Most Popular Social Media Platforms for Your Brand in 2024
Social media has become the backbone of the brand communication. It provides businesses with the great opportunity to connect with their audience.
So far, simply having a social media account isn’t enough.
To truly reach and engage customers, you need to have a powerful online presence. For which using the right platforms is key.
But with so many options, choosing the right social medium for your brand can be overwhelming.
That’s where QC Digital comes in.
We, as the best digital marketing agency in Perth, specialise in helping your business maximise the online presence through effective social media marketing strategies. Whether you want to boost your brand visibility, engage with the customers, or drive traffic to your website, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
So, in this blog post, we’ll provide you with the top 12 social media platforms to consider in 2024. Additionally, we’ll explore how you can effectively use them to grow your business.
So, let’s get started.
12 Top Social Media Platforms You Can’t Ignore in 2024 | A Comparative Overview
To begin, let’s clarify, what is social media?
“Social media refers to a set of tools and platforms that enable people to share ideas, information and content online among the users.”
When it comes to choosing the right social media platforms for your brand, several factors come into play. We evaluated these platforms based on their monthly user base, organic traffic, and unique features that make each one stands out.
Let’s see what we’ve found out.
Social Media Platform | Active Users (Monthly) | Organic Traffic (Monthly) | Best For |
3 billion | 13.1 billion | B2B & B2C marketing, community building, ecommerce, multimedia content, targeted ads | |
YouTube | 2.7 billion | 73 billion | Video content, B2C marketing, influencer marketing, live streaming |
350 million | 1.9 billion | B2B marketing, professional networking, targeted ads | |
2.35 billion | 6.7 billion | Visual content, influencer marketing, short-form video, ecommerce | |
518 million | 974.5 million | Visual content, B2C marketing, ecommerce, inspiration | |
Quora | 305 million | 1.1 billion | Industry expertise, community engagement, targeted ads |
430 million | 5.5 billion | Niche communities, discussions, B2C marketing, targeted ads | |
Snapchat | 800 million | 189.3 million | Short-form video, influencer marketing, visual content |
TikTok | 1.67 billion | 2.7 billion | Short-form video, B2C marketing, influencer marketing, live streaming |
X (Twitter) | 600 million | 4.4 billion | Real-time updates, B2B & B2C marketing, customer service, multimedia content |
2.4 billion | 3.9 billion | Messaging, customer service, B2C marketing, privacy-focused communication | |
Telegram | 900 million | 615.1 million | Messaging, privacy-focused communication, community building, customer service |
Let’s get into the details.
1. Facebook
Monthly Active Users: 3 billion
Monthly Organic Traffic (Globally): 13,100,000,000
Launched: 2004
Founders: Mark Zuckerberg, Eduardo Saverin, Andrew McCollum, Dustin Moskovitz, Chris Hughes.
Headquarters: Menlo Park, CA.
Best for:
- B2B marketing
- B2C marketing
- community building
- customer service
- ecommerce
- live streaming
- multimedia content
- older demographics
- targeted advertising
Facebook has evolved from a simple college networking site into the world’s largest social media platform. It’s now a global hub where people from all backgrounds connect and share.
On Facebook, you can make a business page to share posts, images, videos, events, and more. It’s a versatile platform for promoting your brand and engaging with your audience.
Who’s on Facebook?
Facebook is used by people of all ages, but it’s especially popular among men aged 25-34, who make up 17.6% of global users.
Overall, 70.8% of Facebook users are between 18 and 44 years old.
What to Post on Facebook?
Facebook users watch an incredible 100 million hours of video daily. Whether it’s a funny clip, a tutorial, or an inspiring story, videos are great for capturing attention. But don’t forget to mix things up with carousels, stories, polls, and other formats.
To get the most out of Facebook, use the scheduling tool to plan your posts and keep an eye on Insights to track engagement and reach. Facebook ads are also a powerful way to expand your audience and boost your content.
2. YouTube
Monthly Active Users: 2.7 billion
Monthly Organic Traffic (Global): 73,000,000,000
Launched: 2005.
Founders: Jawed Karim, Steve Chen, Chad Hurley.
Headquarters: San Bruno, California.
Best for:
- B2C marketing
- community building
- influencer marketing
- live streaming
- targeted advertising
- video content
- younger demographics
YouTube, owned by Google, is a popular platform where people share and watch videos. You can search for any type of content and even subscribe to your favorite channels.
Who Uses YouTube?
YouTube is used by people of all ages, but it’s especially popular with younger viewers. Over half of the users are between 18-44 years old.
What to Post on YouTube?
There’s a lot you can do on YouTube. Educational or how-to videos are great because they help people and show off your expertise. Entertaining videos get more engagement, but you can also share vlogs or personal stories to connect with your audience. Working with other creators can also help you grow your channel and produce quality content.
3. LinkedIn
Monthly Active Users: 350 million
Monthly Organic Traffic (Global): 1,900,000,000
Launched: 2003
Founders: Reid Hoffman, Konstantin Guericke, Allen Blue, Jean-Luc Vaillant, Eric Ly.
Headquarters: Sunnyvale, CA.
Best for:
- B2B marketing
- community building
- customer service
- older demographics
- targeted advertising
LinkedIn is the go-to platform for businesses and professionals which makes it perfect for B2B marketing. You can set up a company page to share a variety of content like images and videos, job opportunities, articles and documents etc.
You can also share content through your personal profile which allows you to engage with your audience on a more personal level.
Who’s on LinkedIn?
LinkedIn is mostly used by professionals and job seekers with a large chunk of users aged 25 to 35.
What to Share on LinkedIn?
LinkedIn flourishes on professional and career-focused content. Posts that educate, inform, and relate to your industry do best. Visuals like infographics and videos are especially effective if they provide valuable insights.
Tips for Success on LinkedIn
- Join relevant groups to participate in various discussions and share your expertise.
- Post articles or insights related to your field.
- Connect with others in your industry to grow your network and keep up with the latest trends.
- Celebrate milestones like promotions or completed projects to highlight your achievements.
4. Instagram
Monthly Active Users: 2.35 billion
Monthly Organic Traffic (Global): 6,700,000,000
Launched: 2010
Founders: Kevin Systrom, Mike Krieger
Headquarters: Menlo Park, CA.
Best for:
- B2C marketing
- community building
- ecommerce
- influencer marketing
- short-form video
- targeted advertising
- visual content
- younger demographics
Instagram is one of the most used social media apps where you can share photos, multi-image posts (called carousels), and short videos (known as reels).
Who uses Instagram?
Most Instagram users are between 25-34 years old, with a close second group being 18-24. It’s not as popular among older adults – only about 5.8% of users are over 55.
What to Post on Instagram?
Instagram is all about eye-catching visuals. It’s perfect for industries that thrive on visuals, like fashion, beauty, travel, food, and lifestyle, especially if you’re aiming to connect with a younger crowd.
If you want to grow your presence on Instagram, consider setting up a Creator or Professional account. There are plenty of options for paid ads to help boost your reach.
5. Pinterest
Monthly Active Users: 518 million
Monthly Organic Traffic (Global): 974,500,000
Launched: 2010
Founders: Ben Silbermann, Paul Sciarra, Evan Sharp.
Headquarters: San Francisco, CA.
Best for:
- B2C marketing
- community building
- ecommerce
- targeted advertising
- visual content
Pinterest is a platform where you discover and save visual content. Users create and organise images on virtual boards, making it a great tool for inspiration and ideas.
Who Uses Pinterest?
A large percentage of users are women, especially millennial women, who look up Pinterest as a search engine. In fact, 77% of all Pinterest users are women.
What to Post on Pinterest?
Pinterest is perfect for content that people search for, like DIY projects, tutorials, infographics, inspirational quotes, and wallpapers.
6. Reddit
Monthly Active Users: 430 million
Monthly Organic Traffic (Global): 5,500,000,000
Launched: 2005
Founders: Steve Huffman, Alexis Ohanian, Aaron Swartz.
Headquarters: San Francisco, CA.
Best for:
- B2C marketing
- community building
- customer service
- niche communities
- targeted advertising
Reddit is a platform where people join groups called subreddits to talk about specific topics, like wedding planning or sustainable fashion. This setup lets you target your marketing and connect with communities interested in what you offer.
Who Uses Reddit?
In the U.S., about 23% of adult men are on Reddit. Most users are between 18 and 49, making it a great platform to reach a younger audience.
What Should You Post on Reddit?
Reddit thrives on user-generated content and discussions. You can post, comment, and vote on the content, which helps build a community feel. For businesses, join relevant subreddits and interact with users without being overly promotional. Focus on sharing valuable information and joining conversations.
Moreover, participating in AMA (Ask Me Anything) sessions can also boost your credibility and position your business as an industry leader.
Learn more about: Big News: Google Teams Up with Reddit and Pinterest
7. Quora
Monthly Active Users: 305 million
Monthly Organic Traffic (Global): 1,100,000,000
Launched: 2009
Founders: Charlie Cheever, Adam D’Angelo
Headquarters: 650 Castro Street, Mountain View, California US
Best for:
- B2B marketing
- community building
- customer service
- niche communities
- targeted advertising
Quora is a place where people ask questions, give answers, and join discussions on various topics. It’s great for industry experts and leaders who want to build credibility and connect with specific audiences.
Who Uses Quora?
Most Quora users are men, making up about 61% of the platform. It’s popular among younger users, with nearly 78% between the ages of 18 and 44.
What Should I Post on Quora?
On Quora, focus on sharing informative content and asking good questions that spark meaningful discussions. People on Quora value detailed, well-researched answers that give a complete view of the topic.
You can share useful resources, insights, or step-by-step guides. Personal stories can also make your brand feel more relatable – just keep them relevant to the topic.
8. Snapchat
Monthly Active Users: 800 million
Monthly Organic Traffic (Global): 189,300,000
Launched: 2011.
Founders: Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy, Daniel Smith, David Kravitz, Leo Noah Katz.
Headquarters: Los Angeles, CA.
Best for:
- B2C marketing
- community building
- influencer marketing
- short-form video
- visual content
- younger demographics
Snapchat is a messaging app where people send photos and videos that can disappear after a short time. It’s especially popular with younger people, like Gen Z and millennials.
Who Uses Snapchat?
Snapchat is most popular with younger users, especially teens and young adults aged 15 to 25. About 48% of Snapchat’s users are in this age group.
What to Post on Snapchat?
Post Snaps that disappear quickly to create a sense of urgency. This is great for sharing time-limited deals and promotions. It helps encouraging your followers to create and share their own Snaps using your branded filters or hashtags.
Don’t forget to experiment with Snapchat Ads to boost your reach and engagement.
9. TikTok
Monthly Active Users: 1.67 billion
Monthly Traffic (Global): 2,700,000,000
Launched: 2016.
Founders: ByteDance Ltd, Zhang Yiming, Toutiao.
Headquarters: Culver City, California.
Best for:
- B2C marketing
- community building
- ecommerce
- influencer marketing
- live streaming
- short-form video
- targeted advertising
- younger demographics
TikTok is a fun app where you create and share short videos. It uses smart algorithms to show users content they like, which helps you reach a big audience even if you’re just starting out.
Who Uses TikTok?
TikTok is especially popular with people aged 13 to 34. It’s a great platform for ads too, with low costs like $0.50 per thousand views and $0.02 per click.
What to Post on TikTok?
On TikTok, creative and entertaining videos work best. You can join trending dance challenges, make lip-sync videos, or share educational content like cooking tips or DIY projects. Additionally, collaborating with others on TikTok can also boost your reach.
10. X / Twitter
Monthly Active Users: 600 million
Monthly Organic Traffic (Global): 4,400,000,000
Launched: 2006
Founders: Jack Dorsey, Evan Williams, Biz Stone, Noah Glass.
Headquarters: San Francisco, CA.
