Blog

Facebook tweaks Pages algorithm — again

Facebook is once again trying to think for you. Shortly after announcing a tweak to its newsfeed algorithm, the social media giant has announced another change, this one designed to prioritize the Pages and Groups that users see in their feeds. “We know that friends are not the only reason people come to Facebook,” said... Read More

Hat trick: how a hockey team used content marketing to triple success

When the Carolina Hurricanes broke a 10-year playoff drought this year, its social media team was along for the ride. By capitalizing on content marketing (and with a little help from their friends), the ‘Canes scored a social media hat trick: they increased their base, enhanced their reputation and earned a few extra bucks with... Read More

Who’s behind the curtain? Facebook tweaks Pages info

It can be difficult to tell what’s real and what’s doctored nowadays. When you discuss anything you read online or see in the news, most likely, the response you’ll get is: Well, look at the source. When even the source is difficult to determine, it’s hard to put your trust in any news agency—or any... Read More

How to improve your SEO ranking without new content

Search engine algorithms are always changing, but you don’t have to change your content to increase your Search Engine Optimization ranking for your web sites. There are many things you can do by simply tweaking and organizing the content you already have to increase your ranking and climb up the search engine ladder—and you don’t... Read More

Facebook upgrades allows more control over ad placement

Everyone has seen an example of bad ad placement. Whether it’s an advertisement for a funeral home adjacent to one for a fast food restaurant, a cruise ship/swimming lesson combo or something more risqué, it shows that you can’t always control every aspect of your business advertisements. Business owners double and triple check their advertising... Read More

How important is your email subject line?

Your email marketing is still the best way to reach your customers because it’s the only platform that allows you to control your content and make sure all of your customers receive it. But if your subject line isn’t creative or engaging, your content will sit in an inbox, unread, or simply get deleted. Consider... Read More

How to handle a social media crisis

Into every social media platform, a crisis will fall. It’s inevitable, with human nature the way it is, the relative anonymity of the Internet and the ever-present trolls lurking to pounce on any mistake or perceived sleight. In fact it’s difficult to turn on the television or scroll through someone’s social media feed without hearing... Read More

Can you pay to have bad reviews removed?

Bad reviews are troublesome enough. When scammers or identity thieves get into the act, it can get even worse. We recently had a customer call us after she fielded a call from a company that said her business had a bad review on Google and that he could “get it taken down.” For a fee,... Read More

PISTn featured at national conference

Kevin Steeland, founder and CEO of PISTn digital marketing, will be a featured speaker at the international Car Wash Show this May in Nashville, TN. The conference, billed as the largest gathering of owners, managers and decision-makers from the car wash, quick lube and detailing segments, will take place from May 13-15. “I’m looking forward... Read More

Buying followers: still a bad idea

It’s official: buying followers is still a bad idea. In fact, it’s so bad that selling fake followers and likes is now illegal and Facebook and Instagram are cracking down on the people or companies that do it. The social media organizations filed a lawsuit recently against several of those providers. “Today, Facebook and Instagram... Read More

Facebook launches new ‘Showcase’ service

Facebook is launching a new video service that can help businesses get in front of new audiences. The new premium video ad program, Facebook Showcase, is now available in many markets across the U.S. “Showcase gives online video and TV ad buyers participating in the upfront selling cycle new opportunities to reach their target audiences... Read More

How to write a ‘welcome’ marketing email

Email marketing is still one of the most successful forms of communicating with your customers. The algorithms never change; you don’t have to boost the post or otherwise spend to extend your reach–you have complete control over the content and the timing. You still have to make it compelling, which is why your initial email... Read More

Search Engine Optimization trends for 2019

When it comes to Search Engine Optimization (SEO) trends in 2019, think fast and mobile. Search engine algorithms tend to adapt to changes in the online marketplace and, more and more, that means more people moving toward mobile devices and faster networks. Here are a few SEO trends to expect this year: Mobile-first indexing. Google... Read More

The best tools for monitoring your social media

It’s only natural to wonder what people are saying about your business. With so many social media channels and review sites available, chances are, if you’ve interacted with a customer, they have something to say about it. Just like with person-to-person conversations, these will happen whether you’re aware of them or not. Given how quickly... Read More

Instagram apps that will help you tell your brand story

News broke recently that Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg planned to merge the social network’s messaging services — WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook Messenger – came as a bit of a surprise and left marketers wondering what it meant for them. In the short term, it will not mean any change—these things would take time to happen—and... Read More

Content marketing trends for 2019

If there is one overriding trend for social media marketing in 2019, it will be the necessity to plan. Social media platforms are not new, obviously, and those who use them to establish or build their brand are experienced and purposeful. The days of throwing posts on to the proverbial wall to see what sticks... Read More

Looking back: Facebook changes in 2018

Last year was a year of turmoil for Facebook. The social media giant was forced to respond to several critical news stories alleging bias, misinformation campaigns as well as general concerns over user privacy and proprietary data. In the wake of growing customer backlash, Facebook made several changes to its business and advertising policies designed... Read More

Are you using the right platform?

With so many different social media platforms to choose from, it’s difficult to know the right one for your business. A study released by the Pew Research Center, this year can help you find your way. The study looked at social media use across all demographics–from age and ethnicity to income–to determine which platform was... Read More

How to help your business show up in Google’s Local Pack

In the vast world of cyberspace, there’s nothing more important to a business than keeping it local. When you advertise on any digital medium, you’re looking for customers near you. That also holds true when customers are searching for you—you want your business to be visible when customers are searching for your services. To do... Read More

How to master Messenger

As the digital age picks up speed, so has the expectations of your customers. Most people expect fast communications and nearly instant service, whether they’re asking a question or voicing a complaint and it’s up to you to provide it to them. More and more often, that means some form of messenger. As many as... Read More