15 Years on LinkedIn: Where Has the Time Gone!

15 Years on LinkedIn: Where Has the Time Gone!

LinkedIn recently sent me a message that I’ve been a member of the platform for 15 years. It was a surprising reminder of how time flies and how LinkedIn has transformed over the years. From my early days on the platform to the vibrant professional hub it is today, my journey on LinkedIn has been like a rollercoaster – full of ups and downs. It has been a faithful friend from working in-house to setting up Creationz Marketing in 2013. It has had its uses and I have connected with people who I consider friends.
The Early Days: Let’s be honest, back in the day, LinkedIn was primarily a digital CV site for recruiters. It was a place to list your work history, connect with colleagues, and endorse each other’s skills. It was, in essence, an online business directory. And I must admit, I used it rather passively.
 
 
The Rise of Content: Fast forward a few years, and LinkedIn underwent a significant transformation. It became clear that this platform was more than just a place to showcase your CV. It was a dynamic space for sharing insights, industry news, and personal experiences. Quality content became the currency of influence.
 
 
Video Takes Centre Stage: One of the most noticeable shifts was the rise of video content. Suddenly, professionals were sharing not just written posts but also videos offering a glimpse into their work lives. It was a game-changer, adding a personal touch to the platform.
The Remote Work Revolution: The past couple of years brought about an unforeseen change – the widespread adoption of remote work. LinkedIn became the virtual place to have conversations, where professionals shared their remote work experiences, tips, and challenges. It connected people across continents like never before. It also seemed to help businesses lose the stuffiness, just like the removal of ties and full-on business suits.
 
 
Thought Leadership Emerges: LinkedIn has also witnessed the emergence of thought leadership. Professionals began using the platform to establish themselves as experts in their fields. It’s not just about job titles; it’s about the valuable insights you bring to the table.
 
 
Building Communities: LinkedIn Groups and communities have gained prominence. These spaces foster discussions, networking, and learning. They’ve become hubs for professionals with shared interests to connect and collaborate.
Looking Ahead: So, what’s next for LinkedIn? As we celebrate 15 years of utilising the network (still don’t know where that time has gone), we can expect the platform to continue evolving. It is never going to stand still. More videos, more community engagement, and more opportunities for professionals to connect and grow.
 
 
LinkedIn isn’t just a platform; it’s a community of like-minded individuals on a professional journey together. Here’s to the next 15 years.
Cheers to LinkedIn!
Creepy Content Marketing: Brewing Engagement and Enchantment

Creepy Content Marketing: Brewing Engagement and Enchantment

As the leaves turn golden and a chill fills the air, Halloween creeps closer. It’s a time when the world transforms, becoming a canvas for the eerie, the supernatural, and the fantastical. But what if we told you that content marketing shares a kindred spirit with this bewitched season? Yes, you heard that right! Content marketing is like crafting the perfect spell—brewing engagement and enchantment. So, gather around, my fellow marketers, as we delve into the magical world of creepy content marketing.

The Cauldron of Creativity: Picture content marketing as a bubbling cauldron of creativity. Just like a skilled witch or wizard concocts a potion with the right ingredients, marketers blend words, visuals, and strategy to create content that captivates and enthrals.

Spells of Storytelling: In the world of content marketing, storytelling reigns supreme. Stories are like the enchanting spells that draw readers in, keeping them hooked until the very end. Whether it’s an origin tale of your brand or a customer success story, stories work like magic.

Potion Ingredients: A potion’s power lies in its ingredients. Similarly, the quality of your content hinges on its components. Fresh, insightful, and relatable content is the heart of your spell. Research, keywords, and a sprinkle of creativity are the ingredients you need.

The Crystal Ball of Analytics: Just as witches consult crystal balls for insight, we have analytics tools to predict and measure content performance. These crystal balls reveal what’s working and what needs tweaking. Tracking metrics like engagement, click-through rates, and conversions is essential.

SEO Spells: Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is like a potent incantation in content marketing. By sprinkling relevant keywords and optimizing your content, you ensure it’s discoverable by those seeking your wisdom.

Enchanting Visuals: Remember, a spellbook isn’t complete without mesmerizing illustrations. Similarly, compelling visuals, from eye-catching graphics to bewitching videos, add an extra layer of enchantment to your content. Be sure to check out our recent post if you’re struggling with ideas here!

Social Media Cauldron: Social media platforms are the cauldrons where you share your concoctions with the world. Stir the brew by sharing, engaging, and interacting with your audience. The more you stir, the more potent your presence.

