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What Is An Unscalable Hack?

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Lately, I have been seeing a lot of people talking about growth hacks. These are little tricks that you discover that launch you into the mainstream by creating a surge of user accumulation in a short time.

Plenty of businesses have been scrambling to hire on a growth hacker for their businesses ever since the term started to trend, and even I have been approached by some clients asking me about it where before they had never seemingly heard of it.

The problem – as I have explained to them – is that this method is actually, at the heart, an unscalable hack. But when I say this it usually causes more confusion than it alleviated, which sent me to Google to see what others had to say on the subject. I was shocked to discover only a couple of relevant article on the same concept, and at least two were bases around the technical design definition of the phrase.

The Definition of Unscalable Hacks

An unscalable hack is more or less a short term solution that may or may not yield results. It is usually a temporary solution to a problem that will only patch the original issue, or provide a momentary injection. Which is, to me, what growth hacking is in both theory and practice. It is a short term means of creating a growth surge before you move onto the next tactic.

The problem with this kind of solution in any context is that it is only beneficial if you truly do find that mystical strategy that makes it all worth it. The one that will be your ace in the hole, and boost you onto a new level where you can begin a whole new tactic for continued growth.

Now, I am not saying that unscalable hacks don’t have their place in a sound business strategy. Just look at the way Reddit used the gap created by Digg to sweep in, or Google+ leveraged invites to build hype (not that it helped them in the long run). These are examples of short term actions that really paid off.

All I am pointing out is that an unscalable hack (or growth hack, for that matter) mean nothing if you don’t have the juice behind it to keep things running past the point where it stops being effective – which can be a very small window of time, indeed. If you don’t see many results with that hack in the first place, it is just creating even more problems.

A Better Way To Do Things

If you manage to find that genie’s lamp, by all means, rub it.. Would LinkedIn have been successful if they hadn’t started off following a single minority elitist line within the niche? Probably not. But don’t put too much effort in thinking of wishes that you forget how many you have. The end result is going to be based on more than a good idea that launched you into the mainstream…once you get there, you have to stay there.

The best method of leveraging hacks is to apply them to already solid business and marketing models, and incorporate many sound ideas that will work alongside your genie. Don’t put everything you have behind it’s power, because it only has so much.

With that said, regardless of which growth hacks you are using, always top it off with:

What do you think about unscalable hacks? Are they worth taking the risk for the average business or site owner? Let us know in the comments.

Image by talha khalil from Pixabay

3 Keys to Better Brand Marketing Starting Now

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Would you say you are doing a good job of marketing your brand to consumers?

Some companies are spot-on when it comes to marketing their brands. For others, they have some work to do.

With this in mind, how are you going about marketing your brand to capture as much sales and revenue as possible?

Alert Consumers to Why They Should Buy Your Brand

In marketing your brand to be a winner, remember these keys moving forward:

  1. You define the message and not the competition – One of the keys to a successful brand is to get your message out. Even when you do get that message out, it is important you define it and not your competition. So, make sure the message going out is the one you want. If you let your competition define you, it can have negative repercussions now and down the road. For example, if you are an automaker or dealer, you want consumers to know why your brand stands out. Before buying their next auto, folks want many details about what their next auto can offer. Be sure you deliver that message.
  2. Use all available delivery – When trying to get your brand front and center, use many tools. For example, do you use social networking sites? Some brands are asleep at the wheel when it comes to using social media to their advantage. As a result, their competitors can get a leg up on them. There are a myriad of social media sites you can use to your advantage. Best of all, social media is in essence free for you to use. As an example, are you on Instagram? This site is a great one to use when you want to convey images of your brand to consumers. Twitter is a good one to run not only info on your brand but links to relevant articles and more on your industry. No matter the social site or sites you choose to go with, be socially active.
  3. Your customers are valuable – While you view your customers as valuable to you, do not only think they are a sale. Some of your customers can prove to be great for you when it comes to promoting your brand. If you have some customers willing to do testimonials for you, by all means let them go for it. Such testimonials can have more impact with consumers than ads you do on your own. This is because some consumers tend to be more swayed when they see a fellow consumer talking up a brand. You can offer those customers willing to do testimonials some incentives. These can include discounts on other purchases they make and so on. The key is having as many customers as possible deliver the good news to other consumers. Whether time to go car shopping or buy other items, first-hand experiences from others can mean a lot.

