Content Marketing - Old City Web Services

Taking Inventory of Marketing Materials

April 16, 2019 by anoadmin

Taking inventory of your marketing materials is a two-step process.

The first step in taking inventory of your marketing materials is to pinpoint your marketing budget. Consider last year’s budget. Then answer this question: Was this enough to make your marketing strategy successful?

Step two is assessing how valuable your marketing materials are by determining which of them have proven successful and which have not. Specifically, consider your website, text on your website, social media outlets, print materials, and online ads.

1: Pinpoint your marketing budget.

Download and print our Marketing Budget Quiz to easily determine if you should increase your budget or keep it the same.

Marketing Budget Quiz

Marketing budgets vary from company to company depending on different variables. For example, if you own an older company you may have older marketing materials and will have to account for that in your budget. On the other hand, if your company has been in business for over five years, you are likely to have a lower budget than a newer company because you have established brand recognition.

In fact, marketing firms often encourage older companies to spend 6 to 12 percent of last year’s gross revenue on marketing. In the same respect, if you have been in business for fewer than five years, you should spend anywhere from 12 to 20 percent.
(Source: Entrepreneur)

Step 2: Assess the value of your materials.

Download and print our Marketing Materials Checklist to easily determine which of your marketing materials need to be updated.

Marketing Materials Checklist

So, what should you look for when assessing your materials? That’s easy! The goal is to determine which materials accurately represent your business, generate leads, and answer the FAQ questions of your customers. Additionally, each material should have a clear way to contact you.

Taking Inventory of Your Marketing Materials

Now that you know your budget and have assessed your materials, you’re ready to to take inventory of your marketing materials.

Create two lists. Title your first list “Inventory” and your second list “Needs to be Updated”. Next, sort your materials into either list.

Needs to be Updated: Marketing materials that have met two or fewer requirements on our Marketing Materials Checklist.
Inventory: Marketing materials that have met at least three requirements. These items are ready to add to your marketing strategy.

Congratulations, you’ve completed taking inventory of your marketing materials!

Don’t worry if you have a long list of materials that need to be updated. That’s what we’re here for! We can help you get your inventory stocked up and ready to use. The best part is that the process is quick and stress-free! Contact us at (904) 829-2272 or by clicking the button below.

We Want to Hear From You

Mission Statement

Our mission at Old City Web Services is to navigate the world of web design, web development, and advertising for our clients so that they can focus on what they do best – running their business! Our business intentions go beyond the metrics of graphics, coding, and SEO. Located on Florida’s First Coast, we run a personable homefront service and consider our relationship with our clients as a partnership in their success.

Please share and re-post this blog. Disclaimer: Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on Old City Web Services Blog.

The How and Why of Content Creation

March 30, 2017 by anoadmin Leave a Comment

In the world of social media, consumers are constantly being pulled in different directions. Content is being posted 24/7 which means 2 things:

It's easy to get overlooked.
It takes attention-grabbing content to stay relevant.

Content creation for social media can seem like a daunting task. Or like you have to be a seasoned marketing professional to create posts worthy of your brand and worthy of putting out there for all to see. But the truth is, with the rise of marketing and social media, creating content has never been more accessible or easy.

So, here's the first question:

What types of content are there?

Social media posts
Blogs
Infographics
Videos

Why do we create content?

When you create content, you are showing that you are a source of information. You are giving something new to people, whether it be information in the form of a blog or infographic or entertainment in the form of videos or pictures. Content creation doesn't have to be difficult or overwhelming. Content can be anything as simple as an Instagram post or as elaborate as a blog or vlog series.
It's a great way to keep your audience engaged. When you give your customers content and interesting information, it's a way to interact with them and form a relationship.
You can make your business relevant to what your customers care about. Does your business relate to a major event happening in the world or a popular story or trend in your industry? By looping your business in with a trend, you show that your business is relatable. If you work in the technology industry, you could always do reviews of the newest technology and give advice for your customers. This way, you're a trusted source of information, and you're helping out your customers.

What to keep in mind while creating content:

Create with your audience in mind. (Your content is for your audience, not for you.)
- It can be easy to think that creating content for your business should be 100 percent always about what your business is about, what services you provide, and why people should choose to work with you. Well, this isn't necessarily true. If all you're doing is selling, selling, selling, you'll probably lose interest fast. Nobody likes someone or a business who talks only about themselves. So instead of talking about why your company is great, try talking about your customer and ways you can help them in their life. For example: If you're a personal trainer, give your clients workouts they can do at home, fitness tips, and health advice. This not only shows your passion for your industry, but it also shows that you care about your clients beyond the gym.
Give your content a purpose. (Your content should have a purpose. Don't post just to post.)
- As with anything that has to do with your company, every piece of content you create should have a purpose. A few well thought out pieces will have a greater impact than pushing out as much content as you can. It's definitely quality over quantity in this case. It's important to ask yourself: What do my clients want? What could they use?
Switch it up. (Your content should have variety.)
- One way to keep people's attention either on your website or social media is by giving them a variety of content. People get burnt out when they receive the same content repeatedly. So, once you figure out what your audience is interested in, think of different categories of content that fit their interests. If they're more interested in reading and taking in information that way, give them blogs and infographics and plug in articles from other legitimate sources on topics they're interested in within your industry. If they're more visual, give them fun graphics and videos.

