Latest news with #GoogleAnalytics
Time Business News
16-05-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
g360vn: A Game-Changer for Small Business Marketing
In today's hyper-connected digital economy, small businesses face both unprecedented challenges and opportunities. While global giants have access to vast marketing budgets and advanced technology, small enterprises often struggle to stay visible, relevant, and competitive. That's where g360vn steps in—a rising digital marketing platform that is transforming the way small businesses operate and grow. With its tailored solutions, innovative approach, and local market expertise, g360vn is quickly becoming a go-to partner for entrepreneurs across Vietnam and beyond. Understanding g360vn: More Than Just a Digital Agency g360vn is not just another marketing company—it's a comprehensive digital ecosystem designed to meet the evolving needs of small businesses. At its core, g360vn provides an integrated suite of services ranging from web development and branding to search engine optimization (SEO), social media management, and paid advertising. What sets it apart is its commitment to customization, affordability, and measurable results. The '360' in the name symbolizes a full-circle approach—one that covers every angle of a digital strategy. Whether a business is looking to establish an online presence, generate leads, or convert visitors into loyal customers, g360vn offers tools and support for every stage of growth. The Marketing Challenges Small Businesses Face Before diving into how g360vn solves problems, it's important to understand the challenges that small businesses typically face in the marketing realm: Limited budgets for advertising and digital transformation Lack of in-house marketing expertise or technical knowledge Difficulty measuring ROI on digital campaigns Low visibility on search engines and social media Inconsistent branding across platforms These issues can stunt growth, reduce competitiveness, and make it difficult for small businesses to connect with their target audiences. Fortunately, g360vn addresses each of these pain points with a hands-on, results-oriented approach. Core Services That Power Business Growth 1. Web Design and Development A strong online presence begins with a high-quality website. g360vn specializes in creating mobile-friendly, SEO-optimized websites tailored to each business's goals. Whether it's a local coffee shop or a growing e-commerce store, the platform provides visually appealing designs combined with intuitive user experiences. All websites are built for performance—fast loading times, easy navigation, and integration with third-party tools like Google Analytics and chatbots. 2. SEO That Drives Real Results Search engine optimization isn't just for big brands. With g360vn's SEO services, even the smallest companies can improve their search rankings, attract organic traffic, and generate leads. The company offers keyword research, content optimization, backlink strategies, and technical audits. Unlike many generic SEO tools, g360vn offers localized SEO that's tailored to Vietnamese search trends and consumer behavior. 3. Social Media Marketing and Content Creation Small businesses often struggle to keep up with content demands. g360vn steps in with professional content creation, social media calendars, and advertising strategies across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. From reels and short videos to blog posts and graphics, g360vn helps businesses stay relevant and engaging. 4. Google Ads and Paid Campaigns When done well, paid advertising may change the game. g360vn helps businesses run targeted Google Ads and social campaigns that are cost-effective and high-converting. Using advanced targeting techniques, A/B testing, and performance tracking, campaigns are optimized for ROI from day one. 5. Brand Strategy and Identity Branding is more than a logo—it's how a business is perceived. g360vn works with clients to develop brand identities that resonate with customers. This includes logo design, brand messaging, color palettes, voice and tone development, and brand story creation. Strong branding helps small businesses stand out and build trust. Why g360vn Is Perfect for Small Businesses ✅ Affordability Without Sacrificing Quality Small businesses often operate on tight budgets. g360vn offers flexible pricing packages that scale with business needs. Whether it's a one-time website design or an ongoing digital marketing campaign, there are solutions available at every price point. ✅ Local Expertise with Global Insight As a Vietnam-based company, g360vn understands the local market dynamics. It knows what Vietnamese consumers respond to and how to craft culturally relevant messages. At the same time, its team brings global insights to the table, allowing businesses to compete on an international level if desired. ✅ Transparent Reporting and Analytics With g360vn, clients don't need to guess if their marketing is working. Every campaign comes with detailed analytics and performance reports. From bounce rates and click-throughs to lead generation and sales, clients can track every metric in real time. ✅ Agile and Collaborative Work Style g360vn believes in working with clients, not just for them. Businesses are involved in every step of the process—from strategy discussions and design reviews to campaign testing and post-launch feedback. This collaborative style ensures that the final output