Best for:
- audio content
- B2B marketing
- B2C marketing
- community building
- customer service
- multimedia content
- targeted advertising
Twitter, now known as ‘X’, is a popular platform where major brands and influential people connect with their audience. You can share updates, photos, and polls in messages up to 280 characters long. For more personal interaction, customer service teams use direct messages to engage with users.
Who’s on X?
X has a diverse global user base, mostly ranging from 18 to 49 years old, with many users between 25 and 34.
What to Post on X?
X is great for real-time updates and news. Share timely insights and news to boost your presence. While text is key, adding eye-catching images and videos can make your posts pop. Use relevant hashtags to get noticed and engage with others by responding to their tweets and joining conversations. Additionally, avoid posting explicit content to stay in good standing.
11. WhatsApp
Monthly Active Users: 2.4 billion
Monthly Organic Traffic (Global): 3,900,000,000
Launched: 2009
Founders: Jan Koum, Brian Acton
Headquarters: Menlo Park, 1601 Willow Rd, United States
Best for:
- B2C marketing
- community building
- customer service
- messaging
- privacy focus
WhatsApp is the best messaging app used around the globe. It offers a personal and direct way to chat with customers and potential clients.
Who Uses WhatsApp?
People of all ages and backgrounds use WhatsApp to stay in touch. It’s especially popular with younger users, with about 26% of people aged 26-35 and 20% of those aged 36-45 regularly using the app.
What to Share on WhatsApp?
WhatsApp is all about personal communication, so keep your content friendly and direct. Use WhatsApp for Business to send personalized messages like birthday wishes, holiday greetings, or just a quick check-in.
You can also create groups to stay connected with different audience segments or use the broadcast feature to send updates to multiple contacts at once.
12. Telegram
Monthly Active Users: 900 million
Monthly Traffic (Global): 615,100,000
Launched: 2013
Founders: Pavel Durov
Headquarters: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Best for:
- B2C marketing
- community building
- customer service
- messaging
- privacy focus
Telegram is a messaging app which keeps your conversations private with end-to-end encryption. It even offers self-destructing messages for extra security.
For businesses, Telegram is great for reaching a big audience through channels and groups. It’s also handy for customer support and gathering feedback.
Who Uses Telegram?
Telegram is popular in places like Iran and Russia, where people value its strong privacy and security features.
What to Post on Telegram?
Channels and groups are key on Telegram. You can have up to 200,000 members in a single group. Join or create groups that match your industry to connect with an extensive audience and share relevant content.
Recap…
Choosing the right social media platforms is important for your brand’s identity and success. By understanding each platform’s strengths and aligning them with your marketing objectives, you can optimise your social media strategy for maximum results. Whether you’re looking to engage a younger audience or build professional connections, QC Digital is here to help you every step of the way.
Contact us today to learn how our social media management can lift your brand to new heights.
Partner with QC Digital for Expert Social Media Marketing Services
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The Ultimate Guide to eCommerce Marketplaces
Are you looking to make money selling your product or service? Hiring an expert agency like QC Digital might mean that the solution to getting more sales. Online marketplaces are expanding at breakneck speeds. And with everything globalizing, supply chains getting more easy to crack, regional and international expansion is now easier than ever before. At least on the operational side of business.
For most brands, the challenge is how to market their businesses. How businesses can optimize their listings, get visibility and traction, and then to really scale their digital business on these marketplaces.
In this post, let us look at some of the largest eCommerce marketplaces and go over some tips to follow.
What is an eCommerce marketplace?
An eCommerce marketplace is basically an eCommerce website that brings together buyers and digital retailers of physical goods. It could be an electronic marketplace that offers consumer electronics, alternatively a marketplace for subscription boxes. It’s a place where you can find different brands of products coming from lots of different vendors, shops, or individual sellers.
Leading ecommerce platforms
Google, Alibaba, Facebook Market and Shopify are among the leading platforms.
What is so great about an online marketplace?
There are several great reasons to sell on an internet marketplace. In Australia a lot of businesses have great products or services and are looking to grow. However, they struggle to manage their online presence. At QC Digital we offer top notch SEO services helping businesses to get more traffic and establish their online presence.
Grow your sales
First and foremost the best reason to sell on any internet marketplace is to increase eCommerce revenue. There are several platforms available on the internet and each one comes with its unique audience and opportunities for eCommerce growth. At QC Digital we make it a point to come up with solutions which drive convertible leads to your website helping you to sell more.
Better brand awareness
Every time your products are shown on a new online marketplace you get better chances for online users to come across your brand and find your own site. For some marketplaces, such as Facebook Marketplace it is better to handle a professional digital services company such as QC Digital to better promote the marketing side of things allowing you to focus on what you do best.
Create a loyal customer base.
Over time as your brand becomes more established and grows across several marketplace platforms, you will see an increase in branded searches and more shoppers looking for exactly your product. If your product is top quality and if you have great customer service then you will be able to come up with an engaged audience that you later retarget on social media and try email marketing.
Now that you know about why you need to sell on these marketplaces, let’s talk about each one and some of the marketing strategies needed for your success.
Google Marketplace
Google is the King of the internet and the first one to make such an impact. It has millions of sellers, and many people are making over a million. In fact, research shows that almost a quarter of online shoppers go on Google first for ideas.
There have been some truly great stories of entrepreneurs totally crushing it on Google, and many businesses thrive when they start business on the platform.
Ok, that kind of success is rare.
However, if you are an eCommerce business or marketing manager, you have to be on Google, regardless of your niche or industry.
Here are some of the top Google marketing tactics that will get you there.
Top Google Marketing Strategies
Google is a big marketplace with several different areas you could optimize.
Spend in Google Ads
We can spend forever talking about Google ads.
Google’s advertising platform is the most developed out of any online marketplace and competes with Google Ads in its customization and complexity. This is super competitive and you need a professional agency like QC Digital to come up with ad campaigns that bring in a lot of money for your business.
Hire an expert agency
You should hire a highly experienced ads professional or agency such as QC Digital for Google ads specifically, an agency which knows the ins and outs of Google in your particular country like Australia.
You should also consider hiring a person that is knowledgeable and experienced in your particular niche.
Optimize the listings
Take care that all of your listings have a lot of keywords, high-definition images, and all the points that a user might be looking for.
Look at the top competitors in any space and get some keyword ideas.
Always show people your product.
Mix in a few influencer shots on the product listings to make the listings more personable. Buyers love to see products in action or in someone’s home.
This makes your brand more warm and inviting.
Get more reviews
Reviews are absolutely crucial on Google.
Many people just double check Google reviews even if they are ordering directly.
Google has become the place to check out product reviews, and you must get some if you wish to be successful on Google.
Word of caution: never go for paid reviews. That being said, here are some ideas to get more reviews:
- Provide excellent customer service. Be more flexible on your refund policy when you just start a new product and make sure you address every single customer concern.
- Send follow-up emails A follow up email to the customer for feedback is a great idea.
- Solicit Google’s top reviewers. You can find them on many top reviewers lists that Google compiles.
- Include an insert in every package with the warranties and request them politely for a review.
Conclusion
Nobody can be a master of all trades. At QC Digital, we believe that great businesses are focused on their core strength rather than trying to do everything on their own. There is such a wide array of businesses on the web.
Brand Identity: Why It’s Important To Define Your Voice
Your brand voice is more than just a collection of words; it’s an expression of your brand’s unique personality. At QC Digital, we understand the intricacies of creating and promoting a brand. Think of it as the beating heart of your brand. By consistently sending messages that align with the essence of your brand values and promises, you can establish trust. Also, foster deeper relationships and inspire greater loyalty in your audience. It not only attracts new customers but also cultivates lifetime value with your existing ones.
Remember, you need time and effort to build your brand identity. As brand expert David Aaker apparently once said:
Great brands are not built by a single advertisement or transaction but rather by thousands of small gestures that build trust and cultivate relationships.
— David Aaker
What exactly is a brand voice?
One of the things that brands often struggle with is their brand voice. This is where we come in and help guide customers with a long term strategy for promoting their brands. At its core, a brand voice is a distinct personality and style that a brand communicates via its written and verbal language. It’s how a brand expresses itself and interacts with its audience on a human level.
When a brand voice is aligned with the brand’s values, vision, and target audience, it can create a strong foundation for maintaining brand-building trust and deeper relationships with the audience. Sounding consistent with all aspects of your branding is critical.
Nevertheless, a brand voice can and should adapt to different environments and platforms. Just as a person matches their tone of voice to their environment, so can a brand.
For example, the tone of voice used in advertising copy might be more daring and attention-grabbing than in customer interactions.
And while on TikTok, a brand may adopt a more casual tone to resonate with a younger audience, on LinkedIn, it may sound more professional and formal. Likewise, blog post readers don’t mind reading a longer piece, but Instagram users are looking for short-form captions.
But now, let’s explore six steps on how you can create a great and authentic brand voice that truly resonates with your audience.
Identify the Target Audience
Study your ideal and existing customers. Targeting your target audience allows you to customize your brand voice to their expectations, preferences and language. This step is critical to engage with them at a human level.
But how? Conduct market research and get information about their demographics, behaviours, needs, goals and problems.
You can also run surveys, convene focus groups and go through existing customer data. Do you notice patterns in the conduct and characteristics of your present customers? Which other brands do they interact with, and what do those brands feel like?
Ultimately, the secret is to sound uniquely you. As Morgan Brown, Shopify’s VP of Marketing points out:
Customers are looking for different brand voices, experiences and visions from each brand they invest in.
— Morgan Brown
To sum your research up, you may find it helpful to make personas. Personas are profiles of the ideal customers that you can later rely on as stakeholders in taking decisions.
Study the Competition
Scroll through your competitor’s websites and sign up for their newsletters. Which tone of voice do they use? Do you see patterns in the way they talk? Any keywords or other frequently used phrases?
Studying your competitor’s brand voice can help you find space in the market that your business can fill. For example, Alto stands out amongst ordinary pharmacies.
You can also pull influence from brands you are not competing with. Imagine how a brand voice might sound that blends Lululemon with Apple. Maybe like this: “Your workouts just got more intuitive thanks to our innovative Luxtreme™ fabric.”
Define the Brand’s Vision & Values
One of the most important things any business can do to build trust and value is to ensure that your brand voice works well with your company’s vision and values. Customers can skillfully spot when a brand is not genuine, so staying true to your values is a must.
A vision statement can help you summarise the future your brand is striving towards. But it doesn’t necessarily have to be 100% achievable. By proposing a compelling and meaningful vision, you can attract an audience that believes in what you’re doing.
Marc Pollard from Sweathead once pointed out a great way to craft compelling vision statements: Try to imagine how your company will change the world:
“A world in which … (something is different).”
For example, “A world in which there is no poverty.” You can also rephrase the statement later, such as: “Imagine a world without poverty.”
To define brand values, I typically look for what values the company shares with its target audience. This approach will help create a brand that fosters a sense of community and shared values.
Brand tone vs brand voice
Brand voice is what is you say and your tone is how this message is sent out and conveyed. Consider what qualities you want your brand to express. Should it be formal or casual? Funny or serious?
By compiling a good mix of characteristics, you’ll make sure to keep your brand voice fresh and interesting. A good rule of thumb is to pick no more than five characteristics relevant to your brand.
Consider the following characteristics:
- Formal vs Casual
- Confident vs Modest
- Enthusiastic vs Calming
- Humorous vs Serious
- Inspiring vs Informative
- Playful vs Professional
- Courageous vs Reserved
To further define your brand’s personality, imagine the brand as a person. A person’s unique identity shows through in how the people dress, behave, and speak — the topics they talk about and their tone.
Ask yourself:
- What would my brand wear?
- Who would they hangout with?
- What would they eat?
- What social platforms would they use?
- What music do they listen to?
By answering the right questions, you can create a more detailed and clear picture of the brand personality and tone of voice.
Write a brand style guide.
