It’s no secret that content marketing continues to be at the forefront of any successful strategy.

Whether you are an entrepreneur, in-house marketer, or part of a content marketing team working with organizations of all sizes, knowing how to rock a strategy is imperative today.

Feeling overwhelmed, many of you may have resorted to hiring a content marketing agency to scale content and help you achieve results sooner.

If not, you may be considering it now. You can find various online lists of top content marketing agencies, each one offering expertise and experience that can benefit your brand. For example, if you find you are too inexperienced or busy to spend the time required to create, execute, and monitor a strategy, look for a list of B2C or leading B2B content marketing companies to consider.

Yet, there is another option.

With the increase in accessible technology that has become easier and easier to use, maybe it is time to do it yourself and avoid agency constraints.

Content Marketing Agency: The Key to Independent Success in 2024

As experience deepens and technology gets easier to navigate, unlocking your potential for marketing independence is more of a reality than ever.

Embracing self-service ad platforms, creating high-quality content through professional freelancers or even generative AI, and gaining an understanding of valuable SEO tactics can lead to marketing independence in 2024.

You just need to find the right combination of tools and get comfortable with what they can offer your company or brand.

The first rule for going independent is not to let yourself get overwhelmed. Develop a strategy, such as how you will create the content you need, and research how to achieve this goal with one or more of the available tools.

Strategic Autonomy: Buil ding a Personalized Marketing Approach

Turning over your marketing to an agency may seem like a good idea that leaves you to handle other important aspects of your business. Still, you are never truly removed from the process, nor do you really want to be.

Today, however, you don’t need a marketing agency to achieve success. Breaking free from an agency’s constraints can open you up to being more creative, streamlining your budget, and bringing you closer to understanding how marketing works best for you.

Most importantly, accessible technology can put you in control. All you have to do is embrace that power and get started.

Building a personalized marketing approach is the act of controlling the process from start to finish. It doesn’t mean that you take on every task yourself. That, in most cases, wouldn’t make sense or even be beneficial.

It simply means that you own your marketing process, decisions, and strategies.

To determine the best approach, start with the following:

• Set marketing goals and objectives. What do you want to accomplish with your marketing efforts? Know where you want to go and how to get there.
• Review market research or collect customer feedback, if necessary.
• Develop and manage the overall marketing process. Start by devising a marketing strategy that may include both online and offline elements.
• Determine how you prefer to communicate with your target audience (e.g., email campaigns).
• Establish a marketing budget.
• Find partners to help you achieve your marketing goals. These partners may be online tools, such as WriterAccess and Ion, or influencers who can help you get your brand’s name out there.

If you start to feel overwhelmed, focus on one part of your strategy and build from there. With more experience, you’ll become confident in where you are and where you want to go.

Master DIY Marketing: The Essential Guide for Content Creators

As mentioned above, content remains at the heart of any marketing strategy.

The goal is to reach your audience and improve brand awareness, build authority, increase engagement, and, ultimately, boost sales.

Continual practice will make you a better content creator, so stay on it, building skills as you go along. As your confidence grows, so too will your success.

When you combine what you already know with the latest technology, you’ll be surprised at what you can accomplish.

We suggest that you take the following steps to master your marketing efforts as a DIY content creator:

• Identify your target audience: Determine who your audience is, and consider creating a buyer persona to guide you.
• Choose content formats: Select the content types and formats that you wish to create and that your audience will appreciate. Examples include blog posts, ebooks, white papers, listicles, how-tos, and social media posts.
• Select content channels: Pick the channels that you will use to share your content (e.g., email newsletter, Facebook, etc.), and research the best ways to succeed on each platform or channel.
• Establish a budget: Examine your budget and determine if you need to purchase software, sign up for online accounts, hire a professional freelance writer, or pay for other services.
• Set up a publishing schedule: Craft a publishing schedule so that you remain consistent in your offerings.
• Become familiar with SEO: Review the latest search engine optimization tactics, and learn how to incorporate them so that your audience and search engines can find you. Look for helpful online tools, such as SEMrush (if your budget allows).
• Find reputable resources: Identify references to use, link to, and quote in order to raise your credibility. For example, check out this list of health information resources for marketing in 2024.
• Conduct topical and keyword research: You already know your business and industry, so conducting topical research for a content marketing strategy will take less time. You can also utilize various keyword search websites and AI-assisted topical idea help.
• Create content: Sit down and produce your content, or work with a freelancer with a set deadline. You could also try generative AI content and make edits to match it up with your brand’s voice. Incorporate relevant keywords and phrases throughout and add SEO elements. If you don’t have time to do this yourself, there are plenty of options that can help ensure your content is high-quality and SEO-optimized for your target audiences.
• Promote content: You can do content promotion by sending email messages, posting on social media, connecting with influencers, and posting ads. An effective promotional plan needs to be established early in the process. Again, there are sites that can help you accomplish this through digital ads or teach you about effective methods.
• Analyze results: Examine the results and use what you learn to make your content serve you better. Today, seeing how your content is performing is easier than ever. Tools are available that help measure results and interpret analytics (e.g., Google Analytics). With this information, you can refine, revise, or continue to create the content that works for your strategy.

Embrace the Power: Technology and Autonomy in Content Creation

Every year, new digital tools become available to marketers, making the process that much easier to decipher and master. WriterAccess and Ion are two online tools that will boost your marketing strategy and save you time.

WriterAccess: Your On-Demand Content Marketing Agency

Even with all the strategic steps in place, if you don’t have high-quality content that appeals to your target audience, then you are missing the point. Not everyone is a good writer or has the confidence to share what they write.

Fortunately, you no longer have to worry about this because effective, convenient solutions abound.

WriterAccess is a content creation platform where you can work with professional writers, editors, and designers. It is your gateway to partnering with those who specialize in crafting exceptional content that not only meets your goals but strategically benefits your brand.

In addition, WriterAccess offers strategic tools to help you in your marketing efforts, from SEO guidance to innovative AI-assisted features.

The platform is also easy to use, with a comprehensive dashboard and several options to choose from.

You can use it to accomplish any or all of the following:

• Ideate topics, either through professional writers and market strategists or the platform’s AI-driven topic generator.
• Develop various content marketing strategies.
• Conduct keyword research.
• Receive SEO guidance.
• Choose from a wide range of talent, with a variety of experience and skills. You can peruse profiles, count on AI to select the right professional for your needs, or work with a WriterAccess manager who knows the talent and can make recommendations. You can find:
  • Content marketing strategists
  • Professional writers
  • Editors
  • Proofreaders
  • Translators
  • Designers
• Create a detailed order brief to guide the talent you select.
• Review, edit, and/or send the content back for revisions.
• Generate content that is ready to publish on your website, blog, social media pages, email newsletter, and more.

Ion: Elevating Your Content Distribution to New Heights

Interactive content is on the rise today, and consumers are eating it up. This material engages viewers, improves their experiences, and makes them feel more involved with your brand.

Also, creating such content no longer requires coding or other special skills.

You can invite and achieve higher engagement with the creation of interactive content through platforms like Ion.

Ion is a comprehensive marketing platform providing the tools you need to easily produce effective and memorable interactive content that will engage your audience and drive results.

With Ion, you have access to all of the following:

• A straightforward, no-coding process
• Over 180 templates that can be customized to meet your particular needs
• Seamless integration with marketing automation and CRM systems
• Access to managed services that help you achieve your content goals

Marketers are able to create various content pieces that are unique and speak to specific audiences. This material may include:

• Interactive quizzes
• Questionnaires
• Infographics
• Calculators
• Assessments
• Polls
• Interactive ebooks
• Lookbooks
• Mini-games
• Interactive videos

In addition, Ion offers SEO optimization, analytics, A/B testing, and many other valuable resources.

Interactive content offers a unique way to help you stand out from the crowd. Its personal approach can also assist you in capturing information that will help your business and marketing strategies going forward.

Strategies Unleashed: Maximizing Impact Without Agency Ties

While there are situations where working with a marketing agency will be beneficial, you can meet your marketing needs without agency ties in many cases. When it comes to content, in particular, you have options that can help create what you need, including access to professional writers, editors, and designers at WriterAccess. Sign up for your 14-day trial today and see where it can lead you.

The post Rock Your Marketing Strategy Without the Agency Constraints appeared first on Rock Content.

Setting the Stage: A Brief Historical Context

Once upon a time (well, in 2020, to be exact), TikTok burst onto the scene with its infectious short dancing and comedy clips, setting off a short-form video arms race.

