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DIGITAL MARKETING: Be Super Effective With Top Keywords

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Unlocking Growth: The Ultimate Guide to Digital Marketing Services for Businesses

In today’s fast-paced online world, digital marketing is the cornerstone of business growth. Whether you’re a startup, a local business in Littlehampton, or an established B2B company, the right digital marketing strategy can transform your brand’s reach, generate quality leads, and drive measurable results. But with so many options: SEO, content marketing, social media marketing, PPC, and more how do you know which digital marketing services are right for your business?

This guide explores the best digital marketing agency solutions for small businesses and established firms alike, and helps you discover effective, affordable strategies tailored to your goals.

Why Digital Marketing Matters for Your Business

Digital marketing is more than just a buzzword. It’s a collection of powerful tools and strategies that allow businesses to connect with their target audience online. From effective SEO techniques for small businesses to advanced PPC management for startups, digital marketing services are essential for anyone looking to compete and thrive in the digital age.

Key Benefits:
– Increased Visibility: Online marketing ensures your business is found by customers searching for your products or services.
– Targeted Reach: Digital marketing allows you to focus on specific demographics, locations, and interests.
– Measurable Results: With analytics, you can track every click, lead, and sale to maximise ROI.

Choosing the Best Digital Marketing Agency for Small Business

Selecting the right digital marketing agency is crucial. The best agencies offer a blend of creativity, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of your industry. When searching for a digital marketing agency near me or digital marketing services near me, look for providers with proven experience, transparent pricing, and a portfolio of successful campaigns.

What to Look For:
– Industry Experience: Agencies that specialise in your sector (e.g., content marketing agency for B2B companies) understand your unique challenges.
– Customised Strategies: Avoid one-size-fits-all solutions. The best agencies are business enthusiasts that tailor their approach to your business goals.
– Comprehensive Services: From SEO to email marketing, choose an agency offering a full suite of services.

Building an Effective Digital Marketing Strategy

A successful digital marketing strategy is the foundation of online growth. But how do you create a digital marketing strategy that delivers results?

Steps to Success:
1. Define Your Goals: Are you looking to increase website traffic, generate leads, or boost sales?
2. Know Your Audience: Use data to understand your customers’ needs and online behaviour.
3. Choose the Right Channels: Focus on platforms where your audience spends time: be it Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, or email.
4. Measure and Optimise: Track key metrics and adjust your strategy for continuous improvement.

Essential Digital Marketing Services for Businesses

1. SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) Effective SEO techniques for small businesses are vital for ranking higher in Google search results. This includes keyword research, on-page optimisation, link building, and local SEO strategies.

2. Content Marketing
Content marketing agency services help you create valuable blog posts, videos, and guides that attract and engage your audience. High-quality content boosts your authority and drives organic traffic.

3. Social Media Marketing
Top social media marketing strategies for businesses focus on building relationships, growing your following, and driving engagement on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

4. PPC (Pay-Per-Click) Management
Affordable PPC management for startups ensures you get the most from your advertising budget. Google Ads and social media ads can drive targeted traffic and quick results.

5. Email Marketing
Email marketing best practices for businesses include personalised campaigns, automation, and segmentation to nurture leads and retain customers.

6. Lead Generation Services
Lead generation services for your industry use a mix of online advertising, landing pages, and content offers to capture high-quality leads.

Online Advertising Solutions for Local Businesses

For local businesses, online advertising is a game-changer. Whether you’re a restaurant, retailer, or service provider, digital marketing services near me can help you reach customers in your area. Google My Business, local SEO, and targeted ads ensure your business appears when people search for services like yours.

How to Get Started with Digital Marketing

If you’re new to online marketing, start by assessing your current digital presence. Are you ranking for important keywords like digital marketing, SEO, or internet marketing? Do you have active social media profiles? Is your website optimised for mobile users?

Next, set clear objectives and consider partnering with a digital marketing agency that understands your market. Look for agencies that offer:
– Transparent reporting
– Proven results in your industry
– Flexible, scalable service packages

Measuring Success: Analytics and Optimisation

One of the biggest advantages of digital marketing is the ability to track and measure everything. Use tools like Google Analytics to monitor website traffic, conversion rates, and customer behaviour. Regularly review your campaigns and adjust your digital marketing strategy to improve performance.

