Video marketing

Types Of Marketing Videos You Should Use

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Year after year, video marketing grows in importance. Video has never been easier to consume for Americans, especially when considering the increasing quality of smartphones and tablets. Video is also the easiest way for people to absorb information. Additionally, according to a prediction by Zenith Media, the average person will spend around 100 minutes a day watching videos in 2021. The pandemic certainly had an impact on these numbers as well. People have more time on their hands to watch video content, especially those who have switched to a work-at-home environment. Because of this increase in video consumption, a video marketing strategy is an absolute must.

The following are some of the different types of marketing videos that you should consider producing this year.

Types Of Marketing Videos

1. Educational videos

Educational videos should be used to help inform your audience about a particular subject. No video marketing strategy will be successful without them. This is because the more informed your audience is, the more confident they will be in making a purchasing decision down the road. Educational videos provide them with the knowledge they need to understand your business and the solutions you offer. There are several types of educational videos, including:

  • Demo videos – Videos that demonstrate how your product or service is used.
  • Explainer videos – Videos that showcase why your product or service is needed.
  • How-to videos – Videos that provide step-by-step instructions on how to do a specific task.
  • Animated videos – Animated videos are a fantastic way to deliver information in an entertaining way, whether they’re explainer videos or how-to videos.

2. Interview videostype of marketing video

Interviews are an excellent way to provide detailed information about certain subjects to your audience while also providing a personality to engage with. You can film interviews with both employees and upper management as well as experts that are relevant to your industry. What’s great about interview videos is that they are incredibly easy thttps://stevens-tate.com/b2b-marketing/three-videos-every-b2b-website-should-have/o produce.

3. Event videos

Certain events, like industry tradeshows, conferences, fundraisers, and round table discussions, can reveal a wealth of information. Film these events and edit them into event videos for your audience to enjoy.

Also Read: Three Videos Every B2B Website Should Have

4. Case study and testimonial videos

These types of videos focus on customers and their experiences using your product or service. Not only can you use them as social proof that your products or services work, but they make it easier to build trust with your audience. Potential customers are much more likely to relate to and believe what previous customers have said, after all. Using case studies and testimonial videos, you give customers the chance to explain what their challenges were and how your product or service solved those challenges.

Also Read: Top Benefits of Using Case Studies For Your Business

5. Behind-the-scenes videos

A big part of creating a successful brand identity is presenting your company as being relatable. You don’t want your audience to think of you as a big faceless corporation, after all. Creating videos that depict your company behind the scenes is a great way to do this. It shows that there’s a human element behind the business. There are tons of ways to go about creating behind-the-scenes videos. A video of the day-in-the-life of the typical employee or a video of the manufacturing process of a product are great examples.

These are five different types of marketing videos you should consider creating in 2021. As you develop your video marketing strategy, remember that the quality of your content matters — and so does the audience that you’re creating it for. Always keep viewers in mind to ensure that your video marketing efforts are relevant.

What’s New in 2025

While the foundational video types remain effective, the landscape has evolved with new formats gaining popularity:

Live Videos: Real-time interactions, such as Q&A sessions or product launches, foster immediate engagement and authenticity.

Short-Form Social Media Videos: Platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels have popularized brief, engaging videos that capture attention quickly.

Webinar and Seminar Replays: Recording and repurposing these events extend their reach and provide ongoing value to your audience

Hire a digital marketing consultant today to craft a tailored video strategy that drives engagement, builds trust, and grows your business. Let’s make your marketing videos work harder—contact us now!

email opening lines

Email Opening Lines That Actually Work

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In the digital age, emails have become a primary mode of communication, especially in professional settings. Email opening lines are crucial; they are the first thing the recipient reads and set the tone for the rest of your message. A well-crafted opening line can make the difference between your email being read or ignored. 

This blog will explore the best opening lines for an email suitable for different contexts, including formal, polite, professional, business, and friendly scenarios.

Formal Email Opening Lines

Formal emails are often used in professional settings where a respectful and serious tone is required. They are ideal when communicating with someone you don’t know well or in situations demanding a high level of professionalism.

Formal Opening Line for Email Examples:

  1. “Dear [Recipient’s Name], I am writing to you regarding…”
  2. “To Whom It May Concern, I wish to express my interest in…”
  3. “Dear [Recipient’s Title and Name], I write to seek your guidance on…”
  4. “Esteemed [Recipient’s Title], I am contacting you in relation to…”
  5. “Respected [Recipient’s Name], I am reaching out regarding our upcoming collaboration…”
  6. “Dear Sir/Madam, I am formally requesting assistance with…”
  7. “To the [Department/Team Name], I wish to submit my proposal for…”

These lines establish a formal tone, showing respect and professionalism, which is crucial in official matters.

Polite Email Opening Lines

Politeness is important in any form of communication, especially in emails. Having polite opening lines helps in fostering a positive relationship with the recipient.

Polite Opening Line for Email Examples:

  1. “I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out to…”
  2. “Thank you for your attention. I would appreciate your input on…”
  3. “Good day, I hope this email finds you in good health. I wanted to discuss…”
  4. “Hello, I trust you are doing well. May I inquire about…”
  5. “Greetings, I hope you’re having a productive week. I’m writing to ask about…”
  6. “Hi there, I hope you had a great weekend. I’m reaching out because…”
  7. “Dear [Recipient’s Name], I hope this message finds you well. I am eager to hear your thoughts on…”

These lines demonstrate courtesy, enhancing the recipient’s receptiveness to your message.

