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Tag: digital marketing

Why Canadian Small Businesses Must Embrace Digital Marketing

Posted on by amber90

Why Digital Marketing Is Essential for Canadian Small Businesses

Canadian small businesses are navigating a perfect storm of challenges: the lingering effects of the pandemic, rising interest rates, economic instability, and decreased consumer spending. For many, survival hinges on making every dollar count, and traditional marketing methods often fall short in today’s fast-paced, digital-first world.

This is where digital marketing steps in. It’s not just an option anymore—it’s a necessity. At Amber 90, we specialize in empowering small businesses to thrive in the digital age with strategies that drive measurable results.

The Digital Shift Is Non-Negotiable

The way consumers interact with businesses has fundamentally changed. Online research, social media, and e-commerce now dominate the customer journey, making digital presence essential for success.

Did you know that 65% of Canadians prefer online shopping? This stat underscores the importance of meeting customers where they are—online. Digital marketing offers small businesses cost-effective ways to reach their audience at the right time with the right message.

At Amber 90, we help businesses adapt to this digital shift with strategies tailored to their unique needs. Whether it’s creating a website, optimizing for search engines, or running online ads, we ensure every effort aligns with your business goals.

The Power of Social Media

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn are more than just communication tools—they’re business growth engines. These platforms enable small businesses to:

  • Build brand awareness.
  • Engage directly with customers.
  • Drive traffic and sales.

Canadian small businesses have achieved incredible success by leveraging social media. For example, local coffee shops and boutique stores have grown their customer bases and revenue through targeted social campaigns.

Amber 90’s social media expertise ensures your business maximizes these opportunities. From crafting engaging posts to running ad campaigns, we help you connect with your audience authentically.

Influencers and User-Generated Content

Influencers and user-generated content (UGC) are game-changers in the digital marketing world. By partnering with influencers who resonate with your target audience, small businesses can tap into pre-built communities of potential customers.

UGC, on the other hand, adds a layer of authenticity. When customers share genuine experiences with your brand, it builds trust and credibility.

Amber 90 specializes in influencer collaborations and UGC strategies that amplify your brand’s reach and reputation. We help you choose the right partners and create campaigns that resonate.

Content Is King

In the digital world, content remains king. High-quality content does more than attract attention—it establishes your business as an authority in your industry.

From blog posts and videos to podcasts and infographics, there are countless ways to connect with your audience. But consistency is key. Regularly publishing valuable, engaging content keeps your business top of mind and fosters customer loyalty.

Amber 90’s content marketing services ensure your message cuts through the noise. We craft strategies that highlight your expertise and drive meaningful engagement.

Conclusion: Embracing Digital Marketing Is the Path to Growth

For Canadian small businesses, embracing digital marketing is no longer optional—it’s essential for survival and growth. By leveraging social media, influencer collaborations, and high-quality content, you can navigate today’s challenges and position your business for long-term success.

At Amber 90, we’re passionate about helping small businesses thrive in the digital landscape. Let us guide you through the process, providing the tools and expertise needed to elevate your brand and grow your customer base.

Ready to transform your business? Contact Amber 90 today and take the first step toward digital success.

Where Social Platforms Stand on External Links in 2025: A Guide for Marketers

Posted on by amber90

For marketers, external links are a cornerstone of driving traffic and generating leads. But in 2025, social media platforms are making this more challenging than ever, as they prioritize keeping users engaged within their apps over sending them to external sites.

So, how can you navigate this landscape effectively? This guide will break down how major platforms treat external links, explore the impact on referral traffic, and share actionable strategies to optimize your content.

At Amber 90, we help marketers and businesses stay ahead of trends and maximize their digital presence. Here’s what you need to know.

Why Social Platforms Limit External Links

Social platforms rely on user engagement to generate ad revenue. Encouraging users to click away from their platform disrupts this model, so many platforms either limit the visibility of external links or penalize them outright.

Key Challenges for Marketers:

  • Reduced Reach: Link-based posts often see less organic distribution.
  • Increased Costs: Platforms like LinkedIn encourage paid promotions to amplify link visibility.
  • Algorithmic Bias: Platforms prioritize native content that keeps users engaged over posts with external links.

Understanding these challenges is the first step in crafting a strategy that works.

How Major Social Platforms Handle External Links

1. Facebook

  • Current Stance: Facebook doesn’t officially penalize link posts, but their visibility has declined over time.
  • Key Stats: Less than 5% of posts in user feeds contain external links, with a growing emphasis on Reels and AI-recommended content.
  • Best Practices:
    • Use Reels or carousel posts to share insights and direct users to links in comments or bios.
    • Pair links with engaging visuals or video content to boost reach.

2. Instagram

  • Current Stance: Links aren’t allowed in captions or comments but can be included in Stories and bios.
  • Impact: External links see limited reach beyond your followers.
  • Best Practices:
    • Use link stickers in Stories to make access seamless.
    • Leverage tools like Linktree to optimize your bio for multiple links.

3. Threads

  • Current Stance: Threads claims not to penalize links, though user behaviour may limit engagement with link-based posts.
  • Best Practices:
    • Share engaging content that naturally integrates links without making them the focus.