Suddenly, everyone, from Facebook to YouTube, was racing to keep up with TikTok’s popularity, especially among the coveted teen demographic. Fast forward to today, and TikTok, once the reigning champ of short-form content, is making a pivot towards the longer side of the video spectrum.

The TikTok Evolution: From 15 Seconds to 30 Minutes

TikTok’s evolution has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. It started with a humble 15-second video limit, gradually extending to a minute, then three, five, and finally, ten minutes. And now, rumor has it that TikTok is testing the waters with an eye-popping 30-minute video upload option. Yes, you heard it right – thirty whole minutes of TikTok goodness.

This move signals TikTok’s bold entry into YouTube’s territory, challenging the established norms of short and snappy content. Matt Navarra, the Sherlock Holmes of social media, spotted this in the iOS beta version, and the murmurs are spreading to the Android realm as well.

The Clash of the Titans: TikTok Takes on YouTube

TikTok’s journey towards longer videos isn’t just a random leap; it’s a strategic move to compete head-on with YouTube. The battle lines are drawn, and it seems TikTok is beckoning creators who traditionally call YouTube home. The question looms large: Can TikTok truly dethrone YouTube as the go-to platform for longer-form content?

As industry analyst Krysten Stein aptly puts it, “TikTok is now thinking, ‘We need to show advertisers that we can keep people staying on one video longer.'” The strategy seems clear – attract creators with longer videos, keep the audience engaged, and watch the ad revenue flow.

Creators Caught in the Crossfire: Cheers and Concerns

This shift, however, has left some TikTok creators scratching their heads. Once celebrated for its short, quick scrolls, TikTok is now nudging creators towards longer content. Creators like Nikki Apostolou, known as “recycldstardust,” express their concern, stating, “I don’t always have a minute of content in me.”

TikTok’s new initiative, the “Creativity Program Beta,” replaces the original “Creator Fund,” requiring creators to embrace the world of one-minute-plus videos if they want a piece of the monetization pie. Aly Tabizon, with a significant follower count, expresses her fear, questioning whether the attention span of today’s generation aligns with longer videos.

The Business Play: Monetization and Revenue Sharing

From a business perspective, this move makes sense. Longer videos mean more ad possibilities and enhanced monetization. Scott Kessler, from research firm Third Bridge, notes: “It’s a lot easier to monetize content when it’s longer-form.”

TikTok’s confidence in this transition is evident in promises of higher pay for creators under the new Creativity Program. The enticement for creators to make the switch is real, as some have already reported making thousands of dollars in their initial months.

The Viewer’s Dilemma: To Scroll or Not to Scroll

Yet, amidst this strategic move, TikTok must navigate the delicate balance of user preferences. TikTok has been synonymous with short, snappy videos; longer content might not resonate with its audience. The platform’s testing of a horizontal full-screen mode and the option to fast-forward through videos indicates a careful attempt to cater to diverse preferences.

The Future: Will TikTok Truly Rival YouTube?

As TikTok expands its maximum runtime, the question remains: Can it truly compete with YouTube? The lines between short-form and long-form content are blurring, and TikTok seems determined to redefine its identity in this evolving landscape.

In the words of TikTok spokesperson Zachary Kizer, “We value the feedback and direct insights from our community to help inform our decisions.” The battle for your video minutes rages on, and TikTok vs. YouTube is a saga we’ll be watching with bated breath.

So, whether you’re Team TikTok or Team YouTube, one thing is clear – the battle for your attention is only getting started! Stay tuned as the video titans duke it out for supremacy in the ever-expanding world of online content.

The post TikTok vs YouTube: Is TikTok trying to become YouTube? appeared first on Rock Content.

The Cookie Story Revealed

Google’s shift away from third-party cookies marks a significant development in the ongoing debate around user privacy and the pursuit of personalized ads. This change is prompting businesses to reassess their advertising strategies, nudging them to get creative in a landscape where user privacy takes center stage.

What This Means for SaaS Platforms

For companies in the Software as a Service (SaaS) world, heavily into targeted ads, the lack of third-party cookies brings both challenges and opportunities. Without these cookies, SaaS folks gotta rethink their ad game. That might mean diving into their own data pool, trying out different ad styles, or bringing in smart tech like Artificial Intelligence for laser-focused targeting.

Navigating Changes in B2B Marketing

In the business-to-business (B2B) sector, saying bye to third-party cookies calls for a strategy rebuild. B2B pros should consider embracing tactics such as account-based marketing, refining content strategies, enhancing customer relationship management (CRM) systems, exploring collaborative initiatives within the B2B community, and assessing the impact of this shift on industries like manufacturing, finance, and healthcare.

Privacy Sandbox: Google’s Game Plan

No need to worry; Google’s got a game-changer – the Privacy Sandbox. This initiative intends to revolutionize how we track user data, ensuring a robust privacy atmosphere. SaaS and B2B teams can capitalize on this, striving to strike the perfect balance between offering users a personalized experience and safeguarding their data.

Collaborating within the Privacy Sandbox community can foster team spirit, empowering teams to overcome challenges, seize valuable opportunities, and navigate global privacy regulations.

Easy Moves for SaaS and B2B Adaptation

Check Your Data Handling:

SaaS providers and B2B marketers should thoroughly review their data practices, ensuring alignment with evolving privacy standards. Collaborating on data audits within industry groups adds an extra layer of insight and promotes uniformity.

Smart Use of First-Party Data:

SaaS platforms can put their first-party data to work strategically, keeping those targeted ads on point and playing by the privacy rules.

This might involve coming up with appealing rewards for users who share data and creating some cool services based on the information they provide directly.

Getting Cozy with Contextual Ads and High-Tech Stuff:

B2B enthusiasts can navigate towards contextual ads, immersing themselves in the essence of content and understanding how users engage with it. They’re also sliding into the tech side, leveraging Artificial Intelligence to refine their targeting. Collaborating with tech experts enables them to stay ahead in B2B tech trends and grasp the implications of the Metaverse for advertising.

Cluing Users In and Keeping It Real:

Both SaaS and B2B squads can score big by keeping users informed. Providing essential insights into data practices openly builds trust. Plus, offering users information on why targeted ads are appealing can create a savvy and cool user crew. 

Shaking Things Up for Marketing Pros

Marketers are taking the wheel in this wild ride. The switch from third-party cookies is like a GPS reroute, pushing marketers to flex their skills with new data, cook up killer contextual campaigns, dig into snazzy tech, build teamwork vibes within the marketing crew, and stay on top of what’s hot and what’s not in their industry.

Riding the Privacy Wave: What’s Cooking in Data Privacy

Taking a Peek at What’s Next:

Beyond the buzz of Google’s cookie shake-up, let’s zoom out and catch the vibes of the bigger picture shaping the future of data privacy. The spotlight is on things like giving users the nod, global rulebooks like GDPR and CCPA contributing their insights, and the rise of cool tech that hands back the data crown to the users.

Collaborating with industry peers to align with these trends can set businesses on a path for long-term success in an era where data privacy is non-negotiable.

Where Privacy and Cool Ideas Collide:

Sure, privacy rules can be a bit of a head-scratcher, but they’re also the secret sauce that makes innovation sizzle in data and advertising tech. SaaS and B2B rockstars can use this transition time to cook up fresh ideas, not just to follow the rules but to set new standards for how data gets treated.

The spot where privacy and cool ideas meet is where the real magic happens – with cutting-edge tech focused on user approval, transparency, and treating data like the VIP it deserves to be.

Wrap-Up Vibes: Navigating the Digital Shift Post-Google’s Cookie Move

Summing It Up:

As SaaS and B2B crews ride the wave of change in the digital marketing scene after Google’s cookie switch-up, it’s all about joining forces and thinking ahead.

Going big on privacy, schooling users on the ins and outs, handling first-party data like a pro, and diving into fresh tech aren’t just reactions to a challenge – they’re smart moves to shape a digital world that’s ethical, user-friendly, and bursting with innovation.

In this era of digital transformations, where privacy is the golden ticket, businesses excelling in these principles aren’t just checking compliance boxes – they’re at the forefront of fostering positive vibes.

The journey ahead calls for keeping the groove, joining the chatter in industry circles, and sticking to a promise of an online space where users kick back feeling safe, valued, and steering their digital ship.

Closing In:

In a nutshell, the decline of third-party cookies isn’t a final act for personalization; it’s an open stage for businesses to redefine how they engage with their audience. Navigating the ever-evolving privacy standards, SaaS and B2B squads aren’t just enduring the journey – they’re forging a path for the future of digital marketing.

