to introduce new subscribers to the business and build a relationship with them.

Examples of welcome campaigns include welcome emails with discount codes, product recommendations, and links to useful resources.

Abandoned Cart Campaigns

Abandoned cart campaigns are triggered when a subscriber adds items to their cart but doesn’t complete the purchase. These campaigns can include a reminder message, a discount code, and a call to action to complete the purchase. The purpose of abandoned cart campaigns is to recover lost sales and increase revenue.

Examples of abandoned cart campaigns include follow-up emails with product recommendations, limited-time offers, and customer reviews.

Re-engagement Campaigns

Re-engagement campaigns are triggered when a subscriber hasn’t engaged with a business’s emails in a while. These campaigns can include a re-engagement message, a survey, and an incentive to stay subscribed. The purpose of re-engagement campaigns is to keep subscribers engaged and prevent them from unsubscribing.

Examples of re-engagement campaigns include win-back emails with special offers, personalized recommendations, and an option to update email preferences.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Email Marketing Campaigns

When choosing email marketing campaigns, businesses should consider several factors, including their target audience, business objectives, marketing budget, and email marketing platforms. It’s important to choose the right type of email marketing campaign that aligns with the business’s goals and target audience.

Let’s Dive A Little Deeper into These Different Types of Campaigns

Promotional Campaigns

Promotional campaigns are a type of email marketing campaign that is designed to promote a specific product or service to subscribers. These campaigns are often time-limited and include special offers, discounts, free trials, and limited-time promotions to encourage subscribers to make a purchase.

The purpose of promotional campaigns is to increase sales, drive revenue, and generate interest in a specific product or service. They are an effective way for businesses to reach out to their subscribers and encourage them to take action.

Examples of promotional campaigns include:

  1. Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales: Many businesses offer discounts and promotions during the holiday shopping season to drive sales and attract new customers.
  2. New product launches: When a business launches a new product or service, they can use a promotional campaign to generate interest and encourage subscribers to make a purchase.
  3. Holiday promotions: Many businesses run special promotions during holidays like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Christmas to increase sales and drive revenue.
  4. Flash sales: These campaigns offer time-limited discounts and promotions to encourage subscribers to make a purchase quickly.
  5. Referral programs: Some businesses use promotional campaigns to encourage their subscribers to refer their friends and family to their products or services in exchange for a discount or other incentives.

Newsletter Campaigns

Newsletter campaigns are a type of email marketing campaign that involves sending regular emails to subscribers on a recurring basis. These emails typically contain valuable and informative content related to the business’s products, services, or industry. The purpose of newsletter campaigns is to build brand awareness, establish thought leadership, and provide value to subscribers.

Examples of newsletter campaigns include:

  1. Weekly or monthly newsletters: These newsletters provide subscribers with updates about the business’s products or services, industry news, and useful resources.
  2. Product roundups: Some businesses use newsletter campaigns to showcase their products or services by highlighting their features, benefits, and customer reviews.
  3. Industry news updates: Newsletters can also be used to share the latest industry news and trends, providing subscribers with insights and analysis.
  4. Educational content: Some businesses use newsletter campaigns to educate their subscribers about their products or services by providing how-to guides, tutorials, and other educational resources.
  5. Exclusive offers: Newsletters can also be used to provide subscribers with exclusive offers, discounts, or promotions, encouraging them to make a purchase.

Welcome Campaigns

Welcome campaigns are a type of email marketing campaign that is triggered when a new subscriber signs up for a business’s email list. These campaigns typically include a welcome message, a thank-you message, and an introduction to the business’s products and services. The purpose of welcome campaigns is to introduce new subscribers to the business, build a relationship with them, and encourage them to engage with the business’s content.

Examples of welcome campaigns include:

  1. Welcome emails with discount codes: Many businesses use welcome campaigns to offer new subscribers a discount on their first purchase as a way to encourage them to become customers.
  2. Product recommendations: Welcome campaigns can also be used to provide new subscribers with recommendations for the business’s products or services based on their interests or preferences.
  3. Links to useful resources: Some businesses use welcome campaigns to provide subscribers with links to helpful resources such as blog posts, videos, or webinars that provide value and educate the subscriber about the business’s products or services.
  4. Personalized messaging: Welcome campaigns can also be personalized based on the subscriber’s interests, location, or other demographics to make them feel more welcome and valued.