When you need to do a better job of brand marketing, where will you begin?

About the Author: Dave Thomas writes about marketing topics on the web.

 

Automakers Need to Continue Marketing Driving Safety

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With so many vehicles on the road, it is no surprise that there are opportunities for accidents to occur. When they do, they can be of the minor variety or quite serious.

With that in mind, a vehicle that gives consumers the ultimate protection is crucial.

So, are automakers doing all they can to market safety? Also, are consumers heeding the warnings and taking time to shop for the safest autos on the market?

Marketing Safety to the Public

When it comes to automakers, it is key to not only come up with the safest vehicles but also alert consumers to them.

For example, when a consumer goes car shopping, he or she should have as much auto safety info available. Given safety is an issue on the roads, safer drivers and vehicles means fewer accidents.

That said automakers can and should continue to do the following:

  1. Market safety on their websites – A company’s website is one of its best resources to spread the word to the public. That said automakers need to continue to use this vehicle to spread safety info. From blogs and reports on safety trends to videos and more, marketing safety is a win-win for all.
  2. Test vehicles on a regular basis – Many consumers have likely seen those commercials. The ones that come with the disclaimer that there is a pro driver behind the wheel during a safety test. Testing vehicles in high-performances situations leads automakers to discover more about autos. Such testing can find faults with vehicles before they hit the market for consumers to buy.
  3. Use social media – Along with auto websites, another way for them to drive home auto safety is social media. Given all the consumers on social media, it stands to reason this is a good place to go for auto safety info. Consumers can follow their favorite automakers on their respective social channels. In doing so; stay in tune with the latest in auto safety news.

Drivers Have a Role to Play Too

Even while critical for automakers to do all they can to produce safe autos; drivers have a role here to play too
That being the case, drivers must play a major part in the safety equation.

For example, if you are a parent and your teen will be driving soon or is, were they taught the right way to drive?

Unfortunately, some teen drivers are not as safe as they need to be out on the roads. As a result, they put themselves and others in harm’s way when getting behind the wheel.

The same can be said for adult drivers. Some do not take driving and the privilege it is to have a license in the first place in a serious manner. As a result, they make others less safe out on the roads. In some instances, the bad decisions can lead to fatal consequences.

When automakers and drivers come together on safety, everyone stands to be safer on the roads.

About the Author: Dave Thomas writes about marketing topics on the web.

 

Does Your Brand Market Success?

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How good of a job are you doing these days when it comes to marketing your brand for success?

If you responded to say not all that good, don’t you think this will need to change?

This is especially the case if you are in an industry where you face a lot of competition on a daily basis.

So, does your brand market success or do you need to focus more on your marketing efforts?

What Marketing Initiatives Are You Using?

In looking at your brand’s marketing efforts, are you focused where you should be?

To start, are you doing the bulk of your marketing in-house or out-sourcing what you need done? If the latter, you want to be sure you are working with a top-notch agency.

Whether you look at Klicker or another inbound marketing agency, find one that works for you.

One of the ways to find the right agency for your marketing needs is using the Internet.

Many marketing agencies have websites. As such, it is not all that difficult to find them online.

With a Google search or if you already have an agency’s website URL, get online and begin the hunt. Before long you may have the agency you need to partner with for more brand success.

In looking at which agency to work with, consider the following:

  • How long has the agency been around? While there are some great young agencies out there, one with experience may be your best bet. Either way, find the agency that will get to know you and your brand and help you succeed.
  • What does the agency have to offer? – Different marketing agencies will have a myriad of offers available. That said find the one best suited to your brand’s marketing needs.
  • Will the customer service be first-rate? – Last, you need a marketing agency that provides you with first-rate customer service. Anything short of this will not cut it. That said get some feelers on how agencies you consider working with treat customers.