The journey’s still on, but the final stop promises a digital scene that’s all about rocking both innovation and user privacy.

Consider this article your backstage pass, giving marketing pros the lowdown and strategies to navigate the twists and turns. As the digital arena keeps flipping, being in the know, riding the change, and building those industry connections will unlock success.

Imagine the future of digital marketing – a scene where privacy, innovation, and putting users first shine. It’s a world where leading businesses steal the show, becoming the true game-changers in the ever-evolving digital scenario.

Embracing the future of digital marketing demands more than just insights – it requires mastery. Ready to redefine your content game post-Google’s cookie shake-up?

Elevate your strategy with WriterAccess, your backstage pass to a world of skilled professionals, innovative AI, and 14 days of limitless creativity. Transform your approach; start your free trial now.

The post Google is killing cookies, but not really: What you need to know appeared first on Rock Content.

If your business has tried an e-commerce website and failed, the problem might not be your brand or products. It might be the tools you used to build and maintain the virtual store. Today’s consumers are looking for more than just some nice product pictures and a blurb about the company.

They want to buy from websites that are easy to use and navigate. They look for key features such as search engines, chat customer service, options, and state-of-the-art security. According to Tech Jury, mobile buyers make up 67.2% of all online purchases, so they want responsiveness, too.

Setting up and managing a successful e-commerce website is a big hill to climb, but it is necessary. Brands must meet customers where they spend their time, and that is online. E-commerce websites generated 856.8 billion dollars in revenue in 2022.

An e-commerce platform is an effective tool to help you find success in the digital marketplace. This article will discuss e-commerce platforms, their use, and why you need one.

Decoding e-Commerce Platforms: A Comprehensive Guide

A practical place to start is with a basic definition.

What is an e-commerce platform?

An e-commerce platform is software that facilitates the process of buying and selling goods and services online. It is an application that manages a business’s websites, online sales, and omnichannel marketing.

What does an e-commerce platform do?

It is responsible for coordinating the consumer’s relationship with the online seller.

If that all sounds vague, it’s because different e-commerce platforms offer additional features. At the basic level, this software will:

• Allow site users to search for products
• Provide a digital shopping cart
• Handle the payment process

Many platforms do much more than that, though. They might offer data analytics, for example. When shopping for an e-commerce platform, you need to find one that fits the company’s budget. At the same time, it must offer the features necessary to allow your customers to order products and services seamlessly.

Understanding the Role of e-Commerce Platforms in Your Business

An e-commerce platform serves as the operational hub for online sales and marketing. It provides the basic infrastructure to run an online business.

The ultimate goal is to streamline the process of selling products and services where many people shop. Businesses could do this without an e-commerce platform, but the process would be more difficult. The administrator would have to handle the components of the virtual store individually, often using third-party vendors. For example:

• Inventory management
• Payment gateways
• Customer service
• Product fulfillment
• Content marketing

These are pieces that fit together to make an e-commerce website work. They are necessary components available individually, but an e-commerce platform puts them under one roof to simplify the management.

Key Features to Look for in an e-Commerce Platform

Choosing the right e-commerce platform can be a challenge. Finding a platform that fits your business needs will allow you to:

• Control costs – This includes the set-up fees and any maintenance costs.
• Allow growth – Once the websites are up and running, the next step is to allow them to grow. Some platforms make that difficult or expensive.
• Enhance customer engagement – Many brands make this a primary focus because engagement can bring a customer back repeatedly.
• Prioritize customer service – Providing customer support means better conversions and enhanced loyalty.

What are some key features to look for on an e-commerce platform?

Hosting and platform type

There are two types of platforms: self-hosted and cloud-based. With a self-hosted or on-premise platform, you do much of the legwork. For example, you would need to find a host for the website, manage the installation, and do the administration. That will give you more control but requires more time and technical knowledge. One person would be responsible for things like source coding and software updates.

A cloud-hosted platform means you work via the cloud. Cloud-based platforms can be further broken down as SaaS or PaaS. A SaaS platform such as Shopify is all-inclusive. You simply pay for a website, provide the content, and choose a look for the site. You have access to additional apps, themes, and data analytics.

A PaaS cloud-based platform adds a hardware element. It falls between shared hosting and SaaS. The platform manages the operating system and software. You provide content, some code, and databases. A PaaS platform separates the business from the server administration.

The significant difference between the two is the coding. With SaaS, you don’t provide custom source code. It is more of a WYSIWYG option. PaaS gives you more control over the coding aspect.

Pricing

Pricing is an obvious consideration. You can expect most platforms to have a monthly fee. The exception to this might be open-source. The cost varies from platform to platform and may differ based on the features you choose and how much bandwidth and storage you require.

Integrations

Businesses must think ahead when choosing a platform. What systems might you want to integrate with the e-commerce platform initially and in the future? Some options would include:

• Accounting
• Email marketing
• Shipping
• Payment
• Marketing
• Customer loyalty programs

Not all platforms allow for integrations.

Extensibility

A typical e-commerce platform provides the basis necessary to launch a website. They often come with ready-made integrations. You might need a more advanced PaaS platform if you want more than that.

Scalability

The other side of that coin is scalability. You want to be able to grow your website or scale it down during slower seasons.

Administration

How easy is it to add or delete products or establish inventory counts? What about changing prices? How do you upload images? You need to know how much effort it takes to make changes to your website.

Comparing Websites and e-Commerce Platforms: What Sets Them Apart?

E-commerce platforms and websites are terms sometimes used interchangeably, but they are quite different.

About an e-commerce platform

An e-commerce platform is a software-based platform that lets businesses sell products and services online. There are three main styles:

• Open-source – gives you complete access to the source codes and more control over how shopping is done through the site. Some examples of open-source platforms include Square Online, WooCommerce, and Joomla.
• SaaS is a cloud–based platform that is an all-in-one service. The platform handles everything; the business chooses a theme and provides the information. Examples of SaaS platforms include Shopify Plus and Salesforce Commerce Cloud.
• Headless – A headless platform separates the back end from the front end of customer-facing operations. You create the website using programs like WordPress or Drupal. The e-commerce platform provides cart and payment services. Examples of headless platforms include Spryker and BigCommerce.

That is different from an e-commerce website.

About an e-commerce website

An e-commerce website is any site with e-commerce features. In other words, any website where you can purchase something off it.

Many brands allow you to create an e-commerce website without the versatility of an e-commerce platform. They may offer a plug-in that serves as a payment gateway to allow for purchasing.

Having a basic website lacks the capabilities of an e-commerce platform, though. It won’t be scalable, for instance, or customizable. It will likely have very few features to choose from. The theme will be set in stone with no room for changes.

A simple website may be enough for small businesses with little online sales. For many companies, though, it will be too limiting.

Choosing the Right e-Commerce Platform: A Step-by-Step Process

The first step is to determine what feature the business needs. The platform should meet your needs for:

• Inventory size and management
• Payment methods
• Level of support
• Integration

Next, focus on your budget. Many e-commerce platforms offer pricing structures based on things like storage and bandwidth use. If you find one that meets your needs, see what pricing plan you can afford.

Ease of use

This applies not only to the business but also to its customers. How easy is the client interface to use? What about the website navigation and purchasing system? Is it easy to navigate?

Search for reviews on the internet to see what current and past users say about the platform. This will give you insight into whether it is the right pick for your brand.

Payment security

This is another consideration critical to both the business and the customers. Find out what payment methods the platform supports and what security features they offer. For example, is there a two-factor authorization system in place?

Does it meet your scalability requirements?

Perhaps you amp up your product selection during the holidays and then scale back? Is there room to grow on this platform?

Customer support

If you have questions, is there customer service available? Do you talk to a person? Does the company display a phone number to call?

Also, consider whether there is a contract you must sign to get an optimal price. For example, is the billing done yearly or monthly? Is there a choice between them? If so, you can test the platform for a month and then opt for the less expensive annual billing if you are happy.

Exploring the #1 e-Commerce Platform in 2024: What Makes It Stand Out?

For small and medium-sized businesses, the best e-commerce site is likely Shopify. Shopify is scalable and provides features that come in handy, although you might have to pay more for them. For instance, Shopify Fulfillment offers faster and more affordable shipping but comes at an added cost.

Shopify has a number of these ala carte features. That allows businesses to pick and choose what they need instead of paying for something they won’t use.

