# Seafoam Marketing | St. Louis Marketing Agency > Seafoam is an award-winning marketing agency in St. Louis, Missouri that unites branding, website design, and digital marketing to create seamless customer experiences and lasting growth. Guided by good karma, real relationships, and uncompromising standards, we build marketing systems that feel as good as they perform—driving sustainable results and long-term success. > Our systems are designed to create lasting success for our clients—and ripple outward to their customers and communities. Learn more by exploring our case studies, service offerings, and philosophy. --- ## Pages - [Doing Good](https://seafoammedia.com/doing-good/) - [WPForms Confirmation](https://seafoammedia.com/wpforms-confirmation/) - [Case Studies](https://seafoammedia.com/client-stories/) - [Terms of Service](https://seafoammedia.com/terms-of-service/) - [Seafoam Careers](https://seafoammedia.com/seafoam-careers/) - [Privacy Policy](https://seafoammedia.com/privacy-policy/) - [Home](https://seafoammedia.com/) - [Who We Are](https://seafoammedia.com/who-we-are/) - [What We Do](https://seafoammedia.com/what-we-do/) - [How We Work](https://seafoammedia.com/how-we-work/) - [Digital Marketing Testimonials](https://seafoammedia.com/digital-marketing-testimonials/) - [Blog](https://seafoammedia.com/the-latest/) - [Contact Us](https://seafoammedia.com/contact/) --- ## Posts - [Welcome to the AI Reputation Economy](https://seafoammedia.com/welcome-ai-reputation-economy-ai-reputation-management/) - [Brand Experience × Customer Experience: The Quiet Shortcut to Revenue, Profit, and Lifetime Value](https://seafoammedia.com/brand-experience-customer-experience/) - [Seafoam Wins Two American Digital Design Awards for Marketing Excellence](https://seafoammedia.com/seafoam-wins-two-american-digital-design-awards-for-marketing-excellence/) - [July 2025 Marketing News, Trends, and Insights](https://seafoammedia.com/july-2025-marketing-news/) - [The Kind of Marketing That Gives Back](https://seafoammedia.com/the-kind-of-marketing-that-gives-back/) - [Seafoam Turns Fifteen](https://seafoammedia.com/seafoam-turns-fifteen/) - [Seafoam Wins Vega Award for Best Consulting Website](https://seafoammedia.com/seafoam-wins-vega-award-best-consulting-website/) - [June 2025 Marketing News, Trends, and Insights](https://seafoammedia.com/june-2025-marketing-news-trends-insights/) - [A Strategic Reset That Helped MMM Reach the Right Clients—Without Compromise](https://seafoammedia.com/a-strategic-reset-that-helped-mmm-reach-the-right-clients-without-compromise/) - [Helping a Legacy Brand Grow Without Losing Its Roots](https://seafoammedia.com/helping-a-legacy-brand-grow-without-losing-its-roots/) - [Rebranding the Trades: How FOKIS Built a Bold Identity from the Ground Up](https://seafoammedia.com/rebranding-the-trades-how-fokis-built-a-bold-identity-from-the-ground-up/) - [Strategy, Trust, and a Gold-Winning Website: How We Repositioned a High-Stakes Consulting Brand](https://seafoammedia.com/strategy-trust-and-a-gold-winning-website-how-we-repositioned-a-high-stakes-consulting-brand/) - [From SEO to GEO: Your 2025 Playbook for Generative Engine Optimization](https://seafoammedia.com/what-is-generative-engine-optimization/) - [May 2025 Marketing News, Trends, and Insights](https://seafoammedia.com/may-2025-marketing-news/) - [Two Websites, Two Wins: Gold & Silver at the 2025 MUSE Awards](https://seafoammedia.com/top-marketing-agencies-in-st-louis-seafoam-muse-awards/) - [We Believe in Transparency: How AI Is Changing Marketing and Why We’re Using It for You](https://seafoammedia.com/transparency-in-ai-powered-marketing-seafoam-approach/) - [The Best Brands Keep It Simple](https://seafoammedia.com/best-brands-keep-it-simple-seafoam/) - [Seafoam Wins 2025 MUSE Creative Award for Outstanding Marketing Agency](https://seafoammedia.com/seafoam-wins-2025-muse-award-outstanding-marketing-agency/) - [April 2025 Marketing News, Trends, and Insights](https://seafoammedia.com/april-2025-marketing-news/) - [Seafoam Wins Two Web Excellence Awards for Outstanding Website Design](https://seafoammedia.com/seafoam-celebrates-web-excellence-awards-website-design/) - [March 2025 Marketing News, Trends, and Insights](https://seafoammedia.com/march-2025-marketing-news/) - [The 2025 St. Louis Marketing Landscape Report](https://seafoammedia.com/2025-st-louis-marketing-report/) - [Good Marketing Gets Noticed. Great Marketing Gets Remembered.](https://seafoammedia.com/great-marketing-gets-noticed-remembered-seafoam/) - [Honored