4. X (formerly Twitter)

  • Current Stance: Explicitly limits the reach of link-based posts.
  • Notable Insight: Elon Musk has publicly stated that links are deprioritized in favour of native content.
  • Best Practices:
    • Use multimedia posts to tell a story, then include links in replies or threads.
    • Focus on starting conversations and sharing links as follow-ups.

5. TikTok

  • Current Stance: Links can’t be added to captions or comments but are supported in bios and paid ads.
  • Impact: TikTok blocks links to competitors like Amazon but allows seamless integration for TikTok Shop.
  • Best Practices:
    • Collaborate with influencers to drive traffic indirectly.
    • Use TikTok Ads for direct conversions with embedded links.

6. Snapchat

  • Current Stance: Links are supported in Stories but not in public posts.
  • Best Practices:
    • Focus on creating dynamic, engaging Snaps with clear CTAs to encourage clicks.

7. LinkedIn

  • Current Stance: Reduces the size of link previews for unpaid posts, encouraging paid promotions.
  • Impact: Link-based posts often see lower organic reach.
  • Best Practices:
    • Pair links with professional insights or thought leadership content.
    • Include links in comments or articles for improved engagement.

How Marketers Can Adapt and Succeed

1. Create Platform-Specific Content

Tailor your posts to fit the unique features and audience expectations of each platform.

  • Example: On TikTok, prioritize short, engaging videos with subtle calls to action.

2. Focus on Native Formats

Platforms favour native content that keeps users engaged. Use Stories, Reels, or carousels to maximize reach while embedding links strategically.

3. Leverage Paid Ads

Invest in paid promotions to amplify the reach of link-based content, especially on LinkedIn and TikTok.

4. Use Analytics to Refine Strategy

Monitor performance metrics to understand what content resonates and adjust your strategy accordingly.

5. Optimize Landing Pages

Ensure that links direct users to mobile-friendly, fast-loading landing pages that drive conversions.

The Future of External Links on Social Media

Social platforms are unlikely to reverse their trend of deprioritizing external links. Instead, marketers will need to adapt by:

  • Diversifying Traffic Sources: Don’t rely solely on social media—invest in email marketing, SEO, and other channels.
  • Exploring Emerging Platforms: Platforms like Bluesky, which embrace external links, could offer new opportunities.

Conclusion: Mastering External Links on Social Media

While social platforms are making it harder to drive traffic with external links, a strategic approach can help you maintain visibility and grow your audience. By understanding platform-specific limitations and focusing on value-driven, native content, you can turn these challenges into opportunities.

Ready to optimize your social media strategy?

  • Partner with Amber 90 for expert guidance and cutting-edge solutions tailored to your business.
  • Let’s navigate the future of social media marketing together.

Contact us today to start driving results in 2025!

Unlocking TikTok’s Q5: The Golden Opportunity for Post-Holiday Marketing

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Unlocking TikTok’s Q5: The Golden Opportunity for Post-Holiday Marketing

The holiday rush may end, but the shopping doesn’t stop. Welcome to Q5, the post-holiday period that runs from Christmas through early January. TikTok has published a new guide for this period and why you need to take advantage. While other marketers may ease off their campaigns, this “hidden gem” of a shopping season offers untapped opportunities for brands to engage eager consumers still in spending mode.

TikTok has become the go-to platform for post-holiday discovery, trends, and shopping inspiration. At Amber 90, we specialize in helping brands leverage this golden window to maximize their ROI. Here’s everything you need to know about TikTok’s Q5 and how to create impactful campaigns.

What is Q5, and Why Does it Matter?

Q5 refers to the period immediately following Christmas, extending into January. During this time, consumers:

  • Redeem holiday gift cards and cash gifts.
  • Look for post-holiday deals.
  • Focus on self-care and New Year’s resolutions.

Key Benefits of Q5 Marketing:

  1. Reduced Competition: Many brands pause campaigns after the holiday season, lowering ad inventory costs.
  2. High Shopping Intent: Consumers actively seek deals, trends, and inspiration for their post-holiday spending.
  3. TikTok’s Unique Role: The platform’s engaging content and discovery-driven nature make it the perfect channel for Q5 campaigns.

Consumer Behaviour During Q5

TikTok’s data highlights key trends in user behaviour during this period:

  • Shopping Surges in January:
    • While holiday-specific content declines, shopping-related posts peak as consumers search for deals and trends.
  • Self-Care Takes Center Stage:
    • 69% of TikTok users plan to buy products for themselves during Q5, focusing on fitness, skincare, and tech.
  • Emerging Categories Gain Traction:
    • Beyond retail, categories like gaming, finance, and wellness see increased engagement.

Why TikTok is Perfect for Q5 Marketing

TikTok offers several advantages that make it the ideal platform for post-holiday campaigns:

  1. High Engagement Rates:
    • Users actively discover new products and trends, making TikTok a powerful tool for influencing purchase decisions.
  2. Efficient Ad Inventory:
    • Lower competition for ads during Q5 reduces costs while maintaining high visibility.
  3. Proven ROI:
    • TikTok’s retail return on ad spend (ROAS) for offline conversions is 1.9 times more efficient than the media average.

Best Practices for a Successful Q5 TikTok Campaign

1. Leverage TikTok Commerce Tools

  • Use Video Shopping Ads to showcase products and drive direct traffic to your site.
  • Optimize campaigns with TikTok Shop for seamless in-app purchases, supported by shoppable videos and Shop Ads.

