Louisa Guise's Blog, page 3

UPDATED All about blog collaborations

Photo by Miguel Á. Padriñán: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up...

Wow, I have had a great response since I first send out a call for guest posts six months ago. And there have been a few lessons learnt since I began opening up All About Digital Marketing to blog collaborations.

Some Q&As/learnings from blog collaborationsYou can link as much as you want

When doing a blog collaboration with me, you can have as many backlinks as you want! Honestly, I am not precious, I might add extra links to other articles in this blog, and if required I’ll link a site or video to explain something for the readers.

I have a day job

And I look through blog submissions as they come in. Due to working full-time, and promoting my book How to Leave a Group Chat, I will usually get around to submissions at weekends. One blog collaborator recently sent me a submission, and less than 24hrs later emailed again to say that as I hadn’t responded he had posted it on his own blog!!! And we were in very different time zones!!! If you don’t hear back too soon, it just means that I am getting round to your submission, so don’t panic. I haven’t left anyone hanging yet.

There is no word limit

I have been asked about word limits, and there isn’t one. Every blog I have had has been perfectly adequate. If you have the time to do your SEO keyword research, you are more likely to get found on the web, so food for thought there. I’d also love to feature audio blogs and videos as well if you want to submit them.

Don’t forget that you’re human

When I do a blog collaboration, I always include a short author bio about my guest blogger. I want to know a bit about you as the professional, I also want to mention something about you as the human. Tell me something about your family, pets, plants, a few hobbies or your deepest darkest secret.

The more specific the pitch, the better!

I’ve had a few general Digital Marketing pitches, but now I want the nitty gritty. I want case studies and posts that go in depth (that doesn’t mean that they have to be complicated). Also, as much as I love and want marketers and businesses, I’d love to hear from people from other disciplines - how do authors, podcasters, chefs, florists, schools, etc. get noticed and promote themselves? I’d also love to hear from PR professionals, website developers, content writers, freelancers, graphic designers and anyone who can provide some valuable information about a skill that compliments marketing.

This blog reaches a global audience

I absolutely love it when I receive submissions from a cultural perspective, but please ensure that general references are understandable to a global audience. I have collaborated with talented marketers and businesses from England, Australia, Malaysia, Dubai, India, America, and Canada so keep’em’coming - it makes my life more exciting!

Keep the ARBVs to the MIN

Abbreviations might make sense to you, and to you only. Include some, but always clarify what they mean. A reader who understands you is more likely to check you out.

Please, please share!

So many collaborators put so much effort into the post, but then don’t share it on social media. The best way to increase our reach is together, so if you want to collaborate with me, I want you to share that post! And I don’t just mean Like - I mean share! Also, if you claim to be a social media expert, well…

Check your grammar and content thoroughly

The guest bloggers who send their submissions in good shape will be published more quickly.

And here are my other tips for blog collaborations

To make the most of an opportunity to collaborate on a blog (or any other medium such as a video, podcast, social promotion etc.) do the following:

Follow any instructions that are given

If you don’t follow the instructions for blog collaborations set out in the content request there is a high chance that your content will be rejected.

Check the blogger’s existing content

Have a look at their blog, website, social channels. See what has been written already so that you are not writing about a subject that they have already covered recently. Looking at their topics and style will also help you decide what would be a good fit to compliment the existing content. Writing in the format given will also speed up the process.

Add a personal touch to the content

You are the expert in your field. Telling your story or delving into your area of expertise makes your content stronger and much more interesting when doing blog collaborations. You have a perspective that no one else can have, so share it and captivate your audience at the same time.

Use SEO keyword research

If you are able to learn some SEO and include a keyword or two in the text, this will really help people to find your blog when they search for a related topic using Google or another search engine.

Assume you are writing for dummies

The easiest way to make your content understandable is to imagine that you are writing it for someone who has absolutely no knowledge of the subject that you are discussing, because that will probably be the case.

Ensure that any assets that you provide are legally available for use

Anything that you provide (text, images, video etc.,) for blog collaborations should be legally available for use both by yourself and the blogger because there is nothing worse than a blog being pulled due to the legal owner demanding that it’s taken down (I have seen this happen).

Don’t use AI to write content

For now at least, AI is not a content writer. The content produced by it is mediocre, there is a high chance that the text could be at least partially stolen because AI is trained on existing content - it doesn’t create text from thin air and there is a chance that it could make up facts. I personally want high quality content written on my blog by people who know what they are talking about.

Share the result on your own social, ensuring that you tag your collaborator

It’s also good manners for the blogger to let you know that they are posting the content and to tag you as well.

Finally, enjoy. This is a great opportunity for everyone involved!

Are you a Communications or Marketing professional, business owner, author, Writer, Graphic Designer, PR expert or SEO Professional who would like to contribute to my blog All About Digital Marketing? Contact me at louisaguiseauthor@gmail.com with your suggested topic or put your contact details in the comments.