Why Choose a Full-Service Digital Marketing Agency like SCC?

A full-service digital marketing agency offers everything you need under one roof, from SEO and content marketing to PPC, social media, and email marketing. This integrated approach ensures consistency, maximises your budget, and delivers better results.

Conclusion: Take Your Business to the Next Level

Digital marketing is the key to unlocking your business’s potential in the online world. By investing in the right digital marketing services, you can increase your visibility, attract more customers, and achieve sustainable growth. Whether you need a content marketing agency for B2B companies, affordable PPC management for startups, or online advertising solutions for local businesses, the right partner can make all the difference.

Ready to take the next step? Start by reaching out to SCC, the best digital marketing agency for SME & MME sized businesses, and discover how a customised digital marketing strategy can help you achieve your goals.

Contact me:

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

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: Business Boost Digital Transformation Offer

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Your Expert SEO Content Creation Partner

Driving Results: Vast Knowledge 35+ Years of Sales & Marketing Experience

I craft content that ranks, converts, and complies with strict Google EEAT & YMYL guidelines. Specialised in automotive and finance industries with regulatory knowledge. I will learn the key topics in your industry and understand your competition to partner with you.

What You Get:
– Search Engine Optimised website copy that robots love and humans actually want to read
– Ready-to-publish website & blog content (delivered in MS Word)
– Vital HTML text upgrades to Meta Description, Title, H1 H2 & H3 Titles
– AI search optimised Schema Markup available on upgrade
– Strategic content planning to boost domain authority
– Google Business Page Review and Improvements

Available via WhatsApp to seamlessly integrate with your team.

These digital transformation starter packages deliver immediate improvement from only £150-£400

Ask about my FREE 15 Chapter 126 page Book ‘The Definitive Guide To Digital Transformation For Legacy Businesses’. Available with this offer.

Contact me today.

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

SCC – Simple Creative & Cost Effective

DIGITAL INTEL: Hot Topic – Mastering AI Prompts

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Digital Intel. April 2025 Newsletter. Mastering AI Prompts

 

Your Guide On How To Obtain The Most Accurate Results From AI Apps

In today’s AI-powered world, the quality of your outputs depends largely on the quality of your inputs. Whether you’re using ChatGPT, Perplexity, or other AI assistants, your prompting technique can dramatically impact the accuracy and usefulness of the responses you receive. This guide provides effective methods to craft prompts that extract the most precise and helpful information from AI applications. Honestly, working with (& playing on) AI apps is addictive and I’m finding these resources invaluable for business and for achieving top results.

Be Specific and Detailed

Vague requests yield vague responses. Instead of asking “Tell me about climate change,” try “Explain the relationship between greenhouse gas emissions and rising sea levels, including current scientific consensus on projected sea level rise by 2050.” The more context and specificity you provide, the more tailored and accurate the response will be.

Use the Chain of Thought Technique

When seeking accurate answers to complex problems, ask the AI to work through its reasoning step by step. For example: “Please solve this probability problem step by step, showing your work at each stage and explaining your reasoning.” This approach helps the AI organise its thinking and reduces errors, particularly for mathematical or logical problems. I like Deepseek because the app shows you it’s working prior to the result. It’s sometimes fascinating to watch the process. (Geek)

Provide Examples

Show the AI exactly what you’re looking for by providing examples. If you want a specific format or style, demonstrate it: “Please generate three product descriptions following this example: [Product: Eco-friendly Water Bottle] This sleek, sustainable water bottle keeps drinks cold for 24 hours whilst helping reduce plastic waste. Made from recycled materials, it features a leak-proof lid and comes in four vibrant colours.”

Set Clear Parameters

Define the scope, length, and format you want: “Write a 300-word summary of quantum computing fundamentals suitable for sixth form students. Include 3-4 key concepts and avoid technical jargon.” Use Role Prompting. Ask the AI to adopt a specific perspective or expertise: “As an experienced climate scientist with background in oceanography, explain how ocean acidification affects marine ecosystems.”

