Monday, 13 May 2024

Ways to utilize ai for web marketing content you may not have thought of

Have you been trying to find more ways to incorporate AI into your content creation? Does it seem like there’s a better way to use AI that you just haven’t tried yet? AI has plenty of potential, yes. But, using it the wrong way (or wrong ways) can actually harm your web marketing efforts. These are some of the ways I use AI in our content.

Remember: this is what works for me and it’s what works for me so far. As AI evolves, as things change, there are going to be other ways to use it. This is just what’s effective right now. AI is something that you’re going to want to experiment with to find what’s best for you.
 
Old Ideas in a New Way
 
If you’re like so many of the clients I work with, you have plenty of old content. Maybe it’s on your site, perhaps it’s in your social media feeds, but there’s all sorts of content that you created in the past. This is the perfect “AI fodder,” for lack of a better term.

So, what you might want to consider is: get that old content and run it through AI. Some prompts that you might want to play with include phrases like: “Convey the same information in a new tone. Maintain the same tone,” etc.
 
What this will do, then, is generate a lot of words. You’ll note I didn’t say that it would do “a lot of writing.” That’s because it won’t. AI, right now, doesn’t really “write” so much as it “makes words.” That’s fine. You can then use your skills and your expertise to make something better.

So, after you’ve run your old content through AI using a prompt similar to what I said above, rewrite what the AI gave you. Of course it’s going to get things wrong. Of course it won’t make sense in many places. After all, AI “hallucinates” or whatever word they’re telling us today.

This is where your experience comes in: you’ll fix what’s wrong with the content and make it sound so much better. Then, when it’s as you want it to be, you’ll have content that’s right, true, and proven, but entirely new – which is exactly what you want it to be.

Imagine It’s an Employee Pitching You Ideas
 
Another way to look at what AI gives you is to see it as an employee. I’ve written about this before on here, but you can get pretty far thinking of AI as someone who’s working for you. They may be kinda new, but they’re trying their best.

This is an approach you can use the AI for if you’re stuck on what to write about. It’s a modified version of how I used to use search engines for topics. Just straight up ask the AI a question. Generate topics.

For example, if you’re a personal injury attorney looking for new content to write about, maybe ask it: “what do people want to ask a personal injury attorney?” Then, it’ll most likely give you a few examples.

Whatever the machine gives you, it’s not something that you’re going to want to use in and of itself. It’s just the starting point. Then, you’re going to want to put your own expertise to work, again. Take what it gives you and then use that as a springboard to your actual content.

Like, to use the example, perhaps one of the answers it gave you is: “what do personal injury attorneys cost?” That’s something that many people don’t know the answer to. Then, you could create content about how you work on contingency, payment plans, and so forth.
 
If you don’t have someone to bounce ideas off of, AI can do in a pinch.

“The Bad Version”
 
That’s a phrase I use often when I’m creating content (or even just discussing content). It doesn’t mean that I’m creating something that’s “bad,” not good, or of low quality. Far from it. What it means is that I’m showing an example of what the content should sound like before I take the time to focus on it and create it.

To continue with the example of the personal injury attorney, maybe they say to me: “Greg, I want a page about class action lawsuits.”

In the moment, I might say something like: “Great! So, the bad version is, my name is so-and-so, experienced class action attorney, these are the kinds of class action suits I can handle. Here’s what a class action lawsuit is, what you can expect from it, and so forth.”

From this “bad version” you can find the framework for the “good version,” that which is going to go on your site. You can ask AI for this, too.

Typically, this is what you’ll get if you straight up ask AI to write a blog, a page, etc. The words it generates aren’t good content, but they’re the “bad version,” the “first draft,”  if you will. Then, write from scratch something better that follows similar parameters and makes the same points. That way, you’re getting something positive from AI without being locked into its writing.