Please note that this blog is a project that I do in my spare time. I usually get around to going through the blogs (in order) at weekends. So if you don’t hear from me straight away don’t worry, I will get back to you.

Share

All about Digital Marketing is brought to you by Louisa Guise, a Communications Professional and author of How to Leave a Group Chat, a book about you and your smartphone. Subscribe for free to receive more gems like this.

Why Voice Search for Business is Essential for Local SEO

Image provided by Freepik

This week on the All About Digital Marketing Blog, we’re hearing all about a topic that I haven’t seen mentioned very much, despite the fact that it’s been expanding before our very eyes for some time. According to our guest blogger, Dhawal Shah, Co-Founder and Managing Director of 2Stallions in Malaysia, voice search is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity for businesses the world over who are looking to boost their local SEO. Dhawal has worked on hundreds of successful digital marketing projects with B2B and B2C clients ranging from startups to multi-national corporations across industries and he has seen first-hand the difference that well-optimised websites can make.

Over to Dhawal…

Voice search is changing the way customers interact with businesses, and as a small business owner or entrepreneur, adapting to this trend is no longer optional—it's essential. Approximately 34% of Malaysians actively use voice search, indicating a significant engagement with this technology among the population.

With more people using voice assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa to find local businesses, optimising your online presence for voice search can help you stand out in your community. In this blog post, we'll explore why voice search for business is crucial for local SEO, how it works, and the steps you can take to leverage it effectively.

What is Voice Search for Business?

Voice search allows users to find information online simply by speaking into their devices. For example, someone might ask, “Where’s the best nasi lemak [Malaysian rice cake] near me?” instead of typing it out. Voice search works by pulling information from business listings, websites, and search engines to deliver relevant answers.

This shift toward hands-free, convenient search has made platforms like Google Voice Search for business a vital tool for connecting with local customers. If your business isn't optimised for voice search, you could miss out on potential customers who are actively looking for your services.

Why Is Voice Search Essential for Local SEO?1. Voice Search Drives Local Traffic

According to a study by BrightLocal, which surveyed a panel of 1,012 US-based consumers on their experience with voice assistants and smart speakers, 46% of voice search users search for local businesses daily. Whether it’s a restaurant, a clinic, or a boutique, people rely on voice search to find places nearby. If your business isn’t listed or optimised for local voice search, you may lose out to competitors who are.

2. Convenient for On-the-Go Users

As people are always on the move, voice search offers them a hands-free, faster way to search while multitasking. A customer driving through Kuala Lumpur might ask, “Where’s the nearest car repair shop?” Optimising for voice search ensures your business is among the top results they hear.

3. Google Voice Search Prioritises Accuracy

When someone uses Google Voice Search for business, the algorithm prioritises businesses with complete and accurate information, including your business name, address, phone number, and operating hours. Ensuring these details are both available and correct boosts your chances of appearing in voice search results.

How Does Voice Search Work for Businesses?

When a customer makes a voice query, search engines pull information from three primary sources:

Google My Business (GMB) or your Google Business Profile: Ensuring your business is registered and updated here is critical for voice search visibility.

Data on Websites: Adding schema markup (aka additional tags in the website code) helps search engines understand your website content better, making it easier to match with voice search queries.

Business Listings: Consistent information across platforms like Yelp, TripAdvisor, and local directories boosts credibility and visibility in voice search results.

Benefits of Voice Search for Small Businesses

Higher Visibility in Local Searches: Voice search ensures your business gets noticed by nearby customers actively seeking your services.

Improved Customer Experience: Quick and accurate answers to customer queries make your business more accessible and trustworthy.

Increased Conversions: With voice search directing users straight to your contact information or website, they’re more likely to purchase or visit your store.

Competitive Advantage: Not all businesses have adopted voice search yet, giving you the chance to stay ahead of competitors in Malaysia.

Steps to Optimise Your Business for Voice Search1. Complete Your Business Voice Search Registration

Start by registering your business with platforms like Google My Business. Ensure your profile includes:

● Business name, address, and phone number (NAP).

● Operating hours.

● High-quality images of your store or services.

● A concise, keyword-optimised description.

2. Use Conversational Keywords

Voice search queries are often more conversational than text-based ones. For instance, instead of typing “florist Kuala Lumpur,” someone might ask, “Where can I find a florist in KL?” Using natural, question-based keywords like these can improve your chances of ranking in voice search results.

3. Focus on Local SEO

Make sure your website content is optimised for local keywords. Include location-specific terms like “Kuala Lumpur,” “New York,” or “near me.” Highlight customer reviews and testimonials, as positive feedback often influences search rankings.

4. Ensure Mobile Optimisation

Most voice searches are performed on mobile devices, so your website must be mobile-friendly. This includes fast loading speeds, responsive design, and easy navigation.