Abandoned Cart Campaigns

Abandoned cart campaigns are a type of email marketing campaign that is triggered when a subscriber adds items to their cart but doesn’t complete the purchase. These campaigns typically include a reminder message, a discount code, and a call to action to complete the purchase. The purpose of abandoned cart campaigns is to recover lost sales, increase revenue, and remind subscribers about the products they were interested in.

Examples of abandoned cart campaigns include:

  1. Follow-up emails with product recommendations: Abandoned cart campaigns can include product recommendations based on the items the subscriber added to their cart to encourage them to complete the purchase.
  2. Limited-time offers: Some businesses use abandoned cart campaigns to offer subscribers a limited-time discount or promotion to encourage them to complete the purchase.
  3. Customer reviews: Abandoned cart campaigns can also include customer reviews or testimonials to provide social proof and encourage the subscriber to complete the purchase.
  4. Free shipping offers: Businesses can use abandoned cart campaigns to offer free shipping or other incentives to encourage subscribers to complete the purchase.

Re-engagement Campaigns

Re-engagement campaigns are a type of email marketing campaign that is triggered when a subscriber hasn’t engaged with a business’s emails in a while. These campaigns typically include a re-engagement message, a survey, and an incentive to stay subscribed. The purpose of re-engagement campaigns is to keep subscribers engaged and prevent them from unsubscribing.

Examples of re-engagement campaigns include:

  1. Win-back emails with special offers: Re-engagement campaigns can include special offers or discounts to encourage subscribers to re-engage with the business’s content.
  2. Personalized recommendations: Some businesses use re-engagement campaigns to provide subscribers with personalized recommendations based on their interests or preferences.
  3. Surveys: Re-engagement campaigns can include a survey to gather feedback from subscribers about why they haven’t been engaging with the business’s content and what the business can do to improve.
  4. Update email preferences: Businesses can use re-engagement campaigns to provide subscribers with the option to update their email preferences to receive more relevant content.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Email Marketing Campaigns

When choosing email marketing campaigns, businesses should consider several factors to ensure that their campaigns are effective and aligned with their marketing objectives. Some of the key factors to consider include:

  1. Target Audience: The first factor to consider when choosing email marketing campaigns is the target audience. Different types of campaigns are more effective for different audiences. For example, promotional campaigns may be more effective for a target audience that is already interested in a business’s products or services, while newsletter campaigns may be more effective for a target audience that is interested in learning more about the business or industry.
  2. Business Objectives: The second factor to consider is the business’s objectives. Each type of email marketing campaign has a specific purpose, such as driving sales or building brand awareness. Businesses should choose the type of campaign that aligns with their specific objectives and goals.
  3. Marketing Budget: The third factor to consider is the marketing budget. Some types of campaigns, such as promotional campaigns or abandoned cart campaigns, may require more resources and budget than others. Businesses should choose the type of campaign that is affordable and offers the best ROI.
  4. Email Marketing Platforms: The fourth factor to consider is the email marketing platform used to send the campaigns. Different platforms offer different features and capabilities, such as automation, personalization, and segmentation. Businesses should choose a platform that offers the features they need to create and send effective email marketing campaigns.

Conclusion

In conclusion, email marketing campaigns are a powerful tool for businesses to engage and nurture potential and existing customers. There are several types of email marketing campaigns that businesses can use to achieve their marketing objectives, including promotional campaigns, newsletter campaigns, welcome campaigns, abandoned cart campaigns, and re-engagement campaigns.

It’s important for businesses to choose the right type of email marketing campaign that aligns with their goals, target audience, and marketing budget. By doing so, they can increase engagement, drive sales, and achieve their marketing objectives.

Measuring the success of email marketing campaigns is also important to refine the strategy and improve ROI. Metrics such as open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of email marketing campaigns and help businesses make data-driven decisions.

In summary, email marketing campaigns are an essential component of a successful marketing strategy. By choosing the right type of campaign and measuring its success, businesses can engage their subscribers, increase brand awareness, and drive revenue.

How to Identify Local Keywords that Get Searched the Most

Andy Black

In todays blog post I’m going to share a cool strategy with you that will allow you to identify the best local keywords for your business, or a clients business.

Local keywords that get the most searches each month.

The Problem

When using keyword tools to get the search volume for ‘local keywords’ it’s rare that a search volume is returned. A message such as “Not enough data” will be shown instead of an actual search volume.

This is because the search volume is below a certain ‘threshold’, even though the keyword might get some monthly searches.

