Our Top 10 Marketing Articles of 2021

Here at eVision Media, we’re passionate about helping entrepreneurs and small business owners build their businesses, define their brand identities, and bring their dreams into reality.

It’s why I started this business, and it’s why I and my team continue to do what we do.

One of the ways we do this is by offering insightful content on our blog.

So, with the New Year just around the corner, I decided to review our top marketing blogs from 2021, consider why they’re so popular, and once again provide aspiring business owners and entrepreneurs with a wealth of valuable resources.

As always, I consider this an honour and a privilege, and I hope these articles inspire you to stay curious, increase your marketing knowledge, and gain greater confidence in your ability to build your dream business!

1. How to Create a Non-profit Brand Positioning Statement

   
   Even non-profits need to consider their brand identity and how they’re going to set themselves apart from the competition. So, it’s no wonder this was our most popular article in 2021.

   We broke down brand positioning, how to share knowledge, tell your story, define your unique selling proposition, and how to make yourself more visible amongst a multitude of similar organizations.

   If you run a non-profit or are thinking about founding one, this short article will give you a foundation for what to consider when branding your organization, encourage you to learn more, and maybe even reach out to us for further help and guidance.

2. The Downfall of the Stubborn Entrepreneur

   
   When it comes to the way businesses and entrepreneurs market themselves, one of the things I always harp on is stepping out of the limelight and letting potential customers take centre stage.

   Instead of telling your story, you should be telling a story that stars your ideal customers. It’s much more effective to allow them to be the protagonist of the story and explain what problems you can solve for them, rather than talking about how you can do that.

   In this piece, I used my beloved, mulish horse, Misty, as a metaphor for how stubborn entrepreneurs can be, and their reluctance to do this sort of thing.

3. Where to Delegate Your 2022 Marketing Budget

   

   Some of the toughest decisions to make when designing a marketing strategy are how to set your budget and how to allocate those funds.

   This piece offers actionable advice on budgeting, besides many other things, including how important it is to put some of your marketing budget towards your own personal and professional development, such as attending live events and webinars and doing as much as you can to keep up with the ever-changing world of marketing.

   Deciding how to distribute your marketing budget is one of the most challenging considerations business owners and entrepreneurs face, so I’m not surprised this article is performing as well as it is.

4. Website Spring Cleaning: 6 Tips to Update Your Online Presence

   
   Spring cleaning can be tough, but once it’s done, I always feel a sense of relief and accomplishment.

   The same goes for updating a website. You might think your website doesn’t need to be changed, but the world of web design is always changing, there’s always room for improvement, and you’re always going to feel that sense of pride when you know it’s in tip-top shape.

   This article offers several useful tips for how to ensure your website looks and performs its best, including updating your layout and content, getting users to sign up for your newsletter, and making sure you’re enticing people to share your site on social media.
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5. Keep Going Fellow Entrepreneur, You Got This!

   
   At some point in your life, you’re going to need a boost of confidence and someone to relate to, especially when you have the ambition of an entrepreneur or small business owner.

   In this article, I discuss a conversation I had with someone whose business was ground to a halt due to COVID-related shutdowns and relate that back to the financial turmoil I faced many years ago as a victim of identity theft.

   With the wealth of relatable anecdotes and abundance of recommended resources offered in this article, such as books and other blogs, I’m shocked it wasn’t higher on the list.

6. Why Cheap Websites Are More Expensive Than You Think

   
   Whether it’s clothing, electronics, or intangible items, like websites, you definitely get what you pay for. We all know that old adage, and we know how true it is, as well.

   I used some fun stories from the past for this piece, like buying my first VCR, and wanting a high-end pair of riding boots, to illustrate the importance of focusing on the quality of what you’re buying.

   This blog discusses why websites are no different, the value a professionally designed website can bring for your business, and also offers a list of recommended resources, such as videos, articles, and books.

7. Can You Find Your Life’s Calling by Writing Your Book?

   
   Another one of our best articles about marketing from this year is a guest post written by U.K.-based author, marketer, and publisher, Julie Salisbury. She’s published more than 200 authors in the last decade, so she knows a thing or two about what goes into writing a book.

   She talks about some of the most crucial things for authors to consider, like understanding a book’s overall purpose, and thinking about how it can be used to help others.

   This post is highly appropriate for our blog, as Julie tends to think about book publishing the way we think about marketing. She recommends focusing on how your book can inspire, motivate, or help the reader, instead of just droning on about yourself.

8. 9 Ways To Make Your Blog More Engaging

   
   Everyone and their cat has a blog today, but that’s because it’s so important for generating interest in what you do, driving traffic to your website, gaining credibility, and converting potential clients into paying customers.

   As an entrepreneur or business owner, no matter what services or products you’re selling, you need to have a blog. But if it isn’t providing highly valuable content, then you might as well forget it.

   Among other things, this article explains why your blog should be frequently updated, why quality is superior to quantity, and why clean copy, readability, and imagery are so significant.

9. How to Optimize Your Website for Local Search

   
   Every business owner wants a high-converting website, which explains why this was one of our best articles about marketing from 2021.

   You can drive all the traffic in the world to your site, but if it’s not being found by the right people it’s not going to matter. If you want to drive qualified leads to your site and boost conversions – which is basically the whole point of having a business website – you have to ensure it’s discoverable for the right audience(s).

   Check out this article to learn more about things like picking the right regions to target, regularly posting localized content, choosing the right keyword phrases, and leveraging the power of review platforms like Google My Business, Yellow Pages, and Yelp.

10. Choosing The Right Photos For Your Website & Online Brand

    
    One of the most effective ways to boost your online presence and differentiate yourself from the competition is to choose the right imagery across all your marketing channels.

    Selecting images seems like a no-brainer, and this might be something you’re not putting a lot of thought into, but photos can truly make or break your presence online.

    You need to make sure you’re using images that properly represent your brand identity, invoke emotion, make your website more attractive, and ensure your brand is being perceived as authentic, which is very important to consumers today. This blog goes over all those factors, and more, making it one of our top marketing blogs of 2021.

Prepare for the best results in 2022!

If your online presense needs to be revamped, eVision Media can help you update your site, give it a fresh look, and create ongoing social media and communications with your followers. Contact us today to find out more about our branding, digital marketing and web design services that will showcase your business and attract more paying clients.

About the Author, Susan Friesen

Located in the lower mainland of B.C., Susan Friesen is a visionary brand strategist, entrepreneur, and founder of British Columbia’s premiere boutique web development and digital marketing agency, eVision Media.

With over 20 years of experience in the industry, she is an expert in helping businesses establish their online presence and create a strong brand identity.

Her passion for empowering entrepreneurs and small business owners to succeed in the digital world has earned her a reputation as a leading authority in the branding and marketing industry.

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