Business Advice Archives | Cloud9 Marketing

Tag Archive for: Business Advice

Achieve Your 2025 Marketing Resolutions

Set Your Marketing Resolutions for 2025: Make Them Stick!

The start of a new year always brings a sense of possibility and motivation—a chance to turn aspirations into achievements. But let’s be honest: while setting bold marketing goals is exciting, sticking to them can feel overwhelming. You’re not alone in this struggle; many businesses start strong, only to lose steam as the months go by.

The good news? 2025 can be different. With the right strategies and mindset, you can not only set meaningful goals but also achieve them with confidence. At Cloud9 Marketing, we’re here to show you how to make your marketing resolutions practical, achievable, and impactful. Let’s dive in and make this the year your business thrives.

The Struggle Is Real: Staying Focused on Goals

You’re not alone if you’ve ever felt the pull of shifting priorities or limited resources. It’s a common challenge for businesses trying to stay consistent with their marketing resolutions. Whether you aim to enhance your social media strategy, boost search engine rankings, or strengthen your brand identity, relatability is key—we all know how hard it can be to stay on track.

But don’t let this discourage you! By creating a roadmap and simplifying your approach, you’ll find it easier to maintain focus. Cloud9 Marketing offers tailored solutions to help you tackle these challenges head-on and transform your ambitions into action.

👉 Tip: Check out our post on 5 Strategies to Grow Organically on Social Media for practical steps to keep your goals moving forward.

Your Path to Success: Practical, Optimistic Strategies

At Cloud9 Marketing, we believe achieving your goals doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Here’s how to approach your 2025 marketing resolutions with optimism and ease:

1. Set Clear, Achievable Goals

Define what success looks like for your business in concrete terms. Instead of vague objectives like “increase brand awareness,” aim for something measurable, like “grow website traffic by 15% by the end of Q2.” Clear goals create focus and empower you to track progress.

2. Leverage Digital Tools That Work for You

Stay ahead by embracing tools and platforms that simplify your efforts. Not sure where to start? Our guide, WTF is SEO? The Top 5 SEO Questions We Get From Small Businesses, breaks down SEO into actionable steps that any business can tackle.

3. Make Consistency Easy

A consistent brand voice and a practical content schedule are essential. Consider a social media plan that works for your team’s bandwidth—because consistency shouldn’t feel like a chore. Need inspiration? Explore our tips in How to Heat Up Your Summer Marketing Strategy for ideas you can adapt year-round.

4. Monitor, Adjust, Succeed

Your strategy should evolve with your business. Regularly review performance metrics to understand what’s working and where to pivot. At Cloud9 Marketing, we prioritize continuous optimization to ensure every effort brings results. Curious about digital trends? Check out The Impact of AI on Digital Marketing for insights into the future.

You’ve Got This: Empowering Your Next Steps

Taking the first step toward your goals can feel daunting, but you’re in control. Start small, simplify where possible, and embrace tools and partnerships that make success attainable. At Cloud9 Marketing, we’re here to provide personalized strategies that empower you to take charge of your marketing journey.

👉 Action Step: Ready to turn your 2025 marketing resolutions into reality? Contact us today to learn how we can help.

Why Cloud9 Marketing?

Success starts with the right partner. At Cloud9 Marketing, we’re not just about ideas—we’re about action. From setting SMART goals to leveraging the latest trends like AI, we help businesses like yours thrive in Whistler and the Sea to Sky Corridor.

Explore how we help businesses grow with our insights on: Website Accessibility in Modern Web Development.

January 8, 2025/by cloud9wp

Blog

Smart Holiday Marketing Strategies | Tips for Festive Success

The holiday season is a whirlwind of twinkling lights, shopping sprees, and endless opportunities for businesses to grab attention. But with every brand vying for a piece of the festive pie, how can yours shine brighter than the star on top of the tree? Simple: win the holidays with smart marketing strategies. From jaw-dropping deals to heartwarming stories, a well-planned campaign is your ticket to standing out.

Let’s get to unwrapping these tips for a winning holiday content strategy that delivers measurable results.