The Top 15 e-Commerce Platforms for Your Online Store

If Shopify doesn’t fit your needs, here are 15 others that might:

1. Wix
2. BigCommerce
3. Adobe Commerce
4. WooCommerce
5. Squarespace
6. Big Cartel
7. Square Online
8. Shift4Shop
9. Volusion
10. OpenCart
11. Hostinger Site Builder
12. PrestaShop
13. AbanteCart
14. Ecwid
15. Salesforce Commerce Cloud

Building Your Online Store: Best Practices and Strategies

The top priority for online and offline businesses should be the customer. Create a website that is easy to navigate and engaging. Choose a color palette and fonts that are also easy on the eyes.

When developing your website strategy, SEO is king. Do keyword research to see what will increase organic searches and drive traffic to the site.

Finally, think beyond the basic website. What content marketing can you do to increase the brand presence and add more traffic? For example:

• Make sure you have a blog.
• Use social media and post regularly.
• Create email strategies for things like cart abandonment

The e-commerce platform is the main component of your marketing strategy. Create a tight connection with other marketing assets, so everything draws the right audience back to your site.

Also, consider ways to add urgency to your pages. For example, you might have a page for flash sales or provide coupons on social media with short lifespans.

Optimizing Your e-Commerce Website: Tips and Tricks for Success

Consider other ways to optimize once you have a website that will engage the customer and draw in traffic, including:

• Add a title on each page, and include a target keyword.
• Add headings to pages using the proper HTML tags and include more keywords in them.
• Create a meta description for each page with a target keyword.

ION by Rock: Transform Your Online Experience with Advanced e-Commerce Tools

Using the right tools, like an e-commerce platform, is the best strategy for website success. ION by Rock Content lets you build personalized interactive content that will improve your website quickly and easily. Create interactive content with ION today without writing one line of code.

The post Elevate Your Online Business: Exploring the Top e-Commerce Platforms of 2024 appeared first on Rock Content.

According to a survey by Forbes Advisor, companies are currently using or planning to use AI primarily for customer service and cybersecurity. 

However, even subjective activities like content production and recruitment have found their place on the list of top AI uses. 

Would you have imagined this a decade ago? I certainly wouldn’t have.

Another thing I wouldn’t have pictured is having daily interactions with a language model like ChatGPT. 

Despite its imperfections and biases, I’m constantly amazed by its ability to organize information in a way that feels genuinely helpful and human-like.

Now, OpenAI has announced ChatGPT’s new features that allow us to interact with it using voice and images. It makes me wonder: what additional possibilities might the future bring?

ChatGPT’s Voice Feature 

Are you a bit startled by the idea of ChatGPT having voice conversations? 

Maybe you’ve already gotten used to virtual assistants like Alexa, and talking to a machine doesn’t seem all that strange anymore. That’s exactly what crossed my mind when I read about ChatGPT’s voice conversations.

However, when I listened to some samples provided on OpenAI’s website, it did give me a bit of a spooky feeling.

It’s not because I’m not accustomed to chatting with machines, but because ChatGPT can actually craft engaging stories based on what users say and even sound like Aunt Jane beside my bed.

It reminded me of the intriguing relationship between Theodore and Samantha, an operating system, in the movie ‘Her.’ Could it be that people start falling in love with ChatGPT? Just kidding. Or am I?

What about the risks?

OpenAI appears to be well aware of the potential risks associated with ChatGPT’s voice capabilities, such as impersonation, and they guarantee to have taken steps to address these concerns.

For now, they have limited the use of this technology exclusively to voice chat, and they collaborated with real voice actors for its development. Then, users can choose from five voice options.

However, it raises questions about whether these measures are sufficient to mitigate the risks, especially when considering Spotify’s pilot Voice Translation feature. 

This feature mimics the voices of podcasters to translate their content into other languages while retaining their original voices. How powerful (and dangerous) is that?

It’s worth noting that voice cloning tools, which can be used for malicious purposes, are already around, and this issue is not unique to ChatGPT.

ChatGPT’s Image Feature

You know when it’s hard to put something into words, and you have to show someone a picture or a drawing to convey what you mean? Well, ChatGPT has got you covered in those situations as well. 

Now you can upload a picture, let’s say of your IKEA furniture, then upload another picture of your toolbox and ask how to assemble it.

You can even draw on the pictures to highlight certain parts for a more specific question! Pretty cool, right?

What you’ll get back is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to use your own tools to assemble that 6-drawer cabinet you’ve always wanted. 

Or, it might just say, “It’s IKEA furniture, airhead, it can’t get easier than that!”. Just kidding, ChatGPT is patient and will help you with anything (the perks of being an emotionless machine).

You can even take a picture of your luggage and ask what else you should pack for a 10-day trip to Hawaii, and it’ll provide useful suggestions.

What about the risks?

My first concern when I read about this new ChatGPT feature was the upload of people’s pictures.

Imagine if this is allowed and criminals start using pictures to ask questions like ‘Who’s she?’ or ‘Where can I find her?’

Although nowadays there’s Google Lens for image searches, it wouldn’t enable the location of someone or the acquisition of very personal information. 

OpenAI guarantees that its image feature is also limited and doesn’t put anyone at risk. Do you believe that?

I don’t know, I’m a scaredy-cat and wouldn’t upload pictures of my street, apartment interiors, or anyone who matters to me. The outcomes of technology like this are already to be seen, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Business Applications of ChatGPT’s New Features

I’ve provided examples of ChatGPT’s new voice and image features for personal use, but what about some business applications? 

Let’s explore three potential ways these features can be utilized in a business context.

Enhance customer engagement

You’ve probably come across those stores where you can upload a picture of yourself and receive clothing or makeup suggestions. While not entirely new, they’ve been revolutionary for the customer experience and their perception of the brands.

ChatGPT is following a similar path, revolutionizing how businesses interact with their customers. 

Just imagine being able to send a picture of a unique broken product and receiving step-by-step instructions on how to fix it, all without waiting for a technician to come to your house. 

This not only saves time but also creates a remarkably positive customer experience.

Promote accessibility and inclusivity

OpenAI seems very proud of its collaboration with Be My Eyes and how it’s making a real difference for people with visual impairments.

Before, blind and low-vision people used the app to contact volunteers who provided visual assistance to them. Now, thanks to Be My AI (Be My Eyes’ AI assistant, powered by GPT-4), they can simply snap a picture and receive an immediate detailed description of it.

But you might be wondering, “What happened to the volunteers?” Well, they’re still around in case users need extra help with descriptions or just prefer that human touch.

This collaboration exemplifies the potential of AI to make the world more inclusive for everyone. It’s not just about technology; it’s about creating a more accessible and empathetic society.

The conversation around AI’s role in enhancing accessibility is promising, and while it’s not the main focus of this article, I encourage everyone to explore this topic further.

Create content and promote products

When it comes to storytelling and marketing, the addition of voice brings a whole new dimension to the table.

Imagine having a captivating voice narrating your brand’s story or conveying intricate product details. It has the potential to create a significantly more engaging and memorable experience for your audience.

Now, let’s talk about ChatGPT’s new image capability. It can also be a valuable asset for crafting compelling stories and generating promotional ideas.

Consider this scenario: If your business operates in the retail sector, you can take a picture of a product release and ask ChatGPT to craft a captivating social media post to promote it or even generate an engaging script for a promotional video.

In the realm of content creation, platforms like Rock Content’s WriterAccess have already begun integrating AI features into their toolkit. I’m confident that ChatGPT’s new image and voice features won’t be left behind.

It’s essential to remember that there’s no need to fear AI replacing humans, as we’ve discussed several times in our blog. Instead, the focus should be on discovering how humans and AI can work in synergy to enhance creativity and productivity.

Final Remarks

It’s pretty clear that ChatGPT’s new features have the potential to be a game-changer, whether you’re using it personally or for your business. However, responsible usage guidelines are not just a legal requirement but a moral imperative. 

This includes obtaining proper consent, securing data, and being transparent about how voice and images will be used.

Businesses that prioritize user privacy and ethics in their AI applications build trust with their customers, which is invaluable in today’s data-driven world.

As of now, ChatGPT’s latest voice and image features are exclusive to those who’ve gone premium. But guess what? Regular folks might get a sample for free soon.

Eager to take it for a spin? I am.

The post Beyond Text: Exploring ChatGPT’s New Features and Their Business Applications appeared first on Rock Content.

Not only do you have to keep up with the latest best practices, but you also have to analyze data, review potential target keywords, and otherwise ensure the websites you manage are correctly optimized.

