Mostafa ElBermawy, Author at NoGood™: Growth Marketing Agency https://nogood.io/author/mostafa/ Award-winning growth marketing agency specialized in B2B, SaaS and eCommerce brands, run by top growth hackers in New York, LA and SF. Wed, 08 Jan 2025 18:41:15 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://nogood.io/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/NG_WEBSITE_FAVICON_LOGO_512x512-64x64.png Mostafa ElBermawy, Author at NoGood™: Growth Marketing Agency https://nogood.io/author/mostafa/ 32 32 Top 14 Snapchat Marketing Agencies for 2025 https://nogood.io/2024/12/09/snapchat-marketing-agency/ https://nogood.io/2024/12/09/snapchat-marketing-agency/#respond Mon, 09 Dec 2024 16:04:04 +0000 https://nogood.io/?p=28155 Boost your brand's presence on Snapchat with a leading marketing agency. Discover agencies that deliver impactful results.

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In order to stay relevant in advertising and social media, brands must keep up with all of the latest trends. Snapchat, with its unique mix of messaging, filters, and temporary content has emerged as a powerful platform for brands to engage with their audience, particularly Gen Z. 

As a result, Snapchat marketing and creative agencies are now in high demand. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top Snapchat marketing agencies for Snapchat paid ads, content creation, and influencer campaigns.

Our Best 14 Snapchat Marketing Agencies:

  1. NoGood
  2. VaynerMedia
  3. Viral Nation
  4. Ignite Social Media
  5. Disruptive Advertising
  6. inBeat Agency
  7. Newbird
  8. Online Optimism
  9. AdvertiseMint
  10. The Social Shepherd
  11. MuteSix
  12. Voy Media
  13. Taktical Digital
  14. The Snow Agency

1. NoGood

NoGood logo

Description: At NoGood, we’re a dynamic growth and performance marketing agency in the heart of New York City. Our experience in effectively executing both paid and organic Snapchat campaigns runs deep. Our client roster includes esteemed names like Nike, ByteDance, JVN, and Intuit, as well as various startup ventures and ambitious scale-ups.

When you choose to partner with us, we assemble a customized growth team of established experts. We don’t just grasp the intricacies of your business – we’re fully committed to propelling rapid expansion that unlocks your complete potential.

Office Location: New York, NY (HQ)

Year Founded: 2017

Team Size: 50 – 100 employees

Key Services: Creator Studio, Social Ads, Content Marketing, Influencer Marketing, Video Marketing

Industries Served: SaaS, Healthcare, Fintech, B2B, Consumer, Crypto

Case Studies: View all case studies.

2. VaynerMedia

Vayner Media logo

Description: VaynerMedia is a digital and creative agency that specializes in social media marketing, including Snapchat. They offer services such as strategy and planning, creative development, influencer marketing, and media buying. They’ve worked with brands like PepsiCo, Toyota, and Unilever to create engaging content for Snapchat. Their team of experts can help you create customized Snapchat filters, ads, and sponsored lenses that resonate with your target audience.

Office Location: New York, NY, with offices around the world

Year Founded: 2009

Team Size: 501 – 1,000 employees

Key Services: Social Media Management, Video Ads, Marketing Content, Brand Building, Video Production

Industries Served: N/A

Case Studies: N/A

3. Viral Nation 

Viral Nation logo

Description: Viral Nation is a leading influencer marketing agency that has expanded its services to include Snapchat advertising campaigns. They specialize in creating engaging content for Snapchat, including filters, lenses, and sponsored posts. Their team of experts can help your brand reach a wider audience, generate leads, and drive sales through targeted Snapchat ads. Viral Nation also offers comprehensive analytics to track the performance of your campaigns. Their pricing is based on a commission structure.

Office Location: Mississauga, Ontario

Year Founded: 2014

Team Size: 201 – 500 employees

Key Services: Influencer Marketing, Personalized Content Creation, Social Media Marketing Services, Advertising Strategies, Community Management

Industries Served: Beverages, Gaming, Consumer

Case Studies: View all case studies.

4. Ignite Social Media 

Ignite Social Media logo

Description: Ignite Social Media is a social media marketing agency that offers Snapchat advertising services. They specialize in creating visually stunning and engaging Snapchat content for brands, including sponsored stories, lenses, and filters. Ignite Social Media can help you reach new audiences and achieve your marketing goals through innovative Snapchat campaigns. Their pricing is based on a project basis.

Office Location: Cary, North Carolina

Year Founded: 2007

Team Size: 51 – 200 employees

Key Services: Social Media Platforms Marketing, Digital Advertising, Content Marketing, Influencer Marketing, Blogger Outreach, Community Management

Industries Served: Automotive, Food & Beverage, Consumer, Health & Wellness, Entertainment, Non-Profit

Case Studies: View all case studies.

5. Disruptive Advertising

Disruptive Advertising logo

Description: Disruptive Advertising leverages Snapchat’s ads to elevate brand awareness, encourage audience interest, and boost conversions for businesses. To ensure the suitability of Snapchat as a potent marketing channel for their clients, the agency undertakes a comprehensive audience assessment. The process entails scrutinizing demographic data, primarily obtained from the client’s Facebook, Instagram, and Google data insights. By doing so, they gain valuable insights into the age, gender, and lifestyle demographics of the client’s current audiences. This data is then directly compared to Snapchat’s demographics to gauge alignment and potential reach.

Office Location: Pleasant Grove, UT

Year Founded: 2012

Team Size: 51 – 200 employees

Key Services: Paid Search Advertising, Conversion Rate Optimization, Social Media Marketing Services, Display Advertising, Google Analytics, SEO, Lifecycle Marketing, Creative

Industries Served: eCommerce, Tech, Health & Wellness, Financial Services, Beauty, Home Services

Case Studies: View all case studies.

6. inBeat Agency

inBeat Agency logo

Description: inBeat is a premier digital marketing agency that specializes in Snapchat advertising. With a focus on empowering brands, they offer top-notch marketing campaigns to engage potential customers effectively. Leveraging Snapchat’s competitive CPM and audience-specific targeting capabilities, inBeat’s marketing team ensures maximum impact and helps businesses achieve their specific business goals.

As a dedicated Snapchat ads agency, inBeat takes pride in cultivating strong relationships with top creators. This enables them to produce outstanding user-generated content that stands out from the crowd and resonates with potential customers. Their expertise in crafting compelling marketing strategies ensures brands receive optimal visibility and engagement on the platform, aligning seamlessly with their unique business objectives.

Office Location: New York, NY, with offices around the world

Year Founded: 2018

Team Size: 51 – 200 employees

Key Services: Influencer Marketing, Social Media Management, Digital Marketing Agency, Marketing Content Creation

Industries Served: Consumer Packaged Goods, DTC, Healthcare, App Marketing

Case Studies: View all case studies.

7. Newbird

Newbird logo

Description: Newbird is a top advertising agency that boasts a decade of unparalleled experience crafting captivating and successful Snapchat ad campaigns for a diverse clientele. With a remarkable track record of over 400 satisfied clients, Newbird’s profound knowledge of Snapchat advertising makes them the ultimate choice for businesses seeking to connect with a younger audience and attain their objectives through this dynamic platform.

Newbird’s mastery of Snapchat advertising shines through its comprehensive approach, placing utmost importance on grasping a client’s brand essence and understanding their unique customer journeys. This customer-centric strategy allows them to create tailored marketing materials that resonate deeply with the target audience, ensuring maximum impact on this vibrant advertising platform.

Office Location: Buffalo, New York

Year Founded: 2008

Team Size: 11 – 50 employees

Key Services: Website Design, Social Media Marketing Services, Mobile App Marketing, Internet Marketing, Branding, Video Production & Content Development, SEO, PPC, Paid Media Advertising, Email Marketing

Industries Served: Beauty, Health, Clothing

Case Studies: View all case studies.

8. Online Optimism

Online Optimism logo

Description: Online Optimism is a leading ad agency proficient in assisting businesses with effectively reaching their target audience on the immensely popular social media platform. With their Snapchat Ads Certified social media team, Online Optimism remains updated on the latest social media strategies, guaranteeing optimal outcomes for their esteemed clients.

Functioning as a seasoned Snapchat advertising agency, Online Optimism designs ad campaigns that strategically target audiences across various stages of the sales funnel. Collaborating closely with their clients, they adeptly set ad budgets and pinpoint ideal audience personas, ensuring exceptional return on investment (ROI) for each campaign, even on a tight budget.