1. Create Holiday-Specific Deals That Convert

Holiday promotions, when paired with smart marketing strategies, are a proven way to capitalize on seasonal shopping habits. Timely, irresistible offers not only create urgency and excitement but also position your brand as the go-to choice during the festive rush.

Here’s how to make them effective:

Offer compelling discounts: Deals like “Buy One, Get One Free” or limited-time discounts can drive conversions.
Bundle products or services: Encourage bigger purchases by offering curated holiday bundles at a discounted rate.
Develop a gift guide: Showcase your products or services in a holiday-themed guide, making it easier for customers to shop.

Consistency across all marketing channels—social media, email, and your website—is crucial to reinforcing these promotions.

2. Use Social Media to Drive Holiday Engagement

Social media platforms are vital for amplifying your holiday marketing efforts. By incorporating smart marketing strategies, you can capture attention with interactive, shareable content that resonates with your audience and drives engagement.

Host festive contests: Encourage followers to participate in photo contests or use branded hashtags for a chance to win.
Share visually engaging content: Bright, festive visuals, short videos, and GIFs are highly shareable and ideal for spreading holiday cheer.
Leverage paid ads: Organic reach is increasingly limited, but paid ads can ensure your promotions reach your target audience.

Keep your social media campaigns aligned with the season’s festive energy to strengthen engagement and loyalty.

3. Optimize Your Website for with Smart Holiday Marketing Strategies

As the hub of your online presence, your website is a cornerstone of smart marketing strategies and must be prepared to handle increased traffic. A seamless experience can transform curious visitors into paying customers.

Create a dedicated holiday landing page: Simplify the shopping experience by consolidating deals and promotions in one place.
Incorporate holiday SEO: Use terms like “holiday deals” or “Christmas gifts” to attract seasonal search traffic.
Enhance mobile usability: Many shoppers browse on their phones—ensure your site is fast, intuitive, and mobile-friendly.

By optimizing for both performance and user experience, your website can effectively convert holiday traffic into sales.

4. Launch Holiday-Themed Email Campaigns

Email marketing is one of the most powerful tools for reaching customers during the holidays. As part of your smart marketing strategies, it’s a direct and personal approach that can yield significant returns, ensuring your message resonates with the right audience.

Promote early access sales: Reward loyal customers with exclusive early-bird promotions to encourage early shopping.
Segment your audience: Tailor messages based on customer behavior, such as past purchases or browsing history.
Use eye-catching subject lines: Stand out in crowded inboxes with playful and festive subject lines that demand attention.

A strong email strategy can deepen customer relationships and drive revenue during the holiday rush.

Make This Holiday Season Count with Smart Marketing Strategies

A successful holiday content marketing strategy hinges on smart marketing strategies that combine creativity, targeted efforts, and seamless execution. By leveraging strategic promotions, interactive social media, an optimized website, and personalized email campaigns, your brand can rise above the competition and achieve standout results.

Need a hand? At Cloud9 Marketing, we’re experts in crafting holiday campaigns that work. Whether it’s social media strategy, SEO optimization, or creating stunning digital promotions, we’re here to help your brand thrive. Let’s make this holiday season your most successful yet—contact us today!

December 9, 2024/by cloud9wp

Blog, Marketing, Tips, Trends, Whistler

How Whistler Businesses Prepare for Winter Guests

As the first snowfall approaches, Whistler’s tourism industry kicks into high gear, and behind the scenes, businesses are busy fine-tuning their marketing strategies to get ready for the bustling winter season. While many visitors are daydreaming about powder-filled runs and cozy lodge stays, local businesses are focused on making sure they’ll be top of mind when those dreams turn into bookings.

So, what does it really take to prepare a Whistler business for winter guests from a marketing perspective? Let’s pull back the curtain and take a look.

Refreshing Marketing Materials

Switch out the summer colours for the crisp coolness of winter.

Winter tourism is big business in Whistler. To attract new and returning guests, companies refresh their marketing strategies and materials. From booking ski lessons to promoting cozy winter accommodations, the right digital strategy can make or break a season.

From stunning shots of freshly groomed trails to festive vibes in the village, winter marketing is all about showcasing Whistler’s magic in a way that resonates with potential visitors. But this process isn’t just about slapping on some snowflakes—it’s about telling a story that compels people to choose Whistler as their ultimate winter destination.