2. Tap Into Creator Content

  • Partner with influencers to create authentic shopping hauls, unboxings, and reviews.
  • Collaborations help build trust and increase conversions, as users rely on creators for recommendations.

3. Highlight Gift Card Offers

  • Nearly 40% of users plan to shop during Q5 using holiday gift cards.
  • Promote exclusive deals or incentives to drive gift card redemptions.

4. Target Emerging Categories

  • Expand your focus to include categories like fitness, finance, and gaming, which gain traction during the New Year’s resolution period.

5. Optimize for Self-Care Content

  • Appeal to the “treat yourself” mentality by offering products and services aligned with self-care, wellness, and personal growth.

Lessons from Last Year’s Q5

TikTok’s internal data provides several takeaways from successful Q5 campaigns in 2023:

  • Shopping-Related Content Peaked in January:
    • Consumers remained highly engaged with deals and product trends well into the new year.
  • Ad Inventory Was More Cost-Effective:
    • Brands stretched their budgets further with reduced competition for ad space.
  • Lower Funnel Strategies Yielded Results:
    • Campaigns focused on high purchase intent drove significant conversions.

Why Your Brand Can’t Afford to Ignore Q5

Skipping Q5 marketing could mean missing out on a unique opportunity to:

  • Engage high-intent shoppers.
  • Maximize your ad budget with lower costs.
  • Establish a strong start to the New Year by meeting consumer needs during a high-engagement period.

TikTok’s robust ecosystem of ad formats, commerce tools, and shopping solutions makes it a prime platform for Q5 campaigns.

Amber 90: Your Partner in Q5 Marketing Success

At Amber 90, we help brands unlock the full potential of TikTok campaigns. With deep expertise in social media strategy and data-driven marketing, we’re here to make your Q5 season a success.

What We Offer:

  • Customized TikTok strategies tailored to your brand and audience.
  • Expert campaign management to optimize performance and ROI.
  • Proven success in leveraging TikTok’s tools to drive conversions.

Conclusion: Make Q5 Your Brand’s Golden Opportunity

Q5 is more than just a post-holiday lull—it’s a period ripe with opportunity. By leveraging TikTok’s unique tools and targeting strategies, your brand can turn this overlooked season into a revenue-driving powerhouse.

Ready to win big this Q5?
Contact Amber 90 today to create a strategy that drives results and positions your brand for success in 2025.

2024 Social Media Trends: Insights to Shape Your Strategy for 2025

Posted on by amber90

2024 Social Media Trends: Insights to Shape Your Strategy for 2025

Social media is constantly evolving, reshaping how we connect, share, and engage. With platforms adjusting their features and audiences shifting their habits, businesses must stay updated to remain competitive. As 2024 wraps up, Pew Research has highlighted key trends in its Social Media Fact Sheet, offering valuable insights into the year’s online landscape.

For Canadian businesses, these trends hold significant implications. At Amber 90, we analyze global data and contextualize it for the Canadian market, helping brands optimize their strategies. Let’s dive into the trends that will shape social media in 2025 and what they mean for your business.

Social Media Usage in 2024: A Snapshot

Globally, YouTube and Facebook remain the dominant platforms, with Instagram following close behind. TikTok continues to be a major player, particularly among younger users, while platforms like LinkedIn and Pinterest show steady growth.

Highlights from Pew Research:

  • Most-Widely Used Platforms:
    • YouTube: Used by 94% of U.S. adults aged 30-49, and 93% of those aged 18-29.
    • Facebook: Still popular across all age groups, with particularly high usage among 30-49 year-olds (78%).
  • Younger Demographics:
    • TikTok and Snapchat dominate among users aged 18-29.
  • Professional Networks:
    • LinkedIn continues to see growth, especially among older users and professionals.

Canadian Perspective

While global trends are a helpful baseline, Canadian preferences often differ slightly:

  • TikTok’s dominance: The platform’s younger audience aligns with Canada’s high smartphone penetration rates.
  • Facebook’s resilience: Despite global declines, it remains strong in Canadian suburban and rural communities.
  • LinkedIn’s relevance: Increasingly used for professional networking and recruitment in Canada’s growing tech and finance sectors.

Demographic Trends: Who Uses What?

Understanding platform demographics is critical for targeting the right audience.

Age:

  • 18-29: Favour TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram for entertainment and connection.
  • 30-49: Heavy YouTube and Facebook users; LinkedIn for professional growth.
  • 50+: Facebook dominates, with growing interest in Pinterest and YouTube for informational content.

Gender:

  • Women: More active on platforms like Instagram and Pinterest.
  • Men: Lean toward YouTube, Reddit, and LinkedIn.

Community:

  • Urban users dominate Instagram and TikTok.
  • Suburban and rural communities favor Facebook and YouTube.

Strategic Insights for Canadian Businesses

To capitalize on these trends, businesses must align their strategies with platform-specific strengths.

Platform-Specific Opportunities:

  1. TikTok and Instagram:
    • Create short-form, engaging video content to connect with younger audiences.
    • Use trending hashtags and challenges to boost visibility.
  2. Facebook and YouTube:
    • Focus on community-building and educational content.
    • Leverage YouTube Shorts to complement long-form videos.
  3. LinkedIn:
    • Share thought leadership content and connect with decision-makers in industries like tech and finance.