5. Leverage FAQ Pages

Include an FAQ section on your website with questions your customers might ask via voice search. For example:

● “What are your business hours on weekends?”

● “Do you offer delivery services?”
This not only improves your SEO but also provides value to your customers.

Challenges of Voice Search and How to Overcome ThemLimited Awareness Among Businesses

Many businesses worldwide haven’t optimised for voice search because they may not have thought about it or they assume that it’s not necessary. By educating yourself and taking action now, you can gain a significant advantage to help your business reach its goals.

Maintaining Consistency Across Listings

Discrepancies in your business information across platforms can hurt your ranking. Review and update your listings regularly to avoid this issue.

Keeping Up with Trends

Voice search technology evolves quickly. Staying informed and adapting your strategy ensures long-term success. Partnering with an agency experienced in voice search optimisation, like 2Stallions, can help you navigate these changes with ease.

Real-Life Impact: Why You Should Optimise for Voice Search Now

Imagine a customer in Malaysia looking for “the best coffee shop near me.” If your business is optimised for Google voice search for business, your café will appear in their results, directing them straight to your location. Missing out on this opportunity means losing potential customers to competitors who have taken voice search seriously.

By acting now, you can future-proof your business and ensure it remains relevant as voice search becomes even more integrated into daily life.

Thank you to Mr Dhawal Shah and 2Stallions. If you would like to learn more about voice search and how to optimise your business, visit https://2stallions.com.my/. If you would also like to contribute a guest post to the All About Digital Marketing blog, please read my post about guest posting and comment below, or send an email to louisaguiseauthor@gmail.com.

Leave a comment

Subscribe, we have cookies!

Organic vs paid social media

Photo by Олег Мороз on Unsplash

This week on the All About Digital Marketing blog, we’re hearing from Annie Everill, Digital Marketing Executive for Nottingham-based, e-commerce agency Imaginaire. Specialising in SEO, content marketing and social media, Annie has been working in the industry for nearly 5 years. Outside of work, creativity is still a large part of her day, with hobbies including reading, drawing, and DIY. In this article, Annie will be looking at the pros and cons of organic and paid social media, and helping you decide which is best for your business.

Over to Annie…

Social media has become an essential part of marketing for a wide range of different industries, offering businesses the opportunity to build brand awareness, engage with customers, and drive sales in an authentic and modern way.

But what does social media marketing entail?

There are two main approaches: organic and paid.

Understanding the differences between these two methods is crucial for any business or marketing team who are looking to maximise their social media presence. You must ensure that the chosen method is right for you, your audience and your future, focusing on how you can leverage these features to increase overall engagement and conversions.

What is organic social media?

Organic social media refers to any unpaid content that a brand shares on its social channels, this could include the likes of Instagram, Tiktok, Threads, Facebook, X or Linkedin. This type of content includes posts, images, videos, and stories designed to engage followers and encourage interaction.

Organic reach is primarily influenced by a platform’s algorithm, meaning content is shown to followers based on relevance, engagement history, and other ranking factors.

Benefits of organic social

● Building brand loyalty through regular interactions and engagement to foster a community of loyal followers

● Encourages authentic connections

● Cost-effective. Unlike paid advertising, organic social media doesn’t require a budget, making it an ideal strategy for startups and small businesses who are looking for a low-cost marketing solution

● Improves SEO and can enhance a website’s search rankings

What is paid social media marketing?

Paid social media is when businesses pay money to advertise and reach a larger or more targeted audience. For different rates, they can buy features such as sponsored posts, display ads, and video ads on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok. Paid social media allows you to precisely target a specific audience based on demographics, interests, behaviours, and more, meaning your adverts are more likely to get in front of the right audience. The content is often similar to that of organic social media, and includes imagery, videos, stories and interactive elements.

Benefits of paid social

● Increases reach and visibility by extending beyond your existing followers and having the potential to reach audiences

● Targeted advertising options allow businesses to show ads to relevant audiences based on age, location, interests, and more

● Usually results are greater in number and achieved more quickly

● Measurable ROI (Return on Investment) that provides detailed analytics, making it easier to track performance and optimise campaigns

Organic or paid?

While organic social helps nurture relationships and build credibility, paid social offers the ability to scale reach and drive conversions quickly. Here are some key questions to ask yourself when planning your new social campaign:

● What is my primary objective?

● What is my budget?

● How quickly do I need results?

● Who is my target audience?

● What type of content am I creating?

● What type of ads do I want to create?

● How competitive is my industry? What are competitors doing?

● Am I tracking and measuring my results effectively?

We believe that the best approach could be to combine the two, using organic strategies to engage your audience and paid ads to amplify your reach.