Whether it’s updating their website with seasonal imagery, launching a winter-themed social media campaign, or tweaking ad creatives to capture the snowy excitement, marketing teams work around the clock to refresh their visuals and messaging.

Enhancing your Digital Presence

Use marketing language that inspires urgency and excitement.

Businesses take this time to push early-bird deals, set up seasonal campaigns, and optimize SEO for winter vacation keywords. Ensuring high visibility during this peak season is crucial, as competition is fierce.

With the bulk of travelers planning their trips online, having a strong digital presence is crucial. Businesses in Whistler often take this time to perform an audit of their website and social channels, ensuring they’re optimized for search engines and ready to convert browsers into bookers. From boosting SEO with winter-specific keywords to ensuring seamless mobile navigation, these businesses are making sure their digital storefront is just as polished as their real one.

At Cloud9 Marketing, we help businesses revamp their websites, social media campaigns, and PPC ads to highlight winter-specific services and offers.

Social Media Strategy Overhaul

Find opportunities everywhere to engage with your audience.

Winter in Whistler brings endless opportunities for content creation, and businesses are eager to harness the power of social media to engage their audience. Whether it’s planning out an Instagram feed full of snowy landscapes or curating user-generated content that showcases real guests’ winter adventures, every detail of the social media strategy is thoughtfully planned.

Influencer partnerships, live videos, and interactive content like polls or countdowns keep potential guests excited and engaged in the lead-up to their visit. This is where the magic happens—businesses work hard to craft stories that connect with their audience and get them dreaming about their winter getaway.

Collaborations & Partnerships

Create a sense of community and convenience for your guests.

Winter in Whistler isn’t just about individual businesses; it’s about the community coming together to provide a complete experience. Many tourism companies collaborate with local businesses to create unique winter packages, combining accommodation, ski rentals, and dining experiences.

Cloud9 Marketing often steps in to help facilitate these partnerships, ensuring businesses have the marketing support they need to cross-promote services and maximize their visibility.

Precautions for the Unexpected

The base of Whistler Mountain with thin snow

Be prepared to shift attention towards other aspects of the winter holidays.

If there’s one thing Whistler businesses know, it’s that winter can be unpredictable. A late winter resulting in no new snow, a lack of reservations due to uncertain weather, or sudden surges in bookings due to a surprise snowstorm are just a few of the potential challenges. That’s why businesses should always have a Plan B (and C).

Whistler businesses rely heavily on the snow during winter to attract guests, but sometimes Jack Frost doesn’t deliver on time. That’s where a flexible marketing strategy comes into play. Activity companies like Canadian Wilderness Adventures prepare for changing conditions by constantly monitoring weather and trail conditions to adjust their offerings accordingly. By monitoring weather patterns closely, businesses can adapt their messaging to focus on alternative winter activities or promote early-bird deals for when the snow finally arrives.

At Cloud9 Marketing, we help our clients pivot quickly, shifting campaigns to highlight off-slope experiences like cozy dining, spa getaways, or scenic winter hikes, ensuring guest interest stays high, even when the snow is running a little late. Adaptability is key, and we make sure your marketing doesn’t miss a beat, no matter the weather.

Impactful Internal Marketing

Emphasize care and commitment to your staff and seek those who value memorable guest experiences.

With winter bringing an influx of tourists, businesses need to scale up their workforce. Hiring seasonal staff is essential for the busy months ahead, and training these new hires takes careful planning. Local restaurants, hotels, and activity companies onboard temporary workers, giving them thorough training in guest service, safety protocols, and winter activity operations.

Internal marketing plays a huge role in getting the whole team aligned and ready for the season ahead. Staff need to be just as informed and excited about the winter campaigns as the customers they’ll be serving. Businesses hold internal briefings, share brand updates, and make sure everyone is on the same page when it comes to delivering the perfect guest experience.

For some, it means team-building exercises or sneak previews of upcoming promotions. For others, it’s in-depth training on new digital tools or platforms that will help streamline marketing efforts and boost guest satisfaction.