Office Location: New Orleans, LA

Year Founded: 2012

Team Size: 11 – 50 employees

Key Services: Website Design, Search Engine Optimization, Social Media Management, Digital Advertising, Content Marketing, Branding 

Industries Served: Hospitality, Healthcare, Automotive, Legal, Education, Government, Non-Profit, Cybersecurity, Consumer

Case Studies: View all case studies.

9. AdvertiseMint

AdvertiseMint logo

Description: AdvertiseMint is a digital advertising agency specializing in aiding prosperous companies with advertising effectively on Snapchat. Their extensive knowledge of Snapchat advertising coupled with a strong emphasis on cost-effectiveness and user-friendly approaches positions them as a dependable option for businesses seeking to optimize their presence on the platform.

At AdvertiseMint, a team of Snapchat experts wholeheartedly dedicates themselves to curating captivating and customized ad campaigns tailored to meet each client’s unique needs. Their commitment to delivering engaging and relevant content ensures businesses receive the best possible results from their Snapchat advertising endeavors.

Office Location: Los Angeles, CA

Year Founded: 2014

Team Size: 11 – 50 employees

Key Services: Social Advertising, Instagram Advertising, Facebook Advertising, Digital Advertising

Industries Served: N/A

Case Studies: N/A

10. The Social Shepherd

The Social Shepherd logo

Description: The Social Shepherd is made up of renowned experts in customer acquisition and marketing campaign scaling for their esteemed clients. With a wealth of experience in effectively managing Snapchat Ads, complemented by their exceptional creative abilities, The Social Shepherd guarantees outstanding outcomes for all campaign endeavors.

Having a solid track record of delivering remarkable results, The Social Shepherd boasts an impressive 5.4x return on ad spend (ROAS) for prominent clients like the UK’s Love Leggings. This success story is a testament to their proficiency and ability to deliver exceptional results for businesses they partner with.

Office Location: New York, NY, with offices in the UK

Year Founded: 2018

Team Size: 50 – 200 employees

Key Services: Social Media Marketing, Paid Social, Video Production, Influencer Marketing, eCommerce Marketing, Social Media Content

Industries Served: Skincare, Food & Beverage, Consumer, Jewelry, Clothing

Case Studies: View all case studies.

11. MuteSix

Mutesix logo

Description: MuteSix boasts a team of expert strategists and creatives well-versed in streamlining the production of captivating Snapchat ads that instantly capture attention. Their diverse ad formats, including Single Image, Video, Lenses, and Story Ads, are thoughtfully optimized to engage customers effectively throughout their journey.

Through extensive A/B testing, MuteSix uncovers the most successful elements of their Snapchat-specific content to thrive on this multimedia platform. This invaluable insight fuels their ability to consistently deliver successful campaigns and drive impressive client results.

Office Location: Culver City, California

Year Founded: 2014

Team Size: 201 – 500 employees

Key Services: Paid Social, Paid Search, Email Marketing, Amazon Marketing, SMS Marketing, Content Creation, Lifecycle Marketing

Industries Served: Home Goods, Consumer, Food & Beverage, App Marketing

Case Studies: View all case studies.

12. Voy Media

Voy Media logo

Description: Voy Media brings a wealth of experience, catering to an extensive clientele spanning Fortune 500 companies to burgeoning start-ups. Their success stories include helping businesses achieve substantial sales growth and establishing a proven track record of excellence.

The team’s expertise lies in crafting captivating images that effectively halt scrolling and copy that captivates readers. Doing so safeguards their clients’ marketing efforts from disappearing into the digital abyss, ensuring maximum visibility and engagement for their brand messages.

Office Location: New York, NY

Year Founded: 2016

Team Size: 11 – 50 employees

Key Services: Facebook Ads, Mobile Attribution, Lifecycle Marketing, Mobile App Marketing, Digital Advertising

Industries Served: Gaming, Beauty, App Marketing, Education, Fashion, Food & Beverage, Health & Wellness

Case Studies: View all case studies.

13. Taktical Digital

Taktical Digital logo

Description: Taktical Digital is an award-winning advertising agency with a team of data-driven specialists that are dedicated to Snapchat advertising. Their advertising campaigns help raise awareness for your brand on this dynamic social media platform.

Taktical Digital recognizes that storytelling is at the heart of advertising on Snapchat, and they work to present the brands they work with through compelling narratives and eye-catching visuals. They offer multiple Snapchat ad formats and employ an in-house creative team, so you can be confident in every aspect of your campaign.

Office Location: New York, NY

Year Founded: 2013

Team Size: 51 – 200 employees

Key Services: SEO, Paid Social, Paid Search, Landing Page Optimization, Content Marketing, eCommerce Advertising

Industries Served: Home Goods, Clothing, Jewelry, Footwear

Case Studies: View all case studies.

14. The Snow Agency

The Snow Agency logo

Description: The Snow Agency is an award-winning social media and influencer marketing agency that strives to bring cutting-edge advertising solutions to their clients to connect brands with their target audiences. They boast expertise across a wide variety of social media platforms, including Snapchat, and they work closely with direct-to-consumer brands to launch and scale their advertising efforts.

They take a clearly outlined approach to Snapchat advertising, beginning with analyzing your objectives and goals. Then, they determine who exactly they want to target, and from there, they launch your campaign and monitor it closely to ensure it’s performing as expected and driving the results you deserve.

Office Location: Miami, Florida

Year Founded: N/A

Team Size: 51 – 200 employees

Key Services: Paid Social Ads, UGC Content Marketing, SEO, CRO, Web Design, Email & SMS Marketing

Industries Served: Beauty & Cosmetics, Home Goods, Clothing, Health & Wellness, Sports

Case Studies: View all case studies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I market my product on Snapchat?

To market your product on Snapchat, you need to create engaging, visually appealing content that showcases your product’s features and benefits. Leverage Snapchat’s native tools like filters, lenses, and stickers to add creativity.

Develop targeted ad campaigns using Snapchat’s ad platform, and collaborate with relevant influencers to reach your target audience. Monitor performance and refine your strategy based on insights and user engagement for maximum impact.

What to Look for in a Snapchat Agency Partner

Expertise: Ensure the agency has proven experience in Snapchat marketing, including paid ads, content creation, and influencer campaigns.

Creative Talent: Look for an agency with a strong creative portfolio that showcases its ability to design engaging and innovative content tailored to Snapchat’s unique format.

Budget Compatibility: Consider agencies that can work within your budget constraints while still delivering quality services and results.

Data-Led Approach: Choose an agency that uses data and analytics to develop effective strategies and optimize campaigns for better results.

Client Success Stories: Review case studies and client testimonials to assess the agency’s ability to deliver results for brands similar to yours.

Communication: Select an agency with clear communication and a collaborative approach, ensuring a strong working relationship and alignment with your brand’s goals.

Customization: Opt for an agency that offers tailor-made solutions to meet your specific marketing objectives and target audience.

Push the Boundaries of Your Advertising on Snapchat

Snapchat has become an essential platform for brands looking to engage with their target audience in a creative and impactful way. These top Snapchat marketing agencies offer a range of services, including paid ads, content creation, and influencer campaigns. 

Each agency has its unique strengths, so it’s essential to carefully evaluate their offerings and expertise to find the perfect partner for your brand. Armed with this information, you can confidently choose the right agency to help your brand succeed on Snapchat.

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Why I Uninstalled the SearchGPT Chrome Extension: A Comparison with Google and Perplexity https://nogood.io/2024/11/06/searchgpt-chrome-extension/ https://nogood.io/2024/11/06/searchgpt-chrome-extension/#respond Wed, 06 Nov 2024 21:08:46 +0000 https://nogood.io/?p=43405 I recently installed the SearchGPT Chrome extension, but I ended up removing it just a few hours later. Here’s why I found it lacking as a default search engine compared...

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I recently installed the SearchGPT Chrome extension, but I ended up removing it just a few hours later. Here’s why I found it lacking as a default search engine compared to Google and emerging alternatives like Perplexity.

Local Search

One of the biggest issues with SearchGPT is its local search capabilities. For example, when I searched for “growth marketing agencies,” I was surprised to see “Juice Generation,” a local juice store, show up as the second result—definitely a new level of hallucination unlocked!

Local search is crucial for users looking for nearby services or products, and this is an area where Google excels. Google provides detailed results that often include user reviews, business hours, and contact information. The inability of SearchGPT to deliver reliable local search results makes it a less appealing option for those who need immediate, actionable information.

Moreover, when searching for products or services, Google pulls in user reviews and ratings from various platforms, offering a comprehensive overview of customer experiences. SearchGPT does not provide such reviews, making it difficult for users to assess the quality of a product or service.