truly reflects the client's vision. Real-World Success Stories A local fashion boutique in Da Nang partnered with g360vn to build an e-commerce website and run Facebook ads. Within three months, online sales tripled, and foot traffic to their physical store increased by 40%. A family-owned restaurant in Hanoi saw its website traffic grow fivefold after implementing g360vn's SEO strategy, resulting in fully booked weekends and a surge in food delivery orders. A tutoring center in Ho Chi Minh City used g360vn to launch a custom learning app and promote it via TikTok and Google Ads. Within six months, they expanded from one location to three, driven by increased enrollment. Getting Started with g360vn Interested businesses can begin with a free consultation where g360vn evaluates current challenges and suggests a roadmap for improvement. From there, clients can choose individual services or opt for bundled packages that provide full-service support. The onboarding process is smooth, guided by dedicated project managers who ensure timelines, deliverables, and quality standards are met. Looking Ahead: The Future of g360vn As technology evolves, so does g360vn. The platform is already exploring the integration of AI-powered tools, chatbots, automation, and personalized customer journeys. These innovations aim to give small businesses even more power to compete, convert, and scale. There are also ambitions to expand g360vn's reach across Southeast Asia, enabling businesses in Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia to benefit from its affordable, effective solutions. Conclusion In a digital world dominated by big players, small businesses need smart, scalable, and affordable solutions. g360vn is proving to be exactly that—a game-changer in small business marketing. With its full-suite services, local insights, and commitment to client success, g360vn empowers businesses to dream bigger, grow faster, and build a lasting presence in the digital age. If you're ready to transform your marketing, g360vn is ready to lead the way. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time Business News
15-05-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Top Digital Marketing Tips to Elevate Your Brand and Drive Real Results
As the global marketplace continues to shift online, digital marketing has become an essential tool for businesses aiming to build brand presence, connect with audiences, and drive sustainable growth. The evolution of consumer behavior, increased competition, and ever-changing algorithms make it critical for marketers to stay current and adaptable. This article explores a strategic approach to digital marketing—going beyond the basics—to help businesses create impactful campaigns, utilize modern tools effectively, and remain competitive in a fast-paced digital environment. The modern consumer engages with brands across multiple digital channels, including websites, social media platforms, email, and search engines. To succeed in this complex environment, businesses must design well-coordinated strategies based on solid insights. Applying digital marketing tips that are informed by industry trends, consumer behavior, and platform algorithms can significantly enhance visibility, engagement, and conversions. Whether you're a startup building your presence or an established brand refining your approach, integrating proven techniques into your marketing plan will help you create meaningful connections and measurable outcomes. One of the most important foundations of any digital strategy is audience understanding. Knowing who your audience is, what they value, and how they behave online allows you to craft relevant messaging and content. Start by developing detailed buyer personas, segmenting your audience based on demographics, interests, and behaviors. Use tools like Google Analytics, social media insights, and customer feedback surveys to collect data that can refine your targeting. Understanding the customer journey from awareness to decision will also help align your messaging with each stage of the funnel. Consistency across channels builds trust and reinforces brand recognition. Your messaging, tone, visuals, and value proposition should remain cohesive whether you're communicating via Instagram, email newsletters, or a company blog. This doesn't mean duplicating content across platforms but rather tailoring it while maintaining a unified brand identity. For example, while your LinkedIn content might focus on industry expertise and thought leadership, your Instagram presence can be more visual and lifestyle-oriented, but both should reinforce the same core brand values. SEO remains a cornerstone of effective digital marketing. It ensures that your content is discoverable by users actively searching for your products or services. Incorporate keyword research to identify terms your target audience is using and optimize your content accordingly. Focus not only on primary keywords but also on long-tail keywords and semantic search terms. Make sure your website is technically sound with fast loading speeds, mobile responsiveness, clean URLs, and secure HTTPS protocols. Don't overlook meta descriptions, image alt texts, and proper header structures, all of which contribute to your visibility on search engines. Content is still king, but quality and relevance are more important than ever. Instead of producing high volumes of generic posts, focus on creating valuable, engaging, and informative