Words are gold when building a greater connection with your target audience and maintaining the right kind of brand identity. And just like with your visual brand materials, consistency is the key here, too.
So, how can you make sure that your branding efforts remain consistent across all platforms and communication channels. This, even when multiple copywriters are involved? The easiest way is to make a brand style guide and stick to it religiously.
These guidelines could cover a range of aspects, such as:
- The tone of voice (whether you want to sound informed, warm, or conversational)
- Personality (e. g. a supportive friend)
- Vision and values (e. g. a zero-carbon world)
- Examples (including dos and don’ts)
- Customization (how to sound on LinkedIn, Instagram, newsletters, etc.)
- Grammar and syntax (e. g., simple sentence structures, no abbreviations)
- Typographical guidelines (such as how to write phone numbers or certain terminology)
Are you looking for some inspiration? Mailchimp shares its Mailchimp guidelines publically.
Review your brand style guide.
Don’t forget to review your brand voice guidelines often to make sure they remain consistent and relevant to the evolving brand identity and target audience.
It’s a lot to think about. However, all of this work will pay off in time. With an authentic and easy to remember brand voice, customers will listen to and trust your brand.
Let’s look at some examples.
Brand voice examples
To wrap things up, let’s look at how others use their brand voice across various channels.
Oatly
Oatly is a plant-based food and beverage business known for its bold, unapologetic, and unique brand voice. See for yourself.
Dropbox
The Dropbox brand voice shows the company’s focus on simplicity and easy to use by being straightforward, easy going, and confident.
Allbirds
The brand voice of the sustainable shoe brand Allbirds is environmentally conscious, fun, and approachable. Allbirds always goes a great job in bringing in elements of surprise.
As these examples show, making and maintaining your brand identity is a big step towards building trust and recognition with your target audience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, brand voice is an essential component of a strong brand identity. By consistently delivering messages that work well with your brand’s values and promises, you can build trust, deeper relationships, and greater loyalty among your audience.
You can create a one of a kind and authentic brand voice by first understanding your customers and studying the competition. Then define the brand vision and values and set the tone of voice for your brand. Finally, write up some brand voice guidelines.
Keep in mind that building a great brand takes time and effort. Brands are not built through a single advertisement but through thousands of minor gestures that cultivate trust and relationships over time.
Digital Agency vs. Freelancer: How to Make the Right Choice
Feeling overwhelmed by marketing? You’re not alone.
Building a strong marketing strategy is important for success. Many business owners struggle to manage marketing alongside everything else.
But who should you choose to execute it? A digital marketing agency or a digital marketing freelancer?
This comprehensive guide by QC Digital will help you weigh the pros and cons of both options, and help you choose the ideal marketing partner for your business marketing goals.
Digital Agency vs. Freelancer: What’s the Difference?
What Is a Freelancer?
A marketing freelancer is an independent consultant with experience working for companies and businesses. They manage their own workload, finding clients, delivering projects, and securing repeat business. Freelancers can be virtual assistants, writers, marketing consultants, strategists, or email marketers.
What Is a Digital Agency?
A team of marketing professionals, typically full-time employees or independent contractors, who work together on client projects. Digital agencies offer all-inclusive services like social media marketing, email marketing, website development, content writing, funnel building, graphic design, and more.
Digital Agency vs. Freelancer: Pros & Cons
Factor | Agency | Freelancer |
Cost & Budget | Higher upfront cost | Lower upfront cost |
Expertise | Diverse team with varied skillsets | Lack in specific areas |
Management | Less hands-on management required | Requires more oversight and direction |
Scalability | Scales with your growth | Require switching freelancers |
Accountability | High focus on results and retention | Varies depending on the freelancer |
Price | Per-project or hourly rates | Higher fees due to overhead costs |
Service | Personalized, dedicated attention | Structured approach, regular meetings |
Communication | Informal, use messaging or social media | Set communication channels, project manager assigned |
1. Skills and Expertise
Freelancer
Pro
Freelancers often have a diverse range of skills. Which gives them a broad perspective on various marketing techniques. You can find freelancers with exact skills that matches your needs, (website building, SEO, social media) and experience in your niche.
Con
A single freelancer does not have all the skills. Finding someone with a wide range of skills can be difficult.
For example, a great content writer might not be skilled in graphic design. This means you have to hire multiple freelancers for different skillsets, which can be expensive and time-consuming.
Digital Agency
Pro
Digital agency offers a team of experienced marketers with a diverse skillset. This means you get all-inclusive marketing services in one place. You won’t need to explain your vision repeatedly. As they’ll collaborate to create the best strategy for your business.
Con
You don’t get to pick the expert who works on your project. The agency will assign someone based on your business needs. So, you have less control.
2. Service Quality
Freelancer
Pro
Freelancers prioritize excellent service to maintain their reputation and attract future clients. They’re often good communicators, accustomed to explaining marketing concepts to non-experts.
Con
Freelancers can be unreliable. Since they work independently, they can disappear without notice and miss deadlines. Additionally, they might not use contracts, leading to potential legal issues if they don’t complete the project.
Digital Agency
Pro
Digital agency has a proven system to deliver high-quality service and keep you in loop regular meetings to track progress. Their reputation also depends on consistent performance across all clients.
Con
While the agency as a whole aims to deliver good service, the personal touch can sometimes be lacking.
3. Project Scope & Timeline
Freelancer
Pro
Freelancers typically handle fewer projects, allowing them to prioritize yours. For larger projects, a freelancer can be fully dedicated to your needs, giving you an “in-house” marketing professional feel.
Con
Freelancers have limited resources and need to balance multiple projects, leading to missed deadlines. They also subcontract for complex tasks, introducing additional delays.
Digital Agency
Pro
Agencies have more resources at their disposal, which can speed up project completion. They can allocate different tasks to various specialists to ensure efficiency.
Con
Agencies handle many clients at once. They may focus more on bigger clients. And smaller clients might not receive the deserved attention.
4. Work-Hours Flexibility & Availability
Freelancer
Pro
Freelancers are more flexible with their working hours. They do not follow the traditional 9-to-5 schedule. This is ideal for handling urgent situations outside of regular business hours.
Con
But this flexibility comes at a cost. Digital marketing freelancers charge extra for working evenings and weekends.
Digital Agency
Pro
Digital agency has a traditional 9-5 schedule. You’ll know exactly when agency staff will be available, making it easier to plan your business activities around their schedule.
Con
Agency staff work traditional business hours, which will not be ideal if your business operates outside those times. Urgent demands arising after hours will not be immediately addressed.
5. Communication Style & Channels
Freelancer:
Pro
Communication with freelancers can be more informal and frequent, which can make collaboration smoother. You can discuss project timelines and milestones directly. They can use various communication tools like messaging apps, emails, or social media to stay in touch.
Con
Time zone differences can complicate communication, especially if your freelancer is based in a different country.
Digital Agency
Pro
Agencies have established communication channels. They usually assign a project manager for regular calls and may have additional points of contact for larger projects.
Con
Additional calls and reports might incur extra costs. Agencies might have a hands-off approach, requiring you to request regular updates.
6. Cost & Budget
Freelancer
Pro
Freelancers have lower overhead costs, which can translate to more affordable rates. They typically charge per project or per hour, providing cost-effective solutions for smaller tasks.
Con
Payment schedules with freelancers can be tighter, requiring you to manage payments more frequently than you might with an agency.
Digital Agency
Pro
While agencies are expensive, but they offer high-quality work backed by a team of experts. They also offer consistent pricing structure, flexible payment schedules and offer custom service packages.
Con
Agencies have higher overhead costs, which means you’ll pay more for their services. They also employ multiple specialists, each adding to the overall cost of the project.
Cost vs. Care: Why “Cheap” Isn’t Always the Best Option
Why are agencies better than freelancers? Sure, it’s cheaper to hire marketing freelancers at first, but there’s more to consider. Here’s why agencies provide better value:
- Agencies Offer a Team, Not Just One Person: You get a dedicated team of strategists, copywriters, funnel builders, email list managers, and media buyers – all in one price. This is like having your own part-time Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) without having to manage many different freelancers. Building your own in-house team with similar skills can cost 2-3 times more than hiring an agency.
- Quality Comes at a Price: Don’t be fooled by super low rates. Skilled professionals deserve good pay, which means good quality work. Super cheap freelancers will hurt your marketing goals in the long run.
- The Myth of Control: Freelancers also subcontract parts of their projects to specialists. This helps them get the best skills for the job. The important thing is to find the right partners who provide high-quality work, not just the cheapest option. Always prioritize expertise and quality over short-term savings.
Bottom Line: Finding the Right Partner
So, who wins the battle between digital agencies and freelancers?
The truth is there’s no clear winner. The best choice depends on your specific business needs, budget, and level of involvement you desire.
Here’s a handy checklist to help you decide:
- Project Scope: Complex projects requiring a multi-faceted approach are better suited for agencies. Simpler projects can be managed by a freelancer.
- Budget: Agencies typically have higher fees. Pick a freelancers if budget is a major constraint.
- Management Style: Do you prefer a hands-on approach or a more hands-off experience with clear progress reports?
- Expertise: Consider the specific skills and experience you require. Agencies offer a broader range, while freelancers excel in specialized areas.
QC Digital: Your Partner for Growth
At QC Digital, we understand the importance of choosing the right marketing partner.
We offer a comprehensive approach, combining strategic thinking with creative execution and data-driven analysis.
Contact QC Digitals today for a no-obligation consultation and let’s discuss how we can help you achieve your marketing goals.
A Beginner’s Guide to Keyword Mapping for SEO
Managing a website involves attracting new visitors through search engines and keeping your existing audience engaged. That’s where keyword mapping comes in.
Keyword mapping simply is a strategic SEO practice that involves carefully assigning specific target keywords to relevant pages on your website. This helps you create a map that guides people straight to your website.
As Sun Tzu famously said, “Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory.” Keyword mapping is the tactic that puts your SEO strategy into action.
This guide by QC Digital will explain what keyword mapping is, why it’s important, and how to do it effectively. You’ll also learn about helpful SEO tools and how to avoid common pitfalls.
Understanding Keyword Mapping for SEO
What is Keyword Mapping?
Keyword mapping is an SEO strategy that involves strategically assigning relevant keywords to specific web pages on your site.
It creates a blueprint for your content by matching search terms (keywords) with the content that best answers them. This helps search engines understand your content and rank your website.
Keyword mapping offers a clear roadmap for SEO success. By targeting relevant keywords and implementing best SEO practices like On-Page SEO, you can attract more qualified traffic to your website.
Why is Keyword Mapping Important?
Search engines rely on keywords to understand what your website is about. Proper keyword mapping ensures your content gets noticed and ranked higher in search results.
- Clear Website Structure: Keyword mapping helps you organize your website logically, making it user-friendly for both visitors and search engines.
- Improved Internal Linking: By linking relevant pages together, you enhance user experience and make it easier for search engines to crawl and index your site.
- Powerful Content Marketing: Keyword clusters can inspire the creation of fresh, targeted content that resonates with your audience.
- Easier Tracking & Reporting: Monitoring the performance of specific keywords and their corresponding pages becomes more manageable with a well-organized keyword map. It also makes taking action based on insights much simpler.
- Avoids Keyword Cannibalization: It also avoids keyword cannibalization, where multiple pages compete for the same keyword, hurting your search engine authority. We’ll discuss how to avoid this later in the guide.
Further Reading: 11 Reasons Why Your Business Needs SEO Strategy in 2024
How to Do Keyword Mapping
1. Identify Target Keywords
Keywords Research: Start with in-depth research to understand the keywords your target audience uses to find products, services, or information related to your industry. SEO keyword research tools like SEMrush and Ahrefs can be helpful.
Focus & Specificity: Instead of chasing high-competition keywords with a million searches a month, target long-tail keywords that are specific to your niche. They have lower search volumes but indicate a stronger user intent (clear buying intention).
