GCMD News & Marketing Articles

How AI is Reshaping Your Website's SEO

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 19:05:13 GMT

Your 2025 Playbook for Success in Searches

The digital landscape has shifted dramatically over the past year. While you're focused on building beautiful homes and managing client expectations, the way potential customers find your business online has fundamentally changed. Search engines now deliver AI-powered answers directly to users, often without them ever clicking through to websites like yours. For home builders competing in local markets, this transformation presents both challenges and opportunities that you can't afford to ignore.

Understanding these changes doesn't require a computer science degree. What matters is recognizing that your website's SEO strategy needs an update to stay competitive and maintain the credibility that drives your business forward.

The New Search Reality: Beyond Google's Blue Links

Search has fractured into multiple online marketing channels. Your potential clients no longer rely solely on traditional Google searches. They're asking AI assistants questions like "best home builders near me" or "how much does a custom home cost," and receiving instant answers that may or may not include your business.

Recent data shows AI-referral traffic has increased by 527% between January and May 2025. In industries similar to home building, including real estate and construction, AI-driven site visits now represent over 1% of total sessions. While this might seem small, it's growing rapidly and represents qualified leads actively seeking your services.

This shift means your website traffic patterns are changing. You might notice fewer direct clicks from search engines, but this doesn't necessarily mean your SEO efforts are failing. Instead, it often indicates that AI systems are using your content to answer questions without sending users to your site initially.

1. Assistive Optimization: Your New SEO Foundation

Traditional SEO focused on ranking high in Google search results. Today's approach requires what experts call "assistive optimization," ensuring your content serves search engines, knowledge graphs, and AI language models simultaneously.

For home builders, this means creating content that AI systems can easily understand and cite. When someone asks an AI assistant about local building codes, construction timelines, or design trends, you want your expertise to be the source of that answer.

Practical steps you can take:

Start with your existing content. Review your project galleries, blog posts, and service descriptions. Are they written in clear, conversational language that directly answers common client questions? AI systems favor content that's structured like a helpful conversation rather than marketing copy.

Create FAQ sections that address real client concerns. Instead of generic questions, focus on specific issues your clients face: "How long does a custom home build take in [your city]?" or "What permits are required for home additions in [your area]?" These targeted answers help AI systems understand your expertise.

Structure your content with clear headings and subheadings. AI systems parse information more effectively when it's well-organized. Use bullet points for lists, include specific details about your services, and make sure your contact information is prominently displayed and consistently formatted across all pages.

2. AI Visibility Over Click-Through Rates

The traditional SEO metric of measuring success through website clicks is becoming less reliable. Your content might be performing excellently, educating potential clients and establishing your authority without generating the click-through rates you've historically tracked.

This doesn't mean SEO is dead. It means the value of SEO has evolved. When AI systems consistently cite your business as a trusted source for home building information, you're building brand recognition and authority that translates into business growth, even if the attribution is harder to track.

Think of it like word-of-mouth referrals. You might not know exactly which conversation led to a new client calling you, but you understand that your reputation in the community generates business. AI visibility works similarly to your expertise spreads through AI-powered conversations you'll never directly see.

Measuring what matters now:

Focus on brand mention tracking across AI platforms. Monitor whether your business name appears in AI-generated answers about home building topics in your area. Tools exist to track these mentions, though the measurement landscape is still developing.

Pay attention to the quality and specificity of organic search queries leading to your site. If you're seeing more detailed, long-tail searches that indicate serious buying intent, your AI visibility efforts are likely working.

3. Collaboration Beyond Your Website

Your SEO success now depends on more than just optimizing your own website. AI systems pull information from across the web to formulate answers. This means your presence on industry directories, review platforms, local business listings, and even social media contributes to your overall search visibility.

For home builders, this collaborative approach is particularly important because potential clients research extensively before making contact. They're looking for evidence of your credibility across multiple platforms before they trust you with their largest investment.

Building comprehensive visibility:

Ensure your business information is consistent across all online platforms. Your name, address, phone number, and service descriptions should match exactly on Google Business, Yelp, Angi, Better Business Bureau, and any industry-specific directories.

Encourage satisfied clients to leave detailed reviews that mention specific aspects of your work. AI systems value specific, descriptive content over generic positive feedback. A review that mentions your attention to detail during the permitting process is more valuable for AI visibility than a simple "great job" review.

Participate in local community discussions and industry forums where appropriate. When you share expertise about local building codes, design trends, or construction challenges, you're creating content that AI systems may reference when answering related questions.

4. Evolution for SEO Professionals and Business Owners

The rapid changes in search require a shift from reactive to proactive SEO strategies. Instead of waiting to see how algorithm changes affect your rankings, you need to anticipate how AI systems will interpret and use your content.

This evolution doesn't require you to become a technical expert, but it does mean adopting new approaches to content creation and website management. The businesses that thrive will be those that view AI as a tool for reaching more potential clients, not as a threat to their marketing efforts.

Adopting AI-native thinking:

Consider how AI might interpret your content when creating new pages or blog posts. Write as if you're explaining your services to an intelligent assistant that will then relay that information to potential clients. This approach naturally creates more helpful, conversational content.

Use structured data markup to help AI systems understand your business details. This technical step, which your web developer can implement, provides clear signals about your services, location, and credentials.

Stay informed about AI developments without getting overwhelmed by technical details. Focus on understanding how these changes affect client behavior and adjust your approach accordingly.

5. Teaching AI About Your Expertise

The most successful approach to modern SEO involves viewing AI systems as students you're teaching about your industry and local market. The clearer and more authoritative your content, the more likely AI systems are to recognize and cite your expertise.

For home builders, this means creating content that demonstrates deep knowledge of your craft, local regulations, and client needs. AI systems favor sources that consistently provide accurate, detailed information over time.

Establishing AI-friendly authority:

Document your projects with detailed case studies that explain challenges, solutions, and outcomes. This type of content helps AI systems understand the scope and quality of your work.

Create location-specific content that demonstrates your understanding of local building conditions, regulations, and market preferences. AI systems value local expertise and are more likely to recommend businesses that show deep community knowledge.

Maintain consistent publication of helpful content. Regular blog posts about construction trends, seasonal building considerations, or maintenance tips establish you as an ongoing source of reliable information.

6. Adapting Your SEO Strategy for Long-term Success

The transformation of search isn't a temporary trend, it's a fundamental shift in how information flows online. Home builders who adapt their SEO strategies now will have significant competitive advantages as these changes accelerate.

Success in this new environment requires balancing traditional SEO fundamentals with AI-focused optimization. You still need a well-designed website with fast loading times and mobile compatibility. But you also need content that serves both human visitors and AI systems effectively.

The businesses that will thrive are those that view SEO as an investment in comprehensive online credibility rather than just a tactic for generating website traffic. When AI systems consistently recognize you as the go-to expert for home building in your area, that authority translates into business growth across all channels.

Your next steps should focus on auditing your current content for AI-friendliness, ensuring consistent business information across all platforms, and creating helpful resources that demonstrate your expertise. These foundational changes will position your business for success as search continues to evolve.

Remember, the goal isn't to game AI system, it's to make your genuine expertise more discoverable and useful to potential clients, regardless of how they search for your services.

Have Questions or Need Help?

If you are feeling overwhelmed by all these steps, need a help upgrading your website's content for AI, or just have questions, feel free to reach out to us at alexandra@granularcreateive.com , visit our website at www.GCMD.Agency , or call us at 207-464-0016

8 LinkedIn Lead Generation Strategies for Homebuilders

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 17:12:41 GMT

Steps for Growing Your Sales and Client Base

Home builders face unique challenges when it comes to generating quality leads. Your projects take months to complete, budgets are substantial, and clients need to trust you with one of their biggest investments. LinkedIn offers a powerful platform to showcase your expertise, build relationships with potential clients, and generate high-quality leads for your construction business.

Unlike other social platforms, LinkedIn connects you directly with homeowners, real estate professionals, and business owners who are actively seeking construction services. The key lies in using the right strategies to stand out in a competitive market and convert connections into paying clients.

This guide walks you through eight proven LinkedIn lead generation strategies specifically designed for home builders who want to grow their business and establish lasting credibility.

1. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile as Your Digital Storefront

Your LinkedIn profile serves as your primary landing page for potential clients. Most home builders make the mistake of treating their profile like a resume instead of a client-focused marketing tool.

Transform Your Headline

Skip generic titles like "Owner at ABC Construction." Instead, clearly state who you help and how. For example: "Helping Custom Home Builders in [Your City] Create Dream Homes with Quality Craftsmanship" or "Luxury Home Builder | Specializing in Energy-Efficient Custom Homes for Growing Families."

Optimize Your Banner Image

Use this prime real estate to showcase your brand. Include your company logo, a tagline that speaks to client benefits, or a call-to-action like "Schedule Your Free Consultation." High-quality photos of completed projects work exceptionally well.

Craft a Results-Focused About Section

Your about section should address client pain points, not just tell your story. Focus on the problems you solve: "Frustrated with contractors who don't deliver on time? Our systematic approach ensures your custom home project stays on schedule and within budget." Include specific results like "95% of our projects completed on time" or "Served 200+ satisfied homeowners."

Leverage the Featured Section

Showcase your best work here. Upload case studies, before-and-after project photos, client testimonials, or links to your portfolio. Include lead magnets like "Free Guide: 10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Home Builder."

Schedule Time to Manage Your Account

Block off several time slots throughout your week to manage your LinkedIn account interactions with current contacts, identify and reach out to new contacts, and develop relationships with all contacts. Consistent focus pays off in the long run.

2. Identify and Target Your Ideal Prospects

Successful LinkedIn lead generation starts with finding the right people. Home builders typically serve homeowners, real estate investors, architects, and other professionals in the construction ecosystem.

Use LinkedIn's Search Tools

LinkedIn Sales Navigator offers advanced filtering options, but the free advanced search can be surprisingly effective. Filter by location (focus on your service area), industry (real estate, finance, professional services), and company size. Look for people with job titles like "Real Estate Investor," "Property Manager," or executives at growing companies who might need office expansions.

Join Relevant Industry Groups

Participate in local business groups, real estate investor communities, realtor groups, and homeowner associations. These groups often contain your ideal prospects discussing their construction needs openly. Popular groups include local chamber of commerce chapters and real estate investment groups.

Create Prospect Lists

Save promising connections in organized lists. Categories might include "Potential Residential Clients," "Real Estate Partners," and "Commercial Prospects." This organization helps you tailor your messaging and track your outreach efforts.

3. Build Authentic Relationships Before Making Sales Pitches

Home building requires significant trust and investment from clients. Rushing into sales conversations kills potential relationships before they start.

Perfect Your Connection Requests

Generic connection requests get ignored. Personalize every request by mentioning something specific: "Hi Sarah, I noticed your recent post about considering a home addition. I help homeowners in [City] with similar projects and would love to connect." Keep it brief but personal.

Engage Meaningfully with Content

Before reaching out, spend time engaging with prospects' posts. Like, comment thoughtfully, and share their content when relevant. This positions you as genuinely interested in their success, not just another salesperson.

Provide Value First

Send helpful resources without asking for anything in return. Share market reports, design trend articles, or construction tips relevant to their interests. This approach builds trust and demonstrates your expertise naturally.

4. Use Content Marketing to Attract Quality Leads

Content marketing on LinkedIn positions you as the go-to expert in your market while attracting prospects to you instead of chasing them.

Share Educational Content

Post content that addresses common homeowner concerns: "5 Signs It's Time for a Home Addition," "How to Budget for Your Custom Home Project," or "What to Expect During the Construction Process." Educational content gets shared more frequently and establishes your authority.

Showcase Your Work

Post high-quality photos of completed projects with detailed descriptions. Explain the challenges you solved, unique features you incorporated, and client satisfaction results. Before-and-after comparisons perform exceptionally well.

Create How-To Guides and Checklists

Develop valuable resources like "The Complete Guide to Planning Your Custom Home" or "Kitchen Renovation Checklist." These pieces position you as helpful while subtly demonstrating your expertise.

Leverage Video Content

LinkedIn prioritizes native video content in its algorithm. Create short videos explaining construction processes, giving virtual tours of completed projects, or answering frequently asked questions. Videos humanize your brand and build stronger connections.

Include Soft Calls to Action
End valuable posts with gentle invitations like "DM me if you'd like a copy of my free construction timeline template" or "Comment below if you're planning a home project this year." This approach generates leads without feeling pushy.

5. Create an Effective Lead Generation Funnel

A systematic approach to converting LinkedIn connections into paying clients maximizes your return on time invested.

Develop Compelling Lead Magnets
Create valuable resources that require contact information to access. Examples include "The Homeowner's Guide to Hiring a Contractor," "Custom Home Budget Calculator," or "Renovation Planning Checklist." These tools demonstrate value while capturing prospect information. This process would require a landing page with a contact form to get resources. Once the lead completes the form, automatic educational emails can be sent to them regularly. These tools are available on Accelerator-Pro.com .

Design Clear Conversion Paths
Every piece of content should guide prospects toward the next step. Social media posts drive traffic to lead magnets, which capture email addresses for ongoing nurturing. Include clear calls-to-action directing people to dedicated landing pages.

Implement Follow-Up Sequences
Develop email nurture sequences for new leads. Share additional valuable content, client success stories, and project showcases over several weeks. This consistent communication keeps you top-of-mind when they're ready to start a project.

6. Leverage LinkedIn's Advanced Tools and Features

LinkedIn offers several tools specifically designed for lead generation and relationship building.

LinkedIn Ads for Targeted Reach
Promote your lead magnets, upcoming webinars, or special offers through LinkedIn's advertising platform. The precise targeting options help you reach homeowners and decision-makers in your specific service area.

Message Ads and InMail
Use sponsored messaging to reach prospects directly. Promote valuable resources or invite qualified prospects to consultations. Keep messages personal and value-focused rather than sales-heavy.

Company Page Optimization
Maintain an active company page showcasing completed projects, client testimonials, and industry insights. This page serves as additional social proof when prospects research your business.

Host LinkedIn Events
Create virtual events like "Home Building 101 Webinars" or "Renovation Planning Workshops." These events position you as an authority while generating qualified leads from attendees.

7. Track Performance and Optimize Your Approach

Measuring your LinkedIn lead generation efforts ensures you focus on strategies that deliver the best results.

Monitor Key Metrics
Track connection acceptance rates, post engagement levels, lead magnet downloads, and conversion rates from LinkedIn-generated leads. Use UTM codes to identify LinkedIn traffic in Google Analytics.

Use CRM Integration
Log all LinkedIn interactions in your customer relationship management system. We use Accelerator-Pro by GCMD. Track which prospects came from LinkedIn, their project interests, and conversion timelines. This data helps you understand your most effective strategies.

Test and Refine
Experiment with different content types, connection request messages, and posting schedules. Double down on approaches that generate the highest engagement and lead conversion rates.

Analyze Competitor Activities
Monitor what successful competitors post and how they engage with prospects. Adapt their effective strategies while maintaining your unique voice and value proposition.

8. Transform Your LinkedIn Presence Into a Lead Generation Machine

LinkedIn lead generation for home builders requires patience, consistency, and genuine relationship building. Success comes from positioning yourself as a trusted advisor rather than just another contractor seeking business.

Start by optimizing your profile to speak directly to client needs and pain points. Focus on building authentic relationships through valuable content and meaningful engagement. Use LinkedIn's tools strategically to reach qualified prospects and convert them through well-designed funnels.

Remember that home building is a relationship business. The prospects you connect with today might not be ready to build for months or years, but consistent value delivery keeps you top-of-mind when they are ready.

Ready to implement these strategies?
Begin with profile optimization and commit to posting valuable content three times per week. Track your results and refine your approach based on what resonates most with your target audience. Your future clients are already on LinkedIn—make sure they can find you when they need your expertise.

Have Questions or Need Help?

If you are feeling overwhelmed by all these steps, need a Lead Generation System or just have questions, feel free to reach out to us at alexandra@granularcreateive.com , visit our website at www.GCMD.Agency , or call us at 207-464-0016

How to Optimize Your Google Business Profile for SEO

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 19:49:14 GMT

Tips for Better Search Results

Most people think of SEO is all about their website optimization. While building a quality website is important, so are off-site settings, such as optimizing your Google Business Profile for search.

If you don’t have a Google Business Profil e, then the first step is to create a Google account and set up your business profile. The Profile listing is Free and will greatly improve your business’s chance of showing up in Google searches.

