Social Media

FREELANCE DIGITAL MARKETING: Business Boost From Only £200 p/m

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Why Your Business Needs a Freelance Digital Marketing Consultant.

Are you struggling to grow your small to medium sized business online while juggling countless other responsibilities? A freelance digital marketing consultant might be exactly what you need.

Immediate Benefits for Your Business

– Expertise without the expense – Access professional marketing knowledge without committing to a full-time salary, NI, employee benefits, pension contributions or office space
– Pay only for what you need – Scale services up or down based on your budget and immediate business requirements
– Quick implementation – Experienced consultants can execute strategies rapidly, delivering ROI much faster than learning everything yourself
– Competitive advantage – Gain access to the same sophisticated marketing techniques used by larger competitors

Why Small Business Owners Are Making the Switch

– Free up your valuable time to focus on what you do best, running your core business
– Measurable results with clear reporting on exactly what your marketing investment is delivering
– No long-term contracts required, giving you complete flexibility as your business evolves
– Fresh perspective from someone who has solved similar challenges for multiple businesses

Don’t let digital marketing become another stress point in your busy schedule. A freelance consultant brings immediate expertise to your business without the overhead of another full-time employee.

The most successful small businesses know when to delegate. Make your marketing work harder while you work smarter.

Please contact me to engage an enthusiastic partner to achieve your goals and objectives.

My Business Boost Packages to which include SEO optimised website articles and strategic social media posts from only £200 per month.

DIGITAL MARKETING: US Real Estate & U.K. Estate Agency Improvement Packages

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US Real Estate & U.K. Estate Agency Digital Presence Transformation

Transform Your Real Estate Agency Business Online: My Expert Digital Enhancement Package ‘Business Boost’

Is your real estate agency website and digital marketing underperforming? Are potential clients choosing your competitors?

My Audit-Fix-Maximise program delivers immediate improvements and generates more qualified leads and closed deals.

What You’ll Get:
– Comprehensive website and Google Business Profile audit
– Search Engine Optimised content creation tailored to real estate audiences
– Strategic digital marketing alignments with Google’s critical EEAT and YMYL guidelines
– Technical optimisations to improve your visibility in both traditional and AI-powered search

Why Act Now?
In today’s challenging market, your competitors are already enhancing their digital presence. Every day without optimisation means missed opportunities and lost revenue. My proven system has helped real estate professionals increase website traffic and build trust by lifting the Google Review Score from 4.2 to 4.7

Choose Your Performance Level:
Whether you need fundamental improvements or comprehensive digital transformation, we offer customised packages designed specifically for real estate professionals looking to dominate their local market.

Affordable digital transformation packages from only £150 – £400 to set up the programme for success. Contact me to discuss your business, objectives and goals for the programme.

Contact me today.

Call: +44(0)7407 038877 (+WhatsApp)
Email: steve@stevecoulter.co.uk

SCC – Simple – Creative – Cost Effective

DIGITAL MARKETING: Ready To Transform?

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Your 3 Stage Process to Dominate Local Search & Skyrocket Your Online Presence.

Want to outshine competitors and attract more customers? Here’s the marketing philosophy I swear by:

1. MAXIMIZE Your Google Business Profile.
Your Google Business Page is a goldmine for local visibility. Optimise it with:

– High-quality photos + keyword-rich descriptions.
– Regular posts (offers, updates, guides).
– Authentic reviews + swift responses.

Result? Top-of-map local search rankings and instant trusted credibility.

2. AUDIT & FIX Website Gaps
A broken site = lost revenue. Dive into:

– Technical SEO (speed, mobile optimization).
– User experience (navigation, CTAs).
– Content gaps (missing FAQs, service pages).

Result? Higher conversions and happier visitors.

3. PUBLISH Industry-Relevant SEO Content
Google rewards fresh, valuable content. Prioritise:

-Blog posts answering local customer questions & industry updates.
– Specific landing pages.
– Data-driven updates (review stats, adapt to trends).

Result? Long-term traffic + authority in your niche.

Why This Works
– Boost organic (free) traffic by 50%+ (or more!).
– Convert casual searchers into loyal clients.
– Stay ahead of algorithm shifts.

Ready to Transform with *SCC* AUDIT – FIX – MAXIMISE?

** You’ve read this far… I’m betting you are too busy to spend the required time to make a difference marketing your business? Contact me, let’s work that out.