Example: Someone searching for “best hiking boots for women” is much closer to buying than someone searching for just “boots.” Focus on these specific keywords to attract users who are ready to convert.
2. Create Keyword Clusters
Group Keywords: Organize related keywords with similar meanings into clusters based on how they are related. These clusters represent different topics within your industry.
Content Themes: Think of keyword clusters as content themes. Each cluster should be broad enough to include various related keywords but still focused on a specific topic.
Example: For a travel blog, you can create a keyword cluster around “European vacation.” Within this cluster, you can have keywords like “best places to visit in Europe,” “affordable European travel tips,” “planning a European backpacking trip,” and “luxury European getaways.”
3. Assign Pages to Clusters
Content Alignment: Now, assign each keyword group to the most suitable page on your website. This helps keep your content organized and makes it easier for search engines to understand what each page is about.
Focus on Value: Avoid adding keywords to pages where they don’t naturally fit. Focus on providing useful content for users rather than trying to trick search engines.
Example: For a website with healthy recipes, assign the keyword cluster “vegetarian meal prep” to a page with vegetarian breakfast, lunch, and dinner recipes. Similarly, assign the cluster “gluten-free baking” keywords to a page with gluten-free cookies, cakes, and bread recipes.
Further Reading: Your Content Strategy Matters: Content Writing vs Copywriting in Marketing
Best Keyword Mapping Tools
Several SEO tools can simplify keyword mapping. Here are a few popular options:
- Moz: Provides insights into keyword rankings and backlinks.
- SEMrush: Covers keyword research, competitor analysis, and site auditing.
- Ahrefs: Offers keyword research, competitor analysis, and site audit features.
- SE Ranking: Offers keyword tracking, backlink analysis, and on-page SEO suggestions.
How to Use Your Keyword Map Effectively
Now that you have your keyword map in place, it’s time to use it for solid SEO results.
1) Optimize Content Pages for Target Keywords
Create high-quality, engaging content around your target keywords. Make sure your content meets user needs and offers valuable, original information.
- Aim to be the Best Answer: Focus on providing the best possible answer to the user’s query. Informative content is more likely to earn backlinks and social shares, which boosts your SEO efforts. This approach also increases your chances of getting the popular featured snippet, enhancing your website’s performance on both desktop and mobile devices.
Example: A camping equipment seller targeting the keyword “camping trips near Perth” can create a guide detailing top campsites within driving distance of Perth, covering accessibility, facilities, family-friendliness, and pet-friendliness. Include popular hikes and nearby attractions, and highlight essential gear for Australian conditions (e.g., mossie nets, sun protection). Promote the guide on social media with stunning visuals.
Further Reading: Content Marketing Is Key to Business Growth in 2024
2) Fill Content Gaps
Review your keyword map to find where your content is missing. Create new, relevant content to fill these gaps and improve your site’s presence.
Beyond Landing Pages: You may have enough landing pages to attract visitors. But you need more content to keep them engaged and guide them through the buying process. Consider adding eBooks, guides, videos, or case studies.
Keep Up with Trends: Stay updated on new trends and topics in your industry. Creating content on these subjects early can establish your authority.
Example: An e-commerce site selling fitness equipment might identify content gap for the long-tail keyword “best adjustable dumbbells for home gyms.” They could create a well-researched buying guide comparing different adjustable dumbbells, focusing on features, weight range, space needs, and noise levels.
Further Reading: How To Perform a Comprehensive Content Audit?
3) Use Keyword-Rich Anchor Text
When linking pages on your website, use anchor text with your target keywords. This helps search engines connect the keyword to the linked page.
Natural Variation: Avoid using the same anchor text over and over. Use different variations to make your internal links look natural.
Example: An e-commerce website selling athletic wear might have a category page for “women’s yoga pants.” Create links to this page using different versions of the keyword, like “find high-waisted yoga pants,” “shop our most comfortable yoga leggings,” or “browse our selection of yoga apparel for women.” This helps show search engines that the page is important for those keyword searches.
4) Keep Your Keyword Map Updated
SEO is a dynamic process. Keep checking and updating your keyword map to match your business, what people search for, and what’s popular.
- Stay Current: Review your keyword map regularly. Search volumes, user intent, and industry trends change, so staying up-to-date is vital.
- Seasonal Optimization: If you have a tech-focused blog. Every year, new gadgets and software are released. To stay relevant, update your keyword map to include new terms alongside evergreen topics. For instance, you can add keywords like “8 Best Wallpaper Apps for iPhone and Android” “best VR headsets 2024” or “new features in iOS 17.”
Avoid Keyword Cannibalization
Keyword cannibalization happens when multiple pages on your website target the same keyword. search engines get confused and lower your overall rankings. Here’s how to avoid this:
1. Identify Cannibalization
To identify competition among your own pages, routinely check your website for keyword cannibalization.
- Keyword Tracking System: Create a spreadsheet to track your target keywords. Include the pages assigned to each keyword and their current ranking. This allows you to easily identify any overlap and take corrective action.
2. Content Consolidation
If your website has multiple pages competing for the same keyword. Consider combining them into a single, powerful resource.
- Redirect URLs: To avoid broken links and maintain SEO value, redirect the URLs of the merged pages to the new, consolidated page. This ensures a smooth user experience and preserves backlinks authority.
Example: An e-commerce website selling shoes can have separate pages for “Best Running Shoes for Men” and “Top-Rated Sneakers for Women.” These could be combined into a single guide covering different types of running shoes and features to consider for men and women. This would provide a more valuable resource for users and improve SEO strength.
3. Optimize Existing Content
When multiple pages rank for the same keyword. This confuses search engines. To fix this, optimize each page for slightly different variations of the same keyword to avoid competition.
- Keyword Variations & Synonyms: Use variations, synonyms, and related terms to keep your pages relevant while focusing on specific aspects of the main keyword. This ensures each page targets a unique search intent.
Example: If you have two blog posts targeting the keyword “running shoes,” one could focus on “Best Running Shoes for Beginners” targeting those new to running, while the other emphasizes “Top Cushioned Running Shoes” targeting runners seeking extra comfort.”
Take Control of Your SEO with Keyword Mapping
Keyword mapping is a powerful SEO strategy that can significantly improve your website’s search engine ranking and visibility. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a well-structured keyword map that will help you achieve your SEO goals.
Remember, SEO is dynamic, so stay updated on trends and keep your keyword map relevant to stay ahead of the competition. An SEO agency can guide you through the concept of keyword mapping, which offers a strategic approach to ranking your website higher.
Let QC Digital’s experienced professionals handle everything for you.
We offer a complete suite of digital marketing services, including SEO strategy, keyword research, and content creation.
Schedule a free consultation to discuss your goals and see how QC Digital can help your business.
Big News: Google Teams Up with Reddit and Pinterest
The online world is constantly changing. New platforms pop up, user habits shift, and keeping your brand relevant and visible can be a never-ending struggle.
Recently, Google shook things up by announcing partnerships with two internet giants: Reddit and Pinterest.
This news sent waves through the digital marketing world, and with good reason.
In this blog post, QC Digital will explore how these partnerships impact your business and how you can use them to connect with new audiences and increase your online presence.
Let’s break down these partnerships and what they mean for you.
Google + Reddit + Pinterest: What You Need to Know & How to Win
Pinterest Gets a Powerful Ad Partner
Pinterest is a visual wonderland. With over 498 million monthly active users (that’s more than the entire population of Australia!), it’s a goldmine for businesses looking to target a specific audience.
That’s a massive audience you can now tap into with Google Ads.
The Google-Pinterest partnership essentially allows you to advertise on Pinterest through Google Ads Manager, the platform you already know and love.
This translates to a wider reach, potentially better conversions (meaning more people seeing your ad actually buy your product), and a potentially higher return on investment (ROI) – basically, more bang for your buck.
Reddit: Community-Driven Marketing
Reddit, the forum-based social network with over 850 million monthly users, is also joining the party. But this partnership is about more than just ads.
The Google-Reddit collaboration is all about improving search for real-world, relevant user-generated content.
Google gains access to Reddit’s massive pool of user-generated discussions and experiences through their Data API. This means Google can tap into real conversations and experiences to improve the quality and relevance of search results – especially when it comes to finding information from everyday people.
On the flip side, Reddit benefits from Google’s powerful Vertex AI technology. This will help Reddit improve its own internal search function, making it easier for users to find exactly what they’re looking for on the platform.
For Australian businesses that excel at building organic communities and providing helpful content on Reddit, this could be a massive SEO win. This means two things:
- Better Google Search Results with Reddit Insights
Google search results are getting better. By using insights from Reddit discussions, Google can now provide more accurate and relevant information, especially from real-world experiences and user opinions.
- Reddit as a Marketing Tool
Businesses should take note. Reddit is becoming a strong marketing platform. With Google’s help, Reddit’s search function is improving, making it easier for users to find content. This means more visibility and potential traffic for brands mentioned positively on Reddit.
Future of Digital Marketing: Use Multi-Platform Approach
“Don’t put all your eggs in one basket” and “Don’t limit yourself to just one platform.”
The future of digital marketing in Australia is clear: go multi-platform! Here’s why:
- Google Ads: Cast a wide net and reach a massive audience across the web.
- Reddit: Go deeper and connect with potential customers on a personal level. Answer questions, build trust, and become an industry expert.
- Pinterest: Showcase your amazing products and turn browsers into buyers. It’s a powerful sales tool.
By using a variety of platforms like this, you’ll build a strong online presence and establish yourself as a trusted brand in Australia.
How can You leverage these New Platforms?
This multi-platform approach helps you build a strong online presence and become a trusted brand in the Australian market. Here’s how you can stay ahead of the curve:
- Join the Conversation on Reddit: Reddit lets you chat directly with potential customers, build brand loyalty, and show off your expertise. Answer questions thoughtfully on relevant discussions (called subreddits) and become a trusted voice in your industry.
- Keep an Eye on SEO: Google’s search algorithms are constantly evolving. By staying updated on these changes, you can ensure your content remains discoverable.
- Use high-quality photos and videos. This is important for both Pinterest and Reddit.
- Create informative content that people want to see.
- Target local Australian audiences.
- Use Pinterest Ads to reach people who are looking to buy.
Overall, these Google partnerships open up new opportunities for businesses to grow. By following these tips, you can stay ahead of the curve and stay relevant in the digital world.
Is TikTok Next?
Google-TikTok might be next. The juicy rumours are swirling that Google will have another big partnership with TikTok, the hugely popular video app.
Google-TikTok partnership makes perfect sense. Google’s on the move to reach younger audiences. Younger generations are increasingly ditching traditional search engines and turning to TikTok for answers.
This shift in search behaviour makes Google-TikTok partnership a strategic move for both parties.
A Google-TikTok team-up could be a win-win:
- Google helps TikTok users search better: Google smart search helps TikTok users find stuff easier, making it more attractive for younger folks.
- Google finds new users: With Google on board, curious TikTokers might start using Google search more often, expanding their reach to younger demographics.
While it’s not official yet, both companies have tested the waters, hinting at a possible future collaboration.
2024 Marketing Shift: You NEED a Multi-Channel Marketing Plan
Ignoring Reddit & Pinterest is MARKETING SUICIDE!
9 out of 10 Customers Use Pinterest & Reddit. 850 million people talk on Reddit EVERY DAY (Are You Missing Out?)
The #1 mistake Aussie businesses can make is clinging to outdated marketing strategies. Millions of potential customers are searching for brands like yours on Pinterest and Reddit. Don’t get left behind.
QC Digital can be your bridge to new audiences. Partner with QC Digital and reach millions on Google’s new platforms.
QC Digital is here to help Australian businesses like yours navigate this exciting (and sometimes tricky) world of search and social media.
We’ll partner with you to create a winning strategy that includes:
- High-Quality Content: Get found by more customers with expert SEO and content marketing on platforms like Pinterest and Reddit.
