Category: Blog

Small businesses have a unique opportunity to connect with the community while also increasing sales and boosting the local economy. Having a digital marketing plan can help small businesses not only meet these goals but exceed them and flourish.

In today’s digital age, it’s not enough to solely rely on word of mouth marketing. While this might attract a general customer base, digital marketers can target the desired audience to reach an ideal client. It also helps small businesses to reach customers where they are – online.

So how is digital marketing effective? Here are three reasons.

Digital Marketing Puts Small Businesses in the Public Eye

Through Search Engine Optimization (SEO), digital marketers can make a small business achieve a higher ranking in search engines, which brings more traffic to the business. This leads to an increased amount of sales and more brand recognition.

For example, through SEO, digital marketers can make a locally-owned ice cream shop reach the top result of a search engine. If a potential customer searching for a frozen treat on a hot day looks up “ice cream near me” online, the first result they see will be from the local business. This increased web traffic leads to more overall sales since the business is being put into a larger audience – the online world. 

Digital Marketing Helps Customers Connect With Your Brand

Having an online presence makes businesses appear more legitimate and trustworthy. Engagement is key – replying to social media comments and messages helps customers connect with the business and be more likely to make a purchase.

You can also help customers out in real-time when they’re having a problem or concern. If a customer has a question about a product or a service you may offer, you can respond to them through a quick message. This interaction creates trust and helps form a relationship, which creates a loyal customer.

Digital Marketing is Advertising With a Wide Reach

Social media ads can increase brand recognition and trust for the business, and running digital ads for specific promotions is an effective way to reach customers who may not otherwise know about the sales. Posting consistently for promotions like these can help reach a larger audience and in turn, make more sales.

By running targeted social media ads, marketers can create eye-catching graphics that attract potential customers to visit a small business, whether that be online or in person. These ads also help small businesses stand out from competitors, which is vital in today’s age of overwhelming options. 

Digital marketing is an effective plan for small businesses because it helps reach a targeted, specific client base who may not otherwise know about your business. It helps create brand recognition and trust, and in turn, turns potential customers into loyal fans. 

We understand how busy you are as a business owner, so that is where Southern View Media comes in! We are a boutique digital marketing agency catering to local businesses. Visit www.southernviewmedia.com to learn more about how we can help you boost your brand!

You hate it, we hate it and it doesn’t help anyone… Fake Facebook reviews. We’ve come across more spam as Facebook begins to make updates and changes on its platform. Located on one of the biggest social networking sites on the planet, your Facebook business profile can fall victim to having a fake review placed on your page.

Fake Facebook reviews can run amuck, but luckily there are ways to help get these false narratives removed from your page.

Here’s what you need to know:

There are usually two types of fake reviews: reviews written by disgruntled ex-employees, or overexaggerated experiences with customers and spam reviews written by bots. In this case, what only matters are the steps you take to get these reviews removed before they can do any harm to your business. 

1. Make sure to report the review

Facebook offers the option to report the review. From there, Facebook’s administrators will assess the review within a few days and decide whether or not it will be removed or stay on the page. Unfortunately, your business page has no control over the decision of what will happen with the review. However, if Facebook decides not to remove the review, there are a few other options to lighten the burden of the false claims on your business.

2. Respond to the review if not removed

Once Facebook makes a decision, it may not be possible to have a fake review removed from your page. In this case, it’s important to publicly respond to the review so your audience can get your side of the story. Whether it’s an irritated customer or a completely fake bot profile, be sure to form a response that will reflect your business in a positive way.

3. Considering hiring Southern View Media

We don’t like to boast, but we do know a thing or two about being proactive when it comes to these types of situations. Our team of skilled digital marketing professionals monitor and manage social media accounts to ensure our clients are taken care of during the best of times and worst of times (like fake Facebook reviews). Our processes and strategies include practical protocols to manage your social media presence to help avoid hiccups such as these.
When it comes to Facebook and fake reviews, our team is on your side to help ensure you and your business are represented as you envision. Allow our team of specialists to craft a strategy to help keep you moving forward. Contact us today to get started by calling (251) 517-9425 or visit our website www.southernviewmedia.com. We put you online so you don’t get left behind!

Social media and search engine giants love to update their processes, programs and algorithms. For business owners, digital strategists and freelancers alike, these changes can be inconvenient or uncertain. Facebook, owned by Meta, is a prominent example.

In this blog, we will explain the Facebook algorithm and offer some tips for content creation. So let’s get started!

But first… What is the Facebook algorithm?

