by threshold | Sep 18, 2024 | Digital Marketing, General, Marketing, Tech/Web
Ava Page
SEO & Paid Media Specialist
So, you want to make your content stand out and actually get your audience talking, sharing, and clicking? Perfect! That’s kind of our specialty.
At Threshold, we turn content marketing from a guessing game into a strategy game with clear wins. Let’s dive into the best practices that will boost your content game, and see how we can work our magic for you.
know your audience inside and out.
Who are you talking to? If you don’t know, how can you expect them to listen? Threshold’s experts dig deep to uncover what makes your audience tick. We create detailed profiles that make sure every piece of content is spot-on. Think of us as your content whisperers—always in tune with what your audience wants.
craft catchy headlines.
Your headline is your content’s first impression—make it unforgettable! Threshold’s creative geniuses whip up headlines that are impossible to ignore. We mix intrigue with clarity, so your headlines grab attention and make people click. It’s like putting a flashy sign on your content that says, “Read me!”
create high-quality, valuable content.
Good content is more than just words on a screen; it’s about delivering real value. At Threshold, we’re all about creating content that’s informative, entertaining, and just plain awesome. We make sure your content doesn’t just fill space but actually makes a difference.
use visuals to boost engagement.
A picture’s worth a thousand words, and in content marketing, it’s worth a lot more clicks! Threshold’s design team sprinkles in visuals that make your content pop. From eye-catching images to fun infographics, we ensure your content looks as good as it reads.
optimize for SEO.
Great content needs to be found! Threshold’s SEO experts sprinkle the right keywords and optimize every piece so it gets noticed by search engines. We handle the techy stuff so you don’t have to. It’s like giving your content a VIP pass to the top of the search results.
encourage interaction.
Content shouldn’t be a monologue—it should be a conversation. Threshold helps you craft content that invites comments, questions, and interaction. We make sure your audience feels involved and valued. It’s like hosting a fun chat where everyone’s excited to join in.
leverage social media.
Social media is your stage—make sure you’re in the spotlight! Threshold’s social media pros tailor your content for each platform, using engaging posts and hashtags to boost your reach. We turn your social media channels into buzzing hubs of activity.
monitor and analyze performance.
How do you know what’s working if you don’t measure it? Threshold tracks your content’s performance with sharp analytics tools. We dive into the data to see what’s hitting the mark and what’s not, so you can keep improving. It’s like having a performance review for your content, but way more fun.
stay consistent.
Consistency is the secret sauce to building trust and keeping your audience engaged. Threshold ensures your content is consistently on-brand and on-schedule. We keep the rhythm going so your audience knows exactly when and where to find you.
keep it fresh and relevant.
Nobody likes stale content. Threshold keeps your content fresh and on-trend by staying up-to-date with the latest trends and events. We make sure your content stays relevant and exciting. It’s like keeping your content wardrobe in season and on point.
to wrap things up.
Ready to take your content marketing from “meh” to “wow”? Threshold’s got the expertise to help you crush these best practices and make your content shine. Reach out to our team of marketing experts today and let’s get started on making your content unforgettable!
before you go.
For more tips and information about marketing your everything, take a look at the rest of our blogs, right here on our website!
You can also subscribe to our email newsletter (it’s got some great stuff), and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
about the author.
Ava is the SEO & Paid Media Specialist at Threshold.
In her role, she is responsible for the content creation and management of all Threshold social channels, blog content, and SEO maintenance. She also aids in digital marketing strategies as a part of the activation team, focusing on setups and optimizations of campaigns ranging from social to display, and all the fun bits in between.
When she’s not busy creating content, you can usually find her picking out new plants, island-hopping, watching Duke basketball, or spending time with her two dogs, Miska and Noodle, & two cats, T’Challa and Ada.
by threshold | Sep 10, 2024 | General, Marketing, Thought Leadership
Amanda Spicer
Digital CSM
The real estate industry has always been very dynamic, but recently, it has undergone significant shifts that have impacted renters. As the housing market continues to evolve, renters find themselves navigating a difficult environment influenced by economic conditions, changing demand, and new trends.
Let’s take a closer look at the current state of the real estate industry for renters, including some challenges they face and opportunities that are coming.
rising rental costs.
