by threshold | Mar 8, 2025 | All, Culture, Design, Digital Marketing, General, Marketing, Tech/Web
Ava Page-Arnold
When Holder Properties set out to develop Gateway 737, a brand-new off-campus student housing community serving the University of South Carolina, they had the location, the vision, and the team—but no brand identity. That’s where Threshold stepped in.
the challenge: no brand, no presence, no problem.
Unlike established student housing communities with years of branding, reputation, and renewal leases to rely on, Gateway 737 was starting from scratch. The development needed more than just marketing; it needed an entire brand identity that would capture attention, build excitement, and drive pre-leasing momentum well before opening its doors.
our strategy: crafting a brand students couldn’t ignore.
To make Gateway 737 a standout in the highly competitive USC student housing market, we built the brand from the ground up with: → a bold, youthful identity – We created a name, logo, and vibrant color palette that resonated with USC students, reflecting their lifestyle and aspirations. → a high-converting digital presence – We launched a landing page early to capture leads and later built a dynamic website with engaging visuals, interactive elements, and conversion-driven design. → engaging marketing collateral – From brochures to banners and even transforming a construction trailer into a leasing lounge, we ensured every touchpoint reinforced the Gateway 737 brand. → a buzz-driven leasing approach – Instead of relying solely on paid advertising, we leaned into word-of-mouth marketing, on-site activations, and brand storytelling to generate organic excitement and demand.
the results: a leasing win for the record books.
The response to Gateway 737’s brand and marketing strategy was nothing short of remarkable:
→ 250+ leases signed in the first month (27.5% leased)
→ 115 leases signed in a single week
→ 90% leased within four months (Sept–Dec 2024)
→ 100% leased by first week of March 2025
Despite being a brand-new property with zero renewals, Gateway 737 quickly climbed the ranks to become one of the market leaders in pre-leasing numbers—a testament to the power of strong branding and strategic leasing execution.
why it worked: the gateway 737 formula for success.
What made Gateway 737’s brand and leasing strategy so effective? It all came down to:
→ a strong brand identity that made an instant impact
→ a digital experience designed for conversion
→ marketing that met students where they were—on campus and online
→ a leasing strategy focused on engagement over pure advertising spend
final thoughts.
The success of Gateway 737 proves that with the right branding and marketing strategy, even a brand-new student housing community can dominate the leasing game. Looking to replicate this success for your next student housing development? Let’s chat.
by threshold | Feb 10, 2025 | All, Culture, Digital Marketing, General, Marketing, Tech/Web
Ava Page-Arnold
You can create the most valuable, engaging content in your industry, but if no one can find it, does it really matter? That’s where SEO (Search Engine Optimization) comes in. A strong SEO strategy ensures your content reaches the right audience at the right time, increasing visibility, engagement, and conversions.
Many businesses treat SEO and content marketing as separate strategies when, in reality, they should work together. SEO helps content get discovered, while great content improves SEO rankings. In 2025, search engines continue to prioritize high-quality, user-focused content. That means a well-rounded SEO approach is no longer optional—it’s essential for long-term digital marketing success.
SEO helps your content get discovered.
One of the biggest challenges businesses face is producing content that never gains traction. Without SEO, even the most insightful blog post can get buried in search results, making it nearly impossible for potential customers to find. Search engines rely on factors like keyword relevance, content structure, and internal linking to determine rankings. If your content isn’t optimized, it simply won’t reach its intended audience.
To improve discoverability, businesses should invest in keyword research before creating content. Tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, and Ahrefs can help identify the terms and phrases potential customers are searching for. Incorporating these keywords naturally into titles, headings, and body copy increases the chances of ranking higher on search engine results pages (SERPs). Additionally, structuring content with clear headings, meta descriptions, and internal links can improve visibility and enhance user experience.
For example, instead of writing a broad blog post titled “How to Improve Your Website,” optimizing it for a high-intent search term like “10 Ways to Improve Website Performance in 2025” will attract a more targeted audience actively looking for solutions.
SEO enhances user experience and engagement.
Ranking high in search results is only part of the equation. Once users land on your website, their experience determines whether they stay, engage, and convert – or bounce immediately. Google factors user experience (UX) into its ranking algorithm, meaning slow, cluttered, or confusing websites are less likely to perform well in search results.
To keep visitors engaged, content should be formatted for easy readability. Short paragraphs, clear subheadings, and bullet points make information digestible, especially for mobile users. Since over 58% of global web traffic now comes from mobile devices, ensuring mobile-friendly design is crucial. A fast-loading site is equally important—pages should load in under two seconds to minimize bounce rates and improve rankings.
Beyond technical optimizations, content should also align with user intent. If someone searches for “Best SEO Strategies for Small Businesses,” they expect clear, actionable insights—not a sales pitch. Providing valuable, informative content that answers real questions builds trust and encourages visitors to explore your website further.
SEO and content build long-term authority.
Establishing authority in your industry takes time, but content marketing combined with SEO can accelerate the process. Google prioritizes high-quality, in-depth content that provides real value to users. That means businesses that consistently publish well-researched, informative content are more likely to rank higher than those pushing out low-quality or promotional material.