Ad Spend Optimization:

  • Allocate budgets based on platform growth and audience preferences.
  • Experiment with emerging ad formats like TikTok Spark Ads and Instagram Reels Ads.

Why Social Media Metrics Matter More Than Ever

As social platforms evolve, so do their measurement tools. For instance, Meta’s transition to ‘Views’ as the primary metric across Facebook and Instagram reflects a broader shift toward simplified analytics.

What This Means for Businesses:

  • Better Insights: Unified metrics across platforms make it easier to assess content performance.
  • Actionable Data: Metrics like time spent and repeat views reveal deeper engagement patterns.
  • Opportunities to Refine: Use analytics to identify high-performing content and replicate its success.

Amber 90: Your Partner in Social Media Success

Navigating the ever-changing social media landscape can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Amber 90, we specialize in crafting tailored social media strategies that leverage platform-specific strengths.

Why Choose Amber 90?

  • Proven Expertise: From TikTok to LinkedIn, we know what works.
  • Custom Strategies: Every brand is unique, and so is our approach.
  • Data-Driven Results: We use analytics to refine and optimize campaigns for maximum ROI.

Preparing for 2025: Key Takeaways

  1. Audit Your Presence: Ensure you’re active on platforms where your audience is most engaged.
  2. Invest in Video: Short-form content continues to dominate.
  3. Leverage Professional Platforms: Build authority with thought leadership on LinkedIn.
  4. Analyze and Adapt: Use insights to refine your strategy continuously.

Conclusion

The social media trends of 2024 offer a roadmap for success in 2025. By understanding platform preferences and aligning your strategy with audience behavior, you can ensure your business stays ahead in the digital game.

At Amber 90, we don’t just follow trends—we help you lead them. Let’s shape your social media future together.

Ready to grow your brand online?
Contact Amber 90 today.

Would you like me to craft social media posts to promote this blog on LinkedIn and Twitter?

Facebook’s New ‘Views’ Metric: What It Means for Your Business

Posted on by amber90

Facebook’s New ‘Views’ Metric: What It Means for Your Business

Social media is always evolving, and staying ahead of the curve is crucial for any business aiming to maximize its online presence. The latest shift from Meta to use ‘Views’ as the primary metric on Facebook and Instagram marks a significant change in how brands measure and analyze their content performance. At Amber 90, we specialize in helping businesses navigate these updates, ensuring you stay competitive in the digital landscape. Here’s everything you need to know about the new Facebook Views metric and how it impacts your social media strategy.

What Is the New Facebook ‘Views’ Metric?

Meta has introduced ‘Views’ as the primary performance metric across Facebook and Instagram. This shift replaces variable metrics such as ‘Plays,’ ‘Impressions,’ and ‘Watch Time’ with a single, streamlined measurement.

Key Details:

  • Definition of Views: The number of times content (photos, videos, text posts, or Stories) appears on a user’s screen, including repeat views.
  • For Non-Video Content: ‘Views’ replaces ‘Impressions.’ Each time a user sees a post, it’s counted—even if they view it multiple times a day.
  • For Video Content: ‘Plays’ is now renamed ‘Views,’ with no changes in how the data is calculated.

This change unifies performance metrics across both platforms, simplifying reporting and providing a clearer picture of your audience’s engagement.

Why Did Facebook Make This Change?

Meta’s decision reflects the growing dominance of video content across social media platforms and the need for a more intuitive analytics framework.

The Benefits of ‘Views’:

  1. Simplified Metrics: One consistent metric across all content types makes it easier for creators and brands to track engagement.
  2. Cross-Platform Alignment: Facebook and Instagram now use the same primary metric, streamlining your social media strategy.
  3. Insightful Engagement Data: Capturing repeat views highlights highly engaging or rewatchable content.

What Does This Mean for Your Data?

If you’ve noticed changes in your Facebook Insights, you’re not alone. The new ‘Views’ metric introduces some nuances in how performance is measured.

Key Changes:

  • Repeat Views Counted: A single user viewing the same photo or post multiple times will now count as multiple views, potentially inflating numbers compared to previous ‘Impressions.’
  • Video Metrics Updated:
    • Minutes Viewed: Replaces ‘Watch Time,’ rounding data to the nearest minute.
    • Average Minutes Viewed: A simplified version of the previous ‘Average Watch Time.’

While these updates simplify reporting, businesses should reassess their benchmarks to avoid misinterpreting inflated numbers as sudden spikes in success.

How Can Businesses Adapt to the New Metric?

Adjusting to Facebook’s ‘Views’ metric is more than just a numbers game—it’s an opportunity to rethink and refine your social media strategy.

Steps to Optimize Your Strategy:

  1. Analyze Repeat Views: Identify content that drives multiple views to understand what resonates with your audience.
  2. Focus on Video Engagement: With video at the forefront of Facebook’s strategy, invest in short, engaging videos that encourage replays.
  3. Reassess Performance Goals: Update KPIs to align with the new metrics and establish new benchmarks for success.
  4. Leverage Meta Business Suite: Utilize updated tools and dashboards to track and interpret performance effectively.

Why Work with Amber 90?