Thankfully, there are a ton of tools out there to help you get the job done easily and efficiently.

Here are thirteen of the most essential Google Chrome extensions for SEO professionals.

1. Google Tag Assistant

Checking Google tags is important for analytics, which is why the search engine has made it super easy to see if yours are working with this free browser extension. 

Get a report of errors, troubleshoot issues, and instantly verify your tags in real-time.

In addition, it also connects with Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager for ease of functionality. 

Just navigate to a page in Chrome and you can make changes as necessary within the extension. 

Plus, it is totally free to download, which is another big plus.

2. SimilarWeb

Analyzing competitor websites and checking current rankings for your pages on the fly is simple thanks to SimilarWeb. 

This free Chrome extension allows you to check data on any site, making it easy to see the root source of traffic, geographic popularity, and other key factors.

It is a great addition to your SEO tool arsenal if you want to get tons of information quickly about both your website and others in the same niche. 

There’s no limit to the number of pages you can check, which is a definite bonus to all the robust features the extension already offers.

3. Serpstat Website SEO Checker

If you’re looking for a Google Chrome extension that compiles a ton of great search data into one dashboard, then you’ll really like Serpstat Website SEO Checker. 

This one provides information on elements like Alexa rank, total number of keywords, on-page parameters, popularity rank, and so much more.

The only downside is that free users are limited to 100 searches per day, while paid users get a thousand. 

However, those are pretty considerable numbers if you’re only using the tool to look at data for a page or two at a time.

4. Headline Studio by CoSchedule

Writing content isn’t always as easy as it seems. 

Finding the right formula to create a winning headline can sometimes be difficult, which is where Headline Studio by CoSchedule comes in. 

This free Google Chrome extension allows you to type or copy in your suggested title, then offers recommendations on how to adjust it for a better ranking.

As a browser extension, it seamlessly integrates with the platforms you’re already posting on. 

For example, those like WordPress, Shopify, Wix, and others. 

There’s also a paid version that analyzes more data points and offers a more in-depth analysis of your headlines, too.

5. SEO Toolbar by Ahrefs

When it comes to SEO tools, Ahrefs is definitely a name to know. 

Their SEO Toolbar is a free extension that offers an on-page optimization report, broken link checker, and a redirect tracer with HTTP headers. 

You can also analyze a single page for things like total word count, published and updated dates, title, meta description, and more.

As an Ahrefs paid member, there are additional features such as keyword volume directly in the SERPs and the ability to export reports. 

Both the free version and paid option are super robust, providing tons of great data to help with your competitor analysis process and keyword research.

6. MozBar

Of course, you can’t talk about SEO tools without mentioning MozBar. 

There’s a reason why over 500,000 people have downloaded this tool, with most utilizing it on a fairly regular basis. 

There are just so many features that make optimization research easier and quicker than trying to juggle the same tasks manually.

However, the coolest part about this Google Chrome extension is probably the overlay feature. 

With a quick mouse click, you can see all sorts of data like HTML markup, links, metrics, Domain Authority, and so much more. 

Plus, the Moz team is always adding new features, which is an excellent bonus.

7. SEOquake

For those who primarily care about keyword density and other content creation metrics, then SEOquake is a great option. 

This tool is a bit simpler than some of the others on this list of extensions, but it still packs a mighty punch in terms of functionality.

A real-time diagnosis feature makes it easier to identify and track issues with your own website. 

Meanwhile, the so-called SEO Showdown option allows you to quickly compare various optimization parameters on two or more websites to see which one has the better solution.

In short, this is a great plugin that gives you all the additional information needed to make quick decisions and identify appropriate change areas.

8. FindThatLead

Sometimes finding email addresses for guest posting opportunities or lead generation is important. 

As an SEO professional, you don’t want to spend hours trying to identify the best person to get in touch with at a particular company.

That’s where FindThatLead’s Google Chrome extension is so handy. 

Not only does it seamlessly help you identify the ideal address to message, it can also integrate with other tools you already use like Salesforce, Pipedrive, Zapier, and Hubspot.

9. vidIQ Vision for YouTube

Many people forget that YouTube is essentially one big search engine for video content. 

That said, you can help improve your content marketing efforts by using a tool like vidIQ Vision for YouTube.

This free Chrome extension works to give you important metrics data, both for your videos and those of your closest competitors. 

Easily spot things like engagement scores and the likelihood of being a featured video or gaining social media traction.

If content and video marketing is your speciality, you’ll definitely want this browser add-on in your tool arsenal.

10. Grammarly

Spelling and grammar matter when it comes to producing content for your website. 

The Grammarly browser extension makes it easier to catch tiny mistakes and select better word choices before you publish a blog post or article.

In addition, it works on any page you have open within the browser. 

That includes those social media posts, reply emails, eCommerce product descriptions, and so much more. 

While it might not be expressly an SEO tool, Grammarly is one that every digital marketer needs access to.

11. Whatsmyserp

Whatsmyserp is a Chrome extension designed to make it easier to do keyword research. 

This handy Chrome plugin offers details on search volume, cost-per-click, and more for every single Google search you do in the browser.

Additionally, the tool also gives you a whole list of related keywords to make your job as an SEO professional super simple. 

If you find yourself doing quite a bit of keyword research, this is one tool you won’t want to skip.

12. SEO Peek

Have you ever gone to a competitor’s website and wondered how they’re getting such a high position in the SERPs? 

SEO Peek makes it super simple to find out. 

With a click, you can instantly see ranking factors like the page’s meta description, meta keywords, robot directives, and more.

These are all key factors when you’re doing competitive research for a particular topic. 

By knowing these elements, you can size up other pages and get ideas on how to improve your own SEO.

13. Evernote Web Clipper

Sometimes you need to save information, photos, or infographics to refer back to later. 

The Evernote Web Clipper allows you to gather this information in one place, making the research phase of your search optimization process faster and more efficient.

We particularly like the ability to take screenshots and collaborate with other team members. 

It also adds these clips to your main Evernote files, meaning you can save something on your laptop and access it on your smartphone or tablet later.

14. Meta SEO Inspector

Designed with web admins in mind, Meta SEO Inspector allows web admins to view any website’s metadata and locate errors. The extension provides guidance to fix errors, especially those in Core Web Vitals.

You might want to utilize it to research your competitor’s website features.

Imagine the ease of finding all of your meta tags with a single click.

Meta SEO Inspector’s features include:

• Flags errors, including what’s wrong or missing
• JSON-LD format
• Available in 10 languages — Deutsch, English, Français, Español, Italiano, Polski, Português (Portuguese), русский, українська, 日本語
• Simple copy-and-paste to clipboard
• Reports available to print or export
• Free and updated regularly

15. SEO Minion

Simplify your daily workload with SEO Minion — accomplish six essential chores within one SEO Chrome extension. The only downside is that you must have a Keywords Everywhere Silver, Gold, or Platinum plan.

Cross these jobs off your to-do list:

• Evaluate On-Page SEO concerns on any page, including HTML. You’ll receive alerts and tips to optimize On-Page SEO results.
• Inspect hreflang tags and the linked pages to those tags.
• Review any broken links.
• Replicate Google rankings for multiple locations with no personalization requirements.
• Locate redirects that any URL has utilized.
• Enhance your CTR with SERP Preview feature.

16. Page Load Time

Don’t forget the importance of calculating rankings, including the page load time. Google ranks faster-loading sites above the slower ones. For mobile phone users, faster page loading time is essential.

Time is money for online shopping sites. Retailers are especially vulnerable to customer loss because of slow page loading times.

Page Load Time is a free SEO Chrome extension that displays the time to the right of the web address. Click on the time to receive more detailed information, even redirects.

Don’t forget to check your competitor’s times to ensure your site’s superior performance.

17. Keywords Everywhere

Are you obsessed with keywords? Are your competitors using keywords that you have considered? Keywords Everywhere offers four plans, starting at just $15/year, and it has over 1.6 million users.

It’s a powerful search tool to see keyword rankings — providing search numbers, competition, and CPC.

Ever wonder which keywords the high-traffic websites utilize?

The paid version helps users tailor keywords ideal for their particular businesses.

• Learn the keywords of 20+ websites, including Amazon, eBay, and YouTube.
• Access to the top 10,000 keywords and traffic counts for the included websites.
• Generate Instagram hashtags that work.
• Study the use of long-and-short tail keywords.

Wrap Up

As an SEO professional, there are plenty of elements that go into doing your job correctly. 