- Authentic Community Building: We’ll help you connect with real customers on Pinterest and Reddit, build trust, and become a trusted voice in your industry.
- Local Search Optimization to Reach Aussie Audiences: We’ll ensure your business shows up in Google searches for local customers.
Confused About Google’s New Partnerships? QC Digital Has the Answers!
Google Search Ads vs Google Display Ads | Which Works Best for Your Business?
Virtually everyone is hooked to their screens and online shopping has become the norm. Businesses are realizing the power of online ads as an essential tool to connect with their target audience. They’re getting creative with their ad strategies.
When it comes to promoting your business, there are two primary types of ads: Google Display Ads and Google Search Ads. Each serves a unique purpose. Selecting the right type is necessary for achieving your marketing goals.
So, the question arises: Which type of ad is the best choice for you – search ads or display ads?
Deciding between these two types of ads is a big decision. But don’t worry – QC Digital is here to help you figure it out.
By understanding the differences between Search and Display ads, you can choose the one that works best for your business and budget.
Let’s explore their differences to help you make an informed decision for your digital marketing strategy.
Google Search Ads ─ Explained
What Are Search Ads?
Search ads are text-based advertisements that appear at the top of search engine results pages (SERPs) when users search for specific keywords or phrases.
They are designed to match the user’s search intent and provide relevant information or solutions.
Search ads are all about targeting people who are actively searching for something. Brands pay to appear on top search engines like Google, Yahoo, and Bing, or social platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn.
How Do Search Ads Work: A Simple Guide
Search ads run on a pay-per-click (PPC) model, meaning advertisers only pay when a visitor clicks on their ads.
Advertisers bid on keywords relevant to their business to appear at the top of search engine results pages (SERPs). But the ad placement is determined by factors such as bid amount, ad relevance, and ad quality.
For example, when someone searches for a “digital marketing agency,” ads related to that keyword may appear. The more relevant and high-quality the ad, the better its placement.
Components of Search Ads
- Headline: The headline is the clickable title of the ad, which should be attention-grabbing and relevant to the user’s search query.
- Description: The description provides additional information about the product or service being advertised, compelling users to click on the ad.
- URL: The URL displayed in the ad directs users to the advertiser’s website when clicked.
- Ad Extensions: These are additional features that enhance the visibility and relevance of the ad, such as site links, callouts, and location extensions.
Search Ad Essentials: Keywords and Bidding
- Limited to Search Engine Results | Pick the Right Words
First, you choose words related to your business, called keywords. Your ads only show up when someone searches for those specific words.
- Bidding Process for Ad Placement | Bidding for Visibility
Now, many businesses want their ads to show up in online searches for the same keywords. So, there’s a bidding process. This means you and other businesses compete by offering to pay a certain amount whenever someone clicks on your ad.
The more you’re willing to pay, the higher your ad appears in search results. But here’s the good part. You only have to pay when someone actually clicks on your ad, not just for it being there.
5 Benefits of Search Ads
Search ads are great for targeting people actively searching for what you offer. They help you reach the right audience and only pay for clicks.
But, picking the right words and bidding well needs good knowledge of your audience and platform. Search ads can boost traffic and sales, are easy-on-budget, and offer the best visibility on search engines.
Here’s why they’re worth considering:
- Budget Control: If you have a smaller budget, search ads give you more control over who sees your ads and when.
- Targeted Keywords: By focusing on specific words, you reach people who are interested in what you offer. Which means less wasted money on uninterested folks.
- Local Targeting: You can aim your ads at people in specific areas, using factors like language and interests to reach the right audience.
- Quick Sales: Search ads are great for catching people who are ready to buy. So, you don’t waste time showing ads to people who have already made a purchase.
- Remarketing Flexibility: While it’s not always necessary, remarketing can help you reach people who’ve previously shown interest in your product or service.
Google Display Ads ─ Explained
Display ads are visual adverts that appear on websites, apps, and across various social media platforms.
Display ads use images, banners, or videos to grab the attention of viewers. Unlike search ads, they’re not triggered by keywords but target specific demographics and interests.
They can be cost-per-impression or per-click.
How Display Ads Work: A Simple Explanation
Display ads reach more websites through the Google Display Network.
Display ads are purchased through advertising networks or directly from website owners. They’re placed smartly on websites that your target audience is likely to visit.
Google Display Network will then be displaying your ads on websites relevant to your target audience, maximizing your reach and engagement.
These ads can be targeted based on
- Interests
- Demographics
- Shopping habits
- Browsing behaviours
5 Types of Display Ads
- Banner Ads: These are rectangular ads displayed at the top, bottom, or sides of a webpage.
- Sidebar Ads: Similar to banner ads, they appear on the side of a webpage.
- Interstitial Ads: Full-screen ads that appear before the desired webpage loads.
- Native Ads: Ads that blend seamlessly with the content of the website or app.
- Video Ads: Short video clips that autoplay or play upon user interaction.
Display Ads: Behind The Scenes
- Targeted Website Placements | Choosing Where Your Ads Go
You can choose where your ads appear on websites. Like banner image ads or interactive formats. You can choose places where your ideal customers visit and decide what type of ad looks best, to match your audience’s interests.
- Bid on Display Ads | How Ads Get Space
Companies bid money to get their ads shown on specific websites. The ones willing to pay the most win the space.
- Flexibility of Display Ads | Different Kinds of Ads
Display ads come in various sizes and images, giving you creative options. You can pick what your ad looks like and try out different designs.
- Possibility of Being Ignored | People Might Not Notice
Even though ads can be cool, website visitors might not pay attention to them as they scroll through a webpage.
- Remarketing with Display Ads | Reaching People Again
Many companies use a technique called “remarketing” to show ads to people who visited their website before. It’s like saying, “Hey, remember us?” to invite them back to complete the purchase.
5 Benefits of Display Ads
Display ads are ideal for building brand awareness and targeting specific demographics.
They’re also cost-effective, help with retargeting, and boost brand recognition across the internet. Display ads are more visual and can help build brand awareness.
Here’s why they’re effective:
- Visual Appeal: They’re perfect for products that look good in pictures, like clothes or cars.
- Niche Targeting: Display ads let you reach specific groups of people who are interested in what you offer.
- Build Brand Awareness: They’re great for getting your name out there and making people aware of your brand.
- Less Visually Appealing Industries: Even if your product isn’t glamorous, you can still make display ads work by keeping your message short and impactful.
- Creative Freedom: With visual formats, you have more room for creativity to showcase your products or services.
How Google Ads Auction Works?
When you search on Google or visit a site in the Google Display Network, there’s a silent auction happening in the background.
1) Your Bid Matters
In this auction, you and other advertisers compete to get your ads shown. You set the maximum amount you’re willing to pay for a click or impression in your Google Ads account.
2) Ad Relevance and Quality | It’s Not Just About Money
But winning the top spot isn’t just about spending the most cash. Google also looks at how relevant and good your ad is.
“Relevance” means how well your ad matches what someone’s looking for. For example, if they’re searching for “running shoes,” an ad for sneakers makes more sense than one for high heels.
Google also checks how good the user’s experience is when they click on your ad. They call this “Quality Score.”
3) Ad Rank Matters
Ad Rank decides where your ad shows up on Google’s results page or in the Display Network. It’s based on your
- Bid
- Competition
- Quality Score
- Where the user is
Think of it like a rating for ads. The higher your Ad Rank, the better your ad’s position and greater the visibility.
So even if you’re not spending as much as others, you can still win a good spot if your ad is top-notch.
These factors decide which Google Ads get shown and where they appear.
4) Factors That Impact Ad Ranking
How often your ad shows, where it ranks, and its cost per click depend on your campaign’s Quality Score in Google Ads.
Search engines consider factors like
- Bid Amount: When you bid higher, your ad will show up at the top of search results.
- Ad Extensions: Adding extra information to your ad, like links or phone numbers, helps users learn more about your business.
- Quality of Ads and Landing Pages: Good ads that match what users are searching for, along with helpful landing pages, make your ad rank higher.
- Keyword Frequency: Using the right keywords in your ad and landing page makes it more likely to show up when people search for those terms.
- Match with Search Terms: Make sure your ad matches what people are searching for so it appears in relevant searches.
- Time of Day: Some ads perform better at certain times of the day, so consider when your target audience is most likely to be searching.
- Location Targeting: Targeting specific areas makes your ad more relevant to users in those locations.
- Competition: Higher competition means you may need to bid more or have better quality ads to outrank others.
5) Ads Comparison Metrics
When comparing the two types of ads, it’s essential to look at conversion rates and cost per click:
- Conversion Rate: SEARCH ADS generally have higher conversion rates because they target people actively searching for products.
- Cost Per Click: While DISPLAY ADS have lower conversion rates, they also have lower costs per click.
Both search ads and display ads have their advantages. The key is understanding your goals and audience to choose the right one for your digital marketing campaign.
Remember, connecting your ads to relevant landing pages is crucial for driving conversions.
Google Search Ads vs Google Display Ads: Pick the Best for Your Business
Ads from both Search and Display campaigns appear alongside organic search results on Google’s search results pages and partner websites within the Google Display Network. But they operate differently.
Search Ads | Display Ads |
These appear when someone searches for specific words. | They show up on websites and include images or text. |
You get charged only when a visitor clicks on your ad. | You bid for space on these sites. |
Google suggests using both Search and Display campaigns for wider reach.
But big audiences may not always bring results. Targeting the right people is key. Focus on those likely to be interested in what you offer.
When to Use Each Ad Type?
Deciding between search ads and display ads depends on your goals and budget. Consider your specific needs to choose between the Search Network and Display Network for your campaign.
- Search Ads: If you want to reach active searchers, go for search ads. Use these when you want QUICK RESULTS or have a specific audience in mind.
- Display Ads: For brand awareness and wider reach, go for display ads. Choose these for products or services with a longer sales cycle or when you want to build BRAND AWARENESS.
But ideally, a mix of both can maximize your reach and results.
Which Ad Types is Right for Your Business Marketing Strategy?
Use Search Ads | Use Display Ads |
Get quality leads | Visual appeal |
Boost organic traffic | Longer sales cycle |
Target local audience | Raise brand awareness |
Good for small budgets | Reach wider niche markets |
Promote urgent services | Retargeting and re-engaging users |
Shorter sales cycle | Target users across various devices |
Follow Best Ads Practices To Maximise Results
Best practices for paid ads include,
- Track and Optimize ROI: Keep track of how much you’re spending on ads and adjust your strategy to get the best results for your money.
- Optimize Your Keywords: Regularly review and update your list of keywords to make sure you’re targeting the most relevant ones for your business.
- Focus on Results: Instead of just getting clicks, focus on what actions users take after clicking your ad, like making a purchase or signing up for a newsletter.
- Calculate Conversion Rates: Figure out how many conversions you need to make your ad campaign profitable.
- Analyse Competitor Ads: Look at what your competitors are doing with their ads to get ideas for improving your campaigns and staying ahead in the market.
- Forecast Your Results on Previous Data: Predict how well your ads will perform based on past data before you launch them.
Get In Touch With Google Ads Specialist
QC Digital makes online advertising easy.
Our Google search and display ad specialists will boost your business, connect you with new customers, and maximize local leads.
At QC Digital, we bring together a team of ad experts, copywriters, and graphic designers to create winning ads for your business.
From researching keywords to crafting compelling ad copy and designing eye-catching visuals, we cover every aspect of ad creation. With a focus on SEO, our team ensures your ads appear in relevant searches, driving more traffic to your site.
Once launched, we track metrics to measure the performance of your ads and make improvements. By analysing competitor’s ads, we stay ahead of the game, constantly refining your ads for the best results.
With QC Digital, your ad campaign is in good hands from conception to success.
Let’s grow your business with the right ads!
Set-Up Remarketing Campaign in Google Ads: Easy 5-Step Tutorial
Are you struggling to turn website visitors into customers?
You’re not alone.