Learn More About: How Personalization Can Improve Your Email Performance

Professional Email Openings

Professionalism in emails is about being concise and to the point while maintaining a respectful tone. These openings are perfect for day-to-day business communications.

Professional Opening Line for Email Examples:

  1. “Greetings, I would like to discuss…”
  2. “Hello, thank you for your email regarding…”
  3. “Greetings [Recipient’s Name], I am writing to follow up on our last conversation regarding…”
  4. “Hello [Recipient’s Name], I wanted to touch base about quickly…”
  5. “Hi [Recipient’s Name], I’m reaching out to provide an update on…”
  6. “Dear [Recipient’s Name], I have some news regarding our ongoing project…”
  7. “Good morning/afternoon, I want to clarify a few points about our recent meeting…”

These lines are straightforward yet courteous, suitable for regular business interactions.

Opening Sentences for Business Emails

Business emails demand clarity and a direct approach. The opening sentence should immediately convey the email’s purpose.

Opening Sentence Business Email Examples:

  1. “Regarding our upcoming project, I wish to update you on…”
  2. “Following our recent conversation, here is the information you requested…”
  3. “As agreed in our previous discussion, I am sending over the details of…”
  4. “Following up on our recent meeting, I have compiled the report on…”
  5. “In response to your request, here are my recommendations for…”
  6. “I would like to draw your attention to the recent developments in…”
  7. “Pertaining to our last conversation, I have a few updates regarding…”

These lines are clear and direct, indicating the email’s purpose right from the start, which is appreciated in business communications.

Friendly Email Opening Lines

When writing to someone you have a good rapport with, a friendly opening can be engaging—these lines are ideal for less formal, more personal communications.

Friendly Opening Line for Email Examples:

  1. “Hi [Name], I was just thinking about our last meeting and wanted to ask…”
  2. “Hey [Name], hope you’re doing well. I have some ideas to share regarding…”
  3. “Hey [Name], just a quick check-in. How’s everything going with…”
  4. “Hi [Name], I was just reminiscing about our last meeting and thought to follow up on…”
  5. “Hello [Name], I came across something that reminded me of our project. Have you got a minute to discuss?”
  6. “Hi there [Name], hope you’re doing well. Just wanted to share a quick update on…”
  7. “Hey [Name], I was thinking about what you said last time and wanted to explore the idea of…”

Also Read: Tips for Strong Email Subject Lines

What Else Should You Pay Attention To?

Crafting Opening Lines for Different Scenarios

It’s essential to tailor your opening line to the context of your email. The tone and formality should match the purpose of your email and the relationship you have with the recipient.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Email Opening Lines

  1. Avoid overly casual or overly formal language in inappropriate contexts. 
  2. Starting an email with an apology can also weaken your position unless it’s necessary.

The Impact of a Well-Chosen Best Email Opening Lines

The best opening lines of email holds significant importance in determining its efficacy. A well-thought-out introduction sets the tone for your message, captures the recipient’s attention, and improves the likelihood of a positive response. The first line is an opportunity to establish a connection with the reader, convey the purpose of your email, and create a favorable impression. Hence, it is crucial to invest time and effort in crafting an opening line that is engaging, relevant, and tailored to your audience. By doing so, you can increase the chances of your email being read and responded to positively.

Also Read: How to Improve Your Email Open Rate and Click-Through Rate

Ready to transform your email marketing and overall digital strategy? Stevens & Tate offers comprehensive digital marketing strategy services to help you optimize your online presence, engage your audience, and drive sustainable growth. Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how we can make things happen for your business.

email opening line
Marketing Strategy

Creating a Marketing Strategy Without Overcomplicating the Process

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Creating a marketing strategy doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you’ve ever asked, “What is a marketing strategy, and how do I build one that actually works?”, you’re not alone. While many businesses struggle with overcomplicated plans, a streamlined approach focusing on clear objectives, customer insights, and practical execution can yield better results. This article explores the key elements of creating a marketing strategy and how expert consulting can simplify the process for long-term success.

1. Set Clear Objectives

smart goal setting

A strong marketing strategy starts with well-defined goals. These should align with your business objectives and be measurable. Whether you’re aiming to increase brand awareness, generate leads, or boost customer retention, your strategy should focus on achievable and impactful outcomes. Many businesses set too many vague goals and complicate the planning process. Instead, they should prioritize a few key metrics that directly impact business growth.

Learn more about: How to Develop SMART Goals

2. Understand Your Target Audience

Effective marketing is rooted in a deep understanding of your audience. Conduct market research, analyze customer behavior, and build detailed buyer personas to guide your messaging. When you understand customer needs and preferences, your efforts become more focused and effective.

3. Focus on Simplicity and Consistency

One of the biggest pitfalls in marketing strategy development is complexity. Many brands try to do too much at once, diluting their impact. Instead, maintaining a consistent message across all channels and sticking to a few well-executed tactics can drive better engagement and brand recognition. 

4. Align Strategy With Execution

A solid marketing strategy isn’t just about planning—it’s about execution. To avoid inefficiencies, ensure that your plan is actionable. This means having the right marketing automation tools, a clear timeline, and a strategy that your team can realistically implement.

Learn more about: How to Evaluate Your Marketing Strategy

5. Adapt and Optimize Over TimePerformance Analysis and Optimization

A great marketing strategy isn’t static. Regular performance analysis and adjustments based on data insights are crucial for long-term success. Monitoring key metrics, conducting A/B testing, and being willing to refine your approach will help keep your strategy relevant and effective in an ever-changing market.

