In today’s digital age, data is the lifeblood of any website or business. We collect it, analyze it, and use it to inform every aspect of our operations, from marketing campaigns to product development.

But with great data power comes great data responsibility.

Managing your website and business data effectively requires understanding the entire Data Life Cycle – a journey from conception to deletion, ensuring its value thrives while protecting its security and privacy.

Planning the Voyage

The first step is charting your course. Identify your data needs: what information do you need to collect to achieve your goals?

Outline your data collection methods: website forms, customer surveys, or analytics tools?

Establish data governance policies: who’s responsible for data quality and security? This blueprint ensures you gather the right data, the right way.

(Citation: IBM, https://www.techtarget.com/searchstorage/definition/data-life-cycle-management).

Capturing the Treasure

Now, it’s time to set sail and collect your data. Websites need well-designed forms and clear data capture points, while offline sources require secure spreadsheets or CRM systems.

Remember, data quality is paramount: ensure accuracy, completeness, and consistency throughout the collection process

(Citation: Segment, https://segment.com/blog/data-life-cycle/).

Managing and Storing the Haul

The collected data needs a safe harbor. Choose a secure and scalable data storage solution based on your data volume and access needs.

Cloud storage offers flexibility and reliability, while on-premise solutions give you more control.

Implement data management procedures like backups, version control, and access controls to ensure its integrity and safety

(Citation: Harvard Business School, https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/data-life-cycle).

Unlocking the Secrets

The collected data is a treasure trove of insights, but you need the right tools to unlock it.

Data analysis tools like dashboards and reporting platforms help you visualize trends, identify patterns, and gain actionable insights.

Leverage AI and machine learning to uncover hidden gems and make informed decisions based on data-driven evidence.

(Citation: IBM, https://www.techtarget.com/searchstorage/definition/data-life-cycle-management)

Preserving the Past

Not all data has immediate use. For long-term analysis or legal compliance, archiving data in a secure and accessible format is crucial.

Choose an archiving solution that meets your retention requirements and consider data compression to optimize storage space.

Remember, archived data needs regular maintenance and security checks

(Citation: University of Wisconsin-Madison, https://data.wisc.edu/).

Letting Go When It’s Time

Data, like most things in life, has a shelf life. When data loses its usefulness or legal retention period expires, securely dispose of it.

Data anonymization or encryption can be employed before deletion to protect sensitive information.

Regularly purging outdated data frees up storage space and minimizes security risks.

(Citation: TechTarget, https://www.techtarget.com/searchstorage/definition/data-life-cycle-management)

Mastering the Data Life Cycle

By understanding and managing the Data Life Cycle, you can unlock the true potential of your website and business data. It’s a continual journey that requires planning, vigilance, and adaptation. But navigate it wisely, and your data will become your most valuable asset, guiding you towards informed decisions, sustainable growth, and ultimately, success in the digital ocean.

Remember, data is power, but responsible data management is the compass that navigates you to a brighter future. So, set sail on your data journey, and may the winds of insight always be at your back!

Bonus Tip: Stay updated on evolving data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) and ensure your data practices comply with these requirements.

Sources:

• IBM: https://www.techtarget.com/searchstorage/definition/data-life-cycle-management
• Segment: https://segment.com/blog/data-life-cycle/
• Harvard Business School: https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/data-life-cycle
• University of Wisconsin-Madison: https://data.wisc.edu/
• TechTarget: https://www.techtarget.com/searchstorage/definition/data-life-cycle-management

“Content builds relationships. Relationships are built on trust. Trust drives revenue.” —Andrew Davis

“Content marketing” is a powerful way to

• reach new customers,
• build relationships and nurture existing ones, and
• grow your business.

But it can also be time-consuming and expensive. That’s where outsourcing comes in!  And, you CAN have the luxury of an Ohio-born American writer.  Otherwise, known as a state-side, on-shore, or local content writer.

When you outsource content writing, you can save time and money while giving access to a team of experienced writers and editors who can help you create content that will engage your audience and achieve your business goals.

Below are just some of the advantages of outsourcing content writing and marketing.

1. SAVE TIME creating content

Three ways you save time and up↑ your time management:

1. You don’t have to spend time researching and writing content. When you outsource your content, you can hand off the research, writing, and editing to a team of experienced professionals. This frees up your time to focus on other aspects of your business, such as sales, marketing, or customer service.
2. You don’t have to worry about managing a content marketing team. Nice, eh? When you outsource, you don’t have to worry about hiring, training, and managing a team of writers and editors. The outsourcing company will take care of all of this for you.  Just like magic!
3. You can get content produced quickly. Outsourcing companies have a team of writers and editors ready to start working on your content as soon as you place an order. This means you can get high-quality content produced quickly without having to wait for your in-house team to be available.  Here’s an article about “How Successful CEOs Spend Their Time.”