SearchGPT local search capabilities

Intent Recognition and Understanding Synonyms

Another major issue I encountered with SearchGPT was its intent recognition. When I used keywords in my searches, the extension often missed the intent behind my queries. While it can craft personalized responses, it struggles to understand user intent, especially with short phrases.

For instance, if I searched for a word’s meaning, correct pronunciation, or spelling without fully framing my question, ChatGPT would often get confused. In contrast, Google delivers expected answers almost instantly. This expectation has built up over years of using Google, so when an alternative falls short, it can be frustrating.

Additionally, Google has built an impressive ability to recognize synonyms and related terms, enhancing its effectiveness. For example, searching for “automobile” and “car” yields similar results on Google, while SearchGPT may not make that connection as effectively, leading to missed relevant content.

Usage Limits

Once you enable the SearchGPT Chrome extension, it becomes the default search engine in your browser. However, I faced a frustrating limitation: the extension can suddenly stop working and display a daily limit message. This kind of behavior is unacceptable for a default search experience, as it forces users to switch back to alternatives that don’t impose such restrictions.

This limitation disrupts the search process and diminishes the overall user experience. In today’s digital age, where seamless interactions are expected, having to revert to another tool due to usage limits is a significant drawback for SearchGPT.

SearchGPT for Chrome Limits the amount of messages sent within a 24 hr time frame.

Missing Search Use Cases

SearchGPT also falls short in offering a variety of search use cases. Features like images, travel, video, news, and shopping are either underdeveloped or completely absent. In a world where users expect to conduct various types of searches effortlessly, this limitation is notable.

Google thrives in this area, allowing users to search for images, track flights, watch videos, and find news articles all in one place. SearchGPT’s lack of these functionalities makes it feel like a limited tool rather than a comprehensive search engine.

Google provides a diverse range of content types, including articles, videos, infographics, and podcasts. For example, if you search for “marketing trends,” Google will return articles, videos, and relevant statistics. SearchGPT may not offer the same variety, limiting the depth of information available.

Grounding and Real-Time Information

When it comes to providing real-time information, Google excels. Whether it’s weather updates, local alerts, or news, Google consistently delivers accurate and timely information. In contrast, SearchGPT struggles to keep up with current events or dynamic data, making it less reliable for urgent inquiries.

This ability to provide real-time information is crucial for users who need accurate, up-to-date data to make informed decisions. Without this capability, SearchGPT risks becoming irrelevant in a fast-paced digital environment.

Additionally, Google often highlights trending searches and popular content. If you search for something like “latest news in AI,” Google shows current trends and hot topics. SearchGPT may lack the ability to reflect real-time popularity or trends in its responses.

The Barrier of Breaking Old Habits

It’s clear that our habits with Google are hard to break without a better alternative. While I hoped SearchGPT would provide a more effective approach to search, my experience fell short. The extension simply doesn’t measure up to our expectations for a default search engine. Perhaps Perplexity just set our expectations of new search engines to a high standard. Making it even more difficult for newer platforms like SearchGPT that just aren’t quite fully ready to be a default search engine.

That said, SearchGPT is a notable addition to the OpenAI family and contributes to the evolving AI search landscape. However, as of now, Perplexity continues to stand out among new answer engines, especially for knowledge searches. Yet, the world of search encompasses much more than just these inquiries. Users need a comprehensive tool that can effectively address a wide range of search needs.

Here is how I would personally rate these search experiences against one another:

Ratings of the top AI Search Engines (searchgpt, google search, perplexity, claude)

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Social Search Optimization: Unlock The Power of Social Media As a Search Engine https://nogood.io/2024/07/15/social-search/ https://nogood.io/2024/07/15/social-search/#respond Mon, 15 Jul 2024 12:25:15 +0000 https://nogood.io/?p=42305 Remember when “Googling” was the go-to method for finding anything online? Well, times are changing and fast. As a tech enthusiast who’s been tracking digital trends for over two decades,...

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Remember when “Googling” was the go-to method for finding anything online? Well, times are changing and fast. As a tech enthusiast who’s been tracking digital trends for over two decades, I’ve witnessed numerous shifts in how we seek and consume information. But the rise of social search? It’s a game-changer that’s reshaping the digital landscape at breakneck speed.

Picture this: A Gen Z user wanting to find the best ramen spots in town. Instead of typing a query into Google, they’re more likely to fire up TikTok or Instagram, scrolling through vibrant videos and authentic reviews from fellow food enthusiasts. This isn’t just a fleeting trend—it’s a fundamental shift in information discovery that’s sending ripples through the worlds of marketing, tech, and consumer behavior.

Those in our community remember when we released our first future of search report back in 2022, pointing out the rise of TikTok and the challenge it presents to Google, which was later confirmed by Google’s own search team.

In this deep dive, we’ll explore how social search has evolved over the past year with the introduction of Generative AI and platforms doubling down on search, why it matters so much (especially to younger generations), and what it means for brands trying to stay relevant and take advantage of emerging opportunities in a rapidly evolving space.

What is Social Search?

Social search integrates social signals, such as user recommendations, shares, likes, and comments, into search results. Unlike traditional search engines that rely on algorithms to rank web pages based on keywords and links, social search engines prioritize content that has been validated by users within a social network. This approach offers more personalized and relevant results based on the user’s social connections and interactions.

Users who've used social media to search for products, brands, or experiences

The Evolution of Social Search

In the past year, social search has undergone a significant transformation, primarily driven by the increasing use of platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and others. Here are some key developments:

  1. Algorithm Enhancements: Platforms have refined their algorithms to provide more accurate and personalized results. For instance, TikTok’s algorithm is renowned for its ability to surface highly relevant content based on user behavior and preferences.
  2. Influencers and creators Impact: Influencers play a crucial role in social search, with their content often ranking highly due to high engagement rates. This trend has grown stronger with the rise of micro-influencers who have more niche and engaged audiences.
  3. Integration with E-commerce: Social search is increasingly intertwined with e-commerce, allowing users to search for products directly within social platforms and make purchases without leaving the app.
  4. Visual and Video Search: There has been a shift from text-based search to visual and video search. Users are now more likely to search for content using images and videos, which is particularly evident on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

How Social Search Differs from Conventional Search

Conventional search engines like Google and Bing rely on keyword matching, backlinks, and other SEO factors to rank content. In contrast, social search engines prioritize:

  1. User Engagement: Content with high engagement (likes, shares, comments) is ranked higher.
  2. Social Validation: Recommendations from users’ social networks play a crucial role in ranking.
  3. Real-Time Trends: Social search engines are more attuned to real-time trends and viral content, providing up-to-date results.

Search and The Power of Social Graph

Platforms like TikTok and Instagram leverage a social graph—a map of social connections and interactions—which significantly enhances search capabilities. This social graph allows for a high degree of personalization, as search results are tailored to the user’s social network, making the content more relevant and engaging. Users see results influenced by their friends, family, and influencers, increasing the trustworthiness and relevance of the information.

Credibility is elevated when content comes from within a user’s social network. Recommendations and content from friends or influencers are perceived as more authentic compared to anonymous sources, making users more likely to trust and act on them. Social interactions like likes, shares, and comments boost content visibility, creating a feedback loop where engaging content gains more visibility and further engagement.

The real-time nature of social search means trends and viral content surfaced quickly, providing users with current and popular information. This immediacy sets social search apart from traditional search engines, which often rely on static data. Overall, the social graph transforms search into a dynamic, interactive, and personalized experience, offering a distinct advantage over conventional search methods.

Rise of Social Search Among Gen Z

Gen Z, the digital native generation, has significantly influenced the rise of social search. According to Business Insider, 60% of Gen Z use Instagram for product discovery, and 40% of Gen Z prefer using TikTok and Instagram over Google for search (Google internal data).

Gen Z prefers social media over search engines when looking up brands

Here’s why searching on social makes sense for them:

  1. Preference for Visual Content: Gen Z prefers visual content over text. They are more inclined to search for information through videos and images, making platforms like TikTok and Instagram their go-to sources.
  2. Trust in Peer Recommendations: This generation places high trust in peer recommendations and user-generated content. Social search aligns with this trust by showcasing content validated by their social circle.
  3. Instant Gratification: Gen Z expects quick and relevant results. Social search, with its emphasis on personalized and real-time content, meets this expectation effectively.
  4. Authenticity: User-generated content feels more genuine and relatable than polished marketing materials.