What tools can I use to create?

We recommend:

Canva - Canva has been around since 2007 and has revolutionized the way people think about social media marketing. Canva was created to make content creation a fun process, even for those who don't have a background in design. Canva allows marketers to add more intention and flair to social media without spending copious amounts of time doing so. They have templates for everything from social media posts, infographics, and Facebook cover photos to flyers and email headers.
Adobe Spark - Adobe Spark is another content creation portal. Adobe defines Adobe Spark as a "one-stop content shop for creating and sharing visual stories that will wow your audience on any device." This program focuses on social media posts and graphics, web stories, and animated videos.
HubSpot's Blog Topic Generator - If you're looking for inspiration for your blog, this is a useful tool. All you have to do is enter topics you're interested in, and the generator gives you interesting angles to write about featuring those topics.
Google Trends - Want to see what's trending on the internet? Google Trends is a fantastic tool for this. You can see what's been searched the most and if you could relate your content to that to increase your traffic.
Video editing software - As for video editing software, there are many options out there. This depends on personal preference and level of experience with editing.

We hope that our content creation guide has helped break down what can seem like an overwhelming process. It's true that content can be a job in itself. At Old City Web Services, we offer content creation services. Whether you need monthly social media posts or weekly blog posts, our team can help create the best content for your business and your audience. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Fresh Start: Your Web Design Relationship Guide

January 3, 2017 by anoadmin Leave a Comment

With a new year comes New Year’s resolutions, a time of evaluating your current life choices and seeing where improvements should be made. Whether it’s eating healthier, having a new gym routine, putting yourself back into the dating game, or improving relationships, it’s all about making the best choices for your life.

As we evaluate what brings positivity to our lives, it might be best to look and see which connections make your life better and which ones you could do without. Your relationship might have seemed like something straight out of a movie at the beginning. They might’ve seemed like your knight in shining armor when you met them, but they could’ve lost their luster. They’ve never been perfect, but you’ve been afraid that you won’t find someone who can do what they do. What if we told you there could be someone better out there for you?

Reading this you might ask yourself, “Wait a minute, is this a relationship blog or business blog?” We’re glad you asked! It’s both. Your relationship with your web development company is one of the most important relationships you have as a business owner. While you may be comfortable with your current situation, it might be time to move on to something better. New year, new you as they say.

Come along with us in our “Fresh Start” blog series as we show you what a healthy business relationship looks like and all that a reputable web design and development company can offer.

In this blog series, we’ll cover topics such as:

How to decide if a company is a right fit for you
Signs you’re in a healthy relationship with a company
When it’s time to break up and move on

Holiday Planning For Your Business

October 18, 2016 by anoadmin Leave a Comment

Why Does Holiday Planning Matter?

Fall is here and that means holidays are right around the corner. Consumers who haven’t already done their holiday shopping will be frequenting the shops and websites more often than normal in preparation for the gift-giving season. So, how do you stand out from the competition and catch their attention at such a crucial time of the year? We’ve put together a list of things you can do right now to prepare for the crowds to come.

Make sure your website can be found easily online

How is your SEO? Your Search Engine Optimization is what helps people find you online. If your SEO needs work, it is better to go ahead and get it done now in plenty of time for the holidays.

Is all the information on your website up to date as well? Take the time to thoroughly check your site for accuracy and try to look at it from a consumer's point of view. Make sure all of your contact information is correct and your services and shop items are current.

Prepare your website & online shop for heavy traffic

Is your store fully stocked? Do you have high-quality images and descriptions of all your items? People are visual especially when shopping online. People want to know exactly what they're getting, so make sure you're giving them all of the information necessary for them to make a purchase.

Check the back end of your website to make sure it is working efficiently. People shop online for convenience, so slow load times can have a major impact on the consumer experience. If people are forced to wait for something, there is a chance they will go to a competitor who can offer them faster service. If your site isn't working as well as it could be, now is the time to perform updates and maintenance.

Give your website/ads a festive look

There’s no better way to put someone in the holiday spirit than by putting snowflakes on your landing page or a Santa hat on your logo.