One of the most pressing issues for renters today is the continuous rise in rental costs. Across urban and suburban areas, rental prices have skyrocketed, making it increasingly difficult for many to afford housing. An analysis of Zillow and StreetEasy’s rental data shows that rent prices across the US are increasing at a faster pace than wages, especially in major cities like New York. This mismatch between rising rents and stagnant wages means a larger portion of people’s income is going towards housing, making affordability more difficult and unrealistic. Several factors contribute to this trend, including:
- High Demand & Low Supply: The demand for rental properties has outgrown the supply, particularly in high-demand areas like major cities and hubs. This imbalance is contributing to higher costs, leaving renters with very few affordable options.
- Inflation & Economic Pressures: As inflation affects the entire economy, owners are often compelled to raise rents to cover their costs for property maintenance, taxes, and utilities.
- Post-Pandemic Market Adjustments: The COVID-19 pandemic led to fluctuations in the rental market, with some areas experiencing temporary rent drops. However, as the market has rebounded, rents have significantly increased.
For renters, these rising costs mean that budgeting for housing requires careful planning and may require exploring alternative living options. We have seen an influx in sharing spaces, tiny living, or relocating to less expensive areas.
the shift toward suburban and rural rentals.
The pandemic has accelerated a trend toward suburban and rural living. With the rise of remote-first work, many renters are no longer tied to urban areas and are seeing more space and affordability in suburban or rural areas. This shift has resulted in:
- Increased Demand in Suburban + Urban Areas: Suburban and rural areas have seen a surge in demand for rental properties. This increase is now driving up rents in these areas.
- Changing Rental Market Dynamics: Owners in traditionally less competitive markets are finding themselves in a stronger position, able to demand higher rents and offer fewer concessions.
For renters, this trend opens up opportunities to find more spacious and affordable housing, but it also requires adjusting to different lifestyles and potentially longer commutes for in-person work.
the rise of build-to-rent communities.
A huge development in the real estate industry is the rise of build-to-rent (BTR) communities. There are residential developments specifically designed for renting rather than selling. BTR properties offer a wide range of amenities and are often managed by professional property management companies, providing a higher level of service than traditional private rentals.
Some benefits include:
- Modern Amenities & Services: BTR communities often come with features like gyms, pools, coworking spaces (perfect for remote work), and community events, perfect for a high-end lifestyle. And, regularly exceeding the offerings of a traditional apartment complex.
- Flexibility & Stability: Renters in BTR communities may benefit from long lease terms and more stable rental costs, proving better security and predictability.
However, the premium nature of these properties can also mean higher rents, so renters are forced to weigh the value of amenities against the cost.
As the demand for BTR communities grows, strategic digital campaigns are essential to stand out in the market. In August 2023, we teamed up with a BTR community near Atlanta to help boost leasing and reach their 94% occupancy goal by April 2024. Through dynamic Google and Social Media campaigns, we surpassed expectations. In just six months, they achieved 100% occupancy, over 300,000 impressions, and an impressive 80% average website engagement rate.
For more details, check out our recent Legato Lakes Case Study.
the impact of technology on renting.
Technology continues to revolutionize the rental experience, making it easier for renters to find, lease, and manage their homes. Some of the ways technology is impacting renters include:
- Online Rental Platforms: Websites and apps have streamlined the process of searching for and applying to rental properties, giving renters access to more options.
- Smart Home Features: Many rental properties are equipped with smart home technology, such as keyless entry, smart thermostats, and security systems, enhancing convenience and safety.
- Virtual Tours & Remote Leasing: The pandemic accelerated the acceptance of virtual tours and remote leasing, allowing renters to view and secure properties without needing to be physically present.
These technological advancements offer greater convenience but also require renters to be more tech-savvy and vigilant about online security.
opportunities for renters.
Despite the challenges, there are still many opportunities in today’s market:
- Rent-to-Own Programs: Some developers and owners offer rent-to-own options, allowing renters to build equity in their home over time with an option to purchase the property later. This can be a viable path to homeownership for those who are not able to provide a down payment.
- Exploring Emerging Markets: Renters willing to explore new up-and-coming neighborhoods or smaller cities can often find more affordable rents and a higher quality of life, with the added benefit of potentially seeing property values rise if they choose to purchase in the future.
- Specials & Concessions: In some markets, especially where there is a surplus of rentals, owners and property managers may offer competitive pricing, specials, or additional concessions, such as discounts on rent or waived application fees.
The current state of the real estate industry presents both challenges and opportunities for renters. Rising rental costs, shifting market dynamics, and the impact of technology are all forming a new landscape. By staying informed and being strategic, renters can navigate these changes and find housing that meets their needs and budget. As the market continues to evolve, renters who are adaptable and proactive will be best positioned to thrive in this complex industry.
about the author.