Elixir of Engagement: Just as a potion offers healing or transformation, your content should provide value. Inform, educate, entertain, or inspire your audience. When you brew content that enriches lives, engagement follows.

The Spell of Consistency: Consistency is the chant that strengthens your spells. Regularly publishing high-quality content keeps your audience enchanted and coming back for more.

Magic in Mobile: In today’s enchanted forest of the internet, mobile-friendliness is crucial. Your spells (content) must work their magic on mobile devices, ensuring that readers on all screens can access your wisdom. This goes for your website too!

As we wrap up this journey through the mystical world of content marketing, remember that your role, dear marketer, is akin to that of a skilled wizard or witch. You wield words and visuals to cast enchantments upon your audience, leaving them spellbound and eager for more.

So, as you venture forth into the digital wilderness, brew your content with care, infuse it with stories, sprinkle in SEO magic, and stir the cauldron of creativity. The results will be enchanting, drawing your audience closer, and forging bonds that endure.

In the realm of content marketing, there’s always more to discover and new spells to cast. Embrace the magic, and may your content always enchant and captivate. Happy bewitching, fellow content sorcerers! 🎩🔮📜

Launch Your Marketing Career: The Power of Marketing Cohort

Launch Your Marketing Career: The Power of Marketing Cohort

Are you new to the marketing field, a recent graduate, or someone juggling multiple marketing responsibilities without a dedicated background? Feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to start? You’re not alone. But what if there was a resource designed to equip you with the tools, knowledge, and support you need to succeed?

Marketing Cohort: Your Guide to a Thriving Marketing Career

Our Marketing Cohort is a monthly subscription service built for new marketers just like you. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to refine your existing skills, the Marketing Cohort offers a comprehensive learning environment with:

  • Expert-Led Workshops: Gain practical knowledge on key marketing areas like social media, content creation, marketing analytics, and more.
  • Live Q&A Sessions: Learn from industry professionals through interactive sessions, getting answers to your specific questions and challenges.
  • Supportive Online Community: Connect with peers facing similar challenges, share experiences, and build a network of like-minded professionals.
  • Valuable Resources: Access a library of curated resources like articles, templates, and case studies to support your learning journey.

Benefits of Joining Marketing Cohort

Investing in your marketing development with Marketing Cohort unlocks a world of possibilities:

  • Master In-Demand Skills: Develop the skills and knowledge employers are looking for, making you a more competitive and marketable candidate.
  • Boost Confidence and Expertise: Gain an in-depth understanding of marketing principles, allowing you to approach your work with confidence and a strategic mindset.
  • Accelerate Your Career Growth: Stay ahead of the curve with access to the latest trends and industry insights, paving the way for career advancement.
  • Increased Job Satisfaction and Enjoyment: Become more proficient in your role, leading to greater engagement and a more fulfilling career path.

The Marketing Cohort is your partner in building a successful marketing career. Don’t let feeling overwhelmed hold you back. Take control of your future and join a supportive community of professionals who are all invested in your success. Marketing Cohort will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence you need to thrive in the ever-evolving marketing landscape.

Ready to unlock your full marketing potential? Complete this form today and learn more about Marketing Cohort. Get started on your rewarding marketing journey and join a supportive community of professionals!

P.S The first 20 people who sign up will gain access for just £25 for the first month!
Marketing Activities to Avoid: Pitfalls for Small Businesses