2. Save money on staffing

Did you know it costs—on average—about $4,000 USD to hire an employee? Outsourcing is insanely more cost-effective than hiring a full-time writer or editor because:

1. You don’t have to pay for benefits. When you hire a full-time writer or editor, you must pay their salary, benefits, and taxes.
2. You don’t have to pay for office space. When you hire a full-time writer or editor, you must provide them with office space.
3. You don’t have to pay for training. When you hire a full-time writer or editor, you must train them on your company’s content marketing strategy. When you outsource your content marketing, the outsourcing company will already have a team of experienced writers and editors familiar with your industry and your company’s content marketing goals.  Here’s an article about “The Costs of Hiring a New Employee.”

3. Access to expert content writers

Writers and editors can help you create high-quality content to engage your audience and achieve your business goals.

You get:

1. High-quality content. When you outsource your content marketing to a team of experienced writers, you can be confident that your content will be high quality and error-free. This is because expert writers have the skills and experience to research your topic thoroughly, write clearly and engagingly, and edit their work for accuracy and clarity.
2. Engaging content. Expert writers know how to write content that will engage your audience and keep them reading. They will use clever writing techniques to keep your audience’s attention, such as storytelling, humor, and strong visuals.
3. On-target content. Expert writers will take the time to understand your business and your target audience so that they can create content that is relevant and useful to them.
4. BONUS: Write with your style guide in mind.  What is a “style guide?”… it’s the basic rules you and your company/brand follow.  For example: do you prefer the Oxford comma? (I’m old school, and I DO!)

4. Stretch your ROI with increased reach

Reach a wider audience by publishing your content on all channels, including your website, social media, and industry publications.

1. Your website. This will help you attract new visitors to your website and keep them coming back for more.
2. Social media. Outsourcing content marketing can also help you reach a broader audience on social media. When your content is published on social media, it will be seen by a wider audience of potential customers.
3. Industry publications. Outsourcing content marketing can also help you get your content published in industry publications. This is a great way to reach a wider audience of potential customers already interested in your industry.
4. BONUS: repurpose your content!
   1. Create a YouTube video.
   2. Slide-share.
   3. Compile into an eBook.
   4. Extract Quotes and make memes.
   5. Podcast episodes.
   6. Use user-generated comments from your content.
   7. Info-graphics.
   8. Cross-post content into your other posts.
   9. Recap a funny story or piggy-back on current events.

5. Improved SEO by creating evergreen content

Improve your website’s SEO by creating high-quality content relevant to your target audience and optimized for search engines.  What is evergreen content?

Tips for creating evergreen content:

1. Focus on long-term value. When creating evergreen content, focus on creating content that will be valuable to your target audience for an extended time (or millennia in internet years!)
2. Do your research. Make sure you do your research before you start writing your content. This will help you ensure that your content is accurate and informative.
3. Write in a clear and concise style. Your content should be easy to read and understand. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that your target audience may not understand.
4. Use visuals. Visuals, such as images, info-graphics, and videos, can help to make your content more engaging and informative.
5. Promote your content. Once you’ve created your evergreen content, promote it so people can find it. There are various ways to promote your content, including social media, email marketing, and paid advertising.

Following these tips, you can find a good content writing outsourcing company to help you achieve your business goals.

Contact me to get started on your content writing today.

Are you looking to get more out of your SEO efforts? Of course, you are! Everyone is. It’s the Holy Grail of businesses on the internet.  Search engine optimization (SEO) is a powerful tool to help you maximize your connections, expertise, and results.

Whether you’re a small business or an enterprise-level corporation, the right SEO strategy can make all the difference in connecting with potential customers, showing off your knowledge, and increasing conversations and conversions.

In this article, we’ll take a look at why and how great SEO optimization multiplies your efforts so you can make the most out of your game plan.

Connecting with Potential Customers

SEO is all about showing up.  In this instance, it’s about showing up on the first page of Google. And, it’s hella HARD to get there.  Making the decision to be more mindful of SEO and commit to it takes guts. I’m not trying to preach mindset management… no, no way!  But one has to think differently and have the right tools to be successful.  You have to do the work and play the long game.  

Great SEO makes it so much easier to connect with potential customers who are already interested, and most likely ready to buy your service or product. We don’t even have to whip out the credit card anymore, we can just tap to confirm on our iPhones to make a purchase. ApplePay + GooglePay = Ca-Ching! 

And here’s the thing with paid advertising, folks tend to not like having their choices skewed by paid advertisers.  Some feel that people who pay for rankings may not deserve it.  So, instead, they/we/I scroll past all the paid ads and look for the site that naturally (organically) ranks.   (In my opinion, paid search is risky… it’s like throwing money at a problem hoping you’ll miraculously fix it without any work, and it can be an expensive lesson.)

Great SEO Optimization = Showing Off Your Knowledge

Search engine optimization isn’t just about getting found by potential customers; it’s also about showing that you actually know WHAT you’re talking about. That’s what people want.  Someone who knows what they’re doing.  Right?  Using effective keyword research methods (Answer The Public is one of my favs) to discover phrases related to your industry or niche topic, and then write articles/blog posts or update your content with those phrases is just one way to optimize.  (Doing the work!)