Thank you Annie and Imaginiare. If you would also like to feature on a future All About Digital Marketing blog, please read my blog about collaborations, and leave a comment below - or email me at louisaguiseauthor@gmail.com, y’know, whatever works!

Leave a comment

For more gems like this, subscribe to All about Digital Marketing!

The Art of Listening

“Listening is not the act of hearing the word spoken, listening is the ability to actively be open to understanding what the person is meaning and articulating and for them it is to experience the feeling of being heard.”

Last Sunday I took five and had a chat with Linda Morrison from Ageless Body Formula about communication, and how we can improve it.

A good marketer should be a good listener, because if you don’t know what your customer or client wants, you won’t get very far, so it’s definitely something to observe and improve.

This conversation focuses on smartphone use and how this device has impacted our listening skills. We also reflect on how the Covid-19 pandemic may or may not have changed the way we communicate and discuss how younger people might relate to new technology in a different way to those of us who are a little older.

But enough from me, watch the video, or just listen to the audio, above to hear what we have to say.

Linda’s podcast series The Art of Listening is available on YouTube.

How to Leave a Group Chat is available from all good bookshops, including internationally, via the Big A.

Thank you for having me Linda. Hopefully when I’m less busy, there’ll be a part 2.

Catch me at some upcoming author book signing events…

Saturday 1st February 2025 - Meet the Author Event at the Wolverhampton Literature Festival
Sunday 2nd February 2025 - Signing books at Blue Sheep Books in Wednesbury
Saturday 8th February 2025 - Holding a talk at Coventry Central Library

Leave a comment

Thanks for reading All about Digital Marketing! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Most read blog posts

This week on the All About Digital Marketing blog…the blog didn’t send! I don’t want you to miss out on Deepak Shukla’s blog about Lead Generations, so here it is!

Top 5 blog posts

My posts that have really resonated with people have been about my journey as an author, how they can have a similar journey and about collaborations.

5. Free Marketing Talk 4. How do I market my book? 3. All about blog collaborations 2. How do I market my book? 1. How do you publish your book? Catch me at some upcoming author book signing events…

Thursday 23rd January 2025 - Talk at Cardiff Central Library
Saturday 1st February 2025 - Meet the Author Event at the Wolverhampton Literature Festival
Sunday 2nd February 2025 - Signing books at Blue Sheep Books in Wednesbury
Saturday 8th February 2025 - Holding a talk at Coventry Central Library

Thanks for reading All about Digital Marketing! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Lead Generation Strategies for Modern Businesses: From Awareness to Conversion

Photo by Pixabay from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/chess-pi...

Deepak Shukla is the founder and CEO of Pearl Lemon, an SEO agency that’s become very successful since 2016. Driven by his passion for digital marketing, web development and AI, Deepak has led the company’s rapid growth. Pearl Lemon is a remote-first business with a global team, offering SEO, lead generation and digital marketing services to clients of all sizes. Deepak’s hands-on approach and commitment to teaching have been key to his company’s success.

And today he’s going give us some tips about how Pearl Lemon has implemented lead generation strategies and turned them into conversions for clients.

Over to Deepak…

As businesses shift to the digital space, effective lead generation has become more important than ever. It’s no longer just about cold calling. It’s now a multi-channel strategy that engages prospects at every stage of their journey.

To succeed, businesses must know how to attract, nurture and convert leads into loyal customers. This requires a smart mix of SEO, content marketing, CRM tools and personalised outreach.

Let’s explore proven lead-generation strategies, with practical examples and a clear step-by-step process to guide you from attracting leads to closing sales.

The Lead Generation Funnel: From Awareness to Conversion

Successful lead generation starts with understanding the customer journey, which typically flows through three stages:

● Awareness: This is when potential customers first learn about your business.

● Consideration: They engage more deeply, exploring how your product or service can solve their problem.

● Conversion: They decide to purchase or take a desired action.

Each stage requires a tailored approach and implementing the right strategies in each phase is essential for maximising your lead generation efforts.

Strategy 1: SEO-Driven Lead Funnels - Attracting the Right Audience

Search engine optimisation (SEO) remains one of the most powerful tools for driving organic traffic to your website. But how can you convert that traffic into leads? The key is creating an SEO-driven lead funnel.

How It Works:

● Optimising for relevant search terms

Start by ensuring your website is optimised for search queries that match your audience’s pain points. For example, if you're a SaaS company offering project management tools, you should target keywords like "best project management tools for remote teams" or "project management software for small businesses."

● Creating lead magnets

Once visitors land on your site, your goal is to move them from passive readers to active leads. Offer valuable resources (lead magnets) such as eBooks, whitepapers or free demos. Ensure these resources solve a specific problem your audience faces. For instance, if your SEO content targets small business owners, an "SEO Guide for Small Businesses" would be highly relevant.

● Nurturing through valuable content

Your content should be designed to solve problems and build trust. For example, consider the content strategy of companies like Moz or HubSpot, which provide free resources and educational content while capturing leads via gated content.