Navigating changes like this can be overwhelming, but that’s where Amber 90 comes in. As experts in social media marketing, we help businesses leverage updates like the Facebook ‘Views’ metric to maximize engagement and ROI.

Here’s What We Offer:

  • Tailored Social Strategies: Customized plans based on your brand’s goals and audience.
  • Performance Analytics: In-depth reporting and insights to ensure you understand the story behind your data.
  • Content Optimization: From video to text posts, we create content that captivates and converts.

Our team stays ahead of social media trends so you don’t have to—making Amber 90 your trusted partner for digital success.

The Bigger Picture: Preparing for the Future of Social Media

Facebook’s move to the ‘Views’ metric signals a broader trend towards video-first content and unified performance metrics across platforms. For businesses, it’s a chance to adapt, innovate, and thrive in an ever-changing landscape.

Key Takeaways:

  • Understand how ‘Views’ are calculated and adjust your strategy accordingly.
  • Focus on creating rewatchable, engaging content to maximize repeat views.
  • Partner with experts like Amber 90 to stay ahead of social media updates.

Conclusion

The new Facebook Views metric isn’t just a change in terminology—it’s a shift in how businesses can analyze and optimize their content. By simplifying metrics and aligning Facebook with Instagram, Meta has created a more intuitive way to track audience engagement. With Amber 90 by your side, you can turn these changes into opportunities to grow your brand’s online presence.

Ready to elevate your social media strategy?
Contact Amber 90 today and let’s transform your engagement into measurable success.

How Work is Changing: The Future for Small Businesses

Posted on by amber90

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced world, the nature of work is undergoing rapid transformation, and businesses of all sizes are adapting to stay competitive. LinkedIn’s inaugural Work Change Snapshot reveals that global leaders and professionals are feeling the effects of this shift, with 80% of executives adjusting their leadership styles and 64% of workers worldwide feeling overwhelmed by the rate of change.

For small business owners and decision-makers, staying informed about these changes is essential for sustaining growth and fostering a resilient workforce.

In this blog, we’ll break down LinkedIn’s findings, focusing on how you, as a business owner, can navigate the evolving landscape of work, adapt to new trends, and empower your team to thrive in this dynamic environment.

1. Shifts in Leadership Styles: Supporting a New Era of Work

Leadership today goes beyond managing people—it’s about creating a culture that embraces change. As 80% of executives adjust their leadership styles, small business leaders are prioritizing empathy, adaptability, and inclusivity.

  • What This Means for You: Adaptability in leadership gives you a competitive edge. Engage in open communication, offer flexible work options, and prioritize understanding your team’s needs. Showing empathy and flexibility helps build a cohesive team.
  • Tip: Schedule regular one-on-one meetings to see how your employees are adjusting and provide additional support if needed.

2. The Impact of AI on Everyday Business Operations

The rise of AI is transforming the workplace. According to LinkedIn’s Work Change Snapshot, generative AI tools are now helping businesses automate tasks, enhance customer service, and improve efficiency. For small businesses, AI offers a cost-effective way to scale operations.

  • What This Means for You: By implementing AI, you can boost productivity and automate repetitive tasks, like data entry or customer support. This innovation lets you achieve more without significant cost increases.
  • Tip: Explore easy-to-use AI tools such as chatbots for customer support or analytics platforms for customer insights. These tools improve your business’s efficiency and customer experience.

3. Upskilling and Reskilling: The Key to Staying Competitive

As job roles evolve, LinkedIn’s report highlights the importance of upskilling and reskilling employees. Investing in skill development helps small businesses remain competitive and retain talent.

  • What This Means for You: Foster a learning culture by promoting skill development. Offering training programs equips your team with new skills relevant to their roles.
  • Tip: Provide access to online courses or plan monthly workshops. Not only does this keep employees updated with industry trends, but it also fosters loyalty as they see opportunities for growth within your business.

4. Changing Job Titles and Roles

Advancements in technology mean job titles and roles are changing to fit new responsibilities. Positions like “Data Analyst” or “Digital Marketing Specialist” are becoming standard, emphasizing the need for data-driven decision-making and digital outreach.

  • What This Means for You: Review and update job descriptions regularly to reflect new responsibilities and required skills. Consider hybrid roles that align with current trends, allowing employees to expand their expertise.
  • Tip: Regularly evaluate job descriptions and adjust them to attract candidates with the skills your business needs to thrive.

5. Employee Well-being: Addressing Overwhelm in the Workplace

With 64% of professionals feeling overwhelmed by the pace of change, prioritizing employee well-being is essential. A supportive work environment helps employees feel valued and improves productivity.

  • What This Means for You: Focusing on well-being benefits your team and reduces turnover. Simple practices like flexible hours, remote work, or mental health days can go a long way in supporting your team.
  • Tip: Encourage regular breaks, especially during demanding projects. Consider an open-door policy so employees feel comfortable discussing their concerns.

6. Embracing Flexibility to Attract and Retain Talent

As remote and hybrid work increase in popularity, flexibility has become crucial. Many employees now prefer jobs that support work-life balance. Businesses offering flexible arrangements gain a recruitment advantage.

  • What This Means for You: Providing flexible work arrangements makes your small business more attractive to employees. Options might include remote work, flexible hours, or even compressed workweeks.
  • Tip: Survey your team to understand their preferences and incorporate flexibility where possible. This improves morale and appeals to potential hires.