The Facebook algorithm is a formula that determines which posts users see when scrolling through their newsfeed. Many different variables compose the algorithm, which is what makes it frustrating for any marketer to navigate.

The algorithm has evolved over time. In 2009, the algorithm bumped posts with the greatest number of Likes to the top of the newsfeed. In 2017, Facebook weighed a post’s value and prominence by the number of different Reactions to it (Like, Heart, Anger, etc.). In 2019, Facebook introduced the “Why Am I Seeing This Post?” feature. In more recent years, Facebook has revealed details about the algorithm but has yet to release the big picture.

So how does the algorithm work now?

According to Hootsuite, Facebook now prioritizes content by three different variables. These elements are: who posted the content, the type of content and interactions with the posts. Use these characteristics to begin creating some ideal content for your brand!

What are some tips for creating engaging content?

Manipulating the Facebook algorithm is one of the worst things you could do for your brand; instead, you should work with the algorithm. Here are just a few tips that you can utilize to make the algorithm your friend, not a foe.

• Consider the type of content that your audience wants to see. Authenticity is king. Too many sales-oriented posts can deter users from interacting with your page.
• Engage with your audience. Interact with your audience by responding to and ‘liking’ comments. Prove that there is a person (or a whole team) behind the screen!
• Encourage your audience to engage with each other. Create content that prompts conversations (not comment wars).
• Explore the Stories feature. Facebook Stories appear separately from the main feed. As its own feature, Stories is an alternative way to meet audiences and promote content. If your business is on Instagram, which is also owned by Meta, then check out the Reels tab!
• Expand your reach. How often do your family, friends, employees and colleagues share your content? Encourage them to share and interact with your content, so that it can reach new audiences!

It is unlikely that we will ever know the full extent of Facebook’s algorithm model. However, there are ways to curate content to your and your brand’s advantage. Facebook likes content that is authentic, engaging and encourages conversations. How will you use these tips when planning out your social media strategy?

Southern View Media is a digital marketing agency located on the Gulf Coast. We help clients across the United States with their social media, digital marketing, content creation, media buying and more. Visit www.southernviewmedia.com today to learn about what we do and why we do it.

Email marketing continues to be a worthwhile marketing strategy for a variety of businesses, including retailers, plumbers, HVAC companies and other industries. According to Litmus, an effective email campaign generates at least $42 for every $1 that you spend. That is an impressive and unbelievable 4,200% ROI (return on investment)!

So, how do you get started? How do you appeal to your portion of the 4 billion daily email users? Here are some of our best tips for creating a successful email marketing campaign.

Begin With an Appealing Subject Line

A subject line should grab the attention of your audience. An ideal subject line is catchy and intriguing; a humorous subject line is even better. We recommend that you keep your subject line at 9 to 14 words (or less). The best-kept secret, however, is staying out of the spam inbox by avoiding all caps or phrases like “buy now”.

Utilize Preheader Text When Necessary

Preheader text is the teasing copy that follows the subject line. While preheader text is not absolutely necessary, it does give your audience an idea of what the email is supposed to be about. We recommend keeping your preheader text to no more than 50 characters.

Embrace Links in Your Email Content

Links are perfect in emails for two reasons: they keep your email content from being too busy, and they can drive traffic to your website. Links are great teaser content, as long as they are visible, trackable and specific. Those three words mean:

• Your links should be visible to your audience
• Your links should be trackable by your team
• Your links and their action phrases should be specific, like “Click here!” versus “Reserve Your Spot Now!”

Ensure That Your Email is Mobile-Friendly

Did you know that more than 50% of emails are opened and read on a mobile device? Don’t worry–there are easy ways to make sure that you are not isolating half of your subscribers! Emails should have a single column-layout; you should keep any buttons centered within the email format. Multiple email marketing platforms have an option to view your email as it reads on a computer, cell phone and tablet, so explore your platform and those options today.

Keep Your Emails Consistent

Unfortunately, email marketing is not a tool that works best sporadically. Email marketing is a balance of staying visible, but not flooding inboxes. Depending on your business size, your network and your audience, we recommend sending emails at least every two weeks. The formatting of your email should also be consistent with your brand, your voice and your message.

Email campaigns are an ideal marketing strategy because of their versatility! For example, email campaigns can contribute to your brand’s identity, promote an exclusive offer, foster a customer-business relationship and other possibilities.

We understand that you are a business owner and running the world–if you are too busy to focus on email campaigns, that is where we come in! Southern View Media is a digital marketing agency located on the beautiful Gulf Coast. Our services include email marketing, social media management, website design and more. Visit www.southernviewmedia.com today to learn more.

