Mobile app vs. mobile website: Which is better?

Posted by poweruser on Oct 8, 2013 6:43:28 PM

You can customize a mobile experience for a user two ways: Serve up a separate web experience via an app or develop a separate website detecting mobile devices. The main difference between the two is the platforms.

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Topics: Social Media Marketing (SMM), Web Design & Development, Proximity Blog

How do I measure the success of my SEO program?

Posted by poweruser on Oct 3, 2013 9:25:54 AM

While there's many different schools of thought, weighing the success of your SEO program is almost completely based on the commitment you or anyone else puts into it and your expectations of the results.

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Topics: Search Marketing, Proximity Blog

In House vs. Agency: What's the best way to get my website optimized for Google?

Posted by poweruser on Sep 19, 2013 7:23:27 AM

Creating an SEO strategy, optimizing a website, writing content and distributing a continuous content schedule are big undertakings.

To accomplish these in-house, you need to have employees trained and ready for the task. Beyond tactical execution, this task requires a lot of research and planning.

Consider the components we apply when working with our clients before determining if your company is up for the task or would prefer to opt for an agency.

1. The research and the plan
Before any optimizing, research hundreds of keywords/key phrases and analyze where your site currently stands in Google search rankings. Then, evaluate your top competitors. The results of this research are compiled into a Benchmark Analysis. Future content optimization and creation revolve around keyword strategies.

2. Site optimization
Once you determine a keyword strategy, begin the process of optimizing the current website to include the backend coding and on-page content. This ensures all the correct headers, tags and descriptors are included in the webpage coding so Google can properly crawl and index pages.

3. Content development
This is the keystone of an SEO strategy--the generation of new and keyword-rich content for the website each month, so the website is continually relevant and fresh. It’s Google’s primary gauge for scoring your website. This means you should write and post one to three new pages of content on your website per month.

4. Distribution
After you write new content, articles should be distributed in accordance with the marketing plan. Consider expanding your website by adding pages, distributing content via social networks, and managing your company blog by writing and posting articles.

5. Back linking
In addition to all of the on-site optimization and content development, research appropriate directories and partner sites to list your business website. When credible sites point to your website, Google sees your website as a valuable content resource.

After reviewing these five key components, is your company up for the task?

It turns out a lot of businesses choose to partner with an agency to develop and execute an SEO plan. An agency has the dedicated resources to drive an SEO plan and generate continuous new business leads. A lot of companies simply don’t have the resources to manage everything for an SEO strategy to be successful. An agency is in a constant state of learning on behalf of its clients and maintains knowledge of all current Google algorithm changes.

If your company is up for the task, consider both of these tips to help accelerate your SEO strategy. 1) Create keyword rich blog articles, white papers, and videos. 2) Task employees to assist with listing the company’s website on relevant directories.

Remember, whether you opt to hire an agency or do the work in-house, developing a successful SEO strategy is an ongoing process, not a one-time adjustment to your website.

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Topics: Web Design & Development, Search Marketing, Proximity Blog

How long does it take to build and redesign a website?

Posted by poweruser on Sep 5, 2013 4:46:23 AM

The Website Development Timeline

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Topics: Web Design & Development, Proximity Blog

HTML Emails vs. Text-only Email: Which is the best to increase response rates and sales?

Posted by poweruser on Aug 22, 2013 5:45:34 AM

HTML vs. Text Emails

How you design an email marketing campaign to look depends on the content it will contain and its intent. In the discussion of HTML vs. text emails, we know that HTML email messages are not automatically more successful than text-only versions. Yet, it’s likely both will prove useful in your marketing schedule. Looks don’t always matter when it comes to your email campaign. It’s about the response you receive--that's the end goal. You want to gain a response from your subscribers and just need to make the determination if HTML vs. text emails is best.

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Topics: Email Marketing, Proximity Blog

Do all businesses need social media with their marketing programs?

Posted by proxPowerUser on Aug 14, 2013 10:25:25 AM

Social media is one the most direct methods of communication. As we move towards an “always plugged-in” society, the ability to reach clients through their personal devices creates the need for businesses to engage in social media marketing.

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Topics: Social Media Marketing (SMM), Proximity Blog

Will linking to video in email increase sales?

Posted by poweruser on Aug 7, 2013 8:21:52 PM

Using Video in Email Marketing

You have optimized content and a great email design, but how else can you engage your readers so they see your capabilities? Create a personal, targeted video for your contacts - that personal touch, alone, will increase your click-through-rate and lead to more sales. The answer is: using video in email marketing will increase your response, sales, and leads.

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Topics: Email Marketing, Proximity Blog

On average, how much do pay per click (PPC) marketing activities cost?

Posted by poweruser on Jul 25, 2013 4:41:32 AM

The Cost of Pay per Click (PPC)

Pay-per-click marketing can be one of the most effective components of your web marketing strategy. If you’re not careful, however, it could also be one of the most costly. The cost of pay per click could easily exceed your budget.

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Topics: Pay-per-Click (PPC), Proximity Blog

How to turn your print design into a effective email design?

Posted by poweruser on Jul 18, 2013 3:21:05 AM

Turn Your Print Marketing Into Powerful Email Design

Converting a print piece to email isn’t as simple as a copy and pasting – it’s really an art. Print marketing pieces are often designed with a lot of images so you read from top to bottom to find the call to action – which is typically towards the bottom. Email marketing pieces need to be designed completely different.

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Topics: Email Marketing, Proximity Blog

What's the process of designing and developing a business website?

Posted by poweruser on Jul 11, 2013 6:08:28 AM

Developing & Designing a Business Website Effectively

The thought of creating and updating a website can present symptoms reflective of a mild panic attack. It’s huge. It can be overwhelming. Just remember to rest and breath easy. If you maintain a commitment to methodology, your website design and development process can be successful. Just keep in mind the pros, process and steps for following that methodology.

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Topics: Web Design & Development, Proximity Blog