At Cloud9 Marketing, we’ve noticed many businesses using social media to promote job openings, leveraging targeted ads to attract talent from across the region, even internationally. Ensuring a smooth hiring process now translates to a better guest experience once winter hits.

Preparing for Guest Feedback

Be open-minded and willing to evolve.

In a competitive market like Whistler’s, the guest experience can be the deciding factor for repeat business. Companies take time to ensure every touchpoint—from booking to check-out—is seamless and personalized. Special touches, like holiday-themed welcome packages, hot chocolate stations, or ski concierge services, go a long way in creating memorable winter experiences.

While many people think marketing stops at the point of sale, that’s far from true. Smart businesses understand that feedback from guests is gold when it comes to future marketing efforts. Leading into the winter season, Whistler businesses gear up their online review strategies, ensuring they’re ready to respond to feedback quickly and authentically. It’s about staying agile and being proactive, so they can turn positive experiences into glowing reviews that will help drive future bookings.

At Cloud9 Marketing, we work with businesses to refine their customer journey through digital channels, ensuring that their online presence mirrors the level of service they provide in person.

As winter approaches, Whistler businesses are busy behind the scenes, perfecting every aspect of their marketing strategies. They’re refreshing seasonal content, aligning internal teams, boosting their digital presence, and preparing for engaging social media takeovers—all to create an experience that captivates and converts. With a focus on impactful marketing and attention to guest feedback, they’re set to welcome the winter crowds when the snow arrives. If you’re aiming to elevate your winter marketing, Cloud9 Marketing is here to help your business stand out. From crafting a dynamic social media strategy to optimizing your website for winter traffic and building impactful internal campaigns, our expertise ensures your business is ready for the season. Let’s work together to make sure your business tops everyone’s winter getaway list!

November 6, 2024/by cloud9wp

Blog, Branding, Design

Horror in Design: The Most Terrifying Branding Mistakes

It’s October, and while you’re getting ready for all things spooky, there’s one type of horror you want to steer clear of—horrific branding mistakes! In the world of marketing, some blunders are so cringeworthy they might as well belong in a horror movie. So, grab your popcorn and buckle up, because today, we’re venturing into the darkest depths of branding fails that left a lasting mark (and not the good kind) on some pretty big companies.

1. Tropicana’s Disastrous Redesign (2009)

Tropicana thought it would be fun to give their packaging a fresh, modern look in 2009. Unfortunately, this well-intentioned makeover turned into a complete horror show. They ditched their iconic orange with a straw poking out for a minimalist design that left consumers scratching their heads. The backlash was swift and brutal—sales plummeted by 20% in just a few weeks, costing the company a whopping $30 million. The horror was so great they had to retreat and bring back the old design. Moral of the story? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!

2. The Gap’s Ghastly Logo Change (2010)

Ah, The Gap—known for its classic American style and… a logo change that went down in flames. In 2010, they decided to switch things up with a new logo: plain Helvetica font with a tiny blue square. The reaction? Fans of the brand were horrified! The new design was slammed as cheap and generic, leading to such an uproar that The Gap scrapped it just one week later. A spooky reminder that even a well-established brand can stumble by not respecting its customers’ emotional ties to its identity.

3. Pepsi’s Endless Rebranding Cycle (2008-Present)

Pepsi seems cursed with an insatiable need to rebrand every few years, and the results are rarely a treat. The last redesign—featuring a “smile” on the logo—came with a jaw-dropping price tag of $1 million and was met with a collective yawn. Pepsi has since resurrected one of its old logos, bringing them back from the dead with a bold 2023 redesign. This new look is a clear homage to Pepsi’s century-old logos. As for the lowercase logo, it will be buried alongside the rest of Pepsi’s retired designs in the logo graveyard. And who knows, potentially raised from the dead to walk in the branding world yet again. Meanwhile, Coca-Cola has kept a steady, consistent brand image that stands the test of time. The takeaway here? When it comes to branding, sometimes it’s better to be a Coca-Cola than a Pepsi. Consistency is key!