TikTok: The Rising Star of Social Search

TikTok’s ascent as a search engine has been meteoric. Its algorithm’s ability to surface relevant, engaging content has made it a formidable player in the search landscape. Here’s how:

  1. Algorithmic Precision: TikTok’s sophisticated algorithm tailors content to user preferences, making search results highly relevant.
  2. User Engagement: High levels of user engagement with content boost the visibility and credibility of search results.
  3. Visual-First Approach: TikTok’s highly engaging video-centric format aligns with how younger users prefer to consume information.
  4. TikTok Authentic: TikTok arguably led the way in the culture of social authenticity; its content feels more genuine and relatable than traditionally polished Instagramable content.
  5. Discoverability: TikTok’s algorithm excels at surfacing niche and trending content, often outperforming traditional search engines in certain categories.
  6. Short-Form Video Content: TikTok’s focus on short-form videos makes it an ideal platform for quick, engaging search results.

Generative AI Impact on Social Search

Generative AI is transforming social search by making it conversational, personalized, and incredibly user-friendly. Imagine chatting with an AI that feels like a knowledgeable friend, instantly providing detailed answers tailored to your questions. This natural interaction makes finding information feel less like a chore and more like a seamless conversation.

Personalization is where AI really shines. By analyzing your habits and preferences, it delivers search results that match your interests perfectly. No more wading through irrelevant content – the AI knows what you like and serves up the most engaging and relevant results. Over time, it gets even better at predicting what you’ll enjoy, creating a search experience that feels uniquely yours.

Content curation is another game-changer. AI sifts through vast amounts of data to highlight the best content, ensuring you always see the highest quality and most relevant information. This means less time searching and more time enjoying content that matters to you.

For brands, AI offers deep insights into user behavior, helping them create content that truly connects with their audience. It’s a win-win: users get the content they love, and brands engage more effectively. With AI delivering personalized, instant responses, users find everything they need right on their favorite platforms, reducing the need to turn to traditional search engines like Google. This shift not only enhances user experience but also keeps them engaged longer on social platforms.

Meta’s Inclusion of Llama 3 in the Search Bar

Meta’s integration of Llama 3 into its search functionality across platforms with over 3 billion users marks a significant milestone. Here’s why it matters:

  1. Enhanced Search Accuracy: Llama 3’s advanced AI capabilities improve the accuracy and relevance of search results.
  2. Unified Experience: Users get a seamless search experience across Meta’s platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.
  3. AI-Powered Insights: Brands gain deeper insights into user behavior and preferences, helping them tailor their content and marketing strategies.

Social Search Impact on Brands

The shift towards social search has profound implications for brands:

  1. Content Strategy: Brands need to focus on creating engaging, shareable content that resonates with their target audience.
  2. Influencer Partnerships: Collaborating with influencers who have high engagement rates can boost a brand’s visibility in social search results.
  3. Real-Time Engagement: Brands must stay attuned to real-time trends and be ready to engage with users promptly.

Comparative Analysis of Social Search Platforms:

Comparative Analysis of Social Search Platforms

Adapting to the Changing World of Social Search

Brands can adapt to the evolving landscape of social search by:

  1. Leveraging Creators as part of GTM strategy:: Partner with creators and influencers to create authentic, engaging content that can boost visibility in social search results.
  2. Creating Shareable Content: Focus on creating high-quality, visually appealing content that encourages user interaction.
  3. Utilizing AI Tools: Use AI tools to analyze trends, generate content, and personalize user interactions.
  4. Engaging in Real-Time: Monitor social trends and engage with users in real-time to stay relevant and visible.
  5. Optimizing for Visual Search: Optimize content for visual and video search by using relevant hashtags, keywords, and engaging visuals.

Practical Strategies for Social Search Optimization

As social search continues to gain prominence, optimizing your content for these platforms becomes crucial. Here’s a practical, step-by-step approach to enhance your brand’s visibility in social search results:

  1. Keyword Research for Social Platforms
    • Use platform-specific tools like TikTok’s Keyword Insights or Instagram’s Explore page to identify trending topics and hashtags.
    • Analyze competitor content to spot frequently used keywords in your niche.
    • Pay attention to how your target audience phrases their queries on social platforms.
  2. Optimize Content Descriptions and Captions
    • Front-load key information and keywords in the first few lines.
    • Use a mix of broad and niche hashtags (5-10 for Instagram, 3-5 for TikTok).
    • Include relevant keywords naturally throughout the caption.
  3. Create Search-Friendly Video Content
    • Start videos with a hook that includes your main keyword or topic.
    • Use on-screen text to highlight key points and include searchable terms.
    • Create content that directly answers common questions in your niche.
  4. Leverage User-Generated Content (UGC)
    • Encourage customers to create content using your branded hashtag.
    • Repost and engage with UGC to boost visibility and authenticity.
    • Run contests or challenges that prompt users to create searchable content related to your brand.
  5. Optimize Your Brand Profile
    • Use relevant keywords in your bio, profile name, and username.
    • Keep your profile public and use a clear, recognizable profile picture.
    • Include a link to your website or a landing page with additional resources.
  6. Engage Actively and Consistently
    • Post regularly (aim for at least 3-5 times per week on major platforms).
    • Respond promptly to comments and messages to boost engagement.
    • Participate in relevant conversations using trending hashtags.
  7. Utilize Platform-Specific Features
    • For TikTok: Use trending sounds, participate in challenges, and create content for the “For You” page.
    • For Instagram: Utilize Reels, Stories, and IGTV to diversify your content and increase discoverability.
    • For Pinterest: Create vertical images with text overlays and detailed descriptions.
  8. Implement Cross-Platform Strategies
    • Adapt successful content from one platform to suit others.
    • Use consistent branding and messaging across all platforms to reinforce brand identity.
    • Cross-promote content to drive traffic between your social profiles.
  9. Monitor and Analyze Performance
    • Use built-in analytics tools to track which content performs best in search.
    • Pay attention to metrics like watch time, engagement rate, and follower growth.
    • Regularly review and adjust your strategy based on these insights.
  10. Stay Updated with Platform Changes
    • Follow official platform blogs and announcements for algorithm updates.
    • Experiment with new features early to gain a potential advantage in visibility.
    • Attend webinars or courses offered by platforms to stay ahead of best practices.

By implementing these practical steps, brands can significantly improve their visibility in social search results. Remember, social search optimization is an ongoing process. The key is to remain agile, consistently produce high-quality, relevant content, and always keep your audience’s needs and preferences at the forefront of your strategy. This approach to social search optimization not only helps in improving discoverability but also enhances overall engagement and brand loyalty.

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The Complete Marketer Guide to Media Mix Modeling (MMM) https://nogood.io/2023/12/27/media-mix-modeling/ https://nogood.io/2023/12/27/media-mix-modeling/#respond Wed, 27 Dec 2023 14:51:35 +0000 https://nogood.io/?p=29077 As brands struggle to make sense of where to allocate their marketing dollars, Media mix modeling (MMM), often also known as marketing mix modeling, stands as a pivotal tool to...

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As brands struggle to make sense of where to allocate their marketing dollars, Media mix modeling (MMM), often also known as marketing mix modeling, stands as a pivotal tool to help arrive at an answer statistically. In this guide, we’re cutting through the complexity to bring you a straightforward, comprehensive look at how MMM works, why it’s crucial for your marketing strategy, and how to implement it effectively.

Whether you’re looking to fine-tune your ad spend, understand your ROI across various channels, or simply make more data-driven decisions, this guide is your starting point. Let’s dive into the world of MMM and unlock the secrets to optimizing your marketing efforts in today’s complex and dynamic media landscape.

Marketing conditions, marketing actions, and competitive activities.

What is Media Mix Modeling (MMM)?

Media mix modeling (MMM) is a quantitative analysis technique used to assess the impact of different marketing efforts on sales and other key performance indicators (KPIs). This method leverages historical data to determine the effectiveness of each marketing channel, including digital, traditional, and emerging media, by isolating and measuring their individual contributions to overall marketing success.

MMM accounts for external factors like economic conditions, seasonality, and competitive actions, enabling marketers to optimize their media spend for maximum return on investment. In the age of performance marketing, where media, creator, and influencer impact is significant yet often nebulous, MMM provides clarity and actionable data.

MMM encompasses several elements:

  • Media Spend Across Channels: This includes traditional channels like TV, radio, print, and digital platforms, along with creator and influencer marketing spends.
  • Sales Data and KPIs: Historical sales data is correlated with marketing efforts to identify patterns.
  • External Factors: Elements like economic indicators, seasonality, and market trends are considered.
  • Brand Factors: These include product launches, price changes, and brand equity.
Measurement framework of next-gen media mix modeling

Steps to Implementing Media Mix Modeling

Implementing MMM is a multi-step process that requires meticulous planning and execution.

