Algorithms rule search results, but humans still rule connections.

SEO moves fast in a world with AI-driven search engines. You can’t afford to pretend things are the same old, same old — your search rankings won’t play along. Google keeps integrating AI into search results, Bing’s Copilot is taking off, ChatGPT’s search engine is here, & everyone’s just trying to figure out what comes next.

But AI doesn’t replace people. It sharpens the tools people already use.

Mastering SEO in 2025 means knowing which algorithms matter most, how to use the right keywords without sounding like a robot, and finding fresh ways to make sure actual humans read your content.

That’s exactly why we’ve set up this interactive, hands-on webinar. It’s made for communicators, PR pros, content writers & anyone else whose job is to make content stand out in search results without losing that human spark. 

If you’ve felt lately like SEO’s a slippery slope and the slope’s only getting steeper, this webinar’s exactly what you need. 

Who

PR communicators, content creators, digital marketers—really anyone whose job involves getting content noticed by humans & algorithms alike. If SEO ever caused you a headache, or if you’re tired of guessing what works, this is for you.

What

It’s two days packed with everything you need to handle SEO when AI is calling the shots. Here’s what you get out of it:

• SEO Trends for 2025: Google’s newest AI tools, Bing’s Copilot, ChatGPT’s search engine—everything changing the SEO game right now.
  
• Keyword Research: How to find & use keywords that actually get noticed without sounding forced or awkward.
  
• Better Writing for SEO: Learn how to write blogs, press releases & web copy that real people like and search engines understand.
  
• Alternative Platforms: Real-life tactics to rank high on Gemini, Perplexity & ChatGPT’s new search tool, not just Google.
  
• PR + SEO: Practical ways to tie your PR work directly to better search visibility and higher domain authority.
  
• Real-Life Exercises: Hands-on practice that gives you skills you can use immediately.
  

When

May 1 & 8, 2025
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. ET

Key Takeaways

• You’ll know exactly what’s changing in SEO—no guesswork, no panic.
  
• You’ll walk away with keyword skills that feel natural instead of robotic.
  
• You’ll know how to create content that humans love and AI rewards.
  
• You’ll be ready to handle whatever new search platforms pop up next year.
  
• You’ll see how PR and SEO go hand-in-hand to boost your visibility.
  

Why You Should Attend

SEO isn’t exactly getting simpler, folks. The rules change every year, sometimes even every month, & the stakes keep getting higher. The quicker you learn, the less stress you’ll have about staying visible online. You’ll walk away feeling confident about the future—not worried about it.

How to Register

Reserve your spot right here: https://theeventnexus.com/2025-master-seo

Meet Your Webinar Experts

Justin Seibert

President, Direct Online Marketing

Justin Seibert’s been mastering search engines since before “SEO” became a buzzword—back when Google was still young & dial-up was common. In 2001, he turned a small online marketing division of a Los Angeles financial firm into a multi-million-dollar machine.

In 2006, Justin founded Direct Online Marketing (DOM) with a simple plan: help businesses everywhere grow online without smoke-and-mirrors marketing. Transparency, results, no long-term contracts. This practical approach helped DOM earn a spot among the top 200 Premier Google Partners.

Justin racks up awards almost as often as frequent-flyer miles. Hanapin Marketing recognized him as one of the top 25 PPC experts around, the West Virginia SBA named him Entrepreneurial Success of the Year in 2015, & he was named West Virginia Exporter of the Year in 2017.

Digital marketing events from Buenos Aires to Bucharest often ask Justin to speak. He’s given talks at universities, been featured in global publications, & he still makes time for family. He and his wife Kristin have three kids, one of whom clearly has a sharp sense of humor.

Jonathan Bentz

Sr. Digital Marketing Strategist, Direct Online Marketing

Jonathan Bentz doesn’t mess around with SEO fads—his approach gets straight to business. As DOM’s Senior Digital Marketing Strategist, Jonathan shapes SEO projects that directly boost client revenue. Not just rankings, actual dollars.

Jonathan began his career at West Virginia University with a journalism degree before spending more than 10 years sharpening SEO strategies in tough markets like hospitality & cloud tech. At DOM, Jonathan quickly aligned corporate branding and SEO strategies into one clear, powerful vision.

Jonathan focuses on the technical side of SEO without making things complicated. He treats Google as the AI-driven trust machine it is. Build trust, grow traffic, earn revenue—simple, direct, effective. He has shared his expertise with publications like Entrepreneur.com, Ecommerce Times & CIO Online.