to Be Named Among St. Louis' Best Consulting Firms](https://seafoammedia.com/seafoam-best-consulting-firms-st-louis/) - [February 2025 Marketing News + Insights + Events](https://seafoammedia.com/february-2025-marketing-news-trends-and-insights/) - [Building a Brand in the Age of Authenticity](https://seafoammedia.com/building-a-brand-in-the-age-of-authenticity/) - [Reshaping Chaney Windows & Doors' Digital Presence](https://seafoammedia.com/reshaping-chaney-windows-doors-digital-presence/) - [January 2025 Marketing News + Insights + Events](https://seafoammedia.com/january-2025-marketing-news-insights-events/) - [Seafoam Takes Home Two GDUSA Awards](https://seafoammedia.com/seafoam-takes-home-two-gdusa-awards/) - [Top Marketing Trends for 2025: A Practical Guide to Future-Proofing Your Strategy](https://seafoammedia.com/top-marketing-trends-for-2025-a-practical-guide-to-future-proofing-your-strategy/) - [Seafoam Takes Home Vega Web Design Award for Chaney Windows and Doors](https://seafoammedia.com/seafoam-takes-home-vega-web-design-award-for-chaney-windows-and-doors/) - [Seafoam's Work for Alton & Southern Railway Wins Two w3 Awards](https://seafoammedia.com/seafoams-work-for-alton-southern-railway-wins-two-w3-awards/) - [December 2024 Marketing News + Insights + Events](https://seafoammedia.com/december-2024-marketing-news-insights-events/) - [Modern Web Design Principles: Building Digital Experiences That Drive Growth](https://seafoammedia.com/modern-web-design-principles-building-digital-experiences-that-drive-growth/) - [Double Recognition at Web Excellence Awards for St. Louis Website Design](https://seafoammedia.com/double-recognition-at-web-excellence-awards-for-st-louis-website-design/) - [November 2024 Marketing News + Insights + Events](https://seafoammedia.com/november-2024-marketing-news-insights-events/) - [SearchGPT Launch Signals Major Shift in Digital Marketing Landscape](https://seafoammedia.com/searchgpt-launch-signals-major-shift-in-digital-marketing-landscape/) - [Seafoam Joins Forces with Trailnet as Premium Business Member](https://seafoammedia.com/seafoam-joins-forces-with-trailnet-as-premium-business-member/) - [Seafoam Named One of St. Louis' Best Marketing Agencies](https://seafoammedia.com/seafoam-named-one-of-st-louis-best-marketing-agencies/) - [October 2024 Marketing News + Insights + Events](https://seafoammedia.com/october-2024-marketing-news-insights-events/) - [Seafoam Wins MUSE Creative Award for Alton & Southern Website](https://seafoammedia.com/seafoam-wins-muse-creative-award-for-alton-southern-website/) - [Brand-Centric Marketing: Aligning Strategies for Sustainable Growth](https://seafoammedia.com/brand-centric-marketing-aligning-strategies-for-sustainable-growth/) - [Welcome Cenna Mawhinney: Seafoam's Newest Designer](https://seafoammedia.com/welcome-cenna-mawhinney-seafoams-newest-designer/) - [September 2024 Marketing News + Insights + Events](https://seafoammedia.com/september-2024-marketing-news-insights-events/) - [Branding and Marketing: Building a Cohesive Strategy for Business Success](https://seafoammedia.com/branding-and-marketing-building-a-cohesive-strategy-for-business-success/) - [Seafoam Honored with Future50 Award from St. Louis Small Business Monthly](https://seafoammedia.com/seafoam-honored-with-future50-award-from-st-louis-small-business-monthly/) - [August 2024 Marketing News + Insights + Events](https://seafoammedia.com/august-2024-marketing-news-insights-events/) - [E-commerce Marketing: Core Principles for Long-Term Success](https://seafoammedia.com/e-commerce-marketing-core-principles-for-long-term-success/) - [Revitalizing the Branding & Website Design for The Fox's St. Louis Teen Talent Competition](https://seafoammedia.com/revitalizing-branding-website-design-the-foxs-st-louis-teen-talent-competition/) - [July 2024 Marketing News + Insights + Events](https://seafoammedia.com/july-2024-marketing-news-insights-events/) - [Seafoam Wins GDUSA American Digital Design Award for Alton & Southern Railway Website](https://seafoammedia.com/seafoam-wins-gdusa-american-digital-design-award-for-alton-southern-railway-website/) - [Elevating Brand Presence: Tiny Little Monster's Website Redesign](https://seafoammedia.com/elevating-brand-presence-tiny-little-monsters-website-redesign/) - [June 2024 Marketing News + Insights + Events](https://seafoammedia.com/june-2024-marketing-news-insights-events/) - [Google's Leaked Document Reinforces the Power of Brand