Save room in your budget for print advertising

The tradition of the vast ad-filled newspaper on Thanksgiving Day is something worth investing in. How can you stand out among everyone else? That would be an ideal time to think of a clever marketing strategy. The holidays one of the best times to get the most out of your print advertising budget.

Make a holiday gift-giving guide or service guide

The holidays are a stressful time for shoppers. Putting together a cohesive guide of what to buy will not only make their shopping easier but will also help them visualize gift ideas they might not have thought of otherwise. This is also a unique way to push products or services. Bundling items for a discounted rate can also be a smart way to increase sales. It’s a win-win for you and the consumer. Take advantage of it.

Create a social media campaign unique to you

Choose a theme you’d like to base your campaign around, whether it be thankfulness, giving or family and run with it. Incorporate your theme into all holiday-related posts. Cohesion and repetition is a useful way to stay on someone’s mind.

Send a holiday card to your clients

This is an excellent time to remind your clients that you’re around. People renew budgets at the beginning of the year, so this is a great time to advertise new things you’re doing in the new year!

You've made your list and checked it twice. Now, what? Whether you need an updated logo, a more efficient website, a clever holiday campaign, or updated print advertising, we at Old City Web Services are here to help. No matter how big or small, we will take your project under our wing to make it the best it can be. Contact us today for a consultation. We'd love to hear from you!

Old City Web Services Welcomes Copywriter

September 20, 2016 by anoadmin Leave a Comment

Old City Web Services Welcomes Copywriter

Natalie McElwee works in copywriting and marketing here at Old City Web Services. Natalie graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Louisiana Tech University in 2013. Upon graduation, she moved to St. Augustine to work as a copy editor/designer where she strengthened her editing and writing skills. From there, Natalie worked in marketing and development at a retreat center in South Carolina where she learned the ins and outs of social media, continued to write, and learned how to market in a unique environment. While she enjoyed her time in South Carolina, her love for the Nation's Oldest City brought her back to the area. Natalie has a passion for St. Augustine and the surrounding areas that shows in her work.

Natalie joins us with a unique set of skills that make her the perfect addition to our team. Her attention to detail, ability to craft copy, journalistic conversational skills and knack for social media make her a valuable asset. Natalie writes content for clients' websites and blogs, blogs for Old City Web Services and OldCity.com, handles social media for OldCity.com, helps with marketing, and works on day-to-day projects.

We’re excited to have a skilled writer join our team and are happy to offer her services to you. Is your website in need of an upgrade? Have you had it professionally designed but don’t have the right words to make it stand out?

It’s great to have a sharp looking website, but if there is no captivating content to grab someone’s attention, then what good is your website really doing? In order to have an effective website, you need to effectively communicate what your business is about, why consumers should choose you, and how you stand out among competitors.

Reasons to Hire a Copywriter

A high-quality website needs high-quality text to build credibility and consumer trust.
A copywriter incorporates SEO into text so consumers get the most out of online searching.
You can rest assured that your copy will be the most effective it can be.

If you feel your content needs an upgrade, fill out the contact form on our website or give us a call at 904.829.2772 to discuss how we can help you with your content writing needs.

Why Having Relevant Content is Important.

August 9, 2016 by anoadmin Leave a Comment

First, What Does Relevant Content Mean?

Relevant content means the content on your website is up-to-date and on topic with your business. For example, if you have a business that sells honey in Georgia, you wouldn't want your home page to have content about jams in California. Also, you want the information about your business to be current. Having old or irrelevant information on your website can hurt your search engine optimization. Making your rank on search engines become lower but, how do you write good content for your website?

Tips on Writing Good Relevant Content:

Valuable Content: Make sure your content has some value to your users. Ask yourself; Do my potential clients need this information? Does this topic actually pertain to my business? Will my potential clients even want to know this information? Thinking this way can help you make sure your content is relevant and not just filler information.

Concise Content: Most users on the web are going to skim your website content. You have the tricky part of making the information as brief as possible but with enough impact to inform the user. Short paragraph or lists are always a good fall back for making sure your content is concise.

Stay On Topic: It's important to stay on topic. If you are writing about the company, stick to the company's information. Writing about your services? Make sure to only be mention about your services. Stay focused on one topic at a time.

Check and Recheck Grammar and Spelling Errors: We're only human and going to make mistakes but we can always go back and fix them. If we check and recheck and get a friend to check, this will help from having any errors on our website. It's unprofessional to have a ton of grammar and spelling errors. It can also confuse your customer if your content doesn't make sense due to errors. So, try make sure to check. Get up and walk away, come back and recheck, then send to a friend to triple check.