Example:

A small digital marketing agency optimised their blog posts for long-tail keywords such as "how to increase blog traffic for small businesses" and created a free "10-Step SEO Checklist" lead magnet. This approach generated an increase in organic traffic and visitors converted into leads by downloading the checklist.

Strategy 2: Using CRM Tools for Lead Nurturing and Conversion

Customer relationship management (CRM) tools are essential for managing leads, automating follow-ups and personalising outreach. A well-integrated CRM system allows you to track interactions, segment your audience and send targeted messages that are more likely to convert.

How It Works:

● Lead tracking

A CRM tool like HubSpot or Salesforce tracks leads as they interact with your website. This could include which pages they visited, which blog posts they read or whether they downloaded a lead magnet.

● Segmentation and personalisation

Segment leads based on their behaviours, interests or demographics. For instance, you can send one follow-up email to leads who downloaded an SEO guide and another to those who visited a product demo page.

● Automated follow-ups

Once a lead shows interest, you can set up automated email sequences to nurture them. For example, after someone downloads an eBook, an automated email can thank them, share more relevant resources and offer a discount on services if they sign up for a consultation.

Example:

A B2B SaaS company used HubSpot CRM to segment leads based on their activity. Visitors who engaged with pricing pages received personalised emails detailing the benefits of their chosen plan. As a result, their email open rates increased and their conversion rates doubled.

Strategy 3: Personalised Outreach - Turning Prospects into Customers

Personalisation is key to modern lead generation. With the right tools, you can create highly tailored experiences that make prospects feel valued, rather than just another email address in a sales funnel.

How It Works:

● Targeted emails

Rather than sending generic outreach, use the data you’ve gathered through your CRM and website interactions to send highly relevant emails. Personalise your messages based on where the lead is in the funnel. For instance, if a lead has downloaded an SEO guide but hasn’t signed up for a demo, you could email them case studies showing how your product has helped similar businesses.

● Social media engagement

Don’t rely only on email. Personalise your outreach via LinkedIn, Twitter or even Instagram. For example, if someone follows you on social media, send them a personalised thank-you message and a helpful resource. This creates a personal connection that goes beyond transactional sales.

● Tailored offers

Instead of sending generic discounts or promotions, make your offers specific to the lead’s needs. For example, if a lead has been browsing product features on your website, offer a customised consultation session or a product demo at a discounted rate.

Example:

A software company tracked leads’ engagement on their website and social media. A prospect who downloaded a guide on "Search Engine Optimisation" received a personalised email inviting them to a free consultation, tailored to their specific business needs. This increased demo sign-ups.

Strategy 4: Automation - Streamlining Your Lead Nurturing Process

While personalisation is important, automation is key to scaling your lead generation efforts without sacrificing quality.

How It Works:

● Email automation

Set up workflows in your CRM tool to automatically send follow-up emails after a lead interacts with your content. These could be triggered actions like signing up for your newsletter, downloading a resource or viewing a product demo.

● Lead scoring and segmentation

Use automation tools to score leads based on their interactions and assign them to specific nurturing workflows. For instance, a lead who visits your pricing page might be considered a high-value lead and moved into a more aggressive follow-up sequence.

● Sales task automation

Use automation to assign tasks to your sales team. For example, if a lead fills out a contact form, an automated task can be created for the sales team to follow up within 24 hours.

Example:

An e-commerce brand used automated workflows in Klaviyo to send targeted emails to customers who abandoned shopping carts. The follow-up emails included personalised product recommendations and a discount code, resulting in a 25% increase in conversions from abandoned carts.

Putting It All Together: A Step-by-Step Lead Generation Plan

To successfully generate leads and convert them into customers, follow this 5-step process:

● Step 1: Attract traffic with SEO

Optimise your website to rank for keywords and offer lead magnets like eBooks, free trials or demos.

● Step 2: Nurture leads with content marketing

Provide valuable content through blog posts, webinars and newsletters that address your leads' pain points.

● Step 3: Track and segment with CRM tools

Use CRM software to track lead behaviour, segment leads and automate follow-ups.

● Step 4: Personalise outreach

Send tailored messages and offers based on lead behaviour via email, LinkedIn or social media.

● Step 5: Automate for efficiency

Set up automated workflows to ensure no lead slips through the cracks while maintaining a personal touch.

Quality Over Quantity in Lead Generation

Modern lead generation is not about casting a wide net and hoping for the best. It’s about attracting the right audience, nurturing relationships and offering value at every stage of the funnel. By combining SEO, CRM tools, personalised outreach and automation, you can build a lead generation system that attracts leads and converts them into loyal customers.

Remember, quality always trumps quantity when it comes to lead generation. Focus on building meaningful relationships with your leads and your business will reap the rewards in the long term.