Outside DOM, Jonathan mentors startups at WVU’s Vantage Ventures and volunteers on his church’s leadership team. He’s passionate about creating economic opportunities in underserved communities—& whenever he can, Jonathan spends quality time with his young kids and family.

The post How PR Communicators Can Master SEO in The Age of AI appeared first on Direct Online Marketing.

Here’s why DOM stands out as the best digital marketing agency in Pittsburgh.

1. Proven Track Record with Full-Service Campaigns

DOM isn’t just a digital vendor. We operate as a strategic partner offering full service digital marketing across SEO, PPC, social media advertising, Google Analytics consulting, and conversion rate optimization. Our client-first philosophy means your objectives dictate the strategy, and results are measured in real revenue gains.

2. Industry Recognition and Elite Partnerships

We’re one of the top 3% of agencies globally as a Google Premier Partner, and we’re also certified with Microsoft Advertising, Semrush, and HubSpot. These partnerships give us access to advanced tools and betas that help us deliver faster, more meaningful impact.

3. Global Reach, Local Impact

From startups in the Strip District to manufacturers exporting in over 100 countries, our internet marketing services scale with our clients. DOM’s international digital strategy has helped clients grow beyond Pittsburgh and thrive in complex global markets.

4. Strategic SEO Execution

Our team doesn’t chase rankings—we build sustainable SEO campaigns focused on traffic that converts. Whether you need local, enterprise, or franchise SEO services, we back our strategy with data and reporting that ties directly to business KPIs.

5. Analytics-Led Decisions

Being right is good. Proving you’re right is better. Our Google Analytics-certified team supports clients with advanced GA4 setups, helping tie digital marketing efforts to business outcomes. We’re one of the few agencies nationally recognized for Google Analytics services across attribution modeling, CRO tracking, and business intelligence integrations.

“Direct Online Marketing delivers strategy, performance, and transparency. It’s what makes us the go-to digital marketing partner for Pittsburgh businesses ready to grow.” —Justin Seibert, President, Direct Online Marketing“

6. Performance-Driven Paid Media

We don’t set and forget. Our PPC strategies evolve constantly to outperform benchmarks. Whether it’s B2B lead gen or ecommerce PPC campaigns, we optimize aggressively to increase ROAS while cutting waste.

7. Culture That Gets Results

People stick with us because our team is built on a ‘No Jerks’ policy and a collaborative, data-first mindset. We don’t just “work together.” We challenge each other to get better—and our clients feel that every day.

The post Why Direct Online Marketing Is the Best Digital Marketing Agency in Pittsburgh appeared first on Direct Online Marketing.

Holiday eCommerce Mistakes

The Holidays drive an absolutely absurd amount of traffic to major US retailers each year and with it, eCommerce purchases. But what happens if your retailer website has SEO and User Experience issues? What kinds of mistakes can a large company make that impact it’s ability to grow exponentially each Black Friday? Today, we will take a look at an eCommerce retail giant, Best Buy.

SEO Site Audit – BestBuy.Com

Best Buy is a multinational consumer electronics retailer headquartered in the United States. It offers a wide range of products, including electronics, appliances, and entertainment items, both online and through its brick-and-mortar stores. They also have an incredibly slow website…

Website Speed Issues

When I say slow, I mean like molasses. At least for the Crawler. Currently, they’re getting a 33 out of 100 for performance when using Google’s Page Speed Insights tool. This score, unacceptable in the eyes of Google, not only potentially impacts their ability to rank as well as they should but also their ability to get potential users to make purchases on their site. 

According to Google’s own internal testing data, for every second your site takes to load conversions can drop by 20%. Think about how much of an impact that could have on your sales.

But It Looks Like It Is Loading Fast…For Me?

Sometimes the Page Speed Insights tool will see websites load much slower than it seems to your own eyes. In this case, the crawler believes that the website takes ~9.3 seconds to load properly for a user. This is because so many files are loading in the background that piece together the entire site, that it causes the browser to go into overdrive trying to put it all together.

While a user may see it load faster, this slow speed for the crawler means it thinks the site probably gives the user a poor purchasing experience. This contextual understanding could negatively impact the ability for Best Buy to have the best possible rankings it could have, despite how big of an authority they are. 

So, What Causes This Slowdown?

JavaScript is complicated. While scripts help sites look beautiful and appear seamless in their flow, they make crawling and loading pages harder for Google and browsers. It takes a lot of energy to crawl through and properly understand how to put the page together, and often times, large files are used to build a site – while only part of the actual data in the file is needed.

