16 Common Digital Marketing Problems That Businesses Face

by Andrea Warner | Mar 13, 2024 | Digital Marketing

Marketing. It’s the lifeblood of every business. But let’s be real, it’s not always smooth sailing. Those challenges and obstacles? They come with the territory. 

Struggling to crack the code of social media? Battling with lacklustre messaging? You’re not alone. Countless businesses face these common problems in their marketing efforts. 

But fear not! Here at CREATIVE in TiME, we’ve heard it all. From the setbacks to the stumbles, we understand the struggles you face. And guess what? It’s completely normal! 

There are solutions to it all. In this article, we’re diving deep into 16 common digital marketing problems and how we can inject life back into your marketing strategy. Buckle up because we’re about to shake things up! 

1. “Our current social media is rubbish, so we’ve put a hold on it. Essentially, we are not using social media marketing”

It’s okay to feel discouraged, but don’t give up on social media. Social media is one of the best ways to put your business out there, whether you are selling a product, a service or something else entirely! 

The likelihood is that your social media strategy needs a refresh and some innovative ideas.  

Psssst…it’s kind of our thing. 

Tip: Find your target audience, create engaging content, and spark conversations. Make sure that the content you are creating hits the right notes, and ensure that you are utilising the correct platforms. 

We can help you to do this! 

2. “We’re not ready to tell everyone about us. There’s this one thing we’re testing on organic search, but it’s not working”

Transparency and effective communication are vital for successful marketing. Put yourself in your customer’s shoes—if you find a great-looking business but cannot find any information about them online, it may cause you to look elsewhere for a more reputable company. 

Tip: Consider balancing sharing valuable information about your offerings and retaining some surprise or exclusivity. Monitor the results closely, analyse feedback, and adapt accordingly. 

3. “I’ve got a nice website, but nothing’s happening. The enquiries aren’t coming in like I thought they would”

A visually appealing website is essential, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. There’s no point in having a great website if no one can find it! 

Tip: Ensure that your website is optimised for search engines, user-friendly, and has clear calls to action. Additionally, focus on driving targeted traffic through SEO and online advertising campaigns. 

If this sounds scary, don’t panic! You can contact a digital marketing agency such as CREATIVE in TiME, which can do it for you. 

4. “What we do is hard to explain; we’re so unique that people just don’t know what’s good for them”

If you find communicating your unique value proposition challenging, try using clear and concise messaging. Ensure that your terminology is easy to understand and accessible to everyone. If people can’t understand you, then they will not know why they should be using your business. 

Tip: Highlight your products or services’ benefits and outcomes, and consider using case studies or testimonials to showcase real-world results. 

All of this makes sure that the right people see you. 

5. “We are not getting found online. Quite simply.”

Improving your online visibility is key to increasing your reach and attracting relevant customers. It is vital that your business can be found online as it is the first place which most people will go when they are in need of a new product/service. 

Tip: Invest in search engine optimisation (SEO) strategies, local business directories, online advertising, and content marketing to enhance your online presence. 

6. “I’ve got no interest in digital marketing. I don’t get it, and I don’t want to get it”

While marketing might not be your passion, understanding its importance and seeking professional help can make a significant difference.  

Tip: Consider working with a marketing agency or consultant who can guide you and handle the marketing aspects you don’t enjoy. 

7. “I want to put myself out there a bit, but I don’t know how. Who’s going to care about my story?”

Everyone has a story to tell, and sharing your unique journey can help build a connection with your audience. People like people. It’s that simple! 

Tip: Identify your target audience’s pain points, interests, and values, and craft an authentic and compelling narrative that resonates with them. 

8. “In short, we need sales. We’ve grown from word of mouth and referrals until now”

Word-of-mouth is powerful, but it’s crucial to diversify your marketing efforts to ensure sustainable growth. Not everyone who has used your business will tell other people about you, so it is important that people can find you on their own. 