With any industry keywords, there are usually a group of local keywords that prospects looking for a specific service will enter into Google.

Some examples may be:

  1. electricians in middlesbrough
  2. electricians middlesbrough
  3. electrician companies middlesbrough
  4. electrical companies middlesbrough
  5. electricians middlesbrough cheap
  6. electricians middlesbrough affordable
  7. house rewire middlesbrough
  8. best electricians middlesbrough
  9. cheap electricians middlesbrough
  10. qualified electricians middlesbrough

You get the idea?

If you try and get the search volume for these, tools may not be able to find enough data, leaving you in the dark and not knowing which of those keywords to focus on.

The Solution

Using the words ‘near me’ along with using Googles free service, ‘Google Trends’.

Many people use the words ‘near me’ rather than their actual location. When this happens, Google simply looks at their geographical location and replaces ‘near me’ with their location (within their search algorithm).

However, as more people across the country use ‘near me’ there is plenty of data for almost every niche, industry and keyword to give you a clear indication of which keywords are best.

Google Trends provide you with a kind of ‘pecking order’ between the keywords.

First, let’s take a look at what Google Trends displays when we use an actual geographical location.

In the above example I entered 5 different local keywords, using the actual location name (Newcastle).

As you can see, no data is returned that will give us any kind of indication of which keywords get searched for the most out of those 5 keywords.

However, the screenshot below shows the same 5 keywords but this time the word ‘newcastle’ is replaced with ‘near me’.

You can see that Google has now shared some useful data with us that shows us which keywords get the most searches. In this case – in the United Kingdom over the last 12 months. (We can of course change these settings if we want to expand on that data).

If you look at the colour coded ‘bar chart’ you’ll be able to see how the keywords compare to each other in terms of ‘number of searches’.

(Even though an actual search volume figure is not shown)

Using this method will help you to identify which of the local keywords to focus on, and which ones to cast aside.

Comparing Different Local Niches – Side by Side

Another use for this strategy is to compare different industries / niches, side by side.

In the screenshot below you’ll see an example of this.

In the above example I compared heating engineers, dog groomers, sports massage, and solicitors.

How to Identify the Difficulty of Keywords When it Comes to Ranking them in Google?

Identifying local keywords that get ‘searched the most’ is one thing, but identifying which ones are the easiest to rank, is another problem entirely.

Of course, I use my latest software tool ‘Keyword Phoenix’.

Keyword Phoenix will give you a clear, precise answer on whether a keyword is ‘easy’ or ‘hard’ when it comes to ranking it on Google.

You can learn more about Keyword Phoenix here.

I hope that you got some value from this blog post.

Keep an eye out for future blog posts covering more techniques and strategies.

Thanks for stopping by!

Andy Black

Microblogging Examples: What is Microblogging and What Platforms to Use?

Andy Black

Microblogging Examples

In this article we’re going to look at microblogging examples, what microblogging is, and the difference between traditional blogging and microblogging.

What is Microblogging?

Micro blogging, sometimes called micro blogging, is a type of blogging that allows you to share short messages called posts. These posts can not be longer than 140 characters, which makes it ideal for mobile devices. It is a modern way to communicate with friends and family, as well as an effective marketing strategy.

Microblogging platforms have gained popularity with the growth of smartphones. Nowadays it is difficult to imagine our lives without our smartphones. We use them to talk, text, watch videos and even for working. And now we can’t imagine our lives without microblogging either.

Storytelling using microblogging

Microblogging Consists of Short Messages

Microblogging consists of short messages. It is about posting short messages on the Internet, usually having to do with your activities or thoughts. It can be a type of diary, but it differs from “regular” diaries because it’s usually posted online, and because micro bloggers usually post very short messages (e.g. only a few words). Micro blogs are also different from many other types of blogs in that they aren’t necessarily personal. Often, people will create micro blogs for specific purposes, such as to provide information about upcoming events or to share their opinions with others.

There is no single accepted definition of what constitutes a “micro blog”. However, it’s generally agreed that the typical micro blog has the following characteristics:

  1. Less than 140 characters per post (this is Twitter’s character limit)
  2. Posts (or “tweets”) sent out in real time
  3. The user interacts with other users by sending and responding to direct messages (DMs), rather than replying to other tweets. (The latter type of interaction is called retweeting.)

Microblogging Definition

Typing a blog post - blogging

In the past, blogs and microblogs have been confused with each other. Today, we will see what is the difference between a blog and a microblog.