In the above image we can see many warnings and errors that BestBuy.Com is receiving from Google’s Page Speed Insights tool. Much of this clearly shows the problems causing the slowdown on the website and what could be reworked or tooled to increase the speed and give both the user – and the bots – a better experience.

Words Are Important

One of the biggest mistakes we see time and time again among retailers is their inability to create unique, informative content about a product that isn’t just the boilerplate language given to them by the vendors and manufacturers they work with. Much of the time this language is missing valuable SEO that could help drive even more visibility and traffic.

Example: RokuTV

When a user looks for Roku TV on Google, in many cases they do not get Best Buy at the top of the search results because the website uses the same content created by the manufacturer for much of their on-page content. Missing from much of this content is the actual phrase, Roku TV. Because the manufacturer has created the copy, it instead frequently refers to it by the branded name, RokuTV. This is not how users typically search. Additionally, because they are using the same content as other retailers, it is harder for Google to understand which one of these retailers should rank for these searches.

A quick Google search shows that Target and Walmart are both using the exact same copy to describe the television – but they have purposely optimized their sites by splitting RokuTV into Roku TV. A smart SEO move. The closer you can get your site optimized, verbatim, to the keyword you are targeting, the better.

The Difference In Potential Search Volume Between RokuTV vs Roku TV

Ok…Why Does This Matter?

These SEO and User Experience missteps underline how critical it is to focus on the finer details of eCommerce. Overlooking something as basic as page load times or how customers search for products can lead to lost sales and diminished visibility. Even industry giants must pay attention to these aspects because, in the competitive world of online retail, the smallest missteps can have major consequences.

Grow Your eCommerce Sales

If you’re ready to identify and fix SEO mistakes holding your website back, or if you need help driving more traffic, leads, and sales for your business, contact Direct Online Marketing today for help in SEO services and eCommerce website design. Take advantage of a free site audit to uncover opportunities for growth and ensure your website is working as hard as you are to achieve your goals. Learn more about why Direct Online Marketing is the best digital marketing agency for B2B businesses, and Contact Us to get a free audit of your website!

The post What Is Wrong With My Website? – Holiday Edition appeared first on Direct Online Marketing.

Success with Digital Marketing For Treatment Centers

One example of Direct Online Marketing’s digital marketing expertise in the healthcare sector is our work with a treatment center. The case study, available here, showcases how Direct Online Marketing created a comprehensive digital marketing strategy to boost patient acquisition. Through targeted pay-per-click (PPC) advertising and meticulous campaign management, the treatment center saw a significant increase in high-quality leads. Direct Online Marketing’s data-driven approach ensured the campaigns were not only cost-effective but also optimized for the specific needs of the treatment center’s audience.

Transforming Digital Marketing for a Medical Practice

Direct Online Marketing’s success is further exemplified in our partnership with a medical practice. This case study, detailed here, highlights how our SEO and PPC strategies improved the medical practice’s online visibility. By identifying the most relevant keywords and optimizing ad spend, we here at Direct Online Marketing helped the practice increase its patient inquiries and appointments. This success story shows Direct Online Marketing’s ability to understand and address the unique challenges of healthcare providers.

“SEO and digital marketing are essential for healthcare companies to reach and engage patients in today’s competitive environment. By leveraging data-driven strategies, healthcare providers can enhance online visibility, build trust, and connect with the right audience at the right time, ensuring better patient outcomes and business growth.” – Billy Wright, Lead Digital Marketing Strategist, Direct Online Marketing

Deep Understanding Of How To Do Digital Marketing For The Healthcare Industry

Direct Online Marketing’s commitment to the healthcare sector is not limited to individual case studies. Our agency focuses on healthcare marketing, as outlined on our industry page here. Direct Online Marketing understands the complexities of healthcare regulations, patient privacy concerns, and the importance of ethical advertising. This knowledge and experience allows us to craft compliant, effective campaigns that resonate with patients while adhering to industry standards.

Why Healthcare Providers Choose Direct Online Marketing As A Digital Marketing Agency

1. Customized Strategies: Direct Online Marketing doesn’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. We take the time to understand the unique needs and goals of each healthcare client.
2. Measurable Results: From increased patient inquiries to improved online visibility, Direct Online Marketing delivers results that healthcare providers can measure and trust.
3. Regulatory Expertise: With a deep understanding of HIPAA and other healthcare-specific regulations, Direct Online Marketing makes sure that every campaign is up to your standards.
4. Data-Driven Approach: Direct Online Marketing relies on analytics and performance metrics to continuously optimize campaigns, ensuring maximum ROI for healthcare clients.
5. Comprehensive Services: Whether it’s SEO, PPC, social media advertising, or content marketing, Direct Online Marketing offers a full suite of digital marketing services that are custom created for the healthcare industry. See our list of Digital Marketing Services.