Marketing strategies change depending on the current digital landscape. Did you know that there is a strategy for utilizing hashtags in your social media? Any decent marketing plan should include hashtags, whether for a brand, a trend or an overall company. 

But first… What is a hashtag?

Beginning with a pound sign (#), hashtags are made up of words or phrases with no spaces in between. For example: #SouthernViewMediaRocks. Hashtags add your post to a bigger conversation, and they work. A Tweet with at least one hashtag receives twice as much interaction as a post without hashtags.

There is an understood protocol for using hashtags. Here are some things that you should do and not do when using hashtags.

DO Use Relevant Hashtags

How often have you scrolled through Twitter or TikTok and noticed the trending hashtags? Ideally, every post or video should stay relevant to the hashtag; however, sometimes, the conversation is oversaturated with irrelevant content. Some creators only use a hashtag because it is trending, but that does not guarantee engagement.

DO NOT Use Too Many Hashtags

How many hashtags are too many? Depending on the social media platform, you may discover a variety of answers. However, a good practice is to keep the hashtags to a minimum; no more than 3 to 5 hashtags is ideal. Choose wisely!

DO Track Your Hashtags

Which hashtags work for you and which ones do not? #LocalBusinessOwner may receive more traction than #BusinessOwner for you. Tracking your hashtag performance over time can help you improve your marketing strategy in the long run!

DO NOT Waste an Opportunity for Hashtags

Feel free to create your own hashtag, whether for your company or a special event! Hashtags for events like trade shows or expos can help your team track engagement and reactions. So get creative with your next event!

DO Pay Attention to Trends

Stay alert for which hashtags are currently trending! How will your agency, company or brand join the conversation? Trending hashtags are an easy way to generate content–bonus points if it is relevant to your brand or what your company sells.

DO NOT Use Too Many Words In Hashtags

Hashtags should be as specific as possible without being too vague. So when using or creating hashtags, you should not use many words. For example, #BoatSale2022 is better than #BiggestBoatSaleEverIn2022.

DO Have Fun With It

Social media is about trial and error. What works and what does not work? We recommend that you have fun and be authentic with the hashtags. Your audience can, and will, tell the difference.

Overall, hashtags are great for social media because they can benefit both individuals and companies. Hashtags level the digital playing field for conversations, engagement and content, especially when utilized correctly. So how will you add hashtags to your marketing strategy?

Southern View Media is an agency engineered to assist local businesses in understanding and navigating the digital marketing landscape. We provide social media management, content creation, digital display ads, OTT ads and much more. Schedule an appointment with a digital strategist today. We get you online so you don’t get left behind!

Social media trends rise and fall all of the time. However, after many months, Instagram reels appear to be here to stay. If your business has not yet incorporated Instagram reels into your marketing strategy, then you should. But what are Instagram reels?

Reels were created in response to Tiktok’s popular format: brief videos with audio and organized into an endless scroll for the user. If you already have an Instagram account, then you do not need to create another to post reels. Instagram reels are also separate from stories and even IGTV.

Here are five major reasons why you should incorporate reels into your business’s digital marketing strategy.

Reels Prove That Your Business is Adaptable

We understand that certain industries perform better on some social media platforms than others. However, that should not persuade you from trying to create a following with Instagram reels! Creating reels proves that your business is dedicated to staying engaged with your audience, no matter the platform.

Reels are a Recipe for Higher Engagement

The algorithm rewards those who use it. Posting a video as a reel increases the risk of higher exposure and engagement because of the new ‘Explore’ feature. People do not have to be following your account in order to discover your content with the ‘Explore’ feature. On average, Instagram engagement is already considerably low compared to competitors, so utilizing reels is a great way to optimize the platform. 

Reels are Engaging

You know the old saying… “A picture is worth a thousand words.” By that logic, a video must be worth at least two thousand words, right? Allow reels to capture and portray your brand’s true personality. Compared to static graphics, videos have already proven to encourage higher engagement among different audiences.

Reels are Easy to Create

Reels are designed to be short and easy to consume. As a result, reels require less investment than other forms of content. Also, you don’t need to be an expert to create reels! You can film and edit videos from inside the app. If you already have a video, then with a few formatting changes, you can post it to reels. 

Reels Encourage Multi-Purpose Content

Not only can reels take little time to create, but they also have a long lifespan. Similar to other types of video, you can cross-post your reels to your Instagram and Facebook stories. Or, have you had less time to create content? Refashion the reel into other formats. Transform it into website content. Reels are yours to use!