A blog is defined as a website that contains a chronological set of entries (posts) which are displayed in reverse chronological order. The word “blog” was coined by Jorn Barger on 17 December 1997, and was defined as “We’re moving back into my place on Tuesday and I should have the internet up and running by then.

The word “weblog” originally referred to the fact that many blogs were maintained by individuals using web log editing software. Consequently, a “weblog” often features the use of Internet-style comment facilities such as those found at blog sites.

On the other hand, a “microblog” is a short form of blogging which only allows users to post short posts or messages. Microblogs are usually updated frequently throughout the day or week.

The term “microblogging” was coined by the creator of Twitter, Evan Williams, who has stated that he derived the word “microblogging” from micro- and blog.

Microblogging is a relatively new social media format that is starting to become increasingly popular. It’s basically the act of posting small bits and pieces of information, often in the form of quotes, pictures, thoughts, etc. It allows users to interact with other users in a short amount of time and allows for more interaction.

In a microblog, there are also hashtags which allow users to search for posts pertaining to a certain topic or event. Microblogs have been used for many different forms of communication: Twitter and Instagram are two extremely popular ones; however, there are several others out there that are gaining popularity at an alarming rate.

Blogging vs Microblogging

Here’s another way of looking at this. A blog is a site where you post content in an ongoing series. Microblogging sites like Twitter and Tumblr are more like streams of content, which are posted and then disappear from your page.

With these definitions in mind, we can now see what is the difference between a blog and a microblog.

Let’s Take a Look at Microblogging Examples and Platforms

Here are some of the websites that allow users to microblog:

  1. Twitter (The original microblogging platform)
  2. Reddit
  3. Plurk
  4. Tumblr

These are just microblogging examples that are popular with microbloggers. There are many others available where you can build an audience and share your messages, thoughts, news and updates.

Microblogging with Twitter

What are the Benefits of Microblogging?

Microblogs are a great way to keep in touch with family and friends—you can post updates about what you’re doing, share photos and videos, or just say hi and let everyone know you’re thinking of them. They’re especially useful if you have a lot of people to keep up with who live far away, or if you want to keep your social circle small enough that it doesn’t get overwhelming to try to communicate with everyone at once.

In the past, we’ve had sites like Twitter and Tumblr where we could post text updates, but the way they worked wasn’t the most convenient. For example, it’s not easy to post more than one thing at a time when using Twitter’s interface; it’s difficult to add things easily on Tumblr; both platforms display posts in chronological order, which means that each time you go online and make a new post, you have to start at the very beginning of your timeline before your followers see anything new.

One of the best features about microblogging is that it isn’t permanent—you don’t have to worry about what you say because there’s no long-term commitment. It’s also good for people who aren’t sure how much they’ll want to use a site long-term because they don’t have to commit to any specific content – as there isn’t an end goal.

What Does Microblogging have to Offer Over Other Forms of Social Media?

Well, for starters, it can get you in touch with people that you would never be able to talk to otherwise. The ability to follow strangers as well as friends leads to a more inclusive community. Also, it is much easier to keep up with the latest news, because posts are updated frequently and are usually about what is happening right now.

Microblogging can also be a great way to keep up with friends, especially if they live in a different city, state or even country. They do not have time to send out long posts documenting their day every day, but they do have time to post short updates of their lives throughout the day.

Niche Blogs that Make Money – Choosing a Profitable Niche for Your Blog

Andy Black

Niche Blogs that Make Money

How to choose a profitable niche for a blog

If you’re about to start your blogging journey then the very first task is choosing what niche your blog will be focused around.

It’s always best to focus on one specific niche rather than cover multiple niches and topics.

What you need to decide is whether your blog is going to be a ‘fun’ writing project, or a blog that is going to make money and be profitable.

Some bloggers do it purely for fun. Others run their blogs like a business.

Not All Niches Are Profitable

Niches that are not profitable

If you’re wanting to build a blog that will be profitable and earn money then you need to know that not all niches are the same. Their profitability is down to 4 main factors which will help you to decide whether a niche will be worth targeting, and whether you’ll be able to generate an income by writing and publishing content about that niche.

What you do need to bear in mind is that highly profitable niches are usually saturated niches. Business minded bloggers and internet marketers who are experienced tend to target profitable (harder niches) and this means you’ll have more competition when trying to rank your blog posts for worthy keywords, and tapping into a sought after audience.