content that addresses the needs of your audience. This may include blog posts, video tutorials, podcasts, infographics, or webinars. Educational content builds trust and positions your brand as an authority in your field. Evergreen content—information that remains relevant over time—can also serve as a continuous source of traffic and leads. Digital marketing provides unparalleled access to data, and the most successful marketers are those who use that data to guide decisions. Track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as click-through rates, conversion rates, customer acquisition cost, and return on investment. Use A/B testing to compare variations of your campaigns and optimize them in real-time. Tools like Google Ads, Meta Business Suite, and HubSpot offer comprehensive analytics to help you monitor and refine your marketing strategies based on what's working. Despite the rise of social media and instant messaging, email marketing continues to deliver one of the highest ROIs among digital channels. The key is personalization and segmentation. Avoid one-size-fits-all newsletters and instead create targeted email campaigns based on subscriber behavior and preferences. Automate workflows for welcome emails, cart abandonment reminders, and re-engagement campaigns to keep your audience involved and informed. Social media is more than just a promotional tool—it's a space for conversation and community building. Choose platforms that align with your audience's preferences and focus on genuine interactions rather than constant sales messaging. Engage users with polls, behind-the-scenes content, user-generated posts, and real-time responses. Analyze engagement metrics to identify what resonates most and adjust your content strategy accordingly. Influencer collaborations, contests, and giveaways can also amplify reach and brand awareness. While organic growth is valuable, paid advertising can provide the boost needed to accelerate visibility and conversions. Platforms like Google Ads and Facebook Ads allow you to target specific demographics with precision, increasing the efficiency of your marketing spend. Ensure that you create clear, compelling ad creatives and pair them with landing pages optimized for conversion. Monitor ad performance continuously and refine your targeting based on real-time results to maximize ROI. The digital marketing landscape is dynamic, and staying ahead means being adaptable. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, voice search, and augmented reality are reshaping how marketers connect with audiences. Follow industry blogs, attend webinars, and participate in relevant forums to stay informed. Regularly audit your marketing strategy to identify outdated tactics and integrate fresh, innovative approaches that align with market trends. Digital marketing offers powerful tools and techniques for businesses seeking to expand their reach, strengthen relationships with customers, and achieve measurable growth. However, true success lies in strategic integration—understanding your audience, optimizing every touchpoint, and responding dynamically to data. Applying the right digital marketing tips can transform an average campaign into a high-performing one that delivers long-term value. As technology evolves and consumer expectations rise, marketers must commit to learning, experimenting, and innovating to remain relevant and competitive in the digital age. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Edinburgh Reporter
14-05-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
QR Code Tracking: The New Frontier for Marketers
QR codes have been around for a while, yet marketers are just now learning about their true potential. QR code tracking is one such potential way that your business can thrive by providing valuable insights that will fine-tune your marketing strategy. This post will look at how tracking QR code scans works and why you should use a QR code generator with tracking. What is QR Code Tracking? How Does it Work? A quick-response (QR) code is a barcode that directs scanners to more information about a product or service a marketer wants the customer to know about. They have been around since the '90s but took off in the 2010s as smartphones became more popular. When most people think of these, they may imagine a restaurant using a code to bring users to their online menu. Or, they may think about a product having an instruction manual PDF. However, QR codes can be deeper than that. Let's explain by looking at what static vs. dynamic codes are. When someone scans a regular code, they're usually taken to a link. This is what's known as a static QR code. However, dynamic QR codes work differently. Not only can users change their URLs using the same code, but it also collects scan data. A QR code generator with tracking will then allow you to see the information from these QR code scans. Some even enable Google Analytics integration. By collecting this real-time data, businesses can boost their marketing efforts in locations that may be performing better and vice versa. Image provided by Freepik What Data Can Dynamic QR Code Tracking Bring? QR code tracking software lets the marketer collect quite a bit of information, such as: Number of Scans The total number of scans a code has received overall can tell a marketer if the QR code is getting eyes or if it should be moved to another location. Please note that the number of scans can also be repeat scans