Thank you Deepak. If you would also like to feature on the All About Digital Marketing blog, please have a read of my blog about blog collaborations and comment below or email louisaguiseauthor@gmail.com.

Leave a comment

Thanks for reading All about Digital Marketing! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

The best Tips for Pinterest Success

Happy New Year Readers! We’re back for 2025, and kicking us off on the All About Digital Marketing blog we have Maz Panayi, Director of Maznet, a London-based company which specialises in the latest web technologies and helping companies implement them to achieve better results. When he’s not working hard, Maz loves to service and repair mechanical watches - it's his happy place! Today he’s telling us how Maznet has successfully used Pinterest to drive web traffic and sales.

Over to Maz

With so many social media channels available these days it's easy to spread yourself too thin and become and Jack of all trades but a master of none. So we decided early on that in order to see real tangible results we had to focus our efforts of learning and evolving on one or two social media channels and only expand to others once we had mastered these.

When deciding which channels to use, for Maznet we chose Pinterest which we found offered unique ways to drive traffic and engage audiences. Here are some clever tips and hacks that have worked well for us:

1. Use Rich Pins for Enhanced Engagement

Rich Pins is a function which adds extra details directly on the Pin itself, such as product information, prices, and direct links, and these can help drive sales and clicks by providing a user with extra information about what you are posting. Product, recipe, and article Rich Pins are particularly useful for e-commerce, food, and blog-based businesses. These Pins can be connected to other systems so that they can stay updated in real-time, meaning that if you adjust pricing or product details, the Pin reflects those changes instantly.

2. Optimise Pin Descriptions with Keywords and Hashtags

Pinterest functions like a search engine, so using keywords and hashtags in your Pin descriptions is crucial. Use SEO - research keywords related to your niche, and incorporate them naturally into your descriptions to increase discoverability. Adding a few relevant hashtags, especially branded ones, can also help Pins reach new users.

3. Create Multiple Pins for a Single Piece of Content

Don’t limit yourself to one Pin per blog post or product. Create multiple Pins with different images, colors, or headlines to appeal to various audiences. This gives your content multiple chances to appear in users' feeds and boosts the likelihood of engagement. Content creation can be the most time-consuming part of social media marketing so don't be afraid to re-use content multiple times on the same channel and/or across multiple channels.

4. Use Pinterest Trends and Analytics for Insightful Content Planning

Pinterest Trends lets you see what’s popular on the platform, helping you tailor your content to seasonal or trending topics. By using Pinterest Analytics, you can also identify which Pins are performing best, giving you insight into the types of images, descriptions, or products that resonate with your audience.

5. Leverage Idea Pins for Storytelling

Idea Pins (formerly Story Pins) are a great way to build engagement as they keep followers on Pinterest longer. While exact metrics can vary by niche and quality of content, studies suggest that Idea Pins can increase time spent engaging with content by 3-5x compared to standard Pins, thanks to their multi-slide format and the ability to host up to 20 pages of content. Users often spend time clicking through slides, rewatching tutorials, or exploring related Pins from the same creator, extending their overall session duration on Pinterest. Use Idea Pins to showcase product tutorials, tell brand stories, or offer quick tips related to your niche. With multiple slides, these Pins let you deliver a more immersive experience and increase brand awareness.

6. Pin at Optimal Times and Use a Scheduling Tool

The best times for Pinning are generally in the evenings and weekends, but you should experiment with your particular audience. Research shows that the best times for posting on Pinterest are:

Evenings: Between 7 PM and 10 PM, as users relax after their day.

Weekends: Particularly Saturday mornings and afternoons, when people plan for upcoming projects.

Midweek Evenings: Tuesdays and Wednesdays around dinner time are also strong engagement windows.

There are tools that you can use to schedule Pins during peak engagement times, so your content consistently appears when users are most active.

7. Engage with Pinterest Communities and Relevant Group Boards

Engage with Pinterest Communities and Relevant Group Boards
Joining group boards or Pinterest communities can help your Pins reach a wider audience. Look for niche-specific boards or groups where users already share content similar to yours. Actively engaging and repining others’ content can also attract new followers and boost your account visibility.

8. Add a Pinterest Save Button to Your Website

Make it easy for website visitors to save your images to their Pinterest boards by adding a "Save" button. This encourages users to share your content on their own accounts, increasing its reach and driving more traffic back to your site.

We've found that by implementing these strategies, Maznet’s clients can build a strong Pinterest presence, effectively attract their target audience, and drive significant traffic and sales through the platform. Pinterest can become an additional, and very valuable, marketing channel in addition to Google and others.

Thank you Maz! If you would also like to contribute to the All About Digital Marketing blog, please leave a comment below or email louisaguiseauthor@gmail.com.

Leave a comment

Thanks for reading All about Digital Marketing! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

How do I market my book?