DIGITAL MARKETING: Free Website Audit

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Free Comprehensive Website & Digital Marketing Audit.

Discover hidden opportunities and unlock your online potential with a free, no obligation digital analysis.

Myself and team will evaluate your website performance, SEO ranking, content strategy, and social media presence to identify the critical gaps and untapped growth channels.

You will receive actionable insights and recommendations across all your digital channels delivered in a clear, prioritised report.

Take the first step toward digital excellence and greater profit today – your competitors already have.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Please contact me and let’s work together.

DIGITAL MARKETING: Simple Organic Marketing Strategy

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A Simple & Affordable Path to Better Organic Search Rankings.

Many website owners look for shortcuts to boost their Google rankings, but after years of experimenting, I’ve found that patience and quality always win. Here’s a simple approach that consistently delivers results:

– Create high-quality, well-structured content that genuinely addresses user needs and questions.

– Regularly update existing content to maintain accuracy and relevance (Google loves fresh content!).

– Focus exclusively on educational content that provides real value to your audience.

– Strategically publish new content that complements your existing information and expands your topical reach.

While it takes time to build authority, this approach creates a solid foundation that algorithms reward with better rankings. No shortcuts, just consistent value delivery that both users and search engines appreciate.

What sustainable organic SEO strategies have worked best for you?

For any readers who would rather concentrate on their businesses, I’m here to assist with all of the above.

___

Originally published on LinkedIn. Steve Coulter is an experienced SME business owner since 1987, digital marketing consultant and content creative. Tech-savvy early adopter now helping businesses evolve & grow.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Contact me today.

 

DIGITAL MARKETING: The Elephant In The Room

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Can we talk about the elephant in the room?  

An elephant in the room.

Working with Digital Marketing Agencies can feel like a roller coaster, starting with high hopes but soon hitting a dip. As a former business consumer of digital products as well as a nowadays provider, I feel your pain.

Truth 💣 Most companies hit serious jams with their suppliers. You know the story; costs out of nowhere, amendments ongoing weeks later, and updates somewhere between no hope and Bob Hope.

Don’t get me started on generic websites that could belong to anyone and miss your brand style and the best bits.

Then when you’re live, your website supplier entered witness protection and disappeared to Costa Rica.

Here’s where myself and team are different:

First of all you can contact me personally for an informal free initial consultation. WhatsApp me your domain and any other pertinent marketing links and I’ll give it a 3.5 decade expert and experienced once over.

Then once we have decided upon a plan, we believe in keeping it real with clear agreed in advance pricing you can budget for. Timelines and prices that don’t make you laugh (or cry), myself or team will remain in touch during and afterwards.

So if you’re website is tired, needs some new relevant SEO optimised content or an update with no dramas. Please contact me and let’s chat.

—-

Experienced SME business owner since 1987, digital marketing consultant and content creative. Tech-savvy early adopter now helping businesses evolve & grow.

DIGITAL MARKETING: 10 Off-Site SEO Hacks

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Off-site SEO is not just those backlinks random people offer to sell you in unsolicited e-mails, nor does it need to be a mystery. Here’s some simple and effective off-site SEO ideas that can deliver relatively quick results. Pick and mix!

1. Guest Blogging on High-Authority Sites

Publish content on established websites in your industry. This provides backlinks from trusted domains and exposes your brand to new audiences.

Target the more receptive mid-tier industry blogs and create genuinely valuable content that addresses their audience’s needs. Include one or two natural links back to relevant pages on your site.

2. Build Relationships with Influencers

Connect with industry influencers who can amplify your content and lend credibility to your brand.

Start engaging authentically on their social channels, share their content, and offer genuine value before asking for anything. Small influencers (micro-influencers) often provide better engagement rates and are easier to connect with.

3. Create and Share Infographics

Design shareable infographics that visualise interesting data or concepts in your industry.

Use tools like Canva to create an infographic around trending topics or evergreen information, then share it on social media and your own off-site weblogs linking back to your site. There are Infographic Specialists you can contact to create more sophisticated designs.

4. Participate in Relevant Online Communities

Become an active, helpful member in forums, LinkedIn, Quora, Reddit, or industry-specific communities.

Find questions you can answer expertly, provide thorough responses, and include links to your content only when directly relevant. Build reputation first, then leverage it for visibility.

5. Leverage Local SEO and Business Directories

Ensure your business is listed consistently across major directories and review sites.