Tip: Consider exploring digital advertising, content marketing, lead generation campaigns, and partnerships to expand your customer base and increase sales. 

9. “We want to start a whole new arm of the company, but we don’t know where to begin”

Launching a new venture within your company requires careful planning and market research. It is important to ensure that your marketing has the ability to adapt and grow to incorporate the new arm of the business. 

Tip: Identify the target audience, assess competition, develop a strong value proposition, and create a comprehensive marketing strategy to introduce your new arm to the market successfully. 

10. “My website is not working. I’m thinking about investing in a new one. This will be my third”

Before investing in a new website, evaluate your current website’s functionality and performance. Often, creating a whole new website will do more harm than good if it is unnecessary! 

Tip: Consider conducting a thorough website audit to identify any issues or areas for improvement. It may be more cost-effective to optimise and redesign your existing website rather than starting from scratch. 

If you need assistance, why not get a free SEO audit from CREATIVE in TiME? 

11. “Our administrator has taken on our marketing, but it’s not working”

Marketing requires a strategic and dedicated approach. Whilst your administrator is doing their best, they may be struggling to keep up with the time demands of digital marketing, especially if they have no training or experience in the matter. 

Tip: Consider hiring a professional marketer or outsourcing your marketing activities to a specialised agency with the expertise and resources to create and execute effective marketing campaigns tailored to your business goals. An added bonus of this is that your wonderful administrator will have much more time to focus on other aspects of the business. 

12. “The business is growing really fast, but we’re not sure which service or product to focus on promoting. There’s loads we can offer”

As your business expands, it’s essential to prioritise and focus your marketing efforts.  

Tip: Conduct market research, analyse customer feedback, and identify which services or products have the highest demand and profitability. Develop targeted marketing campaigns to promote and maximise the potential of your key offerings. 

Business growth is ideal (it’s what we are all hoping for, right?), but if it is growing too fast for your marketing team to handle, consider bringing in an external marketing team who can create a bespoke strategy to incorporate your top services/products. 

13. “I need help with brand messaging. I’m unsure our current messaging is speaking to our client/prospect”

Messaging plays a vital role in attracting and engaging your target audience. In the modern day, values and morals can influence a person’s desire to purchase your business.  

Tip: Analyse your customer personas and their pain points, desires, and motivations. Craft compelling and customer-centric messaging that effectively communicates how your products or services can solve their problems and fulfil their needs.

14. “My business is dependent on Etsy or Amazon. The algorithm has changed, and I’m finding that it’s not working anymore. I need to make my website work”

Relying solely on third-party platforms can leave your business vulnerable to sudden changes. Ensuring your marketing is working on all platforms means that you won’t be caught off guard if there are changes to external platforms. 

Tip: Shift the focus to building your own online presence and driving traffic to your website. Invest in SEO, content marketing, and other strategies to increase organic traffic and reduce dependence on external platforms. 

15. “Our branding identity has changed over the last few years depending on who has been performing our marketing, so it’s really inconsistent”

Consistency is key in branding. You want your business to look the same across the internet; this includes having your brand colours and logos present and in line everywhere. 

Tip: Conduct a thorough brand audit, define your brand guidelines, and ensure that all marketing materials, from your website to social media posts, reflect a cohesive and consistent brand identity. Consider working with a professional designer or branding agency to establish a strong and consistent visual identity. 

16. “The local competition is ranking above me, and I don’t know how to get above them”

If you are a service-based business, your main marketing goal will likely be to get found in your local area, especially if you have some local competitors whom you want to rank above.  

The easiest solution to outrank your local competition is to employ local SEO strategies, but this can be tricky if you are not well-versed in digital marketing.  

Tip: Optimise your website for local search terms, create and manage a Google My Business profile, generate positive customer reviews, and build local citations. Additionally, consider collaborations and partnerships with local influencers or businesses to boost your visibility. 