by the same individual, which can cloud up your analytics. Therefore, to get a bigger picture, you need: Unique Scans Unique scans cover how many times a different device has scanned a code and don't include multiple scans by the same device. Unique scans are ideal if you expect your code to be scanned more than once, as the total number of scans may be much higher than how many unique scans there are. GPS Tracking Location tracking includes the city and country where the QR code has been scanned. If you have a campaign that goes across the country or even the globe, location tracking will tell you where your campaign is the most successful and where it needs work. GPS tracking can also help you customize your campaign based on which customer is scanning. For example, you may direct customers to your NYC store if the customer scanned a flyer in NYC. Device Type and Operating System Are your scans mainly iOS or Android? Knowing which device type is prominent may help when developing an app for your services. If it's only an iOS device type, you may focus more on iPhones and vice versa. In addition, knowing which operating system is being used can also be important. For example, if your scans are coming from an older operating system, consider that when building an app. Other data that dynamic QR codes can include browser data, language, and more. If you rely heavily on QR code campaigns, using a trackable QR code generator is a must! The Main Reasons That Marketers Should Use a QR Code Generator with Tracking Besides tracking valuable data with the QR code link, dynamic QR codes are great for businesses for other reasons. Better Customer Engagement Using QR Code Scans User scans can give you insights into your overall user behavior, such as locations they frequent, what times they scan, etc. These QR code scans will then allow you to create a better experience based on what user behavior you have collected. A Trackable QR Code Generator Helps You Budget Better You may be spending too much money on underperforming scan locations and not enough on locations with high user scans. Quick Adjustments With QR code scan tracking, you'll get results in real time. This allows you to make last-minute adjustments before your next campaign goes live, improving your QR code performance and saving you trouble in the long run. They're Affordable Dynamic codes can be an affordable way for small businesses to grow. Many QR code generators have flexible plans, and some even offer free dynamic codes. If you earn more money, you can invest in apps that give you more detailed analytics for a fee. Let's say you own a restaurant and notice that you get many QR code scans during the afternoon. You may offer deals and discounts to bring in more customers during this time. Another example is if you have a QR instruction manual that has many QR code scans. This may mean your instructions need to be clearer. What Software is Good for Tracking QR Code Traffic? How Do You Create Trackable QR Codes? There are many apps and websites that offer QR codes with tracking potential. For example, Bitly, ViralQR, and QR Code Generator all let you create a trackable QR code. Meanwhile, QR Hub gives you QR code tracking with Google Analytics integration. How to Choose a Website that Provides QR Code With Tracking Capabilities When choosing a site for your QR code campaigns, here are some considerations. Tracking Capabilities Do you get detailed analytics, such as GPS location, unique user scans, real-time data, and other stats to track your campaign performance? Integration Can you track QR code analytics with third-party apps like Google? Or are you stuck to the generator's website? If you can integrate it, how easy is it to do so? Is it as simple as clicking a button, or does it require a little bit of coding on your part? Privacy Is all of your detailed analytics stored in a secure server? One good sign is if it's compliant with either the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) or CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act.) Obviously, there's always going to be a risk of leaked data, but companies that comply with these privacy acts will reduce that risk. Cost Does the website give you a QR code with tracking capabilities for free? Is there a premium plan that will give you more information for advanced data-driven decisions? Many sites offer flexible plans based on your budget and the number of scans you expect to have, while others may offer a flat fee. Customization Features Finally, how creative can you get when creating trackable QR codes? Can you add your own logo to the code? Change its design and colors? Having a unique code may improve your marketing efforts by making it stand out. Image provided by Freepik How to Create a Trackable QR Code Using Google Analytics If you want to create a Google Analytics trackable QR code, it's quite easy. Make a UTM-tagged URL, which will direct any scans to a landing page. You can put UTM parameters in your URL, such as utm_medium, utm_source, and utm_campaign. The medium parameter is a descriptor, such as a magazine or a billboard. The source parameter details the name of the source, like Time Magazine or Facebook. Finally, the campaign is focused on what campaign your QR code is covering, like a spring sale. One example link can be: utm_source=instagram&utm_campaign=black_friday. Google Analytics then makes it pretty simple to easily track scans, monitor total scans, and give