4. The American Red Cross’ Drunken Tweet (2011)

You’d think a venerable organization like the American Red Cross would be immune to social media slip-ups, right? Think again! In 2011, an employee accidentally posted a tweet meant for their personal account, revealing they were “getting slizzered” (a.k.a. drunk) on Dogfish Head beer. Although the tweet was quickly taken down, it was too late—the internet had already grabbed hold of the gaffe. Thankfully, the Red Cross handled the mishap with humor and grace, even partnering with Dogfish Head to turn the embarrassment into a charitable opportunity. Lesson learned: Always double-check which account you’re posting from!

5. Schweppes’ “Il Water” in Italy (1990s)

Sometimes, translation errors can be more horrifying than a haunted house. Case in point: Schweppes. When launching their tonic water in Italy, they didn’t realize their product name would translate to “Schweppes The Toilet.” Unsurprisingly, Italian sales didn’t quite bubble over as planned so they quickly changed the name to Tonica instead. This blunder is a solid reminder of the importance of doing your homework, especially when expanding into international markets!

So, what have we learned from these branding horror stories? Always do your homework—whether it’s testing a new design with your audience, considering cultural and linguistic differences, or simply double-checking before you hit ‘send’ on social media. Branding is not just about looking good; it’s about resonating with your audience, building trust, and standing out for the right reasons. Don’t let your brand be the next one haunting the marketing halls of shame. Remember, a little extra caution can keep your brand from becoming a real-life nightmare!

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Feeling a little spooked about your brand’s direction? Don’t worry, you don’t have to face the marketing monsters alone! At Cloud9 Marketing, we specialize in turning your brand from a scary story into a fairy tale success. Whether you’re worried about a redesign that didn’t quite land or a campaign that’s giving off ghostly vibes, our team is here to help! Reach out to us for a free consultation, and together, we’ll ensure your brand shines brighter than a jack-o’-lantern on Halloween night. No tricks, just treats 🎃👻

Get in touch with us today, and let’s take the fright out of your marketing!

October 8, 2024/by cloud9wp

Blog, Marketing, Tips

5 Common Branding Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Branding is one of the most critical elements of a successful business. It’s more than just a logo or a colour scheme; it’s how your audience perceives your company. However, many businesses, both large and small, make avoidable mistakes that can dilute their brand identity and impact their growth. At Cloud9 Marketing, we believe that understanding these pitfalls is the first step in building a robust brand. Here are the top five branding mistakes businesses often make and how to steer clear of them.

1. Inconsistent Branding

One of the most common branding mistakes is inconsistency. Your brand should be recognizable across all platforms and touchpoints, from your website to social media and even in your internal communications. Inconsistent branding can confuse customers, weaken your brand’s message, and ultimately erode trust.

How to Avoid It: Establish clear brand guidelines that detail your visual elements, tone of voice, and messaging. Ensure that everyone in your organization understands and follows these guidelines to maintain a cohesive brand identity across all materials.

2. Ignoring Your Target Audience

Branding is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Failing to understand your target audience can lead to a brand that doesn’t resonate with potential customers. This can result in a disconnect between your brand and the people you’re trying to reach, reducing the effectiveness of your marketing efforts.

How to Avoid It: Conducting thorough market research is a necessity for identifying your ideal customers. Develop buyer personas that reflect demographics, preferences, and pain points of your target audience. Tailor your branding efforts to meet their needs and desires.

3. Branding around a trend

While it’s important to stay current, rushing to every trend can dilute your brand’s identity. Trends come and go, and what’s popular today might be outdated in a few months. This leaves little room to maintain a lasting identity for your business. If your brand is too closely tied to a fleeting trend, you might find your brand becoming lost along with it.

How to Avoid It: Instead of chasing trends, focus on building a timeless brand. Keep your core brand identity grounded in your unique values and mission, and instead, update imagery and marketing graphics to embrace upcoming trends.

4. Poor Brand Experience

Brand experience is the foundation of your business; it’s a reflection of how your customers see you and how they interact with your business, from customer interaction to your website’s user interface. Ignoring the brand experience or allowing it to become poor can lead to negative perceptions, loss in capital and high turnover.

How to Avoid It: Pay attention to every touchpoint where customers interact with your brand, from your website’s usability to customer service interactions, ensure that every aspect of the brand experience is easy, thorough and consistent. Have an open mind to criticism and leave room to grow as a company, customers and investors appreciate honesty and genuine interest in their concerns.

