Saba Digital Marketing

Saba SEO Logo
Request A Free Consultation

Month: March 2016

Why the Marketing World Would End If SEO Disappeared

Posted on by admin@saba4321

Today, SEO is considered essential to the success of any business that interacts with customers online. At Saba, Inc. in San Diego, we took a moment to imagine a world where SEO has disappeared.

Small Businesses Would Be Crushed by the ‘Big Guys’

SEO creates a level playing field where small businesses have just as much of a chance of getting their message to consumers as bigger brands with endless marketing resources. Without SEO, many small businesses would simply be lost in sea of websites and social media pages.

Marketing Dollars Would Be Wasted with Hit or Miss Campaigns

A world without SEO would mean that campaigns directed at certain consumers would be fairly hit or miss endeavors. The comprehensive analytics that goes along with SEO efforts allows for a better focus on very specific audiences right down to preferred geographic areas. Real-time results allow you to determine what’s working and what’s not so that adjustments can be made without wasting valuable assets.

Building Brand Trust Would Be Difficult and Costly

If there were no SEO, brand awareness would be a monumental task for any business that wasn’t already a household name. Establishing trust and name recognition sans SEO would be a costly effort that would heavily rely on national advertising and promotional events. SEO can be easily incorporated into any piece of content created to effectively drive traffic, create awareness, and build trust in a way that’s much more cost-effective.

Without SEO, the marketing world as it’s known today would surely end with consumers and businesses being caught in an ongoing disconnect. This alternate reality highlights the important of search engine optimization strategies in today’s competitive, and increasingly mobile, marketplace.

If you’re unsure how to implement SEO as part of your marketing campaign, we can help. Our friendly and experienced online marketing experts can create and manage a comprehensive SEO strategy for your business and assist with other aspects, including social media management in San Diego and PPC. Learn more about our services by calling (858) 277-1717. We look forward to hearing from you!

How to Use Video to Promote Your Business

Posted on by admin@saba4321

San Diego internet marketing professionals recently learned that roughly 80 percent of internet users say they remember video ads better than those with mostly text. Therefore, it only stands to reason that relevant videos can help promote your business online. As the prevalence of such visual content continues, however, it’s worth considering creative ways to achieve this goal.

Offer a Virtual Tour of Your Business

People like to get an inside look at behind-the-scenes happenings. A virtual tour of your business that includes introductions of key personnel shows the human side of your business. Such a video can also be used to spice up your “About Us” page.

Pose Questions and Solicit Video Answers

Post a video question that’s somehow related to your business. If you’re in the process of developing a new product, for instance, solicit suggestions about preferred colors and design features. The response videos can easily be peppered through your social media to spur conversations and generate buzz about your brand.

Show How to Do Something

“How-to” videos can do wonders for your brand and increase your reputation as a reliable source of information. If you sell draperies, for instance, you might show how the right curtains can make a smaller room look bigger.

Encourage Video Testimonials

An effective way to promote your business is with video testimonials since people tend to trust the word of other customers. The clips can be edited for use on your website or posted to your various social media platforms.

Optimize Your YouTube Channel

Take time to produce or collect enough video content to keep your YouTube channel engaging. Divide everything into convenient sections and archive older videos for easier browsing. After you’ve done that, encourage visitors to your website or social platforms to become subscribers. Send emails or post messages to announce the addition of new videos to further encourage visitors.

Interested in learning more about using video content as part of your internet marketing strategy? Reach out to Saba SEO in San Diego. We help businesses increase online visibility, connect with their target audience, and drive revenue. Give us a call at (858) 277-1717 and request a free consultation.

Top Tips for Managing Freelancers

Posted on by admin@saba4321

Because freelancers are not employees, it can be a juggling act to effectively manage a professional team of freelance content writers. Following is some advice from local San Diego SEO agency Saba, Inc. to accomplish this feat in a way that is beneficial to company and writer alike.

Provide Clear Guidelines

Few things are more frustrating to both the writer and company than undergoing constant revisions based on guidelines that weren’t clear from the beginning. Be as specific as possible, especially if you have a certain idea in mind. Learn from the instructions that you give, and constantly strive to be as clear and concise as possible with your freelance staff.

Maintain Regular Contact

Freelance writers do crave their independence, but they also like to maintain a connection with their clients on some level. By maintaining regular contact, you will not only get to know them better, but they will begin to respect you as a contract employer as well. Call them or use instant messaging technology to keep the writer on task and on schedule, while making them feel valued at the same time.

