Tag Archive for: digital marketing

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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.

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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. 

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Christmas lights on top of a pavilion in Whistler Vilalge during winter snow
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Whistler’s Winter Pulse: Be Agile, Be Adaptive, Be Successful!

As snowflakes grace our mountainous haven and the festive season draws near, businesses anticipate a harmonious fusion of winter wonder and holiday joy. At Cloud9 Marketing, we specialize in elevating your endeavours through Whistler holiday marketing, ensuring your business seamlessly embodies the distinctive spirit of our mountainous paradise. Embark with us on a journey to master the art of holiday marketing, uniquely crafted for businesses nestled in the heart of Whistler.

 

Whistler Village in winter with snow and christmas lights

Setting the Stage for Success

In our local context, goal-setting takes on a special significance. Whether you run a ski gear shop, a cozy café, or a tour guide service, clearly defined objectives are crucial. Do you aim to draw in more tourists to the slopes, enhance the experience for our residents, or both?

We encourage early planning, aligning your goals with the unique spirit of Whistler. The earlier you start, the better you can synchronize your campaigns with the rhythm of the Whistler community.

 

Family enjoying coffee and treats in a cozy cafe under christmas decorations

 

Example: A ski gear shop could set goals to attract both tourists and locals, planning promotions around community events. Similarly, a cozy café might strive to be the preferred local spot for holiday gatherings, weaving its promotions into the fabric of community festivities.

Crafting Compelling Holiday Content

Whistler isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience. Our holiday marketing strategy revolves around storytelling that captures the essence of our mountain paradise. Your business should aim to craft narratives that resonate with the thrill of the first snowfall and après-ski warmth, embracing Whistler holiday marketing to captivate your audience and make your business the heart of festive celebrations.

 

Peak to Peak Gondola Whistler going over a skiier in a red jacket

 

You’ll want to Invest in visually stunning content that showcases your business against the backdrop of our picturesque landscapes. And here’s the secret sauce – encourage our vibrant community to contribute! Let user-generated content (UGC) become the heartbeat of your holiday narrative.

 

Example: The ski gear shop could tell stories of crafting the perfect ski set against Whistler’s backdrop. Meanwhile, the café might create visually appealing content and encourage user-generated photos of customers enjoying holiday treats.

Leveraging Social Media Platforms

Whistler’s social media scene is as diverse as its slopes. Facebook becomes a communal fireplace, where businesses can engage with both locals and visitors alike. Instagram transforms into a visual gallery, displaying the magic of our winter wonderland.

Twitter (X) is our real-time communication hub, connecting businesses with the pulse of the community. And let’s not forget LinkedIn for those B2B connections that make our local economy thrive. As a full-service creative agency, we also recommend developing strategic paid advertising campaigns on these platforms, amplifying your presence amidst the festive noise.

 

Lady holding a mobile phone with social media icon bubbles floating up

 

Example: The ski gear shop can use Facebook to promote local events, Instagram for captivating imagery, Twitter for real-time updates such as announcing fresh powder conditions and LinkedIn for B2B collaborations. Meanwhile, the café can leverage Instagram for visually appealing posts, showcasing seasonal specials like a decadent peppermint mocha, and Twitter (X) for real-time updates on live acoustic performances or other evening events.

Analyzing and Optimizing Your Strategy

In a town where the rhythm of winter beats in sync with our community’s heartbeat, analytics are your compass. Dive into metrics that matter locally. Look at website traffic from potential tourists, engagement from our close-knit residents, and conversion data that reflects the success of your campaigns.

We can’t emphasize enough the importance of interpreting these metrics through a local lens. You need to understand what resonates with Whistler’s diverse audience and optimize your strategy in real-time. Be agile, be adaptive, and let your holiday campaigns dance with the rhythm of our unique mountain town.

Example: A tour guide service can analyze website traffic for optimized winter tour packages. A café can track social media interactions to adapt its menu, while a ski gear shop can use conversion data for strategic inventory planning.

 

Two people riding snowmobiles wearing winter gear on a clear day

 

As we conclude this comprehensive guide tailored for local businesses in Whistler, we invite you to infuse your holiday campaigns with the spirit of our mountain haven. May your goals be as lofty as our peaks, your stories as captivating as our landscapes, and your social media presence as vibrant as our community.