Google Business Profile Basic Setup

If you’re starting your Profile, provide the following core information: Business Name, Business Category, Description, Opening Date, Contact Phone Number, Website, Location, and Business Hours. If you’re using your home as your business address, you can choose not to display your address to customers.

Under Photos, upload your business logo and a cover image that relates to your business. Google has requirements for these graphics, so read about the photo requirements in advance.

Google will verify your account before it shows up in Google searches. If you encounter any issues with verification, please reach out to us for assistance. We'd be happy to help.

Optimize Your Google My Business Profile

Once you’ve completed the core information (business name, address, phone number, etc.) it’s time to optimize your Profile for searches. This will take some time, but it is worth the effort.

1. Your Business Description

How you describe your business plays a pivotal role in how potential clients/customers decide to contact your business or not, so craft a compelling description. The Business Description can be up to 750 characters and should include keywords that potential clients/customers would use to find a business like yours.

The Description area can consist of:

A paragraph about your services/products
What makes your business unique in the market
How long have you been in business or the history of the company.
Any information your client/customer would find helpful.

Pro Tip: If you’re not comfortable writing the description, submit a rough draft of your business description to ChapGPT or other AI software for enhancing your content.

Pro Tip: Research your competitors and identify 3-4 keywords they are using for their business to come up in searches. Incorporate 2-4 of those keywords, or your keywords, in your profile description. For instance, a contractor who builds homes may use the following keywords: Homebuilder, custom homebuilder, (state) home builder, or general contractor.

2. List Your Services

This should seem obvious, but it's amazing how little attention is given to the Services section. If you’re a home builder or home remodeling company, for instance, list each type of service you provide, like kitchen remodeling, custom home building, etc. With each service, complete the Price field (No Price, Free, Fixed, Start From) and write a description of the service using a keyword or two – up to 300 characters.

3. List Your Products

If your business sells physical or digital products, list them in this area, like kitchen cabinetry lines. Products might include specific brands that you are authorized to sell or offer. For instance, an Electrician may install Generac generators and want to list this product as an authorized installation company. Products could also be bundled services, like related marketing services could be sold as a single product, or a generator installation could include the product, installation, and an extended warranty.

The Products section includes the Product Name, Product Category, Price (optional), Description (up to 1,000 characters), Link to a website page, and Photo.

Pro Tip: Services and Products are important sections in your Profile, so plan to spend time on these sections. Focus on your core Services and Products initially, then add to these sections a little each week until complete.

4. Create Q&A Section

If you have clients/customers who ask the same questions frequently when engaging with your business, these types of questions are perfect for the Q&A section of your profile.

First, submit a Question. Then provide an answer to the question. Yes, your business will show up as the company that asked and answered the question, which is fine.

We recommend creating five Q&As to start and adding a question/answer each workday. The Q&As could be written in advance and copied into your Profile.

Pro Tip: Write questions that align with questions clients/customers would ask when conducting an online search for businesses like yours. Use a keyword or two in the answers you provide to help with SEO.

UPDATE: As of December 3, 2025, Google is in the process of updating its Q&A section. Profile visitors will be able to ask questions when visiting a company's GBP, and Google Gemini AI will respond based on the information provided in your profile and website. We suggest adding FAQs to your website so search engines can use your information to answer relevant questions. Read Google Update .

5. List Your Offers

If your business has a special promotion, sale, or a product/service you wish to highlight, complete the Offer section. It can also be used for products, reservations, and more.

This section could be used as a lead generation tool to attract new clients/customers who are directed to your website/landing page for more information and a contact form. From your Profile, go to Update, select Offer, then provide relevant information about your offer, including start and expiry date, terms, coupon code, and link to redeem the Offer.

6. List Your Event

Most of us are familiar with Facebook events, but did you know that Google also has an Event section? From the Profile, go to Update and select Event to list your event. Again, use a keyword or two in the Description, create a start and end date/time, a button for next steps, and an image.

7. Post New Content Regularly

Use your Google Business Profile like another social media channel by posting quality content 2-3 times per week. Content can include photos, videos, articles, project profiles, and more. If you’re logged into your account, go to Update, complete the Description field (up to 500 characters), add an image or video, and choose a Button to encourage clients/customers to take the next step.

Pro Tip: Your activity on multiple social media channels can impact your Google Business Profile ranking. Be active on at least two other social media channels, such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Pinterest, etc.

8. Request Reviews

We all know that Reviews are important. While you can grab your reviews link from your Profile and forward it to a client/customer, we recommend using an automated tool because it’s easier for you to use and delivers a better experience for clients/customers. A QR code is also available for displaying at the business, on printed marketing pieces, or using on a website, etc.

If you want to learn how to get great reviews from clients, check out our Article on How to Get Raving Reviews from Clients.

9. Frequent Social Media Posts

Believe it or not, Google monitors your activity on various social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube, etc. Frequent posting on social media impacts how Google ranks your business listing. We recommend posting to at least two social media channels three times per week.

Ongoing Management for Results

If you manage your Google Business Profile regularly, it will increase activity on your website and traffic to your business. Once your Profile is set up, products/services are listed, and you have started posting, it’s vital to create a maintenance schedule so that real results can be realized.

We suggest the following:

Weekly Activity

1. Post Updates 2-3 times per week and include quality descriptions, photos, and videos.

2. Create a new Question and Answer each week until you have 20+ Q&A that align with the questions potential clients would ask. Maybe turn this effort into a company-wide contest with a prize for the best new Q&A.

3. Email or text review requests to clients at least once per week. It’s recommended that a review request be sent when the client is most excited about your product or service.

Ongoing Marketing Campaigns

4. Schedule and create Offers as part of a marketing campaign. If you have weekly or monthly offers, make sure to schedule Offers as part of your marketing processes.

5. Like Offers, an Event is part of a bigger marketing campaign, so include it.

Monthly Activity

6. Review or update your Services and Products each month to ensure this information is accurate and add new products or services.

7. Finally, track Profile activity, referrals to your website, inbound calls generated, etc., so you know what’s working and can identify areas for improvement. This step is usually part of a bigger SEO strategy and reporting.

Have Questions or Need Help?

If you are feeling overwhelmed by all these steps, are experiencing verification problems, or just have questions, feel free to reach out to us at design@gcmd.agency , visit our website at www.GCMD.Agnecy, or call us at 207-464-0016.

Related Articles: How Does Google See Your Website

Unlocking the Potential of Voice AI for Homebuilders

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 16:49:45 GMT

Your Virtual Receptionist ... for a Lower Cost.

Homebuilding is an industry where customer communication plays a pivotal role.

From initial inquiries to scheduling consultations, a seamless phone experience can make or break a potential lead’s impression of your business. This is where Voice AI steps revolutionizing the way homebuilders handle inbound phone calls.

Voice AI leverages artificial intelligence to streamline your operations, enhance customer service, and ultimately drive higher lead conversion rates. If you’ve wondered how this technology can work for you, read on—we'll uncover its major benefits and practical applications that can elevate your business.

1. Enhanced Customer Service

Customer experience begins the moment someone dials your number. With Voice AI, your phone support becomes faster, more accurate, and more accessible.

24/7 Availability

Picture this – a potential client is browsing your website after hours and has a crucial question. Instead of waiting until the next day, Voice AI allows them to get immediate answers anytime, increasing their satisfaction and keeping them engaged.

Consistent Responses

To win trust, your business must provide consistent and accurate information. Voice AI can easily handle common questions like pricing details, project timelines, or the services you specialize in, delivering precise answers consistently without human error.

Multilingual Support

For homebuilders catering to diverse customer bases, Voice AI can communicate fluently in multiple languages. This ensures no valuable lead is lost due to language barriers, setting you apart as an inclusive and customer-centric brand. An AI Agent can be set up for each language to handle the inbound greeting, frequently asked questions, and more.

2. Streamlined Operations

Voice AI is more than just a communication tool—it’s a productivity booster that takes repetitive and time-consuming administrative tasks off your plate.

Call Forwarding

Forget the hassle of manually transferring calls. Voice AI can identify the customer’s needs and route their call to the right department or team member seamlessly. This saves time for everyone involved and reduces frustration for your clients.

Appointment Scheduling

Whether it’s booking an initial consultation or rescheduling a site visit, Voice AI integrates with your calendar to manage appointments effortlessly. Customers can pick a time that works for them without needing back-and-forth calls.

Data Collection

Voice AI doesn’t just answer calls—it collects key details like contact information and project requirements. This data is neatly organized and ready for your team to use in follow-ups, helping you stay ahead without any manual effort.

3. Increased Lead Conversion Rates

Time is of the essence when converting a lead. Voice AI ensures no inquiry goes unnoticed, giving you an edge over competitors.

Immediate Engagement

The speed of your response plays a critical role in winning over potential customers. Since Voice AI can pick up every call instantly—even during peak hours—your chances of securing new leads multiply.

Personalized Interactions

Bringing a personal touch to conversations doesn’t have to be complicated. Voice AI uses customer data to tailor interactions, making callers feel heard and valued. For instance, personalized greetings or recognizing past inquiries can go a long way in building rapport.

Follow-Up Automation

After an initial call, Voice AI can automatically send reminders, follow-up messages, or even helpful articles. These thoughtful touchpoints help nurture leads, moving them closer to signing on the dotted line.

4. Cost Efficiency

Implementing advanced technology doesn’t always equate to high costs. Voice AI offers a budget-friendly way to improve efficiency while reducing overhead expenses.

Reduced Staffing Costs

High call volumes often mean bringing in extra staff—and increased payroll expenses. Voice AI handles a large number of inquiries without requiring an expanded workforce, saving you money while delivering stellar service.

Scalability

Whether your business is just starting out or experiencing rapid growth, Voice AI scales with ease. There’s no need for constant adjustments or investments to accommodate more calls as your workload increases.

5. Improved Insights and Analytics

Understanding what your customers need is the key to improving your business. Voice AI offers advanced analytics tools that give you valuable insights into your calls.

Call Analysis

By tracking conversation trends and frequently asked questions, Voice AI helps you refine your messaging and identify which services are in highest demand.

Performance Metrics

Measure your phone support’s efficiency with data on call handling times, customer satisfaction rates, and more. These metrics help pinpoint areas of improvement and prove the ROI of implementing Voice AI.

6. Competitive Advantage

Voice AI isn’t just a tool—it’s a statement. By incorporating this technology, you position your business as a forward-thinking leader in the homebuilding industry.

Modern Technology Appeal

Homebuyers and homeowners today expect tech-savvy businesses. Offering services like Voice AI gives you a cutting-edge reputation that sets you apart from competitors stuck in traditional methods.

Faster Response Times

A speedy response can often mean the difference between closing the deal or losing it. Voice AI ensures you’re the first to address inquiries efficiently, leaving a lasting impression on prospects.

How to Get Started with Voice AI

Getting started with Voice AI is easier than you might think. Partner with a reliable provider who can tailor the system to meet your unique needs, whether that’s handling peak call volumes, scheduling appointments, or providing multilingual support.

Take the time to train your AI system with typical customer scenarios and review it regularly to ensure consistent performance. By embedding Voice AI into your daily operations, your business can focus on growing while technology takes care of the behind-the-scenes complexity.

The Future is Calling—Will You Answer?

For homebuilders, the adoption of Voice AI isn't just a matter of convenience - it’s the future of efficient, customer-focused communication. By implementing this technology, you’re not just improving how your business operates - you’re creating a better experience for your customers and unlocking growth opportunities.

With benefits like enhanced customer service, streamlined operations, and higher lead conversion rates, there’s no reason to wait. Start exploring Voice AI today and watch how it transforms your homebuilding business!

Learn more about AI Employee and Voice AI at Accelerator-Pro - FREE Trial Available.

Call this phone number for a FREE Demo. 1-877-693-2572

Granular Creative Wins Inhouse National Design Award

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 15:34:23 GMT

18th National Design Award from GDUSA (NYC)

New York, NY – July 15, 2025 – Granular Creative Marketing & Design has achieved a significant milestone, earning its 18th national design award for the website Accelerator-Pro.com . The recognition comes from the prestigious 62nd Annual GDUSA Inhouse Design Awards , hosted by Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) .

The GDUSA Inhouse Design Awards, a flagship competition celebrating excellence in design across all media, received over 5,000 entries in 2025. With fewer than 10% of submissions selected as winners, Granular Creative joins an elite group of honorees that includes major brands such as WebMD, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Domino's Pizza, and VIP Tires & Service.

This latest award underscores Granular Creative’s long-standing commitment to delivering innovative, results-driven design solutions for its clients.

"Reaching our 18th national design award is a proud moment for our team," said Alexandra Heseltine , Founder of Granular Creative. "This recognition reflects our dedication to creating exceptional designs that not only stand out but also drive meaningful results for our clients. We’re honored to continue this tradition of excellence."

The award-winning project, Accelerator-Pro.com , was developed to promote Granular Creative’s All-In-One sales and marketing software featuring an AI Employee. The team designed a visually compelling and user-friendly website to engage visitors and drive subscriptions for the software.

The American Inhouse Design Awards have long celebrated innovative and effective design work, and this recognition further solidifies Granular Creative’s reputation as a leader in modern design and marketing strategies.

About Granular Creative Marketing & Design
Granular Creative Marketing & Design is a full-service agency specializing in branding, graphic design, and digital marketing solutions. From concept to execution, Granular Creative partners with businesses to craft marketing strategies that amplify their brand and deliver measurable results. To learn more, visit www.gcmd.agency .

For media inquiries, please contact:

Alexandra Heseltine
Founder
207-464-0016
design@gcmd.agency

Website Design Roadmap that Builds Business

Wed, 07 May 2025 16:17:09 GMT

10 Vital Steps for Building Quality Websites

Like building homes, websites are built with different requirements that call for specific skills to achieve the desired results. Home building requires numerous skilled laborers and trades people. You need the right materials, a well-designed plan, and an experienced general contractor to build a quality home, not to mention the local approvals, permits, and financing that must come first.

A quality website is similar. Instead of housing a family with specific architectural features, a custom-built website is designed to attract the right kind of visitors while building credibility and trust for the company. Building a quality website that produces results relies on many factors, from a well-planned strategy and structural design to brand-aligned marketing campaigns to attract new clients.

Since we build websites that cater to home builders, we can break down the essential elements of a powerful website that will help build your company.

1. Planned Strategy and Structure

Your web structure represents your website's floor plan. It includes the page structure, navigation between pages, and the type of content for each page. It may include design templates that will structure how each page appears and ensure unity between every section of your website. The website strategy outlines the visitor experience when they move through your website, just like a blueprint outlines the intended design of a house.

2. Target Audience

Your target audience helps you define what type of client you want to attract - and build homes for. Are your ideal clients looking for a starter home, a custom home, or are they developers ready to commission an entire community? Target audience research starts by assessing the type of homes your business builds and your typical client profile, then takes a deep dive into identifying those traits through demographics and online behavior.

For example, if your target audience is highly educated and interested in a custom home, your website content should be written at their educational level and resonate with them to build credibility and trust. This might contrast with a target audience of young families looking for starter homes who may respond more to hopeful, uplifting, and educational content as they seek to learn more about the home-building process from a brand they can trust.

3. A Content Management System (CMS)

Your Content Management System (CMS) is the infrastructure on which your website is built. It provides a framework of pages that are easy to update, built for search engine accessibility, and typically designed with security features built in. It allows you to implement your website design swiftly using established best practices already included in the structure itself.

Believe it or not, some websites were built before content management systems were developed. These older websites don't meet the SEO guidelines built into high-functioning websites. It's like renovating an older home to bring it up to today's code; usually, it's best to start fresh than remodel.

There are many CMS options to choose from, including WordPress , Duda , SiteGlide , WebFlow, and more. Each CMS offers unique features, strengths, and weaknesses, which should be considered based on the specific needs of the website you want to create.

4. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) represents how accessible your website pages are for people making online searches. Most decisions today start with Google-powered research, so SEO is critical for the success of your website. You want your service and blog pages appearing on the search engine results pages (SERPs) of potential clients when they look for subjects relating to home-building and custom home.

Visibility is accomplished through keywords - terms used by potential clients when they are searching for home-building information and providers. Keywords are researched using a professional tool and then folded into your website's structure and content. These keywords guide users from the search engine to relevant pages that answer their questions and display your company's expertise during the potential client's decision-making process.

5. Quality Design

A well-built website is like walking into a quality house; it feels welcoming and creates an emotional connection. The colors and overall design reflect your company brand and appeal to your homeowner clients. The design should flow and build trust for your business using colors from your logo and other design elements. Your website needs to reflect the same level of quality as the homes you build.