Set Realistic Deadlines

While it is understandable that you need something done right away, it is not always realistic to expect 50 polished articles of 500 words each in under a day. If you set deadlines that are realistic, your writers will be able to focus on content and working to ensure that each article is polished prior to submission.

Provide Examples

If you can provide some examples of past work that you really love, this will help your freelancers know exactly what you are looking for. Again, the goal here is to provide enough resources so that each article is submitted correctly the first time. This eliminates a lot of back and forth, and will make you both much happier in the long run.

Pay According to Your Expectations

If you expect the best out of your freelance writing staff, then you need to pay up to that level as well. There are many companies that a writer can choose to work for, so the best will get snapped up in a hurry. If you pay a writer what he or she is worth, then the quality of the writing will almost certainly follow as well.

Saba, Inc. is a San Diego-based online marketing company helping businesses near and far expand their customer base through a combination of SEO, PPC campaign management, and social media. Give us a call us today (858) 277-1717 and ask about a free website audit!

4 Tips for Marketing on a Limited Budget

Posted on by admin@saba4321

Effectively marketing and promoting your business is a task easier said than done when faced with the reality of a limited budget. With some creativity and planning, however, you can still reach your target audience without spending a small fortune in the process.

Create Informative Video Content

Jump on the video content bandwagon in a cost-effective way by creating informative videos somehow related to your business, which can be as simple as a few “how-to” videos or your thoughts on industry trends. There are plenty of free tools and tutorials you can use to create quality videos with nothing more than a smartphone.

Embrace Your Niche on Reddit

The key to breaking through the initial resistance you may find on Reddit is to embrace a very specific niche aspect of your business. Find a niche, referred to as a subreddit, that best fits in with your business and begin sharing content.

Pick and Choose Your Social Networks

Social media is a great way to focus your reach while spending very little. Pick and a choose a few social networks that best fit in with your demographics and start distributing content, monitoring trends, sparking conversations, and participating in discussions.

Explore Paid Discovery

With paid discovery sites like StumbleUpon, your content is the advertisement. Not only is native advertising more likely to engage the audience, it’s also an economical choice. You’ll start with a base rate of 10 cents per click with the option to add further demographic specifics for a few extra cents.

One of the most affordable ways to connect with your audience is to publish fresh, engaging content that’s been search engine optimized. Well-crafted content can easily be peppered throughout your website, blog, and social media posts, and combined with SEO, you have a recipe for marketing success that won’t break the bank.

There are dozens of ways you can market your business without spending heaps. If you could use a little help, we have you covered. As a trusted internet marketing company in San Diego, our mission is to help brands increase visibility online through a combination of search engine optimization, PPC, social media, and effective web design. To learn more, give us a call at (858) 277-1717 today. We look forward to hearing from you!

Understanding the Basics of Canonicalization

Posted on by admin@saba4321

When variations of a URL lead to the same page of a website, it’s referred to as canonicalization. Pages with identical content but different URLs, even if it’s only a slight variation, pose a problem because traffic to those pages gets split up among each URL, ultimately making it difficult to achieve a desirable ranking on search engines. Learn more from trusted San Diego online marketing company, Saba SEO.

Decreasing Page Popularity

Canonicalization of specific pages of a website decreases the popularity of those pages. Even though the content is exactly the same, the search engine bots count each variation of a URL as a different page, effectively splitting up your traffic, even though it’s all going to the same place. The reason why this happens is because of the default settings for various web servers, which can produce results like this:

  • www.webpageone.com
  • webpageone.com/
  • www.webpage one.com/index.html

Effectively Redirecting Canonicalized Pages

Ideally, you want the preferred URL associated with your page to be the one that counts towards how that page ranks. Pages with different URLs for the same content can be directed to the preferred URL with server redirects, with the option to either redirect permanently or temporarily. Most servers do, however, correct to the version with the preferred format, which is usually the one with a backslash.

Correcting Canonicalization Issues

All internal links should be formatted with your preferred URL, a step that can correct a lot of canonicalization issues. Canonicalization can also be addressed by:

  • Using preventative redirects
  • Avoiding tracking IDs in organic links from other sites
  • Using a single homepage URL and linking consistently to that page internally

When steps are taken to ensure your web pages go the preferred URL, canonicalization doesn’t have much of an impact on rankings. It is, however, still important to be mindful of how traffic is counted and pay particular attention to internal links.

For help with online marketing efforts, including website development in San Diego, reach out to Saba, Inc. We offer free website audits and free consultations. Call (858) 277-1717 today!