Web Marketing Experts for Your Company
 
There are many more applications for AI but that’s what I’ve been using right now. Here at Website Depot, we use every tool necessary to help our clients to grow their businesses. Whether you’re a startup or a multinational corporation, we can help your business to go to the next level.

To see how we can help, schedule a free evaluation with us. You can do so through our site or by calling.

Psyching yourself up to create digital marketing content best practices

Do you feel like you have to create content for your business but don’t feel like you’re qualified? Have you sat down to create content only to find that you don’t feel like you can do it? These are normal, rational concerns. With as much content as a successful business in practically any business has to put out online, it’s natural to feel like you may not be up to it. These are some of the ways I get past those feelings when I’m working on a client’s digital marketing package.

Remember: these are what works for me. They may not work for you. But, from having spoken to others in the industry, I’ve found that even if these aren’t specifically applicable to you, they can spur you to find something that best serves your needs.

You’re the Expert
“I don’t know what to write about. I have no clue what to talk about. I’m not sure what I’m doing.” Have you felt some version of those when you’re creating content?

Whether it’s a blog, a service page, a podcast, a video, or anything else, many business owners can feel that way when they create something. But, (and this is so important to remember) it’s not true.

You are an expert. You are a professional. Specifically, you are a professional in your field. As such, you have everything you need to create compelling, engaging content that’s going to connect to more potential customers.

Experience? You’ve got that. Expertise? You are literally doing the job. Advice? Just tell someone what you wish you’d been told (or something you were told at an opportune time). Tips? You know the field as well as anyone else – after all, you’re the one who’s making money (or trying to) in the business.

When we sit down to create content, it’s all too easy to dismiss our own lived experiences, that which we know is true.

I see this often when I interview a business owner/other kind of professional for our company podcast. So often, they think they “aren’t good on camera” or something silly like that.

But, invariably, I find as soon as I get them talking about their business, the details, the things that an amateur wouldn’t know, they light up. Suddenly, they’re a real pro – which makes sense, since that’s what they are. The same is in you, too.

Use Your Environment
If you’ve been reading these blogs for any length of time, then you know that my advice is usually some version of: “If you don’t know what to post for your content, just show what you do on a typical day of your business.’

This almost always makes for fascinating content. Whether you’re a pizza place showing how the dough is made, a general contractor showing what goes into a construction project, or a rehab/treatment center displaying all of your amenities, this commonly makes for great content. The same goes for your industry, too.

That said, in this context, “environment” can also pertain to where you’re creating the content. Find an area you most feel comfortable in.

For example, there are many who do their best in an office. They want the hustle and bustle of folks around them, ambient noise, and the like. Coffee shops are great for that, too. Some enjoy music when they create, etc.

(Me, I’m the opposite of all of this: I prefer absolute silence and to be alone when creating. To each their own. I only found this after years and years of work.)

The same goes for you, too. With some experimentation, you can find where you’re most creative, where you’re most free.

Time is important, too. Yes, many of us are on constant deadlines, needing to get work done as soon as possible. That said, it behooves you to find the time of day when you’re at your best, too. Someone who’s a “night owl” is probably not going to be the best content creator (at least not, consistently) if they’re trying to create at sunrise, day after day.

Now, you may not always be able to dictate the circumstances, times, environment, and so forth of when you have to create content. But, through trial and error, you can find what works best for you in any given scenario.

Find the Right Level of Research for You
There’s no “best” way to research before creating content. You want to find the method that most empowers you.

For example, I know plenty of awesome professional content creators who make extensive outlines. They do all of their work in the outline, basically. Then, when they go to create (whether it’s writing, speaking, editing, or anything else) they find that it goes very quickly.

By that same token, there are others who instead just find the structure of it as they go along. I’ve worked alongside plenty of writers who’ll just sit down and just start writing. Then, before you know it, they’ve got a great piece of content even though they did minimal (if any) outlining.

Me, personally, I’m somewhere in the middle. When I create something (like, say, a blog about getting ready to create content) I have a bit of an outline and then I fill in the rest.