7. Leveraging LinkedIn’s Work Change Snapshot to Stay Informed

LinkedIn’s Work Change Snapshot gives valuable insights small businesses can use to make data-driven decisions about workforce management. From embracing AI to promoting adaptability, these trends help business leaders stay ahead.

  • What This Means for You: Use reliable industry reports to stay current with workplace changes. Insights from reports like LinkedIn’s Work Change Snapshot enable you to make informed choices for your business.
  • Tip: Subscribe to business publications or set LinkedIn alerts for topics such as leadership, AI, and employee well-being to keep informed on emerging trends.

8. Partnering with Amber 90 for Data-Driven Marketing and Online Presence

In a digital-first world, a strong online presence is essential for any business. With more people turning to digital channels for information, your business’s online visibility can make a difference in attracting and retaining customers. Amber 90 helps small and mid-sized businesses leverage data-driven marketing to enhance visibility, engage audiences, and drive growth.

  • What This Means for You: Amber 90 can assist you in developing a data-based marketing strategy focused on measurable results. Using tools like SEO, social media marketing, and paid ads, Amber 90 helps you reach your target audience and maximize your marketing budget.
  • Data-Driven Decision-Making: With platforms like Google Analytics, Amber 90 identifies content that resonates with your audience. This allows for optimized messaging and ad placement, ensuring the best return on investment (ROI).
  • Building a Strong Brand Presence: Amber 90 helps you create a cohesive online brand, from optimizing your website for search engines to developing engaging social media campaigns. Their expertise strengthens your position as an industry leader.
  • Personalized Strategies for Growth: Understanding that each business is unique, Amber 90 tailors its marketing plans to align with your specific goals. Whether you want to boost brand awareness, attract leads, or improve customer loyalty, their data-driven approach ensures impactful marketing efforts.
  • Tip: Consider a consultation with Amber 90 to assess your current online presence and identify growth opportunities. They can help you focus your marketing strategy, aligned with your business’s strengths, target audience, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

Final Thoughts: Preparing for the Future of Work with Amber 90

The work environment is continuously evolving. By partnering with experts like Amber 90, you can ensure your business is ready for these changes. Embrace data-driven marketing, invest in a strong online presence, and use insights from industry leaders to stay future-ready. With Amber 90’s support, you can confidently navigate today’s dynamic landscape and build a resilient, engaged, and growing audience. Contact us today to get started.

Why Choose a Digital Marketing Agency? Key Benefits and What to Look For

Posted on by amber90

Introduction:

In the increasingly competitive digital landscape, businesses across Canada are realizing the necessity of a strong online presence to stay ahead. A professional digital marketing agency offers the expertise, tools, and strategies to navigate this complex environment. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the significant benefits of partnering with the best digital marketing agency and provide insights into what to look for when making this critical decision.

What Makes a Digital Marketing Agency the Best?

Expertise in Multiple Channels:
The best digital marketing agencies are those that have expertise in a wide range of online marketing channels, including SEO, PPC, content marketing, social media marketing, and more. This multi-channel approach ensures that your brand can effectively reach and engage with your target audience across the platforms they use most. A top agency will have a team of specialists who are well-versed in the latest industry trends and algorithms, ensuring that your marketing strategies are always ahead of the curve.

Proven Track Record with Case Studies:
When evaluating digital marketing agencies, it’s crucial to look at their track record. The best agencies will have a portfolio of case studies that showcase their ability to deliver tangible results. These case studies should demonstrate how the agency has helped businesses similar to yours achieve their marketing goals, whether that’s increasing traffic, generating leads, or boosting sales. A proven track record is a strong indicator of an agency’s reliability and effectiveness.

Comprehensive Digital Marketing Services

Overview of Services:
A full-service digital marketing agency offers a broad range of services designed to cover every aspect of online marketing. This includes SEO services to improve your website’s visibility on search engines, PPC advertising to drive targeted traffic, social media management to engage your audience, and email marketing to nurture leads and build customer loyalty. By offering a complete suite of services, the agency can create a cohesive and integrated marketing strategy that aligns with your business goals.

Benefits of Using a Full-Service Agency:
One of the main advantages of partnering with a full-service digital marketing agency is the ability to have all your marketing needs managed under one roof. This ensures consistency in messaging and strategy across all channels, which is crucial for building a strong brand identity. Additionally, a full-service agency can provide a more holistic approach to marketing, where each tactic complements the others, leading to more effective and efficient campaigns.

Key Considerations When Choosing an Agency

Industry Experience:
When selecting a digital marketing agency, it’s important to consider their experience within your specific industry. An agency that has worked with businesses similar to yours will have a deeper understanding of your market, competitors, and customer behavior. This knowledge allows them to create more targeted and effective marketing strategies that resonate with your audience and drive better results.

Pricing and Technology Stack:
Pricing is always a key consideration when choosing a digital marketing agency. However, it’s important to remember that the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Instead, look for an agency that offers transparent pricing and can demonstrate the value they bring through their services. Additionally, inquire about the technology stack they use. The right tools and platforms can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of your marketing campaigns, leading to better ROI.