Businesses MUST ensure that when someone reaches their website from an organic (or evergreen) search result that their content is high-quality and shows potential buyers that you understand their problem inside-out, backward & forwards, and top to bottom.  It’s all about showing up and sharing the love.  Share what you know. Your customers will LOVE you for it.

Investing in SEO content creation for your digital properties, ie. a website with articles, blog posts, white papers, and social media posts also further demonstrates your company’s vast knowledge (and maybe experience too) regarding more than just your service offerings.

SEO content that is easy and relevant to share could be industry news updates/changes within regulations/regions/markets – which gives you more credibility, not just as an expert in your field, but also as one who keeps an eye on industry trends and developments.

Increasing Conversions & Revenue

The goal of any website should be to convert visitors into leads or sales.  For some, that conversion means signing up for a newsletter or purchasing something directly on the website itself. And oftentimes, that starts by appearing front-and-center on search engine result pages via effective SEO practices.

As mentioned before, organic search results often inspire much more trust among prospective customers than advertisements do, which of course, makes it easier for companies to turn site visitors into paying customers directly from organic searches!

Tools like UberSuggest or SEMrush allow businesses to continually improve upon their existing strategies based on real insights into what works best – without having to continually guess or rely solely on “best practices”.

Conclusion

Great SEO does take time and effort—but these investments pay off big time when you consider how many opportunities there are for your business! So, if you’re wondering if investing in SEO is worth your time: absolutely! Done correctly, it’ll multiply your connections, expertise, and most importantly—your results!

More info:

• Web Coach Tip: Here’s an article from Search Engine Journal, “44 Free Tools to Help You Find What People Search For”
• AnswerThePublic.com https://answerthepublic.com/
• UberSuggest.com  https://UberSuggest.com
• SEMrush https://www.semrush.com/

SEO stands for search engine optimization and it’s a way to make your website more visible and findable to people searching for it online. It is to be used to attract potential customers, increase website traffic, and improve rankings on search engines like Google.  Easy enough, right?

This is how SEO works

Search engine optimization includes a set of strategies and techniques to boost visibility in search engine result pages. These techniques can be broken down into three main categories: On-Page SEO, Off-Page SEO, and Technical SEO.  By the end of this post, I’ll have typed “SEO” at least a dozen times, but not for rankings purposes, and it’s just the topic of conversation here.

On-Page SEO

Involves optimizing the content on a website for relevant keywords.   And, ensuring content is:

• properly structured and organized
• titles are optimized correctly
• creating meta descriptions that draw in readers, and more.

Off-Page SEO

Focuses on building relationships with other websites by creating backlinks from high authority sites. Do people share your content? Quote it? More importantly, do they TRUST you? This increases the overall trustworthiness and relevancy of a site. It also helps to generate more organic web traffic.

Technical SEO

Optimizes the infrastructure (I call this “under the hood”) of a website such as page speed optimization, mobile friendliness tests, and code validation tests to ensure a user-friendly experience when visiting your website. The goal is to make it easier for search engines to crawl your site so they can give it better rankings in the SERPs (Search Engine Results Pages).

1 & 2. Start optimizing your website by doing keyword research.

Use tools like Google Trends or keyword research tools to find the keywords that are most relevant to your business. Once you’ve identified the right keywords create content around them—make sure you have titles and headings that emphasize those keywords, so that when people search for them they will be more likely to land on your page.

3. Next step is link building.

Link building consists of getting other websites to link back to yours as a reference or endorsement. The more backlinks you earn from reputable sources, the better chance you have of ranking higher on SERPs. You can do this by sharing quality content with other webmasters or writing guest blog posts on related websites.

Mobile optimized website

4. Finally, optimize your website design with mobile-friendliness in mind.

Fast load times are essential for a good user experience which is important for SEO ratings since Google takes page speed into account when ranking websites in their SERP results. If users have a hard time navigating through or viewing your pages due to slow load times, odds are they won’t stick around.

This is also why mobile-friendly design is paramount!  As of February 2023, 60.4% of websites are accessed by mobile devices.  The image to the right (or below) is an example of a mobile-ready website.

These are just some basic tips on how SEO works but if implemented correctly with patience over time it can yield amazing results.  To further your understanding of SEO and how it works, here are the source references for this article.

Sources

• Google Trends: https://trends.google.com/trends/?geo=US
• Keyword research tools: https://www.semrush.com/blog/keyword-research-guide-for-seo/
• Guest blog posts: https://neilpatel.com/blog/guest-posting/#Advantages_of_Guest_Posting
• Site speed optimization: https://moz.com/learn/seo/page-speed
• Mobile-friendly design tips: https://developers.google.com/search/mobile-sites
• Internet Traffic from Mobile Devices (Feb 2023) https://explodingtopics.com/blog/mobile-internet-traffic