6. Graphics, Photos, and Videos

Visual content inspires further engagement with your website. Great visuals make your website more appealing. More importantly, they showcase the quality of your work and draw website visitors into exploring your home-building process and stunning results. Graphics, photos, and videos are integrated into pages to accentuate the written content and guide visitors through a more engaging experience.

These visuals are then optimized for searches using metadata like alt-tags and captions as part of the SEO process. This means your images may also show up in image searches, videos in video searches, etc, to multiply your brand visibility.

7. Written Content

The written content of your website is like the drywall, trim, and fixtures. It transforms the website's structure into a finished space. The written content provides context, information, and the bulk of what your website has to offer. Check out Content Marketing that Attracts Clients

The content must be written to resonate with your potential clients and motivate them to reach out to your company. Whether they contact you by phone, email, or schedule a meeting, this is known as a conversion. All written content on your website creates a conversion funnel. Every page plays a part in outlining your services, talks about your solutions, and showcases how you solve problems and help homeowners fulfill their vision of their new home.

8. Contact and Calls to Action

Like having a construction sign in front of a home being built, having your contact information in numerous places on your website makes it easy for visitors to contact you. We typically have contact information at the top, bottom, and middle of the homepage and strategically placed throughout the website.

Calls to Action are written content that persuasively encourages website visitors to contact you to schedule a meeting or ask a few questions.

9. Technical Skills

Building a website isn't just about filling a CMS structure with words and pictures. Just like a quality home relies on skilled builders and specialists, a quality website relies on professionals with technical skills and abilities to ensure the website is attractive, high-performing, and achieves the desired goals.

Implementing the right skills ensures the website is built to the highest standards. Of course, technology is always changing, so websites and content management systems also require technical support for regular updates. This will keep your website sleek and competitive in the home builders market.

10. Sales and Marketing Software Integration

Last but not least is transforming visitors into clients. The integration of sales and marketing software is essential. With these tools, leads can flow directly from your website to the Client Relationship Management (CRM) platform, scheduling meetings, follow-up and marketing, if desired. This can provide automated replies to clients and send notifications to your team via email, text, or phone call. For more information about the software we offer, see www.Accelerator-Pro.com

How to Get Started

If your home builder website is not helping you build your construction business, it's time for a renovation or to build a website designed for performance from the ground up. Give us a call at 207-464-0016 or email us at design@gcmd.agency to schedule a virtual meeting. Check out our numerous web design awards .

Related Articles: Homebuilders: Content Marketing Attracts Clients

Content Marketing that Attracts Clients & Searches

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 19:32:37 GMT

The Power of Content Marketing for Homebuilders

What is Content Marketing?

Content marketing has emerged as one of the most effective tools for attracting, engaging, and converting potential clients, especially in specialized industries like homebuilding. By leveraging fresh, informative, and strategically optimized content, your homebuilding business can establish credibility, foster trust, and position itself as an industry leader.

From search engine optimization (SEO) to sharing compelling project profiles and educational articles, the possibilities are vast. Here’s how your business can harness the power of content marketing to reach and resonate with homeowners, developers, and realtors alike.

1. Why Fresh Content Matters - SEO

Keeping your website content fresh is essential to staying relevant in today’s competitive market. Search engines like Google prioritize recently published or updated content because it ensures users are being served accurate and timely information. When you consistently add fresh content that aligns with popular search trends, your business becomes more discoverable—reaching potential clients precisely when they’re ready to engage in projects. Fresh content is part of an SEO strategy to keep your website at the top of searches.

For homebuilders, this means creating content that resonates with homeowners and buyers actively researching their dream home. Updating older blog posts with the latest trends or sharing new insights can keep your online presence vibrant while also solidifying your credibility.

Build Trust and Visibility

Keeping your content updated shows potential clients that your business is active, knowledgeable, and invested in providing value. Whether they are looking for a builder who understands modern design techniques or researching construction timelines, fresh content positions your company as a dependable voice they can trust.

2. Using Project Profiles to Tell Your Story

Every completed home represents an opportunity to tell a story that connects with prospective clients. Project profiles allow you to showcase your craft, problem-solving abilities, and unique approach to building homes. More than just a photo gallery, a well-crafted project profile highlights your expertise in a way that resonates with potential homeowners.

What to Include in a Project Profile:

The homeowner’s initial problem or goal.
Your proposed solution to meet their needs.
A step-by-step outline of your process, showcasing the design and building stages.
The end result, with vivid descriptions and high-quality photos.
Testimonials or quotes from the satisfied client.

These elements draw prospective clients into the story, helping them envision how your skills and services align with their own home aspirations. Plus, project profiles serve dual purposes. They enhance SEO efforts by incorporating keywords like "modern home design" or "custom construction" while also acting as a powerful sales tool during one-on-one consultations.

3. SEO-Driven Content—Your Key to Online Success

Search engine optimization (SEO) is foundational to any effective content marketing strategy. Keywords are essential, but they must be integrated naturally into valuable content for both users and search engines.

When homeowners search for terms like “what to consider when building a new home” or “top homebuilders near me,” your optimized blog posts and web pages can be the connection that leads them to discover your expertise. For example, if your company offers sustainable building practices or specializes in custom designs, writing specific, keyword-driven articles on those topics will help you stand out from the competition.

Why SEO Matters for Homebuilders

Google rewards websites with consistent, high-quality updates.
Targeting the right keywords allows homeowners actively searching for advice to find your site.
Structured, easy-to-read content builds trust with both readers and algorithms.

Position Yourself as the Premier Builder

One of the most impactful benefits of content marketing is its ability to position your business as the authority in your industry. Through regular, expert-driven blog posts, you can demonstrate your mastery of homebuilding, materials, and design techniques.

For example, you could write detailed articles on topics such as the benefits of energy-efficient building materials, modern open-concept floor plans, or the latest construction technology innovations. These articles not only inform and educate potential clients but also showcase the distinctive value you bring that competitors might not offer.

Stand Out by Doing Things Differently

Share what makes your company truly unique—whether it’s your efficient processes, superior craftsmanship, or client-focused approach. Without revealing trade secrets, use content to spotlight your unique selling points (USPs) so that clients see you as the clear choice.

4. Leveraging Social Media for Amplified Reach

Content marketing doesn’t stop with your website. Social media platforms are vital tools for sharing your expertise and reaching a broader audience. By posting engaging updates, project profiles, and links to your blogs, you drive visitors back to your website while also building a thriving online community.

Social media is particularly effective for connecting with homeowners looking for inspiration and ideas, as well as industry professionals like developers and realtors who may refer their clients to you. Use platforms like Instagram and Facebook to share stunning visuals of completed projects, while LinkedIn can be a hub for networking within the industry.

Pro Tips for Social Media Success:

Use high-quality visuals to grab attention.
Optimize posts with relevant hashtags like #CustomHomes or #HomeBuilders.
Engage with your audience by replying to comments and messages.
Share behind-the-scenes content to humanize your brand.

5. Educational Articles That Drive Decision-Making

Another powerful form of content marketing is crafting long-form, educational blog posts on topics that truly matter to your audience. Homeowners often start their research with questions like, “What should I know before building a home?” or “How much does custom construction cost?”

By answering these types of questions through well-written, informative articles, you build trust and provide immediate value to your audience. These readers will remember your helpfulness when it’s time to hire a homebuilder.

Benefits of Educational Articles:

They attract readers earlier in the decision-making process.
They establish your business as an expert in the field.
They can be repurposed and shared across platforms, amplifying their reach.

Build Your Brand, Attract More Clients

Content marketing offers limitless potential for growth in the homebuilding industry. By consistently sharing fresh, valuable content, you can capture new leads, build trust, and ultimately convert curious visitors into loyal clients.

If you’re ready to elevate your content strategy and stand out as a leader in the homebuilding field, start today. Need personalized advice or help implementing these strategies?

Contact us at 207-464-0016 or email alexandra@granularcretive.com . Together, we’ll craft a winning strategy that propels your brand forward.

Revolutionize Marketing with AI Strategies that Work

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 19:15:00 GMT

How to Streamline and Build Marketing Systems

Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn’t just a futuristic buzzword anymore; it’s transforming marketing as we know it. From crafting compelling social media posts to automating customer communications, AI enables businesses to do more, faster, and more intelligently.

For marketing professionals, business owners, and content creators, the potential of AI in marketing is boundless. But how can you harness its power effectively? This guide will walk you through how AI can elevate your marketing game, provide actionable advice, and introduce tools that make implementing AI seamless.

By the end of this post, you’ll be equipped with strategies to integrate AI into your daily marketing operations and position yourself a step ahead of the competition.

What Is AI in Marketing?

AI in marketing refers to the use of artificial intelligence tools and technologies to streamline, automate, and enhance marketing tasks. These tools can analyze data, predict trends, create content, and offer personalization on a scale never before possible.

Whether it’s responding to customer queries, designing graphics, or drafting email campaigns, AI handles the heavy lifting, giving professionals the freedom to focus on strategy and creativity.

Why Should You Care?

Integrating AI into your marketing strategy will allow you to enhance efficiency, reduce repetitive tasks, and produce high-quality content tailored to your audience. More importantly, it will free up time to focus on big-picture planning and decision-making, an edge no business owner or marketer can ignore.

The Growing Influence of AI in Marketing

According to Gartner , nearly 80% of marketers already rely on artificial intelligence in some form, whether it’s predictive analytics, chatbots, or automated email marketing.

Why AI Is a Game-Changer for Marketers

AI brings with it notable advantages for your business’s marketing success.

Efficiency Boost : Automate time-consuming tasks like writing, scheduling, or responding to messages.
Data Insights : AI tools analyze data faster than humans can, helping you identify trends and understand customer behavior.
Personalization at Scale : Deliver content specially tailored to the preferences of thousands or even millions of unique customers.
Cost Savings : Save on labor costs by automating repetitive tasks and putting AI to work.

Now, let's explore specific ways you can apply AI to marketing.

Key Applications of AI in Marketing

1. Creating Marketing Content

Writing engaging, relevant content can be time-consuming. AI simplifies this process by generating articles, blog posts, case studies, and website copy.

How it works:

Draft an outline or share your key ideas. AI tools like Jasper or Grammarly can develop full-length content that aligns with your brand tone.
Use AI to polish your text, rephrasing for clarity or condensing wordiness. This is particularly useful for teams working under tight timelines.

�� Pro Tip : While AI-generated content speeds things up, always review and tweak it. AI lacks the nuanced storytelling flair that human expertise can bring.

2. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

AI tools can make your website SEO-friendly by optimizing images, writing meta tags, and generating data-driven keywords. Some platforms like Duda combine AI with CMS functions, saving you valuable time.

Example: AI can analyze your site’s existing content, make suggestions to include keywords you’re missing, and even fix broken links for enhanced search engine rankings.

3. Automating Social Media

AI shines at crafting consistent, creative social media posts while maintaining your brand voice.

How AI helps:

Generate engaging captions and hashtags for Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter with tools like Accelerator-Pro’s Sales and Marketing Software.
Create AI-enhanced graphics for posts using platforms to add a professional touch at a low cost.

4. Personalized Email Marketing

Tailor emails to fit customer purchase behaviors or interests.
Automate subject line testing to boost open rates.

Accelerator-Pro uses AI to suggest optimal send times, segment your audience more effectively, and provide real-time performance analytics.

5. Using Chatbots for Instant Customer Support

Available day or night, AI-driven chatbots help manage customer interactions.

Why marketers love AI chatbots:

Respond to customers instantly, reducing overall wait times.
Offer personalized product recommendations based on browsing history.

Example Tools

AI chatbots, like the one built into Accelerator-Pro, integrate seamlessly into your website, acting as virtual assistants for visitors.

6. Enhancing Public Relations Efforts

Leverage AI to write press releases quickly and identify the best journalists or media outlets for distribution. Tools like Prowly make PR campaigns faster and more targeted.

7. Review Management

Managing online reviews is another area where automation excels. Marketing tools enhanced with AI help request reviews from customers and even respond to them.

By crafting thoughtful automatic replies, AI ensures good customer service while maintaining a personal touch. Accelerator-Pro’s reviews management software and automations make requesting and getting reviews effortless.

8. Predictive Analytics and Marketing Insights

AI tools like HubSpot use predictive analysis to identify which users are likely to convert or churn. These insights are pivotal for tailoring campaigns and improving ROI.

9. Marketing Automation

From setting up workflows to executing campaigns, AI reduces the complexity of marketing automation. Our software, Accelerator-Pro , enables intelligent engagement workflows that adapt in real time.

For example, if a user interacts with an email but doesn’t complete a purchase, automated follow-up emails could help close the sale.

How to Get Started with AI in Marketing

Define Your Goals : Determine which marketing areas you’re looking to improve, like saving time on content creation or enhancing customer engagement.
Research Available Tools : Explore AI solutions tailored to your industry needs, such as Jasper for writing or Hootsuite for social management.
Start Small : Implement AI gradually to manage the learning curve. Begin with automating simpler tasks like email personalization or generating blog outlines.

Unlock the Power of AI for Your Marketing

The days of marketing teams doing everything manually are long behind us. AI is here to supplement, simplify, and scale your efforts. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur looking to streamline content creation or a marketing pro aiming to gain deeper customer insights, AI provides you with tools to achieve your goals more effectively.

At Granular Creative, we’re here to guide professionals just like you on their AI-powered marketing journey. Explore Accelerator-Pro Sales and Marketing Software , our AI marketing solution, today and take the first step toward smarter, more impactful marketing.

We're here to help your business grow to new heights. Call 207-464-0016 or email us at design@gcmd.agency for a free consultation.

Granular Creative Wins Two Prestigious National Design Awards - 17 Awards Total

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 18:44:39 GMT

Seventeen Design Awards Total

New York, NY – November 17, 2024 – Granular Creative Marketing & Design has been recognized for design excellence, receiving two national awards for brand identity and web design for a Maine-based client, Eco-Pro Construction. The accolades came from the 61st American Graphic Design Awards, the flagship competition organized by Graphic Design USA (GDUSA).

The competition celebrates outstanding achievements across all media and attracted over 8,000 entries in 2024. Out of these, fewer than 10% of submissions were selected as winners, placing Granular Creative alongside previous honorees that include national brands such as Equifax, Walgreen Co., and Bank of America.

These awards underscore Granular Creative’s commitment to delivering exceptional design solutions tailored to its clients’ unique needs.

"Winning these awards is a testament to the vision of our clients and the dedication of our team," said Alexandra Heseltine, Founder at Granular Creative. "We’re honored to help Eco-Pro Construction bring their vision to life, and these awards only reinforce our passion for creating impactful designs that resonate with audiences."

The awarded projects were developed in partnership with Eco-Pro Construction, a business focused on sustainable construction solutions. Granular Creative worked extensively to craft a cohesive brand identity and a user-friendly web platform that aligned with the client's eco-conscious values and business goals.

The American Graphic Design Awards have long spotlighted innovative and effective design work. Granular Creative is proud to have received this recognition and credits the achievement to its collaborative approach and expertise in modern marketing strategies. These two awards bring the total national design awards won by Granular Creative to seventeen.

About Granular Creative Marketing & Design

Granular Creative Marketing & Design is a full-service agency specializing in branding, graphic design, and digital marketing solutions. From concept to execution, Granular Creative partners with businesses to deliver marketing strategies that amplify their brand and drive measurable results. To learn more, visit www.gcmd.agency.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Alexandra Heseltine

Founder

207-464-0016

design@gcmd.agency

31 Marketing Tactics for Reaching Your Customers

alexandra@gcmd.agency (Alexandra Heseltine) — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 20:00:46 GMT

Connecting with your customers effectively is the heart of successful advertising. Whether you're a small business owner, a marketing professional, or an entrepreneur, knowing the right tactics can make or break your campaigns. Advertising isn't one-size-fits-all, and with so many channels and tools available, it can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry—we’ve simplified things for you.

How to Get Started with Advertising

Here, we’ll explore 31 practical advertising tactics designed to help you effectively reach your audience, maximize your ROI, and build lasting customer relationships. Whether you’re dabbling in digital marketing or amplifying traditional advertising, these methods have got you covered.

Dive in and discover actionable techniques you can start using today.

1. Leverage Social Media Advertising

With billions of users on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, social media lets you reach your target audience quickly. Use precise targeting options based on demographics, location, behaviors, and interests. Pair your ads with compelling visuals and a clear call-to-action (CTA).