 

Apply these insights to your holiday marketing, and let the magic of Whistler’s winter transform not just your business but the entire town into a festive, prosperous haven. If you need help with your Whistler Holiday Marketing, reach out to our team and Book a Consultation. Happy holidays from Cloud9 Marketing!

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Snowy mountain valley at dusk with pine trees covered in snow and beautiful purple coloured clouds
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Snow-Proof Your Business: 5 Strategies for Whistler’s Winter Season

Winter is upon us, and for businesses in Whistler, it’s a season of both excitement and challenges. As the snow blankets this picturesque region, adventure seekers and travellers flock to the mountains, seeking thrills and unforgettable experiences. But how can your business stand out in this winter wonderland? How can you navigate the snow-covered path to success? In this article, we’ll explore 5 strategies to snow-proof your business and make this winter in Whistler truly remarkable.

 

1. Elevate Your Digital Presence for Winter

Whistler transforms into a winter wonderland during this time of year, and your online presence should reflect that. Picture your website as a cozy cabin inviting visitors to experience the magic of the season. Update your website with winter-centric imagery, highlight your seasonal offerings, and ensure a seamless mobile experience. Let’s make sure your online welcome mat is ready for the winter rush!

Desktop computer on a desk with a chair and a coffee cup and a desk palnt

2. Navigate the Snowy Path with Local SEO

Much like preparing for an exciting mountain expedition, gear up your website with strategically chosen keywords and robust local SEO tactics. Just as a well-marked trail leads adventurers, optimize your online presence to guide your target audience directly to your establishment. When winter enthusiasts seek services in Whistler, ensure your business shines on the virtual map, standing out like pristine powder after a snowfall. Let local SEO be your compass, directing eager customers to your doorstep!

 

3. Craft Tempting Winter Promotions

As the winter wonderland embraces Whistler, entice your audience with promotions designed to encapsulate the magic of the season. Develop irresistible winter-themed experiences, such as après-ski gatherings, guided winter adventure tours, or seasonal tasting events. Showcase these experiences as the focal point of your winter promotions. Complement this with a loyalty program that rewards repeat visits, enhancing customer retention during the season. Additionally, optimize your approach with targeted seasonal email campaigns, tailoring content to resonate with your audience’s winter aspirations and preferences. Let the allure of winter guide your marketing strategies, ensuring your offerings captivate and resonate with both local and visiting patrons.

 

4. Spin Tales of Winter Magic with Engaging Content

Every winter season has its own unique story, and your business plays a vital role in Whistler’s winter tale. Weave this narrative through diverse and engaging content that resonates with your audience. Picture your content as a warm mug of cocoa by the fireside—inviting and comforting. Share thrilling blog posts about winter adventures, host cozy fireside chats with industry experts, run a winter photo contest to showcase community moments, and spotlight your seasonal menu offerings. Invite your audience to immerse themselves in the beauty and excitement of winter, establishing a strong emotional connection with your brand during these frosty months.

 

Vintage camper outdoors in the snow with people sitting around a fire

Four Season Whistler

5. Form Snowball Partnerships for Collective Success

In the spirit of unity within our community, forming meaningful partnerships can make this winter season truly exceptional. Imagine collaborating with a local ski rental shop, offering joint discounts for adventure seekers, or partnering with a nearby spa for après-ski relaxation packages. Additionally, teaming up with a neighboring café to provide exclusive coffee and dessert pairings can enhance the winter experience for your patrons. Let’s explore these collaborative opportunities, creating a snowball effect of success that benefits us all in Whistler’s close-knit business community.

 

A group of people smiling and collaborating over coffee and technology

 

As we gear up for a winter full of adventure, delight, and growth, let Cloud9 Marketing be your trusted companion on this exhilarating journey. Our team is here to ensure your business soars high and embraces the magic of the season. Let’s make this winter in Whistler one for the books!

 

Reach out to us at [email protected] or book a consultation to get started on your winter marketing adventure.

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Marketing business concept on the virtual screen

Spring Cleaning for Digital Marketing

Spring is in the air! You may be aware the longer days and beautiful sunshine in Whistler mean it’s time to dust off the ceiling cobwebs and clean all the places you’ve been neglecting all year. But spring cleaning isn’t just important for your house. Here are the top ways you can spruce up your digital marketing strategy.