Claim and optimise your Google Business Profile, then systematically add your business to top directories like Yelp, Yellow Pages, and industry-specific listings. Ensure NAP (Name, Address, Phone) consistency across all platforms.

6. Repurpose Content Across Platforms

Transform your existing content into different formats to reach wider audiences.

Turn a popular blog post into a YouTube video, SlideShare presentation, or podcast episode. Each new format creates opportunities for different backlink sources and audience exposure.

7. Build Strategic Partnerships

Collaborate with complementary (non-competing) businesses in your industry for mutual promotion.

Identify potential partners and propose content swaps, joint webinars, or co-created resources. This can quickly expand your reach to pre-qualified audiences.

8. Leverage Social Proof and Testimonials

Showcase client success stories and testimonials on third-party platforms.

Request satisfied customers to leave reviews on Google, industry review sites, or testimonials you can share. Then amplify these positive experiences through case studies that others in the industry might link to.

9. Create Skyscraper Content and Strategic Outreach

Research top-performing content in your niche, then create something significantly better – more comprehensive, up-to-date, and visually appealing.

Use tools like Semrush to find content with lots of backlinks, improve upon it, then reach out to sites currently linking to the original piece, showing them your superior version.

10. Create Your Own Industry Weblogs 

Create and maintain with regular updates independent weblogs relevant to your own industry. These evergreen resources will direct visitors to your site for yours to come.

Publish the kind of information people are searching for in longer form content than your own website. Use Google search and look at the search term suggestions to inspire content. Also, these are great for long-tail keywords.

Quick Tip: Rather than trying all strategies at once, pick 2-3 that align best with your resources and industry, then execute them thoroughly before moving on to others. Track results to see which approaches work best for your specific situation.

I can help with any of your digital marketing solutions, please contact me. 

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Steve Coulter is an experienced SME business owner since 1987. Digital marketing consultant and content creative. Tech-savvy early adopter now helping businesses evolve & grow.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Originally published on LinkedIn.

 

 

COMMENTARY: How To Avoid Area 14 Syndrome

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SME Business Owners: How To Avoid Area 14 Syndrome.

During the Nineties I managed car sales at a franchised car dealership. We were savvy negotiating targets with all suppliers, as a consequence with application, quality of service & great local marketing, our team hit higher target bands to maximise the bonuses. However, I specifically avoided those conversations with other managers & owners who complained about everything; the franchise, their target, local activity and how everything was so difficult. Not so easy in an era of telephone negotiated dealer stock swaps for sold orders, but we had a great team & I didn’t make all the calls. When we hit 140% of sales target AKA the big bucks while the majority were on 90% I named it ‘Area 14 Syndrome’.

I’m talking about this because right now it’s so easy to talk the economy and business down. The news, OMG it’s so negative. Either the national or international news, or on social media. There’s never been a time like it. Twenty four hours. Relentless.

So, it’s incumbent on you and I as business owners and managers to be self-starters and move the dial, because nobody is going to do it for us.

First up, for example; let’s try not to let the seemingly arbitrary new Trump Tariffs affect our mood, conversation, or how we perceive our own business is going to alter as a result. The US Dollar has strengthened against the Great British Pound blah blah blah.. There’s a thousand outcomes, they’re not all bad.

Secondly, the government has a big job rebooting a U.K. economy that’s flat and dominated by major corporations and monopolies. How do you motivate businesses already making £Billions to sell more? But we’re not thinking about them.

In 2025, a vital foundation for your company is an effective, reliable website. Take a look at yours and check how well it represents your business, attracts sales and addresses the typical problems you might need to overcome such as;

Communicating your capabilities
Generating leads
Specialist recruitment
Building trust
Managing complex sales and manufacturing cycles
Differentiating your business from competitors
Adopting new technologies
Supply chain communication
After-sales support and technical documentation
Expansion into new markets and translation.

These are just a few of the typical problems SME sized businesses in industry need to overcome. You could do worse in February to audit your business website to see which of those require attention, the last time they were altered, or indeed any others you can think of. What will make you more profit?

If my ‘Half Full Essay’ resonates and you would like to work with an enthusiastic Digital Marketing supplier then please contact me, I’ve a great team for any project.

DIGITAL MARKETING: Why You Need A WordPress Website

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Why Your Business Needs a WordPress Website: Here’s 10 Compelling Reasons to Invest. 

Are you running a small or medium-sized business without a proper website? Or indeed a dated or broken one? You’re leaving money on the table. WordPress powers over 43% of all websites on the internet, and there’s a good reason for that. Here’s why your business should invest in an affordable WordPress website from Team SCC today.