Pro Tip:

Start small by testing different ad creatives and targeting options to see what resonates best with your audience.

2. Start a Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Campaign

Search engines like Google and Bing allow businesses to bid on keywords relevant to their industry. PPC ads appear at the top of search results and are a great way to drive immediate traffic to your website.

Example:

If you own a bakery, bidding on keywords like “best cupcakes near me” ensures your ad is seen when potential customers search online.

3. Explore Retargeting Ads

Retargeting ads focus on users who have already visited your site but didn’t convert. These ads remind these potential customers of your brand as they browse other websites.

Tools like Google Ads or Facebook Pixel make it easy to launch retargeting campaigns.

4. Collaborate with Influencers

Partnering with influencers can help you tap into a pre-existing, engaged audience. Choose influencers who align with your brand values and have a following that overlaps with your target demographics.

Example:

A fitness apparel brand collaborating with a fitness influencer on Instagram can inspire purchases from health-focused audiences.

5. Utilize Email Marketing

Email marketing campaigns remain one of the most cost-effective advertising channels for businesses. Build an email list with high-value contacts and use email to provide value, promote special offers, or share company news.

Tip:

Personalize your emails with the recipient’s name and tailor content to their preferences for higher engagement.

6. Support Local SEO

Especially for small businesses, appearing in local search results is a game-changer. Optimize your Google My Business profile to ensure you show up in “near me” searches.

Action Step:

Include high-quality images, update your business hours, and encourage customers to leave reviews.

7. Host a Giveaway

Contests and giveaways create excitement around your brand. Require participants to tag friends, follow your profile, or share your post to generate buzz and increase your reach.

Example:

“Follow our page and tag 3 friends for a chance to win a $200 gift card!”

8. Run Sponsored Content Campaigns

Collaborate with publishers to create sponsored content tailored to their audience. Sponsored posts on media sites not only boost awareness but also build credibility.

9. Take Advantage of Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing compensates partners for promoting your product. It’s a win-win because you only pay commissions for completed sales.

10. Experiment with Video Advertising

Video content performs exceptionally well in grabbing attention. Platforms like YouTube and Instagram Reels give businesses an opportunity to engage users visually and emotionally.

11. Cross-Promote with Other Businesses

Team up with a non-competing business in your niche to co-promote your offerings. For instance, a gym can cross-promote with a local smoothie bar.

12. Offer Free Trials or Samples

There’s nothing more enticing than “free.” Offering free trials or samples builds trust and gives customers the confidence to invest in your product later.

13. Use Chatbots for Personalization

Integrate AI-powered chatbots on your website to assist customers instantly. These tools engage visitors, answer FAQs, and even recommend products.

14. Capitalize on Seasonal Campaigns

Run promotional campaigns around holidays or seasonal events tailored to what your audience values most during that time of year.

Example:

“Fall into Savings! 20% off all items through September.”

15. Utilize Referral Programs

Encourage your existing customers to refer new ones by offering them a special reward. It’s an easy way to grow your customer base through word-of-mouth advertising.

Example:

“Refer a friend and you’ll both get $10 off your next purchase!”

16. Create Interactive Ads

Polls, quizzes, and surveys make advertising fun and engaging. Tools like Instagram polls or Facebook quizzes can boost participation.

17. Advertise on Podcasts

With the growing popularity of podcasts, host-read ads are an effective way to directly connect with a highly-engaged audience.

18. Build a Strong Brand Presence on LinkedIn

For B2B companies, LinkedIn advertisements and posts allow you to establish authority and network with decision-makers.

19. Stop-the-Scroll with Stories

Instagram and Facebook Stories work wonders for driving engagement with short, visually appealing content.

20. Use Geo-Targeted Ads

If you’re a local business, geo-targeted ads on Google and social platforms ensure only people in your area see the ad.

21. Run Flash Sales

Create a sense of urgency with time-sensitive discounts. People are more likely to act fast when there’s limited availability.

22. Tell Your Brand Story

Ads that tell a compelling story evoke emotions and build brand loyalty.

23. Focus on Content Marketing

Share blogs, articles, and videos that educate and inspire your audience. Content marketing builds trust and turns potential customers into loyal fans.

24. Engage Through Webinars or Live Streams

Hosting live events allows you to interact with your audience, build relationships, and demonstrate expertise in real time.

25. Highlight User-Generated Content

Share photos, reviews, and experiences from your current customers to attract new ones.

26. Optimize Mobile Ads

With an increasing number of users browsing on mobile devices, ensure your ads and landing pages are mobile-optimized.

27. Create Shoppable Posts

Platforms like Instagram and TikTok make it simple to purchase directly from posts. Make sure your product pages are linked.

28. Test A/B Campaigns

Experiment with different versions of your ads to identify the most effective designs, copy, and CTAs.

29. Offer Loyalty Programs

Reward your returning customers with tokens of appreciation. Loyalty perks help boost long-term retention.

30. Attend Trade Shows

Set up a visually appealing booth and showcase how your product stands out from competitors.

31. Leverage Testimonials and Reviews

Incorporating glowing testimonials into your ads and website builds credibility and trust.

Drive Your Advertising Forward

There’s no question that reaching and retaining customers requires a solid plan. With the 31 advertising tactics outlined above, you're not just creating campaigns; you're building meaningful connections with your audience.

If you’re looking for more personalized strategies or assistance with implementing any of these tactics, give us a call today . We’re here to help your business grow!

How to Get Raving Reviews from Happy Clients

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 18:52:31 GMT

Unlock Your Business’s Potential with Glowing Reviews

Are you looking to make your business stand out and build credibility among customers? Positive reviews can be the key to growing your reputation, boosting customer trust, and ultimately driving sustained growth! At its core, earning stellar reviews isn’t just about doing good work - it’s about creating share-worthy experiences that your customers can’t help but rave about.

Deliver Experiences Worth Talking About

The foundation of a great review starts with exceptional customer experience. From the initial contact to project completion, every interaction is a chance to build trust and delight your clients. Ask yourself:

Are your conversations professional, friendly, and informative?
Are you actively listening to what the customer needs?
Are you exceeding expectations in every phase of the project?
Are you providing your clients with frequent updates to build trust?
If you're in home building, are you leaving the job site clean and free from debris?
Is your team continually courteous, respectful, and helpful?
Do you introduce your client to your kitchen designer or flooring company for a smooth handoff?

Pro Tip: Add value to the client experience by solving a problem they are likely to experience. For example, if you're a kitchen designer remodeling a kitchen for a client, go beyond the basics. Offer thoughtful tips like how to store kitchen items during the remodel, discounts for nearby restaurants during the renovation, or quick microwave cooking ideas. These extras add layers to the experience that make your customers say, “Wow!”

Perfect Your Review Timing

Timing is everything when it comes to asking for reviews. Clients are most likely to leave a glowing review when the positive emotions of working with you are fresh. Consider when to make your ask:

When turning over a new home to the homeowner and the client is thrilled with the outcome and the home construction process.
Immediately after major milestones, like finishing a kitchen install or repairing a difficult problem.
Upon successful completion of a project when they’re feeling the satisfaction of a job well done.
Shortly after a product was purchased or received by a client, following a great shopping experience.

Pro Tip: Don’t hesitate to ask! Many satisfied customers are happy to support your business when prompted by a review request.

Use Tools to Automate & Simplify the Process

Managing reviews doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With the right reputation management software, you can:

Send automated review requests via email or text.
Ensure reviews are spread across platforms like Google, Facebook, Houzz, or Angie's List.
Reply to positive reviews automatically to maintain engagement.
Follow up with customers who didn’t respond with a gentle reminder.
Display your best reviews on your website to wow prospective customers.
Create a QR code with a link to your favorite rating website and share with customers.

Our Accelerator-Pro Reviews and Reputation Management Software , now with AI, offers all this and more! It simplifies the process so you can focus on delivering excellent service while effortlessly collecting the reviews your business deserves.

Turn Happy Customers into Your Advocates

Here’s how you can turn an ordinary client experience into one worth bragging about:

Keep your clients informed through frequent updates and check-ins.
Share personalized insights to make the experience memorable.
Celebrate milestones of a project together to build excitement and trust.
Ask for feedback and stay engaged with the goal of providing a world-class experience.

When your client feels heard and valued throughout the process, they’ll naturally want to leave a glowing review even without you asking.

Don’t Forget Your Past Clients

If you don’t have enough reviews yet, it’s not too late. Reach out to past clients with a simple email or text requesting a review. You’ll be surprised how many are willing to relive their great experience and leave you the review you need.

Pro Tip: Include a direct link or QR code to make leaving a review quick and easy. The less effort required, the better the response rate.

Seal the Deal with a Strong Reputation

Positive reviews go beyond building credibility; they attract new customers, increase conversions, and set you apart in a crowded market. If you don’t have an automated strategy in place, you’re missing out on opportunities to grow your business faster.

Why wait? Email us today at design@gcmd.agency or call (207) 464-0016 to get started with a FREE 7-Day Trial of our Reviews and Reputation Management Software . Let’s make your business the go-to choice for your customers.

Maine Web Design Agency Wins 12th National Design Award

design@gcmd.agency (Alexandra Heseltine) — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 14:54:09 GMT

Seven Design Awards in Three Years!

Portland, Maine – November 27, 2021 GCMD : Granular Creative Marketing & Design announced that it’s been awarded two national design awards for brand identity and web design for Maine-based non-profit, Kids First Center.

The 58 ^th American Graphic Design Awards is the flagship competition for Graphic Design U A This in New York and honors creative professional for design excellence across all media. With over 10,000 entries in the 2021 competition, a highly select 10% were chosen as winners.

This year's winners include national brands, such as AARP, Amazon, Apple, Bank of America, Biovanta, B&G Foods, Black & Decker, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Citibank, Clorox, Craftsman, DIA Art Foundation, Equifax, Family Dollar, Liberty Mutual, Lysol, Mars, Munchkin, Nalgene, PEPSICO, Petcare, Pinterest, Rainforest Alliance, RISD, Ricola, Ruthie Davis, Smithsonian Institution, SONIC Drive-Ins, Stanford University, Sundance Film Festival, ULINE, University of Massachusetts, The Actors Fund, US GPO Creative Services, Warner Media, Wolters Kluwer, and WWE.

“We’re thrilled to be recognized once again for web design and branding excellence by Graphic Design USA wining nine awards in five years for a total of twelve awards,” states Founder, Alexandra Heseltine.

The Client: Kids First Center

Opening its doors over 20 years ago, Kids First Centers was started by a consortium of social workers and family law attorneys who recognized the negative impact of separate and divorce on children and strived to lessen the long-term effects.

Kids First Center currently provides co-parenting classes for parents and groups for kids going through the separation and divorce process. The classes are design to enhance co-parent skills for parents and to minimize the impact of separation or divorce on children of all ages.

In 2020, they offered 73 programs to 2055 parents which impacted the lives of 3905 children. The rebrand and website rebuild reflects the shift to a virtual class format to provide increased co-parenting educational opportunities to Maine parents.

“We’re thrilled with the new logo design and website and have received a lot of positive feedback from the attorneys and professionals who facilitate our classes,” states Executive Director, Timothy Robbins. “The new brand and website enables us to position our organization for the future.”

Along with upgrading their branding and web presence, GCMD also worked with Kids First Center to streamline internal and external communications and processes using AcceleratorPro, an integrated marketing platform.

All meetings were held virtually which enabled stakeholders to work collaboratively and effectively to develop the designs, share ideas and develop workflows for streamlined communication.

“We’ve been working with remote teams for over 8 years,” noted Heseltine, “so the “digital shift” many web design agencies experienced during the pandemic didn’t impact us. As events unfolded in 2020, we were already pre-positioned to work remotely and didn’t miss a beat in servicing our clients.”

GCMD : Granular Creative Marketing & Design is a boutique web design, branding and marketing agency that works primarily with B2B service companies, medical practices and select non-profits both in Maine and other areas of the U.S. Over the past twelve years, GCMD transformed from a freelance service to a multi-team agency building robust and complex websites, creating branding strategies and developing traditional and digital marketing that connects with customers.

To learn more about GCMD : Granular Creative Marketing & Design, see their website at www.GCMD.Agency or contact them via email at Design@gcmd.agency .

Google’s Page Experience Update Promotes Quality Websites

design@gcmd.agency (Alexandra Heseltine) — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 23:17:33 GMT

Quality Websites Deliver a Great Page Experience.

Google is all about delivering a better web experience to people conducting searches on Chrome, the #1 search engine with a 70% market share.
This is nothing new. Google has focused on elevating the search and web experience for quite a few years.

With customers flocking to the web to make buying decisions or searching for qualified vendors during Covid-19, Google recognizes that some websites deliver a better page experience for customers than others.

The new Page Experience update is designed to encourage website owners to upgrade their websites and provide a better experience and usability to their customers. Frankly, this upgrade could help boost sales for these same companies.

Page Experience is about ranking websites at the top of searches when they provide a better user experience and are “loved” by customers. This is a way for Google to sort out the poorly built websites while elevating quality websites built around a better user experience especially from mobile devices.

According to Google, Page Experience is defined as follows:

The page experience signal measures aspects of how users perceive the experience of interacting with a web page. Optimizing for these factors makes the web more delightful for users across all web browsers and surfaces, and helps sites evolve towards user expectations on mobile. We believe this will contribute to business success on the web as users grow more engaged and can transact with less friction.

How does Page Experience work?

As of two 2019, over 60% of searches are conducted on mobile devices and this number has likely escalated during Covid. Google recognizes the trend toward mobile searches and is focused on providing users a better search experience.

There are seven search signals for a good page experience. The top three Core Web Vitals are real world, user-centric metrics.

• Page Speed – Website page speed has gained importance over the past couple of years. We’ve all experienced web pages that take a long time to display photos, videos, and written copy. Websites that load up quickly will likely rank higher than older websites that take a long time to load content for viewing. This is especially true for web pages displayed on mobile devices where more than half of website visits are abandoned if a mobile page takes longer than 3 seconds to load.

Fortunately, Google provides several tools for website owners and developers to gauge their website’s speed and provides recommendations changes to improve speed. Check out: How to Think About Speed Tools . The longer it takes for a web page to load, the probability of a website visitor bouncing off a website increases by 123%. Ouch!

• Interactivity – This change relates to how users interact with your website. Google will measure how long it takes from the time a user interacts with page (tap or click) to the time the browser begins processing that interaction. Calls to Action, for instance, are an example of interactive step that triggers the interactivity gauge. Buttons are easier for mobile users to trigger than underlined text, so keep this in mind when designing a website for mobile users.

• Stability of Content as it Loads – In mobile view, for instance, as the page is loading all the graphics aren’t showing up consistently so a button could accidentally be tapped as page elements load. Again, good design and website structure is a key factor when designing for mobile devices.

Other Ranking Factors for Page Experience

Other areas of your website that contribute to the overall page experience have been around for some time.

• Safe Browsing – This system has helped detect harmful content, deceptive sites, malware, harmful downloads, etc. Believe it or not, Google maintains a list of unsafe websites URLs, such as phishing and deceptive sites.

We’ve all experienced dubious websites with a variety of negative outcomes to the functionality of our computers so no explanation is needed on why this is an important update.

• HTTPS – Security for your website. Some websites are still not including an extra layer of security by adding an SSL certificate. SSL certificates was included in Google’s search algorithms several years ago, so this is nothing new.

Adding and SSL certificate to your website is fairly easy and not expensive plus it signals to customers that your website is safe to visit. Not having an SSL certificate could cause customers to make buying decisions elsewhere.

• Mobile Top Stories Feature – “Over 60% of people trust Google News over other news outlets.”, states Lee Wilson on Search Engine Journal . Generating quality news is one way for a business to build their brand and credibility online, plus improve their search metrics.

According to Google, “Top stories” is a section that appears within Google Search when we detect a search query is news oriented. We match the search with relevant, quality news content to display. " Top stories " features articles related to the search, and a link to more related articles on the News tab. Content is automatically selected for this feature.”

So how does a company get it’s news featured? Google is looking for quality, original content that is consistently produced for the web. While this often relates to publishers like Forbes, Inc., etc. it’s possible for much smaller organizations to meet the criteria. If you’re company is considering utilizing the “Top Stories” feature, check out Google’s News Content Policy for criteria.

Computer users, of course, have control over how news is selected and displayed on their computers based on their personalization settings.