Iterative Refinement [Important]

Don’t expect perfection on the first try. Start with a basic prompt, then refine based on the response:

1. Initial: “Tell me about effective teaching methods.”

2. Refinement: “Based on your previous response, elaborate specifically on inquiry-based learning techniques for secondary school science classes.”

Request Alternative Perspectives

To avoid bias and get more comprehensive information: “Present three different viewpoints on the economic impacts of universal basic income, including supporting evidence for each perspective.”

Specify Your Audience

Tell the AI who the information is for: “Explain how neural networks function to an audience of business executives with limited technical background.”

Use Formatting Instructions

Request specific structuring of information: “Create a comparison of electric vs. hybrid vehicles in a two-column format addressing: initial cost, maintenance expenses, environmental impact, and driving range.”

Ask for Confidence Levels

For factual queries, ask the AI to indicate its confidence: “Explain the current understanding of dark matter in astrophysics, and indicate your confidence level for different aspects of your explanation.”

Request Citations

For research-based content: “Provide an overview of recent developments in mRNA vaccine technology, citing specific research where possible.”

Test With Counterfactuals

Challenge the AI’s reasoning: “After explaining why diversification is important in investing, describe a hypothetical scenario where diversification might not be advantageous.”

Frame Complex Problems

Break down complex requests into clearly defined components: “I need help creating a marketing strategy. Please address: 1) target audience identification, 2) competitive positioning, 3) key messaging, and 4) channel selection.”

Conclusion

The art of prompt engineering is increasingly valuable as AI tools become more integrated into our workflows. By implementing these techniques, you’ll not only receive more accurate responses but also develop a more productive relationship with AI assistants. Remember that prompting is iterative, practice and refinement will help you discover which approaches work best for your specific needs.

The most effective prompt engineers understand both the capabilities and limitations of AI systems, setting realistic expectations whilst knowing how to push these tools to deliver their best possible outputs.

Naturally, these skills are not for every business owner, entrepreneur or busy manager. I provide affordable consultancy for digital marketing, content creation, SEO, AI optimisation and as a business enthusiast I enjoy seeing the improvement and extra profit generated by our partnership. Please contact me to discuss how we might work together.

DIGITAL MARKETING: 2025 Most Crucial Intel So Far

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Digital Marketing Search Enging Optimisation in 2025 – Adapting to AI and Emerging Opportunities. SEO Isn’t Dead but Evolving.

Crucial Intelligence. 

Google’s dominance persists (83.54% of searches), but AI chatbots like ChatGPT (4.33%) and platforms like YouTube (6.79%) are gaining traction, signalling a shift in search behaviour.

Q. How have you altered your strategy?


AI’s Impact on Search.

AI-driven tools provide personalised answers, reducing clicks to websites. Google’s integration of AI into search results creates challenges but also opportunities for content creators.

Q. Are you optimising your content to be picked up by AI apps?


Algorithm Updates Favour Quality.

Google’s 2024 updates penalised even large sites, emphasising high-quality, authentic content over technical optimisation. Good news for SME! Smaller businesses benefited from these changes.

Q. Could you ramp up quality and authenticity to benefit?


AI Content Can Rank.

AI-generated content, if high-quality and user-focused, can perform well in search rankings, as shown by recent studies and data.

So, potentially no penalty for automation.

Future SEO Success.

Winning strategies include creating original content, understanding user intent, adapting to AI-driven changes, and leveraging multimedia formats like video and audio.

Q. Introduce a Text – Voice – Video strategy?

Stay ahead in the evolving SEO landscape, embrace AI tools, focus on quality content, and adapt to shifting user behaviours to thrive in 2025!

Do you struggle to devote enough time to your advertising & marketing. Contact me to discuss how we could resolve that by working together in an affordable way.

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.

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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. 

MARKETING PHILOSOPHY: Key Components

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Having confirmed solid foundations in the business and marketing strategy these are the components of a successful marketing campaign.

This typically involves several key components that work together to achieve specific business objectives. Here are some of the most critical elements:

Clear Objectives and Strategy
Goals: Define what the campaign aims to achieve, such as increasing brand awareness or boosting sales.
Strategy: Develop a comprehensive plan that outlines how these goals will be met, including target audience identification and messaging.