Strategy](https://seafoammedia.com/googles-leaked-document-reinforces-the-power-of-brand-strategy/) - [SNL Painting's Transformation: Building a Foundation for Sustainable Marketing Growth](https://seafoammedia.com/snl-paintings-transformation-building-a-foundation-for-sustainable-marketing-growth/) - [Key Insights from Google Marketing Live 2024 on AI-Driven Advertising](https://seafoammedia.com/key-insights-from-google-marketing-live-2024-on-ai-driven-advertising/) - [Navigating Google’s latest enhancements to its Search Generative Experience (SGE)](https://seafoammedia.com/navigating-seo-google-ai-updates-innovations/) - [May 2024 Marketing News + Insights + Events](https://seafoammedia.com/may-2024-marketing-digest-insights-events/) - [80+ Location Alter Trading Partners with Seafoam to Strengthen Social Media Presence and Engage Customers](https://seafoammedia.com/80-location-alter-trading-partners-with-seafoam-to-strengthen-social-media-presence-and-engage-customers/) - [Seafoam Helps 120-Year-Old Railroad Embrace Digital Transformation](https://seafoammedia.com/seafoam-helps-120-year-old-railroad-embrace-digital-transformation/) - [April 2024 Marketing News + Insights + Events](https://seafoammedia.com/april-2024-marketing-digest-insights-events/) - [Making the Weather: Backward Planning for a Successful Content Marketing Strategy](https://seafoammedia.com/backward-planning-for-a-successful-content-marketing-strategy/) - [What Do You Do When Your Digital Marketing Doesn’t Work Anymore?](https://seafoammedia.com/what-do-you-do-when-your-digital-marketing-doesnt-work-anymore-2/) - [Seafoam Media Celebrates its 10th Anniversary!](https://seafoammedia.com/seafoam-media-celebrates-its-10th-anniversary/) - [How to Use Digital Marketing to Survive a Recession](https://seafoammedia.com/how-to-use-digital-marketing-to-survive-a-recession-2/) - [What Creating a Bad Website Taught Us About Good Design](https://seafoammedia.com/what-creating-a-bad-website-taught-us-about-good-design/) - [Good Digital Marketing is Worth the Investment. Here’s Why.](https://seafoammedia.com/good-digital-marketing-is-worth-the-investment-heres-why/) - [Brand Guide Dos and Don’ts](https://seafoammedia.com/brand-guide-dos-and-donts/) - [The Seafoam Team Digs Maplewood](https://seafoammedia.com/the-seafoam-team-digs-maplewood/) - [The Seafoam Team Celebrates Seafoam Day Q1 2019](https://seafoammedia.com/seafoam-day-q1-2019/) - [Seafoam’s Professional New Year’s Resolutions for 2019](https://seafoammedia.com/seafoams-professional-new-years-resolutions-for-2019/) - [What We’re Thankful for in 2018](https://seafoammedia.com/thankful-for-2018/) - [What's your seashore? | Part Seven | Liz Conquers the World](https://seafoammedia.com/whats-your-seashore-part-seven-liz-conquers-the-world/) - [The Weekly Crest gets a new look for autumn](https://seafoammedia.com/weekly-crest-gets-a-new-look-for-autumn/) - [I want the whole picture and nothing but the picture... – by Matt Lodge](https://seafoammedia.com/i-want-the-whole-picture-and-nothing-but-the-picture-by-matt-lodge/) - [What's your seashore? | Part Six | Brian takes us on a journey down the great Mississippi River.](https://seafoammedia.com/brian-takes-us-on-a-journey-down-the-great-mississippi-river/) - [What's your seashore? | Part Five | Holly S. shows us something good to read.](https://seafoammedia.com/holly-s-shows-us-something-good-to-read/) - [Seafoam Day Q3 2018](https://seafoammedia.com/seafoam-day-q3-2018/) - [What's Your Seashore? | Part Four | Holly W. Introduces us to her Pup, Ellie](https://seafoammedia.com/holly-w-introduces-us-to-her-pup-ellie/) - [What's Your Seashore? | Part Three | Nikki Exercises in the Great Outdoors](https://seafoammedia.com/nikki-exercises-in-the-great-outdoors/) - [Beyond the Blog, by Holly Wentworth](https://seafoammedia.com/beyond-the-blog-by-holly-wentworth/) - [What's Your Seashore? | Part Two | Courtney Loves The 1975](https://seafoammedia.com/courtney-loves-the-1975/) - [What's your seashore? | Part One | The Story Behind the Name](https://seafoammedia.com/the-story-behind-the-name/) - [Superhero Poll: What Brands can Learn from your Favorite Superheroes](https://seafoammedia.com/ss14-what-brands-can-learn-from-your-favorite-superheroes/) - [Seafoam celebrates 8-year-anniversary by welcoming TWO new crew members + an interview with Nikki Bisel!](https://seafoammedia.com/eight-year-anniversary/) - [Seafoam Marketing Challenge](https://seafoammedia.com/seafoam-marketing-challenge/) - [Three Ways to Maximize Your Nonprofit Marketing