• Intrusive Interstitials – Pop-ups that tend to take over a page deliver a poor user experience for both desktop and mobile users. Popup ads are often called take overs because they “take over” the page completely. Most people simply find these ads annoying.

There are times, however, when pop-ups are appropriate, such as Covid or age restriction notifications. Learn more about Intrusive Interstitials .

Quality Content on a Well-Structured Website is a Winner.

Quality content with Calls to Action that are easy for mobile user to access (think button) will always be a top priority with website content and SEO. Craft written content that appeals to your customers. Make sure all images complement the written content and use alt tags for search engines.

Quality websites will win over poorly designed and structured websites. Take the time to audit your website using the Google provided tools mentioned above then make needed adjustments to your website. These steps will ensure your website stays at the top of searches and provides your visitors with a great page experience.

Free Website Audit

If your website is not showing up strong in searches or is out of date, reach out to us for a no-obligation review of your website. We’ll make recommendations for areas of improvement and how your website can help grow your business. We can be reached at design@gcmd.agency or by phone at 207-464-0016 .

For over twenty-five years, she has helped companies look their best and reach their customers with the right message. She's the driving force behind every project and believes companies should be treated honestly, expect quality work and continual communication during and after a work is complete. You can find Alexandra on Linkedin .

SEO 101: How to Show Up in Online Searches , Why Install an SSL Certificate , 6 Ways Websites Can Streamline Processes , 9 Ways to Improve Your Online Presence

Website Content: Great Storytelling Sells Solutions

design@gcmd.agency (Alexandra Heseltine) — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 18:04:31 GMT

Quality Website Content Offers Solutions to Customer Problems; It's Not a Sales Pitch.

Imagine attending a tradeshow, along with hundreds of other vendors and potential customers, to keep up on changes within your industry. As you walk around the tradeshow floor, you notice several abutting vendors selling similar services and decided to watch their approach to engaging with potential customers.

The first vendor speaks entirely about the services his company provides (listing them), their successes, awards, and how great they are resolving specific problems. The presentation was all about the vendor.

The second vendor talks about their company’s customers, how they partnered with their customers to solve problems, shared their customers words of appreciation, and told stories about their customer’s journey through their challenges to success. In fact, this vendor celebrated their customer’s successes.

If you were a customer, which vendor would you be drawn to and likely hire?

How you tell your story matters when connecting with customers.

Share stories about your customers so that potential customers recognize the scenario and seek out your business to solve a similar problem.

Website Content: Selling Your Services or Telling Stories that Sell?

During the pandemic, it’s impossible for vendors to attend face-to-face tradeshows to initiate conversations with customers so their website needs to work extra hard to attract the right customers and start conversations.

Attracting the right customers and grabbing their attention comes down to creating stellar written content. Yes, graphics are important elements for telling great stories but ultimately, it’s the words that move customers from visitors to potential customers.

What kind of information would your customers like to read on your website that would encourage them to hire you, or at least call to get more details?

Are you short on website content ideas?

Some website content you could share with your customers is:

Why your business exists and who you serve. What is your mission beyond making money? This information can be on your home and about pages. Make it a personal story that your customers can identify with.

For instance , an army veteran who now transports military equipment for the army as a civilian. He understands the importance of each piece of equipment he transports and feels like a partner in the army’s overall mission.

How you deliver services to create a great customer experience. Outline the steps you take to deliver outstanding service to customers each and every day. This information can be attractively displayed to make it easy for website visitors to quickly scan the list to get the gist of how you deliver services or dig deeper into details, if needed.

For Instance, on our website, we talk about our process for delivering success to our customers. It starts with the discovery, then moves to design, production and sustainable success. What processes can you share about your business that potential customers would like to know about?
How you partner with customers to help them overcome a challenge. Craft stories that talk about your customer’s problem, why they selected you, how your company partnered with the customer to work toward a solution, a quote or two from your customers, the steps involved with resolving the problem and the successful outcome.
Share articles, videos, eBooks, and other content that helps customers solve a problem or points them to a possible solution. Be generous with your information and always make it easy for customers to contact you with questions by including a contact form, phone number or email address at the end of the article, eBook, or video (similar to this bottom of this article).
Share your service offerings from a solutions point of view. Make it easy for customers to understand your services and how those services solve their problems, help them expand revenue or reduce expenses.

Great content is about connecting with your customer’s pain, presenting a solution that is centered around them and the success they experience when partnering with you.

How One Vendor Creates Great Website Content.

For instance, I recently read a well-crafted email (in html code) from a vendor who talked about their customer’s pain problem using the terminology the customer is currently using, then presented a path for solving the customer’s problem when they partnered with the vendor. They also provided a link to an eBook with more information.

How can you create written content that adds value to your customers work or lives and build trust?

There are so many options (articles, case studies, eBooks, etc.). Select the type of written content that your customer is most likely to read and you can easily produce on a regular basis then create a schedule for producing the content designed to reach customers.

Is creating great website content a challenge for you?

We’d love to partner with you to craft great website content and tell powerful stories that attract the right clients. Reach out to us at design@gmcd.agency , call us at 207-464-0016 or schedule a virtual meeting.

SEO: How Does Google “See” Your Website?

design@gcmd.agency (Alexandra Heseltine) — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 20:32:27 GMT

What Google doesn’t spot when scanning your website.

Believe it or not, Google can’t see. Yep, when it comes to photos, graphics, and videos, Google can’t see any of the images or graphics on your website. While your videos and photos make your website visually appealing to visitors, none of your great photos or graphics helps your website show up in searches.

How Google "Sees" Your Website.

So exactly what does Google “see” when scanning a website and how does this impact how websites show up in searches?

First, Google only sees words and code. If a website is built to show up in searches when customers use specific search terms, then keywords need to be strategically placed in written content and built into the structure of the website.

This is what Google sees when scanning a website for searches:

• Page Titles – Use a keyword in the title of the page but create the title so it makes sense to the reader.

• Subtitles – Use a keyword in the subtitle to grab Google’s and the reader’s attention.

• Sub headers – Create sub headers within a page to make it easier for Google and readers to comprehend your content. Use a keyword in one sub header.

• Body text – Use a few keywords within the body content but also focus on creating interesting content.

• Page URLs – Use a keyword in the URL. Instead of “/About”, your page URL might be “/About-Moving-Service” or “Moving-Service”. Moving Service would be the keyword.

• Image Alt Tags – Help Google identify an image by adding an image alt tag to the graphic element. Typically, a keyword is used in this area along with a brief description.

• Meta Description – This is the description shown in searches below the page title. Be sure to use the keyword in your meta description.

• Links – Google sees links to other websites or pages on your website. Typically, use a keyword on your web page to link to another page or website to build credibility with Google.

There are other areas where keywords can be embedded but these are the core areas for helping Google read and evaluate the content on your website. This list doesn’t’ encompass all the steps needed to bring a website to the top of Google searches but they certain contribute to good SEO.

How Google Uses AI to Understand Page Content.

Google has gotten much “smarter” over the past few years, due to incorporating artificial intelligence. It is now able to scan a web page, select the keywords and related terms to fully understand the content of a web page. This enables Google to index and show webpages for keyword terms and related keywords.

Showing Up in Google Searches

It’s fairly easy to build a website to show up in searches for a business name because the name of the business is usually placed on the website in several places. If a customer knows your business name, they will likely find your website in searches.

If a potential customer doesn’t know about your business, then they will conduct a search using whatever search terms come to mind. The sad truth is your website may not show up in their searches if the right keywords aren’t built into your website.

If you want potential customers to find your services in online searches, then web pages need to be built for each service using search terms (keywords) embedded into the page structure, written content, and image alt tags and more.

Use the Right SEO Tools

By the way, SEO experts use professional SEO tools to identify the best keywords for a website, the effectiveness of keywords on web pages and how web pages show up in searches. You can gain some insights into keyword activity by using the no-cost Google Keyword Planner.

Are Images Important on a Website?

So, what about photos, graphics, and videos on a website? Is it worth the time and effort to create an attractive website?

Yes, it’s definitely worth the effort to build attractive website so they appeal to potential customers and convert visitors to leads. Most people are visual and enjoy attractive websites that are engaging and informative. Photos and graphics can also encourage visitors to take the next step and contact your company about services or products. When using graphics, make sure to embed keywords where appropriate so Google can “see” your graphics and help them contribute to your website’s SEO.

Still curious about how Google works for SEO?

If you’d like to learn more about Google, Search Engine Optimization , or websites in general, reach out to us. We’d love to chat and can be reached at design@gcmd.agency or via phone at 207-464-0016 . You can also schedule a virtual meeting.

How much does it cost to build a website?

design@gcmd.agency (Alexandra Heseltine) — Fri, 16 Oct 2020 17:01:03 GMT

Several Key Factors Impact the Cost of Successful Websites.

I'm often asked "How much does it cost to build a website?". I want to respond by asking, "how much does a house or car cost?" The answer to both of these question is, "It really depends" on short and long-term goals and on a number of other important factors.

One thing for sure, building a quality website is not like ordering a pizza. If that analogy sounds ridiculous, consider how a pizza is ordered.

Submitting an Order or Solving a Problem?

Most pizza lovers select their crust type, red or white sauce, pie size, meat toppings, veggie toppings and even fruit toppings a create a mouth-watering pizza they can enjoy as a meal. In other words, they select the "features" they want in the final product. There is a flat cost for each item added to the pizza for a total price. It’s kind of like "plug and play".

Many business owners, and even web developers, take the “order” approach when building a new website. They select the features they like, such as slide in text or graphics, flip boxes, parallax scrolling, sticky navigation bars, popups, and videos in the slider area, just to name a few. What they omit is a strategy for attracting the right clients, visual branding and messaging, and a long-term plan for growing their business through marketing. A business website is the hub for all digital marketing activities.

Process Shortcuts can be Costly

Some business owners may ask to duplicate another website and simply change out images, logo, content information and contact information. While this is a simple and inexpensive approach, it could also infringe on copyright laws, so it’s not advised.

Similarly, some web designers use basic templates changing only the images, logo, contact information and written content, which is like buying a mass-produced product at the local store then adding a few of your own "features". Although cost effective, the danger is your website could look very similar to a competitor’s website, or generic, and not produce the results you're looking to achieve long-term.

While features are part of the design process, they need to contribute to the overall messaging and branding for the company. More importantly, customers may consider some add-on features more “bling” than substance that adds value to their website experience that would encourage them to move forward with a transaction.

Strategic Web Design Experience

Ideally, a website should help a company reach its marketing and sales goals. This is done through strategy planning rather than selecting features that may not contribute positively to the customer experience and maximize the opportunity to make a sale.

Sure, it’s a lot easier to do “plug and play” features and to price out each piece of the process for a combined price but what are you really buying – an “off the shelf” website or a web solution design to increase sales and grow your business?

Be strategic about the most important marketing tool and asset your business owns – your website.

So …. How much does it cost to build a website?

Let’s look at some of the factors involved in building a quality website that produces results for your business over the long-term.

What is the purpose of your new website?

Take the time to clearly identify the purpose of your website. Will it be built for lead generation, streamlining processes, rebranding, ecommerce? Get granular about your vision, mission and how that's demonstrated on your website.

If you’re striving to build brand recognition, grow sales and ultimately position your business for a lucrative sale, then your website needs to be built around these objectives.

One of our B2B service clients had this goal in mind when they rebuilt their website clearly targeting a select market. The well-branded website showed up strong in two markets, the staffing increased and sales grew exponentially. The business was recently sold to a national company who's website contains obvious commonalities.

Who do you want to attract to your website?

Clearly define your perfect client(s) by creating a profile for each type of customer beyond standard demographics. Once your clients are defined, build your website around them. Position your clients as the hero for selecting you firm to solve their problem. Use stories to sell your products or services.

Clarifying your website objectives and defining your perfect clients are part of the discovery and planning process. While a survey can identify basic concepts, a discovery meeting raises pertinent questions and provides solutions. We find that often our client doesn’t know their clients as well as they thought they did.

How will visuals and content connect with customers?

This step takes a deeper understanding of your clients. Craft video and written content so it feels like a conversation with your client. The design should deliver a great user experience so it’s both enjoyable and informative. Remember, the website is not about you, it’s about your client and how you guided them to a solution for their problem.

How should your website show up in searches?

Obviously, your website needs to show up in searches so your clients can do business with you. Quality search engine optimization is a process and it’s also ongoing. SEO should include comprehensive keyword research, competitive analysis, and a process for ensuring each page is built to be found in searches.

Regular quality content that is keyword rich plays a big part in keeping your website at the top of searches.

What do you want your customers to do on your website?

Your website needs to encourage visitors to take an action, and that’s not always buying a product or contacting you to schedule a sales call. Sometimes, “taking action” can include gated content that requires a customer to provide their contact information in exchange for a valuable document, coupon, webinar sign up or a video. This contact information is used email campaigns and to nurture qualified leads to closed sales.

How are you going to define and measure success?

It’s important to develop benchmarks for measuring success. Defining what success looks like and what one key factor impacts sales. These benchmarks could be traffic volume, engaged visitors, conversions to sales or other factors. It’s equally important to create a series of customer interactions from the time a customer responds to a digital ad through to the closed sale.

What is your marketing strategy for attracting visitors to your website?

It’s important to keep your website in top shape from a technical standpoint as well as continually creating great content. Develop a simple, workable marketing strategy to stay in front of potential clients, builds trust and sales.

The marketing strategy is built around your customers behaviors. So, if your customers are older and are on Facebook regularly, then a targeted Facebook ad may be part of your marketing strategy. Conversely, if your customers are younger, then Instagram and texting may be the best tools for reaching customers and growing sales. Combine a Facebook ad with a landing page on your website with an offer, such as eBook, videos, or coupon, to request their contact information and send them a sequence of emails for staying engaged.

So, how much does it cost to build a website?

As you can see from this overview, there are numerous factors that go into building a quality website. Websites can be built cheaply but usually don’t produce the desired results while well-planned, quality websites produce sustainable outcomes.

With all our website projects, we use our Granular Process of discovery/planning, design, build and sustainability systems as the framework for building robust websites that produce desired results. If you’re interested in rebuilding your website, schedule an appointment for a free strategy session.

Have questions about building a quality website?

Reach out to us with your web design questions at Design@gcmd.agency . Better yet, schedule a free strategy session to learn how your web presence stacks up and areas for improvement.

Look for us on DesignRush as a Top Web Design Company.

SEO 101: How to Show Up in Online Searches , Why Install an SSL Certificate , 6 Ways Websites Can Streamline Processes , 9 Ways to Improve Your Online Presence

SEO 101: How to Show Up in Online Searches

design@gcmd.agency (Alexandra Heseltine) — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 18:29:14 GMT

When I was a kid, my family watched “The Wizard of Oz” once a year and really enjoyed all the characters, especially the wizard. The interesting thing about “the wizard” is that he was just an ordinary man who wanted people to think he has some secret power or knowledge.

Sometime clients see SEO experts as “wizards” who perform magic with SEO so that websites show up in searches. Or maybe the “wizard” has a magic plugin to solve all SEO problems. Nothing could be further from the truth. With SEO, if you take the right steps, you get the right results. If you take the wrong steps and you get no results.

Basic SEO for Online Searches

Good SEO comes down to understanding how search engines work and how your customers search for products and services like yours. It’s that simple. Making this happen can be a fair amount of work but if consistent practices are put in place, results should show up within a few weeks.

If your website isn’t showing up in searches it’s probably not the platform the website is built on but the lack of good SEO practices, too few pages on your website or both. Google is regularly updating their algorithms to provide their users the best experience while searching. These changes may include optimizing images, so they load up quickly in searches, reducing unused or excess code which shows down page speed, too many videos and more.

If a website is built properly, it should show up I searches for the keywords embedded into the website. Google is elevating quality websites to the tops of searches and allowing poor quality websites to fall to the bottom of searches.

Know How Your Customers Use Search

First, understand your customers on a deep level. Talk with them and ask questions. Use a survey or engage in conversations with them on social media. Learn about your customers problems and how are they searching online for your solution?

Create a long list of words that customers might use to search for your products and services. Then conduct keyword research on these keywords or phrases so you know what search terms your customers are using to find a business like yours. Keywords are usually two to five more words long and can be a phrase, such as, “how does SEO work?”.

We use a professional SEO tool Moz.com but other tools are available like: SEMRush.com , ahrefs.com and screamingfrog.com . There are some free tools, but they likely don’t provide the quality data provided by the professional level. We offer a cost-effective tool that provides solid information for a single website. With the right tools, it can also be determined what keywords your competitors are using.