Have we reeled you in with the appeal of Instagram reels? Overall, reels are magic for adaptability, engagement, credibility and creativity. Push your brand to be its best by investing in reels.

Southern View Media is a marketing agency dedicated to helping local businesses understand and navigate the digital marketing landscape. Located on the Gulf Coast, we serve clients across the continental United States. Schedule an appointment with us today! We Put You Online So You Don’t Get Left Behind.

As a responsible business owner, you are always looking for ways to cut costs while increasing your bottom line. When costs out measure your revenue, you try to find a solution, like decreasing inventory or cutting unnecessary services. Trust us, we understand. However, marketing should never be the first thing you slash when faced with budget cuts.

There are many reasons why you should prioritize your marketing, whether digital, traditional or both.

But First… Why Is Marketing Usually Cut First?

Marketing is viewed as a nonessential service. During any low financial points, including recessions, companies often find themselves occupied with paying salaries and fulfilling benefits. On paper, it may make sense to shortcut advertising spending; however, is it the smartest move?

Here are 4 major reasons why marketing should not be the first thing you cut.

Effective Brand Awareness Requires Strategy

Social media marketing is a great solution for brand awareness. Brand awareness takes time, but it is a worthwhile investment. Cutting any type of marketing, especially social media, sabotages the progress that you and your company made. Furthermore, random social media posts are much more ineffective at branding than a dedicated marketing strategy. 

You Can’t Save Your Way to Profitability

Money that you cut on marketing will most likely be directed elsewhere. So, are you really saving money in the long run? Consider increasing costs in marketing for greater gains in sales, relationships and more.

You Run Into Major Risks Without Marketing

When slashing marketing budgets, you lose more than just a cool commercial or a snazzy social media post. You lose potential exposure and clients; you communicate bad credibility; you run a risk of customers choosing your competition over you. Ultimately, how else will you make more sales without marketing?

Digital Marketing is Booming

Digital marketing benefits both individuals and companies, especially because more people are spending time online, whether shopping, scrolling or commenting. Marketing online makes partnerships easier; marketing online encourages engagement with customers. It also proves that your business is adaptable and credible. There are so many opportunities in digital marketing that it is easy to offset the costs.

At the end of the day, you are the decision-maker for your business. Consider turning against the tide and embracing marketing, especially when your competitors may be doing the exact opposite. Schedule an appointment with us today so that we can find a digital marketing solution for you and your business!

Southern View Media is a digital marketing agency dedicated to helping local businesses navigate the digital marketing landscape. Visit our website at www.southernviewmedia.com to learn more about what we do. We Put You Online So You Don’t Get Left Behind!

Are you a business owner planning to revitalize your marketing strategy? Are you a marketing professional searching for fresh tactics? The best and most effective way to promote your business is to combine traditional marketing strategies with digital marketing. There are multiple ways to accomplish this goal without breaking the bank or becoming repetitive.

Here are a few of our best ideas to get you started so that you can better promote your business in 2022 and beyond!

Invest in Billboards Alongside Geofencing Ads

Make the most of your audience’s attention with billboards and geofencing ads! Billboards are prime advertising real estate, especially along highways and other long stretches of roads. The individual in the passenger seat can read your billboard, and then open their phone to an ad promoting your business. This is a double-punch for advertising!

Utilize Television Content for Digital Creations

The great thing about video is that it is evergreen. In other words, video ages much slower than other types of content, like static graphics. When you book and create a television commercial, you can repurpose that video and script for digital content! Not only is this an efficient strategy, but it also can save your business money in the long run.

Get Published in Magazines to Promote Elsewhere

How often have you read a magazine that has a digital counterpart? We recommend that you reach out to magazines and other publications to spotlight your business. Once the article is written, you can generate content for other platforms! Create quotes for graphics; link to the publication for content and SEO; or share with your friends, family and colleagues.

Create Radio Ads to Use as Streaming Ads

Repetition and familiarity are great methods for staying at the forefront of your customers’ minds. When you book and create a radio advertisement, you should consider repurposing that content for streaming ads, such as on Spotify or Apple Music. This strategy is an ideal way for you to save money and make the most of your content!

Remember to Promote In Print and Online

Is your business hosting or sponsoring a local event? Promote the event both in print and online! For example, you can create a poster to hang in public spaces, and then publish that poster online in a Facebook event or on your website. This and similar tactics ensure that nothing you create goes to waste and that no stone is left unturned.

Ultimately, marketing is full of limitless possibilities! Brainstorm, strategize and experiment to decide which traditional and digital marketing combination is best for you and your business. We hope that these ideas help you get started on a synchronized strategy.

