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Mastering Marketing Terminology: A Guide to Key Concepts for Business Success

Navigating the world of digital marketing can be daunting, especially with the plethora of terms and acronyms that are frequently used.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or working with an agency in the industry, understanding these key concepts is crucial for optimizing your marketing strategies.

This guide will break down essential marketing terms that you will encounter on our website, in our case studies and throughout our social posts, providing clear definitions and practical examples for working with us or any marketing agency.

ROI (Return on Investment)

Definition: ROI measures the profitability of an investment. It’s calculated by dividing the net profit from an investment by the cost of the investment.

Example: If you spend $1,000 on a marketing campaign and generate $2,000 in sales, your ROI is 100%. This means you’ve doubled your investment.

Retention

Definition: Retention refers to the ability of a company to keep its customers over time.

Example: A subscription service that maintains 95% of its subscribers each month has a high retention rate, indicating customer satisfaction and loyalty. This also indicates that they lose 5% of their subscribers every month.

Churn

Definition: Churn is the rate at which customers stop doing business with a company.

Example: If a company has 100 customers at the start of the month and loses 17 by the end, the churn rate is 17%.

High churn rates suggest there are issues that need to be addressed to improve customer satisfaction.

Conversions

Definition: A conversion occurs when a user completes a desired action, such as making a purchase or filling out a form. You frequently have to define conversions for Google Ads and Google Analytics.

Example: If an e-commerce site gets 600 visitors and 30 of them make a purchase, the conversion rate is 5%.

Call To Action (CTA)

Definition: A CTA is a prompt on a website or ad that encourages the user to take a specific action. It should be simple, direct and easy to understand. It should also be something that stands out, like a brightly colored button.

Example: “Get a Free Quote” or “Sign Up Now” are common CTAs that guide users toward a desired action, such as filling out a form or making a purchase.

Landing Page

Definition: A landing page is a standalone web page created specifically for a marketing or advertising campaign. This is the page that you send ads to, not the home page. Everything on this page has one purpose – get the site visitor to buy your product or service.

Example: A page designed solely to promote a special discount on a product, with a clear CTA to “Buy Now,” serves as a good landing page .

SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

Definition: SEO is the practice of optimizing a website to rank higher in search engine results organically.

Example: Using relevant keywords, creating quality content, and obtaining backlinks are strategies to improve SEO and drive more organic traffic to your website.

Backlink

Definition: A backlink is a link from one website to another, which is important for SEO. For a more in-depth look at backlinks, check out this article from IFTS.

Example: If a popular blog in your space links to your business website, that backlink can improve your site’s authority and search engine ranking.

Citation

Definition: In SEO, a citation is a mention of your business’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) on other websites.

Example: Listings on directories like Yelp or Yellow Pages include citations that can help boost your local SEO by making your business more discoverable in search engines.

NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number)

Definition: NAP consistency refers to having the same business name, address, and phone number across all online platforms. Tools like Yext can help you maintain this easily.

Example: Ensuring your business’s NAP information is identical on your website, social media profiles, and directory listings helps improve local SEO.

Bounce Rate

Definition: The bounce rate is the percentage of visitors who leave a website after viewing only one page.

Example: If 1,000 people visit your website and 500 leave after only viewing the homepage, the bounce rate is 50%.

A high bounce rate may indicate that visitors aren’t finding what they’re looking for on your website.

SEM (Search Engine Marketing)

Definition: SEM involves using paid advertising to increase a website’s visibility on search engines.

Example: Running a Google Ads campaign or a Google Local Services Ad to appear at the top of search results when users search for “best local coffee shop” is an example of SEM.

PPC (Pay Per Click)

Definition: PPC is an advertising model where advertisers pay a fee each time one of their ads is clicked. This is most typically used when referring to a Google Ads campaign.

Example: A business runs a Google Ads campaign and pays $0.55 for each click. If their ad gets 1,000 clicks, they spend $550 in total on the PPC campaign.