Final Thoughts

Marketing strategy doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective. By focusing on clear goals, customer insights, consistency, and execution, businesses can create strategies that drive real results without unnecessary complexity. For expert guidance in developing a streamlined and effective marketing strategy, explore integrated marketing solutions from Stevens & Tate Marketing—tailored to meet your business goals and drive measurable results.

creative seo strategies

SEO for Creatives: Optimizing Visual Content for Search

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Visual content plays a crucial role in capturing and retaining the attention of online audiences. Whether you’re a photographer, graphic designer, artist, or any other type of creative professional, it’s essential to understand how to optimize your visual content for search engines; also knows as Creative SEO. This not only helps your work get discovered by a wider audience but also establishes your online presence as a creative authority. Below, we’ll explore key strategies for optimizing visual content for SEO. 

Creative SEO Strategies Focusing on Images and Videos:

Optimize File Names 

Before uploading images or videos, rename the files to include descriptive keywords. For example, instead of a generic filename like “IMG_12345.jpg,” use something like “landscape-painting-by-artist-name.jpg”. This small but effective step can improve your content’s search visibility. Another tip is I like to label files with their purpose at the front of the file names so they stay together when sorting alphabetically, making it easier to locate files. An example is “slider_landscape-painting-by-artist-name.jpg”. 

High-Quality Images and Videos 

The foundation of any successful visual content is high-quality media. Ensure your images and videos are clear, well-composed, and relevant to your target audience. High-resolution images not only enhance user experience but also signal to search engines that your content is valuable. 

Optimize Image and Video Metadata 

Metadata refers to the information embedded within your media files. This includes details like title, description, tags, and copyright information. Make sure to include relevant keywords in these fields to improve search engine visibility. 

Utilize Image Sitemaps 

An image sitemap is a file that provides search engines with information about the images on your website. It helps search engines understand the context and relevance of your visual content. You can generate and submit an image sitemap through tools like Google Search Console. 

Alt Text and Descriptions 

Alt text (alternative text) provides a textual description of an image or video, which is important for accessibility and SEO. Describe your visual content in a concise and accurate manner, incorporating relevant keywords. Additionally, provide detailed captions or descriptions wherever applicable. 

Also Read: The Secret to SEO and 5 Tips on Optimizing Your Results

Mobile Optimization 

With an increasing number of users browsing on mobile devices, it’s crucial to ensure your visual content is optimized for mobile viewing. Use responsive design principles to ensure your images and videos display correctly on various screen sizes. 

Want to learn more about mobile optimization? Read this article.

Page Speed and Compression 

Fast-loading pages are favored by both users and search engines. Compress your images and videos to reduce file sizes without compromising quality. This can significantly improve page load times, which is a known ranking factor for search engines. You can test your site speed with tools such as GTMetrix.  

General Creative SEO Strategies:

Keyword Research 

Just like with written content, keyword research is vital for optimizing visual content. Identify relevant keywords and phrases that potential viewers might use to search for your type of creative work. Tools like Google’s Keyword Planner can help you discover popular and relevant keywords. 

Social Media Integration 

Sharing your visual content on social media platforms can boost its visibility. When posting, make sure to include relevant captions and hashtags. Social signals, such as likes, shares, and comments, can indirectly influence your content’s SEO performance. 

Monitor and Analyze Performance 

Regularly monitor the performance of your visual content using tools like Google Analytics. Track metrics such as page views, engagement, and conversion rates. This data can provide valuable insights into what works best for your audience. 

Optimizing visual content for search engines is a crucial aspect of a successful online presence for creatives. By following these strategies, you can increase the visibility and accessibility of your work to a wider audience. Remember that SEO is an ongoing process, so regularly review and update your visual content to stay competitive in the digital landscape. 

Conclusion

By applying creative SEO strategies to your images, videos, and graphics, you can drive more traffic, boost engagement, and enhance your brand’s visibility in search results.

Ready to take your content strategy to the next level? We are offering expert search engine marketing solutions that help your brand stand out and stay ahead in an increasingly visual digital world. Contact us today to get started!

4cs of marketing model

Introducing the 4C Marketing Model and why you should follow it

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When it comes to marketing models, the 4P marketing model is the most traditional, business-oriented one — and the one you’re most likely familiar with. The 4Ps represent product, price, promotion, and place. For a more customer-oriented model, you may want to follow the 4C marketing model.

What Are the 4cs of Marketing?

The 4Cs of marketing — Customer, Cost, Convenience, and Communication – represent a customer-centric approach to marketing strategy. The 4Cs of marketing focus on understanding and meeting customer needs and it is customer-centric alternative to the traditional 4Ps. The 4C marketing model was first proposed by Bob Lauterborn in an article published in Advertising Age in 1990. He saw it as a possible effective alternative. The following is a brief breakdown of the 4C marketing model, which consists of consumer, cost, convenience, and communication.

4Cs of Marketing

Consumer

First, you have to know who your target customers are and what their needs and wants are. The consumer should drive all of your marketing efforts from here on out. Having knowledge about your target audience makes it easier to create a product that fulfills a need in the market. This is where your buyer personas come in. Buyer personas represent your ideal customer and once you understand them, you better understand your target audience. This leads to improved communication with your consumers and gives them the sense that you understand them as well, leading to improved sales. Of course, the product is an important focus in any marketing model, but always remember the value of the consumer.