For example, when I wrote this blog you’re reading, I made sure to get the headings right before I did anything else. Only once I had those (which formed a de facto outline) did I write the title.

Then, once all of that was done, the “sitting down and writing the blog” came very easily.

You don’t just have to do this for blogs, of course. When I do a podcast with someone, instead of making them “headings” I make those “bullet points.” Then, I make sure to address them with my guests as we go.

Digital Marketing Package Professionals
Everything I’ve mentioned above helps me to create content. But, with very rare exceptions, I don’t post the content myself. Instead, another member of the team does it here. Then, other members of the team make sure that it’s a part of our SEO strategy, helping our company to grow.

Indeed, those are some of the many benefits of working with a company like ours. You get a whole team to back you up, to help your business to get to the next level.

To see how we can help, schedule a free consultation with us through our site or by calling.

Mastering web design a guide for boosting your online presence

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing, a visually appealing and user-friendly website is the cornerstone of success. As businesses strive to stand out in a crowded online marketplace, harnessing the power of modern web design becomes paramount. In this guide, we’ll explore how Website Depot can help you elevate your online presence through cutting-edge design strategies that not only captivate your audience but also boost your SEO efforts.

The Importance of Design in Digital Marketing
Design is more than just aesthetics—it’s a powerful tool for communicating your brand identity, enhancing user experience, and driving conversions. In today’s fast-paced digital world, where attention spans are fleeting and competition is fierce, a well-designed website can make all the difference in attracting and retaining customers.

Website Depot’s Approach to Modern Web Design
At Website Depot, we understand that every business is unique, and our approach to web design reflects that. Our team of talented designers combines creativity with technical expertise to create visually stunning websites that are tailored to your specific needs and goals. Whether you’re looking to launch a new site or revamp your existing one, we’ll work closely with you to bring your vision to life.

Key Design Principles for Maximum Impact
Responsive Design:
In an era where mobile devices reign supreme, responsive design is non-negotiable. We ensure that your website looks and functions flawlessly across all devices, providing a seamless user experience that keeps visitors engaged and coming back for more.

Clean and Intuitive Navigation:
A cluttered and confusing website can drive users away in seconds. We prioritize clean and intuitive navigation, making it easy for visitors to find what they’re looking for and take action, whether it’s making a purchase, filling out a form, or contacting your business.

Compelling Visuals:
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and nowhere is that truer than in web design. Our designers leverage high-quality images, videos, and graphics to create a visually stunning website that grabs attention and leaves a lasting impression.

SEO-Friendly Structure:
A beautiful website is of little use if it can’t be found by your target audience. That’s why we design with SEO in mind, implementing best practices such as keyword optimization, meta tags, and site structure to ensure maximum visibility on search engines like Google.

The Website Depot Difference
What sets Website Depot apart is our commitment to excellence in both design and service. From the initial consultation to the final launch and beyond, we’re with you every step of the way, providing personalized attention and support to help you achieve your business objectives. With our proven track record of success and dedication to client satisfaction, you can trust Website Depot to deliver results that exceed your expectations.

In today’s digital age, a visually stunning and user-friendly website is essential for success. With Website Depot’s expertise in modern web design and SEO, you can elevate your online presence, attract more visitors, and convert them into loyal customers. Contact us today to learn how we can help you take your business to the next level through the power of design.

Tiny digital marketing content tips that make a big difference

Are you looking for ways to improve your content? Do you already create good content and want to “take it to the next level,” so to speak? I get it. I’ve been writing content for digital marketing for over a decade now. Always, I’m trying to get a little better, to learn something I didn’t know. These are some of the small tips I’ve picked up over the years working for a digital marketing agency that help our clients quite a bit.
 