1. Cost-Effective Solution

WordPress from Team SCC offers professional-looking templates and themes at a very affordable cost. In addition to your website you only need to pay a nominal amount for hosting, a great domain name, and occasionally premium themes or plugins.

2. Easy to Update Without Technical Skills

Remember the days of calling your web developer for every small change? WordPress puts you in control. The user-friendly dashboard lets you update content, add images, and publish blog posts as easily as using Microsoft Word. Your team can handle it without any coding knowledge. Of course Team SCC are here in reserve!

3. Mobile-Ready Out of the Box

Your customers are on their phones – your website needs to be too. Modern WordPress themes automatically adjust to any screen size, whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, or desktop. No extra work needed on your part. Dynamic Websites R Us!

4. Built-In SEO Features

Getting found on Google is vital for business growth. WordPress comes with built-in SEO features and can be enhanced with powerful plugins. Better search rankings mean more customers finding your business naturally. So, it pays for itself.

5. Scalable as Your Business Grows

Starting small? Low budget? No problem. WordPress grows with you. Add new features, pages, or even an online store when you’re ready. Major brands like The Walt Disney Company and Sony Music use WordPress – it’s that scalable. We build great e-commerce websites using WP.

6. Extensive Plugin Marketplace

Need a contact form? Want to add social media feeds? Looking to start email marketing? There’s a plugin for everything. WordPress’s plugin directory has over 59,000 free options to extend your website’s functionality.

7. Security and Regular Updates

WordPress is actively maintained by thousands of developers worldwide. Regular security updates keep your website safe from cyber threats. With basic security plugins and good hosting, your site stays protected.

8. Built-In Blog Platform

Content marketing drives sales, and WordPress started as a blogging platform. I was there! Share your expertise, announce new products, or keep customers updated – all from the same dashboard you use to manage your website.

9. Support from Team SCC

Team SCC is ready to help if your site is malfunctioning or there is an upgrade you need, or an update you’re uncertain about.

10. Integration with Business Tools

Connect your website with the tools you already use. WordPress plays nice with everything from payment processors and CRM systems to social media platforms and email marketing services. We can help here too.

Take Action Today

Don’t let your competition get ahead. Setting up a WordPress website with Team SCC is easier than you think:

1. We can recommend a reliable and sustainable hosting provider

2. Select a great domain name and a professional theme that suits your brand

3. Install the essential plugins

4. Add SEO & CAI* optimised content

5. Press Go!

Your business deserves a strong online presence, and WordPress & Team SCC makes it possible without breaking the bank.

Your future customers are searching online right now. Make sure they find you with a professional website.

Call or message me to get started.

—-

Steve Coulter the principal at SCC is a Sales & Marketing expert, consultant & creative with 35+ years in senior leadership & entrepreneurship, primarily in automotive & e-commerce. A tech-savvy early adopter helping businesses evolve & grow.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

*CAI is Conversational AI – the searchable content of the future. 

ADVERT: Big Results, Small Budget

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Digital marketing advert for Steve Coulter Creative February 2025

Big Results, Small Budget: Digital Marketing That Doesn’t Break the Bank.

Small & medium sized businesses often feel like David facing Goliath. Out of reach advertising & marketing agencies working for larger businesses with greater budgets make competing and growth for you seem impossible.

But what if you could unlock powerful digital strategies without emptying your business account?

From a Tight Budget to a Towering & Enduring Success…

✓ Research – Always aim to understand your business, philosophy, products and competition before creating anything.
✓ Transparent – Agreed pricing with no hidden fees.
✓ Communication – No jargon just simple updates.
✓ Affordable – Ensuring value for money.
✓ ROI – Creating highly effective digital marketing that reflects your brand.

Contact me today and let’s work together to grow your business.

—

Sales & marketing consultant & creative with 35+ years in senior leadership & entrepreneurship, primarily in automotive & online. Tech-savvy early adopter helping businesses evolve & grow.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

For more insight and my own advertising and marketing philosophy please bookmark this website and follow me on LinkedIn.

DIGITAL MARKETING: 2025 Developments You Cannot Ignore. Pt.4

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The fourth of a five part post on the key developments in digital marketing that businesses should be aware of in 2025.

Part 4. Sustainability and Purpose Driven Marketing.