you data-driven decisions. How Do Marketing Channels Use QR Code Data for Maximum Effectiveness? Here are some ways you can use the data to increase customer engagement and ROI. A Personalized Experience You may personalize content based on city, previous purchases, devices used, and more. If users feel that your offerings are more tailored to their preferences, they will be more likely to purchase your product. A Better Targeted Campaign With this data, you can learn what the best places are and which underperform. For example, you may discover that newspapers don't do well, but flyers do. With that said, not every underperforming campaign means it's a failure. Sometimes, you need a few adjustments! Retargeting Opportunities This means that you can create custom ads that follow users on sites such as Google or Facebook, increasing conversion rates and branding. Optimizing Campaigns You can easily track what size or color QR code gets the most attention, helping you to fine-tune your campaign. Monitoring Trends From device types to seeing when customers purchase your items the most, this can help you increase your sales when it's trendy to buy from you. What Are the Best Practices When Using a Professional QR Generator? How can you get the most scans? Here are some ways. Be Sure the Code Works Use different devices on the code to ensure it is compatible with every possible device. Also, try scanning the code on different marketing materials to ensure the device will read all of them. If your code works with all modern devices, then great. If there are scanning issues, see if it's a placement issue, size problem, or something else altogether. Have a Visually Striking Code You may use your logo, contrasting colors, and a CTA to attract people to scan. One example of a good CTA is one that announces that customers will get 15% off if they scan. We'd recommend that you play around with several QR code designs to see which one works the best. The Shorter URL, the Better Longer URLs may lead to slower load times, increasing the bounce rate. So brevity is the soul of wit here. Be sure the Landing Pages are Mobile Friendly. Finally, it's always important that users land on a mobile-friendly site. If they don't, they may bounce, which can hurt your campaign. Most users use a mobile device, so if your site is still optimized for desktop only, you may be losing valuable customers as a result. FAQs How Do I Make a Trackable QR Code? Use a QR code generator that tracks scans and offers other perks. Many sites let you do this, but some are better than others, depending on your situation. Are Trackable QR Codes Free? It ultimately depends on what site you use. Some websites will give you a free trial or limited analytics, but may require you to pay if you want more advanced features. For example, some sites won't let you see scan locations, scan time, or repeat scans until you pay. Can You Track Who Scans the QR Code? Dynamic codes let you track location, device, time, and other vital data. Which QR Codes Are Trackable? Dynamic QR codes can track information, but static codes don't track anything. Be sure that you're using dynamic codes! Is it Possible to Make a Static QR Code Trackable? No. Static codes only direct people to your landing page. However, you can put the same URL into a dynamic code and track information with that! Like this: Like Related
Time Business News
10-05-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
How SEO and Data Analytics Can Turn Clicks Into Cash for Jewelry Boutiques
Decoding the Digital Universe Running a boutique today feels like sailing in uncharted waters. The stars are no longer celestial—they're data points, search rankings, and trend graphs. But don't worry, navigating this cosmos isn't as overwhelming as it sounds. With the right blend of curiosity and tools, even a small jewelry and fashion boutique can orbit in the big leagues. Let's talk about something you might've brushed off—SEO and data analytics. Yeah, I know. It sounds cold, maybe even a little robotic. But when used right, they're not some cryptic tech lingo. They're powerful lenses that help you understand how people find your store, what they want, and how to give it to them before they even ask. Why SEO Still Reigns Supreme Think of SEO like setting up signs on a busy street. If they're clear, well-placed, and point to something desirable, people stop in. Without them, your boutique might as well be invisible. Say you specialize in bold statement earrings or minimalist gold chains. When someone Googles 'trendy gold jewelry' or 'boho earrings,' will your store show up? If not, you're missing out—not because your products aren't good, but because the digital signage isn't doing its job. Simple tweaks can make a world of difference. Naming your product pages with real search terms ('layered gold choker necklace' instead of just 'Necklace #27') helps people find you. Writing detailed product descriptions that read naturally—but still include keywords—works wonders. Even having a blog where you share styling tips or gift guides for holidays can bring in search traffic that turns into sales. And here's a trick most folks forget—image SEO. You're in the jewelry game. Your visuals matter. Rename your image files before uploading. 