What is Your Competition up to?

While you do not want to become fixated on what your competitors are doing, do not go to sleep on them either.

With this thought in mind, do you know what they do, especially as it concerns their online efforts?

In checking out their efforts, you should get a better understanding of what works and what does not. As a result, it can help you become more in tune with what marketing steps you may well need to take.

Finally, look for ways to push the envelope when it comes to your online marketing efforts.

From contests to podcasts and more, make your brand stand out from others. This is why seeing what the competition is up to and finding ways to one up them is key.

When you stop to look at what you are doing, is your brand marketing making its case?

In the event the answer is no, you need to get working on a successful brand marketing operation.

Photo credit: Pixiebay

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers business topics on the web.

 

Six Examples of Solid Facebook Marketing

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Facebook is a very powerful, extremely viral social networking and micro-blogging platform that has catapulted many businesses to new levels. It has enjoyed a famously popular online exposure and an ever-increasing appeal to corporations, social networkers, and online entrepreneurs.

Some companies who recognize the Facebook effect experience enormous brand recognition and success that accompanies their marketing efforts. These six companies are currently enjoying successful social networking, high traffic to their sites, and a branding experience that they credit to Facebook.

1. Pringles

The famous potato chip snack company is quite popular on Facebook – something to the tune of over 3 million fans! The site’s attraction is more than the snack lover’s interest in their wares, but for their comedic and crafty use of their product videos.

The videos are a mixture of professional, commercial-style shoots and others that were taped possibly using personal video recorders. All of the videos are entertaining and funny, but without fail in each video, Pringles brands themselves very effectively through visual marketing.

2. Dell

If Facebook fans ever needed a reason to love a computer manufacturer, Dell has given them one – if not several. With over 100,000 fans and several niche Facebook pages, Dell is the company who proudly embraces a green campaign and makes a conservation commitment to their Facebook followers.

Each time one of Dell’s fan’s picks a friend, Dell plants a tree on their behalf. This effort is a part of their commitment to creating a healthier planet, additionally making a donation to The Conservation Fund to plant up to 150,000 trees. How’s that for social interaction?

3. LawListings

LawListings Facebook

LawListings has a very engaging Facebook page that is a good example of visual quoting: They put together well-branded visual quotes and engage their Facebook audience with that content.

This Facebook Page is a great example of effective Facebook marketing even in tough niches.

4. Pizza Hut

The pizza chain giant has over one million fans on their page. What makes their site so viral? Their generous interaction with the pizza community. They tag other users on Facebook, make it fun and very sociable by allowing fans to upload various pictures, images, photos and artistry depicting their brand in various ways.

Some of the fan photos are with family, creating a visual imagery of unity, while other photos that are incorporated onto their page are snapshots of different Pizza Hut restaurants or paraphernalia.

5. Harley-Davidson

The motorcycle giant has over 700,000 fans on their Facebook page and use several marketing methods to attract and retain those fans. Much of the information on their site consists of photos and videos, but there is a heavier focus on information and updates about their product and the motor bike industry at large.

Fans flock to their pages to sneak a hopeful peek at what the upcoming bikes will look like and to read about any changes in their current bike line. Harely-Davidson is definitely an industry leader with a proven track record. Facebook has helped their online marketing efforts by reaching a technical aspect of their customer pool.

6. Starbuck’s

With one of the highest number of fans on Facebook, Starbuck’s remains at the top because of their frequent and engaging interaction with coffee lovers everywhere!

They are very involved in the local communities and abroad, and use videos, blog posts, surveys, and coffee giveaways to appeal to their customer base. Starbuck’s takes the time to carefully groom their social networking page to be sure that they effectively reach their customers, making them an outstanding industry leader.

Further reading and resources:

Any other great Facebook marketing case studies? Please let us know!