Download the presentation slides

“How do I market my book?” is a common question asked by authors everywhere, and I was asked this very question about book marketing by a member of my writers’ group . As book marketing is a huge topic, and something that my fellow writers and authors are always exploring, I decided to go through the topic with everyone at the same time. And here it is, my book marketing presentation (above) answers that age-old question of “How do I market my book?”

The purpose of my book marketing presentation is to share my knowledge and experience from both my own thirteen years of marketing professionally for companies and from my own experience of working out how I market my own book How to Leave a Group Chat (also about communications, can you see a theme here?). And it has been an experience, because marketing yourself and your book from scratch is more challenging than marketing for a company who already start with an interested and invested audience.

In this 35-minute presentation I cover:

What you need to know as a beginner and what you should start setting up for your book marketing

Social media, a very important tool for marketing your book

SEO, a tactic which it is worth taking some time to familiarise yourself with and putting into practice for book marketing

Bookshops and libraries – how to approach them, how to get into them and how to do events

PR

What to do if you don’t have time to market your book, and what to look for in a Professional Marketer, SEO Optimiser or Website Builder etc. if you choose to pay someone to do your book marketing for you.

There were lots of book marketing questions which I still have to go through and will be answering at a later date, but if you’re also wondering “How do I market my book?” and I haven’t answered your question already, please pop your questions below in the comments.

Leave a comment

Links from the book marketing presentation:

Press Loft free 60-day trial to send Press Releases to media

sourcebottle.com for PR opportunities

shesource.com

Beginner's Guide to SEO (Search Engine Optimization) – Moz

UK libraries

UK Literary Festivals

Thank you for reading All about Digital Marketing! Subscribe for free to receive the best tips and tricks from some amazing Marketers, oh and me! Finally, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Top 7 Proven Strategies for Digital Marketing

Image source Mikael Blomkvist from pexels.com

Today’s guest blogger is Emma Lewis, a Staff Writer at dealhack.com. Passionate about helping shoppers save money, Emma specializes in uncovering hidden deals, maximizing coupon use, and sharing tips that make online shopping more rewarding. Her goal is to ensure every reader gets the most out of their purchases and today she’s going to tell us about her top 7 strategies to succeed in Digital Marketing.

Over to Emma…

Digital marketing is like a superpower for businesses today. It helps brands reach the right people, engage them, and turn them into loyal customers. If you’ve been wondering how to make your brand shine online, you’re in the right place. Here are seven easy and effective digital marketing strategies that can transform your online presence and drive incredible results. Let’s dive in!

At Dealhack, we’ve spent years refining our expertise, helping shoppers save money while creating content that informs, inspires, and converts. Today, we’re sharing the strategies that have worked for us—and how they can work for you.

1. Content Marketing: Share Something Amazing

Ever heard the phrase, "Content is king"? It’s true! Great content can grab attention, solve problems, and keep your audience coming back for more.

Why It Works:

Builds trust and makes you the go-to expert.

Helps people find your business on search engines.

Keeps your audience engaged and loyal.

What to Do:

Write blogs, create how-to videos, or design fun infographics.

Tell stories that inspire and connect with your audience.

Use tools like Google Trends to find topics your audience loves.

When your content is helpful, fun, or inspiring, people will remember your brand and come back for more.

2. SEO: Be the Star on Google

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is all about making sure your website shows up when people search for products or services like yours. Think of it as the digital equivalent of being front and center on a store shelf.

Why You Need SEO:

Drives free traffic to your website.

Helps you stand out from competitors.

Builds long-term trust and visibility.

Quick Tips:

Use keywords people are searching for in your content.

Make sure your website loads fast and works well on mobile.

Get other websites to link to yours—it’s like getting a thumbs-up from Google.

SEO takes time, but once you get it right, it works like magic to bring in more visitors.

3. Social Media Marketing: Be Where the Fun Happens

Social media is the place to connect, engage, and build relationships with your audience. Whether it’s Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or LinkedIn, these platforms help you showcase your brand’s personality and reach new customers.

Why Social Media Rocks:

Lets you connect directly with your audience.

Makes your content visible.

Drives traffic and boosts sales.

What to Do:

Post regularly with fun, engaging content.

Use stories, reels, or live videos to grab attention.

Interact with your followers—reply to comments and messages to build trust.

Social media is like a party where your brand gets to shine. Show up, have fun, and watch your audience grow!

4. PPC Ads: Get Instant Attention

Want fast results? Pay-Per-Click (PPC) ads, like Google Ads or Facebook Ads, can put your business right in front of people who are ready to buy.

Why PPC is Awesome:

Brings immediate traffic to your website.

Targets the right people based on their interests or searches.

How to Win with PPC:

Pick keywords that show buying intent, like “best running shoes.”

Write eye-catching headlines with clear calls-to-action (e.g., “Shop Now”).