Focus on the keywords that show the most traffic per month and the least competition from other websites. Assign one keyword or keyword phrase to each web page and blog article so customers can find your page or blog article in searches. Below are steps for using keywords on your website so pages show up in searches.

How to Set Up Your Website for Online Searches

SEO is built into your website right from the beginning. The keywords identified as being used by your customers are embedded in the following places:

Page URL - Those are the words that show up following ”.com/”. Sometimes it doesn’t make sense to use a keyword in the page URL so use the word(s) that makes the most sense for the user.
Page Title or Blog Title– Using a keyword in the title helps the pages shows up in appropriate searches for that keyword. Use the keyword at the top of the page surrounded by H1 code. This will be the largest font on the page.
Page Meta Description – This is the description that shows up I searches right under the title of the page.
Image Alt Tag and Tool Tip – Each image should have descriptive words embedded with the image. Since search engines only read words, and can see images, these tags and tips contribute to SEO.
Each page or blog article should have at least 500 words but longer is better for search engines.
Use the keyword in one sub-title surrounded by H2 code. This will be the next to the largest font.
Use the keyword within the article one to three times. Overusing a keyword to help your page show up stronger in searches will do more harm than good. Google knows when too many keywords are stuffed into a web page and may penalize your website for using this tactic.
Don’t embed keywords onto a website and make the font the same color as the background. Google frowns on this behavior so be honest in your SEO.

There are more steps that can be taken to improve your SEO, but these are the basics and will have a positive impact on your website showing up stronger in searches.

Link Building for SEO

Believe it or not, links from your website to other websites or links to pages or articles within your website are viewed as positive in the algorithms of Google. Link building is a lot about building online authority for your website, so Google sees your website as reputable and a good source of information. Use the following tips:

If you have a page or article with related content on another page, use Anchor Text then link to the other page on your website. Anchor text is a keyword that anchors the link to another page.
Linking to other websites helps create authority for your website. So if you review to a specific article or author on a webpage or in an article, be sure to use Anchor Text and a link to the other website.

Link building is more than just using internal and external links on your website, it’s also about gaining quality links back to your website. Every quality link back to your website is like a positive vote from Google showing that your website is reputable and authoritative. Some ways to get links back to your website are:

Online business directories that show your website link on a lot of business website.
Industry specific online magazines that publish contributor articles. Your bio would be at the bottom of the page with a link back to your website.
Blogging websites, such as Business2Community.com , where many contributors provide content for the website. Again, there is an opportunity to place a website link in your bio.
Local business news outlets sometimes accept contributing articles.

If you don’t have time to write and submit articles to possible publishers, we have service that will craft blog articles for you and post them on reputable websites with links back to your website. It’s been highly successful in boosting website to the first page of Google within a few weeks.

These are the basics and will get you started on helping your website show up stronger in online searches. It’s important that Google views your website as a quality website with original content that adds value to readers lives. If you take the right SEO steps, you’ll see improved results.

If you’d like to learn more about SEO and how to optimize your website for searches, reach out to us at Design@GCMD.Agency or give us a call at 207-464-0016 .

Portland Marketing and Design Agency Wins Two Web Design Awards

design@gcmd.agency (Alexandra Heseltine) — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 00:05:11 GMT

Website for National Non-Profit Wins Award

PORTLAND, Maine — June 8, 2020 — GCMD : Granular Creative Marketing Design announced that a website built for a larger non-profit was awarded an American Web Design Award. GCMD has consistently been awarded national web design and branding awards over the past six years.

Mercy Medical Angels, a national non-profit headquartered in Virginia Beach, VA, provides long-distance medical transportation services to patients in financial need. Through their numerous patient-centric programs, they provide air and ground transportation to children, veterans, seniors, cancer patients and their caretakers who cannot afford travel expenses to specialized healthcare in locations away from their hometown.

The Mercy Medical Angels website project included developing brand messaging that resonates with the people they provide services to as well as individuals and corporate donors. Using the logo design as a visual guide, the new website uses clean design, simple graphics, and compelling images to convey the compassion this organization demonstrates daily. Finally, the website is designed to show up in a variety of online searches for accidental discovery by patients. Shortly after the new website was launched, the organization received a substantial donation and corporate sponsorship.

Mercy Medical Angels was founded in 1972 when four men in Washington, D.C. provided free medical air transportation to needy patients. In 2019, they provided over 17,000 trips to long-distance healthcare and clinical treatment, restoring hope and health to patients in need. To learn more about their mission and to see their winning website, visit: www.MercyMedical.org .

GCMD was also awarded an American Web Design Award for the design and development of their website focused on design and marketing services for established business in transition. Over the past 10 years, GCMD has transformed its services from a freelance to a multi-team agency building simple to complex websites, creating branding strategies and developing traditional and digital marketing that connects with customers. They work primarily with mid-sized and larger businesses, B2B, medical practices and non-profits

The American Web Design Awards is a national flagship competition that recognizes the design industry's best and brightest in web design. This year’s competition received over 2,500 entries from web design firms, advertising agencies, freelance designers, and students. A highly selective fifteen percent of those entered were recognized for their design excellence.

For more information about GCMD, visit www.gcmd.agency.

Customer Behavior has Changed: Pivot Marketing

design@gcmd.agency (Alexandra Heseltine) — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 00:52:00 GMT

Change Your Marketing to Meet Current Customer Needs.

In a recent conversation with a business owner struggling to pivot his business in a Covid economy, I pointed out that customer behavior has changed dramatically since mid-March.

Customers have undergone a series of emotions during this crisis from, shock and grief, to working in challenging situations, being both teacher and parent, and much more. It’s been a process most of us have experienced. It's been a tough journey for all of us.

Pivoting your business in crisis means adjusting your services and marketing to meet the current needs of your customers or an unmet opportunity that developed as a result of the crisis. It’s definitely not business as usual.

For business owners, this means a shift in thinking from trying to fit old processes into a new situation. Instead, they need to develop new processes that dovetail with customers needs for products and service and that coincide with current regulations.

By the way, customers generally make decisions on the emotional level then use logic or facts to back up their decision. This is true with any type of product or service offering. Your marketing should appeal to a deeper need that your customer is experiencing over and above what the product or service generally provides. Right now, those needs may be physical safety, financial security, socializing, time structure, being productive, enjoying life, etc.

Many customers have experienced the following emotions during the Covid-19 crisis:

Some customers (and employees) are still focused on fear. Take all the needed precautions needed to protect customers. Communicate frequently with customers (and staff) about appropriate steps to protect them and others from the virus.
Customers want to get out of the house. As much as customers may love their family, they are tired of being cooped up together. Working parents are now torn between being an employee in a makeshift workspace, being a teacher to their children and being at home full-time.
They desperately want life to “go back to normal” , whatever that used to look like for them. They want fun back in their lives and to celebrate special events, like birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, holidays, and other milestones.
Customers want a break from the monotony. For many people, their days have run together, and they are or have been time disoriented. One day looks very similar to the next. Give your customers a break from the monotony.
They want to shop and buy goods and services. There is a lot of pent up demand and, as business owners, you have a unique opportunity to meet this demand in ways that are different from pre-Covid. Customers are more appreciative of retail staff and the service they have continued to provide during the pandemic.
Customers are used to items being out of stock. The entire world has experienced shortages of toilet paper, flour, ¼” elastic and many other items. They will not be surprised to learn that your business doesn’t have all the usual products or services. Sell the products and services you can provide at this time. If it makes sense, retain information about customer requests and let them know when those products are available again through email. This process might best be handled through a CRM or similar tool integrated with an email service.
Customers are used to waiting for their orders and in line. Amazon delayed sending many items so that critical products could be shipped first. Non-essential items could take 3 weeks or more to be received by customer. Customers are used to waiting to receive goods and services. If you’re running a takeout service, let customers know it might be 30 or 45 minutes before their meal is ready for pick up.
Customers are making a lot of online purchases. Online sales have exploded over the past couple of months. Businesses who had a strong online presence pre-Covid have grown substantially. Those businesses who didn’t have a strong online presence before the crisis either quickly pivoted or got left behind. If you’re business can sell product or services online, do it.
Customers are searching online for “takeout”, “delivery” and “curbside” services more than ever. For restaurants, it’s critical that you show up in searches for these types of services. Make sure a page on your website is optimized for takeout, delivery, or curbside. Update your Google My Business page to includes these services, a menu and related information.

Some retailers are also offering curbside or delivery services to ensure customers can make purchases. Even L.L. Bean is offering curbside service for nearby customers to pick up products.

One last point, customers are generally more appreciative, patient and understanding because of doing without so many things during Covid. We’re all in this situation together and we need to work together to move forward.

As you get ready to reopen your business, keep these points in mind when developing transitional processes to provide products and services to returning customers.

Effective marketing has always been about knowing your customers, speaking their language and meeting their deeper needs. Take the time to observe, talk with and understand your customers then create an effective marketing strategy for reaching them with your message.

If you own a business and need assistance pivoting your business and marketing, reach out to us at Design@GCMD.Agency or give us a call at 207-464—0016 . We’d love to chat with you.

Ecommerce Websites: Selling Products or a Subscription

design@gcmd.agency (Alexandra Heseltine) — Sat, 09 May 2020 21:05:53 GMT

How ecommerce websites sell products and services.

Buying products or services online is what customers are doing now rather than trekking to the store. Whether the reason is a pandemic or a tight schedule, the consumers moving to online shopping has definitely spiked over the past year.

When most of us make an online purchase, we don’t think about the processes needed to make the purchase happen. We simply make our selection, type in our information, and hit the submit button. Our purchase is complete, we receive our receipt and are notified when the product is scheduled to arrive or be picked up.

Recently I had a discussion with a client about the behind-the-scenes differences between websites that sell products and gift certificates and websites that sell a subscription to a ongoing service, membership, etc. Product sales and subscriptions use very different processes to sell online.

Let's take a look behind the scenes of ecommerce websites to understand how they work.

Online Store for Selling Products

Most of us are familiar with shopping on websites like Amazon where you view products, click through to read detailed information, and click again to add products to your shopping cart. When you're ready to check out, you enter discount codes, your contact information, shipping, and payment choices before clicking to buy. Most online stores are designed to sell tangible products such as books, music, movies and downloadable products.

Most ecommerce settings are similar behind the scenes. They include product information such as weight, length, description, colors, sizes, images, etc. Products can be sold at retail or wholesale pricing; discount codes can be created, and sales prices can be preset to launch and expire on certain dates. There are also settings for shipping options (FedEx, UPS, USPS), taxes, photographs, cross-selling products and more.

Finally, there are payment gateways to processing customer payments. It takes a few days to set up payment gateways so plan ahead and use a known service.

Once all this information is inputted, the website developer sets up catalogs to display collections of products under prescribed search parameters, menus or tabs. The developer can also set up online product reviews, follow up emails and related products that customers may interested in purchasing.

Customer information is kept in a secure area under an account or profile where past orders can be reviewed, orders tracked and products reordered.

As you can see, the process of setting up a cart to sell tangible and downloadable products is complex but offers buyers a good online shopping experience, if well done.

Possible uses: Tangible Products, Takeout or Delivery Food, Service, ebooks, music, other one-off downloadable products, online one-time events.

Subscriptions for Services

Subscriptions are an entirely different way to sell online and are used for of intangible products, like software subscriptions, ongoing training, memberships, recurring services, etc. With subscription software or an online service, the product isn't tangible. The product is hosted in a secure zone on a website where a logon and password are needed to access the service or tools. The vendor gives the customer permission to access their software, service or course for a monthly or yearly price. In other words, customers are purchasing access to the product within a secured zone where the service is located.

Another way to sell a subscription is to offer a predefined number of tangible products for a set amount per month. For instance, Adobe sells stock images as a subscription: 10 images per month for $30. The unused images rollover to the next month. Basically, the customer is buying 10 image credits per month and using those credits as needed.

The subscription process is similar to purchasing a membership at a health club you visit a couple of times a week. Even though you don’t own the facility or its equipment, you enjoy the benefit of using the equipment and facility.

On the backend of the website, purchasing a subscription is fairly straightforward. Once the customer has clicked on a button to start checking out, it’s a matter of completing the checkout form and hitting submit. The vendor then allows the customer access to the secured zone to enjoy the service or course using a logon and password. Of course, a payment gateway needs to be in place to accept payments.

If the subscription is a downloadable product, then the customer will be allowed to download the product to install, check their online account for billing, past purchases, renewal dates, training, resources and more.

Subscriptions do not permit discounts codes but do permit price changes for a promotional period.

Possible Uses: Software, ongoing training, memberships, renewable service contracts, online tools or resources, products that are solde

Selling a Product vs. Subscription: Which is Best?

The easiest way to decide whether you should use a "shopping cart" process or a subscription to sell online is to ask, “Do I have a tangible product that I can sell ownership to someone else?” If you retain ownership of the product and are allowing others to use it for a fee, selling a service or selling credits to buy products, then you are probably using a subscription process to sell online.

If you’re planning to sell online, keep these two processes in mind. The process you choose will affect how you deliver your product or service and your marketing strategy.

Would You Like to Learn More About Ecommerce Websites?

If you'd like to learn more about selling products or services online, reach out to us via email at Design@GCMD.Agency or give us a call at 207-464-0016 . We'd love to chat with you about you new ecommerce website.

Not Ready to Talk But Want More Info?

Download our eCommerce Products Worksheet and Guidelines , practical tools for planning and preparing for your product-based ecommerce website.

Major Business Disruptions Lead to Better Product Offerings

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 17:34:26 GMT

Pivoting Business Direction to Thrive

The coronavirus has hit many businesses hard and some have closed, at least temporarily. The impact isn’t much different than when a major supplier, vendor or partner suddenly pulls out of your business with little to no warning. What do you do when crisis hits?

We experienced a crisis situation a few years ago, when our primary strategic partner announced they were discontinuing their product and started scaling down almost immediately. This announcement was a major disruption to our business creating many challenges, but ultimately lead to a better outcome for both us and our clients.

When our strategic partner made a global announcement that they were discontinuing their product, the impact was devastating. We went through six stages of change in our business pivot. You might find yourself going through these same steps as your move through the coronavirus crisis, so we have included tips to help you survive, adapt and thrive.

1. The Initial Reaction

The initial reaction is a feeling of complete shock. Like you, we had some tough questions to answer like, should we close or pivot our business? What critical steps are needed to move forward? How do we cover expenses when sales opportunities are hamstrung? What can we do now that will have an immediate positive effect? How do we communicate the news to our team, staff and customers, so they don’t leave - making the situation worse? We decided to pivot our business and pursue other solutions.

A pivot mindset does not immediately impact the situation but sets the direction for future changes. It requires clear thinking, creative problem solving and leadership skills to move forward. It’s important to carefully consider the steps needed to keep the cash flowing during a shift from the old to the new. Moving through this initial phase quickly will minimize the impact and start forward momentum.

2. What Are Your Options?

This is an important step for you and your business and part of the pivoting process. We had to assess our current capabilities and how to use our resources differently to create the same or better product offerings for our clients.

Questions worth asking are: What upgrades and skills enhancement need to be implemented to start using the product? How long will it the transformation take? Will the change have an immediate impact on cash flow and is it a sustainable solution? These are just a few of the questions that should be asked when looking at pivoting options.

Identify who you are connected to and who uses the same products you do within your industry. What members of your business community share similar ideas, resources, information and provide support for others? Use these connections as an information resource for new ideas and possible solutions.

Review eight to ten options and figure out which option makes the most sense over the long term.

Following our partner pullout, we connected with non-competing businesses in the same industry who banded together to identify possible solutions. This step enabled us to assess options we wouldn’t have known about or considered which expedited the options phase of our transition.

3. Evaluate Your Choices

Just like buying a new car or house you need to consider each available option without prejudice. See how each one works for your business including its benefits, limitations and how easy it will be to implement into your business processes. A schematic can provide a framework for consistently assessing each option’s benefits, limitations, implementation time and sustainability.

Since the coronavirus is tapping into many industries, consider pursuing government contracts. These contracts will likely cause you to pivot your business processes, but the payoff is keeping your business alive and possibly growing during uncertain times.

Your chosen option needs to dovetail with your brand, company ethos & culture and the overall goals of the business. It also needs to empower you to provide your customers with the quality and care they’re used to receiving. In our case, there were technical requirements and security issues that also needed to be considered.

4. Implement Your Decision

After narrowing down your options, based on the core values and beliefs of your company, capabilities and resources, you should also consider the drawbacks and risks of your options.