Cost

In the 4Cs marketing model, the cost evaluates the cost considerations from the buyer’s perspective. Determining the cost involves performing detailed research into what customers are able and willing to pay. Additionally, do research into the cost of competing products. The research will aid you in figuring out whether selling your product at a cost that customers are willing to pay will be profitable or not. You will also need to take into account the added costs of purchasing your product outside its sticker price. For example, how much customers will need to pay in taxes, shipping costs or transportation costs.

One thing that’s important to keep in mind is that the price point of your product isn’t what necessarily convinces consumers to purchase your product. A low price point won’t always drive sales, after all. In the end, it’s the benefit of your product that will help support its costs.

Communication

Communication refers to how you will engage with your customers. You will want to find ways to engage with your target customers to build confidence in your brand and your product. Customers want to know how buying your product will benefit them and that’s what you need to focus on communicating. You should focus on providing relevant information to customers in order to help them figure out what their problems, needs, or challenges are. This will then allow you to position your product as a potential solution. This requires that you ask your customers questions and listen to what they have to say. Communication is a two-way street after all.

Promoting products is all about saying what you have to say and hoping the customer buys it. Communication is about strengthening your understanding of your customers and building trust in your brand. One of the best ways to do this is through social media.

Convenience

Convenience focuses on how easy it is for customers to purchase your product. You’ll want to identify potential barriers and figure out ways to remove those barriers in order to improve customer convenience. For example, maybe a poor user interface is preventing potential customers from using your e-commerce site. Providing quality customer support to help make the purchasing process easier is also an important facet of improving convenience.

Also Read: How To Outshine Your Competition with Effective Ecommerce Marketing

In today’s world, the consumer has more power than ever. As such, your marketing efforts will be more successful if you take a more customer-oriented approach. By understanding the importance and using the 4C marketing model, you’ll have more success targeting customers who are actually interested in what you have to offer. Not to mention that such an approach will help you build long-lasting relationships with your customers.

Conclusion:

Adopting the 4C Marketing Model allows businesses to shift their focus from simply selling products to truly understanding and connecting with their customers. If you’re ready to take your marketing to the next level and create a customer-first strategy, Strategy Marketing Agency like Stevens & Tate is here to help you develop tailored marketing solutions that deliver real results. Contact us at 630/627-5200 or Request your FREE Consultation Today!

AI Marketing Tool

10 AI Marketing Tools for Optimizing Your Marketing Strategy

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In the current digital era, the revolutionary impact of AI technology on marketing strategies cannot be underestimated. Utilizing artificial intelligence, you can now automate various marketing tasks, obtain valuable insights, and enhance your strategy to achieve remarkable outcomes. And the good news is that a wide array of AI marketing tools exist, empowering businesses to streamline their endeavors and attain resounding success. In this piece, we shall delve into 10 exceptional AI marketing tools for your marketing strategy optimization:

10 AI Marketing Tools for Marketing Strategy Optimization

1. Jasper Jasper Ai Logo PNG vector in SVG, PDF, AI, CDR format

Jasper is an innovative AI marketing tool that revolutionizes the way marketers analyze customer data and optimize their marketing campaigns. Equipped with advanced machine learning algorithms, Jasper empowers you to better understand your target audience and deploy personalized recommendations that elevate your marketing strategies.

A notable advantage of Jasper lies in its ability to examine extensive customer data and discern valuable patterns and trends. Harnessing the power of AI, Jasper seamlessly processes data from diverse origins, encompassing customer behavior, demographics, purchase history, and engagement metrics. This comprehensive evaluation empowers you to delve into the intricacies of your audience, unveiling hidden insights and identifying pivotal drivers that shape customer behavior.

2. Anyword↬ Anyword: AI Copy Software for +30% Conversions

Crafting compelling and effective ad copy can be a challenging task. This is where Anyword comes in. Anyword utilizes natural language processing (NLP) and AI to generate high-performing ad copy. By analyzing vast amounts of data, including successful ads and user behavior, Anyword can suggest the most effective words, phrases, and even emojis to include in your ad copy. This tool helps you save time and improve your ad campaign performance.

Moreover, Anyword goes beyond mere word suggestions and offers comprehensive optimization capabilities. The AI algorithms of Anyword analyze the structure, tone, and style of your ad copy, providing actionable feedback to enhance its effectiveness. Whether it’s improving the clarity of the message, enhancing the call-to-action, or adjusting the emotional appeal, Anyword guides you in optimizing your ad copy for maximum impact.

Company News - Semrush Newsroom3. SEMrush

SEMrush is a popular AI-driven marketing tool that offers a wide range of features to enhance your digital marketing efforts. From keyword research and competitor analysis to content optimization and tracking campaign performance, SEMrush provides valuable insights and actionable recommendations. By leveraging AI algorithms, SEMrush helps you identify new opportunities, optimize your content for search engines, and stay ahead of the competition.

Another notable feature of SEMrush is its social media management capabilities. With AI-powered social media tools, SEMrush allows you to schedule posts, analyze engagement metrics, and monitor social media performance. Moreover, it provides invaluable information regarding expanding your follower base, engagement rates, and social media outreach. This aids in understanding the influence of your social media endeavors and enables informed decision-making based on data to refine your social media strategies.