How to Evaluate Your Content Performance

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It isn’t always easy to evaluate ourselves and our work. Anyone who has created content in any professional capacity has had the experience many times of people responding strongly to a piece you didn’t think was any good, and then all but ignoring the one you poured your heart and soul into. It is an exasperating experience that reminds us that it isn’t always so easy to determine quality based on perspective alone.

The bad news is that evaluating content performance is a very necessary job. We have to be able to see what is working, and what isn’t, in order to continue to grow. Luckily, there is hard data to assist in the process, as well as a few things to keep in mind.

What Makes Content Successful?

Before looking at how to analyze the success of your content, you need to define something very important: what constitutes success. You might get a lot of views on a blog posts, but be disappointed by its lack of comments. Something could generate a ton of comments, but never get shared once on social media. It could be republished (with permission) on another site, but hardly generate any traffic for your own.

There are several ways that you could define success:

  • The content receives a lot of engagement on social media, and brings people to your profile.
  • The content drives clickthroughs to your actual site.
  • The content generates a lot of traffic via SEO and search engine results.
  • The content improves your visibility, and attracts an audience you were trying to target.
  • The content enriches the authority of yourself and your brand.
  • The content assists the steady growth of your site, even if only in part.

Here are only some examples. Really, success is defined entirely by what it is you choose it to be.

Once you have established this criteria, you will know what to look at moving forward.

Further reading: The Comprehensive Guide to Content Marketing Analytics & Metrics

The Need For Analytics

The simplest way to go about evaluating your content is to find patterns within data. That is where analytics come in. Google Analytics is your most basic tool (it is free for most people), and easiest to use. But you can find any number of tools online, including plugins that can be integrated into WordPress to provide the details right in your dashboard, or on individual posts.

Don’t make any decisions based on a couple of months of information. While three to five months can give you a small glance at how certain content is doing, it is a very small sampling. Six months should be your minimum, but a year or more is much better. The more posts you have to analyze, the better the picture as you see what has happened over time.

Analytics will tell you how much organic traffic has been generated, how long people have on average remained on the page (did they immediately click out, skim, or read in detail), and what posts are top performing.

Once you have that data comes the tricky part is deciding what to do with it. It isn’t enough to know what content is doing well. You have to figure out why. Ask yourself:

  • What patterns are emerging based on the topic?
  • How was the SEO handled on those posts?
  • Was there a specific tone within those posts?
  • Did it include any kind of visual content that enhanced it?
  • Was the style done in a particular way?
  • Who created the content?
  • Did anything special happen on social media, such as the use of particular hashtags when sharing?
  • Were the topics related to something trending at the time?

You want to find the common links with this content, in order to figure out what it is about them that has been working.

Further resources: Here’s a good collection of analytics and search engine optimization resources and tools to go through

When The Same Thing That Always Works Stops Working

One thing you may notice is a surge of popularity based on these patterns, and then a decline. If what you thought was always working isn’t anymore, analytic data will show you that with brutal clarity. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing; times change, and you have to adapt with better content for new eras. Otherwise, you will be left behind.

If you find yourself noticing that what used to work is no longer bringing you the results you need, it is time to try something new. That might also be hidden in the data, as you can see the second most popular content that is still rising beyond the decline you’ve noted. It could inspire you to create something new. Take it as an opportunity to grow!

Further reading: talkingAds, a company that “translates data into actionable results”, puts it very well:

Interpreting and acting on the basis of marketing analysis is the key… Aligning marketing analytics with company requirements makes a difference.

Being Honest About Your Content

You are going to be shocked by what you find, from time to time. You are going to want to deny it. No, there is no way your readers have started to avoid your Freaky Fridays theme week, or lost interest in meandering stories about your time working that job only you find interesting!

Further reading: To help you out, here’s a great article on creating great content from startablog123.com: How To Write A Good Blog Post

Well, that is just the way the cookie crumbles. People get bored, they move on, and you have to bring them back. Don’t get so bogged down with what you’re used to. Enjoy this chance to start fresh, and pay attention to what the data tells you. Even if what it tells you makes you a little bit sad.