1. Define Objectives and KPIs

  • Objective Setting: Clearly define what the brand aims to achieve with MMM. This could be understanding the ROI of marketing channels, optimizing the marketing mix, or forecasting sales.
  • KPI Identification: Determine the key performance indicators (KPIs) that will be used to measure success. Common KPIs include sales, market share, website traffic, and conversion rates.

2. Data Collection

  • Marketing Spend Data: Collect data on marketing spend across all channels, including digital (social media ads, search engines, email, etc.), traditional (TV, radio, print advertising), and other channels (events, sponsorships).
  • Sales Data: Gather historical sales data corresponding to the same period as the marketing data.
  • External Data: Collect data on external factors that could influence sales but are outside the marketing efforts, like economic trends, seasonality, and competitive actions.
  • Granularity of Data: Ensure the data is as granular as possible (e.g., weekly level or monthly data, region-specific data).

3. Data Preparation and Cleaning

  • Data Aggregation: Aggregate data from various sources into a consistent format.
  • Cleaning and Normalization: Clean the data for inconsistencies or missing values and normalize it to ensure comparability across different data types and sources.
  • Data Segmentation: Segment data if necessary (e.g., by product lines, regions, customer segments).

4. Model Selection

  • Choosing the Model Type: Decide on the type of statistical model to use. Regression models are common, but more complex approaches like Bayesian models or machine learning algorithms can also be used.
  • Customization: Customize the model to fit the brand’s specific needs and market dynamics.

5. Variable Selection and Model Building

  • Identifying Variables: Identify independent variables (marketing spends, external factors) and dependent variables (sales, other KPIs).
  • Model Construction: Build the model using statistical software, incorporating the identified variables.
  • Incorporating Lag Effects: Account for the lag effect, which is the delay between marketing exposure and consumer response.

6. Model Calibration and Validation

  • Calibration: Adjust the model to align with known data points and historical-, or long-term trends.
  • Validation: Validate the model using a subset of data or historical data to ensure its accuracy in predicting business outcomes.

7. Analysis and Insight Generation

  • Running the Model: Run the model with the full data set.
  • Interpreting Results: Analyze the output to understand the direct impact of different marketing channels on sales and other KPIs.
  • Insight Generation: Generate actionable insights, such as which traditional or digital channels have the highest ROI or how different channels interact with each other.

8. Strategy Development and Implementation

  • Strategy Formulation: Based on the insights, formulate a marketing strategy that optimizes the marketing mix.
  • Budget Allocation: Adjust the marketing budget allocation across channels to maximize ROI.
  • Tactical Adjustments: Make tactical adjustments, like changing the creative approach or targeting strategy in specific channels.

9. Continuous Monitoring and Model Updating

  • Ongoing Monitoring: Continuously monitor the performance of the marketing efforts against the model’s predictions.
  • Model Updating: Regularly update the model with new data and adjust for any market dynamics or consumer behavior changes.

10. Reporting and Communication

  • Stakeholder Reporting: Create reports for stakeholders summarizing the findings, insights, and recommended actions.
  • Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Ensure that insights are shared across departments (marketing, sales, finance) for integrated decision-making.

Advanced Considerations in MMM

The implementation of MMM involves intricate details and considerations.

Model Sophistication

  • Time-Series Analysis: Some models incorporate time-series analysis to account for lag effects in marketing impact.
  • Non-linear Modeling: To capture the complex nature of market response, advanced models may employ non-linear approaches.

Data Granularity

  • Micro-Level Data: Leveraging granular data, such as geographical sales data or product-level sales, can enhance model accuracy.
  • Cross-Channel Synergies: Recognize and account for the interplay between different marketing channels.

Challenges in Media Mix Modeling

While MMM is powerful, it comes with its own set of challenges.

  • Data Quality and Availability: The accuracy of MMM is heavily reliant on the quality and granularity of available data.
  • Attribution Complexity: Disentangling the specific impact of overlapping marketing channels, especially in digital domains, is challenging.
  • Evolving Digital Landscape: The digital marketing world is dynamic, requiring continuous model updates and adjustments.

Case Studies and Examples

To illustrate MMM’s efficacy, consider hypothetical case studies:

  • Brand A: After implementing MMM, Brand A identified that their influencer marketing campaigns were significantly driving online sales, leading to an increased budget allocation towards influencer collaborations.
  • Brand B: Brand B realized through MMM that their social media campaigns were not effectively translating to sales, prompting a strategic shift towards more ROI-effective channels.

When does it make sense to use media mix modeling?

Ideal Scenarios for Using MMM

  1. Mature Markets with Ample Historical Data:
    • Brands in established markets with years of sales and marketing data can leverage MMM effectively. The richness of historical data allows for more accurate modeling and analysis.
  2. Complex Marketing Mix:
    • Brands utilizing a diverse range of marketing channels (digital, traditional, influencer, etc.) benefit from MMM. It’s adept at dissecting the impact of each channel in a multi-channel strategy.
  3. High Marketing Spend:
    • For brands with huge marketing budgets, MMM helps allocate resources more efficiently, ensuring better marketing ROI and reducing wasteful spending.
  4. Market Share Growth or Retention Goals:
    • Brands aiming to expand or defend their market share can use MMM to understand which channels most effectively drive these goals.

Solving Specific Marketing Problems

  1. Optimizing ROI Across Channels:
    • Problem: A brand is unsure which marketing channels yield the best return on investment.
    • MMM Solution: By quantifying the impact on sales each channel has, MMM provides clarity on where to allocate budget for maximum effectiveness.
  2. Understanding the Impact of External Factors:
    • Problem: Sales are affected by external factors (e.g., economic changes, competitor actions) that the brand struggles to quantify.
    • MMM Solution: MMM can isolate the impact of these external factors, allowing brands to adjust strategies accordingly.
  3. Attribution in Multi-Channel Marketing:
    • Problem: Brands face difficulty in attributing sales to specific marketing efforts, particularly in a multi-channel context.
    • MMM Solution: MMM provides a more holistic view of how various channels contribute to sales, overcoming the limitations of last-click attribution models.
  4. Forecasting Sales and Market Trends:
    • Problem: Brands need to forecast future sales and market trends to plan effectively.
    • MMM Solution: With predictive capabilities, MMM helps forecast sales based on different marketing scenarios.
  5. Long-Term Strategic Planning:
    • Problem: Brands looking for long-term strategic planning need insights beyond short-term performance metrics.
    • MMM Solution: MMM offers a long-term view of marketing effectiveness, aiding in strategic decision-making.
  6. Adapting to Market Changes:
    • Problem: A brand needs to understand how to adjust its marketing in response to market shifts or new competitor strategies.
    • MMM Solution: By incorporating external market factors, MMM allows brands to adapt their marketing strategies to dynamic market conditions.
  7. Evaluating Offline Marketing Impact:
    • Problem: Measuring the impact of offline marketing channels is challenging.
    • MMM Solution: MMM is particularly useful for quantifying the impact of traditional marketing channels like TV, radio, and print.

Tools you will need to implement MMM

Data Collection and Management

  • Google Analytics: For digital data collection, particularly website traffic, user behavior, and conversion tracking.
  • CRM Systems (like Salesforce or HubSpot): Useful for managing and integrating customer data, including purchase history and interactions across different marketing channels.
  • Social Media Analytics Tools (like Sprout Social or Hootsuite): For collecting data on social media engagement and ad performance.

Statistical Analysis and Modeling Software

  • R or Python: Both are powerful programming languages for statistical analysis and modeling. They offer extensive libraries and packages specifically designed for data analysis (e.g., pandas, numpy, scipy in Python; ggplot2, dplyr in R).
  • SAS: A comprehensive analytics suite many large organizations use for advanced data analysis, including media mix modeling.
  • SPSS (IBM): Known for its user-friendly interface, SPSS is suitable for complex statistical data analysis.

Visualization and Reporting Tools

  • Tableau: Highly effective for creating interactive and shareable dashboards that visualize the results of the MMM.
  • Microsoft Power BI: Offers robust data visualization capabilities, integrating data from various sources for comprehensive reporting.
  • Google Data Studio: A free tool that integrates well with other Google services for creating reports and dashboards.

Integrated Marketing Analytics Platforms

  • Nielsen Marketing Mix Modeling: Provides custom MMM solutions, widely respected for their data quality and comprehensive analysis.
  • Kantar Millward Brown: Offers detailed MMM services, combining market research data with advanced analytics.
  • MarketShare (by Neustar): A marketing analytics platform that provides MMM solutions, often used for strategic planning and budget allocation.