Surfer SEO Review 2023: Features, Pricing, and Alternatives4. SurferSEO

Enhancing your site’s visibility through organic traffic is paramount, making search engine optimization (SEO) indispensable. SurferSEO, an advanced AI marketing tool, conducts a meticulous analysis of your website’s content, offering valuable suggestions to optimize it for improved rankings in search engine results. Taking into account crucial elements like keyword usage, content length, and readability, SurferSEO assists you in crafting SEO-optimized content that effectively resonates with search engines as well as users.

Furthermore, SurferSEO’s AI capabilities extend to analyzing backlink profiles and providing recommendations for link building. Backlinks play a crucial role in search engine rankings, and SurferSEO helps you identify high-quality backlinkopportunities based on AI-driven analysis. This enables you to develop effective link-building strategies and improve your website’s authority and visibility in search results.

Hemingway Editor – RoaringApps5. Hemingway App

Clear and concise writing is essential for effective communication. Hemingway App is an AI writing assistant that helps marketers improve the readability and clarity of their content. By analyzing text and highlighting complex sentences, passive voice, and excessive adverbs, Hemingway App enables you to create engaging and easily understandable content. This tool is particularly useful for optimizing blog posts, articles, and social media copy.

Additionally, Hemingway App offers a distraction-free writing environment, allowing you to focus solely on your content without unnecessary distractions. The clean and minimalist interface promotes concentration and productivity, enabling you to produce high-quality content efficiently. With Hemingway App, you can enhance your communication efforts, effectively connect with your target audience, and drive better engagement and conversion rates.

Media Assets | Grammarly6. Grammarly

Maintaining the credibility of your marketing materials necessitates meticulous attention to grammar and spelling accuracy. Enter Grammarly, a writing tool fueled by AI, which promptly identifies and rectifies grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors in real time. With its browser extension and web editor, Grammarly assists you in creating error-free content across various platforms. Whether you’re writing emails, social media posts, or blog articles, Grammarly ensures your content is polished and professional.

Another noteworthy feature of Grammarly is its plagiarism checker. Plagiarism is a serious concern in the marketing industry, and Grammarly helps you ensure the originality of your content. The tool scans the text against a vast database of web pages and other sources to detect any instances of copied or duplicated content. This feature allows you to maintain credibility, avoid legal issues, and produce unique and authentic content.

Algolia Reviews, Ratings & Features 2023 | Gartner Peer Insights7. Algolia

User experience plays a crucial role in retaining customers and driving conversions. Algolia is an AI-powered search and discovery tool that enhances the search functionality of your website or application. By leveraging machine learning, Algolia delivers fast and relevant search results, personalized recommendations, and advanced filtering options. This helps marketers provide a seamless and intuitive user experience, increasing customer engagement and satisfaction.

Brand24 - Products, Competitors, Financials, Employees, Headquarters Locations8. Brand 24

In the era of social media, monitoring your brand’s reputation and tracking relevant conversations is vital. Brand 24 is an AI-based social listening tool designed for marketers. It enables the monitoring of mentions, tracking of sentiment, and analysis of brand reach across social media platforms. Leveraging AI algorithms, Brand 24 provides valuable insights into customer opinions and helps identify influencers. Additionally, it facilitates effective online reputation management for your brand.

Influencity (@influencity) / Twitter9. Influencity

In recent times, influencer marketing has emerged as a pivotal component within numerous marketing strategies. Enter Influencity, an AI-driven platform offering marketers invaluable assistance in identifying and establishing connections with relevant influencers. Influencity empowers you to discover the ideal influencers for your brand, guaranteeing maximum impact and return on investment (ROI) for your influencer marketing endeavors.

By streamlining influencer discovery, providing insightful analytics, automating campaign management, and prioritizing authenticity, Influencity optimizes the influencer marketing journey while enhancing the efficacy of your campaigns.

Scalenut | LinkedIn10. ScaleNut

Manually generating and distributing content often takes plenty of time and resources. ScaleNut helps streamline the process by automating the creation and distribution of content. Also, ScaleNut enables you to generate high-quality articles, blog posts, and social media content much faster. It also assists you in optimizing your content distribution strategy across multiple channels.

Bottom Line

AI marketing tools have revolutionized the way businesses approach marketing. These tools, from personalizing recommendations to optimizing content and automating tasks, empower marketers. They enable them to enhance their strategies and drive better results. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, you can streamline your marketing efforts, save time, and make data-driven decisions for maximum impact. Consider integrating these 10 AI marketing tools into your strategy to take your marketing efforts to new heights.

If you are looking for Strategy Marketing Agency then feel free to contact us or call us at 630/627-5200

Website Redesign Process

Learning from the Best: 10 Examples of Great Website Design 

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Building a website is simple. But designing a website that meets all the modern web design requirements and works for your unique customers and business is challenging. Most companies create compelling websites but end up sacrificing performance or the user experience. Others prioritize simplicity and convenience but end up with poorly optimized sites. In the sections below, you’ll explore 10 examples of great website designs to inspire your creativity the next time you design a website.

10 Examples of Great Website Design

1. Dropbox

 

If there’s one website that has done a great job designing a super rsponsive website, it’s got to be Dropbox. This cloud storage and file hosting company has made sure that every site visitor, regardless of the device they use to access the site, enjoys the best navigation, graphics, and content.

Every aspect of the site design, from the font color to the navigation buttons, has been carefully customized for every device, ensuring compatibility and interactive experiences for the varying screen sizes.

For instance, on the desktop, a small arrow directs users to scroll down for more content, helping to minimize the bounce rate. However, this is absent on the mobile version, as users are more likely to scroll down easily.