Direct Online Marketing Can Help Your Healthcare Business

Healthcare providers face unique challenges in reaching and engaging their target audiences, but with Direct Online Marketing as a partner, these challenges become opportunities for growth. Our proven track record, industry knowledge and experience, and commitment to excellence make Direct Online Marketing the ideal choice for healthcare businesses looking to thrive in the digital age.

To learn more about how Direct Online Marketing can transform your healthcare marketing efforts, explore our case studies and industry insights through the links provided.

The post Why Direct Online Marketing is the Best Digital Marketing Agency for the Healthcare Industry appeared first on Direct Online Marketing.

Pittsburgh has no shortage of creative shops or media agencies, but digital strategy is a different game. It’s not about who has the flashiest pitch deck or the trendiest designs. It’s about business growth—measurable, profitable, sustainable. That’s where we stand apart.

Why DOM Leads in Digital Marketing

1. Performance-First, Month-to-Month Agreements
We don’t hold clients hostage with contracts. Instead, we focus on delivering value every month so clients want to stay. That builds trust and creates urgency—for us and for results.

• No long-term contracts
• Over 85% client retention rate
• Transparent communication and reporting

2. Global Reach, Local Access
We’re based in Pittsburgh, but we’ve driven growth for clients in over 150 countries. That global experience sharpens our skills in international SEO, export marketing, and complex B2B buying journeys.

• Export marketing specialists
• Fluent in international digital advertising
• Experience in highly regulated and niche markets

3. Senior Talent Working Directly on Accounts
Too many agencies bait clients with senior leaders during the pitch, only to hand things off to junior staff post-sale. We don’t play that game. Our clients work directly with experienced strategists who understand business and know how to scale it.

• 100% access to senior-level digital marketers
• In-house certified specialists in Google, Microsoft, Semrush, and more
• Fast issue resolution, strategic insight, no hand-holding required

4. Data-Driven, Execution-Focused Strategy
Digital marketing isn’t theory. It’s a testing ground. We use real-time performance data and client feedback to adapt fast. We run on EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) so our team stays aligned and accountable.

• Weekly scorecards tracking KPIs
• 90-day strategic plans reviewed quarterly
• Continuous testing and optimization in PPC and SEO

5. Culture That Drives Consistent Growth
It’s easy to underestimate how much culture affects outcomes. At DOM, we built our team around five values: No Jerks, Expect Excellence, Make It Better, Communicate & Simplify, and “Yep, We Can Do That.”

• ‘Good Onion’ culture: people who are sharp, kind, and curious
• Collaborative internal reviews to catch blind spots
• Constant training and skill development

What It Means for Our Clients

We’ve helped clients hit their best-ever revenue months. We’ve helped manufacturers build international lead pipelines. We’ve helped nonprofits reach the right audience with the right message at the right time. And we do it all without wasting time, hiding behind jargon, or over-promising.

You don’t need fluff. You need clear wins. That’s why we’ve been a top 3% Google Premier Partner year after year. That’s why clients refer us, expand with us, and stay with us.

In Summary: Why DOM is Pittsburgh’s Best Digital Marketing Agency

• We deliver growth, not gimmicks
• We treat clients like partners, not invoices
• We focus on strategy, execution, and accountability
• We’ve done it globally, for years, with a team that genuinely cares

The post The Best Digital Marketing Agency In Pittsburgh Is Direct Online Marketing appeared first on Direct Online Marketing.

Q1: How will you help achieve our marketing goals?
At DOM, we begin by understanding your unique business objectives. Our team collaborates with you to develop tailored strategies encompassing SEO, PPC, social media marketing, and more. This personalized approach ensures that our efforts directly contribute to achieving your specific goals. (Source: https://www.directom.com/services/)

Q2: What results can we expect, and in what timeframe?
While specific outcomes depend on various factors, our clients have experienced significant improvements. We provide transparent timelines and set realistic expectations to ensure alignment with your business objectives. (Source: https://www.directom.com/)

Q3: How do you measure success?
Success at DOM is measured through key performance indicators (KPIs) such as lead generation, conversion rates, and return on investment. We utilize advanced analytics tools to track these metrics, providing you with detailed reports and actionable insights to demonstrate the effectiveness of our campaigns. (Source: https://www.directom.com/services/)

