Social Media

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: 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.

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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.

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.

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.

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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.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.

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. 

ADVERT: DIGITAL MARKETING FROM £99 P/M

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Satisfy your New Year Resolution to kickstart your business growth in 2025!

JANUARY SPECIAL OFFER

Steve Coulter Creative Facebook Post 001 - 070125


Professional digital marketing services from just £99 per month. 

– Boost your presence online and on social media.
– Drive quality enquiries to your business.
– Start conversations with new prospects.
– Achieve measurable results to improve next time.

MIX & MATCH

Let’s work together, whether your website is lagging behind in search results, locally or against your competitors, or your social media channels lack direction, we can work out a bespoke plan for January and the future.

– SEO – (Search Engine Optimisation) Optimise your website to rank higher in local search.
– Google Search – Improve your local search results.
– Social Media – Create branded eye-catching posts with great content and hashtags.
– Audit your complete online presence and strategy.

Unlike other agencies whose similar offer is limited to an amount of social posts we will work together on a specific area of your digital marketing that requires improvement.

Reasonably priced upgrade, copywriting and scheduling offers available.

Don’t miss out, this offer ends 31st January. Contact me today and let’s work together.

DIGITAL MARKETING: Money Matters.

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We are all motivated or many people would remain in bed all day. The essentials of life have to be accounted for with whatever we can earn. But to achieve more than basic needs we need a driver. A great example is a mortgage. We all want to pay off our mortgage, but actually, having that ball and chain is a driver to earn more to pay what can be an amount that wildly fluctuates as a percentage of our income in our lifetimes. Somewhere you find the money for the home you thought you could not afford. After conducting an autopsy of my own working life and expenditure I believe having a permanent mortgage would have been beneficial. Obviously age and health are pertinent. Where am I going with this?

If you don’t have a budget to start a business you don’t have a business. Don’t start a business if you don’t have six months income set aside too. Investing £x 000 in the start up essentials of a modern enterprise like a sophisticated website not only gives your business an anchor, but somewhere to market to and from and capture prospect data. Repaying initial costs is part of your driver to establish a thriving business and go the extra mile to secure sales. You can also offset against taxable income so it’s less than its actual invoice price. It’s only the modern world where clicks have replaced bricks that not having any premises to trade from could even be contemplated. Before Y2K you couldn’t open a shop without acquiring one, rent or buy. You wouldn’t open a shop right next to another one either unless demand suggested it were viable. Social media has exacerbated the problem. Yes, Instagram, Tik Tok or Twitter is virtually free to use but it’s not as effective as paying for a targeted professional campaign aimed at a specific product or service. Or the data you can extrapolate for next time and who it turns out is your customer.

How much of your start up funds would you invest in a website and marketing to drive traffic?

SOCIAL MEDIA: Black Tie / White Noise

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Noisy neighbours.

There are various types of learning styles. Visual, Auditory (hearing), Reading, Kinesthetic (touch, or tactile learners). What’s your preference? Over the years I’m aware my own is a combination of reading and listening. Then particularly with quotes or important dates, writing out passages and even associating dates by breaking them down and attaching to words cognitively.

Auditory learners are able to ascertain the true meaning of spoken words by listening to changes in tone and build trust from tempo, tone and timbre. They are also good at writing responses to lectures (hand up here). It’s claimed that auditory learners prefer background sound and work better while learning. I’m listening to an album on the HiFi – and louder than you might imagine with no loss of concentration. Auditory learners are great storytellers, solve problems by talking them through and respond well to sound or voice oriented information.

It’s no surprise then that I have taken to Social Audio aka Interactive Podcasting. The pioneer app in this space Clubhouse, is now a year old and new entrants, Twitter Spaces and Spotify Greenroom (aka ‘Greenhouse’​ to hardcore Clubhouse users) are capitalising on the popularity.

If so many learn by listening and a combination of the above, then it’s not that Social Audio should be a surprise but that it’s taken over a decade to arrive. Like all disruptors, why didn’t we all see it coming?

Over the past few days so much debate and comparison between Clubhouse and Greenroom. To paraphrase the great Sir Alex Ferguson, Greenroom is the ‘Noisy neighbour’​ there is nothing to be done by any platform in relation to competition except remain on the planned course and introduce upgrades to ensure an excellent and stable experience for the user. A point that I keep coming back to though is that all professionals will choose whichever app suits them and offers the greatest Return On TIME Invested, and that all competition only breeds improvement in performance and service. In other words, choose your weapon and let the provider make your experience as enjoyable as possible. I have no doubt though that people who arrive at the Greenroom app via the Spotify homepage/podcast section will learn of Clubhouse, perhaps pay a visit and stay if they prefer the greater visual appeal of white space, are an older demographic and a more sophisticated user. The more frantic, with smaller icons, reversed out (dark mode background) Greenhouse will thrive on younger, music and creative themed topics (& hopefully for them) along with the predominantly sports user base they inherited when they purchased the Locker Room app to modify and relaunch.