Whether you’re gathering information for a content piece, handling competitor analysis, or just researching keywords, the Google Chrome extensions we’ve included here can help you accomplish these tasks more easily.

Ready to learn more about the best SEO strategies that work? Start by reading and downloading Rock Content’s On-Page SEO Checklist. Start applying this enriching knowledge to grow your online presence!

The post 17 Best Chrome Extensions for SEO That Every Marketer Needs appeared first on Rock Content.

Our current landscape encompasses a wide range of devices, reliable internet connections, and forward-thinking brands looking to harness all these elements through their websites and digital platforms.

We’re witnessing a wave of innovations that empower businesses to enhance their results, maintain consistent sales growth, and provide more choices to consumers, all while delivering an improved customer experience.

However, even in this evolving landscape, many companies still lack a website and struggle to achieve their expected outcomes.

Perhaps the primary reason for their online struggles is the absence of technical expertise required to create and manage web pages and online content.

This is where the Content Management System (CMS) becomes a definitive solution. Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with the term.

We’ve put together this comprehensive article to educate you on everything you need to know about it. In this post, we’ll cover:

Are you ready for this gigantic dose of knowledge? Let’s go!

What Is a CMS?

CMS stands for “content management system.” In simpler terms, it’s a system that makes it easy to get a website online.

However, that alone doesn’t set a CMS apart. After all, you can accomplish the same task with minimal technical knowledge.

What makes a CMS special is its ability, as the name suggests, to effortlessly publish and manage dynamic content. This means you can maintain a blog, e-commerce site, or virtually any kind of website that requires regular updates.

Just imagine having to manually update a website every week. That wouldn’t be practical.

However, you should be aware of the fact that CMS tools are valuable for managing and optimizing content, but the creative aspect of content creation still relies heavily on human input.

A CMS is the perfect solution for anyone in need of a well-structured and continuously updated website.

How Does a Content Management System Work?

Imagine this: you’re working for a newspaper or a magazine.

Your readers eagerly anticipate staying up-to-date with the latest news, which means your team must churn out fresh content almost every day.

But here’s the challenge: for every new piece of content, you have to revamp the entire structure and overhaul your website’s infrastructure.

What’s worse, your only option is to make these updates manually.

In such a scenario, can you fathom how expensive and time-consuming your work would become? Maintaining your communication vehicle would be nearly impossible in terms of both cost and time.

And let’s say you somehow manage to work that way and keep your website running. You’d need highly skilled experts, which could limit your potential for new business opportunities.

Thankfully, our reality today is far removed from that scenario. To tackle these structural and operational challenges, the CMS came into existence.

The concept of a CMS typically involves free software created and maintained by developers worldwide. With this support, any user can effortlessly create websites, blogs, or other types of web content.

It’s worth noting that we mentioned “typically” because not all options are free. We’ll delve into those free alternatives later in this article.

One of the most significant advantages of a CMS is its user-friendly nature, allowing individuals to focus more on strategy and less on the nitty-gritty operations.

Users don’t need to fret over technical intricacies; they simply need to regularly upload new content.

This enables people to efficiently manage all their content, while the structure ensures exceptional performance, a superb user experience, and scalability for future website growth.

What Are The Main Functions of a CMS?

It may look simple, but there’s actually a lot going on in the creation and publication of new content on a website. Each of those components needs a CMS’s support to appear online.

That becomes even clearer when we look at some of the main functions of the system:

• creation and publication of pages;
• text and code editing;
• commentary moderation;
• stock control and sales system (for e-commerce);
• installation of plugins and add-ons to extend the functionalities of the website;
• library of media, to upload images and videos;
• and much more.

How To Choose a CMS?

The task of choosing a CMS can be a little challenging. After all, there are a lot of alternatives out there. Besides, those options are very much alike. 

When we look at 10 of those options, we will see that all of them have the same promises. So, how do we choose the best? The truth is you only need to understand a few aspects to make the decision.

The choice is essential. We’re not saying otherwise. But, instead of spending too much time questioning yourself, follow these practical tips:

• what’s the system’s history? Find out if the user community is big enough and active if the system has a good reputation, and if the support team is well-praised;
• what’s the system’s purpose? If the central focus of the CMS is very different from what you’re looking for, try something else. For example: you want to create a blog, but the CMS seems to concentrate on e-commerce;
• how’s the user experience? It doesn’t matter if it’s the best CMS on the market if it doesn’t have a good experience. Try to understand which option fits your company’s needs.

We, at Rock Content, have a favorite CMS: WordPress. It’s the most commonly used in the world, and it has solutions for pretty much any kind of project.

But that shouldn’t stop you from searching for more options and choosing what’s best for you.

How To Migrate Your CMS?

What should you do when you realize that your CMS doesn’t make sense for your business anymore? The answer is: to migrate to a new CMS.

If you’re wondering how to do that, we’re not going to provide you a step-by-step solution, because even we can’t do it here.

The number of options for a CMS is large, which makes it impossible to know which one you should use today, and to which you should possibly migrate.

But there are two golden rules for CMS migration:

1. Do a backup of your information and database: in case everything goes wrong, you will still be able to restore your site on your old CMS with the database 100% safe;
2. Contact the new CMS support team: in general, every quality CMS has great documentation and user communities. This can lead you to migrate without trouble. 

What Are The Benefits of a CMS? Check 7 of Them!

The CMS presents several benefits for business people who wish to create pages on the internet. Here are 7 of them!

1. It’s easy to create and maintain pages

The most significant benefit of using a CMS may be the fact that it makes it easier to create and maintain pages daily. 

You can access the system directly through the browser, and that means you don’t need to download any specific software. So, there’s nothing to take up more space in your computer or smartphone.

That allows you to create your page quickly, so you can leverage the business opportunities by delivering excellent content for your users.

2. It’s easy to use

Everyone who has a website knows that you need to pay attention to the news and trends in the market.

So, your pages have to be flexible enough to ensure the use of those new possibilities and innovative features to the fullest.

With a great content management system, any member of your team can help manage and maintain your digital strategy.

That includes creating pages on your site, adding images, adding videos, adding testimonials from your customers, and much more.

All that can be done quickly and easily, without the need for technical expertise in programming, design, or diagramming. 

And there’s more: one essential aspect of the CMS is, as the name implies, the capacity to manage the content instead of only creating it.

In other words, it doesn’t matter if it’s possible to use the system, without monitoring the progress of results.

Once more, a good-quality CMS makes that part easy. After all, everything can be tested and optimized to provide the best and fastest results. 

3. It offers a large number of additional features

The leading CMS on the market presents an extensive range of additional features. Those can be included on the website with only a few clicks in order to foster the best experience for clients and make the management even more efficient. 

However, this is something you should take into consideration: it’s necessary to analyze the characteristics of the chosen software, so you can be sure that they match your needs.

If you notice that something is missing, look for plugins and additional tools. In case you still haven’t found what you need, maybe it’s time to search for another CMS.

4. It offers support for organic search optimization

Every business manager who seeks to establish a website as a reference in the market knows that: it’s crucial to understand and apply the techniques and strategies for organic search optimization, the so-called SEO (Search Engine Optimization).

SEO’s role is to increase the chances of your page being found online via search engines, such as Google. 

And the more that people find your site organically (without ads), the better your process of customer acquisition is. At least as long as you have a solid content strategy and a well-structured marketing plan. 

You can use different techniques, such as:

• link building to improve domain authority and the positioning on rankings;
• image optimization to make your content visible in visual search;
• strategic use of keywords, especially the long-tail ones;
• redefinition of the layout to make it more pleasant for readers and therefore increase the retention time.

It’s necessary to take care of every page on your site if you want to optimize SEO properly.

If the website is complex, and built with specific software, it can be hard to keep optimizing it correctly — and that’s even more challenging when the site grows. 

With a CMS, though, users can do it without further problems. A few minutes per day is enough to make your pages visible in the first positions of SERPs. And there’s no need to invest 1 cent on paid advertising.

5. It offers versatility for projects

It doesn’t matter what you want your site to be: you can achieve it with a good CMS. 

Do you want to create a blog to publish relevant content every week? Ok. Do you need to create pages for your e-commerce with a lot of features? No problems.

Those are only some of the possibilities. You can develop an area for members, a landing page, and even create your own social media. 

That is another good point about the CMS: it can help you with different projects, of various sizes, by providing the same functions and structure.

All you need is: to mold the features according to the demands of your specific project.

6. It offers a good loading speed

Another incredible benefit is that the CMS contributes to improving your pages’ loading speed rates.