Write For Your Audience: Your website content needs to be search engine friendly by using keywords, and links. Though, having readable and engaging content for you potential clients is just as important. The goal is to convert your potential clients into clients. If they don't understand what you are saying, then how can they converted. Make sure your writing is easy to understand and connectable for your audience. Forget the fluff and marketing jargon.

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Old City Web Services Launches New Website!

June 15, 2016 by anoadmin Leave a Comment

WE HAVE AN ANNOUNCEMENT !

We are very excited to show off our new website here at Old City Web Services! Everything has been updated from images for the website, the "About" section to our portfolio. Not only is it responsive on any device, but it's also easier to navigate through our site. So go explore our new site, and click on everything! See what Old City Web Services can do for your business!

We recognize we have to update our website, Is it time to update yours?
Contact Us Today to Get Started!

Optimize Your Website for Conversions

January 19, 2016 by anoadmin

Whether you have a website that needs updating or you are creating a new website, the best place to start is with asking yourself what the ultimate objective is. The answer probably falls somewhere along the lines of that you want it to look good and get results.

Conversion optimization is all about the action a site visitor takes on your website that will add value to your business. Conversion is anything from signing up for your newsletter, purchasing an item, booking a service, or clicking to call you. Optimization of conversions requires analysis of your website to maximize the leads your website brings in.

There are multiple ways you can maximize your website for conversions: High Quality Photography: One of the most basic things with big impact on your website is photography. Whether you are selling a product, a hotel room, or just want to show that your business is professional – nothing will draw viewers in and keep them clicking on your services like well presented photography. Mobile Optimization: Make it easy for viewers to your website to call you, make a purchase, reserve a room or a meal, or to find where you are located so they can walk in. This means making your site work for everyone no matter what device they are using to find your website. Mobile friendliness is absolutely imperative today, and will increase your conversions, improving your bottom line.

Call-to-Action Buttons: Give site visitors something to act on. A call-to-action button grabs attention and directs the site viewer to what they want to do on your site. These will help streamline user experience and increase your website's clicks and conversions for your targeted goals.

Email Marketing and Landing Pages

December 1, 2015 by anoadmin

It is December and that means it is time for your small business to get serious about promoting your holiday sales and specials that you have going on. Email makes up over a third of the ways that consumers make holiday buying decisions.

The most important factor in your promotional emails is that they lead somewhere. In your promotional email, you need to send potential customers to a great landing page.

This can mean setting up a new page or editing a current one on your website.

The page should be catered to your sale, prices, promotion, or special that you are trying to convert customers with.

Some tips:

Make it mobile - it is safe to assume that many potential customers are on a mobile device when they are opening their email. The page you send them to telling them about your promotion has to be one they can navigate and read on their mobile device.
Keep it simple - the page you send them to should be dedicated to just the sales goal you have. Don't make it more complicated by giving them other distractions. A single page with a single goal will result in the highest conversion.
The elements - Stick to an attention grabbing headline and one great image.
Clickable call to action - give them one button to click that tells them what to do. That's it.

Follow these tips and your holiday sales are bound to increase. Need help creating a great landing page or formulating the perfect email? Contact us and we can help you today!

More Internet Terminology Explained

November 17, 2015 by anoadmin Leave a Comment

It can be a challenging task to keep up with both your small business and your online presence when often the terminology can leave you confused. Here are some useful definitions to help you as you work on your website so you understand what is important.

Browser – A browser is the software application you use to retrieve information from the internet. It may not seem important what browser you use or your site visitors are using, but often it is. If you use an outdated browser, the webpages viewed may appear broken and all the elements that you worked so hard on for building your website won’t look good. Having an up to date, user friendly browser like Firefox or Chrome is best when using the web.

Blog – a blog is a website or place on your website where you add recurring information. It can be a personal blog, editorial, informational, or sales. A blog is a great way to regularly update your website, which Google loves for search rankings if you are using the right keywords.

Keywords – Speaking of keywords, here’s what that means: keywords are words used in your webpage that both describe the work that you do and make your site relevant for showing up in search engines. You can make your website or webpage show up in popular searches by using keywords, but make sure that the words you are using are relevant to your site. You want people to not only come to your site, but to stay because they’ve found your information useful.

E-Commerce – this is the use of the internet to sell products. You can leverage your website to not just draw people to call you or come into your store, but you can also sell directly to them online. Consider setting up an e-commerce shop online to increase your sales reach.

Plugin – a plugin extends or expands the functionality of your website. Plugins are easy-to- use additions to the backend of your website that make things like building forms, displaying photos, and even adding an online shop much simpler and more streamlined and easy to maintain.

All of these are things that we can help you with to maximize your website, too. Contact us today to learn more!