Overcome Your Digital Marketing Problems With CREATIVE in TiME

In a nutshell, marketing challenges are quite common, especially if you are trying to handle them on your own!  

They can definitely be overcome with the right strategies and a positive mindset. By tackling these 16 common problems head-on and implementing some effective marketing tactics, you can set yourself on the path towards growth.  

So, let’s lace up those marketing boots, face these challenges together, and unlock the doors to success! 

Get in touch with CREATIVE in TiME today to find out more. 

What is E-E-A-T and why does it matter? 

by Andrea Warner | Jan 25, 2024 | Digital Marketing

Have you ever encountered online content that made you question its trustworthiness?   

This is where E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) comes in.   

E-A-T started in 2019 but in 2020 during the height of the pandemic, it became obvious that this was needed. E-A-T stood for Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness.  

As people confined themselves to their homes to prevent the spread of COVID-19, fake news proliferated all across the internet. To fight back against this, Google formulated a team of human checkers to go over web pages and see for themselves if the content was relevant and true.  

Google established this guiding principle with the aim of ensuring that internet content is valuable and meaningful.  

The big difference? This is for once not done by an algorithm! 

In December 2022, Google introduced E-E-A-T, incorporating an additional “E” to stand for “Experience.” 

In this blog, you will learn about E-E-A-T and what it means for you but don’t worry if this all still seems confusing, you can just give us a call.  

E-E-A-T and Google 

In the ongoing battle against both good and bad content, Google faces the challenges posed by generative AI technologies like ChatGPT and users posting incorrect information online.  

With the proliferation of misinformation and attempts to manipulate the system, the demand for reliable and trustworthy content has grown. 

It’s not just about the human checkers going through your content either! Google is actively training its systems to identify and reward high-quality, factually accurate content. This is where the concept of E-E-A-T becomes relevant. Updates such as the Helpful Content emphasise the importance of original content authored by experts. To learn more about Google’s Helpful Content update, check out our blog here. 

The principles of Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness are repeatedly mentioned in Google’s Search Quality Raters guidelines and various Google posts. These critical principles assist Google in assessing and evaluating online content, ensuring its quality and reliability.  

Experience  

When it comes to creating content, it is crucial to showcase your expertise and convey that you possess firsthand experience in the subject matter. This experience could stem from your prior educational background or professional career. By drawing connections between the topic at hand and your practical encounters, you establish credibility with your audience. 

For instance, if you are discussing the importance of incorporating search engine optimisation (SEO) strategies into an online marketing campaign, you could demonstrate your expertise by mentioning your years of working as a digital marketing specialist. You could then relate how you have utilised various SEO techniques to increase website traffic and improve search engine rankings for clients.  

This can be done in your About Us page like we have done, as well as in page headings across the website. Not sure how best to do this? Get in touch with CREATIVE in TiME today. 

Expertise 

To truly stand out as a content creator, it is essential to showcase your expertise in your specific niche. By doing so, you establish yourself as a reliable source of information and enhance your credibility.  

Your content should reflect your deep insights, practical experience, and well-informed opinions on the topic at hand. 

When you share your knowledge and expertise, you offer valuable insights to your audience. Whether it is through sharing research-backed facts, real-life examples, or personal anecdotes, every piece of information you provide adds value to the reader or listener.  

This not only establishes you as a knowledgeable authority but also helps your content gain visibility and climb higher in the search rankings. 

Authoritativeness    

Google’s search algorithm places a high emphasis on authoritative content. It is crucial to establish yourself as an authoritative figure in your field. A robust PR strategy plays a pivotal role in achieving this goal.  

Consider how your content appears when it is searched online. Is it being linked from various reputable sources? Do industry expert magazines or trusted newspapers reference your work? 

The visibility and credibility of your content are greatly enhanced when it is associated with reliable and respected sources. When your content exudes authority, it becomes a magnet for an eager audience hungry for trustworthy information.  

By leveraging your expertise and sharing unique insights, you become the go-to source for your target audience. 