Amanda is the Digital Junior Client Success Manager at Threshold. In her role, she is responsible for relationship management, client advocacy, renewals and upsells, monitoring metrics, strategy development, and documentation and reporting. When she’s not busy managing her clients, you can find her picking out new plants, watching Cowboys football, running her small business, or spending time with her fur baby, Daisy Marie.
by threshold | Aug 18, 2024 | Culture, Digital Marketing, General, Marketing
Ava Page
Let’s talk about something that keeps marketers up at night: understanding consumer behavior. You’ve got a killer product or service, but how do you get people to actually buy it?
Spoiler alert: It’s all about getting inside their heads—and no, we’re not talking about mind control (though that would be cool).
why consumer behavior matters.
Imagine throwing a party and not knowing if your guests prefer pizza or sushi. Awkward, right? The same goes for marketing. If you don’t know what your consumers like, need, or how they make decisions, you’re basically serving anchovies to a crowd of pepperoni lovers. Understanding consumer behavior means knowing what makes your target audience tick—so you can deliver exactly what they want when they want it.
the psychology behind buying.
Ever wondered why some people splurge on the latest iPhone while others stick with their trusty old flip phone? It all boils down to psychology. Factors like social influence, personal preferences, and even mood can sway buying decisions. Marketers who tap into these psychological triggers can craft campaigns that resonate on a deeper level, making consumers feel like, “Wow, this was made just for me!”
the power of data.
Gone are the days of guessing games. Today, data is your best friend. From browsing history to social media interactions, consumers are leaving digital breadcrumbs everywhere. By analyzing this data, you can uncover patterns, predict future behavior, and tailor your marketing strategies to meet consumers where they are. It’s like having a crystal ball—only better.
segmenting your audience.
Not all consumers are created equal – and that’s okay. Segmenting your audience based on behavior, demographics, and interests allows you to create more personalized marketing messages. Think of it like a choose-your-own-adventure book. By tailoring your approach to different segments, you can guide consumers down the path that leads straight to your product.
the role of emotion.
Consumers may think they’re making rational decisions, but emotions often have the final say. Whether it’s the joy of finding a great deal or the fear of missing out (FOMO), emotions play a huge role in driving behavior. Successful marketers know how to tap into these emotions, creating campaigns that not only capture attention but also tug at the heartstrings.
adapting to change.
Consumer behavior isn’t static—it evolves. What worked last year might not work today. Staying ahead of the curve means constantly analyzing trends, experimenting with new strategies, and being willing to pivot when necessary. Flexibility is key in the ever-changing world of marketing.
to wrap things up.
Understanding consumer behavior is like having a secret weapon in your marketing arsenal. It’s not just about knowing what your audience likes—it’s about knowing why they like it and how you can deliver it better than anyone else. By tapping into psychology, leveraging data, and staying adaptable, you can create marketing strategies that not only reach your target audience but also inspire them to take action.
Ready to unlock the full potential of your marketing efforts? Dive into consumer behavior, and watch as your campaigns go from good to great. After all, when you understand your audience, the sky’s the limit.
before you go.
For more tips and information about marketing your everything, take a look at the rest of our blogs, right here on our website!
You can also subscribe to our email newsletter (it’s got some great stuff), and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
about the author.
Ava is the SEO & Paid Media Specialist at Threshold.
In her role, she is responsible for the content creation and management of all Threshold social channels, blog content, and SEO maintenance. She also aids in digital marketing strategies as a part of the activation team, focusing on setups and optimizations of campaigns ranging from social to display, and all the fun bits in between.
When she’s not busy creating content, you can usually find her picking out new plants, island-hopping, watching Duke basketball, or spending time with her two dogs, Miska and Noodle, & two cats, T’Challa and Ada.
by threshold | Aug 12, 2024 | Digital Marketing, Financial Marketing, General, Marketing
the company.
First Savings Bank is a leading financial institution offering personal accounts, business accounts, and top-notch solutions for people who care about their money. While their marketing machine was getting the job done, they wanted to do more than just “okay.” That’s where we came in.
They hired Threshold with the goal of opening 463 new accounts and achieving a 20% lift in customer acquisition. Starting in May 2023, we launched targeted campaigns across Google Search, Facebook, Instagram, and programmatic digital display platforms for First Savings Bank. The campaigns leveraged the unique selling points of First Savings Bank’s products, including Kasasa Cash Back, Kasasa Cash, and Kasasa Eats accounts.
The campaign yielded impressive digital marketing and account growth results that transcended expectations.
the problem to solve.