2. Freshbooks

 

 

Freshbooks is an accounting website with one of the best homepage designs, thanks to the simple and minimalist copy, inspiring visuals, and the strategic use of white space in web design. The site also uses a perfect blend of colors with easy-to-spot CTA buttons. There’s also a well-organized navigation system that makes it easier for first-time site visitors to find solutions to their complex accounting problems.

3. Walmart

 

 

Walmart is one of the leading online marketplaces offering a one-stop shopping experience. The retail giant has prioritized convenience by streamlining the checkout process. Once you’ve selected the items you want to buy, you won’t be taken to a new checkout page. Instead, an on-page checkout sidebar allows you to complete your shopping without even signing up. A cart storage option saves your cart for up to three days if you forget to complete the checkout process or are distracted while on the site.

4. Nike

 

 

Nike is one of the leading sportswear companies whose success is rooted in simplicity and convenience. The same is reflected on its website, which prioritizes a minimalist design and easy navigation. Nike’s checkout process, for instance, is one of the simplest yet super interactive. If you enter the correct information during checkout, a green checkmark appears, allowing you to continue shopping.

There’s also an auto-fill address feature that saves you time during checkout. By simplifying the time-consuming steps and focusing on web design principles that boost conversions, Nike has successfully attracted and even retained more converting prospects.

5. Uber

 

 

Uber falls into the category of companies that prioritize their homepage design, and it’s obvious why. Imagine landing on the Uber website and reading through needless copy, images, or videos before requesting your ride. Now think of a ride-sharing or service company that has made its home page simple, straightforward, and effective. You need to choose what you want, and you’re directed to the service almost instantly without going through the tedious sign-up process.

 

 

6. Wired

 

 

WIRED, a leading technology magazine and online publication, is among the many sites that have done a lot to improve the user experience. When you browse through the site using a PC or desktop, you’ll find multiple columns and a handy sidebar, but switching to your mobile transforms into a single column for smooth navigation.

The company also pays keen attention to details, such as adjusting image ratios to fit perfectly on each device. And for even more simplicity on mobile, they’ve combined search and newsfeed filter icons into one button.

7. Slack

 

 

Slack is a business messaging app that’s been in the market for nearly a decade. The brand is known for its focus on simplicity, and they have successfully made it one of their competitive advantages. Slack has ensured that its site is easy to access and navigate, no matter the screen size of your device.

You’ll see customer logos in a neat three-column layout on a computer. But they have switched it to a single-column design on mobile phones for better viewing. And their call-to-action buttons? They span the whole column on tablets and mobiles, so you won’t accidentally click something else.

8. Shopify

 

 

Shopify has built a reputation as one of the leading e-commerce website builders thanks to its robust features, comprehensive support, and intuitive user interface. The Shopify website is one of the few that has managed to strike a delicate balance between site consistency across devices and enhanced user experience.

If you access the official Shopify website from a desktop or phone, you’ll find that most things remain unchanged except for the CTA buttons and a few menus. Additionally, Shopify is among the few sites that enjoy impressive web page speeds despite using graphics-intensive image carousels.

Also Read: 3 Helpful Tips To Improve Your CTAs To Generate More Leads

9. IBM

 

 

As one of the leading technology companies, IBM has set an excellent example for companies looking to create a fully-immersive site experience. The company has gone the extra mile to make its site not only responsive but also interactive, unique, and modern.

When you land on IBM’s homepage, you’ll be greeted with a responsive background, interactive videos, and a bold CTA. And while the IBM website is far from simple, it has incorporated complex design tools, from AI features to game-like functions, to create an immersive site experience.

10. Airbnb

 

 

Airbnb uses some of the best design strategies, such as easy navigation, a consistent color scheme, and text minimization, to ensure user-centricity and enhance the customer experience. The homepage, for instance, displays lightweight graphics consisting of images and short, engaging videos.

All the media elements on the homepage have been carefully chosen to engage and convert without compromising site performance. The images of stunning rentals, from all across the globe, for example, create a sense of urgency and encourage site visitors to book their dream Airbnb.

Bottom Line

In today’s interconnected world, online presence significantly influences marketing, customer engagement, brand identity, and business growth. However, the discussed 10 examples of great website design emphasize that merely having an online presence for the sake of it is insufficient.

To truly make an impact, you must rethink every aspect of your online presence, considering not only how your website looks but also how customers can access, browse, and interact with it. Moreover, it is essential to incorporate these considerations into your digital strategy and plan regular updates to your website and its features.

 

 

 

 

smart goal examples

5 SMART Goal Example For Business Development

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A SMART goal is basically what the acronyms from the name suggest. It is specific, measurable, attainable, and relevant and time bound. The Smart Goal process provides a frame where you can create a long term goal. It also provides a time limit for you to work on the same goal. By doing this business’ are 70% more successful in achieving their goals thanks to regular check-ins, updates and group accountability. Below are a few smart goals examples for business development that will help you understand the system better and enhance your business.

Smart Goal Examples for Business

  • “I Want To Increase My Profits”
  • “I Want To Improve My Response Time to Customer Complaints”
  • “I Want To Improve My Employee Retention”
  • “I Want To Be More Efficient In My Business Operations”
  • “I Want To Grow My Business Operation”

 

“I Want To Increase My Profits”

smart goal examples
Specific: I will increase revenue while cutting down on expenditure. Moving to a more affordable premise that will cut my rent by 7% will reduce the operational costs.

Measurable: I will increase sales over the next 3 months by signing in 5 more potential clients.