Strategy Budget](https://seafoammedia.com/three-ways-maximize-nonprofit-marketing-strategy-budget/) - [The Do’s and Don’ts of Nonprofit Marketing](https://seafoammedia.com/the-dos-and-donts-of-nonprofit-marketing/) - [Seafoam Inspires the Next Generation of Digital Marketers with the Seafoam Marketing Challenge](https://seafoammedia.com/seafoam-inspires-next-generation-digital-marketers-seafoam-marketing-challenge/) - [TEAM ROUNDUP: Text Message Marketing Can be Just as Dreadful as Telemarketing](https://seafoammedia.com/team-roundup-text-message-marketing-as-dreadful-as-telemarketing/) - [POLL RESULTS: How do you prefer to keep in touch with family and friends?](https://seafoammedia.com/poll-results-prefer-keep-touch-family-friends/) - [Are Apple’s Anti-Web Tracking Services a Threat to the Marketing Industry?](https://seafoammedia.com/anti-web-tracking-services-threaten-marketing-industry/) - [What We’re Thankful for in 2017](https://seafoammedia.com/thankful-for-2017/) - [POLL RESULTS: Where are you most likely to shop online?](https://seafoammedia.com/poll-results-likely-shop-online/) - [What Makes a Successful Brand Successful?](https://seafoammedia.com/what-makes-successful-brand-successful/) - [The Number One Mistake Brands Make with Their Content Marketing Strategy (and How to Fix It)](https://seafoammedia.com/number-one-mistake-brands-make-with-their-content-marketing-strategy/) - [[ROUNDTABLE] You’re Stranded on an Island with a Smartphone and Three Apps. Which ones do you choose?](https://seafoammedia.com/roundtable-youre-stranded-island-smartphone-three-apps-ones-choose/) - [POLL RESULTS: Which of these do you most often use Google to search for?](https://seafoammedia.com/poll-results-which-of-these-do-you-most-often-use-google-to-search-for/) - [Identifying Our Core Clients, by Courtney Egner](https://seafoammedia.com/identifying-core-clients-courtney-egner/) - [Build a Brand Ambassador Army with the Power of Social Influence](https://seafoammedia.com/brand-ambassador-army/) - [Driving Client Success, by Ashlee Bross](https://seafoammedia.com/driving-client-success-ashlee-bross/) --- ## Case Studies - [A Strategic Reset for MMM](https://seafoammedia.com/case-studies/a-strategic-reset-for-mmm/) - [A Smarter System for a Family-Owned Business](https://seafoammedia.com/case-studies/a-smarter-system-for-a-family-owned-business/) - [A Purpose-Driven Rebrand Rooted in Strategy and Clarity](https://seafoammedia.com/case-studies/a-purpose-led-digital-presence-for-a-strategic-advisor/) - [A Ground-Up Brand for a New Standard in the Trades](https://seafoammedia.com/case-studies/a-ground-up-brand-for-a-new-standard-in-the-trades/) - [A UX Glow-up for a Tech Contractor](https://seafoammedia.com/case-studies/a-ux-glow-up-for-a-tech-contractor/) - [An Updated Look for Some Talented Teens](https://seafoammedia.com/case-studies/an-updated-look-for-some-talented-teens/) - [Keyword Dominance for The King](https://seafoammedia.com/case-studies/porta-king/) - [More Than Just a Fresh Coat of Paint](https://seafoammedia.com/case-studies/snl-painting/) - [Message in a Bottle](https://seafoammedia.com/case-studies/the-blufftop-at-rocheport/) - [A Brand New Look at The Law](https://seafoammedia.com/case-studies/davis-olszeski-law/) - [Content Development for a Real Scrapper](https://seafoammedia.com/case-studies/alter-trading/) - [The Shortest Line to Success](https://seafoammedia.com/case-studies/alton-southern/) - [A Website That Will Last a Lifetime](https://seafoammedia.com/case-studies/lifetime-media/) - [A Healthy Partnership in St. Louis](https://seafoammedia.com/case-studies/ponce-health-sciences-university-st-louis/) --- ## Services - [AI SEO & Generative Engine Optimization](https://seafoammedia.com/service/ai-optimization-ai-seo/) - [Marketing Consulting & Strategy](https://seafoammedia.com/service/digital-marketing-consulting/) - [Conversion Rate Optimization](https://seafoammedia.com/service/conversion-rate-optimization/) - [Web Analytics and Reporting](https://seafoammedia.com/service/web-analytics-reporting/) - [Web Design & Development](https://seafoammedia.com/service/web-design-development-agency/) - [Content Marketing](https://seafoammedia.com/service/content-marketing/) - [Email Marketing](https://seafoammedia.com/service/email-marketing/) - [Paid Advertising](https://seafoammedia.com/service/advertising-agency/) - [Branding Services & Brand Strategy](https://seafoammedia.com/service/branding-agency-st-louis/) - [Search Engine Optimization (SEO)](https://seafoammedia.com/service/seo-company/) - [Social Media Marketing](https://seafoammedia.com/service/social-media-marketing-agency/) --- ## Team - [Cenna Mawhinney](https://seafoammedia.com/?team=cenna-mawhinney) - [Nikki Bisel](https://seafoammedia.com/?team=nikki-bisel) - [Quinn Thompson](https://seafoammedia.com/?team=quinn-thompson) - [Liz Oeltjen](https://seafoammedia.com/?team=liz-oeltjen) - [Ryan Foizey](https://seafoammedia.com/?team=ryan-foizey) - [Jared Lender](https://seafoammedia.com/?team=jared-lender) - [Jason Kanzler](https://seafoammedia.com/?team=jason-kanzler) - [Allie Wolf](https://seafoammedia.com/?team=allie-wolf) --- # # Detailed Content ## Pages - Published: 2022-10-11 - Modified: 2022-10-21 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/terms-of-service/ Seafoam Media is located at: 2732 Sutton Blvd,St. Louis, MO 63143United States By accessing this website we assume you accept these terms and conditions in full. Do not continue to use Seafoam Media’s website if you do not accept all of the terms and conditions stated on this page. The following terminology applies to these Terms and Conditions, Privacy Statement and Disclaimer Notice and any or all Agreements: “Client”, “You” and “Your” refers to you, the person accessing this website and accepting the Company’s terms and conditions. “The Company”, “Ourselves”, “We”, “Our” and “Us”, refers to our Company. “Party”, “Parties”, or “Us”, refers to both the Client and ourselves, or either the Client or ourselves. All terms refer to the offer, acceptance and consideration of payment necessary to undertake the process of our assistance to the Client in the most appropriate manner, whether by formal meetings of a fixed duration, or any other means, for the express purpose of meeting the Client’s needs in respect of provision of the Company’s stated services/products, in accordance with and subject to, prevailing law of United States. Any use of the above terminology or other words in the singular, plural, capitalisation and/or he/she or they, are taken as interchangeable and therefore as referring to same. Cookies We employ the use of cookies. By using Seafoam Media’s website you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with Seafoam Media’s privacy policy. Most of the modern day interactive web sites use cookies to enable us to retrieve user details for each visit. Cookies are used in some areas of our site to enable the functionality of this area and ease of use for those people visiting. Some of our affiliate / advertising partners may also use cookies. License Unless otherwise stated, Seafoam Media and/or its licensors own the intellectual property rights for all material on Seafoam Media. All intellectual property rights are reserved. You may view and/or print pages from https://seafoammedia. com for your own personal use subject to restrictions set in these terms and conditions. You must not: Republish material from https://seafoammedia. comSell, rent or sub-license material from https://seafoammedia. comReproduce, duplicate or copy material from https://seafoammedia. comRedistribute content from Seafoam Media (unless content is specifically made for redistribution). Hyperlinking to our Content The following organizations may link to our Web site without prior written approval:Government agencies;Search engines;News organizations;Online directory distributors when they list us in the directory may link to our Web site in the same manner as they hyperlink to the Web sites of other listed businesses; andSystemwide Accredited Businesses except soliciting non-profit organizations, charity shopping malls, and charity fundraising groups which may not hyperlink to our Web site. These organizations may link to our home page, to publications or to other Web site information so long as the link: (a) is not in any way misleading; (b) does not falsely imply sponsorship, endorsement or approval of the linking party and its products or services; and (c) fits within the context of the linking party’s site. We may consider and approve in our sole discretion other link requests from the following types of organizations:commonly-known consumer and/or business information sources such as Chambers of Commerce, American Automobile Association, AARP and Consumers Union;dot. com community sites;associations or other groups representing charities, including charity giving sites,online directory distributors;internet portals;accounting, law and consulting firms whose primary clients are businesses; andeducational institutions and trade associations. 