Blogging is hard; there is no doubt about it. It’s even harder creating a successful blog as a whole. So don’t give up hope if your blog doesn’t seem to be doing what you need it to be doing because this isn’t a new concept. Seven years ago, Technorati projected that 95% of blogs were unsuccessful because of their authors neglecting them. How can we save our blogs from abandonment?

Though that's a bold title, it may not be as crazy as it sounds. Millions of people search online for products or services and companies spend billions every year on getting found. But for some, that is turning against them.

You have blogs, newsletters, podcasts, hopefully video and products / service information that targets a broad general audience. However, when you really think about it, how is that working out for you as a content marketing strategy?

Ask yourself, “Who is the audience I am trying to reach with my services?”

Avanti Vision recently did a research campaign of over 100 dumpster rental companies across the United States. After talking to mostly the business owners themselves it was surprising how many seem to have said the same thing no matter what geographic or metro area they were in. 

One question we get often when talking to business owners is. Should I invest in SEO or content marketing? 

Why should industrial manufacturers and distributors start to think like a media company?

It's hard not to notice that video content dominates our daily lives nowdays when it comes to communication strategies. Content, in particular video content, plays an important role in any marketing strategy and can have a dramatic effect on the sales cycle. In an industry that relies a lot on demonstrations, trade shows and word of mouth to acquire business, manufacturers and distributors of Industrial equipment stand the most to gain through producing content.

The Math Behind Your Marketing

If you're a marketing professional then this blog may touch on a topic a little scary to you. Marketing math. Numbers might be something you shun or embrace. But either way, numbers can help you explain the madness or methodology behind client marketing campaigns.

As a marketer you probably work tirelessly to move the needle on a long list of metrics, no matter which industry you work in. You look at website visits, conversion rates, leads generated, social media engagements, shares, click-through rates…and the list goes on.

Image watching a television commercial in the comfort of your home and having the power to purchase it right there and then from your remote control. Though this concept has been talked about and pondered for many years in the broadcast industry, the fact is, they never brought it to fruition. The Home Shopping Network or QVC might get you a step closer to that concept but there's a chance the product or service you want will never appear on those outlets. Enter YouTube. Yes, YouTube just became more shoppable as Google is making it easier to connect viewers of content, advertisers and consumers. 

As a business owner you're faced with the challenge of generating new business and attracting potential buyers everyday. Generating leads - both high in quality and quantity - should be an important objective when trying to grow your business. A successful lead generation engine is what keeps the funnel full of sales prospects while you sleep.