Q4: What is included in the contract?
Our agreements are designed with flexibility in mind. We offer contracts that allow you to assess our performance continually. Each contract outlines the scope of services, deliverables, and any associated costs, ensuring complete transparency. (Source: https://www.directom.com/faq/)

Q5: Who will be working on our account?
Your account will be managed by a dedicated team of experienced professionals, including a Client Success Manager, Digital Marketing Strategist, Account Manager, Analyst, and Content Specialist. This collaborative approach ensures that all aspects of your digital marketing strategy are expertly handled. (Source: https://www.directom.com/about-us/)

Q6: What project management tools do you use?
We employ a range of project management tools to facilitate seamless collaboration and communication. These platforms allow for real-time updates, task tracking, and efficient workflow management, ensuring that all projects are delivered on time and within scope. (Source: https://www.directom.com/services/)

Q7: How frequently will we meet, and what will these meetings entail?
Regular communication is a cornerstone of our client relationships. We schedule frequent performance updates and detailed reports. These meetings cover campaign progress, performance metrics, upcoming strategies, and any adjustments needed to align with your evolving goals. (Source: https://www.directom.com/faq/)

Q8: What is your approach to SEO, PPC, and content marketing?
Our approach is comprehensive and data-driven. For SEO, we focus on both on-page and off-page strategies to enhance organic visibility. Our PPC campaigns are meticulously managed to maximize ROI without taking a percentage of your ad spend. In content marketing, we create engaging, relevant content that resonates with your target audience and supports your overall marketing objectives. (Source: https://www.directom.com/services/)

Q9: Can you provide case studies or references from similar industries?
Certainly. We have an extensive portfolio of case studies across various industries. We have numerous testimonials attesting to our success in driving quality leads and sales. (Source: https://www.directom.com/)

Q10: How do you stay updated with industry trends and changes?
Our team is committed to continuous learning. We maintain certifications such as Google Premier Partnership and Microsoft Accreditation and regularly participate in industry conferences and training sessions. This dedication ensures that we bring the latest strategies and insights to your campaigns. (Source: https://www.directom.com/about-us/)

Tips for Finding the Best Digital Marketing Agency in Pittsburgh:

• Look for Proven Experience: Choose an agency with a track record of success in your industry.
• Assess Their Range of Services: Ensure they offer comprehensive services that align with your marketing needs.
• Evaluate Communication Practices: Regular updates and transparent reporting are essential for a successful partnership.
• Check Credentials: Certifications and partnerships with recognized platforms indicate a commitment to excellence.
• Read Client Testimonials: Feedback from other businesses provides insight into the agency’s effectiveness and client relations.

Selecting the right digital marketing agency is a pivotal decision for your business’s growth. At Direct Online Marketing, we pride ourselves on delivering customized strategies, measurable results, and unparalleled client support. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you achieve your marketing goals.

The post How To Find The Best Digital Marketing Agency In Pittsburgh appeared first on Direct Online Marketing.

GA4 introduces a more integrated approach to tracking user interactions across various devices and platforms, responding to the modern web’s complexity. The new analytics model focuses on a user-centric view, aiming to deliver more meaningful insights into customer behavior.

We’ll explore GA4’s new segment features, critical for detailed targeting and analysis. For marketers, mastering these features is not just about keeping up, it’s about unlocking new potential in data-driven strategies.

Understanding the Basics of GA4

Google Analytics 4 differs from the old Google Analytics because it doesn’t just count page views and sessions. Instead, GA4 tracks all sorts of actions people take, like clicking buttons or watching videos, and it calls these actions ‘events.’

One big change with GA4 is how it follows users across their phones and computers. This is important because people switch between devices a lot, and GA4 keeps track of that. It gives a complete picture of what users do, no matter where they do it.

Privacy is another big focus in GA4. It’s built to handle the rules of today’s internet, where user privacy is a big deal. GA4 makes sure marketers can get useful information while still keeping user data safe and private.

GA4 also uses advanced technology to guess what users might do next, like whether they’re likely to buy something. This helps marketers plan better and create ads or offers that are more likely to get results.

To sum up, GA4 is all about understanding the full story of what users do, keeping their information safe, and using smart tools to make better marketing decisions. It’s designed for the way we use the internet now, which is more complex and connected than ever.

The Power of Segmentation in GA4

Segmentation is a crucial tool for marketers, allowing them to divide their audience into groups based on specific behaviors and characteristics. This division helps in delivering more targeted and effective marketing messages. GA4 elevates this capability with more advanced and flexible segmentation features.