No longer a subject you can only pay lip service, Sustainability and Purpose-Driven Marketing in 2025 has evolved from a nice-to-have initiative to a core business imperative, as consumers increasingly align their purchasing decisions with their values. Successful digital marketing strategies now integrate environmental and social responsibility throughout their messaging, backing up claims with transparent reporting and measurable impact data. Companies are leveraging digital platforms to showcase their sustainability journey, from carbon footprint tracking to ethical supply chain practices, while maintaining authentic communication about both achievements and challenges. The focus has shifted from simple green messaging to comprehensive purpose-driven narratives that encompass environmental stewardship, social justice, and ethical business practices. This transparency extends to regular sustainability reports, behind-the-scenes content, and real-time impact tracking, all shared through digital channels. Success in this space requires brands to demonstrate genuine commitment through actionable programs and measurable results, moving beyond superficial “greenwashing” to create meaningful change that resonates with increasingly conscious consumers. The integration of sustainability into digital marketing strategy now demands a holistic approach that connects purpose with profit, ensuring that environmental and social responsibility are woven into every aspect of brand communication and customer engagement.

So here’s more detail and ideas around Sustainability and Purpose-Driven Marketing:

Increased emphasis on environmental impact
– Carbon footprint tracking and transparent reporting of business operations
– Development of eco-friendly products and packaging solutions
– Digital-first initiatives to reduce paper waste and physical marketing materials
– Highlighting sustainable supply chain practices and improvements
– Investment in renewable energy and carbon offset programs
– Implementation of circular economy principles in product lifecycle
– Clear communication of environmental goals and progress metrics
– Partnership with environmental organisations and certification bodies

Transparent communication about sustainability initiatives
– Regular sustainability reports and progress updates
– Behind-the-scenes content showing sustainable practices
– Clear metrics and measurable goals shared with stakeholders
– Real-time tracking of environmental impact
– Honest acknowledgment of challenges and areas for improvement
– Educational content about sustainability efforts and impact
– Direct response to customer questions about environmental practices
– Documentation of the entire product lifecycle and its environmental impact

Focus on authentic brand purpose
– Clear articulation of company values and mission
– Alignment of marketing messages with actual business practices
– Employee advocacy and internal culture initiatives
– Community involvement and local impact programs
– Long-term commitment to social causes
– Integration of purpose into product development and innovation
– Measurable social impact goals and reporting
– Stakeholder engagement in purpose-driven initiatives

Consumer demand for ethical business practices
– Enhanced supply chain transparency
– Fair labour practices and worker welfare programs
– Ethical sourcing and procurement policies
– Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
– Fair pricing and value transparency
– Data privacy and protection measures
– Community investment and support programs
– Regular ethical audits and certifications
– Response to social justice issues and advocacy

These elements are becoming increasingly crucial as consumers demand more accountability and responsibility from businesses.

If you are interested in any particular application or to discuss how these new innovations might specifically benefit your business please contact me.

DIGITAL MARKETING: 2025 Developments You Cannot Ignore. Pt.3

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The third of a five part post on the key developments in digital marketing that businesses should be aware of in 2025.

Part 3. Video Marketing Evolution

Video continues to be the most exciting area of digital marketing for creatives. Video Marketing Evolution in 2025 marks a transformative era where traditional video content has evolved into a more dynamic, interactive, and commerce-driven medium. Short-form vertical video continues to dominate social media platforms, with businesses adapting their storytelling to capture attention in seconds through platform-specific formats like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. The integration of interactive elements has revolutionised viewer engagement, allowing audiences to actively participate through clickable hotspots, real-time polls, and personalised viewing paths. Live shopping has emerged as a powerful revenue driver, combining entertainment with immediate purchase opportunities through seamless e-commerce integration. This convergence of social commerce and video content has created new opportunities for authentic brand storytelling and direct sales. Success in this landscape requires brands to master vertical video optimisation across platforms, leverage AI-powered editing tools for efficient content creation, and develop strategies that balance entertainment with commercial intent. The focus has shifted from simply creating video content to crafting immersive, shopable experiences that drive measurable business outcomes while maintaining audience engagement.