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These organizations may link to our home page, to publications or to other Web site information so long as the link: (a) is not in any way misleading; (b) does not falsely imply sponsorship, endorsement or approval of the linking party and it products or services; and (c) fits within the context of the linking party’s site. If you are among the organizations listed in paragraph 2 above and are interested in linking to our website, you must notify us by sending an e-mail to hello@seafoammedia. com. Please include your name, your organization name, contact information (such as a phone number and/or e-mail address) as well as the URL of your site, a list of any URLs from which you intend to link to our Web site, and a list of the URL(s) on our site to which you would like to link. Allow 2-3 weeks for a response. Approved organizations may hyperlink to our Web site as follows: By use of our corporate name; orBy use of the uniform resource locator (Web address) being linked to; orBy use of any other description of our Web site or material being linked to that makes sense within the context and format of content on the linking party’s site. No use of Seafoam Media’s logo or other artwork will be allowed for linking absent a trademark license agreement. Iframes Without prior approval and express written permission, you may not create frames around our Web pages or use other techniques that alter in any way the visual presentation or appearance of our Web site. > Reservation of Rights We reserve the right at any time and in its sole discretion to request that you remove all links or any particular link to our Web site. You agree to immediately remove all links to our Web site upon such request. We also reserve the right to amend these terms and conditions and its linking policy at any time. By continuing... --- - Published: 2022-08-29 - Modified: 2022-11-17 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/privacy-policy/ Seafoam Media is located at: 2732 Sutton Blvd,St. Louis, MO 63143United States It is Seafoam Media’s policy to respect your privacy regarding any information we may collect while operating our website. This Privacy Policy applies to https://seafoammedia. com (hereinafter, “us”, “we”, or “https://seafoammedia. com”). We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting personally identifiable information you may provide us through the Website. We have adopted this privacy policy (“Privacy Policy”) to explain what information may be collected on our Website, how we use this information, and under what circumstances we may disclose the information to third parties. This Privacy Policy applies only to information we collect through the Website and does not apply to our collection of information from other sources. 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Cookies To enrich and perfect your online experience, Seafoam Media uses “Cookies”, similar technologies and services provided by others to display... --- --- ## Posts > Discover the impact of AI reputation management on brand perception and customer trust in the digital age. - Published: 2025-07-15 - Modified: 2025-07-15 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/welcome-ai-reputation-economy-ai-reputation-management/ - Categories: Promote - Tags: AI SEO Why AI isn’t replacing marketing—it’s restoring what made it matter The marketing world loves a revolution. But the rise of generative AI isn’t just a disruption. It’s a return. At this year’s AMEC Summit, the message was clear: we’ve entered the era of the AI Reputation Economy. Generative tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity are no longer just summarizing information—they’re shaping brand perception in real time. What they generate becomes what your audience believes. But here’s the twist: the brands that win in this new world aren’t the ones chasing every shiny tool. They’re the ones getting back to the roots of marketing—earned media, clear positioning, and a reputation built on consistent behavior. We call this shift what it is: AI reputation management. And it’s not about gaming the algorithm. It’s about giving it something real to find. AI Doesn’t Invent Stories. It Summarizes Signals. For years, marketing leaned hard into storytelling—often at the expense of substance. But AI isn’t influenced by narrative flair. It’s influenced by what it can verify. That means your brand reputation is now shaped