For me, I have invested four months on and off with Clubhouse and have 600 organic followers who have either appreciated my commentary or profile. I see no point in trying to establish myself on alt.voice platforms and will enjoy the development of the app’s features and the arrival of more like minded, creative thinkers, the like I have come to make the acquaintance of since March.

Come and find me to say hello, I am @ thestevecee on the app.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Back To The Futurism 3

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Futurist Preamble Ramble Pt.3:

The Clubhouse app analogy. Like attracts like, people follow those they respect and meet more like minded, all these people invite their friends to join the app and a ripple effect of like minded & a virtuous circle. An app that existed before the pandemic but floundering, came alive when we were stuck at home and realised that interactive podcasting meant you could contribute to the discourse of your pet subjects and interests. Typically, the larger platforms are now on the bandwagon with their own offerings. Speaking and sound was the last of the senses to be properly catered for by Social Media, the effect of hearing tone in someone’s voice is more personal than text creating an unexpected hit. Unexpected seems to be a thread.

At the creator level, ideas from people across the world are disseminated and applied to individual markets. Collaboration is a natural effect.

On a buyer level, obviously influencers are embedded, but micro influencers are targeting a smaller niche audience from subsets of interests. It’s simpler to market a niche product or service than larger.

How many have dyed their own hair during the pandemic and how many have sought reviews online? Some ultra agile smaller brands have capitalised mightily in the last twelve months by creating simple to use products and receiving rave reviews. The rise of the #RavingFan !

Social Media Groups are simple to create and market to. Brands who interact at a quantum level in these forums build trust in a subscriber that they are the most qualified supplier of goods and services (Social Listening). Backed up by encouraging great feedback within these forums and the Internet in general. Your brand’s clean fingerprints have never been more vital in a world where you simply cannot erase a poor review.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Back To The Futurism 2

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Futurist Preamble Ramble Pt.2

Creatives can use Blockchain as a method of dating and copyrighting their output – Intellectual Property is becoming critical when nation states are prepared to steal copy ideas and products. Leading creatives will create a Cryptocoin that reflects any rise in their stock. Imagine investing in designers Johnny Ive, Dieter Rams or architect Frank Lloyd Wright stock at the beginning of their careers.

The development of creator to brand exchanges where creatives will bid for work and brands can pick from the most competitive and creative talent to bring new messages to their customers.

We have only scratched the surface of the effect of Blockchain and Cryptocurrency. There is nothing to prevent well known brands jumping this bandwagon, encouraging investment in their coin generating interest bearing tokens that can be exchanged for limited edition products, uniquely offered sale goods and media launches and cross brand endorsements. Brands expanding outside of the regular economy into the decentralised economy that even countries like the newly independent Great Britain*, a G7 economy are considering entering – maybe tied into Free Port policies.
*I am Remainer lol but we are stuck with Brexit so we have to make it work.

In summary, a new breed of independently funded creators will provide infinite new competitively priced content to brands wishing to personalise their offerings to a savvy consumer.

Convenience
Consumers want Ease, Speed, Reliability & Consistency.

The rise of apps. Expedited delivery. Free Returns

Tribes & Influences
People want advice from like-minded people or people they admire & respect. We all want to belong.

They want to support brands they relate to and admire too. Cont.

 

SOCIAL MEDIA: Back To The Futurism

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More of the brainstorming from last week’s futurist marketing think tank.

Futurist Preamble Ramble Pt.1

The pandemic has enabled work from home and freelance culture. #WFH This was coming down the tracks with inevitable automation of industries but accelerated due to national lockdown policies. Home schooling (Child & Adult) and public service broadcasting was simply enabled to accommodate this. Surely a key to future economic prosperity would be a permanent extension of learning via television and Internet resources.

Millions of people around the world may become or are already unemployed or soon to be laid off when stimulus and furlough ends. Disruptors will radically alter industries like banking and law one by one as the dots are joined between industries to create recombination businesses like Air BnB and Uber. These were unthinkable a decade ago, but technology and the acceptance to use apps on smart phones by the general public plus price competition is fuelling this rise. The more sophisticated the apps become the more personalised and effective the offering will be to sectors of the demographic.

Already AI embedded plug-ins will track your e-commerce website journey and pigeon hole your behaviour then tailor a specific discount or offering to your buyer type. Rather like the person in a store who makes a purchase when an assistant only has to say “Have you tried the orange top with the blue skirt?” Until now sites like Etsy could only offer you a blanket discount across your range, added to their commission this was prohibitive. Imagine how profit can be increased when on an individual basis you offer only what you need to give to gain a sale? Or recognise a re-visitor who wants something no longer in a sale but would buy with a small incentive.

The New Creator Economy means self employed freelance creators will need to be ultra creative and competitive to create content and bandwidth to make an income. I’ve started using the hashtag #ultracreatives

These will be prolific, high quality content creators.

Cont.