3 Things For July 3rd, 2024
Marketing In a Complicated World, Neglecting Your Website Maintenance, Building Brand on Social Media
Marketing in a Complicated World
We want an easy equation. If I do this one thing, I’ll get customers. Or, if I do these 2 things, I’ll get customers – or maybe it’s 3 things, 3 things would be fine.
But it’s not like that anymore.
I imagine an old west town and you’re the one person who provides a service, so you get the business. Or maybe there are 2 or 3 people and you all split it. We’re so far from those days. We’re also so far from the days of dozens to choose from in the Yellow Pages. Those were much simpler times too.
Now, the information age and flooded inboxes, spam emails, spam text messages, a ridiculous number of social media ads (where are my friends’ posts again), and sponsored listings before the “real listings” on Google. Everyone is trying to figure out the formula; even if you’re lucky enough to find it, it changes in a flash.
Technology changes, and in some ways our brains change with it, but much of how our brain works is the same as it has always been. It’s just that the environment and what we’re exposed to is different – so so different. It’s 7 things, or it’s 9 things or it’s one really really powerful thing delivered at the exact moment it’s needed.
But the only sustainable thing is building a brand.A brand has stickiness. A brand requires a vision and a mission and most of all it requires consistency.
We can play the short game and win with something catchy or some click-bait if we’re lucky. But the only way to win the long game is to play the game for a long time.
Why Skipping WordPress Maintenance Could Be a Costly Mistake
In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, maintaining your WordPress website is more crucial than ever. At Strategy 3, we emphasize the importance of regular WordPress maintenance to our clients because the consequences of neglect can be severe, impacting both security and performance.
Security and Performance
Keeping your WordPress core, themes, and plugins updated is essential to protect against vulnerabilities. Cyber threats are continually evolving, and outdated software can leave your site exposed to hacks and malware. Regular updates apply the latest security patches, reducing the risk of attacks.
Speed and Functionality
A well-maintained website performs better. Optimizing your database, cleaning up unnecessary files, and using caching mechanisms can significantly enhance loading speeds. Faster websites not only improve user experience but also rank better on search engines.
Backup and Recovery
Regular backups are a safety net against data loss from cyberattacks, server failures, or accidental deletions. With up-to-date backups, you can quickly restore your site to its previous state, minimizing downtime and disruption.
Real-Life Example
We recently had a new client who moved their site to our hosting and maintenance package after multiple years of their site sitting on another shared hosting plan without being updated. Once we moved the site to our server and updated all the software, the site broke. This highlighted the risks of neglecting regular maintenance. The outdated software had accumulated several compatibility issues that took a significant amount of time to diagnose and resolve. Ultimately, we managed to get the site completely up-to-date and secure, but this situation could have been avoided with regular maintenance.
Tailored Solutions for Your Business
For businesses relying on their online presence to attract and retain customers, maintaining a robust website is paramount. Regularly updating and optimizing your website ensures that it continues to serve as an effective platform for showcasing your services, attracting new clients, and supporting your marketing campaigns.
Conclusion
Neglecting WordPress maintenance can lead to severe consequences, including security breaches, poor performance, and decreased visibility. By investing time in regular maintenance, you ensure your website remains secure, fast, and optimized, ultimately contributing to the success of your online presence in 2024. For comprehensive support and to keep your website in top shape, check out our WordPress Website Hosting and Maintenance packages at Strategy 3.
Building Your Brand on Social Media
Take a look around your industry. Who is doing well on social media, and who is just so-so?
In today’s competitive market, having a solid social media presence is crucial for building your brand and engaging with your audience. We wanted to highlight some of our clients and how they choose to show up on social media effectively. Here are some key strategies they use, which you can use in your branding efforts.
Get Creative with Educating Your Client or Audience
Law Offices of Barbara Bowden: Using Humor to Educate
Educating your audience doesn’t have to be dull or dry. The Law Offices of Barbara Bowden are mastering the art of using humor to make their content entertaining and informative. By infusing her social media posts with wit and relatable humor through memes, they capture the attention of her audience and make complex topics more accessible. This approach engages her followers and enhances their understanding and retention of the information. Consider adding a touch of humor to your content to make it more engaging and memorable.
Develop a Strong Brand Aesthetic and Voice
Neuro-Wave & TouchPoint
A consistent brand aesthetic is essential for creating a solid and recognizable presence on social media. Neuro-Wave and TouchPoint are excellent examples of how a well-defined brand aesthetic and voice can make a significant impact. Neuro-Wave’s sleek design elements and supportive and informative voice establish it as a leader in its field while offering connection and assurance. TouchPoint Counseling uses a warm, inviting aesthetic with a friendly and approachable tone, fostering a sense of trust and connection with its audience.
To develop a strong brand aesthetic and voice, define your brand’s core values and personality. We can help you choose your brand guidelines through color palettes, typography, and visual style to reflect these attributes and ensure your content consistently aligns with your brand’s tone and message.
Show, Don’t Tell
Ranger Heating
In social media, showing is often more powerful than telling. Ranger Heating & Cooling exemplifies this approach by using its employees and their stories in the field to highlight its products and services. This method allows its audience to see the value and impact of its products firsthand, making the content more relatable and persuasive.
To implement this strategy, focus on creating visual content demonstrating the benefits and outcomes of your products or services. Use before-and-after photos, customer testimonials, and behind-the-scenes videos to bring your brand’s story to life.
Promoting your brand effectively on social media requires creativity, consistency, and authenticity. By getting creative with your educational content, developing a strong brand aesthetic and voice, and showing rather than telling, you can elevate your social media presence and connect more meaningfully with your audience.