The 4 Factors that Determine Whether a Niche Blog Can Make Money

Let’s take a look at the 4 factors that will help us to identify a profitable niche.

Niches Where Products and Services are Expensive

Finding niches that have expensive products and services is important for three reasons:

  1. Companies in these niches will pay more money for clicks to their products and services via ads than companies that offer low-ticket products and services.
  2. Companies in these niches will pay more money to acquire leads for their business.
  3. If you can provide products and services via your blog for an expensive niche then you’ll receive larger commissions.

A few examples of expensive niches are lawyers, dental implants and cosmetic surgery – with their products and services often costing thousands.

The higher their prices, the more money and profit they will be able to invest back into advertising and acquiring leads.

Profitable niches with expensive products and services

Niches that Have Multiple Monetization Opportunities

Look for niches that have lots of monetization opportunities. For example:

  1. Where companies spend money on Adwords ads, banner ads, and suchlike.
  2. Where companies pay for leads via third-party websites and businesses.
  3. Where there are lots of affiliate programs – Making it easy to promote products and services as an affiliate, and get paid commissions.
  4. Where companies pay for sponsored listings, press releases, articles and guest posts – that can drive traffic to their business.
Multiple monetization methods such as Adsense

Niches that Have Large Audiences

Large audience

A blog without an audience is like having a shop located on the top of Mount Everest. Nobody will see it.

However, the larger the audience, the more competition you’ll likely be up against. You’ll be able to target more people and attract a lot more traffic, but you’ll also be fighting over search engine positions with other ‘similar blogs’.

Which leads me onto the final factor.

Niches that Have Lots of Sub-Niches

Make money

This is the smart ‘factor’ that you need to consider. Finding a smaller niche within a large niche – Also known as ‘sub-niches’ or ‘sub-topics’.

Let me give you an example of some sub-niches.

If we take the broad niche ‘Dog Training’ and try and rank for an array of highly searched but competitive keywords, you’ll struggle to get traction. Particularly with a new blog.

However, an example of some sub-niches that you could build an entire niche blog around are:

  1. A niche blog all about ‘how to prevent aggression in dogs’.
  2. A niche blog all about ‘how to groom your dog at home’.
  3. A niche blog all about ‘how to stop your dog from barking or jumping up’.

Those were just to give you some basic examples but you could do the same for saturated niches such as ‘weight loss’, ‘making money’ or even ‘sports’ to name a few.

You can always drill down into a smaller niche – But you need to identify how many sub-niches there are.

Remember, if you drill down a small niche there won’t be an audience. When you drill down a large, popular niche to find a smaller sub-niche, you’ll find that it has less competition but still has a sizeable audience. Meaning you’ll still get free, organic traffic to your blog.

An added advantage of focusing on a sub-niche is that your blog could become an authority for that sub-niche in the eyes of Google. Topical authority will help your entire blog (and all blog posts) rank higher in Google.

Identifying sub-niches within larger niches

Final Advice

Choosing a niche for your blog should be the first thing you do before performing any keyword research, buying a domain name, or creating content. It’s an important step that you shouldn’t rush, and if you’re wanting a niche blog that makes money, you really need to do your research using the 4 factors above to help you find the perfect niche.

A Sneak Peak Inside My New SEO Software (Keyword Phoenix)

Andy Black

I’m really excited today to reveal more information about my latest cloud-based software – Keyword Phoenix, and give you a sneak peak inside the app.

If you own any websites or blogs and frequently publish content to the web then my new ‘keyword research’ software is going to save you a lot of time, energy, and possibly money – whilst at the same time, helping you to achieve more page 1 Google rankings, and attracting more organic visitors to your websites.

Keyword Phoenix allows you to quickly identify how easy or difficult ANY keyword would be to rank on the first page of Google.

It does this by providing you with a bird-eye view of the ‘current competition’, and reveals how well they are optimized for ‘the keyword’.

I’m going to be releasing ‘Keyword Phoenix’ for the first time to my subscribers and customers this Wednesday (25th May) @ 10am EST, so keep an eye out for my email as i’ll be running a limited-time ‘special offer’ for this.

But the point of todays blog post is to give you a sneak peak inside my software and illustrate how you can analyse keywords and get a solid conclusion for any keyword with just a few clicks.

(Please note, this is a sneak peak s0 I’ll only be revealing part of this software today)

Let’s Get Started

When you analyze a keywords inside Keyword Phoenix the software will provide you with an “SEO Score”, and the number of search results found in Google. Along with some other useful data.