Target Audience

Definition: The target audience is the specific group of people most likely to be interested in your product or service. You will want to think about age, location, psychographics, etc when defining your target audience

Example: For an Orlando-based wedding photography business, the target audience would be engaged couples planning their weddings in the Orlando area.

Understanding these fundamental marketing terms will empower you to make informed decisions and effectively communicate your needs and goals.

For more detailed explanations and examples, feel free to reach out to our team or explore our other resources.

Google Ads vs. Facebook Ads in 2024: Where Should You Invest Your Advertising Budget?

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, business owners often find themselves asking:

Where should I spend my advertising budget to get the most bang for my buck?

With Google reigning supreme as the most popular search engine and Facebook maintaining its position as the largest social media platform, both offer compelling opportunities for advertising. However, the choice between them depends on several key factors.

Whether you’re an experienced pay-per-click (PPC) advertiser or just starting, this article will help you navigate the crucial differences between Google Ads and Facebook Ads in 2024 and determine which platform aligns best with your business goals.

The Main Differences Between Facebook Ads and Google Ads

Before diving into the specifics of each platform, let’s break down their core distinctions.

Google Ads = Paid Search

Google Ads operates on a pay-per-click (PPC) model, where ads appear in search results above organic listings, giving advertisers significant visibility. Every time a user clicks on an ad, the advertiser pays a fee. This platform primarily focuses on targeting specific keywords that advertisers bid on, hoping their ads will appear on the search engine results page (SERP) when users search for those terms.

Facebook Ads = Paid Social

Facebook Ads, on the other hand, fall under the category of paid social advertising. With over 2.9 billion active monthly users as of 2024, Facebook enables businesses to connect with users based on their online behaviors and interests. Unlike Google Ads, Facebook Ads do not rely on keyword searches but rather on detailed user profiles and activity patterns.

Choosing Between Google Ads and Facebook Ads

Now that we’ve outlined their primary differences, let’s explore how each platform can be used effectively depending on your advertising goals.

Targeting Users

Google Ads: Target users based on specific keywords related to their search queries. Through comprehensive keyword research, you can identify what users are searching for and tailor your ads accordingly.

Tools like Google Keyword Planner can help you find relevant keywords and estimate their search volumes and competition levels. Additionally, Google’s machine learning capabilities have improved ad targeting by analyzing user behavior and search patterns to deliver more relevant ads.

Facebook Ads: Target users based on their online behavior, demographics, interests, and past interactions. Despite users not searching for products directly on Facebook, the platform’s advanced targeting options allow you to reach your audience effectively. You can create custom audiences based on your customer data or use lookalike audiences to find new users similar to your existing customers.

Facebook’s retargeting feature is particularly valuable, enabling you to reconnect with users who have previously interacted with your business. This could include users who have visited your website, engaged with your Facebook or Instagram page, watched your videos, or interacted with your app.

Keep in mind, with privacy updates like Apple’s iOS 14.3 requiring users to opt-in for data tracking, retargeting strategies may need adjustment.

Ad Placement and User Intent

Google Ads: Ads are displayed based on keywords users actively search for, indicating a higher intent to purchase. Users are often further along in the buying process when they click on these ads.

Google Ads also offers various ad formats, such as search ads, display ads, shopping ads, and video ads, allowing you to choose the best format for your goals. For example, shopping ads can showcase your products with images and prices, making them highly effective for e-commerce businesses.

Facebook Ads: Ads appear in users’ feeds while they browse social media, making it essential to capture their interest with engaging content. These users may not be actively seeking your product, so the goal is to build awareness and interest over time.

Facebook Ads support multiple ad formats, including image ads, video ads, carousel ads, slideshow ads, and collection ads, enabling you to create visually appealing and interactive campaigns. Video ads, in particular, have become increasingly popular on Facebook, with short, engaging videos capturing users’ attention effectively.

Ad Goals

Google Ads: Aim to drive immediate sales by targeting users who know what they’re looking for. The intent-driven nature of Google searches means these users are more likely to convert quickly.