Cloud Computing Platforms

  • AWS (Amazon Web Services): Useful for storing and processing large data sets, with services like Amazon S3 for storage and AWS Lambda for data processing.
  • Google Cloud Platform: Offers wide-ranging data analytics and machine learning services that can be leveraged for MMM.

Specialized MMM Software

  • Adverity: A marketing data integration tool that can help in aggregating data from multiple sources, which is crucial for MMM.
  • Allocadia: Focuses on marketing performance management, offering tools for budgeting and planning that can complement MMM efforts.

Conclusion

In an era where creator and influencer marketing is becoming increasingly dominant, marketing mix models emerge as an indispensable compass for brands grappling with the intricacies of creator and influencer-dominated strategies. This comprehensive guide sheds light on the pivotal role of MMM in unraveling the nuanced impact of various marketing channels on essential KPIs. In today’s era of data-driven decision-making, MMM offers a systematic and adaptive approach, enabling brands to quantify the impact of their marketing mix and optimize it for heightened ROI.

As brands navigate the digital and offline channels, MMM becomes a strategic ally, providing valuable insights into marketing activities and tactics. By embracing MMM, marketing teams can better understand channel performance and refine marketing plans for future campaigns. This quantitative analysis technique considers historical performance, acknowledging the impact of advertising on base sales and broader business performance.

It allows brands to identify marketing drivers and assess the positive impact of advertising campaigns. Through this lens, MMM facilitates a data-driven approach to marketing, offering a granular examination of marketing inputs on sales and KPIs. In this period of time, where the customer journey is multifaceted, MMM stands as a beacon, guiding brands toward optimized marketing strategies tailored to target audiences and ensuring the continued success of their marketing endeavors.

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Pinterest Marketing Strategy: The Comprehensive 2024 Guide https://nogood.io/2023/05/26/pinterest-marketing-strategy-guide/ https://nogood.io/2023/05/26/pinterest-marketing-strategy-guide/#respond Fri, 26 May 2023 14:00:00 +0000 http://nogood.io/?p=17012 Develop a dynamic Pinterest marketing strategy with our 2024 guide, designed to enhance your brand's growth on the platform.

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Did you download the Pinterest app when you were redecorating your living room and forgot that it existed for the last three years? Many people can relate to that because Pinterest was born as an ‘inspirational’ place for infinite scrolls of fruit cake recipes, jaw-dropping pictures, colorful knitting projects, and DIY tasks to delegate to your partner.

It truly became a powerful marketing tool through its pins feature, which made Pinterest marketing an efficient strategy for growth.

First, what are the pins?

Pins are the digital, orderly mess of a busy desk: scribbled notes, recipes, newspaper clippings. You can create and add pins to boards, and you can like and comment on other people’s pins and boards. Pinterest is truly a unique social media channel, and it has evolved over the years into much more than an infinite collection of beautiful images.

So who’s on Pinterest?

Women in the 25-34 age group are the largest audience. This is good news since women influence 70-80% of consumer spending. Another big population on social media are moms; 8 out of 10 moms are Pinners. The men’s population is around 20% of the audience, but growing.

Moreover, U.S. Millennials love Pinterest. Nearly 80% of U.S. Millennial women are on Pinterest and 40% of Millennial men, proving their loyalty to the platform. While there might not be as many young people as Snapchat or TikTok, most of the audience shows a ready-to-buy attitude. They are on Pinterest when they’re planning and making decisions.

According to Pinterest stats, 87% of Pinners have made purchase decisions because of Pinterest. 93% of Pinterest users actively use the platform for their future purchases. They are on Pinterest when they’re planning and making decisions. And that is not all. You do not have to have a big brand name to achieve success. 97% of all Pinterest searches are unbranded, so even if you are starting from scratch, Pinterest is the popular platform to start advertising on.

Pinterest is now a social network with over 450 million monthly active users and over 12 million unique worldwide. Though it’s not quite as big as the other social media giants, it still has a strong target audience base, and companies should not miss the opportunity to leverage their brand on this platform for inspiration. Since the Pandemic hit in 2020, Pinterest’s user base has expanded by 13% QoQ. Since then, the platform’s ad UI has already increasingly improved as well.

So let’s take a deeper dive into the different ways Pinterest can help your business grow in 2024.

Pinterest Evolution: Discovery to Shopping

Pinterest has a prominent discovery and inspirational component that is reflected in the neatness and beauty of the pictures shown.

You might be tricked into thinking that their target audience resembles the tireless feed-scrollers of Facebook or Instagram, but you’d be wrong: pinners are a ready-to-shop audience. In the last year, the platform has developed into a real discovery and shopping engine. Pinterest puts your brand in front of people looking for ideas and products.

The more users interact with pins, the more the platform is learning about their tastes and will send personalized suggestions based on that history. Every brand has an opportunity to sell and up-sell.

Marketing and Growth Goals

A Pinterest marketing strategy can prove beneficial for long-term results and can fit into many different stages of your acquisition funnel. When your pins become ads, you can boost brand awareness but also drive sales and increase conversions.

While some ads and videos work well for top-funnel traffic, others can help you drive conversion goals like app installs. If you would like Pinterest to showcase your products, you can also integrate your product catalog and feed into the platform. This last opportunity is obviously the one that could grow your business the most.

Here are other reasons you should consider Pinterest’s marketing strategy:

  • Pinterest has a lower average CPC compared to Facebook/Instagram. The platform is not as popular among marketers, so the competition is much less fierce than other social media platforms. Remember, the social media world has much more to offer than simply Instagram and Facebook!
  • The ad formats are as attractive as the ones on other platforms, if not more so.
  • The keyword layering, similar to a search campaign, is an indication of strong intent.
  • A campaign on Pinterest can help your SEO strategy too. With the right pins, the platform is a great ally to help your content climb to the top of the SERP. Pinterest is a ‘path to purchase,’ much more so than other media.

So, how to set up a high-level Pinterest marketing strategy? Follow these steps:

  • Set SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound). In addition to gaining a following on Pinterest, do you want to drive traffic to your website, increase conversions for a specific product/service, or encourage registrations for an event?
  • Conduct consumer research. Learn more about the general Pinterest audience and the demographic most likely to use the channel before all. Then get to know your brand’s specific Pinterest audience.
  • Conduct competitor research and analysis. Consider what your competitors are doing on this social media platform.
  • Plan and integrate branded content for Pinterest into your social media content calendar.

Once you formulate a clear strategy, you can utilize organic search power and paid ads to achieve your business goals.

Organic Component

Pinterest has a social component that needs to be managed: following other pinners, repinning, commenting – after all, it is a social media account. Engagement is key! Follow the boards of your friends and competitors, “Like” and comment on others’ Pins, re-Pin (or repost) content, and share links to your website and blog post graphics in your Pins.

The difference between Pinterest boards and something like a Facebook page is that, with the right keywords, you can get a lot of ‘organic’ traffic and push leads into your funnel. A pin is a visual bookmark, and you should create them on a regular basis. You don’t want to overwhelm your target audience, but you want to stay top of mind.

Pins can be static single images or videos, they only need a description and a link, and some brands post 10-12 pins a day. Creating this type of content is only one half of the work; the other is to build a dedicated and engaged audience. Since pins don’t expire, they will always be available and researchable, and you can keep seeing results for months.

Consider Pinterest as a platform for storytelling. You’ll be rewarded if you create value, but it won’t work for a one-off campaign. Again, your first step should be creating an inspiring content board that tells the story of your brand.

Also, don’t forget to leverage the user-generated content (UGC) that speaks about your brand. You can repin it and use it in your ads too. If you are not on Pinterest today, odds are that your customers are and might well be talking about you.

Compared to other social channel platforms, visual content shared on Pinterest has a much longer shelf life. When you create a Pin, you’re unlikely to be overwhelmed with likes and comments. But over time, your Pins will be discovered via search and saved many times.

Pinterest Pins live up to 1,600 times longer than posts on Facebook or any other popular platform.

Leveraging Pinterest SEO to drive organic traffic to your pins

As one of the largest search engines on the internet, Pinterest isn’t just known as a social network for sharing recipes, decorating ideas, and DIY hacks. If your Pinterest content is not optimized for pinners’ searches, you may be missing out.

It’s important to remember that relevant keywords are building blocks for search engine optimization — and Pinterest is basically a visual content search engine, which means it has its own algorithm and its own search engine optimization rules.