Test different ad versions to see what works best.

With PPC ads, you’re not just advertising—you’re connecting with people who are already looking for what you offer.

5. Email Marketing: Stay in Touch with Your Audience

Email marketing is like having a VIP pass to your customers’ inbox. It’s personal, direct, and one of the most effective ways to keep your audience engaged.

Why Email is a Must-Have:

Builds long-lasting relationships with your audience.

Offers one of the highest returns on investment.

How to Make It Amazing:

Personalize your emails—use names or recommend products they’ll love.

Send valuable content like exclusive discounts or useful tips.

Write catchy subject lines to make them want to open your emails.

Emails are a simple way to remind your audience why they love your brand—and keep them coming back for more.

6. Influencer Marketing: Tap into Trusted Voices

People trust recommendations from influencers. By partnering with influencers who share your values, you can reach new audiences and build trust faster than ever.

Why It’s Effective:

Introduces your brand to a wider audience.

Builds credibility through authentic endorsements.

How to Get It Right:

Choose influencers who align with your brand and audience.

Let them share your product in their own style to keep it real.

Focus on micro-influencers (smaller followings but highly engaged audiences) for niche products.

Influencer marketing is like having a trusted friend vouch for your brand—it’s personal and powerful.

7. Data-Driven Marketing: Let Numbers Lead the Way

Data is your secret weapon for digital marketing success. It shows you what’s working, what’s not, and how to improve.

Why It’s a Game-Changer:

Helps you focus on strategies that deliver results.

Saves time and money by cutting out guesswork.

How to Use Data:

Track website traffic, conversions, and customer behavior with tools like Google Analytics.

Test different headlines, images, or offers to see what works best.

Use insights to tweak and improve your campaigns.

With data, you’re not just making educated guesses—you’re building strategies that work.

Ready to Take Your Digital Marketing to the Next Level?

The best part about these strategies is that they work together. When you combine engaging content, smart SEO, social media, email, and data insights, you create a marketing machine that’s unstoppable.

What’s Next:

Start small – pick one or two strategies and focus on doing them well.

Experiment and track results – don’t be afraid to try new things.

Always keep your audience in mind – they’re the reason you’re doing this.

Get started today and watch your business grow like never before! Remember, success in digital marketing isn’t about luck – it’s about smart, consistent efforts. Let’s make it happen! 🚀

Thank you Emma! If you would also like to contribute to the All About Digital Marketing blog please leave a comment below or email louisaguiseauthor@gmail.com.

Leave a comment

Thanks for reading All about Digital Marketing! For the best marketing tips and tricks direct to your inbox, hit the subscribe button.

Where can I find royalty-free images for digital marketing?

Source Jakob Owens, from unsplash.com

Whether you are creating a blog post, website, social media post or other assets, images are essential. And royalty-free images are a godsend for the Digital Marketer who is looking to save money. It is however very important that you find free images for commercial use from the correct sources, otherwise you could end up with a legal battle on your hands. You might think that with so many webpages on the internet it’s unlikely, but I have worked for companies who have received very threatening letters from Getty because they had not used the right royalty-free images, or even royalty-free images at all. One company I used to work for even shut down an entire blog because when the legal notice came, they didn’t know which of their images on the blog were legitimate and which were not.

Tip: Keep an inventory of where your images are sourced. That way, if anyone challenges you, at least you can verify where you found the image in the first place, and what the original terms of use were.

So where can I find free royalty-free images for commerical use?

Unsplash

Pexels

Wikimedia Commons

Flat Icon – for icons

Take your own photos

Approach individuals or companies to ask if you can use images

Company image libraries/media centres

Many large companies, such as airports, Merlin Entertainments and Apple, offer their own images available for download - Apple has a collection of royalty-free images available at the bottom of their press releases. This saves them a lot of time answering journalists and organisations who are after them, but still take note of the licences available and how the image should be used and credited.

When using images from anywhere, ensure that they are credited correctly.

If you have a little cash to spare

iStock

Shutterstock

The advantage of paying a little for images is that you’ll probably get something better than you’ll find among the haul of free images for commercial use. Both iStock and Shutterstock offer the chance to purchase single images, or different subscription levels which allow you a number of images a month if you use many images. Check their webistes for details, as well as for the licensing rules for each image.

The important bit - copyright for royalty-free images

Do not just google any old free image and use it in your communications because images come with copyright restrictions and you or your company could get into legal trouble.

You must read and adhere to any guidelines given by the site in question and remember that laws and rules can change.

Make a note of where your image came from – this will be very important should the image or its origin ever be questioned.

Where do you get your images from? Tell us in the comments below.

Leave a comment

Thank you for reading All About Digital Marketing. If you enjoyed this post and would like to receive even more top digital marketing tips from me, Louisa Guise, or from one of my wonderful guest bloggers, please subscribe.