5. Lack of Differentiation

In a crowded marketplace, failing to differentiate your brand from competitors can make it appear generic, forgettable and run the risk of legal issues. Your brand needs to stand out and highlight what makes you unique. What is your personal drive for this company, what are your dreams and desires, clients favour brands that can connect with them on a more personal level.

How to Avoid It: “Wear your heart on your sleeve” so the saying goes. Focus on your unique selling points (USPs) and communicate them clearly in your branding; whether it’s superior customer service, innovative products, or a commitment to sustainability, make sure your brand reflects what sets you apart from the competition.

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At Cloud9 Marketing, we care about the success of your brand. With over 15+ years of experience, we specialize in counselling businesses on the best web and design practices, offering a comfortable and involved experience. Contact us today for a free consultation.

August 29, 2024/by cloud9wp

mountain bikes on mountain above clouds at sunrise

Marketing, Whistler

Unleashing Unforgettable Adventure Experiences in Whistler

TL;DR

Whistler is a top destination for adventure enthusiasts worldwide, offering diverse outdoor activities in breathtaking landscapes.
Challenges include effectively marketing adventure experiences, addressing safety concerns, and standing out in a competitive market.
Engaging the local community, crafting compelling experiences, and utilizing social media are essential for success.
Influencer marketing can expand the reach of adventure offerings.
Understanding preferences and continuous innovation can establish Whistler as the go-to adventure tourism haven.

Whistler, a picturesque destination nestled in the heart of nature, has become a magnet for adventure enthusiasts seeking an adrenaline rush. Its breathtaking landscapes and diverse outdoor activities have transformed it into a haven for thrill-seekers from around the world. In this blog, we delve into the importance of effectively promoting outdoor adventure experiences and explore the challenges faced by adventure tourism providers in attracting their target audience.

Understanding Whistler’s Adventure Tourism Landscape

Whistler stands out as a premier adventure tourism destination, offering a plethora of thrilling experiences that cater to various tastes. From heart-pounding mountain biking trails to heart-stopping snowboarding slopes, the range of activities available is truly remarkable. Tourists flock to Whistler to experience its unique blend of outdoor adventures, creating memories that last a lifetime. The region’s diverse offerings ensure that every adventure enthusiast finds something to get their adrenaline pumping.

The Difficulties in Promoting Outdoor Adventure Experiences Effectively

While the allure of adventure tourism is undeniable, reaching the right audience with the right message can be a daunting task. Identifying the target audience for adventure experiences and understanding their preferences is crucial to crafting compelling marketing campaigns. Additionally, the seasonal variations in Whistler’s climate impact the type of activities available, requiring tourism providers to be flexible and strategic in their promotional efforts.

Challenges of Attracting Adventure-Seeking Tourists to Whistler

To entice adventure-seeking tourists, Whistler must address concerns related to safety and risk management. Adventure experiences often involve an element of risk, and potential customers need reassurance that their well-being is a top priority. Leveraging digital marketing channels becomes imperative to reach adventure enthusiasts worldwide and communicate the safety measures in place, dispelling any doubts they may have.

Struggles in Standing Out in the Competitive Adventure Tourism Market

With adventure tourism booming, the competition in Whistler’s market is fierce. Tourism providers must conduct thorough competitor analysis to understand their rivals’ strategies and identify gaps they can fill. By offering unique adventure packages and experiences, businesses can create a compelling selling proposition that sets them apart from the crowd. Collaborating with local businesses not only fosters a sense of community but also opens up new avenues for mutual growth and customer acquisition.

Lack of Strategies to Capture the Attention of Local Thrill-Seekers

While Whistler attracts tourists from all corners of the globe, engaging the local community is equally important. Understanding the preferences of local adventure enthusiasts and tailoring experiences to resonate with them can lead to a loyal customer base. Challenges may arise in enticing locals to participate in adventure activities, as they might perceive these offerings as catering primarily to tourists. However, community engagement initiatives that promote the benefits of adventure tourism can bridge this gap and create a sense of pride among locals.