You need to focus on your Pinterest SEO and implement these rules on your own profile to see your ranking increase and ensure that you reach the right potential audience.

Here are some locations in which you can insert keywords on Pinterest to improve your chances of organically ranking through search:

  • Bio and profile
  • Pin descriptions
  • Board titles
  • Board descriptions
  • Image-Alt-Text

There are a few ways to research keywords on Pinterest, such as using guided search to see automatic suggestions or getting inspired by hashtags.

Here are our pro tips on how to optimize pins for organic traffic:

  1. Keyword Research: Pinterest is fundamentally an image search engine, so it’s crucial to carry out keyword research. Utilize Pinterest’s Search function to find related keywords that come up in auto-suggest. You can also check for keywords in descriptions of popular Pins within your category. Don’t forget to investigate keywords from your competitors’ successful Pins. Google Keyword Planner or other SEO tools like SEMRush or Ahrefs can provide additional insights.
  2. Keyword Usage: Now that you’ve identified your keyword list, ensure you incorporate them strategically into your Pin’s title, description, and even the file name of the image. Be careful to use them naturally to avoid keyword stuffing, which might be penalized.
  3. Quality Images: Pinterest is a visual platform. High-resolution, professionally curated images with vertical aspect ratios (a 2:3 ratio is recommended) are essential. Text overlays with your keyword can help emphasize your message and enhance search visibility.
  4. Descriptions: Pinterest uses keyword-rich descriptions to understand the context of a pin, so make sure your description is meaningful and engaging, using your keywords naturally within the text. Adding a compelling call to action can improve user engagement and click-through rates.
  5. Relevant Boards: Ensure you pin to boards that are relevant to your Pin’s content. A board should have a descriptive name and, if possible, incorporate your keyword in the board title and description.
  6. Rich Pins: These provide more context about an idea because they show extra information directly on the Pin itself. Four types of Rich Pins include app, product, recipe, and article pins. Each type has its own set of unique characteristics that add context and boost engagement.
  7. Analytics: Pinterest Analytics provides its own analytics platform. Use it to track your impressions, clicks, saves, and other KPIs. This helps you understand which content strategies work best and where improvements can be made.
  8. Long-tail Keywords: These specific phrases have less competition and can drive highly targeted traffic to your pins. They may have a lower search volume, but the traffic they generate is more likely to convert.
  9. Hashtags: Unlike other platforms, Pinterest uses hashtags for discovery rather than conversations. Include a few relevant hashtags in your descriptions for an additional boost.
  10. Social Media Promotion: Cross-promote your pins on other social media profiles. This can extend your reach and drive more traffic to your pins.
  11. Consistency and Fresh Content: Pinterest favors active users. Regularly create and share new pins to your social media network, ensuring they’re relevant and interesting to your potential audience.

Your Pinterest Branding

Being on Pinterest with both organic and paid pins is a great branding opportunity. The platform is a great space to showcase your brand identity and your storytelling. To differentiate yourself from others, you should tell your specific stories and be straightforward about your brand’s purpose.

As the time spent on social media increases (because of the lockdown), brands have more opportunities to get in front of their audiences. An example of great brand storytelling on Pinterest by “Imperfect Foods,” a subscription-based food box that sells fresh produce that looks ‘imperfect’ and would go to waste if not ‘rescued.’ Pinterest is a popular platform for food-related content.

Imperfect Foods took advantage of this by creating posts with facts on food waste, recipes, and even storage tips for fruits and veggies. They expanded their reach by running ads on search terms that were core to their brand and business, such as “Sustainability,” “Meal Planning,” and “Healthy Eating.”

Lastly, they leveraged Pinterest data to learn more about their audience, such as additional interests that weren’t as intuitively linked to their brand, such as “Finance,” and used these insights within future creative. According to the company’s data, Imperfect Foods was able to increase its subscriptions by 20% with Pinterest ads.

97% of Pinterest searches are unbranded. Your brand’s boards can help reach new Pinners interested in specific topics or learning specific things. For example – Oreo’s boards: they include Pins with inspiration for upcoming seasonal holidays as well as recipe ideas. In other words, the brand skillfully mixes useful, engaging, and inspiring content boards with more promotional boards.

Last but not least, be consistent! Pinning on a daily basis is more effective than creating a popular board and filling it all in one go. Pinning regularly will increase the reach of your content.

Targeting Opportunities

What’s unique about Pinterest is its mix of search campaigns and social media features. We can call it a “search-social platform,” which means endless campaign opportunities!

Besides the ‘classic’ demographic targeting (geography, gender, age, etc), you can segment your Pinterest audiences by a list of customers who visited your site, an ad-hoc list of customers you upload, an audience that has engaged with your pins already, or an act-like audience that behaves similarly to the one you already have (similar Facebook’s lookalike audience).

Even the interests you can target are plenty, including entertainment, DIY, education, finance, and more. The actual list can be found here for your nerdy browsing pleasure.

Leveraging Keyword Search For Paid Ads

In addition to the above-mentioned targeting capabilities, Pinterest ads allow you to create a campaign on your specific keyword list.

Being a visual search engine requires you to be smart with your keywords, so make sure you do thorough research on the keywords you want to use and make sure they appear in the titles and descriptions of your pins and wider boards.

(Tip: Write keyword-rich descriptions and boards, and also add a link to your pin descriptions). Use keywords the smart way, do not over-stuff your placements and don’t corrupt the message that is part of your storytelling.

This is one of the key features of Pinterest Ads: on top of all the demographic and interest layers, you can target users who have specifically searched for something you sell. Since Pinterest is a type of search engine similar to Google and Bing ads, it will show your ads based on the search terms and keywords people are typing in.

The keyword layering exists in combination with other types of targeting or on its own. We recommend that you don’t try too many features at once since you won’t be able to isolate them, control the results, and tell what is working and what isn’t. You can use at least twenty-five keywords, from broad phrases to negative matches.

For the biggest impact and ROI, you must choose your audience carefully. Like every other search engine, you want to be relevant and answer the questions that have been asked. Another big opportunity on Pinterest is clear from the following statistic; 97% of all searches on Pinterest are unbranded, which means that Pinners are open to discovering new products and ideas.

Use the Pinterest Trends Tool

Pinterest has launched the Pinterest Trends tool — it’s a great place to see the top keywords for different searches and get inspired for your content. Similar to Google Trends, it is an amazing lever you can pull to get to know what kind of topics your potential audience would be interested in.

Use it to search for different terms and see how many people are searching for that term at different times of the year, compare the popularity of terms, and see what’s hot on Pinterest right now. Use this tool to update your keyword list and find new keywords to keep you at the top of search queries!

Another great pin type is blog post graphics that promote the articles you publish on your website. Make sure these are well-designed vertical graphics that will stand out in someone’s feed.

Leverage Pinterest Analytics to Support Strategic Decision-Making

Pinterest Analytics is one of the latest and greatest features of a Pinterest for Business account. It is a powerful tool that allows you to keep track of your spending and Pinterest marketing strategies.

With its help, you can measure the metrics such as total impressions, clicks, conversions, different conversion events, and sales data. After verifying your account, you can get access to important tracking information, and you will be able to see what strategies and content are working so you can constantly improve your marketing.

Ad Formats

Pinterest offers ads for every goal. This includes a standard pin, video pin, app install, shopping pin, carousel, rich pins, etc. They can be used in conjunction with your goals and the products you sell. Carousels showcase more images and are particularly helpful when you need to ‘zoom in’ on your product, while video creates a bigger engagement and works well in the ‘discovery’ phase.

The inspiration, better, the “Pinspiration,” is endless.

Among the latest ad formats, Pinterest recently launched the “Shop the Look Pins” that links to the product page where you can buy the item. These pins do very well on apparel and fashion categories as they have white dots highlighting different parts of the look, and tapping on them will send you straight to the item page.

This feature is currently available to all business accounts in the US, and specific business accounts in Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, and the UK.

Here’s how ‘Shop the Look pin’ appears:

Rich pins are a free Pinterest feature intended to add greater detail and information on the pins themselves. Think of them as Twitter Cards or the Facebook open graph. They’re designed to make the pinning experience better for pinners and more beneficial for those being pinned.

There are five types of rich pins:

  1. Article pins include the headline, author, story description and link
  2. Product pins include real-time pricing, availability and where to buy
  3. Recipe pins include ingredients, cooking times and serving info
  4. Movie pins include ratings, cast members and reviews
  5. Place pins include an address, phone number and map

Rich pins appear for validated sites. Validation does not happen automatically. You can apply to add rich pins from your own website after checking to see that all the right code is in place

Top Ad Examples

Static Ads: By creating a static image pin that linked to a quiz, Philadelphia was able to collect user data and offer up personalized product recommendations.