One of the best ways to build authority is through long-form content. Studies show that articles exceeding 2,000 words tend to rank higher because they provide comprehensive information on a topic. However, length alone isn’t enough—content must be well-structured, engaging, and supplemented with credible sources.
Another key factor in establishing authority is backlinking. When reputable websites link to your content, it signals to search engines that your site is a trusted source of information. Businesses can improve their backlink strategy by guest posting on industry blogs, producing original research, or creating shareable content like infographics and case studies.
Updating old content is another often-overlooked tactic. Google favors fresh content, so revisiting older blog posts and refreshing them with new statistics, updated insights, and additional internal links can improve rankings and maintain relevance.
SEO helps convert traffic into leads.
Driving traffic to your website is important, but without a clear conversion strategy, those visitors won’t turn into leads or customers. SEO isn’t just about bringing people to your site—it’s about guiding them toward a specific action, whether it’s signing up for a newsletter, downloading a resource, or making a purchase.
A well-optimized content strategy includes strong Calls-to-Action (CTAs) that encourage visitors to take the next step. For example, a blog titled “Best Marketing Strategies for 2025” could include a CTA offering a free downloadable marketing checklist in exchange for an email address. This approach not only provides value to the reader but also helps businesses generate leads.
Another important aspect of conversion-driven SEO is optimizing content for featured snippets. These are the answer boxes that appear at the top of Google search results, often displaying concise responses to user queries. Structuring content with clear headings, numbered lists, and concise answers increases the chances of earning a featured snippet, which can significantly boost click-through rates.
the role of local SEO in content strategy.
For businesses with physical locations or those serving specific geographic areas, local SEO plays a crucial role in content visibility. Nearly 46% of all Google searches are local, meaning businesses that fail to optimize for location-based searches miss out on potential customers.
Optimizing a Google Business Profile is one of the most effective ways to improve local search visibility. Keeping business hours, contact information, and customer reviews up to date increases credibility and helps businesses appear in Google’s Local Pack.
Location-based content is another valuable strategy. Blog posts that target region-specific keywords – such as “Best Mortgage Lenders in Austin” instead of “Best Mortgage Lenders” – help businesses rank higher for relevant local searches. Publishing content tailored to specific communities or industries can also attract a more engaged audience.
AI and voice search optimization are changing SEO.
The rise of AI-powered search and voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant is changing how people find content. By 2025, nearly 50% of searches are expected to be voice-based, meaning businesses must optimize their content for conversational queries.
Traditional keyword strategies often focus on short, static phrases, but voice search queries tend to be longer and more natural. Instead of optimizing for “SEO tips,” businesses should target “What are the best SEO tips for beginners?” to better align with how people speak.
Structured data markup is another way to optimize for AI search. This coding technique helps search engines better understand website content, increasing the chances of appearing in rich results like knowledge panels and featured snippets.
to wrap things up.
SEO and content marketing aren’t separate strategies—they are two sides of the same coin. Without SEO, content remains undiscovered. Without high-quality content, SEO efforts fall flat. Integrating SEO best practices into your content strategy ensures that your website not only ranks higher but also provides meaningful, valuable experiences for users.
By prioritizing keyword research, optimizing for user experience, and creating authoritative content, businesses can attract the right audience, build long-term credibility, and drive real business results.
Want to ensure your content strategy is SEO-optimized for 2025? Let Threshold help you create a roadmap for success – schedule a consultation to craft a strategy tailored to your business today.
by threshold | Jan 8, 2025 | All, Culture, Digital Marketing, General, Marketing, Tech/Web
Ava Page-Arnold
start the year strong with a website health check.
Your website is the heart of your digital strategy. It’s your virtual handshake, storefront, and lead generator all rolled into one. But if it’s slow, hard to navigate, or packed with outdated content, it could be costing you conversions, search rankings, and customer trust.
With 2025 in full swing, it’s the perfect time for a website audit. Don’t worry – it’s easier than you think. A little effort now can go a long way in making your website a high-performing powerhouse all year long.
test your page load times.
Studies show that 40% of visitors will abandon a site if it takes more than 3 seconds to load. Slow pages hurt your user experience, search rankings, and bottom line.
Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix to measure load times and identify problem areas. Common culprits include:
- Oversized image files
- Too many plugins or widgets
- Outdated hosting
Pro Tip: Compress images and upgrade your hosting plan if needed to handle increased traffic.
check for mobile-friendliness.
With 58.43% of global web traffic coming from mobile devices, a mobile-friendly design is non-negotiable. Google also prioritizes mobile-first indexing, meaning mobile usability affects your search rankings.
Use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test to see how your site performs on different devices.
Focus on:
- Ensuring buttons and links are easy to tap.
- Optimizing font sizes for smaller screens.
- Avoiding intrusive pop-ups that block content.
update your content.
Content that’s outdated or irrelevant can damage your credibility and hurt SEO rankings. Fresh content keeps visitors engaged and helps you rank for current keywords.