Should I Use Stock Photos? Weighing the Pros and Cons

Posted on by admin@saba4321

Images can be an effective part of your online marketing efforts, especially since more online searchers are doing their browsing based on visual content. The actual task of finding quality images, however, can be challenging. While stock images can make this task easier, there are both pros and cons of using such images.

Pros

Minimal Expense

Most stock images can be purchased individually or as part of a set, depending on your needs. Many sites charge based on resolution, an expense that’s much less than what you’d pay for a professional photographer.

Fast and Easy

It can take days, if not weeks, to arrange for a professional shoot. Stock images, on the other hand, can be obtained with nothing more than a few clicks and some browsing.

Variety and Quality

Photographers from around the world are always contributing quality images to stock photo sites. The variety of available images is vast, ranging from landscape shots to stock shots of people from all walks of life.

Cons

Not Unique

There is no exclusivity with stock images. You may find that some competitors are using the same shots.

License Restrictions

Read the fine print before using stock images for advertising. Some photos can only be used for editorial use and not marketing purposes.

Design Limitations

Since stock photos can come off as ordinary, you may be limited with how distinctive you can make your brand image. The same is true when it comes to how you design your website and other online content in need of visual enhancement.

However, as a leading SEO company in San Diego, we suggest companies avoid simply using whatever pops up from a Google search since there could be license issues and the quality is notoriously unpredictable. The effectiveness of stock photography throughout your marketing content depends on how it’s used, with reliable sources including iStock, Getty Images, and Veer.

How to Humanize Your Brand

Posted on by admin@saba4321

With most online content focused on driving traffic and boosting revenue, there’s something refreshing about a brand that goes beyond the sales pitch. According to leading online marketing companies in San Diego, effectively connecting with audiences on a human level can do wonders for your brand image and, ultimately, your ROI.

1. Define Your Brand’s Personality

Is your brand more serious in nature, casual, or somewhere in between? The tone you set for your brand is going to determine how you interact with your target audience.

2. Remain Engaged and Available

Post content on a regular basis and pay attention to what’s actually being said by your followers. Rather than constant selling, contribute content that’s informative and engaging.

3. Communicate in Relatable Terms

Unless you’re doing B2B selling, use relatable language with the content you present. Use language that conveys a clear message and connects with your audience.

4. Invest in Your Audience

See your target audience as more than an accumulation of “likes” and followers. Take time to build relationships and educate your audience about your brand rather than focusing solely on conversions.

5. Set the Pace for Your Interactions

Think about how your interactions reflect on your brand. Does it really set a professional tone for a CEO to appear to be tweeting 24/7, even if a lot of it’s done through automation?

6. Invoke Emotions

Understand what strikes an emotional chord with your audience. If your customers are especially concerned about the environment, for instance, emphasize the “green” aspects of your business.

7. Encourage Real Interactions

Determine what really interests your customers. Talk to your audience and not at them by bringing up topics likely to encourage real discussions and interactions.

8. Share Visual Content

Whether it’s participation in a community event or employee photos, showcase the human side of your business. Extend the exchange by encouraging your audience to share their own visual content.

Saba SEO is a trusted online marketing company based in sunny San Diego. In addition to helping businesses across the U.S., Canada, and Australia establish build their brand through SEO and social media, we also provide web design and development services. Reach out by calling (858) 277-1717 and learn more about our services or request a free consultation!

How to Create a Powerful Call to Action

Posted on by admin@saba4321

Effective content is essential to your online marketing efforts. Yet it’s the call to action that entices browsers to do what you want them to do. If you need some help polishing your CTAs, consider the following tips from San Diego internet marketing experts:

Use Command Verbs

A powerful CTA starts with a strong command verb that clearly states the requested action. Effective verbs typically include words like “call,” “buy,” and “click”.

Provoke an Emotion

An effective CTA is one that sparks enthusiasm by evoking an emotional response. For instance, “Buy now for free shipping!” is more effective than “Buy now!” since the thrill of getting free shipping as an added enticement.

Use Numerals When Possible

Numbers tend to catch the eye. When appropriate, include at least one key number in your CTA, as in “Shop today for fashions under $20!”.

Provide a Reason to Take Action

“Call today” for what? A CTA only packs a punch if you give someone a reason to do something. “Call today to request a free estimate” clearly provides a reason to call.

Play up Fear of Missing Out

Create a sense of urgency to take action. A CTA like “Call now while supplies last!” implies a need to make a decision now rather than later.