Attainable: I will improve my current customer relationships and promote the business through referrals, networking and through social networks. This will help me find more leads and therefore see to an increase in revenue for the business.

Relevant: moving to a cheaper establishment will reduce the operational cost of my business and therefore give room to the growth of profits.

Time-bound: I will have increased my profit by the end of the coming three months.

Also Read: Maximizing Profitability: How to Calculate and Improve Customer Lifetime Value

“I Want To Improve My Response Time to Customer Complaints”

smart goal examples
Specific: I will improve the response time to customer complaints by increasing my customer service staff from 3 to 8 in the next one year.

Measurable: the increase in customer service staff is scheduled to take place within one year. It should bring the number to a total of 8.

Attainable: as I plan on moving to a new establishment I will ensure the place has enough room to accommodate the additional staff members I intend to have in the next one year.

Relevant: I will find ways to manage the complaints meanwhile in order to maintain the customer base I have and strive to grow the client base even further to match the additional customer service staff.

Time-bound: I will have hired the customer service staff by the end of one year.

Learn More about: Creating Measurable Social Media Goals

 

“I Want To Improve My Employee Retention”

smart goal examples
Specific: I will improve the employee turnover by 15% in 90 days by putting up training for the new employees to let them know what is expected of them and have a program for them to get used to the operation systems. I will also have one-on-one meetings with employees so that I get to know what challenges they could be facing.

Measurable: the improvement in employee turnover is scheduled to be by about 15% and should take place within 90 days.

Attainable: trainings and one-on-one meetings will ensure the employees are prepared for what is expected of them when they get into production. It also give me a hint of what’s on their mind concerning general operations of the business.

Relevant: outstanding employees will be put up for a reward system. For the ones that might be having a difficult time, there will be motivation trainings for encouragement.

Time-bound: employee turnover will have improved within 90 days

 

“I Want To Be More Efficient In My Business Operations”

smart goal examples
Specific: I will improve my efficiency in business operations by challenging my sales department to increase their closing ratio from its current 45% to at least 60%. They could also work on improving the delivery time from 72hours to at least 12hours maximum.

Measurable: the sales people are supposed to increase their closing ratio from 45% to 60% and the delivery time improved to 12 hours from the initial 72hours

Attainable: I will conduct a survey to find out what both the clients and the sales team think about the idea. I will implement it as soon as the idea passes as valid.

Relevant: increasing the number of motorbikes and pickups that will do courier services for us will help make the plan a success

Time-bound: this should happen in one year.

 

“I Want To Grow My Business Operation”


Specific: open three more branches countrywide within five years

Measurable: the objective is to increase operations and revenue for the business. This will, in turn, facilitate the growth to three more branches.

Attainable: increasing my current selling space by 25% will mean more production. This can help me save for the planned growth to 4 branches countrywide.

Relevant: increasing production, operations and revenue will mean a larger client base thus the need for more branches will not be a wasteful idea after all.

Time-bound: establishing the branches should be within the next five years.

Learn More About: How Smart Goals Should Align With Your Business Goals

 

As much as an organization will work to ensure that its business goals are smart, they will never be flawless. It is, however, essential to ensure they give their teams tasks within their capability and make decisions using accurate data from their past operations while setting new smart business goals. The rest will work out just fine.

Form CTA

What AI means To B2B Marketing Strategies

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Artificial intelligence is no longer just a concept explored through pop culture; it’s a very real thing that has become increasingly prevalent throughout society, even in the creation of B2B marketing strategies. In fact, the use of AI is practically commonplace now. For example, the use of AI is what allows Amazon to recommend personalized products based on your buying and browsing habits. It also allows your GPS to provide you with the best possible route. For business owners and marketers, AI has also become essential to improving B2B marketing strategies.

The Benefits of AI in B2B Marketing Strategies

The following are just a few ways that the use of AI can help to improve B2B marketing strategies:

Improve the customer experience via personalization

Businesses no longer directly interact with brands when they are doing product or service research. This means it can be difficult to mine information from potential clients or business partners. The use of AI technology for B2B Marketing can help you collect data that provides insight into the behavioral patterns of both existing and potential clients or partners. This means that your marketing efforts no longer have to be limited to certain sectors, you’ll be able to target specific businesses with messages designed to provide solutions to their specific needs, thereby improving the customer experience as well.

Improve your marketing strategy

The use of behavioral analysis and machine learning can help you to better understand what the pain points of your target audience is. Behavioral analyses also allows you to craft a more effective marketing strategy to reach and convert that audience.

Save money by saving time

The use of AI technology means that you don’t have to spend hours analyzing data. This type of data can be collected and analyzed by AI programs for you. It will allow you to dedicate more time to other aspects of your business.

Improve results with lead scoring

Trying to chase down every lead is typically a waste of time since not all leads are equal. The use of AI for b2b marketing strategies can allow you to score your leads using all of the behavioral data that you’ve collected. This, in turn, allows you to pinpoint businesses that are much more likely to convert. It allows for a better use of your resources since you can identify the best prospects and prioritize your most promising accounts.

The use of artificial intelligence will help to improve your B2B marketing strategies in any number of ways, whether it’s by helping you to collect and organize more valuable data that can be used to more effectively target qualified leads using personalization, or simply being able to make better use of your resources. Be sure to visit us at Stevens & Tate to take advantage of our free downloadable marketing tools, which can be leveraged to help improve your B2B marketing efforts.

For more resources on Attraction Marketing, click here.