In GA4, segments are created focusing on users and the events they trigger. This means you can group people not just by who they are (like their age or location) but also by what they do (like making a purchase or signing up for a newsletter). It’s a shift from a broad look at all web traffic to zeroing in on what specific types of users are doing.

The new segments in GA4 are dynamic and adaptable. You can create segments on the fly, adjusting them as new data comes in. This real-time segmentation allows for quick responses to changes in user behavior, which is vital in the fast-paced digital world.

Even better, GA4’s segments are more integrated with other Google products. This means the segments you create in GA4 can be easily used for targeting in Google Ads, making it simpler to align your analytics insights with your advertising efforts.

The segmentation power of GA4 is about understanding the nuances of your audience and engaging them more effectively. It’s about getting the right message to the right people at the right time, using detailed data to inform your strategy.

GA4’s New Segment Features

GA4 introduces new segment features allowing a deeper look into user data. These features offer detail and flexibility not seen in previous versions. For instance, GA4 allows the creation of segments based on a combination of user attributes and behaviors, enabling marketers to track the customer journey more accurately.

One standout feature is the ability to include or exclude groups of users based on a sequence of events. Marketers can now build segments to target users who completed a specific action in a particular order, like viewing a product and then signing up for a newsletter, which is invaluable for understanding and influencing the sales funnel.

Comparative analysis is another powerful addition. GA4 lets you compare the behavior of different segments side by side. This makes it easier to spot trends and patterns, like which marketing channels drive the most valuable customers.

Custom segments in GA4 can be fine-tuned with a variety of parameters, such as frequency of visits, monetary value, and recency of engagement. This granular control ensures that marketers can hone in on the most relevant user groups for their business objectives.

The new segments in GA4 are not just retrospective but can also be predictive. By leveraging Google’s machine learning algorithms, GA4 can predict future actions of users, such as the likelihood to purchase, helping marketers to engage with high-potential customers proactively.

These enhanced segment features in GA4 empower marketers to go beyond basic demographics to create and apply segments that reflect the complexities of user behavior in a time where privacy matters more than ever.

Leveraging GA4 Segments for Targeted Marketing

Using the new segmentation capabilities in GA4 can significantly enhance targeted marketing efforts. By creating detailed segments, marketers can tailor their strategies to address the specific needs and behaviors of different user groups. 

Digital marketers can employ segments to isolate and analyze the behaviors of users who complete high-value actions, such as making a purchase or signing up for a service. By examining the characteristics and behaviors of these segments, you can identify patterns and tailor their campaigns to replicate this success across other user groups.

For example, a segment could be created for users who have visited a site more than five times but have not made a purchase. You can then target this segment with special offers or reminders to encourage conversion. Alternatively, a segment of users who abandoned their shopping carts can be retargeted with ads displaying the items they left behind.

When creating segments, it’s important to consider the customer lifecycle and to create segments that reflect different stages—from first-time visitors to loyal customers. You should also regularly review and update segments to ensure they remain relevant as user behavior and business objectives evolve.

GA4 also facilitates experimentation with its segments. You can test different messages and strategies with various segments to determine what resonates best with each group. By continuously refining segments and strategies based on performance data, you can enhance the precision and effectiveness of their targeted marketing initiatives.

Preparing for a Data-Driven Future with GA4 Segments

As you get more comfortable with GA4’s segmentation, you’ll discover opportunities to refine your marketing strategies. You’re not just tracking broad trends, you’re uncovering specific patterns that can predict future behavior. For instance, segments that track micro-conversions may soon be able to forecast customer lifetime value with greater accuracy.

Looking forward, it’s likely that GA4 segments will become even more intuitive, possibly evolving to automatically suggest new market segments based on emerging patterns in data. Imagine segments that adapt in real-time, pinpointing opportunities and risks, and informing you about shifts in consumer behavior before they fully manifest. 

You should also prepare for segments that integrate more seamlessly with machine learning, offering predictions not just about potential purchases but also about churn risk or the likelihood of a user becoming a brand advocate. These predictive segments could become a central part of campaign management in GA4, giving you a dynamic tool for real-time marketing adjustments.

Your proficiency with GA4’s segments today lays the groundwork for more sophisticated marketing tactics tomorrow. As you grow with the platform, you’ll find that your ability to interpret and act on segment data becomes a critical asset in a market that values agility and foresight.