Crafting Engaging Adventure Experiences

To remain competitive, adventure tourism providers must design experiences that genuinely resonate with their customers. By incorporating storytelling elements and personalization, providers can forge stronger connections with their audience. Furthermore, collecting and utilizing customer feedback is vital for continuous improvement, ensuring that the adventure experiences evolve to meet changing preferences and expectations.

Marketing Whistler’s Adventure Offerings

The power of social media in showcasing adrenaline-pumping experiences cannot be underestimated. By sharing captivating visuals and thrilling stories, adventure tourism providers can entice potential customers to embark on their own Whistler journey. Moreover, effective content marketing, including blog posts, videos, and guides, can establish providers as authoritative sources of adventure-related information, attracting visitors to explore their offerings.

Influencer marketing is a game-changer in the adventure tourism sector. Collaborating with influential figures who align with the brand’s values can exponentially expand the reach of adventure offerings. Authentic endorsements from these influencers can motivate their followers to seek their own adventure in Whistler.

Whistler’s adventure tourism industry holds immense potential, but it also faces its fair share of challenges. By understanding the preferences of both tourists and locals, embracing innovative marketing strategies, and continually refining adventure experiences, Whistler can overcome obstacles and establish itself as the go-to destination for adventure enthusiasts worldwide. The thrill of adventure awaits in Whistler, and it’s time to embrace the journey of unleashing unforgettable experiences in this natural wonderland.

August 1, 2023/by Cloud9 Team

Blog, Marketing, Online Advertising, SEO, Web

Pay Per Click Advertising, Demystified

If you’ve been looking into increasing your web presence as a company you’ve probably encountered the phrase “pay per click.” Well this very vague title is exactly what we are going to explore in this blog post. What exactly is this so-called “Pay Per Click Advertising” and how does it work? Lets find out.

What is it?

Pay per click advertising is a form of web based adverting that helps with search engine optimization. Search engines like Google and Bing have designated spots on their search result pages, usually along the side or in the first 1-3 search result lines. These prime locations are reserved for paying clients who have pay per click advertising with key words relative to the search. Every time someone uses the ad by clicking on it, the paying client is charged, because it has proven to be a successful advertisement placement and search result combination.

How does it work?

First things first, you’ll have to choose a keyword or phrase that you’d like your page to be associated. The process of determining which keywords you should apply to your business page requires a thought out approach. You’ll need to consider how generic or specific you’d like your results to be. Keep in mind what phrases your competitors might be using and always remember your target audience. Lucky you for, Cloud9 has marketing gurus available that do exactly that. We can help you determine what keywords would benefit your business, reach your target audience and achieve web presence goals. Working with a budget in pay per click advertising can work multiple ways. Sometimes it is a bidding war on the price per a click for a desired spot and search combination. Whoever is willing to pay the most per a click gets the spot. You may want to top out at a certain budget each month or after achieving a certain result. Almost all web presence goals can easily be reached by utilizing per click advertising as it increases traffic to your page, or even a sub pages of your website. Each click will take the searcher exactly where you’d like to be on your website. It’s the most ideal way for getting a searcher to find your page rather than your competitors and increase over all SEO.

Is it right for me?

Sounds pretty peachy so far doesn’t it? Well the truth is, pay per click advertising is phenomenal; it is an incredible tool for your webpage. There aren’t many drawbacks for pay per click advertising unless the keywords and target audience don’t match. As mentioned before, this is a crucial step and needs some serious brainstorming. It can also be expressive and competitive to land your page in the top results section. If you’re considering using pay per a click, give us a call at Cloud9 and we can weight out the pros and cons for your company specifically and decide on the right marketing combination for your business. Pay per click isn’t for everyone or every business, but when it is fully understood and used correctly it can take your SEO to a whole new level.

July 30, 2015/by cloud9wp

Blog, Content, Marketing, Tips, Video

Key Considerations For Video Marketing

It’s no secret that videos are trendier than ever. From hilarious cat videos, to live news on your smart phone, our society is in love with videos. Embracing film as part of your marketing strategy can drastically improve your reach. We are all for video content because we know how powerful it is, when it’s done right that is. Whether you are gearing up to incorporate video into your marketing strategy or already have it implemented, these considerations for a successful video are key.