Trustworthiness 

Transparency and credibility are vital elements of creating content that resonates with your audience. To foster a sense of reliability, it is crucial to ensure that your content is transparent and backed by reputable sources. 

When presenting information, be transparent about your sources and provide clear references to back up your claims. This not only establishes trust with your audience but also allows them to verify the information for themselves.  

Utilise authoritative sources such as academic studies, industry reports, or credible news outlets to support your arguments and provide evidence for your statements. 

Is E-E-A-T a ranking factor?  

No, it’s not a ranking factor. However, prioritising E-E-A-T is beneficial as it enhances your experience, expertise, authority, and trustworthiness, strengthening your reputation in the eyes of your audience. 

The status of E-E-A-T as a direct ranking factor has been a topic of discussion, but it is not explicitly defined as such. 

Every business should strive for the goal of having their website assessed and ranked by Google’s ranking systems. However, while focusing on E-E-A-T, it is important to also continue your technical SEO efforts. 

How can I improve my sites E-E-A-T? 

Understanding E-E-A-T can be challenging as it is an abstract concept without specific guidelines for increasing its metrics. It is not a separate entity within the algorithm that can be adjusted independently. Rather, it comprises a range of principles that help Google assess you, your content, and your business. 

EEAT is important across the web, but particularly crucial for YMYL (Your Money or Your Life) sites and there are steps you can take to improve it. However, the outcomes of these efforts are not guaranteed.   

Examples of YMYL Content:  

• Fire Safety: https://trainingexp.co.uk/health-and-safety-training-what-are-the-different-types/ 
• Women’s Health: https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/ 
• NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/  
• Money: https://www.which.co.uk/money  

Depending on the nature of your content, there are various ways to improve E-E-A-T: 

• More mentions from trusted experts 

• Get links from high-value sites 
• Appear in valued newspapers or on other well-known sites 
• Arrange high-quality reviews 
• Enhance the quality of your content 
• Don’t make your content too sales-oriented 
• Add unique content  
• Improve your business details/about us pages 
• Improve your bio 
• Fix your Call to Actions (CTA) and User Experience  
• Create High-Quality Content 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, E-E-A-T is an essential aspect of SEO, focusing on the expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness of the creator, content, and website.  

While it may not be a direct ranking factor, improving E-E-A-T can enhance the reputation of a website and build trust with its audience. Implementing strategies such as clear authorship, factual accuracy, and citing reliable sources can contribute to improving E-E-A-T.  

While E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) is a crucial factor in evaluating the quality and credibility of web content, it is essential to understand that it does not replace the need for technical SEO work.  

In addition to ensuring that a website meets the criteria of E-E-A-T, technical SEO focuses on optimising various technical aspects that contribute to a website’s visibility and performance in search engine rankings. This includes improving site speed, mobile responsiveness, crawlability, and optimising meta tags and structured data, among other technical elements. 

By prioritising E-E-A-T and providing high-quality and reliable content, businesses can create a trustworthy online environment and stand out in search rankings. 

If you need assistance in improving your website’s E-E-A-T and implementing effective SEO strategies, reach out to CREATIVE in TiME, your go to digital marketing agency.  

Our expertise in technical SEO, content creation, and online reputation management can help you enhance your E-E-A-T and establish a strong online presence. By collaborating with us, you can effectively optimise your content and website to meet the criteria of E-E-A-T and stand out in search rankings. 

Revolutionary Digital Marketing Trends to Anticipate in 2024  

by Andrea Warner | Dec 22, 2023 | Digital Marketing

Want to stay ahead of your competition?  

Staying updated with the latest marketing trends is essential for businesses aiming to compete within their industry and connect with their target audience effectively.  

In this blog, we will delve into the revolutionary digital marketing trends that are predicted to reshape the industry in 2024. By exploring these trends, we can gain valuable insights into the future of marketing and equip ourselves with the knowledge to adapt and thrive. 