How long it will take to implement the chosen option? What are the costs for the transition and how to keep the cash flowing during the transition? Think about how this option will impact your brand, products, and services that your company currently offers and in the future.

You may need more than one solution for your business pivot. There can be multiple solutions and several options to solve different types of problems. Rather than put all our efforts into a single solution, we made the decision to offer several options to our clients to solve specific problems.

5. Launching New Products and Services

Regular communication with clients and your team is critical to moving forward in the transition process. It will help you preserve your relationship with your customers and keep the trust between you.

If you settle on multiple products, release them one at a time to better mange the transition and marketing processes. Time-released product rollouts enable your business to stay top of mind through new products announcements in press releases and multimedia ads. Each product rollout can be monitored and adjusted to produce results.

As a marketing agency, we recommend developing a consistent marketing strategy for rolling out each product for brand, message consistency and results. Creating a system for product rollouts will enable you to quickly launch new products, monitor activity and pivot a strategy quickly. The system may include inbound and outbound marketing, advertising, webinars and more.

6. Future Growth

Being forced to change your company’s products and services will cause you to re-evaluate the direction of your company.

Whether a global pandemic or a sudden pull-out of a strategic partner, the disruption is always a heavy blow for any company, but it does not have to be the end of your business.

With commitment and persistence from you and your team, your business can move from survive to thrive. Using strong leadership, you can guide your team through the process and pivot your direction to meet a better future.

In the long run, it could be a blessing in disguise that allows your business to reposition itself in the market, offer new products or services and grow in ways you could only dream about.

Going through a Business Pivot?

We love helping businesses in transition pivot their brand, web presence and marketing. If you’d like to talk about your plans for your company’s future (and how we might be able to help you) send us an email to Design@GCMD.Agency or give us a call on 207-464-0016 . You can also schedule a 30-minute meeting on our virtual calendar.

Crisis Marketing and Consumer Behavior During Covid-19

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 16:51:12 GMT

These are certainly unprecedented times. Many of us have experienced several crises over the years, from stock market crashes to epidemics and terrorist attacks but nothing on a global scale before.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve attended several webinars on the future of marketing and reviewed articles from Google about current marketing trends. I’ve found that each brand handles their marketing and communication using their own approach based on their customers’ behaviors and, in some cases, location.

So what are Google and top brands doing for marketing during this crisis and to move forward? Here are some marketing trends we wanted to pass on:

Remain Flexible: Google is remaining agile and adjusting their messaging to reflect current
customer behaviors and emotions.

Customers have gone through three levels of adjustment so far: everything stopped, started working from home, and continuing to work from home. Some consumers are grieving their old lives and the loss of loved ones. Emotions are running high and some folks are struggling to continue moving forward. They are now getting tired of working from home and want to return to a regular work routine, assuming they have a job to return to.
Constantly Reassess your marketing campaigns, graphics and processes. Marketing from two weeks ago isn’t necessarily appropriate for today. Quickly assemble and test marketing campaigns and reassess rapidly. It’s a little like “fail fast and pivoting”. Don’t get stuck using a single approach through this crisis or you risk missing opportunities.
Use Appropriate Visuals: While humorous graphics may be appreciated most of the time, right now they could be perceived as inappropriate. Be sensitive to your audience’s experiences and create artwork that connects with where they are when the ads are running.
Stay in Context: While the crisis is global, we experience it on the local level and each location is experiencing the crisis differently. Google has learned that interest in news stories has surged worldwide with many more ad impressions being served in this category. The news may be a good place to advertise – or it may not – depending on the brand. One thing’s for sure, digital ads need to be appropriate for the location in which they are seen and tailored to the customer experiences within the pandemic.
Switching Priorities: Google is switching its priority from paid ads to providing services that are helpful to the general public. For Google, the switch is to search where people can find helpful information or Hangouts and Chrome for educators.

The challenge for all businesses is how can they be helpful to their customers and their communities. Being helpful can range from providing relevant insights to contributing to a local food bank and community services.

Many businesses have switched their focus and production to health-related products specifically related to the Covid-19 crisis. Ford switched its focus from building cars to manufacturing medical equipment .

The businesses that pivoted their manufacturing from their regular product lines to healthcare products have received accolades for making the switch and for contributing to the public good. A few of the companies who made a production pivot include Flow Fold , American Roots , Bauer among others.
Communicate with Customers: Whether it’s a shortage of products, delivery concerns or hours of operation, be aware of your customer’s concerns and address them quickly and frankly.

Cottonelle reportedly provided a message to soothe customer concerns then initiated a generosity campaign to “Share a Square” rather than stockpiling product.

A restaurant chain addressed customer concerns regarding safety by announcing employees are required to take temperature checks when reporting to work and finishing a shift.
Bring People Together: While the public needs to remain physically apart, videos, webinars and virtual meetings bring people together. People are relational so using these tools helps all of us stay connected. Your brand can provide opportunities for your communities to connect around topics or social events. Participants can find the events informative, reassuring and enjoyable.

Two companies that brought people together using video are Ikea-Spain and Guinness .

Pivoting Marketing

There are many ways to navigate through this crisis. One is for sure, your business needs to be perceived as part of the solution not as part of the problem. We have a few suggestions to move forward with your marketing.

Get involved by providing solutions for your customers, whether it’s information or a tangible products. It’s okay to be public with your directional pivots that relate to the public good, in fact, it’s essential that you announce your pivot so current customers and the general public understand your current direction and how it impacts them.
Pivot your message to be more compassionate but strong in purpose to deliver products or services.
Continue marketing to your customers being sensitive to their situation and frequently adjust your campaigns to align with current events.
Ecommerce : If you are selling products or services online, be sure the buying process is simple for customers to use. Keep customers informed about supply shortages and shipping delays. If you sell an essential product, it is more than appropriate to advertise in Google, Facebook and through other digital marketing channels.

With every crisis, there are challenges but there are also great opportunities to move forward more intelligently and grow. Don't miss out by not taking appropriate action.

We're all in this together and together we'll get through this season.

If you have questions about how to pivot your marketing or transition your marketing through this crisis, reach out to us at design@gcmd.agency or give us a call at 207-464-0016 .

Resources: Google: Coronavirus Crisis Marketing Google: COVID-19 Media Principles

Why Install an SSL Certificate on Your Website?

design@gcmd.agency (Alexandra Heseltine) — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 14:57:58 GMT

Are SSL Certificates really important?

As you probably know, nothing on the web stays the same for very long.

For several years, it’s been Google’s mission to provide their search engine users a better online experience by causing spammy and inactive websites to fall to the bottom of searches. Google has also elevating websites that are properly built for search engines and actively updating content with blog articles, products, videos, images, written content, etc.

These anti-spam steps that Google is taking are great for the user but if you own a website that is at least four years old and you haven’t taken extra security measures, ensured that your website is built properly or updated the content in sometime, your website could be tagged as a spam or an abandoned site and drop in rankings.

More Secure Websites – Better Ranking and Traffic

Google’s latest “big change” is to strongly encourage website owners to make their websites secure by installing an SSL certificate. SSL Certificates are intended to prevent hackers from stealing personal information that a visitor might leave on your website when completing a form, such as email address, credit card information, etc. This step is also designed to minimize inferior quality sites from showing up in searches which may include spam, create a bad user experience or otherwise be dangerous to your you or computer.

SSL Certificates provide added layer of security

An SSL certificate will provide your website and business an extra layer of security against hackers stealing information from forms on your website. When web users visit your website, they will see the word “Secure” in the browser just left of your URL (domain name) indicating that your website is safe to visit. Read Article About SSL Certificates .

Protect Your Online Reputation and Credibility

Even if your website is not an e-commerce site, we recommend installing an SSL Certificate as a way of demonstrating the trustworthiness of your website to your visitors. We have heard of customers who will not visit a website if it doesn’t say “Secure” in the browser. Some individuals are using mobile devices with apps that block websites from showing up if the site isn’t designated “Secure”. More recently, Google is visually flagging websites that are not secure with an Insecure Website symbol or a pop up that warns the visitor that the website is unsecure. As you can guess, not having an SSL certificate on your website could impact traffic and leads generation. Read Article about HTPPS Timeframe

Website Security with SSL Certificate

Considering the risk involved with maintaining an unsecure website versus a secure website, the cost for the SSL certificate is minimal. The time for installing and upgrading a website will vary, depending on the size of the website. Estimated time to upgrade a website is roughly 1-2 hours, although larger websites could take longer.

We highly recommend taking this step to protect your website and online reputation. If you’re have questions about SSL certificates and why they are important, reach out to us at Design@GCMD.Agency . We'd love to chat with you.

Intentional Giving As Part of Your Brand Strategy

Tue, 18 Jun 2019 04:00:00 GMT

We all know – branding is more than a logo. Branding really is the face and personality of an organization. In fact, long-standing brands develop and change over time as the organization grows but there are elements of the brand that stay consistent. Like a person’s character, a business could be known for its consistent quality, customer service or dedication to their community – all elements of a business’ brand.

Intentional Branding and Identity
Intentional branding, as opposed to accidental branding, encompasses the mission of the company (purpose), vision (future), values and culture before getting into the visuals and messaging. It’s not much different from self-knowledge – knowing who you are and who you are not. On the personal level, most of us take this journey over a life time. With a brand, the process needs to be thoughtfully executed in a relatively short span of time so that the organization can rally around the brand identity and move forward purposely.

Giving as a Brand Strategy
With the holiday behind us, the traditional season for giving, I wanted to focus on how intentional giving could be incorporated into your business’ branding and culture for 2019. Being strategic and using philanthropy as a marketing and branding tool can reap many benefits for a business, as follows:

Companies that integrate purposeful giving into their businesses see an average 11% increase in sales versus their competitors.

90% of Americans are more likely to trust brands that back social causes.
85% of millennials are willing to recommend a brand based on their social good efforts.

Brand Culture and Community Support
As part of a brand culture, studies show that businesses who support their community through giving are more likely to attract the right employees and retain them. It could be that employees perceive their job as part of a bigger mission beyond a paycheck.

I recently met Donna Betts of Give with Purpose who helps business’ develop giving strategies that connect with a business’s core values, mission and culture – in other words, their brand. During the holiday season and throughout the year, many businesses are contacted by a variety of charitable organization who are often doing wonderful work but are not strategic in their asks. Most businesses give until the money runs out but without giving thought as to which organizations they wish to support and that dovetail with their mission.

Here are a few Maine businesses that Give with Purpose:

Gorham Savings Bank , a Maine Community Bank, is deeply embedded in the Maine communities is serves, including its charitable giving that enriches people’s lives through education, business growth and health initiatives. GSB’s giving and non-profit support include financial literacy at high schools, SCORE classes, Junior Achievement, scholarships, business growth competitions and programs, the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, various health and wellness initiatives, Boys & Girls Club, United Way, food pantries, thanksgiving meals and Coats for Kids.
Remax Shoreline , a real estate agency in Portland, Falmouth, ME and Portsmouth, NH, loves being involved with their communities through marathons, rides in the Remax hot air balloon at fairs and events, art sales, golf tournaments and more. The owners believe that being involved is not only good for communities but is good business too.
First Light , formerly Oxford Networks, is a fiber-optic data, Internet, data center cloud and voice services to enterprise and carrier customers throughout the Northeast and parts of Canada. First Light is also known for its philanthropy and involvement in the community. They support their local chambers of commerce, the United Way, the American Heart Association and many local charities through its Community Matters program.
Edward Jones agents in Maine are especially known for their support in the Alzheimer’s Association. Over the years, agents and their clients have raised thousands of dollars for the organization through participation in walks, events and other fundraisers.

There are many smaller businesses who give generously to a variety of non-profits, many with a strategy for giving that supports the community and their brand and mission. Whatever your community support involves, be intentional about your giving, keep good records, and appoint a single individual as a contact person.

Non-Profits: Returning Goodwill to Supporting Businesses
If you’re a non-profit looking to attract donations, try connecting with businesses whose mission and culture dovetail with your purpose. Also, be aware, that businesses expect that their donation and support will be recognized in the community so be generous with public acknowledgement and appreciation.

What is Your Giving Strategy
Most businesses are contacted by several, if not numerous organizations, for donations over the course of a year. These organizations rely on community support to continue their mission. Work with the organizations that best mesh with your business’ vales and culture.

If you’re not sure how to develop a strategy for giving at your business, reach out to Give with Purpose to start the strategy process.

If your brand needs a refresh, send us a message at Deign@gcmd.agency or give us a call at 207-464-0016 . We’d love to chat with you.

National Web Design Award for Portland, Maine Creative Agency

design@gcmd.agency (Alexandra Heseltine) — Wed, 15 May 2019 15:12:36 GMT

GCMD web design, branding and marketing announced today that it has been awarded an American Web Design Award for its design of the new Barr Center for Innovative Pain & Regenerative Therapies website. Over the past several years, GCMD has won a total of six national web design and graphic design awards.

The Barr Center is a new medical practice in Virginia that need a brand identity and website in time for the practice opening. Over a 10-week span, a brand was developed that captured the personality of the practice and deeply impacted the website design. The Barr Center website is built on WordPress and uses strong design, user experience and videos to educate visitors about their pain management options and enables visitor to easily contact the practice to schedule an appointment from any device.

"I am very pleased with my choice of working with the GCMD Agency team. Our immediate successful website launch has been key to our smooth practice transition." - Lisa Barr, MD

The American Web Design Awards is a national flagship competition that recognizes the design industry's best and brightest in web design. This year’s competition received over 2,000 entries from web design firms, advertising agencies, freelance designers and students. A highly selective fifteen percent of those entered were recognized for their design excellence.

“We’re delighted that our agency is being recognized for exceptional web design for the fourth time,” said owner Alexandra Heseltine. “Our websites not only look beautiful, but also show up strong in searches and improve internal processes. With the Barr Center website, we were able to showcase our high-end design skills, while creating a great user experience for patients.”

GCMD was established in 2009 as a graphic design, web design and marketing consultancy company. The creative agency specializes in robust and interactive web design and development, branding strategies and integrated marketing for mid-sized and larger businesses and non-profits that strive to grow through traditional and digital marketing. GCMD ‘s clients include established businesses in the construction industry, B2B companies, medical practices and larger non-profit organizations.

For more information about GCMD or to learn about their other successful projects, visit www.gcmd.agency . They can be reached at 207-464-0016 or via email at Design@GCMD.Agency .

6 Ways Websites can Streamline Business Processes

Wed, 15 May 2019 14:49:26 GMT

Websites can solve many business problems and can be an integral component in streamlining operations, marketing, and sales.

There are a lot of reasons why a company might rebuild its website, such as branding, lead generation, improve navigation, or modernize an out-of-date site. One often overlooked reason to rebuild a website is improving internal business processes.

Process improvement can enhance operational work flow, increase customer response time, reduce expenses or grow sales and better utilize staff time and skill-sets. Here are a few ways websites improve operational processes.

Pre-Qualifying Patients

For medical practices offering specialized services, pre-screening and qualifying potential patients can contribute to better time management for staff and physicians resulting in cost savings or other efficiencies. Well planned websites can use landing pages, and online surveys that instantly qualify or disqualifies potential patients. Qualified individuals will immediately know they are eligible for treatment and be giving an opportunity to select an appointment date. The office is notified of appointment request and follows with the potential patient to finalize the appointment. Pre-qualifying patients saves staff and the doctor(s) time by being focused on only patients they can truly treat and not on patients who aren’t a good fit for the practice.

Quote Processing

Believe it or not, some companies are still taking quotes the old-fashioned way with a phone call and pad of paper. An online quote process could streamline the quote process enabling quicker turn-around, faster sales and better cash flow. The website would include a form requiring core information, allow for drawing or document uploading and information stored in a CRM. The service provider would receive notice when the form was completed, access to CRM for uploaded documents, conduct a focused follow up sales call and provide a quote with the minimum phone and follow up emails. This process saves staff time and resources.

Project Bid Process

General Contractors receive bids from many subcontractors when working on a large construction project. To keep all bids confidential and bid compliant, a secured area could be set up for subcontractor bids and each subcontractor would have their own password protected account. The account would enable contractors to download drawings and specs and upload their proposal. A time limit could also be set for submitting a proposal so that all subcontractors are compliant with proposal deadlines.