Understanding the Market and Audience
Market Research: Conduct thorough research to understand the target audience’s needs, preferences, and behaviours.
Segmentation and Targeting: Identify specific segments of the market to target with tailored messaging.

Compelling Message and Content
Message Clarity: Craft a clear and compelling message that resonates with the audience.
Content Creation: Develop engaging content that captures attention and conveys the intended message effectively.

Media and Channel Selection
Media Channels: Choose the most effective channels to reach the target audience, such as social media, email, or traditional media.
Cross-Channel Integration: Ensure a seamless experience across multiple channels to maximise reach and engagement synergy.

Budget and Resource Allocation
Budget Planning: Establish a budget that accounts for all campaign costs and potential risks.
Resource Allocation: Ensure that sufficient resources are allocated to support campaign execution and evaluation.

Execution Plan and Timing
Project Plan: Develop a detailed project plan that outlines timelines, milestones, and responsibilities.
Timing: Identify the optimal moments to launch and adjust the campaign based on audience receptivity.

Monitoring and Evaluation
KPIs: Set key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure campaign success, such as sales revenue, customer retention, or ROI.
Continuous Evaluation: Regularly assess campaign performance and make adjustments as needed to optimise results.

So…
By integrating these components, businesses can create effective marketing campaigns that drive engagement, conversions, and long-term brand success.

___

Steve Coulter is a sales & marketing consultant & creative with 35+ years in senior leadership & entrepreneurship, primarily in automotive & online. A tech-savvy early adopter helping businesses evolve & grow.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

First published on Linked-In,

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.

TECH: How Jevons Paradox Is About To HIT HARD

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A fascinating thing that happens with technology. Back in Victorian Industrial Darkshire 1865, an economist called William Jevons noticed something interesting about coal use; When we made steam engines more efficient, instead of using less coal, we actually ended up using more of it! With obvious effects, people dropped dead from coal pollution.

Now, we’re seeing exactly the same thing happening with artificial intelligence (AI). At scale.

As we make these AI systems more efficient – and they’re becoming incredibly efficient – we’re not actually using less computing power. We’re using more.

Think about what’s happening here: Every time we make AI better at processing information, instead of scaling back, we just find more useful things to do with it. It’s a bit like giving someone a more efficient rocket – they don’t use less fuel, they just go further into space.

Consequently, it affects everything around it. When we make AI more efficient at handling tasks, companies don’t just maintain their current operations. No, they expand! They ‘Dream bigger!’ They tackle more complex problems and process more and more data faster and faster… another law Moores Law! A cascade of increasing complexity and capability.

You see, that’s what makes this paradox so incredible, it shows us that efficiency doesn’t lead to reduction. It leads to expansion. And in a way, isn’t that the story of life itself? As systems become more efficient, they don’t become simpler – they become more complex, more interesting, more wonderful.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

I’ll tackle the dark side of the adverse effect of higher energy consumption from AI and Crypto products next time. It’s even more topical the week the US President cancelled low carbon projects, instructed oil companies to ‘Drill, drill, drill’, and cranked up AI investment while promoting environmentally destructive high energy use Cryptocurrency.

Jevons Paradox has not been so relevant since coal powered factories consumed the population of the North of England.

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Futurist, innovator and technology vulture. An avid reader and thinker, I love to join the dots. Always seeking the next big recombination idea!

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: The Weak Ad Threat

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I spend time researching advertising and too often struck by weak, unfocused and what can only be described as complacent ads.

Advertisements without a strong call to action (CTA) are burning money. Here’s why:

The CTA Imperative. Without a clear directive, potential customers are left confused and unmotivated. CTAs serve as critical signposts guiding users toward the next step in their customer journey.

👀 Key Pitfalls of Weak Copy
– No clear user direction
– Missed conversion opportunities
– Reduced audience engagement
– Lack of psychological motivation

✅ Pro Tips for Improvement
– Use strong, action-oriented verbs
– Create a sense of urgency
– Make CTAs visually prominent
– Clearly communicate the value proposition

Remember: Your copy should not just inform, but ‘inspire action’. Every advertisement is an opportunity to convert interest into tangible results. If the advert is aimed at a specific sector or group have follow up adverts ready to run as a reminder and to be consistent.