Conversational Marketing and AI-Driven Interactions 

Customers want to connect with brands in a more personalised and humanised manner.  

That’s where conversational marketing comes in – a marketing strategy that uses interactive mediums like live chat, chatbots, and messaging apps to have real-time conversations with customers. 

The benefits of conversational marketing are many. For one, it allows for personalised customer experiences that make customers feel heard and understood.  

Additionally, it can lead to higher engagement rates and increased customer loyalty by helping humanise the brand and create emotional connections. 

One of the key ways that brands have been able to implement conversational marketing effectively is through AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants.  

These AI-powered tools are becoming increasingly sophisticated, as they can understand natural language, provide quick responses, and even carry out simple tasks like scheduling appointments or placing orders. 

Brands that invest in conversational marketing and AI will be able to differentiate themselves from the competition and create lasting emotional connections with their customers. 

At CREATIVE in TiME, we use AI and Conversational Marketing to uplevel our campaigns to bring our absolute best to our clients. We often have people saying they don’t understand how to use AI, that’s why we are here to help. Get in touch with CREATIVE in TiME and we will handle your business’ marketing strategy and execution.  

Sustainability and Ethical Marketing 

Sustainability and ethical marketing are no longer optional; they have become essential components of successful digital marketing strategies.  

85% of consumers globally believe they are thinking and acting greener. Customers are not only looking for high-quality products or services; they also want to support brands that align with their values and contribute to a better world. 

Brands are recognising the significance of sustainability and are integrating it into their marketing strategies.  

This means going beyond merely promoting eco-friendly products; it involves showcasing their sustainable practices throughout the entire customer journey.  

From using eco-friendly packaging materials to implementing energy-efficient processes, brands are making a conscious effort to reduce their environmental footprint.  

The effect of this preference for ethically driven brands goes beyond purchase decisions. It also impacts brand reputation and customer loyalty.  

When customers align themselves with a brand that shares their values, they are more likely to become repeat customers and brand advocates.  

From AI to VR 

The journey from AI (Artificial Intelligence) to VR (Virtual Reality) has revolutionised the digital marketing landscape, opening up new avenues for brands to create immersive and engaging experiences for their customers. 

AI has already transformed the way we interact with brands online. From personalised product recommendations to chatbots that provide instant customer support, AI-powered technologies have enhanced customer experiences and streamlined marketing processes.  

However, as technology progresses, companies are now exploring the potential of VR to take customer engagement to a whole new level. 

Virtual Reality allows brands to transport their customers into a digital world where they can experience products, services, and environments in a highly immersive and lifelike manner.  

Whether it’s exploring a virtual showroom, taking a virtual tour of a destination, or trying on virtual clothing, VR brings the experience as close to reality as possible. 

The impact of VR on digital marketing goes beyond product exploration. It creates memorable and emotionally engaging experiences that leave a lasting impression on customers. By incorporating VR into marketing campaigns, brands can differentiate themselves from competitors and capture the attention of their target audience in a crowded marketplace. 

As VR technology continues to advance, we can expect even more innovative applications in marketing that will take customer engagement to new heights.  

Video Marketing and Short-Form Content Dominance 

Video marketing has become an incredibly powerful tool for brands to tell their stories and connect with their target audience in a visually engaging way.  

As internet speeds have improved and video consumption has skyrocketed, brands are recognising the need to incorporate video into their digital marketing strategies. 

One of the key trends in video marketing today is the dominance of short-form content platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. These platforms have captivated audiences with their bite-sized videos that are entertaining, shareable, and easily consumable on mobile devices. 

The rise of short-form content is driven by its ability to capture attention quickly and deliver messages in a concise and entertaining manner. It aligns with the way the market has shifted with users who have short attention spans and an abundance of content crying for their attention. 

To create compelling video content, brands should focus on storytelling. Storytelling is a powerful tool for connecting with audiences emotionally and making a lasting impact.  