You can quickly sort and filter these results to identify those keywords that have weaker competition.

Let’s Look at a Real Example and Do Some Research

For this example I’m going to use the ‘rock painting’ niche.

Keyword Phoenix can take a ‘seed keyword’ and find keywords for you that people actively type into Google. However, for todays blog post I have imported some keywords (CSV file), which also included ‘search volume’ data – using the ‘Import Keywords Feature’.

I went through this list and analyzed a number of keywords by simply clicking on the ‘Analyze Keyword’ buttons.

I then sorted the results to show the keywords with the lowest ‘SEO Scores’ at the top.

The SEO score indicates how well the first page of results are optimized for the keyword. The software looks at the page title, header tags, alt image tags, title attributes and the actual ‘body’ content that the viewer reads.

A high SEO score indicates that the competition is strong, and a low SEO score indicates weak competition / poor optimization.

The next column shows ‘Search Results’. The higher this number, the ‘more’ competition there is (although that doesn’t necessarily mean strong competition).

What I’m going to do now is delve deeper into TWO different keywords. The first keyword will be more difficult as it has a higher SEO score and more search results. The second keyword will have weaker competition, and therefore would be easier to rank, in comparison.

A Closer Look at the HARDER Keyword

This keyword is: rock painting ideas

In the above screenshot you can see the top ranked results including the page titles and the individual ‘SEO Score’ for each of the results.

You’ll notice that any part of the keyword ‘rock painting ideas’ that is found in the page titles, is highlighted in red. This helps you to visually see how well they have optimized / targeted the keyword.

You’ll also notice that most of the SEO scores for these page 1 results are high (Red and Yellow – Green would indicate weak optimization).

What we can do now is dig deeper into ANY of these results to take a closer look.

Let’s analyze the #1 result by clicking on the ‘View All Data’ on the right hand side.

With a single click we can now see that this #1 ranked result for the keyword ‘rock painting ideas’ is highly optimized for the keyword through the entire page. All elements are highly optimized (except for the ‘title attributes’ within the html).

We can also see that the page has 1,033 words of content and that content is highly optimized too.

I clicked on the ‘Retrieve MOZ Data’ button to retrieve the metrics. As you can see the domain authority is 36 and the website has 422 equity backlinks.

To outrank this #1 spot we would likely need a website themed around ‘rock painting’, with better MOZ metrics, and more content that 1,033 words.

Another great feature is the ability to visually see these ‘optimized’ onpage elements by clicking ANY of the blue ‘Toggle’ buttons on the right hand side.

In the screenshot above you can see ALL the header tags on that ranked page… with the optimized parts highlighted in red.

As you can see, looking at these header tags the ranked page is heavily themed around ‘rock painting ideas’.

A Closer Look at the Easier Keyword

This keyword is: minion rock painting

Above you’ll see the top ranked results for this keyword. Even though 2-3 of the those results are optimized well, most are poorly optimized with “low” SEO scores. Notice that the bottom result doesn’t even have any part of the keyword within the page title.

The #2 ranked result shows a LOW SEO score so let’s look closer at that page.

All you can see in the screenshot above, most of the page has weak optimization for the keyword. The website has good domain authority though with a decent number of backlinks, but if we created BETTER content with strong optimization, we should be able to outrank this page / result.

Let’s take a closer look at the last result on page 1.

As you can see this page has ZERO optimization except for ‘very slightly’ optimized header tags. It also has very little textual content on the page!

We can take a look at the header tags to see what this ‘very slight’ optimization looks like – By clicking the blue ‘Toggle H Tags’ button.

As you can see, TWO of the headings include the words ‘rock painting’ but there is NO mention of the word ‘minion’.

This page should be very easy to outrank!

That’s all for now! I hope that this sneak peak gives you an insight into just how useful Keyword Phoenix is for finding ‘easy to rank’ keywords, and to help you to avoid ‘hard keywords’ that will result in lost time and effort – with few organic visitors.

Please note: Keyword Phoenix is an ‘analysis’ software. It doesn’t retrieve search volumes. However, you can import CSV files that contain keywords and search volumes.

Keyword Phoenix will also take your ‘seed’ / broad keyword and find you related keywords that people actually search for.

I have a number of new features and tweaks that I’ll be adding to the software soon – So this app is only going to get better, and of course, I’ll take user feedback and feature suggestions onboard.