Studies suggest that only a small percentage of site visits result in conversions. But don’t let that discourage you. Instead, let it inspire you to take action and improve your marketing strategy.
One powerful tactic to bring potential customers back to your site is to create a remarketing campaign in Google Ads.
But what exactly is remarketing?
Let QC Digital guide you through the process and help you understand how to implement it effectively.
What is Remarketing in Google Ads?
Have you ever visited a website, browsed around, and left without buying anything?
You’re not the only one doing this!
About 92% of online browsers are just checking things out, not quite ready to make a purchase. Some are gathering information on products. While others add items to their carts but then leave without finishing the purchase. But businesses don’t want to lose these potential customers.
The good news is, they’re not gone forever.
That’s where remarketing comes in handy. With Google Ads remarketing, you can target those past visitors and gently encourage them to come back to your site when they’re ready to buy.
It’s like a friendly reminder to your target audience to come back and take another look.
Remarketing is a smart tool that many businesses overlook. It’s available to everyone who advertises with Google Ads.
This digital market tool helps you reconnect with people who have already checked out your website or used your app. By showing them ads. You can remind them about your brand. And increase the chances of them becoming customers.
Why Remarketing Ads Matters?
Imagine you’re waving at someone you’ve met before in a crowd. They’re more likely to wave back, right?
That’s the technique of Remarketing Ads. It connects you with people already familiar with your brand. Making them more likely to buy.
With the increasing number of digital devices in households. Remarketing is essential to re-engage your audience and bring them back for another look.
It’s not about whether you should do it, but how to do it effectively.
But how do you set up Google Remarketing Ads?
Remarketing vs. Retargeting: What’s the Deal?
Technically Speaking
Remarketing is the big picture. It includes all the ways to reconnect with past visitors. Retargeting is just one of those ways, focusing on online methods.
But Hey, Same Difference!
When we talk online, we often use both terms interchangeably.
How Google Ads Remarketing Gets the Job Done?
Ever seen an ad follow you around online? That’s Google Ads remarketing in action!
Here’s How It Works
- You add a little tag to your website.
- When someone visits, Google keeps track of them with a cookie.
- Later, when they’re browsing other sites. Your ad pops up. Reminding them of your amazing products.
How to Set Up a Remarketing Campaign in Google Ads?
Let’s get started.
Step 1: Decide Your Goals
First things first, figure out what you want to achieve.
- Do you want more people to BUY your products?
- Do you want people to KNOW about your brand? or
- Do you want people to simply VISIT your website?
Defining your goals is important because it helps you tailor your campaign to achieve exactly what you want.
For instance, if you’re focused on increasing sales, you prioritize ads that highlight your best-selling products or offer special promotions.
On the other hand, if brand awareness is your main goal. You need to focus on creating eye-catching ads that showcase your brand’s unique personality.
Once you’ve got your goals sorted, it’s time to choose the right type of campaign.
Step 2: Choose Your Campaign Details
Now, it’s time to set things up.
- Choose how much you want to spend.
- Where do you want your ads to appear?
- Who do you want to see them?
This way, your campaign will reach the right people in the right places.
Decide Your Budget: You need to figure out how much money you want to invest in your remarketing campaign. This helps you make sure you’re not spending too much or too little. Think about factors like the size of your target audience, the duration of your campaign, and your overall advertising goals. A smart budget plan helps you reach the right people without overspending.
Pick Where Your Ads Display: Decide where you want to display targeted ads. You can choose different places like
- Google Search Ads,
- Websites in the Google Display Network,
- YouTube videos, and
- Mobile apps.
Pick the places where your target audience spends most of their time. For example, if they love watching YouTube, put your ads there.
Target Your Audience: Who do you want to see your ads? Define your target audience based on age, interests, and if they’ve visited your website before. Google Ads has tools to help you target specific groups of people. Who is most likely to engage with your ads? Use features like custom audience lists, which let you target users who have previously visited your website or interacted with your app.
By targeting the right audience, you can make sure your ads reach the right people in the right places and get better results for your business.
Step 3: Know Your Audience
Who do you want to see your ads? It’s important to know who you’re trying to reach.
Think about who visited your site before and how they interacted with it. Did they just take a quick look, or did they spend some time browsing around?
Google Ads offers tools to help you group these visitors based on different criteria, like
- People who visited your website
- Those who watched your videos on YouTube.
This helps you target the right people.
For example, if someone checked out your website but didn’t buy anything. You want to show them ads to remind them about your products.
By understanding your audience and how they’ve interacted with your site. By building your remarketing campaign, you are more likely to catch your audience’s interest and bring them back to your site.
Step 4: Create Fantastic Ads
Here’s where the magic happens.
This is the part where you need to grab people’s attention and make them want to click on your ad. Your ads need to catch people’s eyes and make them want to know more.
You can do this by using pictures, videos, or words that:
- Show off your brand and
- What you’re offering.
Make sure your message is clear and convincing. Make people excited about what you’re offering. And don’t forget to tell people what you want them to do next. Use clear instructions like “Buy Now” or “Sign Up” to guide them on what action to take after seeing your ad.
Remember!
The key is to make your ads stand out and make people want to learn more about your brand and products.
Step 5: Test and Improve
Your job isn’t done once your ads are up.
It’s important to keep an eye on how they’re performing and make adjustments as needed. Regularly check how your ads are doing and see if they’re bringing in the results you want.
If not, don’t worry!
You can try out different ads to see which ones work best.
By testing different ads and keeping track of their performance. You can figure out what’s working well and what needs improvement. This way, you can make changes to your ads to make sure your campaign is a success.
Remember, testing and improving your ads is an ongoing process. Keep experimenting and making tweaks until you find the winning formula that brings in the results you’re looking for.
Choose the Right Remarketing Campaign
Choose between the two main types in Google Ads for remarketing campaigns:
- Customer Match List for Google Ads: This allows you to target customers by directly adding their email addresses to Google Ads. However, you can only use emails collected through first-party data, and you must comply with data protection regulations.
- Google Ads remarketing audiences: This option lets you target specific groups of users who have previously interacted with your website or app.
Struggling to Convert Visitors? | Level Up Your Ads with QC Digitals
Don’t let potential customers slip away. Reconnect with your audience.
Setting up a remarketing campaign in Google Ads seems difficult. But you don’t have to do it alone.
Let QC Digitals help you set up and manage your remarketing campaign.
Our team at QC Digitals knows all the ins and outs of digital marketing. We can create customised ads for your brand and business. That will bring in more customers and help your business grow.
Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help.
How to Make Your Website Load Faster: 7 Quick Ways
So, you’re wondering how fast your website should load, right?
Well, according to Google, the golden rule is under 2 seconds.
Why?
Because in today’s fast-paced world, speed is everything. The speed at which your website loads can make or break your online presence.
Think about it – we want our fast food quick, and we love that Amazon Prime delivers in a flash. So, naturally, we expect websites to load lightning-fast too.
But here’s the thing – web page loading speed isn’t just about one magic number. It’s more like a fluid concept.
Let’s dig deeper into webpage speed and understand why it’s crucial for your online success.
Why Your Website's Speed Matters in 2024
In the fast-paced world of the internet, slow website speed is a BIG NO-NO.
It’s not just about personal preferences anymore. It directly impacts the success of your online presence.
Believe it or not, 82% of consumers say that sluggish page speed affects their purchasing decisions.
So, when you’re building your website or adding content, speed should be top of mind.
Think of website loading speed as a sliding scale where ‘every second counts.’
- Pages that load within 2 seconds have a low bounce rate of 9%.
- Pages that load in 5 seconds see their bounce rates skyrocket to 38%.
And let’s face it, in today’s fast-paced world, most users won’t wait more than 3 seconds before clicking away.
Even big players like the BBC and Yahoo! feel the heat when it comes to slow loading times.
- The BBC loses 10% of its users for every extra second it takes to load.
- Yahoo! saw a 9% increase in traffic just by shaving off 0.4 seconds from its load time.
What is Website Speed & Page Load Time?
So, what exactly is website speed?
Simply put, it’s how quickly each page of your website loads up after someone clicks on it.
When we talk about “page load time,” we’re referring to the time it takes for all the content on a page to show up in a user’s browser.
Picture this: you click on a link, and you’re eagerly waiting for the webpage to load. That waiting time? That’s what we call page load time or webpage speed.
But it’s not as straightforward as saying “My website loads in X.X seconds.”
Nope, the website loading speed is more like a rollercoaster ride. Page load speed varies depending on factors like your device, browser, and internet speed.
10 Key Website Load Time Statistics
A closer look at some key statistics that highlight the importance of website speed. Let’s hit you with some eye-opening stats:
1. Users form an opinion of your website in just 0.05 seconds after it loads. Yeah, that’s how quick it is!
2. Ever heard the phrase “patience is a virtue”? Well, when it comes to website site speed, it’s more like “impatience is the norm.” Nearly 70% of consumers say that page speed influences whether they’ll stick around or bounce off.
3. 82% of consumers say slow page speeds impact their purchasing decisions.
4. 74% of mobile users would leave a mobile site if it didn’t load within 5 seconds.
5. The chance of a bounce increases by 32% when a page load time goes from 1 to 3 seconds.
6. 53% of mobile users will abandon a website page if it takes longer than 3 seconds to load. Talk about a short attention span!
7. The average page speed for websites ranking on the first page of Google search results is 1.65 seconds.
8. Here’s a shocker: only 15% of websites operate at an acceptable page speed. Yikes!
9. 1 in 4 visitors will abandon a website if it takes more than 4 seconds to load.
10. For the top 100 web pages, it takes an average of 2.5 seconds on desktop and 8.6 seconds on mobile to fully load.
These numbers tell us one thing loud and clear: SPEED MATTERS!
Why Website Load Time is Important | 5 Major Reasons
Website site speed is not just about user experience; it directly impacts business outcomes. Here’s why it matters:
1. Bounce Rates: The longer it takes for a page to load, the higher the chance that users will bounce off the site. A high bounce rate signals to search engines that the content may not be relevant or useful, leading to lower rankings.
2. User Experience: Slow-loading websites frustrate users and diminish their overall experience. In today’s fast-paced world, users expect instant access to information, and any delays can lead to dissatisfaction and abandonment.
3. Conversion Rates: E-commerce sites, in particular, are heavily reliant on fast page load times. Even a slight delay in the checkout process can lead to abandoned carts and lost sales.
4. Mobile Optimization: With the increasing use of mobile devices, optimizing website loading speed for mobile users is crucial. Slow-loading mobile pages not only leads to higher bounce rates but also impacts search rankings, as Google prioritizes mobile-friendly sites.
5. Competitive Advantage: In a crowded online marketplace, having a fast-loading website can give you a competitive edge. Users are more likely to engage with and return to sites that offer a seamless browsing experience.
Impact of Website Speed on Business
Now, let’s talk about website speed and its impact on business.
For instance, if you’re running an e-commerce site that rakes in $100,000 per day, even a one-second delay in page load time could cost you a staggering $2.5 million in lost sales annually.
That’s a hefty price to pay for slow loading times.
1. Connection Between Web Speed, Sales & Conversion Rates
Whether you’re selling products or services online. Website speed can make or break your sales figures.
Studies have shown that every second of delay in website page load speed leads to a 4.42% reduction in conversions.
Imagine the difference it would make if you could shave off just 0.1 seconds from your site’s load time.
2. Web Speed Impacts Customer Loyalty
Imagine this scenario: you stumble upon a slow-loading website, and frustration sets in.
You’re not alone.
- 79% of online shoppers who have a dissatisfying experience are less likely to return to the same site.
- 64% would simply take their business elsewhere.
Talk about a blow to customer loyalty.
3. Impact of Web Speed on SEO
Now, let’s talk about Google. They’ve made website speed a ranking factor for both desktop and mobile devices. Faster sites make users happy. While slow page speeds can seriously mess with your conversion rates.