Check Your Goals

You can’t tell if you’ve made any progress if you haven’t set any measurable goals. Set specific, measurable, agreed upon, realistic, and time-based goals (SMART Goals.) Use Google Analytics to work out what you want to achieve. Break these down so you have an achievable figure to work towards. By having proper goals, it’s a lot easier to track your progress and check your marketing strategy is where you want it to be.

Freshen up your strategy

What’s working? What’s not working? What were you doing when you had high levels of engagement? Think about how you can create a new strategy that will engage with your audience and reach the people who are more likely to become customers. Devise a social media content plan and focus on engagement.

Ensure your branding is consistent

Having a strong brand can really help your business be recognized and grow. But if you’re not consistent with your branding, it can confuse your customers. You should take a look at your online profile, fonts, colour schemes and print ads. Make sure they are consistent across the board. If you find they’re not, evaluate what you like, and create some brand guidelines. If you don’t think your brand looks modern or relevant anymore, it might be time to think about rebranding.

Explore all social platforms

Social media is an essential tool for engaging with your audience and getting your brand voice out there. Make sure you are utilizing all platforms to reach a wider audience. Each have their own merits so make sure you don’t overlook any.

Check social platforms are closely monitored

Studies have shown that users expect an almost instant reply from a business they have posted to on Twitter. Check all your social accounts are properly monitored. Replying to both good and bad comments in a timely manner can really help build trust and connect with your customers.

At Cloud9 Marketing, we have experts to help you in any area that you’re finding difficult. Whether you want to devise a more solid social media strategy, want to produce more original content or want help with branding we can give you all the advice you need! Book FREE a consultation now!

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The benefits of Geo-targeting
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The Benefits of Geo-Targeting

Geo-targeting is where you reach an audience in a specific location of benefit to your business. In today’s society, it is a great tool for reaching a more qualified audience and getting more value from your budget. Here are the reasons why you should be geo-targeting and the best way to go about it.

Spend your money in the right places

You can literally target people within a specific radius of your business. If you own a clothing store, by targeting the people within a 20-mile radius of your store, for example, you are more likely to generate in-store sales. Google Ads allows you to add a location extension to your ads so people searching can get directions right to your store.

Best and Worst areas

Google Analytics gives you the data to monitor which are the best and worst performing location areas. You can use this data to target your budget in the places that will result in the best return on investment. You may find out you have an audience in an area that you previously would not have considered. As well as finding the best places, you can also choose to exclude areas that you think won’t result in conversions. If your physical location is in Whistler, then using ad budget showing ads to people in Toronto may not be the best move.

Greater overall engagement

If you target people in the right location, your ads will have better overall engagement as they will be more relevant to your audience. By geo-targeting Facebook ads, you can showcase your service or product to someone in their area as they are browsing social media. You can target the area around your actual physical address and promote a sale or offer that is happening at the time. Stand out from your competitors by showing people in the area why they should shop at your store rather than elsewhere in real-time.

Build Loyalty

Having a business in the community can be something you can really use to your advantage. You can post about the community which will make your audience more likely to engage with your business, show testimonials and highlight local things you are proud of. Creating an emotional connection to a local audience will mean good results for your business.

Geo-targeting has multiple benefits and allows you to reach an audience who will be more invested in your brand. At Cloud9 Marketing, our specialists can help you target the audience you want to reach. Contact us for more information.

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Top Marketing Trends 2019

Top 2019 Trends in Digital Marketing

It is important for small businesses to keep on top of trends, especially in Digital Marketing. Here are the top things you should be doing in 2019 to get the most out of your budget and beat your competition.

Instagram

Social media is a rapidly growing industry. With over one billion active users worldwide, Instagram is an essential tool to connect with your customers. 64 percent of US adults aged 18 to 29 claim to be using the platform. Being an exclusively visual platform, users can post videos and pictures. Posting regularly on Instagram- at least twice a week – is a great way to connect with your customers. You can also use paid advertising options if you are looking to target a wider audience.

Live Video

In a survey conducted by Livestream in New York Magazine, 80% of the 1000 people surveyed said they would rather watch a live video that read a blog. In 2019, there are many live video platforms you can use, including Facebook Live, Youtube and Instagram. You are able to reach a more engaged audience as they have opted to tune into your live stream. This great tool for new product reveals, staff intros, how to videos and advertisements, is also cost effective and doesn’t take time to produce.