That is crucial to offer an extraordinary experience for your user. Not to mention that it’s also relevant for SEO. 

The slower your pages are — and we’re talking about seconds here —, the greater the odds of your potential client closing the tab and going for another option on the internet.

That’s why it’s necessary to monitor your pages’ loading times in order to optimize them.

That becomes even clearer on mobile devices — and they are getting more attention from Google in the new ranking strategy. 

The algorithm, known as the mobile-first index, prioritizes pages that load faster on mobile devices. Fortunately, every high-end CMS out there offers support for mobile-first websites.

7. It offers low cost

Last but not least, we can’t forget to mention the maintenance costs.

Imagine that you built your website with a specific developer, in a complicated language that only a few professionals know. 

Can you realize how keeping the structure functioning and updated in this case can be way more expensive? After all, the lack of expertise will raise the prices for the service.

However, if you use a CMS, everything is cheaper: from the setup to the update and maintenance. 

Most CMS are free because they were created by developers scattered around the world.

Of course, you can still hire a developer or designer to adapt the site to your interest and needs. But that’s different than creating a completely personalized website.

Even the changes for a CMS usually tend to be cheaper than creating something from scratch.

So, what makes a difference in the cost is the update and maintenance. That makes the CMS a more cost-effective option.

How To Choose the Best Hosting Service for a CMS?

The CMS is not the only critical component for site maintenance. 

The hosting service has a special role in this too, even because if the host doesn’t offer support for the CMS you use, nothing will work.

Once more, we’re getting into the matter of the number of available options. We can’t analyze them all one by one in this article, but we can give you a step-by-step on what to take into account while choosing:

• decide first which hosting service you want. There are 4: shared hosting, cloud, VPS, and dedicated server;
• narrow the list down to the well-known options that also offer support for the CMS you’re looking for; 
• compare features, client support, and prices of those alternatives left on your list.

What Are the Best CMSs in The Market?

Now that you know what a content management system is, we’re going to show you the best options on the market. Let’s kick off with our recommendation, WordPress:

WordPress

WordPress (WP) is the most used CMS platform in the world. But that’s not why we like it so much. First of all, it’s a free alternative, used by blogs, e-commerce, and a variety of other projects.

There are various additional features, such as plugins and templates already built so users can customize their solutions according to their needs and business strategies.

One of the most significant advantages is its active community. There are thousands of developers with the necessary expertise to keep the system up to date, providing changes and improvements.

In addition to that, security is also a key factor. Since WP is an open-source alternative, crackers can seek security holes in the system to attack private information. So, we recommend using extra resources to ensure the CMS reliability. 

Joomla

Another outstanding CMS is Joomla. It’s been used by many prominent companies around the world. One of them is the renowned Harvard University in the United States.

Like WordPress, it’s a free system, based on PHP, with a lot of additional functions.

Even though the community and the support are not as good as those of the most famous options, Joomla is a robust and reliable CMS.

Drupal

What can we say about the CMS that’s used by the government of the United States? That’s right! The North-American government chose Drupal as its content platform. 

The software encompasses modules that interact with one another, which allows personalization. 

When talking about Drupal, it’s essential to mention the large community of experts on the system — also one of the principal WordPress advantages.

TextPattern

Those who aim at creating simple pages and seek high-speed page loading must consider TextPattern as an option.

It’s a little behind the first alternatives we’ve mentioned because it doesn’t offer a massive variety of pre-configured templates. But there’s still a lot of extra features. 

Radiant

Finally, we can’t finish the list without mentioning Radiant. It’s a content and permission management system based on Ruby, recommended for smaller-size projects. 

It has its own language, very similar to HTML, and it offers excellent plugin options.

What Are The Differences Between CMS, WCM, ECM, DAM and DXP?

CMS is a system that encompasses several kinds of software. Each one of them exists to match different needs. 

That’s why we will show you some of the categories and their differences.

WCM – Web Content Management

WCM is an ideal tool to create, manage, store, and display content on web pages. 

It provides the capacity to plot and organize sites, so the content is always up-to-date and easy to access at any given moment.

Besides, it allows control and content preparation for publication, with review and approval before putting anything online.

WCM also permits automation for content publication, which generates better performance.

ECM — Enterprise Content Management

ECM is the technology behind the capture, management, preservation, and distribution of the content and documents related to business processes. 

The ECM tools and strategies allow users to organize information throughout the life of the company. 

Amid those tools, there are the WCM, which we’ve just seen, and the DAM, our next topic. 

DAM — Digital Asset Management

Digital Asset Management is a similar concept to ECM. 

The main difference, though, is that the DAM has a specialized focus on rich media management, such as videos, audio, images, and others.

However, the ECM works on file management, in general. So, if you need a solution to store multimedia files efficiently, the DAM is relevant.

DXP — Digital Experience Platform

With the growing number of access channels for customers, integrated strategies to improve the purchase experience are not an option anymore.

The DXP (Digital Experience Platform) turns it into reality and unifies the experiences and sensations at every point of interaction, which strengthens the brand identity.

We’re talking about a platform that was made to create and offer integrated and optimized experiences for users.

Those optimized experiences must happen in several channels and always have to consider not only the customer’s preferences but also his lifecycle. 

Why Should Companies Adopt a Content Management System?

In the virtual realm, brands face fierce competition.

Business managers continually seek novel ways to enhance user experiences on their websites while introducing innovations, all while maintaining a firm grip on their strategies.

To achieve these objectives, a content management system (CMS) can be your ally. However, as we’ve discovered, the market offers numerous options.

So, don’t rush into thinking that choosing a system is something you can do haphazardly.

The primary challenge for companies lies in aligning their needs with the available resources. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all platform that can solve every problem. It’s crucial to discern what the company requires in terms of supporting its clients and providing tailored solutions.

Thus, it’s imperative to analyze which CMS possesses these characteristics and which one comes closest to meeting your criteria.

But remember, not even the finest CMS can perform miracles if you’re not producing high-quality content. That’s where WriterAccess comes in.

Our content creation marketplace can assist you in finding top-notch professionals to craft content for your brand. I invite you to try it out for free for 14 days and witness the transformative power of exceptional content for your business.

The post Why Do You Need a Content Management System (CMS) For Your Company? appeared first on Rock Content.

In this blog, you’ll learn:

What Is the Difference Between 410 and 404 Errors?

HTTP error 410 is a precise code that indicates to both users and search engine bots that a particular resource is no longer available on the server and doesn’t have any forwarding or alternate location. In essence, it communicates the clear and permanent unavailability of the requested content.

On the other hand, error 404, commonly known as “page not found,” signals that the requested page is currently missing from the server. This error can either be temporary or permanent. Unlike the definitive nature of a 410 error, search engines might handle 404 errors with more flexibility, possibly retaining such URLs in their search results for a certain duration.

How to Fix Error 410 Using Plugins

Review your HTTP status codes regularly. Ensure that the URL address or associated hyperlinks are correct.

Create a backup before starting.

1. Disable redirect and security plugins first. They are a common source of Error 410.
2. A recent WordPress upgrade might be the culprit. Consider using WP Downgrade or WP Rollback if you use WordPress Core. If the 410 disappears, it means you’ve resolved your problem.
3. Consider repairing your WordPress .htaccess file or reinstalling your WordPress core files. Learn how here.

Error 410 Messages

Error 410 errors will appear differently across web browsers and servers. Examples your customers might see include:

• 410 Gone        
• ERROR 410
• HTTP STATUS 410
• This page can’t be found.
• Left completely blank
• This localhost page can’t be found. It may have been moved or deleted.

Customizing an error 410 code isn’t complicated and assures users that your website works correctly.

The Impact of Error 410 on User Experience

Regularly updated websites can face an increased likelihood of encountering error messages, such as persistent 410 errors. These recurring occurrences not only reflect negatively on your website but also cast a shadow on your overall business image.

The reputation of your company is intricately tied to your ability to effectively address and rectify these messages, particularly in the aftermath of updates, website migrations, or structural changes.

Such errors disrupt the seamless browsing experience your users expect, potentially driving them away and undermining their trust in your brand.

The Relationship between Error 410 and Website Hosting Platforms

Website hosting platforms handle the “nitty-gritty” details to safeguard users’ experiences.

Corrupt databases, missing permissions, or flawed links increase the risk of errors like 410. The result is fewer visitors, decreased SEO rankings, and lost sales opportunities.

Consider Stage — Rock Content’s website hosting platform. We offer a WordPress staging site containing a proxy of your existing website where your team makes changes and previews them without changing the live pages.