“Yes and Yes”
 
You’ve already seen my first tip: the opening questions of this piece. Starting with a couple questions that your reader is going to say “yes” to can be a great way to start a blog. You’re identifying their problems while letting them know that you’re going to be able to solve them. That’s all anyone is ever looking for from content they consume online.

In a very real way, putting questions at the beginning is a subtle kind of mission statement. You’re letting the reader know what you propose to do through the course of your content.

You’re connecting to them, bringing them in, all while showing them they can trust you. That’s a win-win-win.

“What Do I Want to Know”
 
If you’re like me, then you have large amount of content that you need to create which cover similar topics, themes, products, services, and more. It’s very easy to feel that it’s all “stale,” “been done,” or that you’re dealing with “writer’s block.” Those are natural feelings. But, the good news is, there’s plenty of ways to overcome them.
 
You know that the best is to ask: “what solutions do my customers need?” Even that line of thinking, over time, can lead you to feeling like everything has been said. I’m assuming, if you’re still reading to this point, then you’ve tried that a few times already.

My advice, when you’re really stuck, is to ask: “what would I want to know?” By putting yourself in the customers’ shoes, looking at things from their perspective, you very well may see something very familiar in a whole new way.

If nothing else, you’re engaging your brain differently, which gives you a better chance of success. Instead of thinking: “oh, it’s the same thing, over and over again, what am I going to do this time,” you’re thinking: “oh, what would I want to know about this?”

By shifting perspectives, you open up your own thoughts to new possibilities.

Find the Way You Work Best So You Can Work on Deadline
 
If you’re anything like me, there are times when you have to create large amounts of content on deadline. You don’t have time to be tired, uninspired, “not feeling the vibes,” or anything else. The work needs to be done and it needs to be done now. That’s the nature of this business and just about every other one.

To be prepared for those times when you do have to work very hard very quickly on deadline, you need to take care of yourself the rest of the time. Throughout the course of the days when i work remotely, I take a nap or two during the day. Not for long, only 15 to 20 minutes. But, by doing so, I’m able to handle an emergency.

If you treat everything like an emergency, if you “run yourself into the ground,” then you won’t be at your best when an actual emergency arises.

Of course, you need to take care of yourself in terms of diet, exercise, and more. The better you take care of yourself, the better you’ll be able to be there for the rest of your team in an emergency.

“Only the Sith Speak in Absolutes”
 
Yes, it’s a Star Wars reference (and I’m not even that big a Star Wars fan). When I’m writing content (particularly from the perspective of a client) I’m very leery of making definitive statements that the client may not be able to back up.

If I’m writing blogs for an attorney, I don’t say “we’ll win your case.” If I’m writing as a counselor at a rehab/treatment center, I don’t write “you won’t relapse after our treatment,” or anything of that nature. Those are extreme examples, but, all too often, I’ll see that in others’ writing and content.

First, it’s morally wrong. In a very real way, you’re giving people false hope. Beyond that, when I read that, I, for lack of a better word, cringe. I instantly don’t want to keep reading. All I can think is: “if this person is willing to exaggerate to me now, what else are they going to exaggerate about?”

Instead, what I do, I’m definitive about our effort. I am definitive about what we are going to try to do for you. So, if I’m writing as the attorney, I’ll say some version of: “we do everything in our power to win your case.”

If I’m the rehab/treatment center, then I’ll say “we do everything in our power to help you to get sober and stay that way.”

Success is definite. It’s binary. Win or lose. Success or failure. Neither I nor the client can correctly say what the outcome would be. What they can do is their very best. They can do everything in their power to help.
 
A Digital Marketing Agency in Los Angeles That’s Ready to Help
 
Those are just some of the tips I’ve picked up over the years. They work for me. I imagine they’ll work for you, too. What’s great about my position (well, one of the things that’s great about my position) is that I’m a member of a team. I have an entire team here that can handle all of the other aspects of SEO, omnichannel digital marketing, web design, and more.
 
To see how we can help you, schedule a free consultation through our site or by giving us a call.