Tailor CTAs to Devices

The screen size on desktops/laptops and tablet computers is about the same, so a traditional CTA towards the bottom of the page is likely to be effective. Mid-page CTAs typically get more attention on mobile devices since users tend to want instant gratification.

Experiment with CTAs

Don’t be afraid to do some experimenting with your CTAs beyond the standard phrasing. The CTA “Call today for more information,” for instance, which is fairly generic, could be reworked as “Save the planet! Get more info on our green rewards program today!”.

Learn more about strengthening your online marketing campaigns by reaching out to the experts at Saba SEO. We help companies increase online visibility and connect with their target audience through local SEO, PPC campaigns, and social media marketing. Reach out today by calling (858) 277-1717. We look forward to hearing from you!

Understanding SEO and Why Businesses Should Use It

Posted on by admin@saba4321

You’ve probably at least heard the term SEO, or search engine optimization. More than just another business acronym, SEO refers to the use of carefully selected words and phrases naturally sprinkled throughout online content for the purpose of increasing website traffic. Once you better understand SEO, you’ll see why it’s essential for any business seeking online engagement.

Increase Visibility Among Well-Connected Consumers

In 2015, approximately three-quarters of U.S. consumers did some shopping online during the holiday season, a number that becomes even more monumental when you consider how many people have instant access to your business via various mobile devices. According to local San Diego online marketing agencies, even if you’ve had a website for years, content that’s not optimized for search engines is very difficult to find online. Your online visibility can increase with effective SEO since it’s a concept that can apply to any content online, including:

  • Websites and blogs
  • Social media posts
  • Video and image captions

Establish Trust with Easily Accessible Content

Most online searchers rarely go beyond the first page of search engine results. If potential customers have to dig to find your website, they’re more likely to turn to a competitor. Whether it be online reviews or your website, any content about your business that’s easy to find with a quick search is going to increase trust among consumers wary of businesses with limited online visibility.

Enjoy a Better ROI

SEO can be highly targeted to a specific audience and easily tracked. And, unlike PPC, companies don’t incur costs if someone clicks on a link that turns up in the search results. If a certain strategy isn’t working, adjustments can be made without incurring too much added expense or losing potential revenue.

It can be a challenge to navigate through the sea of rules used for ranking established by search engine giants like Google. However, effective implementation of SEO can help form a better connection with audiences likely to be responsive to your content.

To learn more about using SEO for your business, reach out to the online marketing pros at Saba SEO. We help businesses gain online visibility through a combination of social media, PPC, and SEO in San Diego. Call us at (858) 277-1717 for a free consultation.

Top Drawbacks of Using PPC

Posted on by admin@saba4321

Pay-per-click (PPC) is an appealing form of advertising since you can set your own budget and target audiences likely to be receptive to your message. Yet there are risks associated with this form of online marketing that could diminish your ROI.

1. PPC Can Get Expensive Quickly

You’ll pay for each click even if those potential buyers don’t seal the deal. Bidding on desirable keywords can also jack up your investment faster than anticipated. The most expensive Google AdWords’ keywords, based on cost per click and popularity, are:

  • Insurance at $54 per click
  • Mortgage at $47
  • Loans at $44

2. Sponsored Ads Are Often Ignored

Four out of five American consumers ignore online ads, according to one estimate. The same is true of sponsored ads. When multiple sponsored ads are vying for clicks, online searchers are even more likely to tune out.

3. Consumers are Naturally Skeptical About Advertising

It’s easier to convince potential consumers to buy what you’re offering if you use a mix of marketing techniques. With ads, there’s a natural tendency to think there’s something more to what’s being sold than what’s being stated. If a company uses PPC, having a high organic rank as well can help assuage consumer doubts.

4. Shady PPC Firms Spike Costs

Some unscrupulous marketers make vague promises without getting into specifics about the risks. There’s also the potential for “click fraud,” where fake clicks are sent from different IP addresses, often resulting in nothing more than meaningless ghost traffic and expensive bills for those phantom clicks.

There are ways to control your budget with PPC. AdWords, for instance, will stop displaying ads after you’ve reached your daily budget. However, it’s worth considering if PPC advertising  is really the most economical way to reach your intended audience based on your marketing objectives and available budget.

Learn more about using PPC and discover other ways to drive traffic to your site by reaching out to Saba, Inc. at (858) 277-1717. We are a trusted SEO agency in San Diego, helping clients just like you find their target audience and increase online viability. Give us a call today and ask for a complimentary website audit!

Request A Free Consultation

    LEARN MORE