Run the rule over each ad.

✅ Great headline

✅ Engaging & informative copy

✅ Call To Action

It’s not 💥💥💥🚀

 

First published on Linked-in.

Contact me if my ‘Do The Simple Things Well’ philosophy resonates.

As ever Like, Share & Follow my social media posts the links are above. 

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.

___

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.

ADVERTISING: Old School Ogilvy For Today

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David Ogilvy, often called ‘The Father of Advertising’ revolutionised the industry with his iconic campaigns. A great observer of detail, his constantly finessed drafts and final adverts combined meticulous research, storytelling and creativity to captivate and resonate with audiences.Here are some of his greatest works and iconic campaigns and how his style can still inspire contemporary advertising. As an enthusiast of old school copy ads from the Fifties and Sixties they are published here complete:
Rolls Royce (“At 60 Miles an Hour”) Known for its now legendary powerful headline, “At 60 miles an hour, the loudest noise in this new Rolls Royce comes from the electric clock” it highlighted product specifics and luxury.
Dove (“One Quarter Moisturising Cream”) Ogilvy repositioned Dove which was struggling for recognition and market share as a “beauty bar,” not just soap, elevating its status and creating a long lasting brand identity.
Guinness (“The Guinness Guide to Oysters”) This series of educational ads paired Guinness with food, blending information with elegance to enhance its sophistication.
Schweppes (“Commander Whitehead”) Featuring the company’s president, this ad exuded authenticity and sophistication, tying the brand to exclusivity.Hathaway Shirt (“The Man in the Hathaway Shirt”). Featuring a man with an eye patch, this ad used “story appeal” to intrigue viewers. The mysterious element drew attention, making the brand memorable.

So here’s the meat in the sandwich as a friend says.

Contemporary Applications of Ogilvy’s Style :

Storytelling with Visual Hooks: Modern brands can emulate Ogilvy’s “story appeal” by using intriguing visuals or unexpected elements in social media campaigns.

Data Driven Headlines & Content: Like Ogilvy’s Rolls Royce ad, brands should craft specific, benefit driven headlines for digital ads to boost engagement.

Authenticity in Branding: Using real people (e.g., founders) in campaigns resonates today, especially on platforms like Tik Tok and Instagram.

Personal Brand: The ‘Commander Whitehead’ as pictured in the Schweppes adverts is an obvious spin-off personal branding opportunity today.

Educational Content Marketing: Ogilvy’s Guinness and Dove campaigns show the power of educating consumers about product benefits aka solving a problem too. A strategy effective in blogs and video content.

In summary, David Ogilvy’s timeless principles truthful storytelling, captivating visuals, and product focused messaging remain essential for modern marketers.

Who are your advertising and copywriting heroes?

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Specialising in effective website and digital marketing content, Steve Coulter is a U.K. based copywriter and content professional with a lifetime interest in advertising and marketing.

COMMENTARY: Your Job Is Safe, For Now.

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Today’s announcement from the Prime Minister that the U.K. Government will be investing heavily in AI tools to improve the productivity, efficiency and better use of taxpayers money got me thinking about what will be the result of this. On the face of it this sounds like a really positive step, but the heavy use of AI tools by a government to improve efficiency and outcomes in its departments could have significant effects. The government has targeted growth as the driver of fixing the British economy which is currently running at in excess of 100% Debt to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) which was just 70% in 2010. Here’s a pros and cons summary from the articles I’ve been reading today:

  1. Increased productivity and cost savings: AI could automate many tasks, potentially saving millions of labour hours and billions in annual costs. This could allow Civil Service and government workers to focus on more important tasks and provide services to the public faster.
  2. Improved public services: AI could enable personalised, predictive, and preventive services in areas like education, transport planning, and firefighting (topical with Los Angeles fires & Grenfell relevant), leading to better outcomes and higher productivity for citizens and private companies.
  3. Enhanced decision making: AI could improve governmental decision making and public service delivery by incorporating intelligent data analysis into organisational strategies.
  4. Economic benefits: Research suggests AI could boost productivity by up to 1.5 percentage points per year, potentially worth an average of £47 billion to the UK economy annually over a decade. The U.K. has poor productivity compared to other countries so these improvements are vital to our growth objectives and to significantly improve within the election cycle.
  5. Challenges in implementation and inertia: There’s a need to develop AI expertise among government workers and address potential negative mindset from users. Effective policies and regulatory frameworks are crucial to ensure responsible AI deployment and mitigate risks.
  6. Potential for job losses: While AI could create efficiencies, it may also lead to job losses in the civil service, requiring careful management and alternative career initiatives.
  7. Government responsibility: Secretaries of State are responsible for policy and outcomes good and bad. Decisions made by AI must be justified on a social and finance level.