I’d Love Your Initial Feedback

I’d love to know your thoughts about the software and what I have shared with you today.

Drop any questions below and I’ll do my best to answer them.

Alternatively, if you see the value of this and are looking forward to getting your hands on this software this Wednesday, drop a comment below and let me know.

It’s nearly time! 🙂

To your success

Andy Black

The Importance of Keyword Research for SEO

Andy Black

Today I’m going to explain the importance of keyword research when it comes to SEO (search engine optimization) and also officially ‘announce’ my latest software application that will be released real soon.

First of all, let’s talk about keywords and why they are so important.

They’re important because keywords are what people type into search engines such as Google in order to find specific content, products and services.

Keywords are used with direct intent by your hottest prospects – People who are looking for solutions ‘right there and then’.

That’s why platforms such as Google and YouTube still provide the hottest, most valuable leads compared to social media sites such as TikTok and Facebook. It’s because your prospects are actively ‘searching’ for something rather than seeing an ad pushed in front of them.

Search engine traffic is by far the hottest traffic you can get, and this is why you should be trying to rank your websites and content as highly as you possibly can.

The First Task Before Creating Website Content

The very first task before creating any kind of website or blog content is to evaluate keywords.

To find keywords and search queries that people are typing into Google, but that aren’t also been heavily targeted by your competition.

Believe me – there is an almost limitless number of keywords / search queries that are typed into Google everyday. Many of these keywords have strong competition who are also trying to rank content for those keywords – whilst many other keywords have hardly any competition.

The question is, how do you find the best keywords to target?

Keywords that have weak competition and that you could rank for on Googles 1st page.

Well, I have a very specific method for finding such keywords but it’s a long drawn out ‘manual’ process.

It works. It’s effective. And it allows me to find ‘easy’ keywords that can deliver visitors to my websites… but it’s tedious and takes time.

Well, until now at least.

A while back I decided to automate this entire ‘keyword research’ process, so I sat down at my computer and spent many hours EVERY day building a brand-new software.

This software is now complete and I will be releasing it very soon (this month!).

So, I’d like to officially announce my latest ‘SEO’ software creation – “Keyword Phoenix”.

Keyword Phoenix will allow you to quickly analyze the competition for ANY keyword.

It will give you a birds-eye view of the top ranked websites / pages that are already ranking for the keywords that you want to target.

It will identify their strengths and weaknesses, and you’ll know EXACTLY what you’ll need to do to rank YOUR content, blog post or page on page 1 of Google.

It will reveal HARD keywords, that you should avoid – as well as reveal easy keywords that you can rank for on page 1 with ease.

Remember, the more page 1 rankings you can achieve on Google, the more visitors you’ll receive to your website or blog.

More visitors also equates to more leads, sales and income.

I’m thinking of releasing Keyword Phoenix to my customers and subscribers first (you) on either 25th or 26th May. Although I will be giving you a SNEAK PEAK before that date.

If you’d like to get more page 1 Google rankings, and are interested in getting access to my new software, please drop me a comment below.

If I get enough comments and interest I will put together a GREAT deal for you!

To your success!

Andy Black

A Powerful Ranking Factor for Ranking Videos in Google

Andy Black

In todays blog post I wanted to share a powerful ranking factor that is prominent in 2022 yet is often overlooked.

This is specifically for ranking videos in Googles search results, so if you create video content – this blog post is for you.

First of all, you’ve probably noticed that videos do not always appear in the search results for some keywords.

This is because of TWO reasons:

  1. Not all keyword search queries are best suited for video content, hence why standard web results take up the first page.
  2. Google doesn’t identify any particular ‘YouTube’ video to be a suitable video that answers the searchers ‘query’.

As many of you will know, I’m BIG on YouTube video optimization and I have a very effective system for optimizing a videos title, description and tags so that it ranks the video higher in the search results. Particularly in YouTubes search results.

In fact – I developed an entire software app called TubeSerp that allows you to do that.

With that being said – to rank on the 1st page of Google, and particularly for ‘competitive keywords’ – we need to do more.

Google is starting to pay more attention to the actual video content itself, and not just video optimization and user engagement.

They’re analyzing the actual ‘spoken words’ that are used within a video. YES – the voiceover.

Google are revealing this themselves within their search results.

Here’s a few examples of what I’m referring to:

In the screenshot above you’ll see that Google has shown my video and right underneath the ‘supersized’ video thumbnail, it has displayed a snippet of my voiceover.