Online Marketing vs. Traditional Marketing

Why Digital Marketing Yields Better ROI:
Digital marketing offers several advantages over traditional marketing methods, particularly in terms of ROI. With digital marketing, you can target specific demographics, track campaign performance in real-time, and make adjustments as needed to optimize results. This level of precision and flexibility simply isn’t possible with traditional marketing. Therefore, making it much harder to measure effectiveness and reach the right audience.

How SEO and PPC are Crucial for Online Success:
SEO and PPC are two of the most powerful tools in a digital marketer’s arsenal. SEO services help improve your website’s organic search rankings. This makes it easier for potential customers to find you online. PPC advertising, on the other hand, allows you to place ads in front of users who are actively searching for products or services like yours. Together, these strategies can significantly boost your online visibility and drive more targeted traffic to your site.

Conclusion:

Choosing the right digital marketing agency can make a significant difference in your business’s success. By partnering with an agency that offers comprehensive services, has a proven track record, and understands your industry, you can achieve your marketing goals more effectively. If you’re ready to take your digital marketing efforts to the next level, we invite you to request a consultation with us today.

Beginner Guide to Internet Marketing for Small Businesses

Posted on by amber90

The Beginners Guide to Internet Marketing for SMBs

Move over print ads and direct mail: Internet marketing is the new trend. Digital marketing now accounts for 56% of total marketing spend, with the industry expected to reach over $786 billion globally by 2026. For Canadian and North American businesses, staying ahead means embracing online marketing strategies.

Use this beginner’s guide to internet marketing to understand the basics and learn how to leverage digital channels for your business.

What Is Internet Marketing?

Internet marketing, also known as digital marketing, involves using online channels to help an audience learn more about your products. By leveraging tools such as websites, email, online advertising, social media, and more, you can reach potential consumers, educate them on your offerings, and convert them into customers.

Types of Internet Marketing

Internet marketing encompasses various strategies and approaches. Here’s a look at some of the most popular types:

Content Marketing

Content marketing involves creating and distributing valuable content to attract and engage your target audience. This can include blog posts, infographics, podcasts, videos, and more. The goal is to establish your expertise, promote your brand, and provide value to consumers, which can lead to increased audience retention, higher conversion rates, and greater brand awareness.

SEO Marketing

Search engine optimization (SEO) marketing involves optimizing your content to rank highly in search engine results pages (SERPs). This includes using relevant keywords, crafting compelling meta tags and descriptions, optimizing headings, and building high-quality backlinks. SEO is crucial for increasing organic traffic to your website.

Social Media Marketing

Social media marketing uses platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube to promote your brand and connect with potential customers. With an estimated 4.89 billion social media users spending an average of 151 minutes per day on these platforms, it’s a vital channel for engagement and brand awareness.

Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing involves partnering with influencers or other entities to promote your products. For every sale or lead generated, the affiliate earns a commission. This strategy leverages the influence of trusted individuals to reach a broader audience.

Email Marketing

Email marketing involves sending targeted, personalized emails to a specific audience to promote products, services, or foster engagement. With a potential ROI of $36 for every dollar spent, email marketing remains one of the most effective digital marketing strategies.

Internet Marketing vs. Traditional Marketing

While both internet and traditional marketing aim to promote services, products, and brands, they differ significantly:

Communication Mediums

  • Internet Marketing: Utilizes online platforms like websites, social media, emails, and search engines.
  • Traditional Marketing: Employs offline methods such as billboards, direct mail, print publications, radio, and television.

Demographic Targeting

  • Internet Marketing: Allows for precise demographic targeting, enabling you to reach specific audiences based on various criteria.
  • Traditional Marketing: Often targets broader geographic areas with less precision.

Budgeting

  • Internet Marketing: Generally more cost-effective, with lower CPM compared to traditional methods.
  • Traditional Marketing: Typically more expensive, with higher CPM for mediums like direct mail and TV ads.

Lead Tracking

  • Internet Marketing: Offers robust tracking capabilities, allowing you to measure impressions, clicks, and conversions easily.
  • Traditional Marketing: Tracking ROI is more challenging, with less direct data on ad performance.

Interactivity and Engagement

  • Internet Marketing: Facilitates two-way communication, enabling interactions with consumers through comments, likes, and shares.
  • Traditional Marketing: Less interactive, with limited opportunities for direct engagement.

Global Reach

  • Internet Marketing: Provides the ability to reach a global audience with ease.
  • Traditional Marketing: Typically confined to specific geographic regions, making global reach more challenging.

Digital Marketing Strategies

Here are some key internet marketing strategies to guide your efforts:

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Optimize your website and content to rank higher in SERPs by using relevant keywords, creating compelling meta tags, and ensuring your site is user-friendly and fast-loading.  A tool we highly recommend to review your SEO performance is SEMRush.

User-Friendly Website Design

A well-designed website is crucial for retaining visitors. Ensure your site is easy to navigate, mobile-responsive, and optimized for speed.

Social Media Outreach

Engage with your audience on social media platforms by responding to comments and messages, and participating in discussions. Link your posts with your content strategy to maintain consistency.

Customer-Centric Approach

Focus on understanding your customers’ needs and preferences. Develop detailed customer personas and create tailored content that addresses their challenges and provides solutions.