Concept

Whatever your concept is, make it clear in the first 8 seconds. The first couple of seconds are when the viewer decides if it is appealing or not. This is your do or die window for their attention. Reflect on what audience you are trying to reach and what you are trying to say about your brand, this is your time to shine.

Overselling

Finding the balance between being clear about your product or idea and drowning people in it can be tricky. The goal with any video is to make a lasting impression and call the viewer to action. You want them to remember your brand, and dig a little deeper on their own free will. It’s about creating engagement from the viewer. Rather than spill all the beans, lead them on with excitement and have all the info they’ll be craving ready in another video, or written on your website and point them in that direction.

Feedback

Everyone needs more feedback. Ask strangers in your target audience what they think about your video. Outside sources are best for feedback as your team, family and friends will have a bias.

Call to Action

As mentioned in overselling, each video needs to call the viewer to some kind of action. The call can be just to create curiosity, generate a referral, get a free quote, how to use your product and so on. Maybe all you are trying to do is get them to like your Facebook page, whatever it is, make sure it is clear in your objectives before and after the video is created.

Boring

A few things can make a video boring. If it is too long, it’s boring. If the concept isn’t portrayed in an engaging way, it is boring. If the people in the video are, well boring, it is of course going to be a boring film. Spending a couple of extra bucks to hire someone to film and act in your video could make all the difference. This is something you’ll need to weigh out for yourself, but if you were planning on using Larry, the monotone receptionist as your lead star, maybe rethink that one.

Placement

Now that you’ve created your perfect video, don’t let it go to waste! Placement on your website should be front and center. On YouTube it should be on your own channel which will eventually have more videos to fill the auto play, this will keep your target audience much more excited about your company as there is even more material for them to view. Be sure to cross post on other outlets like Vimeo and Facebook. If you choose to do paid advertisement with your video choose the sites that will appeal to the right demographic, and again watch placement of where your video will be on each page that you are paying for.

We can’t say this will make video-making fool proof, but it is a step in the right direction. When creating or perfecting your video content keep these helpful hints in mind. If you are interested in video marketing but don’t know where to start, check out Cloud9’s video production & marketing services.

June 17, 2015/by cloud9wp

Marketing, Tips

A Question: Valuing Customer Choice

Here is a question I received through my Linkedin account in regards to customer choice – I thought the question was pretty interesting and touched on companies having to build on trust and goodwill to move forward, especially with the new Panda and Penguin releases in Google – so I decided to share it…

Hi Virginia,

I know you deal with a lot of people everyday and as a marketing professional I thought you may be able to give me some feedback. I have now been in a sales role with Paladin Security for just over 8 months. Cutting to the chase here is I wanted to know in your opinion what your feelings are to NOT having to lock into a 3 year contract for a business service such as cell phone service or as in my situation security alarm monitoring (for commercial or residential customers). Would not having to sign a fixed term contract be more attractive to you or people you know in general? Or would your answer be that it wouldn’t influence you in any way? Paladin just went with all services on a no fixed term contracts so I’m trying to see how I can position that in my conversations with decision makers. Thanks for any feedback. Greatly appreciated!
Warm regards,

Christine

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Hi Christine,

Thanks for your message and congrats on your relatively new position!

Personally, I like the idea of a product not being available only on a fixed term. Especially as we are moving toward an era of genuine and transparent B2C interaction. With the importance of social media and socially influence search playing a much bigger role in SEO and other business ranking factors, the more trust you can build with your customers the better.

In my experience when you lock someone into a contract there is a mild feeling of mistrust – like “Why do they have to lock me into a contract? What don’t I know that I may not like down the road?”. Which does not build a feeling of goodwill and trust toward the business, and ultimately a negative impression – if only slightly. This may influence how they talk about your product OR if they talk about your product at all. Your customers want to feel in control about their choice to use your service and that by offering a flexible no-obligation option, you value that choice. I think if your marketing efforts can focus on humanizing your brand and developing a great customer satisfaction strategy, then your company’s move to no-fixed terms will be a success. Good luck – thank you for your question!

With appreciation,

Virginia-Rae Choquette

February 14, 2013/by cloud9wp