Get the GA4 Help You Need from DOM

The rollout of GA4 this year has been a learning curve for all of us. We’ve all had to adapt to keep our marketing strategies sharp and effective, sometimes with mixed results. 

We know it hasn’t been easy—learning new systems never is. But it’s these challenges that push us forward. With the insights gained from GA4, especially about segmenting users, you’re better positioned to create marketing that truly speaks to your audience and meets them where they are.

If you’re finding the transition to GA4 a bit overwhelming or if you want to get even more from your data, you’ve come to the right place. DOM is well-versed in the ins and outs of digital analytics, and we understand the hurdles. We’re here to help you navigate through these changes, making your journey with GA4 as smooth and successful as possible. 

Get in touch with us today for a free analytics strategy session. 

The post GA4 Comparisons, the New Segments appeared first on Direct Online Marketing.

TikTok is the newest trend in the world of social media. TikTok allows the users to record videos of 15 to 60 seconds duration along with in-app editing features and integration of these videos into various major social media platforms.

It has already crossed 1.5 billion downloads on both Google Play and the App Store. Moreover, it has over 500 million active user logins every month, which brings us to the first important question.

Does Your Audience Use TikTok?

You must have seen how brands use various social media platforms such as Instagram to engage their consumers via stories, posts, IGTV, and live videos. TikTok allows your business to engage with your customers through bite-sized, shorter videos.

Although the largest age demographic of TikTok Users falls between 16 and 24, this platform is not only for Generation Z. It is no longer just a video creation app;  it provides your business with creative opportunities to advertise and market your brand.

First you need to research whether or not your audience is using TikTok. If the answer is yes, then your business is ready to create a TikTok account. This app is a more effective way for your video or marketing content to go viral than any other social media platform.

Use TikTok Advertising to Your Advantage

It took TikTok a while to adapt, but they finally have the ads feature available on their platform. There are four types of ads that you can benefit from:

In-feed Native Content

These ads are similar to Instagram or Snapchat stories. They support multiple features like app downloads and website clicks.

Brand Takeovers

This feature will let your brand takeover the TikTok platform for a day. You can create GIFs, videos, and images with embedded links to hashtag challenges or landing pages.

Hashtag Challenges

You can go viral by yourself instead of trying to participate in a hashtag challenge. For better consumer engagement, you can utilize promoted hashtags to your advantage.

Branded Lenses

These are 2D and 3D filters or lenses for users’ faces and photos.

How to Use TikTok: A Brief Guide

It is a simple three-step process to start using TikTok to showcase your brand.

Create Your Content on TikTok

Even if you are brand new in business, TikTok can help you with online marketing. All you need to do is plan creative content. Be authentic and add your own spin to create unique concepts to engage your audience.

Create Your First Video

Now that you have your content ready, it is time to create your first TikTok video. All you need is a smartphone and a microphone. You can add all sorts of effects and music in the background before uploading.

Share Your Video

The final step is to post and share the video with your audience. You can also share your TikTok content on WhatsApp, your Facebook business page, and Instagram.

Be Smart

Remember that TikTok is here to stay, and it is high time that you familiarize yourself with this app and have fun while promoting your business. So what do you think? Is TikTok right for your business? Do your research, create an account, and find out for yourself. If you need help creating a brand strategy for TikTok, reach out to our team.

The post TikTok for Business: Is It Right for Yours? appeared first on Direct Online Marketing.

If you are unaware of what hashtags are, let us backtrack a bit. A hashtag uses the number sign (#) as a dedicated symbol. You can use it in combination with a phrase or word to perform various functions on Twitter, such as searching, categorization tool, or as a marketing and branding tactic.

Five Ways to Use Twitter Hashtag Effectively For Your Business

Now that you know the basic concept behind hashtags let’s get started. Here are five ways to apply a hashtag effectively to your Tweets.

1. Seek Conversations Specific to Your Business

The most important thing you can do with Twitter is to learn from others. Search for hashtags such as #smallbiz or #SMB for resources, advice, and news updates for small businesses. If you are looking for business-specific conversations, you can narrow down your hashtags by topics.

The #marketing hashtag contains a lot of branding and marketing strategy related content. Likewise, #entrepreneurs and #startups will take you to the inspirational profile of leaders in the market. Try the hashtag #networking for meetups and making new connections.

2. Keep it Consistent and Simple

When you are crafting your hashtag for your tweet, remember to keep a few things in mind. Keep it direct and straightforward; do not create complicated or lengthy hashtags. For example, pair your tweet with #apps and #SmallBiz instead of #SmallBusinessToolsandApps.