Pay-per-Click Advertising (PPC)

PPC advertising allows you to pay for ads that appear on platforms like Google and Facebook. You only pay when someone clicks on your ad, making it a cost-effective way to reach interested consumers.

Bottom Line

Internet marketing is an essential tool for small and medium-sized businesses. It offers cost-effective methods to reach a global audience, target specific demographics, and provide measurable results. By leveraging a mix of internet marketing strategies, you can enhance your brand’s online presence, drive sales, and build customer trust.

Ready to boost your digital marketing efforts? Contact us today to learn how we can help you create impactful online ad campaigns and more.

Maximize Your Marketing: TikTok Unveils Marketing Guide for SMBs

Posted on by amber90

Introduction

With holiday planning now in full swing, TikTok has released a comprehensive marketing playbook tailored for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). This guide is designed to help businesses maximize their marketing efforts on the popular platform, providing valuable insights and strategies.

A Comprehensive Guide to TikTok Marketing

The 19-page playbook offers an extensive overview of TikTok marketing, filled with useful tips and strategies to enhance your approach. This guide covers various aspects of TikTok marketing, ensuring that businesses can effectively leverage the platform to reach their target audience.

Key Highlights from the Guide

1. TikTok’s Popularity and Relevance: The guide begins with an overview of TikTok’s growing popularity and its relevance for marketers. It provides a range of usage statistics that highlight why TikTok is an essential platform for marketing efforts.

2. TikTok Ad Tools: The playbook details the different ad tools available on TikTok and how businesses can use them to their advantage. Understanding these tools is crucial for creating effective ad campaigns that resonate with your audience.

3. Creative Tips for Videos: TikTok has included a variety of creative tips to help businesses produce engaging and compelling videos. These tips are designed to inspire and guide you in creating content that captures attention and drives engagement.

4. Content Inspiration and Ideas: To spark your creativity, the guide offers numerous ideas and examples for TikTok content. These suggestions can help you brainstorm and develop a content strategy that aligns with your brand and goals.

5. Content Mapping: The playbook provides an example of how to map out your TikTok content. This section is particularly useful for planning and organizing your content calendar, ensuring a consistent and strategic approach to your TikTok advertising efforts.

Why This Guide is Valuable

While some of the notes and tips in the guide might seem familiar, there are valuable pointers that can refine your TikTok strategy. By following the recommendations in the playbook, businesses can make the most of the tools available on TikTok and enhance their marketing performance.

Download the Guide

If you’re looking to focus on TikTok marketing campaigns this year, this guide is definitely worth considering. You can download TikTok’s 2024 CPG Playbook for SMBs here.

Call to Action

Ready to elevate your TikTok marketing strategy? Contact us today to learn how we can help you create effective TikTok ad campaigns that drive results.

Reddit Unveils Lead Generation Ads: A New Era for Marketers

Posted on by amber90

Reddit has introduced a new advertising format, Lead Generation (Lead Gen) Ads, designed to help marketers collect prospective customer information directly from their promotions within the app. This new feature promises to enhance user experience and improve lead quality for advertisers.

Reddit Lead Gen Ads: How They Work

Reddit’s Lead Gen Ads function as expected, featuring a “Sign Up” call-to-action (CTA). When users click on this CTA, they are directed to a sign-up form where they can enter their details. This streamlined process is designed to be user-friendly, particularly for mobile users, with features like auto-population of the email field to reduce friction.

Positive Early Results

Early testing of Reddit’s Lead Gen Ads has shown promising results. For example, LaunchDarkly, a feature management platform, reported a 30% decrease in cost per lead and a 25% increase in lead submission rates compared to their previous conversion campaigns on Reddit. These improvements highlight the potential effectiveness of this new ad format across various industries.

Benefits of Reddit Lead Gen Ads

Lead Gen Ads on Reddit offer several advantages:

  1. Enhanced Lead Quality: Advertisers have reported better quality leads, which can lead to more effective marketing campaigns.
  2. Improved Campaign Performance: The initial tests have shown increased lead submission rates, indicating higher engagement from users.
  3. Targeted Advertising: Marketers can direct these ads to specific Reddit communities, allowing for precise targeting and increased brand awareness.

Integration with Zapier

In addition to the Lead Gen Ads, Reddit has announced a new integration with the automation platform Zapier. This integration allows advertisers to seamlessly transfer lead information from Reddit directly into their CRM systems. This automation can streamline the process of managing and nurturing leads, making it easier for businesses to capitalize on their advertising efforts.

Expanding Reddit’s Ad Suite

The introduction of Lead Gen Ads and the Zapier integration represent significant additions to Reddit’s growing suite of advertising tools. As Reddit continues to expand its business opportunities, these features provide valuable tools for marketers looking to maximize their reach and effectiveness on the platform.

Lead Gen Ads are now available to all advertisers globally, while the Zapier integration is available to brands working directly with Reddit’s ad team.

Conclusion

Reddit’s new Lead Gen Ads offer a powerful tool for marketers to collect high-quality leads directly from their promotions. Coupled with the Zapier integration, these ads can streamline lead management and enhance campaign performance. As Reddit continues to innovate and expand its advertising capabilities, marketers have more opportunities than ever to engage with the platform’s diverse and active user base.

Looking to leverage Reddit’s new Lead Gen Ads for your marketing campaigns? Contact us today!

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