Video Ads: Here, Covergirl’s video pin effectively communicates its core value propositions to users:

  • It’s vegan and cruelty-free, as the info overlay explains;
  • How to use the product, with the closeup video demo;
  • That influencers like it, thanks to the tagged influencer — Summer Fridays co-founder Marianna Hewitt, who has 1 million Instagram followers.

Carousel Ads: This Scotch tape carousel ad on Pinterest Influencer, Kailo Chic’s page, is a sponsored post showing a step-by-step bookmark-making tutorial. The sponsored content shows a use case for Scotch Tape, but also feels native to the platform.

Shopping & Collection Ads: Since Pinterest only lets you build collections ads if you’ve already made organic, shoppable pins for the items in your product catalog, you must first apply to create rich pins. Then, send a feed file to Pinterest through Shopify or another eCommerce platform, and Pinterest will automatically generate pins.

To view more Pinterest ads for inspiration, we have found an account called Pin4Ever that has created a pin board with a collection of Pinterest’s Promoted Pins and Buyable Pins (Pinterest paid ads).

Conclusion

More than 300 million people use Pinterest every month to find new ideas and new products. 89% of people on Pinterest use it for purchase inspiration. 90% of weekly pinners make purchase decisions on Pinterest. Pinners are known to plan early and spend more.

It’s important to understand Pinterest is a visual platform. Your visual assets (static images or videos) have to be top quality, impeccably neat, and incredibly awe-spiring. It is best to keep the imagery simple to make an impact. With 80% of Pinterest users using mobile devices, you want to make your pins stand out with high-resolution and vertical images.

Pinterest marketing carries a big emotional component, and it’s recommended for brands that are ready to do some storytelling. When you create a board on Pinterest, your goal is not just to show your product but to tell a story and communicate your brand values.

More than that, 98% of pinners have tried things they find on Pinterest, and 83% have made purchases based on-brand content. Storytelling on Pinterest is fundamental because it conveys emotions and creates empathy. And emotions and empathy will help you sell. If your brand can reach them early, you can easily bring them into your sales funnel.

The post Pinterest Marketing Strategy: The Comprehensive 2024 Guide appeared first on NoGood™: Growth Marketing Agency.

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How to Identify your Ideal Customer: Startup Guide to ICP https://nogood.io/2023/03/07/startup-guide-to-icp/ https://nogood.io/2023/03/07/startup-guide-to-icp/#respond Tue, 07 Mar 2023 23:04:36 +0000 https://nogood.io/?p=26412 Unlock startup growth with our ICP guide. Define and target your Ideal Customer Profile for focused and effective marketing.

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Are you struggling to find customers for your startup? Do you feel like you’re constantly throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks? If so, it’s time to take a step back and figure out your ideal customer profile (ICP). Knowing your ICP is essential for any startup looking to grow and succeed.

Your ICP is the fictional representation of your perfect customer. It’s the person who would be the most interested in and benefit the most from your product or service. Without a clear understanding of who this person is, you risk wasting time and resources on ineffective marketing strategies.

That’s where audience targeting comes in. By identifying and targeting your ICP, you can create targeted marketing campaigns that resonate with your ideal customer. You can focus your efforts on the channels and platforms where they spend their time, craft messaging that speaks to their pain points and needs, and ultimately, drive more conversions and sales.

But how do you figure out your ICP? It’s not as simple as guessing or assuming. In this article, we’ll cover the steps you need to take to identify your ICP and start targeting them effectively. From analyzing your current customer base to conducting market research, we’ll give you the tools you need to understand your ideal customer and reach them with precision.

What is ICP?

ICP stands for Ideal Customer Profile. It’s a detailed description of the ideal potential customer that a business wants to attract and serve — who is most likely to benefit from the company’s products or services, engage with the brand, and ultimately become a loyal customer.

An ICP includes information such as demographics, psychographics, behavior patterns, challenges, and pain points that are relevant to the business. By understanding the characteristics and needs of their ideal customers, businesses can tailor their marketing, sales, and customer service strategies to appeal to them and meet their needs effectively.

See what some of the best marketing minds say about the importance of knowing your ICB:

  1. “The aim of marketing is to know and understand the customer so well the product or service fits him and sells itself.” – Peter Drucker, management consultant and author. By understanding your target audience, you can create products and services that meet their needs and solve their problems. This, in turn, leads to more successful marketing and sales.
  2. “Marketing is not the art of finding clever ways to dispose of what you make. It is the art of creating genuine customer value.” – Philip Kotler, marketing author and professor. Knowing your target audience allows you to create value for them by understanding their unique needs and preferences.
  3. “If you try to be all things to all people, you’ll be nothing to no one.” – Seth Godin, marketing author and speaker. By focusing on a specific target audience, you can create marketing messages that are more personalized and effective. This can lead to greater brand loyalty and customer satisfaction.

Here is a breakdown that provides more details and examples to help you create a thorough ICP or target persona and audience analysis for your startup:

Step 1: Clearly Define Your Company’s Value Proposition

Your company’s value proposition is the unique benefit that your product offers to customers. It should be a clear, concise statement that explains why your product is better than competitors’ products. Your value proposition should be based on your understanding of your target audience’s pain points, needs, and desires.

Here’s an example:

“Acme Software provides easy-to-use, cloud-based project management tools that help small business owners save time and increase productivity. Our intuitive platform is designed to streamline project workflows, so you can focus on growing your business.”

Step 2: Identify Your Current Customer Base

To develop an ICP or target persona and audience analysis, you need to start with your existing customer base. Analyze your customer database to identify common characteristics among your customers. These may include demographic information, job titles, company size, industry, and pain points. By understanding the characteristics of your current customers, you can identify the type of customer that is most likely to be interested in your product.

Here are some questions to ask when analyzing your current customer base:

  • What industries do our current customers work in?
  • What job titles do they have?
  • What are their pain points?
  • What features of our product do they find most valuable?
  • How did they find out about our product?

Step 3: Conduct Market Research

To expand your target audience beyond your existing customer base, you need to conduct market research. This involves gathering data about your industry, competitors, and potential customers. Here are some ways to conduct market research:

  • Google Trends and SEO tools: These tools allow you to see search trends for specific keywords. You can use it to identify which keywords are popular in your industry and what topics people are interested in.
  • Industry Reports: There are many industry reports available that provide data on market size, growth trends, and customer behavior. Some of these reports may be available for free, while others may require a subscription or purchase.
  • Social Media Listening: Social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn can provide valuable insights into your target audience’s interests and behavior. Use social listening tools like Hootsuite or Sprout Social to monitor conversations and identify trends.

Step 4: Develop a Customer Persona

Based on your market research and analysis of your current customer base, develop a customer persona. This is a fictional representation of your ideal customer. It should include demographic information like age, gender, education level, and job title, as well as information about their pain points and motivations. Use the information you gathered in steps 2 and 3 to create a detailed customer persona that represents the type of customer you want to target.

Here’s an example:

“Jane is a 35-year-old marketing manager at a mid-sized technology company. She’s responsible for managing multiple projects at once and struggles to keep track of all the moving parts. She’s looking for an easy-to-use project management tool that can help her stay organized and save time. She’s active on LinkedIn and follows industry influencers to stay up-to-date on the latest trends.”

Step 5: Conduct Customer Interviews

Once you have developed a customer persona, conduct customer interviews to validate your assumptions. Reach out to potential customers and ask them questions about their pain points, motivations, and behaviors. This will help you better understand your audience and refine your customer persona.

Here are some questions to ask during customer interviews:

  • What challenges do you face in your job?
  • How do you currently solve those challenges?
  • What would make your job easier?
  • What are your priorities when it comes to purchasing software?
  • How do you prefer

Step 6: Leverage Psychographics

Psychographics can help you identify the values, attitudes, and behaviors of your target audience. This approach goes beyond basic demographics to give you a deeper understanding of your customers. For example, if you are selling eco-friendly products, your ideal customer might be someone who values sustainability and is willing to pay more for environmentally friendly options. By understanding the psychographics of your target audience, you can tailor your marketing messages to resonate with their values and beliefs.

In conclusion

As a startup, your success hinges on your ability to identify and reach your ideal customer. Without a clear understanding of who your target audience is, you risk wasting time and resources on marketing efforts that fall flat. That’s why creating an ideal customer profile and targeting your audience is crucial for startups looking to grow!

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