Google Ads also offers robust conversion tracking and integration with Google Analytics, providing detailed insights into your campaign performance and user behavior. This data can help you optimize your ads, adjust your bids, and improve your return on investment (ROI).

Facebook Ads: Focus on building brand awareness and engagement. By targeting users based on their interests and behaviors, you can nurture potential customers through the buying journey.

Facebook’s powerful analytics tools, such as Facebook Insights and Ads Manager, allow you to monitor your ad performance, track key metrics, and make data-driven decisions. Additionally, Facebook offers various campaign objectives, such as brand awareness, reach, traffic, engagement, app installs, video views, lead generation, and conversions, allowing you to tailor your campaigns to your specific goals.

When to Use Google Ads in 2024

Immediate Results and High Intent Searches

Google Ads is ideal for businesses looking to achieve immediate results from users with high purchase intent. When users search for specific products or services, they are often ready to make a purchase. By targeting these keywords, your ads can appear at the top of search results, driving qualified traffic to your website.

Local Businesses

For local businesses, Google Ads offers features like location targeting and local search ads, which can help you reach potential customers in your area. This is particularly beneficial for businesses with physical locations, such as restaurants, retail stores, or service providers.

E-Commerce and Direct Sales

Google Shopping ads are highly effective for e-commerce businesses, allowing you to showcase your products with images, prices, and reviews directly in the search results. This can increase visibility and drive more traffic to your product pages, ultimately boosting sales.

When to Use Facebook Ads in 2024

Brand Awareness and Engagement

Facebook Ads are excellent for building brand awareness and engaging with your audience. By targeting users based on their interests and behaviors, you can introduce your brand to potential customers and create a connection with them. This is especially useful for businesses in industries like fashion, lifestyle, and entertainment, where visual appeal and brand personality play a significant role.

Content Promotion

If you have valuable content, such as blog posts, videos, or webinars, Facebook Ads can help you promote this content to a wider audience. By driving traffic to your content, you can increase brand visibility, generate leads, and establish your authority in your industry.

Lead Generation

Facebook offers lead generation ads, which allow users to submit their contact information directly within the ad without leaving the platform. This can simplify the lead capture process and increase conversion rates. Lead generation ads are particularly useful for businesses offering services, educational programs, or high-ticket items that require a longer sales cycle.

Best Practices for Google Ads and Facebook Ads

To maximize the effectiveness of your Google Ads and Facebook Ads campaigns, follow these best practices:

Google Ads:

Conduct Thorough Keyword Research: Identify relevant keywords with high search volumes and low competition. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner and SEMrush to find keyword opportunities.
Write Compelling Ad Copy: Craft clear, concise, and persuasive ad copy that highlights the benefits of your products or services. Include a strong call-to-action (CTA) to encourage clicks.
Optimize Landing Pages: Ensure your landing pages are relevant to your ads, load quickly, and provide a seamless user experience. A well-designed landing page can significantly improve your conversion rates.
Utilize Ad Extensions: Take advantage of ad extensions, such as site link extensions, call extensions, and location extensions, to provide additional information and increase your ad’s visibility.
Monitor and Adjust Bids: Continuously monitor your ad performance and adjust your bids based on your campaign goals and budget. Use automated bidding strategies, such as target CPA (cost per acquisition) or target ROAS (return on ad spend), to optimize your bids.

Facebook Ads:

Define Your Target Audience: Use Facebook’s detailed targeting options to create custom audiences based on demographics, interests, and behaviors. Consider using lookalike audiences to expand your reach.
Create Engaging Visuals: Design visually appealing ads that capture attention and convey your message effectively. Use high-quality images or videos that align with your brand identity.
Test Different Ad Formats: Experiment with various ad formats, such as carousel ads, video ads, and collection ads, to see which performs best with your audience. A/B testing can help you identify the most effective creatives.
Utilize Facebook Pixel: Install the Facebook Pixel on your website to track user interactions, measure ad performance, and optimize your campaigns. The Pixel can also help you create custom audiences for retargeting.
Set Clear Objectives: Choose the appropriate campaign objective based on your goals, whether it’s brand awareness, traffic, engagement, or conversions. Align your ad creative and targeting with your objective.