Even a tiny one-second delay can make your conversion rates drop by 7%.
That’s money down the drain, mate.
Why Websites Have Slow Load Times
Ever heard of the phrase “too much of a good thing”?
Well, it applies to websites too. If your site is bogged down with tons of unoptimized elements like
- Images,
- Scripts, or
- Plugins
It’s going to slow down faster than a snail on a sticky trail. On average, webpages weigh around 3.2 MB.
That’s a whole lot of digital baggage!
How to Measure Website Speed?
So, how do you know if your website is speedy enough?
Google’s got your back with their useful PageSpeed Insights tool. It analyses numbers and spits out metrics like FCP and DCL to tell you how fast your site is loading for users.
Plus, it categorizes your pages as Fast, Average, or Slow based on the median values.
There are a couple of ways to measure site speed:
- First Contentful Paint (FCP): Ever noticed how webpages seem to load in stages? That’s the magic of FCP. It measures the time it takes for the first piece of content to appear on a webpage after you land there.
- DOMContent Loaded (DCL): Now, this is where everything comes together. DCL measures the time it takes for all the code on a webpage to load, from the initial content to every little element that follows.
How Fast Should My Website Load?
Ideally, you want your website to load within 3 seconds.
Especially, if it’s an e-commerce site. Remember, speed directly impacts bounce rates, conversions, and ultimately, your bottom line.
Google’s 3-Second Rule
Research shows that the typical page speed on the first page of Google search results is 1.65 seconds.
However, once the clock ticks past the 2-to-3-second mark, watch out!
Bounce rates skyrocket, with 40% of consumers unwilling to wait any longer before abandoning a site.
- Page speed on the first page of Google search results is 1.65 seconds.
- A 2-to-3-second delay leads to a 40% increase in Bounce rates.
Mobile vs. Desktop Load Times
Ever wondered how long it takes for websites to fully load on desktops versus mobile devices?
According to one study, the average time is 10.3 seconds on desktop and 27.3 seconds on mobile. However, the top 100 web pages defy these averages, loading in just 2.5 seconds on desktop and 8.6 seconds on mobile.
That’s a significant improvement, making for a smoother user experience.
- Average desktop page load time: 3 seconds
- Average mobile page load time: 3 seconds
Top 100 web pages load time:
- Desktop: 2.5 seconds
- Mobile: 8.6 seconds
Increase in Mobile Usage
Despite the better user experience on desktops, mobile browsing reigns supreme.
Mobile devices accounted for 58% of site visits and 42.3% of total time spent online in a 2018 study. Yet, mobile users face frustrations, with 46% citing slow-loading pages as their top complaint.
Additionally, Google found that over half (53%) of mobile users will ditch a page if it takes longer than 3 seconds to load.
- Mobile devices account for 58% of site visits and 42.3% of total time spent online.
- 53% of mobile users will ditch a page if it takes longer than 3 seconds to load.
- 46% of mobile users cite slow-loading pages as their top complaint.
Meet User Expectations
Consumers may think they’re patient. But in reality, they want lightning-fast load times.
85% of mobile users expect pages to load as fast as or faster than they do on desktops. Some even expect instant loading. For example, 64% of smartphone users want pages to load in under 4 seconds. 74% would abandon a site that takes longer than 5 seconds.
Every second counts, a 1-second delay can decrease user satisfaction by 16%.
- 85% of mobile users expect pages to load faster than they do on desktops.
- 64% of smartphone users want pages to load in under 4 seconds.
- 74% would abandon a site that takes longer than 5 seconds.
Common Mobile Problems
Mobile browsing isn’t without its challenges.
60% of users have encountered issues, with slow loading being the top complaint (73%).
Other frustrations include:
- Crashes (51%),
- Difficult-to-read formatting (48%), and
- Websites not functioning as expected (45%).
- Some users even find the website simply unavailable (38%).
But fear not, solutions exist.
Enter Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP)
To combat these issues, some site owners turn to Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP).
Developed by Google and Twitter(X), AMP is a simplified version of HTML that allows mobile pages to load much faster. AMP pages are designed to load almost instantly, managing user expectations, and improving satisfaction.
However, despite its benefits, 32% of marketers have hesitated to adopt AMP due to limited developer resources.
4 Major Factors Affecting Website Speed
Now that we know what website speed is, let’s explore the factors that can affect it. From web hosting to image optimization, there are several elements to consider:
1. Web Hosting: Your choice of web hosting provider and server type can impact your website’s speed. Shared servers are like sharing a pizza with friends. It’s cost-effective but can slow you down if everyone wants a slice at the same time. On the other hand, VPS and dedicated servers offer more resources, like having your personal chef to cater to your needs.
2. Image, Videos, and Files Optimization: Large images and files can slow down your website’s load time. It’s like trying to carry a mountain of groceries – the heavier the load, the slower you’ll move. By optimizing your images and files, you can lighten the load and speed up your site.
3. Plugins: While plugins can add cool features to your website, too many of them can bog it down. It’s like trying to run a marathon with a backpack full of rocks – it’ll weigh you down. Be selective with your plugins and only use the ones you need.
4. Browser Compatibility: Older browsers can struggle to keep up with the latest web technologies, slowing down your website in the process. It’s like trying to play a new video game on an old console – it just doesn’t work well. Make sure your website is compatible with the latest browsers to ensure smooth sailing for your visitors.
How to Improve Website Speed? | 7 Basic Tips
Now that we understand the importance of website site speed, here are some practical tips to help you optimize your site:
1. Minimize HTTP Requests: Reduce the number of elements on your webpage, such as images, scripts, and stylesheets, to minimize the number of HTTP requests required to load the page.
2. Enable Browser Caching: Utilize browser caching to store static resources, such as images and CSS files, locally on the user’s device, reducing the need to re-download them on subsequent visits.
3. Compress Images: Optimize images for the web by compressing them without sacrificing quality. This reduces file sizes and speeds up page load times.
4. Use Content Delivery Networks (CDNs): Distribute your website’s content across multiple servers worldwide to reduce latency and improve load times for users in different geographic locations.
5. Minify CSS and JavaScript: Remove unnecessary characters and whitespace from your CSS and JavaScript files to reduce their file size and improve load times.
6. Choose Reliable Hosting Provider: Select a hosting provider that offers reliable infrastructure and fast server response times to ensure speedy delivery of your website’s content.
7. Monitor Performance Regularly: Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights and GTmetrix to regularly monitor your website’s performance and identify areas for improvement.
8 Free Tools to Measure & Increase Webpage Speed
When it comes to improving your website’s performance, use these free tools for site page speed test. These tools provide valuable insights into your website’s loading times and help identify areas for improvement.
With speed check site tools like Google PageSpeed Insights, GTmetrix, Pingdom, and WebPageTest, you can track your site’s speed performance and take actionable steps to enhance user experience and boost conversions.
1. Google PageSpeed Insights
What It Does: Google PageSpeed Insights evaluates your webpage speed and provides suggestions for improvement.
How to Use It: Simply enter your webpage URL, and Google will analyze its performance, giving you a score along with actionable insights.
2. GTmetrix
What It Does: GTmetrix offers detailed insights into your web page’s speed performance, including page load time, total page size, and optimization opportunities.
How to Use It: Enter your URL into GTmetrix’s website efficiency test tool, and it will generate a comprehensive report with recommendations for optimizing your webpage’s speed.
3. Pingdom Website Speed Test
What It Does: Pingdom’s Website Speed Test assesses your webpage’s load time and identifies areas for enhancement.
How to Use It: Enter your URL, select a testing location, and Pingdom will generate a detailed report highlighting performance issues and recommendations.
4. WebPage Test
What It Does: The WebPage Test conducts a thorough analysis of your webpage’s speed, including load time, content breakdown, and optimization opportunities.
How to Use It: Input your URL, choose a testing location and browser, and WebPage Test will provide a comprehensive breakdown of your webpage’s performance.
5. TinyPNG
What It Does: TinyPNG is a free online tool for compressing images without sacrificing quality, helping to reduce webpage load times.
How to Use It: Simply upload your images to TinyPNG, and it will automatically compress them while preserving visual integrity, resulting in smaller file sizes and faster load times.
6. Autoptimize
What It Does: Autoptimize is a WordPress plugin that optimizes your website’s performance by combining, minifying, and caching scripts and stylesheets.
How to Use It: Install and activate the Autoptimize plugin on your WordPress site, configure its settings to your preferences, and let it handle the optimization process automatically.
7. WP Super Cache
What It Does: WP Super Cache is another WordPress plugin that generates static HTML files from your dynamic WordPress site, reducing server load and improving load times.
How to Use It: Install and activate WP Super Cache, configure its settings according to your requirements, and enjoy the benefits of faster webpage loading for your WordPress site.
8. Try Website Bandwidth Checker
Also, If you’re worried about your website’s speed and capacity, try a website bandwidth checker. These tools help you track how much data your site uses in real-time, so you can make sure it runs smoothly for all visitors.
Let’s Speed Things Up!
To sum it up, website speed is crucial for a successful online presence.
By understanding what page speed is and applying the tips outlined in this guide. You can improve your website’s performance and provide a better experience for your visitors. Remember, even small improvements in load time can have a big impact on
- User satisfaction,
- Search engine rankings, and
- Ultimately, the success of your website.
So don’t delay – start optimizing your site’s speed today and watch your online presence soar.
Speed Up Your Website with Quantacom’s Expert Services!
Ready to turbocharge your online presence? Hire our web development and SEO experts today to speed things up and ensure a seamless experience for your visitors. Click below to get started!
Webpage Speed FAQs
1. What's the average page load time in Australia?
It's around 15 seconds, according to a recent report.
But here's the kicker - if your page takes longer than three seconds to load, 57% of people will bail. Yup, you heard that right. People are impatient these days, and if your site takes too long, they're out of there.
2. Why does speed matter so much?
For one, it affects your SEO. Google loves speedy sites and even made it a ranking factor. Plus, it's not just about search engines - it's about conversions too. If your page takes forever to load, you're losing potential customers.
3. How do you speed things up?
- Start by optimizing your images and content. The lighter your page, the faster it'll load.
- Don't forget about caching. It's storing a snapshot of your site, so it loads quicker next time.
- Also, watch out for annoying redirects. They seem harmless, but too many of them can slow your website down.
So, there you have it - the need for speed in a nutshell. Keep your site zippy, and you'll keep those visitors coming back for more.
Difference Between Google Analytics 4 (GA4) & Universal Analytics (UA) | Complete Guide
In 2023, Google began phasing out Universal Analytics (UA) in favour of Google Analytics 4 (GA4). This shift brought major changes to the world of digital analytics.
Despite GA4 being the default option for new properties since October 14, 2020, many marketers and web developers hesitated to transition from UA to GA4 for their reporting needs.
One main reason for this hesitation is the difference in functionality. While GA4 introduces many new features. It has also faced criticism for bugs and the absence of favourite features from UA.
Whether you prefer GA4 or not, the fact remains –
as of July 1st, 2023, UA has stopped tracking new data.
As the deadline approaches for Universal Analytics to stop collecting data in July 2023, businesses are advised to transition to GA4.
- But why is this transition necessary?
- And what impact will it have on your business?
Thankfully, GA4 isn’t all bad. It comes with several positive features that can improve analysis and reporting for better strategic decision-making.
This article outlines some of these new features that come with the transition from UA to GA4, highlighting just how different the two platforms are.
Read on to learn about the differences between GA4 vs. universal analytics and how to navigate this change with confidence.
What is UA?
UA or Universal Analytics, also known as GA3, was the previous version of Google Analytics. It debuted in 2012 and many websites used it to track their traffic.
However, on July 1, 2023, Universal Analytics was discontinued. This means it stopped tracking visitors, and Google ceased to support or introduce new features for it.
What is GA4?
GA4, or Google Analytics 4, is the latest version of Google’s famous analytics platform.