Their previous marketing campaign was good but not good enough. First Savings Bank struggled to differentiate itself in a market saturated with competition. Our goal was to use punchy, high-performance ads that spoke directly to their target audience. We took geographic location, buying patterns, and the customer lifecycle into account when engineering their ad strategy.
the dream.
To build an unstoppable marketing funnel that would accelerate growth well ahead of schedule. We aimed to hit their goal of 463 accounts and a 20% increase in customer acquisition, then go a little further.
the strategy.
Our goal was to hone in on First Saving Bank’s unique selling propositions, like Kasasa Cash, and effectively communicate them to the target audience. We opted for an omni-channel marketing strategy to cast a wider net and bring home more leads.
phase one.
We focused on emphasizing the brand’s innovative products like Kasasa Cash Back, Kasasa Cash, and Kasasa Eats to differentiate them in the market. We tailored the messaging to align with the target customer and “speak their language.” Phase one was consumed with research, research, and more research before launching the campaign.
phase two.
Next, we implemented our research across multiple channels, including paid search, Instagram, and Facebook. We used our signature ad strategy to produce results that exceeded the campaign’s goals.
the results.
For First Savings Bank, we did what we do best — create results that go above and against the grain. Here’s how it went down…
- Total Impressions: 10,066,287
- Total Clicks: 54,444
- Paid Search: 69,186 impressions, 11,721 clicks (CTR: 16.94%)
- Facebook & Instagram: 7,858,678 impressions, 39,627 clicks (CTR: 0.50%)
- Programmatic Display: 2,138,423 impressions, 3,096 clicks (CTR: 0.14%)
- Projected New Accounts: 463
- Actual New Accounts as of 04/01/24: 638
- Projected Lift: 20%
- Actual Lift as of 04/01/24: 27.5%
The campaign generated significant digital engagement, with high click-through rates, particularly on paid search. This indicates effective targeting and compelling ad content that resonated with the target audience.
First Savings Bank surpassed its account growth goals well ahead of schedule, achieving 638 new accounts by April 1st. The overall lift in performance exceeded projections, demonstrating the effectiveness of the marketing efforts in driving customer interest and conversion.
to wrap things up.
Threshold’s strategic digital marketing campaign effectively drove new account growth and exceeded performance goals, showcasing the bank’s appeal and attracting customers seeking modern banking solutions. By leveraging unique product features and maintaining a focus on customer satisfaction, Threshold helped First Savings Bank be positioned for continued success in the competitive financial market.
by threshold | Aug 10, 2024 | Digital Marketing, General, Marketing, Tech/Web, Thought Leadership
Ava Page
If you’ve been following the digital marketing world lately, you probably know that Google has been hyping up the end of third-party cookies for what feels like forever. We were all gearing up for this big change—prepping strategies, learning new tools, and basically getting ready to say goodbye to the little data trackers we’ve all relied on.
But now, Google has pulled a plot twist: they’re not getting rid of third-party cookies after all. Soooo…what now?
the great cookie debate.
First, let’s rewind a bit. Third-party cookies have been the backbone of digital advertising for years. They help brands track users across different websites, allowing for targeted ads and personalized experiences. But as privacy concerns grew, Google announced they’d phase out these cookies by 2022, later pushing it to 2023, and then 2024. And now? Well, third-party cookies are sticking around, at least for the foreseeable future.
So, what does this mean for marketers? Should we all just go back to business as usual? Not exactly.
why Google changed its mind.
Before we dive into the future, let’s talk about why Google hit the pause button on this cookie extinction. The short answer: the alternative solutions weren’t ready yet. Google’s Privacy Sandbox, which was supposed to be the privacy-friendly replacement, still needs more time in the oven. By delaying the cookie cut-off, Google is buying time to develop a solution that balances user privacy with the needs of advertisers.
what this means for marketers.
Okay, so third-party cookies are still around, but that doesn’t mean we should get too comfortable. The industry is still moving toward a more privacy-focused future, and it’s only a matter of time before cookies really do crumble. Here’s how to navigate this ever-changing landscape:
don’t ditch your privacy strategy.
Just because Google hit the brakes doesn’t mean privacy concerns are going away. Consumers are still demanding more control over their data, and regulations like GDPR and CCPA aren’t budging. Keep working on building a first-party data strategy, enhancing your consent management practices, and exploring alternative tracking solutions.
keep an eye on Google’s privacy sandbox.
Google’s Privacy Sandbox is still in the works, and it’s going to be a big deal when it’s ready. The idea is to create privacy-friendly ways to target ads without relying on third-party cookies. While we’re still waiting for the full rollout, now’s the time to stay informed and start testing the new tools as they become available.
diversify your targeting methods.