This has been taken from the ‘subtitles’ that they have automatically generated from my video.

As you can see, the part of the voiceover they have analyzed and displayed under my video, matches the search query very well.

This shows they are paying close attention to the actual content of the video before deciding WHO should see it.

Here’s another example:

In the example above they have timestamped 10 ‘key moments’ that they think the searcher may be interested in.

They have categorically analyzed my video and identified various sections of content.

This illustrates just how important it is to create great video content in 2022 and to delve deeply into your topic, to answer the searchers ‘query’ as precisely as possible. The more effort you put into your videos, the better results you’ll see.

So, Here’s Some Tips For You

  1. When recording your own videos or voiceovers – speak clearly. Pace yourself and ensure your speech is as clear and precise as can be. This way YouTube (Google) will be able to effectively convert your audio into subtitles – that they can understand.
  2. Whatever keyword(s) you target, be sure to comprehensively answer the searchers query. Be very precise and cover as much information as you can about that specific topic / query.
  3. Be sure to mention your main keyword ‘naturally’ in your video. Ideally early on, and once or twice more throughout.
  4. If you’re adding background music over your video or voiceover, make it subtle and non-intrusive. Lower volumes and ‘calm’ soundtracks make it easier for YouTube (Google) to extract your subtitles, and make it more enjoyable for your viewers…. and Yes, Google will know this!

I hope you enjoyed this blog post and got some value from it.

As always I’d love to hear your comments – So feel free to drop a comment below!

To your success

Andy Black

P.s. – They’ll be some news about my ‘BRAND NEW’ upcoming software real soon – So stay tuned!

What Are the Best Backlinks to Rank Your Website?

Andy Black

In todays blog post we’re going to take a look at backlinks, and how to find the BEST places to get backlinks from so that you can rank your website higher in Google.

But first of all – What websites provide us with the best backlinks?

The answer is quite simple, and makes a lot of sense. The best websites to get a backlink from are the websites that are already ranking at the top of Google for the keyword(s) that you want to rank for.

I guess it’s not rocket science, right?

Google are ranking those websites because they deem them the most valuable in terms of content and authority for “those” keywords. Therefore, we’re utilizing Googles OWN algorithm to help us find the best websites.

So, getting a backlink from those top ranked websites / pages will not only provide you with the most relevant, juiciest backlinks, but also with backlinks that can send you actual traffic – which is what backlinks are supposed to be about – sending people from one website or page to another.

How to find out which websites offer backlinks

There is one particular problem though, and that is that many of these top ranked websites won’t ‘freely’ offer backlinks.

So, what can we do about it.

We can do the next best thing by using this same ‘concept’ but narrowing the search results down to find websites that do offer backlinks.

This way we’re still using Google’s ranking algorithm to tell us which are the best, most relevant websites – but this time we’re filtering their results so that they will only show us websites that we can publish a backlink on.

Here’s how to do it

Let’s say we want to rank a website for the keyword “boiler installation”. This could even be a localized keyword such as “boiler installation newcastle”.

We can search Google to find websites that are relevant to ‘boiler installation’ but that also allows either ‘business directory listings’ or ‘guest posts’.

Although there are MANY different search phrases you can use, I’m going to reveal just a couple of examples for the sake of this post.

Here’s one.

This particular search will return many different websites that are related to ‘boiler installation’ but that also allows you to add a business listing.

Many of these listings are FREE and often provide you with a DOFOLLOW backlink, not to mention ‘citations’ – both of which can help you to rank higher in Google.

Here’s another example, but this time to find ‘guest post’ opportunities.

As you can see, these websites allow you to submit guest posts and in return, you’ll gain authority, and also a backlink (and direct traffic).

It really is that simple! You just need to be creative with your ‘search phrases’ and invest some time in obtaining these quality backlinks.

Google will reward you by ranking your website higher and sending you more visitors.

This is also a great service to offer to local businesses or clients.

I have actually developed a NEW “Local SEO Software” that will help you to find these types of backlinks (plus more).

But more on that later – Hopefully in the coming weeks! It’ll be released soon.

A Quick Heads Up….

I have ALSO been developing a brand-new SEO software that I plan to release later next month (May). I’m super excited about this!

Stay tuned as I’ll be offering my customers, subscribers and blog readers a fantastic deal (and early access to it).

To your success!

Andy Black