It’s designed to track both your WordPress website and apps within the same property. Previously, you had to track your apps and websites separately using Universal Analytics.
With GA4, you can get a better understanding of your customer’s journey across various channels and devices.
It also offers improved data privacy for users.
It’s called App+Web because this new property can track visits from both apps and websites within a single Google Analytics property. Instead of having separate properties for each platform.
Make the Switch: Transition Deadline from UA to GA4
It’s time to make the move.
Google Analytics GA4 is here to stay. In fact, GA4 is all set to take charge.
On March 16, 2022,
- Google announced that Universal Analytics (UA) would stop processing hits on July 1st, 2023, for standard UA properties.
- Later they extended the transition date to July 1st, 2024, for UA 360 properties.
The relatively short time between the announcement and the sunset date caught many marketers by surprise and caused mild panic among companies and website owners.
Despite GA4 being out of beta since October 2020, its adoption rate remained relatively low at the time of the announcement. This likely prompted Google to speed things up by introducing an earlier retirement date for Universal Analytics.
12 Major Differences Between Google Analytics 4 And Universal Analytics
So, what is the difference between GA4 and Universal Analytics?
Before you start using Google Analytics 4. Check out our list of important differences below.
1. UA Session-Based Tracking vs. GA4 Event-Based Tracking
The main difference between Google Analytics 4 (GA4) and Universal Analytics (UA) is how they track and analyse data.
UA primarily tracks user interactions through page views, which were effective but often missed other actions like video views and clicks.
In contrast, GA4 categorizes each interaction as an event, offering more flexibility in analysis. These events are tracked independently and can be controlled easily.
While UA records data based on browsing sessions, GA4 records every individual click, transaction, download, submission, or view.
The shift from session-based tracking in UA to event-based tracking in GA4 provides users with better control and understanding of the customer journey. GA4 introduces four new event types:
- automatically collected events,
- enhanced measurement events,
- recommended events, and
- custom events.
2. GA4 Privacy-Focused Approach: Cookies and IP-less Tracking
GA4 introduces a privacy-centric approach that benefits both users and business owners.
Unlike Universal Analytics (UA), which allows unlimited user-specific data retention, GA4 limits data retention to 14 months. This ensures data stays relevant without recycling user information.
Many have hesitated to switch to GA4 due to concerns about these data retention policies.
So, how long does GA4 keep data?
It is widely believed that ALL DATA would be deleted after 2 or 14 months, depending on site traffic, making retrospective reporting comparisons impossible.
But this is only partially true.
GA4’s data retention policy applies solely to user-level reporting, which tracks individual user interactions with a website or app.
In GA4, IP addresses are not stored or collected as third-party cookies are phased out. Users can also request deletion of their data from a website’s database, giving them more control over their privacy.
Google prioritizes privacy in GA4 by collecting data without third-party cookies or IP addresses. Instead, it uses first-party cookies and AI to fill data gaps, complying with privacy laws like GDPR and the California Consumer Privacy Act.
The anonymized data and reports, generated by collecting and anonymizing user data to protect identities, are maintained indefinitely.
Benefits of Privacy-First Approach for Businesses
When you prioritize privacy with GA4, your company can gain valuable insights into
- Users,
- Their behaviour, and
- How they interact with the company website.
By utilizing these features, you can make informed decisions to optimize your marketing strategies.
3. Mobile App and Website Combined Tracking in GA4
One major upgrade in GA4’s analytics system is its easy integration of mobile app and website tracking.
Unlike Universal Analytics, where you had to create separate properties. GA4 allows you to track everything within a single platform. This integration gives site owners a more detailed view of how customers navigate their websites.
GA4 introduces the ability to track both website and app data in the same property, using the same measurement model as Google Analytics Firebase (used for mobile apps). This means all interactions are captured as events, making data analysis easier and enabling better insights across both platforms.
4. Hit Types vs. Events
A major contrast between Google Analytics Universal vs GA4 lies in how interactions are recorded. In UA, interactions were categorized into various hit types like
- Page views,
- Transactions, and
- Social interactions.
However, in GA4, each interaction is treated as an EVENT.
Events in UA had associated categories, actions, and labels. However, these classifications do not exist in GA4. Even though, GA4 views vs pageviews of UA are the same. In its place, GA4 uses event parameters and additional pieces of information about the action a user took.
Some event parameters, like page_title, are sent automatically, and additional ones can be added (up to 25 event parameters can be added and tracked with each event).
Because the data models differ fundamentally, Google advises against simply transferring existing event logic from UA to GA4. Instead, they recommend applying new logic designed to the framework of GA4.
| UA Hit Types | GA4 Events |
| Pageview | Event |
| Session Start | Event |
| First Visit | Event |
| Scroll | Event |
| Click | Event |
| Video Start | Event |
| File Download | Event |
| Video Progression | Event |
| Video Complete | Event |
| Newsletter Signup | Event |
| Contact Submission | Event |
| View Search Results | Event |
5. Machine Learning in Google Analytics 4
Many users are excited about the integration of machine learning in GA4. Machine learning can predict the actions a user might take in the future.
GA4 offers three predictive metrics:
- Purchase probability: This metric analyses the likelihood of customers making a purchase within 7 days.
- Churn probability: It calculates the likelihood of a user becoming inactive in the next 7 days.
- Predicted revenue: This metric estimates the revenue a user will generate in the next 28 days.
6. Data Reporting in UA vs. GA4
While GA4 may seem new and intimidating, not much has changed. Many of the same side tabs remain for exploring your data.
However, a new ‘retention’ tab has been introduced, emphasizing the life cycle report as a main focus.
The ‘engagement’ tab has taken over the role of GA3’s ‘behaviour’ tab and covers similar functionalities.
Additionally, the ‘monetization’ tab is a new feature in GA4 that brings several new options, including:
- The ‘Publisher Ads’ report
- The ‘In-App Purchases’ report
- The ‘E-commerce Purchases’ report
These features allow you to track revenue generated from items, ads, and subscriptions on your website or app.
7. Better Third-Party Product Integration in GA4
GA4 offers seamless integration with various other Google products, such as
- Google Ads,
- BigQuery, and
- Google Merchant Centre.
Previously, access to BigQuery was limited to users with a GA 360 account.
However, GA4 users now have FREE ACCESS to this connection.
BigQuery: In Google Analytics 4 (GA4), exporting data to BigQuery is now free for all properties.
Before the introduction of GA4, users had to find their methods to incorporate exported data into Google BigQuery. Previously, in Universal Analytics (UA), this feature was restricted to Analytics 360 properties only. Which incurred an annual cost of $150,000.
Thankfully, this is no longer necessary. Google has integrated BigQuery as a native data query platform.
For those unfamiliar, BigQuery is a Google-owned platform capable of importing massive amounts of data. Which can then be analysed to uncover valuable insights that aid in business decision-making.
Google Ads: Regarding Google Ads, GA4 allows users to identify highly engaged or high-value audiences and target them through paid campaigns.
Moreover, GA4 enables users to view Google Ads campaigns in the acquisitions report and import analytics conversions into their Google Ads account.
8. Customizable Dashboards in GA4
In GA4, users have the flexibility to customize their report pages, a feature not available in UA. By simply clicking on the “customize report” button, users can rearrange data cards according to their preferences.
Better functions and features: GA4 offers increased functionality and freedom to users, allowing them to tailor the platform to their specific needs. Here are some key functions and features:
- Report Customizations: Users can easily add reports and other tools to the navigation menu for quicker access.
- Explorations: GA4 introduces Exploration reports, allowing users to create dashboards similar to those in Looker Studio. This helps users dig deeper into data, identify trends, and use machine learning for better analysis.
- Data-Driven Attributions: GA4 includes a data-driven attribution model, giving users a broader view of the consumer journey beyond just the “last click” conversion.
- Anomaly Detection & Insights Feature: The new “Insights” feature in GA4 uses machine learning to detect anomalies in reports, helping users identify irregularities for optimized analysis. Users get greater control over data monitoring and alerting.
9. GA4 Track Complete User Journey
The GA4 differences in data collection aren’t just about privacy and security; they also help us better understand the entire user journey.
Universal Analytics was launched in 2012. Back then,
- Only 45% of people had smartphones,
- There were 540,000 apps in the app store, and
- E-commerce spending totalled $225.5 billion.
We were still following a traditional marketing funnel of
- Awareness,
- Interest,
- Desire,
- Action.
Which focused solely on acquiring new customers and didn’t address retention.
Fast forward to the beginning of 2021,
- 85% of people now have smartphones.
- The App Store boasts 4.5 million apps, and
- e-commerce spending reached $578.50 billion in 2019.
Additionally, Google had already introduced mobile-first indexing, reducing the presence of “mobile websites.” This approach places greater emphasis on retention and transforming customers into promoters.
10. The GA4 Search Bar: Improved Search Functionality
In Universal Analytics, you could search for reports and insights, by typing “conversions” to find relevant conversion reports and insights.
However, GA4 takes search functionality to the next level with its intuitive search bar. When you click on the search box, you’ll see your recent searches.
As you type a question, Google suggests completed questions.
You can search for specific questions, such as “How many more visits than last week?” and Google will provide the answer directly in the search bar.
Additionally, you can search for queries that compare data ranges, like comparing traffic between different periods.
11. UA Bounce Rate is Replaced with Engagement Rate in GA4
Another major change regarding GA4 vs Google Analytics 3 is replacing bounce rate with engagement rate.
Instead of focusing on bounce rate, Google has opted for a more positive approach by introducing the concept of engagement rate.
Engagement rate is a percentage metric calculated as engaged sessions divided by total sessions.
But what exactly are engaged sessions?
Engaged sessions are those that
- Last at least 10 seconds,
- Involve at least 1 conversion event, or
- Include at least 2 page or screen views.
So, does the bounce rate still exist in GA4?
YES, it does.
But bounce rate GA4 is calculated differently.
Here the bounce rate represents the percentage of sessions that were ‘not engaged sessions.’
In simpler terms, bounce rate is the opposite of engagement rate, which is the number of engaged sessions divided by the total sessions within a specific time frame. Unlike Universal Analytics, where the bounce rate was determined by the percentage of website users who viewed only one page.
12. Google Tag Manager is More Important Now
Google Tag Manager has become more crucial than ever, especially with the shift to GA4.
Previously, you could manage basic functions in Google Analytics Universal without Tag Manager. For instance, you could create destination page conversions directly in Google Analytics.
Now, with GA4, this is no longer an option. All goals are event-based, making it vital to be proficient in Google Tag Manager, especially for those in digital marketing or e-commerce.
Understanding Tag Manager, also known as GTM, is essential for advanced data collection. You’ll need it to create custom events, to get deeper insights into user interactions and behaviours.
3 UA Features Discontinued in GA4
In comparing Google Analytics GA4 vs UA, it’s also important to know which features are no longer available in the new GA4 version.
1. GA4 Removes Monthly Hit Limits
GA4 eliminates monthly hit limits. In Universal Analytics, webmasters were restricted to
- 10 million hits per property,
- 500 hits per session, and
- 200,000 hits per user per day.
Currently, GA4 has NO LIMITS.
2. GA4 Prevent Spam Referrals
GA4 takes measures to prevent spam referrals, a feature not carried over from Universal Analytics. It achieves this by requiring all Measurement Protocol hits to have a secret key, effectively filtering out spam referrals before they are recorded by the platform.
3. Webmasters Won’t be Able to Block IP Addresses
Certain other features are not being migrated as well. Webmasters will no longer have the ability to block IP addresses, create different views of their data, or set up filters for their hostname.
Are you ready to switch to GA4?
With all this valuable information, it’s time to take action.
QC Digitals strongly advise switching to GA4 sooner rather than later to grasp its benefits. Since Universal Analytics will shut down in July 2023, making the switch is inevitable.
So, why wait?
If you need assistance with shifting to GA4 or just some extra guidance, feel free to reach out.