Cookies aren’t the only game in town. Contextual advertising, which targets ads based on the content of a webpage rather than user behavior, is making a comeback. Additionally, investing in first-party data (like email lists and CRM data) and leveraging tools like Google’s FLoC (Federated Learning of Cohorts) will help future-proof your strategy.
focus on building trust.
At the end of the day, trust is what’s going to keep your audience engaged. Be transparent about how you use data, give users control over their privacy settings, and prioritize creating meaningful, relevant content. The more your audience trusts you, the more likely they are to stick around—even as the digital landscape shifts.
to sum things up.
The cookie situation might be in limbo, but one thing’s for sure: the digital advertising world is changing. While Google’s latest announcement may give us a little more time to adjust, it’s clear that the future will still be privacy-focused. So, keep building your privacy-first strategies, stay flexible, and be ready to adapt to whatever comes next.
What now? We keep moving forward, keep innovating, and keep building strategies that not only survive but thrive in this new era of digital marketing. The future of cookies might be uncertain, but one thing’s for sure—there’s never a dull moment in the world of marketing!
before you go.
For more tips and information about marketing your everything, take a look at the rest of our blogs, right here on our website!
You can also subscribe to our email newsletter (it’s got some great stuff), and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
about the author.
Ava is the SEO & Paid Media Specialist at Threshold.
In her role, she is responsible for the content creation and management of all Threshold social channels, blog content, and SEO maintenance. She also aids in digital marketing strategies as a part of the activation team, focusing on setups and optimizations of campaigns ranging from social to display, and all the fun bits in between.
When she’s not busy creating content, you can usually find her picking out new plants, island-hopping, watching Duke basketball, or spending time with her two dogs, Miska and Noodle, & two cats, T’Challa and Ada.
by threshold | Jul 10, 2024 | Creative, Design, Digital Marketing, General, Marketing, Thought Leadership
Mai Mongelous
In the world of business, marketing and branding are often used interchangeably, but they serve different purposes. While both are crucial to a company’s success, understanding their differences can help you utilize them effectively. This blog post will delve into the distinctions between marketing and branding and why each is essential for your business.
what is branding?
Branding is the process of creating a unique identity for a product, service, or company. It involves defining the company’s mission, values, and personality and how these elements are communicated to the target audience.
key components of branding:
- brand identity: This includes logos, color schemes, typography, and other visual elements that represent your brand.
- brand voice: The tone and style of communication used by the brand, whether it’s formal, friendly, witty, or authoritative.
- brand promise: The value or experience a brand promises to deliver to its customers.
- brand values: The principles and beliefs that the brand stands for and promotes.
Branding is about shaping perceptions and building a reputation. It creates a connection with the audience, fostering loyalty and trust.
what is marketing?
Marketing, on the other hand, refers to the strategies and tactics used to promote and sell products or services. It involves market research, advertising, sales strategies, and customer engagement.
key components of marketing:
- market research: Understanding the target audience, their needs, preferences, and behaviors.
- advertising: Creating campaigns to promote products or services through various channels like social media, television, print, and online ads.
- content marketing: Producing valuable and relevant content to attract and engage the target audience.
- sales strategies: Techniques used to close sales and generate revenue.
- customer engagement: Building and maintaining relationships with customers through interactions and feedback.
Marketing is about reaching out to potential customers and persuading them to choose your product or service.
key differences between marketing and branding.
purpose:
-
- branding: Focuses on defining and communicating the identity and values of the company.
- marketing: Focuses on promoting products or services to drive sales.
scope:
-
- branding: Long-term and holistic, encompassing the entire company’s ethos and image.
- marketing: Short-term and tactical, often campaign-based to achieve specific objectives.
outcome:
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- branding: Aims to build a loyal customer base by creating a strong emotional connection.
- marketing: Aims to generate leads, increase sales, and boost market presence.
consistency:
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- branding: Requires consistency in message and visual elements to maintain a coherent brand image.
- marketing: Can vary in message and tactics based on different campaigns and target audiences.
why both are essential.
While branding establishes your business’s identity and builds customer loyalty, marketing drives the immediate actions that result in sales. Together, they create a powerful synergy. A strong brand makes marketing efforts more effective, and effective marketing enhances brand recognition and loyalty.
By understanding and leveraging the distinct roles of marketing and branding, businesses can create a strong, recognizable presence and effectively reach their target audience.
Remember, while marketing brings in customers, branding keeps them coming back.