So let’s break down each aspect of Video Marketing Evolution in greater detail:

Short-form video continues to dominate social media
– Evolution of TikTok-style content across all major platforms
– Increased focus on vertical video formats optimised for mobile viewing
– Growth of micro-content (15-30 second videos) for attention-grabbing storytelling
– Integration of AI-powered video editing tools for quick content creation
– Rise of user-generated content campaigns leveraging short-form video
– Platform-specific video optimisation (Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, TikTok)
– Enhanced analytics for measuring short-form video performance

Interactive video experiences
– Clickable hotspots within videos for product information
– Choose-your-own-adventure style content for increased engagement
– Real-time polls and surveys embedded in video content
– Interactive product demonstrations with multiple viewing angles
– Integration with e-commerce platforms for seamless purchasing
– Gamification elements within video content
– Personalised video paths based on viewer choices

Live shopping and shopable video content
– Real-time product demonstrations with instant purchase options
– Integration of live streaming with e-commerce platforms
– Interactive Q&A sessions during live shopping events
– Virtual try-ons during live streams
– Influencer-led shopping experiences
– Social proof through live customer reviews and demonstrations
– Analytics tracking for live shopping conversion rates

Vertical video optimisation across platforms
– Platform-specific aspect ratios and formatting requirements
– Enhanced mobile-first viewing experiences
– Optimisation for full-screen immersive viewing
– Improved caption and text overlay placement
– Strategic use of vertical space for branding elements
– Mobile-optimised call-to-action placements
– Cross-platform vertical video strategy development

In an incredibly dynamic realm these developments are reshaping how businesses connect with audiences through video, making content more engaging, interactive, and commercially viable.

If you are interested in any particular application or to discuss how these new innovations might specifically benefit your business please contact me.

DIGITAL MARKETING: 2025 Developments You Cannot Ignore. Pt.2

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The second of a five part post on the key developments in digital marketing that businesses should be aware of in 2025.

Part 2. Privacy-First Marketing.

Privacy-First Marketing in 2025 represents a fundamental shift in how businesses approach digital marketing, driven by heightened consumer privacy concerns and stricter regulatory requirements. As third-party cookies become obsolete, successful marketing strategies now pivot around building trusted, direct relationships with customers and leveraging first-party data effectively. Organisations are investing in sophisticated Customer Data Platforms (CDPs) and implementing transparent data collection practices that prioritise user consent and control. This new landscape demands a more thoughtful approach to personalisation, where businesses must balance the desire for targeted marketing with respect for privacy preferences. Contextual advertising and cohort-based targeting are replacing individual tracking, while brands focus on creating compelling value exchanges that encourage voluntary data sharing. Success in this privacy-centric era depends on building trust through transparent communication, maintaining robust data security measures, and developing innovative ways to deliver personalised experiences without compromising user privacy. The emphasis has shifted from tracking users across the internet to nurturing direct relationships and leveraging owned channels, fundamentally transforming how businesses engage with their audiences.

Here is a more detailed break down of each aspect of Privacy-First Marketing:

Continued phase-out of third-party cookies
– Major browsers eliminating support for third-party cookie tracking
– Shift towards privacy-preserving alternatives for user tracking and measurement
– Need for new approaches to cross-site user identification
– Impact on retargeting and audience targeting capabilities
– Development of browser-based solutions like Google’s Privacy Sandbox
– Focus on contextual advertising as an alternative to behavioural targeting

Rise of first-party data strategies
– Building direct relationships with customers to collect owned data
– Creating value exchanges to incentivise data sharing (exclusive content, personalised experiences)
– Implementing robust data collection and management systems
– Developing customer loyalty programs to gather behavioural insights
– Focus on email marketing and owned channels
– Investment in Customer Data Platforms (CDPs) to unify first-party data
– Enhanced importance of user registration and account creation

Privacy-preserving advertising technologies
– Development of privacy-safe measurement solutions
– Adoption of clean room technologies for data collaboration
– Use of aggregated and anonymised data sets
– Implementation of differential privacy techniques
– Focus on cohort-based targeting instead of individual tracking
– Privacy-compliant attribution models
– Enhanced data encryption and security measures

Enhanced focus on building direct relationships with customers
– Investment in community building and engagement
– Development of owned media channels
– Creation of valuable content that encourages voluntary data sharing
– Focus on transparent communication about data usage
– Building trust through clear privacy policies and user controls
– Implementation of preference centres for personalisation
– Enhanced customer service and support to strengthen relationships

In summary, these changes are driving a fundamental shift in how digital marketing operates, moving from tracking-based approaches to permission-based marketing built on trust and transparency.

If you are interested in any particular application or to discuss how these new innovations might specifically benefit your business please contact me.