Conclusion: Should You Choose Google Ads or Facebook Ads For Your Business Advertising?

Ultimately, one platform is not inherently better than the other. Both Google Ads and Facebook Ads offer unique benefits:

Benefits of Google Ads:

– Reach users ready to purchase

– Choose from a variety of ad formats

– Analyze your ads with Google Analytics

– Achieve immediate results with high-intent searches

– Utilize advanced targeting options for local businesses and e-commerce

Benefits of Facebook Ads:

– Massive audience reach

– Granular targeting options

– Visually engaging ad formats

– Build brand awareness and engagement

– Promote valuable content and generate leads

For the most effective strategy, consider leveraging both platforms.

This dual approach allows you to capture high-intent users through Google while building awareness and engagement on Facebook.

Ready to elevate your advertising game? Let us guide you. Email Stacey Ivol at si@iftsdesign.com or call IFTS, Inc. at 412.715.6266

10 Common Small Business Website Mistakes You Might Be Making in 2024 – Part 1

For small business owners, your website is more than just a digital storefront—it’s the very first handshake with future customers. Ensuring this vital first impression is not only visually appealing but also user-friendly is paramount to your success.

However, it’s all too easy to fall into pitfalls that could send your visitors running before they’ve even had the chance to browse.

Let’s explore our first 5 tips on how to keep your digital welcome mat inviting and free from the usual slip-ups that can deter potential business.

Mistake 1 - Not Having Clear Navigation

Imagine walking into a vast store with no signs, unclear sections, and a maze-like layout.

Frustration would likely guide your steps out of the door rather than towards a purchase. This is precisely the effect a website with poor navigation has on your potential customers. Your digital presence needs to be as welcoming and as easy to navigate as a well-organized physical store.

Clear, intuitive navigation ensures that visitors can effortlessly find the information they’re seeking without guesswork or backtracking. This involves having a straightforward menu, logical flow from one page to another, and well-defined sections.

Consider incorporating breadcrumbs on your pages so users can easily trace their steps back without hitting the dreaded “back” button too many times.

Additionally, a search function becomes invaluable for sites with a lot of content, allowing users to bypass navigation to directly find specific information. Remember, the goal is to reduce the effort required by your visitors to get from point A (arrival) to point B (the information, service or product they’re interested in).

Making this journey as smooth as possible not only enhances user experience but also significantly increases the likelihood of conversion, be it a sale, a sign-up, or an inquiry.

Mistake 2: The Pop-Up Predicament - Striking the Right Balance

While pop-ups have earned their stripes in the digital marketing world for their ability to capture attention and convert leads, there’s a fine line between being effectively persuasive and annoyingly invasive.

Overloading your site with pop-ups is akin to a salesperson following your every step in a store, bombarding you with offers before you’ve even had a chance to look around. This overwhelming approach can ruin the user experience, prompting visitors to leave your site.

Pop-ups should be used sparingly and strategically.

They are most effective when they offer genuine value to the visitor. Examples of this can include:

exclusive discounts
sign-up bonuses
timely alerts about promotions

The key is relevance and timing.

For instance, exit-intent pop-ups, which appear when a user is about to leave your site, can be a last-ditch effort to engage them without disrupting their browsing experience from the get-go.

Moreover, it’s critical to ensure that your pop-ups are mobile-friendly. A pop-up that covers the entire screen on a mobile device, with a tiny, elusive “close” button, is always frustrating to your visitors. Always test your pop-ups across different devices and browsers to ensure they enhance, rather than hinder, the user experience.

By treating your visitors’ attention with respect and using pop-ups judiciously, you can maintain a positive user experience while still leveraging the conversion-boosting power of pop-ups.

Remember, the goal is to make visitors feel welcomed and valued, not overwhelmed.