'IMG_001.jpg' won't help. ' just might. Reading the Digital Tea Leaves: Data Doesn't Lie Once you've got people landing on your site, what then? This is where data analytics sweeps in like a quiet but all-seeing guide. Ever wonder what customers click on most? Or which product pages they bounce from after five seconds? That's your site whispering to you. Tools like Google Analytics or Hotjar let you peek behind the curtain. You don't need to be a numbers genius to benefit. Just look for patterns. If you notice your customers spend more time on your dainty ring section but rarely buy, maybe your product shots aren't doing them justice. Or maybe your pricing doesn't match what your audience expects. These aren't guesses anymore—you've got the receipts. Data also tells you where your traffic comes from. Are Pinterest users flocking to your bohemian necklaces? Are Instagram followers ignoring your posts about cuffs? Use that intel to pivot. Let it shape your content, your promos, even your restocks. Turning Numbers Into Inventory Decisions One of the hardest parts of running a boutique? Knowing what to stock—and when. That's where marrying data with sourcing can save your sanity. If your analytics show that rose gold jewelry peaks in search every spring, guess what you should be planning for by late winter? Don't just follow your gut. Pair your instinct with what your customer behavior is actually telling you. And when you're ready to stock up, tap into jewelry wholesalers that keep up with trend data themselves. Jewelry wholesalers with a strong pulse on the industry often release styles that align with upcoming waves, not just the old ones. Keeping your inventory lean but relevant prevents overstocked shelves—and those dreaded markdown sales that eat into profit. Keywords Can Spark Creativity (Yes, Really) Let's talk about content for a second. Not the boring kind. I mean the kind that actually makes someone pause their scroll and click 'add to cart.' SEO doesn't just help people find your store—it helps you think creatively about what your customers care about. If people are searching for 'gifts for new grads' or 'Mother's Day jewelry under $50,' that's a clue. Write a guide, shoot a few photos, and curate a collection around those phrases. Then sprinkle those keywords in without sounding like a robot. You're not gaming the system—you're connecting the dots between what people want and what you offer. The key is not to overthink it. Write like you talk. Picture a customer walking into your store. What would you say? Say that. Social + Search: A Tag Team Strategy Social media and SEO aren't competitors. They're partners in the ring. While SEO brings in the long game—people searching with intent—social media drives awareness and vibe. Use your social platforms to test what content sticks. Then, turn your best-performing posts into long-form content or product highlights that live on your site. If your reel about stacking bracelets gets tons of engagement, write a blog post titled 'How to Stack Bracelets Like a Pro' and include those key phrases. This cross-pollination helps both your SEO rankings and your brand's personality shine. Don't Sleep on Wholesale Fashion Accessories Now let's expand your playing field a little. While jewelry might be your core, fashion accessories are like the supporting cast that completes the look. If your analytics show a dip in jewelry sales during summer, why not stock up on sunglasses, scarves, or anklets to fill the gap? Diversify smartly. You don't need to carry everything—just the right things. When you find a reliable source for wholesale fashion accessories, you can experiment without risking your entire budget. Launch a capsule collection. Pair accessories with best-selling jewelry and offer bundle discounts. Data helps you see what pairings your customers actually want. Make It a Habit, Not a Hurdle The biggest mistake boutique owners make with SEO and analytics? Treating them like one-off projects. They're not. They're tools you need to use often—just like checking your display cases or cleaning your storefront windows. Once you get in the rhythm, they become second nature. Set aside time weekly to glance at your analytics. Add new keywords every time you upload a product. Track which blog posts drive traffic, and double down on those topics. You don't need to understand everything. Just start with what you see. Let it guide you. Wrapping Up (But Not Tying a Bow) Profit doesn't just come from selling good stuff. It comes from being seen, understood, and remembered. That's what SEO and data analytics help you do. They sharpen your aim, so every decision—what to stock, what to write, what to promote—hits closer to the mark. The digital world might seem vast and chaotic. But the patterns are there, waiting for you to notice. And once you do, the shift isn't subtle. It's a slingshot forward. So go ahead. Peek under the hood. Tune the engine. And start turning those silent clicks into steady, satisfying cash flow. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Campaign ME
02-05-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
‘The data is telling you something; stop ignoring it'