Marketing Activities to Avoid: Pitfalls for Small Businesses

Marketing is great!!! I have spent my career helping businesses to market their businesses effectively across a range of sectors but it is really starting to show that as the business work gets tougher, the focus on marketing is shifting. Businesses are chasing big-ticket marketing activity like Google Ads without concentrating on the smaller foundations or being consistent in their marketing approach. Whilst marketing is a vital component of any successful business strategy, not all marketing activities yield positive results, especially for small businesses with limited resources. It’s essential to identify and avoid certain pitfalls that can drain your budget and diminish your chances of success. I have tried to put pen to paper and set out the common marketing activities that small businesses should avoid and the reasons why: 1 – Chasing Shiny Objects: In the ever-evolving world of marketing, new trends and technologies emerge constantly. While it’s important to stay updated, chasing every shiny object can be detrimental. Jumping on the bandwagon without careful consideration can lead to wasted resources and a scattered marketing strategy. Instead, focus on evaluating the relevance and effectiveness of new marketing channels and tools before committing time and resources to them. One of the big areas at the minute is AI (I’m not just talking Chat GPT), connecting up all of your marketing activities to create lead funnels within your CRM and email campaigns leading off it. Every time I log on to the computer there is new software to drive your marketing. This is great, but it can take time to set up and whilst in the setup stage, you need to make sure you are doing the basics – Google Business Profile, consistent social media posts, blog writing etc. Before you start with any new Shiny Object – stop and ask yourself. ‘Why do I need it and do I really need this or is it a ‘nice to have?’ If the answer is Yes then make sure you make a plan of action – why do you need it, how are you going to use and what is the problem that this software is going to solve? If you really want to use AI to drive your marketing, have you considered using Upwork or Fiverr to outsource this work? Yes, there is a cost, but the time it will save will reap the rewards. 2 – Neglecting Target Audience Research: Understanding your target audience is crucial for effective marketing. Neglecting proper audience research can result in misaligned messaging and wasted efforts. I have lost count of the times a potential client has said they want to use a particular social media channel, not because their audience is there, but because that is where they ‘hang out’ on social media. Whilst it may work, without your audience, you are not creating a viable business. Also, important to note is to avoid assumptions about your audience’s needs, preferences, and behaviours. Take the time to conduct thorough research, gather insights, and create detailed buyer personas. This will allow you to tailor your marketing efforts to resonate with your target audience and achieve better results. 3 – Overlooking Clear Marketing Objectives: Without clear marketing objectives, your efforts may lack direction and fail to produce measurable results. How many people make a marketing plan in January and then don’t look at it until December? I will let you into a little secret, a huge percentage? The reason is they get clear at the start of the year and then as they get busy, they run at 100 miles an hour and lose focus. It’s essential to set specific, achievable, and time-bound goals that align with your overall business objectives. Whether it’s increasing brand awareness, generating leads, or driving sales, clearly define your marketing objectives to guide your strategies and measure success. 4 – Neglecting Consistent Branding: Your branding is more than your logo. It is more than your brand colours. Consistent branding is crucial for building brand recognition and trust. Inconsistent messaging, visuals, and tone of voice across different marketing channels can confuse your audience and dilute your brand’s impact. Take a few minutes today to review your marketing activity and see just how consistent you are with your branding. Avoid haphazard branding efforts and invest in creating brand guidelines that ensure consistency across all touchpoints. Consistent branding reinforces your identity and helps establish a strong and memorable brand presence. 5 – Ignoring the Power of Content Marketing: Content marketing is a highly effective strategy for small businesses, yet many overlook its potential. I will hold my hand up to this one – guilty as charged! But I have a plan in place, this blog is just the first in a number I have started writing to help share advice and ideas for businesses looking to get ahead in marketing. Content is KING as they say and every business has a story to tell. Make sure you are telling your story in an authentic manner through blogs, social media, email marketing, adverts and so much more. We love to consume information – we just don’t like feeling we are being sold to. One of the big pitfalls I see businesses falling into is using every piece of content to sell products and services. There is real merit in being helpful. Those that know me well will know that I am a big advocate of the book ‘They Ask You Answer by Marcus Sheridan. If you seriously want to raise your content marketing game, read this book first. Neglecting content marketing means missing out on opportunities to educate, engage, and build relationships with your audience. By creating valuable and relevant content, you can establish your expertise, drive organic traffic, and foster customer loyalty. 6 – Neglecting the Power of Analytics: Marketing without data-driven insights is like navigating in the dark. If you don’t know your numbers, how do you know what is working? Neglecting analytics and failing to track and analyse key metrics can lead to ineffective marketing efforts. Utilise analytics tools to monitor the performance of your campaigns, website traffic, social media engagement, and conversion rates. This data will provide valuable insights to refine your strategies, optimize campaigns, and make informed decisions. Make sure you upgrade to GA4 from Google by July if you have not already done so as the old code is being closed down and you will lose all data. I’ll be really honest, I’m not a fan of GA4 as it is very clunky for marketers but I do use it with clients as a way to show them how their campaigns are performing. If you are not sure what metrics you should be monitoring then just shout up as often it is very different for different businesses. 7 – Overreliance on a Single Marketing Channel: Relying solely on one marketing channel is risky. While it may seem convenient, it leaves your business vulnerable to changes in consumer behaviour or algorithm updates. Us Marketers will often talk about pillars of marketing. You need a number of pillars to drive your marketing forward and each of them may have the same job or designed to market to customers at different levels. Recently I was speaking to businesses that had built up a community of followers on Instagram. They had over 20,000 followers and were providing real value on this platform but they were not offering anything else. What would happen if Instagram shut down tomorrow or their account got shut down? How would that business start up again? In all honestly, it would take a long time. These were real questions I posed and it got the business owner really thinking about how they had built the business on someone else’s foundations. They were not encouraging their followers to sign up for newsletters so that they had their data to market to them in any other way. Diversify your marketing efforts by exploring multiple channels that align with your target audience. A mix of channels such as social media, email marketing, content marketing, and SEO can provide a more balanced and effective marketing strategy. Avoiding these common marketing pitfalls can save your small business valuable resources and increase the chances of marketing success. You can optimise your marketing efforts and achieve better results by staying focused on your target audience, setting clear objectives, maintaining consistent branding, embracing content marketing, leveraging data analytics, and diversifying your channels. Remember, a well-planned and strategic approach is key to maximizing the impact of your marketing activities and driving the growth of your small business. Happy marketing…