Want to Get Valuable Buyers? The Key is the “Ideal” Buyer Persona

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As marketers, we all know that Buyer Persona provides valuable insights into our target audiences’ behaviors, motivations, and pain points. They help us shape messaging, refine our strategies, and create more personalized marketing campaigns. However, does that mean you should serve every buyer who fits your general profile?

The answer is NO! Not all buyers are equally valuable to your business. Some may engage with your brand but never convert. Others may make a one-time purchase without long-term commitment. This is why identifying your ideal buyer persona is crucial.

Rather than marketing to everyone, shift your focus to the RIGHT customers — those who are more likely to buy, stay loyal, and generate higher lifetime value. By prioritizing these high-value buyers, you can optimize your efforts, maximize ROI, and drive sustainable growth.

Buyer Persona vs. Ideal Buyer Persona:
Ideal Buyer Persona Win

ideal customer profile

Whenever we start to consider who our buyers are, we begin by giving them a name. We define their job, lifestyle, and buying behavior. These semi-fictional representations of a typical customer help guide our marketing strategies. They shape messaging, targeting, and outreach efforts. But general buyer personas don’t necessarily represent the most valuable customers.

An Ideal Buyer Persona, on the other hand, is a refined, data-driven version. It is based on high-value, high-converting customers. These individuals engage deeply, purchase repeatedly, and contribute to long-term profitability. By prioritizing the right buyers, you ensure smarter marketing investments. And further help you achieve stronger retention rates and higher ROI.

Buyer Persona IDEAL Buyer Persona
Focus Covers a broad audience, including low-value customers Targets customers with the highest lifetime value
Application
  • General marketing 
  • Messaging personalization
  • Optimized targeting
  • Sales efficiency
  • Business growth
Business Impact Lead to generic marketing strategies Strategically focuses efforts on the most profitable customer segments

How to Find Your Ideal Customer Persona

Identifying your ideal customer persona goes beyond surface-level demographics — it requires a strategic, data-driven approach to understanding your highest-value customers. By leveraging real insights from sales data, CRM analytics, and customer behavior, you can accurately pinpoint the audience segments most likely to engage, convert, and drive long-term business growth.

If the process feels overwhelming, don’t worry. This step-by-step guide will break it down, making it easier to get started.

  1. Dive Into the Data and Analyze Your Best Existing Customers

    Your ideal customer already exists within your current customer base. Start by identifying your highest-value customers based on:

    • RFM Analysis – This measures how recently a customer purchased, how often they buy, and how much they spend on your company’s products or services. Customers with high RFM scores are not only highly engaged but also among your most profitable buyers.
    • Revenue Contribution – Understanding who drives the most revenue or makes repeat purchases is key. Are they high-ticket buyers or frequent shoppers? Identifying these customers helps you refine your acquisition strategy and attract more of the right buyers.
    • Other KPIs – Beyond RFM and revenue, what additional metrics matter to your company? Customer Lifetime Value (CLV)? Engagement metrics? Churn rate? Any data-driven insights that indicate customer retention, brand loyalty, or long-term profitability can help pinpoint your most valuable buyers.
      Learn More About: How to Calculate Customer Lifetime Value

  2. Identify the key

    customer insights

    After distilling your most valuable buyers, the next step is to uncover the common attributes that define them. Start by examining both demographic and behavioral patterns to gain a clearer understanding of who they are. To go beyond surface-level insights, delve into their motivations, pain points, buying journey, and preferred communication channels. Think about what drives them to buy, which marketing messages resonate most, and how they interact with your brand across different touch points.
    Learn More About: Consumer Buying Journey

    In the next section, We’ll explore the key attributes you should consider when building your ideal buyer persona in the next section.

  3. Validate and Continuously Update Your Ideal Buyer Persona

    You can shape your communication message and marketing strategy around the key characteristics of your high-value buyers. However, defining your ideal buyer persona isn’t a one-time task—it’s an ongoing process that requires constant validation and refinement to remain relevant.

    As market trends shift, customer behaviors evolve, and new data becomes available, your ideal persona must also adapt to reflect these changes. To stay ahead, make it a priority to regularly revisit your CRM data, sales reports, and customer insights. By doing so, you can identify emerging patterns and shifts in buyer behavior, allowing you to fine-tune your strategy accordingly.

Important Characteristics Should be Included in an Ideal Buyer Persona

Everyone has a different background and unique characteristics. However, certain commonalities drive them to purchase the same product or service. These shared traits help define an ideal buyer persona. Take a look at the following Ideal Buyer Persona template, which outlines the key characteristics that should be considered when defining your ideal customers.

Demographics Geographics Psychographics Buying Behavior Communication Habit
  • Age range
  • Gender
  • Income level
  • Education level
  • Job title and industry
    (for B2B businesses)
  • Location
  • Urban vs. rural preferences
  • Cultural influences
  • Interests
  • Hobbies
  • Values
  • Beliefs
  • Goals
  • Buying frequency
  • Research habits
  • Decision influencers
    (Price, Quality, Social proof)
  • Platforms
  • Content formats
  • Messaging tone
  • Messaging style

In short, identifying your ideal buyer persona is not just about understanding your customers—it’s about refining your marketing efforts to target the right audience. Instead of casting a wide net and hoping for conversions, focusing on high-value, high-converting customers allows you to optimize your budget, increase engagement, and drive long-term profitability.

What’s Next?

Ready to define and implement your ideal buyer persona?

Let’s connect and see how we can help you optimize your marketing strategy for better results today!