What are some important features of a good website hosting platform that help prevent error 410?

1. Server Stability: Reliable, stable servers not prone to unexpected downtime
2. Backup and Restore: Offers scheduled backup services to restore accidentally deleted or removed content
3. Monitoring and Alerts: Alerts website owners to potential situations leading to errors
4. Redirect Management: Easy-to-use tools allow website owners to establish redirects for removed or relocated content

The Bottom Line

Mitigating errors such as the disruptive 410 error demands a collaborative effort from multiple stakeholders. While a robust hosting platform lays the foundation for stability, the responsibility doesn’t rest solely on it.

Website proprietors and administrators play a pivotal role by engaging in vigilant performance monitoring. This involves regular assessments, comprehensive data analysis, and proactive measures to identify potential pitfalls and rectify them promptly.

By nurturing a culture of ongoing improvement, closely overseeing websites, and promptly addressing issues, the combined actions of all stakeholders come together.

This synergy establishes a smooth online environment. It not only prevents errors like the 410 but also guarantees an outstanding user experience and maintains ongoing digital success.

Learn more here — “Stage: Your WordPress Site Hosting Solution.”

The post What Is Error 410 And How To Fix It appeared first on Rock Content.

When it comes to SEO, there’s no such thing as too thorough. The more you can do to help Google’s crawl bots understand, classify, and rank your website, the easier it will be to reach your target audience.

Schema markup is one underutilized factor that can really help move the needle in your site’s favor through solid search engine optimization. We’ll go over everything you should know to apply it correctly and get the desired results.

What Is Schema Markup?

Schema markup is a specialized language or code that is added to the content of a webpage to provide explicit information to search engines like Google.

This structured data helps search engines understand the context, meaning, and relationships within the content, making it easier for them to display relevant and rich results to users.

In essence, schema markup acts as a translator between human-readable content and machine-readable data, enabling search engines to better comprehend and present the information in search results.

What Is Schema Markup Used For?

Using schema markup on a page gives you a powerful SEO boost on several levels. For example, this makes it possible for Google to serve up eye-catching rich snippets as part of a SERP result. Rich snippets yield incredible click-through rates in comparison to standard listings, which naturally leads to more traffic.

However, schema markup also powers Google’s Knowledge Graph—the information base that helps Google connect the dots between related subjects in the first place. Inclusion in the Knowledge Graph can lead to lots of valuable SEO opportunities—like the chance to appear in a knowledge panel when a user searches for your brand.

In other words, Google understands schema markup on a deeper level than it understands the standard text. And the better it understands your page, the more accurately it can serve your content to the right users.

Understanding the Key Components of Schema Markup

Before you can implement effective schema markup on your site, it’s important to fully understand it first. Let’s go over some of the key components to know before diving in.

Schema.org and its schema types

The first order of business is to familiarize yourself with Schema.org, the home base for schema and its dual-level hierarchy system. The top level consists of schema types, while the bottom level is all about defined properties.

Popular schema types include (but are not limited to):

• Article
• How-to
• Breadcrumb
• FAQ
• Carousel
• Job posting
• Event
• Recipe
• Local business
• Video
• Book

Google currently recognizes many different schema types, each with its own ability to showcase that content type in unique, attractive ways on SERPs.

For example, a review markup can generate a search result that features a star rating. Meanwhile, a recipe markup can help a cake or pulled pork recipe shine on result pages using photos and ingredient lists.

Schema markup vocabulary

As you explore schema markup further, you’ll need a working understanding of some key vocabulary terms that you’ll run into along the way. A few to know right off the bat include:

• Types: Each schema type, like the examples listed above, correlates to a different set of properties. Collectively, these types occupy a larger hierarchy.
• Properties: Within each schema type, you’ll find additional data describing the attributes of a specific subject and its relationships to other subjects. These are called properties.
• Items: Items are individual objects within a list or feed—for example, a particular musician in a running list of musicians.

Together, these components work to organize, define, and present datasets and information in a way that’s easy for Google to understand.

Microdata, RDFa, and JSON-LD

When it comes to implementing schema markup, there are three specific formats to know. Here’s a closer look at them.

• Microdata: This format consists of HTML5 tags designed to make various HTML elements more readable by crawl bots and machines. It accomplishes this through annotation.
• RDFa: Short for “Resource Description Framework in Attributes,” RDFa represents an extension to HTML5.
• JSON-LD: Short for “JavaScript Object Notation for Linked Data”, JSON-LD leverages JSON to encode linked data.

The best format for you largely depends on your experience level and what you’re looking to accomplish with schema markup. For example, microdata is prized for its ease of use and is a great choice for beginners.

Meanwhile, RDFa is a web standard that’s great for implementing structured data beyond what you’d be able to accomplish with schema.org alone. For example, it’s a good choice when you want to combine multiple vocabularies.

JSON-LD is another web standard first added as a recommended format in 2013. Some schema users prefer this format because it keeps your code clean, easy to read, and free of extra tags. It’s also worth noting that Google strongly prefers this type.

Implementing Schema Markup on Your Website

If you find the idea of schema markup to be a bit overwhelming, you’re not alone. Many marketers and SEO pros feel intimidated at first, but don’t worry. It’s easier to begin using schema markup than you think. Here’s a look at a few options for getting started.

Manual implementation

Although there are tools out there to help streamline the process of adding schema markup to your site’s HTML code, it’s definitely possible to do it manually. And since Google prefers the JSON-LD format, that’s what we’ll use for the purpose of the following steps.

Choose the right schema type

Naturally, your content marketing strategy likely includes multiple asset types (e.g., videos or articles). Start by selecting the schema type that works best for your content item.

Set the structure for your markup and add your data

A standard JSON-LD markup basically consists of a script tag like the below. As you can see, there’s an object included that will eventually contain your individualized data.

In this shorter JSON-LD markup, we’re describing a movie using Schema.org. The @context and @type indicate the context and type of content (Movie).

The example includes properties such as name, director, datePublished, description, genre, duration, and an image URL.

This structured data helps search engines provide more relevant and detailed information about the movie in search results.

Add the script to your HTML

Once your markup is complete, it’s time to add it to your page’s HTML code. Schema markup will actually do its job regardless of where you paste it. However, most web admins prefer to put theirs in the <head> portion of the document.

Utilizing schema markup generators

If you’re not a technical type who is comfortable implementing your code manually, that’s OK. Many web admins and SEO professionals prefer to simplify the process with a schema markup generator.

If you’re running WordPress, there are many different schema generator extensions available, including Merkle and Schema Builder. You can also do what many site owners do and go straight to Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper.

The schema implementation process is very similar to the manual process listed above. The generator simply walks you through the different steps. Here’s what that would look like with Google’s Structured Data Helper.

Pick a data type

When you start, you’ll see a list of the most common data types, including articles, products, and local businesses. Simply select the one that you want to work with.

Supply your URL

Next, paste the URL of your webpage into the field provided. The tool will auto-load it into a split-screen that displays your page on one side and your data items on the other.

Mark your page

To proceed, simply highlight the sections that you want to mark up and select the correlating data item. You’ll also see an option to manually add any items that don’t naturally appear on your page.

Generate and add your HTML

When all of your items are present and accounted for, simply generate your code via the one-click button provided. You’ll be able to choose between JSON-LD and microdata for the format.

You’ll also have the option to either copy and paste the finished code into your page HTML or download a new HTML file to upload in its entirety.

Testing and validating schema markup

As with any other item on your running SEO checklist, testing is a crucial part of the process when it comes to schema markup. In fact, you should never put a new schema markup into play without thoroughly testing it first.

Naturally, Google offers some very user-friendly tools that simplify this process. You could use Google’s general Structured Data Testing Tool. There’s also a Rich Results Test tool you can use to determine if your page is rich results-ready.  

Final Considerations: The Importance of Schema Markup in Modern SEO

Schema markup is something that many marketers skip because they’re intimidated by it. But they’re also throwing away a valuable opportunity to gain better search visibility, more appealing SERP listings, and significantly higher click-through rates.

Implementing schema markup also helps keep your site compatible with up-and-coming search trends like voice search, changing search algorithms, and more. So, don’t sleep on schema!

And be sure to check out our comprehensive on-page SEO guide for even more great optimization tips. You can download our on-page SEO checklist to ensure that you don’t miss a beat when it comes to developing your own strategy.

The post Unraveling Schema Markup: A Comprehensive Guide for Improved SEO appeared first on Rock Content.