By crafting narratives that resonate with their target audience, brands can create memorable videos that leave a lasting impression and foster brand loyalty. 

Additionally, brands should ensure that their videos are visually appealing and well-produced. Quality production values can elevate the perceived value of the brand and enhance the viewing experience.  

Investing in professional equipment, hiring skilled videographers, and paying attention to details such as lighting, sound, and editing can make a significant difference in the overall quality of the video. 

When leveraging short-form content platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, brands should be mindful of the platform’s unique features and user preferences.  

These platforms have their own distinct cultures and aesthetics, so brands should tailor their content accordingly to resonate with the platform’s user base. It’s important to understand the platform’s algorithms and trends to maximise visibility and engagement. 

Brands should experiment and iterate with their video content. Analyse metrics like views, engagement, and shares to understand what resonates with your audience. Test different formats, styles, and narratives to find what works best for your brand. 

Personalised Marketing 

Personalised marketing is more important than ever in creating meaningful connections with customers.  

Personalised marketing involves tailoring messages, offers, and experiences to individual customers based on their preferences, behaviours, and demographics.  

It goes beyond generic mass marketing strategies and allows brands to create targeted and relevant interactions that resonate with customers on a personal level. 

The importance of personalised marketing lies in its ability to make customers feel understood, valued, and appreciated. When customers receive personalised recommendations, offers, or content, they are more likely to engage, convert, and become loyal advocates for the brand.  

By understanding each customer’s unique needs and preferences, brands can deliver tailored experiences that build trust, foster long-term relationships, and differentiate themselves from competitors. 

Data analytics and AI play a crucial role in delivering personalised marketing experiences. Through data analytics, brands can collect and analyse vast amounts of customer data, such as browsing behaviour, purchase history, and demographic information.  

This data provides valuable insights into customer preferences and helps brands segment their audience into relevant groups. Segmentation allows brands to create targeted marketing campaigns tailored to each segment’s preferences and needs. 

AI technologies, such as machine learning algorithms, enable brands to automate and optimise personalised marketing efforts at scale. These algorithms can analyse large datasets, identify patterns, and make predictions about customer behaviour.  

AI-powered personalisation engines can deliver individualised recommendations, personalised content, and customised offers in real-time, enhancing the customer experience and driving conversion rates. 

Successful case studies demonstrate the power of personalised marketing strategies.  

Take Netflix for example which leverages personalisation to curate content recommendations for its users. By analysing viewing habits, preferences, and ratings, Netflix’s algorithm suggests movies and shows that align with each user’s taste.  

This personalised approach has driven customer satisfaction, retention, and rapid growth for the streaming giant. 

Furthermore, Spotify has implemented personalised playlists and recommendations based on users’ listening habits. By analysing data on music preferences, Spotify’s algorithms create playlists tailored to each user’s unique taste, making the platform more enjoyable and addictive. 

CREATIVE in TiME offers personalised marketing solutions that will empower your brand to create unique and engaging campaigns tailored specifically to your target audience. Our creative team will work closely with you to understand your brand’s vision and objectives, ultimately helping you achieve maximum impact and results in your marketing efforts. Get in touch with us today. 

Conclusion 

As we look to the future of digital marketing in 2024, it’s clear that revolutionary trends such as AI-powered conversational marketing, immersive technologies, and personalised marketing are on the horizon.  

In order for businesses to survive in this evolving digital landscape, they must be willing to adapt and stay ahead of the curve. Embracing these trends and experimenting with innovative marketing strategies will be critical to thriving in the years to come.  

However, it’s important for businesses to approach experimentation with a long-term vision and careful consideration.  

With the right approach, forward-thinking businesses can take advantage of these trends to build strong customer relationships and succeed in the future. At CREATIVE in TiME, we conduct the research to make sure that we are taking the best approach when it comes to your business’ marketing strategy. Get in touch with us today.