Southern View Media is a woman-owned digital marketing agency dedicated to helping local businesses understand, navigate and succeed in digital marketing. Schedule an appointment with one of our expert digital strategists when you visit www.southernviewmedia.com today. We put you online so you don’t get left behind!

How often do you shop online? Have you ever left something in your online shopping cart, and you received an email from the company prompting you to make a purchase? If the answer is a resounding “yes”, then you are a positive example of email marketing. Regardless of how many emails may hit your spam inbox, email campaigns are still an effective facet of digital marketing. 

Are you considering investing in email marketing for YOUR business? We have five simple reasons why you should do email marketing for yourself and your business. Let’s get started!

Emails Build Credibility

How many newsletters do you subscribe to? Whether informative, funny or somewhere in between, newsletters can build credibility for many different types of businesses. Depending on the type of content that you and your business share, you can build credibility within your realm of contacts and clients by sending emails!

Emails Broaden Your Reach

Emails can be checked from any device, including computers, tablets and smartphones. Instead of purchasing ads that only appear on certain websites or apps, you can invest in email marketing, which works on different devices. Broaden your reach with a single campaign.

Emails Generate Leads

Email marketing is a great way to stay in touch with current and potential customers. Some individuals may not be ready to take the plunge; however, emails are a great way to stay at the forefront of their minds! That way, when they are ready to choose, they are more likely to choose you and your business.

Emails Reinforce Relationships

Relationships are different from credibility. You may have credibility without forming a relationship with your clients. However, emails add personality to your business! They give your business a voice. At Southern View Media, we believe that people buy from people, not from companies. So how will you develop your business into a personable presence?

Emails Establish Branding

Your business’s brand deserves to be shared… So why not share that brand through email marketing? Emails are an amazing way to establish your brand’s voice and brand. A simple template paired with well-written copy, and you’re good to go!

Long story short: emails are not just an easy way to slide into someone’s junk mailbox. Emails are a fun and creative way to build credibility, broaden your reach, generate leads and reinforce relationships within your business community. Multiple platforms, like Mailchimp, Flodesk and Constant Contact, make email marketing accessible for small businesses.

If you are interested in learning more about email marketing, you should reach out to one of our excellent digital strategists today! Our digital strategist will sit down with you and learn more about you and your business. By doing so, we will develop the best strategy to get you the most profitable results via email marketing and other strategies. We can’t wait to work with you!

Southern View Media is a local digital marketing agency dedicated to helping small businesses understand, navigate and succeed within the digital marketing landscape. We Put You Online So You Don’t Get Left Behind!

The tech world is constantly changing; for example, Facebook, Inc. is now Meta. TikTok continues to reign as the newest social media platform; streaming services are competing for customers. How are you, a business owner, supposed to keep track of it all? Well, we are here to help you understand one of the most recent updates to hit the digital marketing stratosphere: the latest Google Analytics updates.

Continue reading for a user-friendly breakdown of Google Analytics 4 (GA4).

Why does this update matter?

Google Analytics 4 is a different type of property with different reports compared to Universal Analytics. Google Analytics 4 is event-based. This means that any type of interaction can be captured as an event, including views, events, social interactions and more. Consider re-establishing your data collection and measurements to align with this update!

What can not be transported in Google Analytics 4?

Fortunately, many of Google Analytics 4 and Universal Analytics’ properties coincide and work together. However, there are a few that change, such as data collection settings without an equivalent in Google Analytics 4. This includes custom tasks and timing. Control over IP anonymization is enabled by default.

Do I need Google Analytics 4?

We highly recommend that you add Google Analytics 4 to your existing Analytics account! GA4  runs simultaneously with Universal Analytics so that you can make the most of both assets.

How do I get started with Google Analytics 4?

Are you ready to take the plunge with the latest update? All you have to do is set up your website or app as a Google Analytics 4 property! If your site already has Analytics, then you can add Google Analytics 4 to it as well. The Google Support site has plenty of resources available to help guide you through the steps so that you can continue to track results on your website or app!

As the tech world grows, so do the opportunities to market and track your business. GA4 is another method of tracking that adds a different dimension to your results. We hope that you found this blog helpful to deciphering Google Analytics 4!

At Southern View Media, we understand that business owners may not always have the time to successfully and efficiently market their business. That’s where we come in! We are a local digital marketing agency dedicated to helping other local businesses understand, appreciate and embrace the world of digital marketing. Schedule an appointment by calling (251) 517-9425 or visiting www.southernviewmedia.com today. We put you online so that you don’t get left behind!