Lead Generation

Marketing and sales teams can grow a company’s prospect list by using a series of landing pages, email campaigns and digital marketing. Creating a lead-generating sales funnel takes careful planning but can yield great rewards, if done well. First, define your target audience and learn what type of information is relevant to them. Create a landing page with a compelling offer that a prospect can download in exchange for their contact information (form). When the prospect signs up for the offer, they are delivered the offer and the sales team is notified of the completed form for immediate follow up. The contact information is stored in a CRM and used for future email campaigns and follow up offers that nurture the lead to a sale. Use social media to attract visitors to your landing page either through posts or advertising.

Online Classes

By using secure pages and eCommerce functionality, a series of self-managing online classes can be created. Students would sign up for the class(s) online and create their personal login credentials. Each class could include video training, downloadable materials, forums, upload class work and online surveys. Online classes could be set on a timer so that students have finite time to a complete a class or study materials.

Orientation or Training Classes

A similar process to online classes could be used for businesses who offer standard orientation classes for completion by new employees. This process might also be used for annual training or certification classes requiring a test at the end. A record of all employees’ activity would show when the employee logged in to the classes, posted to forums, uploaded or downloaded documents and when they completed forms or surveys.

Thinking About Going Lean?
There are many ways processes can be streamlined in a business. If you’d like to know how processes can be streamlined in your business, give us a call at 207-464-0016 or send us and email at Design@gcmd.agency . We love solving business problems and helping businesses run more efficiently. GCMD is one of the Top Web Development Companies on DesignRush.

How to Create the Perfect Brand Message in 5 Simple Steps

Wed, 13 Mar 2019 14:43:18 GMT

As we all know, a logo design is only part of the branding process. The critical part of branding is defining your brand message.

At the core, your brand message should answer this question in as few words as possible (under 10): Why should a client hire you over a competitor? Ask yourself these questions about your business: who you are, what do you really offer, who are your ideal customers, how can you solve their problems and what makes you unique in the marketplace.

Imagine for a minute, that you’re traveling in the elevator of a high rise building from the ground floor to the 10th floor. There’s a business person on the elevator, a prospective client, that you’ve wanted to meet for a long time. You’re the only two people on the elevator and both or you are going to the 10th floor – non-stop. How would you describe your brand between the ground floor and the 10th floor so the prospect is intrigued about your business and will want to continue the conversation after the doors open? If you have a well-defined brand message, this conversation will be a no-brainer.

Know who you are and who you aren’t
Believe it or not, many people and businesses have a tough time accurately describing themselves. Ask anyone who’s writing a resume and cover letter how hard it is to accomplish this task. It’s no different with business owners, decisions-makers, marketer or sales people who are trying to craft a sales letter to make a positive impression on a potential client. It’s especially difficult, and even confusing, if the individual or business offers a variety of products and services.

Here are a few tactics to discover your identity:

Conduct a Survey. Ask you customers what they think of your business. If you own a small or one-person business, ask your mentors, friends and clients. Put serious thought into the questions so that you receive honest answers – not just the answers you want to hear. Provide an opportunity for customers to openly comment on your business persona and brand, customers service, products, sales, business referral and their overall experience with your company. Surveys can be in-person but make sure you document all answers and comments then evaluate for common threads and themes in the responses. The answers could be an eye-opener on the positives and negatives about your business. Finally, expect only 15-20% to respond to an emailed survey. If the survey is done face-to-face or through a phone call, the response will be much higher.
Inventory Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. What are you great at doing and what should you avoid? Focus on your strengths and discontinue or outsource the things you are not good at doing. What new opportunities can you identify that you might have overlooked? Has the market changed or are there new competitors who threaten your business? Again, this should be easy, but most find the SWOT analysis takes more time and work than expected so allow a fair amount of time for this important step.
Identify what you can consistently do well or produce that a generates a profit. The key is making a profit at a service you provide or a product you sell – not just make a living. Profit enables you to grow a sustainable business.
Define what you’re passionate about and why? Articulate what you love doing and why you get so excited about doing it. This is the rocket fuel for your business so take the time to sort this out.
If you’re a Jack-of-All-Trades, figure out a way to “bundle” what you do under one label, such as a business consultant to a specific industry or being an expert in solving a specific business problem. Separate your services and skills from your niche market so that you can pivot your business to new, more profitable niche markets, if needed.

Know your Clients
How well do you know your client? I’m acquainted with a financial advisor who knows his clients very well: their education, income, number of children, neighborhoods, where they vacation, the types of cars they drive, their job titles, where they dine, the schools their children attend, etc. He also knows their life goals, obstacles to reaching those goals then provides top advice on how to reach those goals no matter what the market is doing. He knows their pain-points and challenges and provides personal advice to his clients, so they can avoid an undesirable future.

You get the idea. Know your clients and pain-points on a deep level so you can deliver solutions that alleviates their pain – either now or in the future.

What do you offer that relieves pain for your customer?
Now that you know more about yourself and your customers, how can you best relieve your customer’s pain? What do you or your business do that uniquely solves a problem and causes your solution to stand out in the marketplace? Why should your customers buy form you and not your competitor? If you consistently reduce or remove a client’s pain, you could have a raving fan for life. Be crystal clear about your pain-solution for your clients.

Narrow Your Focus and Business Offerings
“No one can be all things to all people” and do an excellent job. We are all finite in what we can accomplish: limited in time, talent, knowledge and resources. Use what you have wisely and focus on the outcomes you can achieve while stretching to reach bigger, long-term objectives. Running lean can have a powerful effect on a business on all levels and deliver stronger profits. If needed, focus on one or two solutions with laser-intensity when building your brand. You can always expand your offerings once you have a solid following of clients. Again, focus on your client’s pain-point with precision, provide the best possible solution, delivered consistently and at just the right time.

Craft Your Brand Message
If you’ve taken an honest assessment of your business, you should have quality data and insights to help craft your brand messaging. Review the data and look for patterns that point to a direction. Ultimately, your brand message should answer the question, “Why should your client hire you over your competitor?”

A perfect example of a brand message is outlined in the book, “ Why Should I Choose You? ” Authors and marketing consultants, Ian Chamandy and Ken Aber, share a story of a retail shelving company who consistently delivered and installed their products ahead of schedule, enabling retailers to open their stores earlier and start making money rather than experiencing delays and additional costs. The shelving company developed the brand message “Open Sooner” which speaks directly to their client’s pain-point and makes an inspiring promise to their clients. This brand message was applied throughout the company impacting marketing, sales, customer service, production and installation.

Craft your brand message to connect to your client’s pain and deliver an inspiring promise. Then apply the brand message throughout your organization for an outstanding culture and unforgettable experience for your clients.

Let us know about your journey toward defining your brand message. If you need assistance defining your brand message, reach out to us at Design@gcmd.agency or give us a call at 207-464-0016 . We’d love to give you a hand with your branding.

3 Reasons Why You Need a Marketing Strategy

Fri, 18 Jan 2019 05:00:00 GMT

Most businesses are doing some type of marketing but many are not seeing the results they desire. Why does one business succeed with their marketing while others struggle? Here are some very simple reasons why your marketing may not be working and how to get it on track.

Focused Marketing Effort

Instead of using the same marketing tactics as everyone else, dig deep and thoroughly understand your customers. Learn how your customers think, where they get their news, what’s important to them and how to speak their language. Once you know your customers, hone a finely tuned plan that connects with your ideal customer. Here are a couple of scenarios:

If your customers are young and single, they may be on Instagram, Twitter and watch videos on YouTube and websites. The graphics and messaging will be contemporary to appeal to this market to create engagement.

Parents focus their lives around their children, whether its schools, sports, music, or other activities. Parents, especially young parents, read online resources for tips on parenting, purchase products online, post on Facebook to share photos with family, and go to activities that involve their family. A marketing strategy for parents may include Facebook marketing, supporting local schools and community events,and local adverting.

The more your know about your customer, the better you can align your marketing to reach and engage with them.

Return on Investment

A marketing strategy enables a business to focus their marketing dollars toward connecting with the right customers with the right message at the right time. Create a budget that enables you to realistically reach your goals and review this budget quarter to see if it needs adjustment.

One of the biggest mistakes I see businesses make with their advertising dollars is buying into the latest advertising tactic or marketing tool offered by sales professionals. While the opportunity may be valid, if it doesn’t fit with your marketing strategy then it’s not a good purchase. Stay focused on your marketing strategy and don’t purchase services that do not align with your marketing goals or strategy.

If a marketing tactic does not produce the expected ROI, review the tactic and make changes. Small changes can often produce the results you are looking to achieve. If appropriate, try a test run for a new tactic and make adjustments prior to investing heavily in a tactic.

Consistency Creates Results

Consistent messaging produced on a regular basis helps develop your brand and creates trust with your customers. It’s a lot like investing in a good friendship where there is interaction, common interests, good conversation and shared activities. If the friendship is to grow, then both parties need to get to know one another so that trust can develop.

Create a marketing calendar, consistently following the schedule and make adjustments to better manage your marketing. Social media posts and blog articles can be created in advance and scheduled to post at a later date and time. Other types of advertising and marketing can be planned in advance to be implemented at the appropriate time.

Consistent marketing will produce results over the long-term. Even short-term marketing tactics can produce results if it dovetails with a bigger overall strategy.

Rather than trying the latest marketing tactic, stay focused on a solid strategy for six months or more. It takes time for a marketing strategy to pan-out, develop momentum, and show long-term results with a return on your investment. Develop a solid strategy, stay within your budget and on track, and be consistent with your marketing - a winning formula for any business.

Looking to grow through content marketing?

If you're interested in growing your leads and business through quality written content, reach out to us at 207-464-0016 or via email at design@gcmd.agency . We'd love to build a content strategy for you that attracts the right customers.

9 Ways to Improve your Web Presence

Thu, 25 Oct 2018 04:00:00 GMT

Are you missing sales opportunities because customers can't find you online?

There are many ways to create a powerful online presence beside building a rocking website. A quality website is important but a website alone won’t build an online presence with depth.

A strong online presence and brand recognition starts with a strategy for reaching the right people with your message, where they are looking for businesses like yours. So, of course, knowing your customers intimately is the first step to creating your online presence. Here are some rock-solid ways to show up online and get noticed.

Google My Business

Google My Business is a great way for your business to show up in searches without a website. Complete as many fields in this online tool as possible and include keywords to help with searches. Google My Business integrates with Google Analytics, YouTube and Google Adwords for single-source reporting and management. It also enables you to post content updates on a regular basis so visitors read the latest news about your business.

Bing Places for Business

Similar to Google My Business, Bing Places enables your business to show up in searches that are conducted on Bing. This tool also integrates with analytics and other online tools to enable websites to show up in Bing searches.

Review Sites

Depending on your business, being listed on review sites can drive traffic to your door. Websites like Yelp and TripAdvisor will not only help your business show up in searches but allow customers to leave reviews. Businesses with a portfolio of reviews (hopefully positive reviews), show up higher in searches.

Directories

Just having your business listed in a directory like YellowPages or WhitePages helps customers find your business. There are a many directory websites that you should consider, including local directories. Directories enable your business listing to come up in local searches.

Trade or Business Organizations

If your business belongs to a professional organization, make sure it’s listed on the organization’s website. This is a great way for other members to learn about your business and to build your online credibility.

Social Media

Using the right social media channel to engage with your customers can greatly improve your online reputation, if managed with skill. Not only will social posts engage with customers, it usually shows up well in searches. Select the social platforms used by your target audience, master the tools and strategies for each platform and start posting!

News and Online Publications

Getting in the news is usually good news for your business. Mentions in the news can be announcements, awards or noteworthy events. If you submit this type of news to the publisher, you’ll have full control over the content. Writing a regular byline for a publication is a great way to show up online as well as you and your business as experts in your industry. While this tactic falls under heading of PR and marketing, it is a also a good strategy for increasing web visibility since you're articles will come up in searches for specific articles and announcements.

Blogging and Guest Blogging

Writing great content or creating a strong visual, like an infographic, can return big benefits for your business. Business2Community.com is one of many blogging sites that accept article submissions. Pick a blogging site that is read by your customers. Trade publications area always looking for quality, insightful content so submit articles to these online publishers and make sure your bio is included.

Videos and Podcasts

Creating great videos that show up in YouTube is not only a good marketing strategy but can also help your business show up in searches. Since Google owns YouTube and a business can create its own channel, all videos will show up in Google searches. Make sure you write a good description for each video using relevant keywords about your company.

Curious about how your business stacks up online?
Take our free online assessment! You’ll see your results in a few seconds. If you'd like more details about showing up strong in searches, give us a call at 207-464-0016 or send us a message at Design@GCMD.Agency .

Writing Irresistible Blog Articles Your Customers Will Crave

Tue, 13 Mar 2018 04:00:00 GMT

Writing an irresistible blog article that attracts the right customers and is found in searches is no easy task. In fact, it’s becoming more challenging as customer behavior changes along with search engine algorithms.

A successful blog article not only appeals to your customers but provides valuable information, builds trust and contributes to the sales process. Below are our best tips for blogging success.

Planning Your Blog Article

Know your audience intimately.

What are their interests and passions?
Where do they get their news?
What are their basic demographics? How can you add value to their life?

Create content worth sharing by providing valuable information that your customers crave reading.

What solutions can you offer them to alleviate some or all of their pain?
What questions can you answer for them?
What tips and tricks can you offer that would make their life/work less painful?

Identify a keyword or keyword phrase used by customers that are looking for the answers to painful questions that you can provide in your blog article.

Creating Share-Worthy Content

Give a lot of thought to the title of your article. It needs to work for search engines and appeal to your customers at the same time. This is not an easy task so take some time to think this through before publishing the article.

Structure the article for easy scanning by readers by implementing the following steps:

Intro paragraph with an attention grabbing sentence or two.
Tell a story that creates a connection with your audience.

Break up the content into bite-sized paragraphs with a subtitle directly above (use h2 tag / subtitle). This approach will allow your reader to scan your article for information that interests them.

Include a Call to Action in the closing paragraph. This could be for an offer or simply, “give us a call” or “reach out to us” with a link to your email address.

Use a conversational writing style. The writing will read like a two-sided conversation where the writer anticipates questions and provides answers similar to a conversation. This takes a little practice but can be very effective in developing an engaging audience.

The article’s URL is often auto-generated by the blogging platform to match the article title so consider how you want the URL to read. Depending on the blogging platform, a URL might be modified to a shorter version of the title but still include the keywords or phrase.

Help Your Blog Article Show Up in Searches

Use keyword or keyword phrase in page title, H1 Title and once or twice H2 subtitles. Google has gotten a lot smarter about reading written copy for content and deciphering the meaning of a paragraph or article. So words that have similar meanings as your keyword or around a specific topic can also be an effective SEO strategy for a blog article.

Sprinkle the keywords or similar words throughout the article. Mentioning the keyword two or 3 times in an article of 750-1,000 words is a good idea. Don’t use keywords more than 5 times in a very long article or your article might be penalized by Google for keyword stuffing.

Longer is better for articles and SEO. Because there is so much information online, Google is strongly favoring websites with quality, original content and longer, authoritative articles. That means, short articles with just a few paragraphs are likely to be overlooked by Google in searches.Articles with 1,500 to 2,000 words are showing up best in searches.Backlinko.com states that the average Google first page result articles contain 1,890 words. Yes, this is a long article but articles that are around 1,000 words should have a chance of showing up in search if all the other SEO factors are in place.

Blog Writing Final Touches

Images play a big part in visually making articles interesting and worth sharing.Using images also provides an opportunity to bury keywords within an article using the Alt Tag tool. Articles with an image once every 75-100 words got double the number of social shares than articles with fewer images. (Buzzsumo, 2015).

Meta Description may still have some SEO value, although this is debatable. The thing to keep in mind is that in searches, the meta description shows up right below the title so carefully crafting the article description can entice a reader to read your article. Meta descriptions can also include a call to action to encourage a reader to click on the link or simply reach out to your business directly.

The last thing to consider is the rise of AI (Artificial Intelligence) in marketing. Articles need to be written for voice search as well as SEO. Consider this stat from 2015: 60% of smartphone users who use voice search have begun using it within the past year ( Search Engine Land).Voice search is expected to explode with the use of devices like Siri, Amazon’s Alex and Microsoft’s Cortana. In 2015, voice search for Siri was 37%, Cortana 23% and Alexa at 19%.

Need Help with Blog Writing?

If blog writing is still a daunting task for you or you don’t have time to blog, reach out to us. Our content writers would love to create share-worthy blog articles your customers will love reading. Send us an email at Design@GCMD.Agency or give us call at 207-464-0016 .