Chatbots

While only 15% of Americans currently claim to have used a chatbot, this is something that is predicted to grow rapidly within the next 2 years. Chat boxes pop up on web pages and answer customer’s questions, usually outside of business hours. It’s a great way to engage with your customers 24/7 and gain a better understanding of their needs. Plus once chatbots have been set up, the cost of maintaining and updating them is low.

Strong Content

The purpose of online content is to provide accurate relevant information to your customers. This will not only educate them but help to drive sales. Good content doesn’t have to be keyword heavy. It needs to help solve a problem and be useful to your customers. Make sure to add relevant, well-written content to your company’s blog and keep your website up to date.

Ever-Evolving Marketing Strategy

Staying on top of ever-changing digital marketing strategies is essential for your business to move forward. Something that is relevant now, may only be an effective strategy for half a year. Understanding Google’s rapidly changing algorithms, will help you to meet their criteria and better place your ads. Here at Cloud9 we stay up to date with fast-changing digital strategies so we can help with what will work best for you. Contact us by calling 604- 938- 4016 or email [email protected].

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Benefits of PPC
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Benefits of Pay Per Click Advertising

There are many different reasons why you should be using paid advertising. Billions of people are searching online every day. Pay per click (PPC) advertising now accounts for about 65% of clicks – compared to 35% generated organically. People who click on a pay per click ad are 50% more likely to make a purchase than organic visitors.

If you want to get your product in front of your customers, it is essential to be paying for online advertising. Here are the benefits of using paid digital adverting and why you should be doing it.

Ads are affordable and measurable

Online advertising is a billion dollar industry – but that doesn’t mean you have to spend millions or even thousands of dollars in order to see results. With Pay Per Click advertising, you have total control over your budgets. This means you can spend exactly what you can afford. Google allows you to set daily budgets and maximum cost per clicks. You can bid on keywords and decide the maximum amount you want to pay to have your ad shown when that keyword is searched.

Maximize Return On Investment

Alongside Google Adwords, you can track conversions, monitor impressions to see how many potential customers your ads have reached, in Google Analytics as well. You can instantly see the results of your ads and make changes, allowing you to effectively meet your goals. You can maximize your return on investment by monitoring your cost per click and measuring cost per acquisition. If you are selling a product that costs $100, then spending $10 on a click isn’t worth it – but if your product is $10,000 it would be worth the investment.

Only Pay For Clicks

Pay per click advertising allows you to get the best return on investment as you only have to pay when someone clicks on your ad. When people see your ad but don’t click on it, this is essentially free advertising. Not only that, you can set daily budgets so you are in total control of what you spend.

Optimize

Google automatically optimizes your best performing ads. You don’t have to worry about which of your ads is the most effective. Google automatically monitors how your ads are performing and show the highest performing ads to more people.

Target a Specific Audience

Digital Marketing allows you to reach a specific audience by targeting exactly who you want to reach. You can allow your ads to reach people within a 10-mile radius of your store who are searching on mobile devices. By reaching a more qualified audience, you can ensure you are getting your message to the people who are likely to become customers.

Digital Advertising is fast evolving and it is important to keep on top of it. PPC ads can boost brand awareness by 80%. Here at Cloud9, we can help you manage your PPC account to get the best results for your business. Contact us – call 604-398-4016 or email: [email protected]

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iphone showing social media

Our New Whistler Curated Social Media Content Package

Struggling to find the time to manage your social media platforms on top of your business demands? We have the perfect solution with our Whistler Curated Social Media Content Package!

Did you know that poorly managed social media can actually be more damaging to your brand then having no social media presence at all? Social networks are one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. With a projected 25% annual growth in the next 5 years, proper management of your social media channels is essential.

Stimulating Content

Social media algorithms mirror that of Google. This means that content that is stimulating and gets lots of engagement will show up higher on a News Feed. We want to help you to reach your customers by producing high quality, Whistler relevant content that stands out and looks professional.

Timing is everything

Social Media gives you the opportunity to engage with customers on a new level. We understand that you may not have the time to post regular updates to reach customers at the right moments.

Here at Cloud9, we not only produce high-quality content but also feature events, and weather updates, engaging with a community who ‘wants to know.’ We post as things are happening- keeping your feed relevant so you don’t have to!