My verdict.

Obviously in toto the idea is a no-brainer, but while AI presents significant opportunities for improving government efficiency and service delivery, it also introduces many complicated challenges that require careful consideration and management. The human face of the Civil Service is here for a while at least.
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Steve Coulter is a content creator and copywriter specialising in effective SME website content and conversion – with a lifetime interest in politics and economics.

DIGITAL MARKETING: The New Kid On The Block.

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I’m going to introduce you to an innovation around Internet search you have possibly not heard about, but will undoubtedly dominate the conversation (excuse the pun) in the near future.

Every now and then there’s a paradigm shift that alters the way we behave and that moves from something niche, to serious mainstream. Have you ever read Malcolm Gladwell’s The Tipping Point? I recommend it to anyone interested in human behaviour and especially where everyday technology applies.

If you are relying upon your website and its performance in search and in 2025 that means Google, you need to understand there is a new kid on the block who is not going away.

That’s ‘Conversational Search’ or CCAI to give it the correct acronym. The usurper of SEO?

Have you noticed how you might have started to use conversational language in the search field? Example a search ‘Rolex For Sale Near Me’ becomes ‘What are the most popular new luxury watches that hold their value?’.

If people are searching the latter and you’ve optimised your site only to rank on Google or with less relevancy or authoritative information you won’t do so well in CCAI, that could have profound effects on your business. As the investment guru Warren Buffet says ‘If you have all your eggs in one basket, you better keep an eye on the basket’. I’d put money on the majority of business owners being myopic about their Google ranking with little interest in alternatives. Let’s be honest, people like me exist because many businesses are not even strong on Google!

So, is CCAI the future of online information retrieval? In January 2025, the landscape of online search is rapidly evolving. CCAI is gaining traction and challenging the traditional search paradigm nowadays dominated by Google. But could it replace the search giant and undermine our SEO tactics? I’m old enough to remember the Nineties where ranking, even inclusion on Yahoo was vital to search success. Anyone remember Alta Vista?

Advantages of Conversational AI Search

  1. Natural Interactions: Users can ask questions in their own words, making the search process more intuitive and user-friendly.
  2. Direct Answers: Instead of a list of links, CCAI provides concise, contextually relevant responses, saving time and effort. Great for research.
  3. Personalisation: AI can tailor responses based on user preferences and previous interactions, offering a more personalised experience.

Challenges and Limitations

  1. Accuracy Concerns: While improving, we’re still at ‘Ford Model T’ stage, AI can still misinterpret queries or provide incomplete information.
  2. Data Recency: Traditional search engines often have more up-to-date information, crucial for current events and rapidly changing topics.
  3. Comprehensive Results: Google’s vast index and sophisticated algorithms still provide a broad range of sources and perspectives although have you noticed how dated many search results are nowadays?
  4. Self Referencing: A real issue with AI is self referencing, where results from AI are included in new website content, thus in time overemphasise importance.

My Verdict

While Conversational AI search is making significant strides, it’s unlikely to completely replace Google in the near future. Instead, we’re moving towards a complementary ecosystem where both technologies coexist, each serving different user needs and preferences. As professionals, it’s crucial to stay informed about these advancements and consider how they might impact our industries. We’ve become complacent with Google SEO fettling, the future of these new search alternatives is exciting, and it’s clear AI will have a role in reshaping it.

What are your thoughts on the future of search? Have you begun to use conversational language in your Internet searches? What will you do to create content that searches effectively in all models?

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As ever, please Like, Share, Save and Follow and please contact me if you would like to discuss improving your digital marketing and growth strategy.