Secondly, do not overuse too many hashtags in your tweet. Be precise, the more hashtags you will use, the more diluted your message could become. 

3. Create Your Own Hashtag

Both small and large brands create their own branded hashtags for various reasons. These hashtags are an excellent way to generate interest in your marketing campaigns. Another option is to use Twitter to launch a contest, which is another way to generate brand awareness and engage with your audience. You can ask users to submit their entries by using a specific hashtag.

You can even promote your events online by using your brand hashtags. For example, MMA fighting Championship uses #MMAChampsionship or CES 2020 might use #CES2020.

4. Organize Social Dashboards

If you are using a third-party management tool, you can designate feeds within your Twitter social dashboard, which is a convenient way to stay updated with relevant hashtags. Whether you use TweetDeck or HootSuite, they can help you establish these feeds for each of your social networks, hashtags, or Twitter lists.

5. Take Advantage of Follow Friday

The Follow Friday hashtag, #FollowFriday, is an excellent excuse for your business to get involved in the conversations on Twitter and get your brand’s name out there. You can write this tweet in two ways.

First, create a list of influential users to follow and add their Twitter handles to your tweet with a hashtag #FF or #FollowFriday. This can be a list of scientists, chefs, actors – it all depends on what makes sense for your industry. Another way is to use a personal approach to only promote one or two people using a #FF hashtag. This strategy is helpful when you would like to thank your newest followers.

Now that you know how hashtags for Twitter can help your business, keep your tweets in line with the communal Twitter spirit. Share your brand and add value to this prestigious community. Don’t be afraid to test new hashtags until you find the right mix for your business. If you need more help creating a brand strategy for Twitter, reach out to our team.

The post How to Use Twitter Hashtags Effectively For Business appeared first on Direct Online Marketing.

If you are wondering if it will help your business, consider the fact that over 2.5 billion people log on Facebook every month. Additionally, over 140 million businesses have Facebook Business Pages already.

Seven Steps to Create Your Facebook Business Page

Let’s dive right into how you can create an effective Facebook Business Page. Just follow seven simple steps and launch your brand on the world’s number one social media platform.

Step 1: Sign up

Once you have logged into Facebook, you will want to navigate to Facebook’s page creation link in the blue toolbar at the top of the page. Next, select the page type, brand or business, or community or public figure. In this case, choose business or brand and click on “Get Started.” The next step is to enter your Page name, most likely this will be your business name, and the page category.

Enter the category by typing a word or two to describe the nature of your business. Once you have chosen the category, it will ask you to enter your phone number and address along with the city and state from where you will be operating.

Step 2: Add Pictures

Here you will upload a cover image for your business page, and you need to create an excellent first visual impression. Make sure to choose wisely; you will want to have a cover photo that aligns with your business and is easily identifiable with your current brand.

Step 3: Create your username

The third step will be to create a user name, also known as your vanity URL. You will use this URL to link people to your Facebook page. A username can be 50 characters long.

Step 4: Add your business details

Facebook is one of the very first social media platforms a consumer goes to get any information about a business. The more business details you put in, the better! Follow these steps to enter the details about your business.

• Click on ‘Edit Page Info’ from the top menu.
• Enter a short description of a maximum of 255 characters.
• Add additional categories if you want, you can have up to three categories, make sure to list your main category first.
• Enter your public contact information, such as website, email, and phone numbers.
• Enter the location of your physical store or office (if you have any) or enter your location on the map.
• You will want to add your business days and hours, so users know the best time to contact you.
• You can also enter additional information in ‘extra option,’ such as price range, privacy policy links, etc.
• Click ‘Save’ once you are satisfied with the information.

Step 5: Tell your story

In this section of Facebook Business Page, you can add a longer business description. You can access it clicking on ‘See more’ on the left menu. Click on ‘About’ and then click on ‘Our Story’ on the right-hand side.

Step 6: Create your first post

Always remember to post some valuable content before you start sending your invitation requests to people. You can either write an original post or share relevant content from different market leaders.

Step 7: Publish your page and invite an audience

Finally, your Facebook Business Page is ready to represent your business and attract potential consumers and let your fans interact with you. All you need to do now is to hit the green button saying ‘Publish Page’ from the menu on the left.

If you need help creating or maintaining your Facebook, or other social media profiles, contact our team.  We’re here to discuss what channels make sense for your business and create a strategy to increase your business visibility.

The post How to Create a Facebook Business Page appeared first on Direct Online Marketing.