One way to start the healing process is to conduct a content audit. Look for:
- Blog posts or pages with outdated statistics or references.
- Broken links or missing images.
- Opportunities to optimize older content for new keywords.
Pro Tip: Revamped blog posts can increase traffic by up to 30% without creating entirely new content.
test navigation for usability.
Visitors should be able to find what they need in three clicks or fewer. Clunky menus or confusing layouts will have them hitting the back button fast.
Use heatmaps and analytics tools to see how visitors interact with your navigation. Simplify menus, add breadcrumbs, and ensure CTAs are visible and clear.
example: If your navigation includes redundant or overly detailed submenus, consolidate them into broader categories.
secure your site.
Security breaches can cost you more than just trust. They can also lead to fines, downtime, and lost business. Plus, Google flags sites without HTTPS as “not secure,” which can deter visitors.
what you can do:
- Verify your SSL certificate is active.
- Update plugins and CMS software regularly.
- Implement strong password policies for admin accounts.
ready to optimize?
Your website deserves to be your greatest asset, not your biggest stressor. A quick audit now will set you up for success all year long.
Let us do the heavy lifting with a free consultation.
by threshold | Oct 4, 2024 | Digital Marketing, Financial Marketing, General, Marketing, Tech/Web
Ava Page
Let’s face it—running marketing campaigns can feel like a never-ending juggling act. Between managing multiple platforms, tracking KPIs, and trying to keep your messaging on point, things can get chaotic fast. Enter marketing automation—the magic wand that can take your campaigns from “eh, okay” to “wow, that was seamless!”
So, what’s the deal with marketing automation, and how can it streamline your campaigns for maximum efficiency? We’re breaking down the latest trends, plus showing you how Threshold’s marketing services can do all the heavy lifting without breaking a sweat (or revealing all our secrets).
AI-powered personalization: make it feel human.
Automation doesn’t mean robotic. In fact, with the right tools, it’s the opposite. Thanks to AI, you can deliver ultra-personalized messaging to your audience without having to craft a custom email for every single person. AI algorithms can analyze user behavior, segment audiences, and send targeted messages that feel like they were written just for them.
But here’s the trick: personalization is great, but it has to stay on-brand and relevant. We’ve cracked the code on balancing AI-driven insights with brand authenticity to make sure you’re not just automating for automation’s sake.
omnichannel campaign management: keeping it together.
Running campaigns across email, social media, search, display ads, and whatever new platform pops up next week? Same. The challenge is keeping it all cohesive, but automation tools now allow you to manage omnichannel marketing like a pro.
You can coordinate all your campaigns from a single platform, ensuring consistent messaging and branding everywhere your customers interact with you. It’s like having a conductor for your marketing symphony (and let’s be real, who doesn’t want their campaigns to sound pitch-perfect?).
At Threshold, we harness top-tier marketing automation tools to keep everything running smoothly across channels—no more missed opportunities or miscommunications.
lead scoring & nurturing: focus on the right leads.
Not all leads are created equal. Some are hot, some are warm, and some are colder than your coffee an hour after you made it. With automated lead scoring, you can prioritize high-intent leads, ensuring your sales team focuses on the ones most likely to convert.
But it’s not just about scoring—lead nurturing is where the magic happens. Automated workflows keep potential customers engaged with personalized content based on their behavior and preferences, warming them up until they’re ready to take action. No more chasing cold leads down rabbit holes.
And yes, Threshold has a lead nurturing system that makes the process as easy as pushing a button (okay, maybe a few buttons—but it’s super simple).
data-driven insights: know what’s working (and what’s not).
Here’s the beauty of marketing automation: it doesn’t just run your campaigns—it also gives you deep insights into what’s actually working. With real-time data at your fingertips, you can adjust your strategy on the fly, rather than waiting until after a campaign ends to realize something went sideways.
Analytics dashboards allow you to track open rates, click-through rates, conversions, and more across all your channels. The key here is using that data to continuously optimize—and trust us, we’ve got a few tricks up our sleeve for making sense of the numbers.
automated reporting: save time, look good.
Does anyone really enjoy pulling together marketing reports? Didn’t think so. With automated reporting tools, you can set up regular, detailed reports that get sent straight to your inbox without having to lift a finger. You’ll get all the insights you need to present to your team (or your boss), and—bonus—you look super organized without the hassle.
We know, sounds amazing, right? Threshold clients enjoy the luxury of customized, automated reporting that helps them stay on top of their campaigns with minimal effort.
ready to streamline your campaigns?
Look, marketing automation isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the key to making your campaigns more efficient, impactful, and, let’s be real, a lot less stressful. Whether you’re dealing with hundreds of leads, managing multiple campaigns, or just trying to keep your messaging consistent, automation can help you streamline everything from start to finish.
At Threshold, we specialize in using cutting-edge marketing automation to help our clients maximize efficiency, boost conversions, and get more done in less time (without compromising on quality). Want to know exactly how we do it? Well, you’ll just have to see for yourself. Reach out, and let’s get those campaigns running like a well-oiled machine.
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 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 | 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.
