3 Things For September 3rd, 2024
An Oversimplified Explanation of SEO, Demystifying DNS & Hosting, The Magic Behind User Generated Content
Junk Drawers
An overly simplified explanation of one aspect of SEO
If you peek into my office, it’s a bit cluttered but not outrageously so, especially for a creative person. However, if you opened my file cabinets and tried to make sense of what’s inside, you’d be less than impressed with my filing system. There’s a reason I leave all bookkeeping and accounting to the professionals!
This is also the reason we have a search engine optimization team at Strategy 3, it’s a meticulous task and the people who do it are great at spreadsheets and details. I bring this up because I think it is helpful for visualizing why structure and organization is so important to a website’s success in search results. Even if outwardly your website looks good, what happens when you open it up inside?
If someone, who isn’t you and doesn’t know your business were to open your files, would they be able to easily understand everything inside? Are your files organized? Are the subjects of the things inside defined? Are the files intuitively easy to navigate? Has everything that is no longer relevant been thrown out? 😳 Websites, like filing cabinets, can become one big junk drawer over time. Even if your site is pretty, if it’s a junk drawer on the inside it will not rank well on Google.
I don’t have to be a fastidious, minutiae-obsessed person to have good books or a well-ranking website and neither do you. You just have to put the right people in charge who love organization and details.
I love a good junk drawer (or three) but Google doesn’t.
Demystifying Web Hosting and DNS Records
At Strategy 3, we pride ourselves on making digital marketing straightforward for our clients. One area that often causes confusion is the difference between web hosting and DNS records. Many people think that DNS records are the website itself, but in reality, they play a different role in your online presence. Let’s clarify how these two components work together to keep your website live and accessible.
What is Web Hosting?
Web hosting is the virtual space where your website resides. Imagine it as a warehouse where all the parts of your website—like files, images, and content—are stored. When someone visits your site, their browser pulls these pieces from the hosting server and displays them on the screen.
What are DNS Records?
DNS, or Domain Name System, works like a digital phone book or a directory for the internet. When someone types your website’s address (e.g., www.strategy3degrees.com) into their browser, DNS records point them to the correct location—your hosting server—where the website is stored. Essentially, DNS translates your domain name into an IP address, which is a series of numbers that helps route the visitor to the right place.
How Do They Work Together?
Think of DNS records as a dispatcher in a delivery service. When an order (a website request) comes in, the dispatcher (DNS) directs the delivery driver (the visitor’s browser) to the correct warehouse (your hosting server) where the package (your website’s content) is stored. The driver can then pick up the package and deliver it to the customer (the website visitor).
Without the dispatcher, the driver wouldn’t know where to go, and without the warehouse, there’d be nothing to deliver. Similarly, without DNS, your website visitors wouldn’t be able to find your site, and without web hosting, there would be no content for them to see.
Why This Matters
At Strategy 3, we take care of your web hosting and manage your DNS configurations to ensure your website is always accessible and performing at its best. While we expertly handle the setup and management of your DNS records, we encourage you to maintain control over your domain. This allows you to have full ownership while we take care of the technical aspects. By understanding the roles of both DNS and web hosting, you’ll gain insight into how your website functions and what’s required to keep it running smoothly. Our focus is on making your digital presence as seamless and effective as possible, so you can concentrate on your business.
The Lowdown on User Generated Content (UGC)
Imagine this: you’re scrolling through your feed and come across a post that looks more like a fun, spontaneous moment than a meticulously crafted ad. It’s not a polished commercial—it’s authentic, real, and packed with personality. That’s the magic of User Generated Content, and it’s about to become your new best friend.
But here’s the kicker: you don’t always have to wait for your customers to create this content on their own. You can hire talented creators to film UGC-style videos that will make your brand shine brighter than a disco ball. Let’s break down why this is a total game-changer for both organic and paid media.
Why UGC is a Game-Changer for Social Media
Organic reach might seem like a unicorn these days, but when it comes to organic reach, UGC is like a secret weapon in your marketing arsenal. When customers sing your brand’s praises, it’s like having a legion of brand ambassadors on social media feeds everywhere!
And if you don’t want to wait for customers to share their love for your brand, you could hire creators who specialize in making engaging, authentic content. These pros know how to capture moments that resonate with audiences. Creators bring creativity and perspective that can breathe new life into your social media. Their content feels less like a sales pitch and more like a fun, relatable experience—something your followers will love to engage with.
Think about it: people trust people. According to some seriously smart folks at Nielsen, 92% of consumers trust recommendations from friends and family over branded content. That means your customers’ rave reviews, clever unboxing videos, and artsy product pics or videos are way more likely to make an impact than any ad you could create.
UGC also helps build community. It shows that you’re not just a brand—you’re a group of awesome folks who love what you do. And when people see that, they want to join in on the fun. It’s like throwing a party and having everyone show up wearing the same cool outfit—you’ve created a movement!
UGC and Paid Media: The Dynamic Duo
Now, let’s talk about how UGC can turn your paid media campaigns from “meh” to “wow!” When you use UGC in your ads, you’re essentially borrowing the credibility and enthusiasm of your loyal audience. It’s like having a friend give you a shout-out in their story—only this time, your brand is the star.
Ads featuring UGC often see higher engagement rates and better ROI. Why? Because people are savvy. They can spot a stock photo a mile away and are way more likely to engage with content that feels genuine. UGC brings that authentic touch to your paid ads, making them feel less like a sales pitch and more like a friendly recommendation from a trusted buddy.
The Bottom Line
In a world where trust is the new currency, UGC is your golden ticket. It adds a dose of authenticity to your organic posts and a splash of credibility to your paid campaigns. So, get out there and start collecting those customer photos, reviews, and stories. Your social media strategy will thank you—probably with a high-five and a confetti cannon.