Let's be real: every marketing channel is following the law of diminishing returns – we know it but won't talk about it. Above-the-line (ATL) advertising doesn't move organic traffic, as such. Rather, it creates a mirage of sorts because your digital guys are scaling paid to support the brand campaigns to get you non-repeatable visitors. Unless there is a significant change in product features or user experience, you are likely to get nanoseconds of attention from new users. Influencer marketing has become more about taking a hero, getting a spike in engagement and zero conversions. Die a villain with micro creators featuring data sleuths for code tracking, validations, return windows, fake followers, affiliate frauds and micromanagement. SEO takes forever. Google's shifting goalposts with constant algorithm updates are disappointing. AI-generated content is everywhere now – helpful, but risky if you're not careful. Competition is wild. So, quality content, strong user experience (UX), and legit backlinks are table stakes – among listicles, Reddit threads, and maybe AI one-boxes that'll wipe your traffic next year anyway. Core web vitals? Mobile-first? Non-negotiable. Lastly, if you're not tracking performance religiously, you're flying blind. SEO is a grind, and it's only getting more complex – adapt or get buried. CRM and first-party marketing First-party data validation? Check. Sanitising more than 90-day inactive customers? Also, check. But wait; what if existing customers are not responding to five promos in a row? Boom, Gmail throws you straight into the spam folder. WhatsApp? Crazy expensive on a cost per thousand impressions (CPM) basis. Performance ads are cheaper, hands down. Building a high-quality first-party (1P) data pipeline is a grind – and no, less than 30 per cent open rates and less than 1 per cent clickthrough rates (CTRs) aren't going to cut it. Measurement? Don't even get me started. Last-click makes zero sense here. People check emails in the morning, ignore them, then see your ad mid-lunch, recall the email, and click that. Ever thought about looking at CRM through the lens of first-click attribution or click-assist ratios in Google Analytics (GA)? You should. Affiliate marketing? Fraud is everywhere. It's still cannibalising your paid marketing as much as 35 per cent – only disguised. And most people won't care enough to share anyway. Social media marketing Somewhere out there, someone's entire job is to make sure that just when you've cracked the latest reel algorithm, it gets nerfed – all in the name of 'a brand handle isn't the same as a creator's handle'. So, you boost the post, get a tiny lift and a few hours later, it's gone. Rinse, repeat and welcome to the never-ending hunt for the next algorithm hack. The wheel of time continues, and so does the misery of budget allocation. Every channel is now mature. We're living in the post-hype phase of a long-tech cycle. When a marketing strategy works, everyone jumps on it. Then it stops working. Customers tune out. Prices go up. ROI nosedives. It's just supply and demand. This is the funnel we learnt over the last two decades (Refer to graphic 1 below). If you are a startup, you can't play the sacred games. Look at the shift. (Refer to graphic 2 below) What next? Gen AI at scale is your weapon Customers are numb to the same polished, corporate-sounding noise from big brands. You? You get to show up weird, fresh and unfiltered – and that flash of novelty actually matters. Tools today make it extremely easy: spin up avatar-led TikTok videos with Symphony, drop your product catalogue into GPT prompts, get that 'too cool to care' vibe using Midjourney or Leonardo, upscale it to look pro with Magnific, toss it into Runway or Videoleap and – boom – you get 100 videos in 100 minutes. No agency. No brief. Just vibes, speed and attention. Lastly, get your own tracks on No intellectual property (IP) infringements and no Gen Z bashing. Avoiding the classic 'spray and pray' trap Balance your budget. On the left of Graphic 3, we've got your typical channel breakdown. Performance Max (PMAX) and Advantage+ (ADV+) are eating up 70 per cent of your budget. But look at their funnel position: lower funnel (LF); their signal strength: poor to very poor; and what you're getting in return: low return on ad spend (ROAS), high cost per order (CPO). Now peek at the 3D plot. We're mapping three key dimensions here: – X-axis: Time – Y-axis: Business profitability or ROAS – Z-axis: Funnel position. What this shows is pretty simple: if you're overly reliant on low-funnel, short-term tactics (hello, red dots), you might be profitable right now, but you're likely stuck in a crowded, expensive part of the map. You're not building for the long term. The sweet spot? It's where time, funnel diversification and profitability meet – that nice cluster in the middle. That's where the green squares (combined focus) live. Top of the funnel (TF) or mid funnel (MF) channels such as search or shopping and Reels or Stories have controllable signals. Even though they get less budget love, they punch above their weight over time. TL;DR: don't dump your budget into black-box lower-funnel automation just because it looks efficient today. Spread it out. Mix short-term wins with long-term bets. Invest in channels where you control the levers – and plot your way to sustainable ROI instead of short-lived spikes. The data's telling you something. Stop ignoring it. Finally, yes, your product actually has to be good. Even the best marketing won't save you if your product leaks users. Think of marketing as a multiplier. Multiply zero, and you still get zero. But if your product is strong, a little bit of smart, scrappy marketing can go a long way. In summary, most marketing is awful, but that's just a sign that we need to get creative again. New products need new tactics. Stop copying the incumbents. Big channels are for big companies. You need to be faster, weirder and scrappier.