MARKETING: A Timeless Philosophy

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❗️Mastering the Basics in a High-Tech World: A Timeless Sales & Marketing Philosophy.

In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven work & marketplace, it’s easy to get caught up chasing the next big thing; AI tools, automation, data analytics, and personalisation at scale. While these innovations are undeniably useful and powerful, I believe the foundation of great sales and marketing hasn’t changed: doing the basics exceptionally well.

So here’s my philosophy:

💡 Start with Timeless Principles.

Great marketing begins with understanding your audience, crafting compelling messages, and building authentic relationships. These are the same principles that worked for legendary campaigns decades ago, they’re just as relevant today. Technology doesn’t replace these fundamentals; it amplifies them.

💻 Leverage Technology to Scale the Basics.

The beauty of modern tools is that they allow us to execute classic strategies with unprecedented precision and efficiency. For example:
• Storytelling: AI can help analyse audience preferences to refine narratives that resonate deeply.
• Customer Relationships: CRM platforms let us personalise interactions at scale while staying true to the human touch.
• Testing & Iteration: Digital tools enable us to test creative ideas quickly and optimize campaigns in real time; something a ‘Don Draper’ could only dream of!

🎯 Focus on Execution Excellence.

It’s not about how many tools or trends you adopt it’s about how well you execute on what matters most. A clear value proposition, consistent branding, and a strong call-to-action (CTA) will always outperform flashy gimmicks without substance.

🌟 Blend Creativity with Data-Driven Insights.

The best campaigns marry the art of storytelling with the science of analytics. Use data to inform your strategy but never lose sight of the emotional connection that drives action.

At its core, sales and marketing are about people; understanding their needs, solving their problems, and creating value for them in ways that feel personal and meaningful. The tools may evolve, but the mission remains the same.

Let’s embrace innovation without losing sight of what makes our work timeless: clarity, creativity, and connection.
What do you think? How do you blend classic principles with cutting-edge technology in your sales or marketing strategy?

Let’s discuss…. Do you have your own business philosophy? Message me.

—-

Previously published on LinkedIn.

Steve Coulter is a four decades sales, marketing and management professional with old school values but with a track record for being in at the innovator and early adopter stages of new technology.

Please Like, Share & Follow.

MARKETING: Social Plus Selling Equals Success

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Social selling is the practice of using social media platforms to build relationships, engage with prospects, and generate leads. It focuses on nurturing trust and credibility rather than direct selling, often leveraging platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Increase your brand visibility. Social selling helps expand brand reach when you encourage and enable employees to share content and optimise their socal media profiles.

Generate high quality leads. By leveraging social media profilesbusinesses can easily identify and connect with potential customers who are most likely to be interested in their products.

Shorten the sales cycle. Social selling allows for faster and more efficient communication with prospects expediting relationship building and sales conversions.

Create deeper connections. Sales departments can build more authentic, personal relationships by researching and engaging with potential cliens showing genuine interest.

Boosts sales performance! Social selling is proven to be effectve with 51% being more likely to exceed sales targets and 78% exceeding the results of peers not using social selling. Basically, it works.

Here are some successful social selling case studies with high ROI – would these strategies improve the performance of your business’ marketing KPI and profit?

1. InContact By training half its sales team in social selling using LinkedIn and Eloqua, InContact achieved a 157% revenue increase within a year. The trained team also built a 160% larger sales pipeline compared to untrained colleagues.
2. IBM IBM implemented social selling through LinkedIn and Twitter, supported by a content calendar. This strategy resulted in a 4x year-on-year sales increase, showcasing the power of targeted social engagement.
3. Old Spice Old Spice’s personalised video campaign led to a 107% sales increase in three months, making it the top men’s body wash brand. The campaign demonstrated how creative social strategies can drive significant ROI.
4. AT&T By focusing on rebuilding relationships via social media, AT&T secured $47 million in new business within 18 months, directly attributed to their social selling efforts.
5. Homefield (Ecommerce) Homefield leveraged Twitter/X to promote vintage sports apparel, achieving the highest ROI among its social platforms by driving direct purchases through organic posts.

Have you employed Social Selling with your business? Was it successful?If you are interested in developing State Of The Art Digital Marketing for your business please contact me.

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Steve Coulter is a four decade sales and marketing expert. From cold canvassing prospects to add to a Car Sales database in 1990 to e-commerce success via WordPress and Woo Commerce websites more recently. Please contact me for State Of The Art Digital Marketing ideas.