Mistake 3: The Need for Speed - Why Website Load Time Matters

In the fast-paced digital age, time is of the essence, and patience is a dwindling commodity. Your website’s loading speed isn’t just a technical metric; it’s the first impression you make on a visitor. A slow website is like a sluggish greeting at the door, likely to turn guests away before they’ve even had a chance to explore.

Research shows that visitors expect websites to load in two seconds or less, and with every additional second, the likelihood of them bouncing skyrockets.

A sluggish website doesn’t just frustrate potential customers; it also sends a negative signal to search engines, affecting your site’s search ranking and visibility. This can affect both your traffic and conversion rates, lowering them drastically.

Some easy ways to optimize your website’s speed includes:

compressing images
leveraging browser caching
minimizing the use of redirect links
choosing a reliable hosting service

It’s also wise to regularly test your website’s speed using tools like Google’s PageSpeed Insights to identify and rectify any issues that could be slowing it down.

Remember, your website’s speed reflects your brand’s efficiency and commitment to providing a positive user experience. By ensuring your site loads swiftly, you’re not just keeping your visitors happy; you’re also boosting your chances of ranking higher in search results, leading to more visibility and, ultimately, CUSTOMERS.

Mistake 4: Underestimating the Power of Responsive Design

Imagine you’re trying to visit a website on your phone, but everything looks weird or you can’t click on things properly. That’s because the website wasn’t made to work well on phones or tablets, just on bigger computer screens. This mistake is like forgetting to invite half of your friends to your birthday party – you miss out on having them there!

Nowadays, almost everyone uses their phones to go online, so if your website only works on computers, you’re missing out big time. It’s like showing up to a scooter race with a bicycle – you’re just not prepared. About 9 out of 10 websites now make sure they look good on both phones and computers. If yours doesn’t, it’s time to catch up.

Why does this matter so much?

Well, websites that work well on any device, like phones or tablets, are more likely to make visitors happy. Happy visitors are more likely to do what the website wants, like buy something or sign up for more information. In fact, when websites are easy to use on phones, businesses usually sell more.

A lot of people use their phones to browse the internet. In fact, more than half of the time people spend online is on their phones. But, a lot of people also say they’ve been to websites that were hard to use on their phone. That’s a big no-no because it can make visitors feel like the business doesn’t care about them.

Also, if your website isn’t easy to use on a phone, a lot of people might decide not to come back. Think about it – if you find a cool site that’s hard to use on your phone, you might just go find another site that’s easier to handle.

Mistake 5: Talking Like a Textbook Instead of a Friend

Ever talked to someone who sounds like they swallowed a dictionary?

Not fun, right?

The same goes for websites. When you’re trying to share what you do or sell, using a bunch of fancy words might seem smart, but it can actually push people away.

Imagine you’re looking for a lawyer, and you land on a site filled with terms like “litigation,” “jurisprudence,” or “amicus curiae.” You’d probably feel like you need a law degree just to understand what they’re saying!

Here’s the deal: You want your website to be like a friendly chat over coffee, not a lecture.

Let’s say you’re a lawyer trying to explain your services.

Instead of saying, “We specialize in the facilitation of amicable resolutions in matrimonial dissolution proceedings”…

You could say, “We help couples go through divorce smoothly and friendly.”

See the difference? The second one is way easier to understand and feels more personal.

Why does this matter?

Well, when people visit your website, they’re often looking for help or answers. If they have to pull out a dictionary to understand what you’re saying, they’re likely to leave immediately. But if you talk to them in clear, simple language, they’ll feel more welcome and understood.

Remember, the goal of your website is to connect with your visitors, not to show off how many big words you know. Keep it simple, speak like a human, and you’ll build a stronger connection with your audience.

Stay Tuned for Mistakes 6-10 In Our Next Article!

So take these tips, tweak your digital strategy, and watch as your website becomes your best salesman ever.

Our next article will cover mistakes 6 through 10, which will cover:

SEO
CTAs
Image quality
The importance of updates
SSLs

Need help implementing any of the tips above?

Contact IFTS to set up a free consultation. Just send si@iftsdesign.com an email with the subject line “Free Consult”.