Marketing Planning for 2023

Marketing Planning for 2023

Have you started planning your marketing activities for 2023?

I am always asked if it is important to have a marketing plan and the simple answer is YES!

A plan doesn’t need to be complicated, it doesn’t need to be war and peace. The biggest marketing plan I have seen spanned 40+ pages and whilst it was a masterpiece, it never saw the light of day. It gathered dust in a desk drawer only to be brought out for an annual review.

A 1-page plan is just as good if you are going to use it. Are you planning just for planning sake? No – if you make a plan that is SMART you are going to put in the time and effort to make it a reality.

Some questions your plan can help you answer:

How many customers do you need?
What channels of marketing are right for you?
How are you going to build your audience?
What social media channels generate the best engagement for your business?

A plan will allow you to answer some of these questions and break down marketing activity, resources, time and effort to ensure you are spending effecting in the right places. Keep it simple… Keep your marketing plans simple, make them visible and review them monthly.

Can your plan be displayed on the wall in your office or on a dedicated Trello board that everyone has access to? By making it visible, you’re more likely to act on the steps of your plan.

End of Year Marketing Review, Creationz Marketing, Nottingham, NottinghamshireIf you’ve not started yet it is not too late to start. Download our End of Year Review Template

We have produced a Year in Review template to help you get clear of your activities last year. Even understanding what you enjoyed and where you spend your time can help you plan for this year.

Looking back on the year, reflecting is a powerful tool to help you plan for 2023

Download your FREE template here

Ready to start planning. Download our FREE Planning Template Here

We have produced a Marketing Planning template to walk you through the planning process looking at your goals, ideas, content strategy, budgets and resources

Download your FREE template here

 

If you’ve already started, don’t worry there are still a few tips we might be able to help you with. Remember, your plan is not set in stone and may change and flex throughout the year but by getting clear on what you really want to achieve in 2023 you can stop trying to reach the impossible.

We are going to give a few handy tips on planning for the new year.

Step 1: Review The Past Year

  • Ask yourself what marketing activity worked in your business and what didn’t. Why was it successful and why was it not as successful as you thought? Don’t carry on doing the same old tasks if they aren’t working.
  • Was your marketing budget effective – did it allow you to try new things or was it restrictive?
  • Go through your analytics for your marketing, did your engagement increase? Did this help you reach your goal? If not try a new approach this year, if it did work well ask yourself how you could increase it more.
  • Brainstorm your business as a whole, how could you make the process flow smoother? My top tips to help you stay on track are to prioritise your activity and regularly monitor your results.

Step 2: Set Clear Goals

Set SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, time-bound) goals. You should have multiple goals for the business as a whole for the end of the year, for each quarter, for the end of each month and weekly goals.

By breaking up your marketing plans, you can avoid the overwhelm, be more strategic and be more consistent with your marketing.

Step 3: Create a Calendar

One of the top tips we can share is to break down your marketing activities per month and prioritise each task. We use Trello for this and then colour code tasks to ensure we stay on track Make sure you add all activities and give each task a due date – this will hold you to account.

Another big tip is to print out and stick the calendar on the wall where it is visible and a constant reminder of what you want to achieve – this works really well and is something we do. If your plan sits in your desk drawer, it will gather dust.

Step 4: Review Monthly At the end of each month review how your marketing activity has gone. Create a Score Card for monitoring results as well as also record your feelings about how the month has progressed.

Check monthly analytics, this is really important to see success.  Check your stats!

Monitor data such as:

  • Website Traffic – increase/decrease
    Social Media Engagement
  • Email open rates
  • Number of testimonials received
  • Response to Facebook ads
  • Enquiries generated into the business

By knowing your numbers you can start to make specific marketing decisions that can help 2023 be a successful year for you.

If you have any questions, please contact me on 0115 8376 260 or email info@creationzmarketing.co.uk