Your Competition Is Already Doing It

Today’s generation expects companies to be involved in social media. From ‘Checking In’ on Facebook to Geo Tags on Instagram, you need to show your customers that you are on top of your social media game. If your brand is not appearing in the feed of your customers on a regular basis you’re really missing a massive branding opportunity.

Posting sporadically or seemingly random content can disengage users and even cause them to believe your business has been shut down!

Don’t Have The Time To Manage This Yourself?

We know that devising an effective social media strategy may not be at the forefront of your mind. That’s why our Whistler Curated Social Media package offers you an affordable solution, ensuring your channels appear well managed, professional and timely. Curating content is the process of sharing interesting and relevant content, created by other people. It is a great time saver and really helps to diversify your content.

What It Involves:

We share Whistler photography, engaging videos, professionally designed graphics, event coverage, real time weather updates and more. This allows you to continue to post to your channel brand specific content occasionally without having to worry about it being inconsistent or irregular.

All our content is Whistler focused, sharing a joint goal of promoting all that Whistler has to offer. It is not brand specific, enabling development costs to be split between clients. You will receive the same high quality, professional content as a client who was paying several times this – but for a fraction of the cost!

Anything Else?

But that’s not all.. you also receive a monthly newsletter with photos and blogs that you can post to your website!

What’s Included:

-Regular High-Quality Whistler Content

-Facebook, Twitter & Instagram

-Blog Content & Photos

-Automated Monthly Report

What’s Not Included:

-Brand Specific Content

-Social Media Advertising

-Message or Comment Monitoring

-Strategy or Results Meetings

*Additional Services are always available for a fee.

$250 p/m + GST

Contact us today at: [email protected] or call: 604-398-4016

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What Is A Customer Journey Map In Digital Marketing?

In order to gain and retain loyal customers, you have to create a seamless online experience that leaves users with a lasting positive impression of your brand. Every single touchpoint with your company plays a role in converting your customer, so each one must be faultless.

A customer journey map is a visual representation of every experience your customers have with you. It shows you the route your customers take when navigating your website, and allows you to record every touchpoint. Developing a customer journey map can optimize your digital marketing strategy, as you can understand and address your buyer’s feelings, motivations and questions.

Here’s a breakdown of what customer journey mapping is, how it can help reveal gaps or issues within your strategy, and how to get started planning your own map.

What is a customer journey map?

The purpose of a customer journey map is very simple: it helps you understand the route your customers take when buying and using your products and services. It serves to tell the story of your customer’s experience, from their initial engagement with your brand, into hopefully a long-term relationship.

By charting and organizing your customer’s touchpoints with your brand, you’ll gain a holistic view of the process they go through when using your services.

Why do I need it?

A customer journey map is a powerful tool that allows you to clearly understand your audience’s needs. Here’s why it’s so effective.

It gives you clarity

Firstly, it gives you a complete overview of where and when customers are interacting with your business. You can understand the context of your users, and gain a clear picture of their needs, hesitations and potential concerns. From there, you can tailor your online experience and work towards establishing a long-term relationship with customers, based on consistency and trust.

You can address gaps and issues

While you can reward yourself for all the fantastically positive touchpoints you have created, you will also be able to see where you are currently lacking content and losing customers. This works in your favour, so fear not! Understanding where you need to invest time and money means you can immediately develop priorities to address these. You can then take steps to improve certain aspects of your customer’s experience.

Great! How can I create my own?

Now you’re fully aware of the benefits of a customer journey map, you’re probably wondering how to get started? As you can imagine, mapping out the customer experience takes some time, but it’s definitely worth the effort.

We recommend you start out by listing all online touchpoints your company has with customers. Keep it simple, and note what message your customer is receiving at each encounter, and what platform they receive this on. Once you’ve synchronized your messages throughout your customer’s journey, you can put together your map.

Below is an example of a customer journey map from Forrester Research. However, if you fancy something a little more visual, there are many tools such as Microsoft Visio and Glizzy that turn your data into flow charts and diagrams.

 

We understand that customer journey mapping is a complex process! At the end of the day, each and every map is produced differently, depending on your own, personal preferences. If you need help connecting with your customer and improving touchpoints online, as a full-service marketing agency here at Cloud9 Marketing, we would be happy to help. To arrange a strategy consultancy that focuses on your consumer’s journey, you can find us here – we look forward to hearing from you!

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