by: Where and how you’re cited in earned media The clarity and structure of your website The tone of real conversations about you online How well your values show up in actual operations In short: AI reputation management requires what good PR always has—alignment between what you say and what you do. This is a homecoming for marketers who’ve always believed that trust is earned, not bought. Generative AI is just forcing the issue. The New Front Door to Your Brand? A Synthesized Summary. Today, when someone asks AI “Who’s the best in ? ”—they don’t get a list of links. They get a tidy, confident answer. One that feels like a verdict. That verdict is based on: Earned media signals (90%+ of AI citations) Reddit conversations and long-form content Comparison articles and semantic clarity Wikipedia, structured metadata, and your own site content Traditional SEO only overlaps with about 12% of what AI includes in its answers. Traffic doesn’t matter. Backlinks barely register. There’s still plenty of crossover between smart SEO and effective AI reputation management. The fundamentals—semantic structure, clarity, crawlability, and helpful content—still matter. But the days of gaming the algorithm with shallow blog posts and backlink schemes are over. Now, it’s about credibility over cleverness. You don’t need to dominate search rankings. You need to be the most trustworthy, clearly defined source in your space. And that starts with real-world credibility, not clicks. PR Is the New SEO (Again) GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) and AI reputation management put earned media back at the center of marketing strategy. That means: Press releases aren’t dead—they’re prompts for AI Editorial citations build more trust than backlinks ever did Platforms like Reddit and Wikipedia punch far above their weight If your company isn’t earning credible mentions, you’re invisible to AI. And if your content isn’t structured well, AI can’t parse it. We help our clients build visibility that compounds—not just through flashy campaigns, but through smart, steady credibility-building that AI and people both respect. What to Do Right Now We’re past the phase where brands can afford to wait. Here’s what your marketing team should be focused on: 1. Treat Your Website Like a Structured Source Use semantic URLs, meta descriptions, schema, and llms. txt Make your About page and service pages AI-readable Write content that actually answers real questions, in plain language 2. Shift PR From Vanity to Visibility Focus on domains AI respects—not just tier-1 outlets Create comparison content and citations you control Treat every mention like a building block in your AI reputation system 3. Measure Your AI Reputation Audit which AI platforms reference you and how Benchmark citations vs. competitors Use analytics tools to track how GenAI engages with your site Final Thought: The Future Is More Old School Than You Think This might be the most surprising part of the AI revolution: the smartest brands aren’t moving away from traditional marketing—they’re doubling down on it. Generative AI is forcing us back to fundamentals: Say something worth repeating Earn trust in public Be clear, consistent, and real If your marketing isn’t built on those things, AI will notice. So will your customers. At Seafoam, we help brands design marketing systems that make it easy to be trusted—by people and by algorithms. Because in the AI reputation economy, the brands who win are the ones who deserve to. --- > Discover how improving brand experience boosts customer loyalty, revenue, and lifetime value in today's competitive market. - Published: 2025-07-09 - Modified: 2025-07-09 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/brand-experience-customer-experience/ - Categories: Strategize, Create - Tags: Brand Strategy, Customer Experience When growth stalls, the knee‑jerk move is to shove more people into the top of the funnel. Trouble is, attention is now the most expensive commodity in marketing. The smarter play is to run a tighter, deeper company instead of a louder one. Brand Experience (BX) and Customer Experience (CX) are the dual engines that make that happen. 1. Two Sides of the Same Flywheel DisciplineWhat It DoesWhy It PaysBrand ExperienceCrafts the promise—identity, voice, values, behavior. Sets expectations, attracts the right buyers, commands premium pricing. Customer ExperienceDelivers the promise—every touchpoint before, during, and after the sale. Turns trust into revenue, retention, referrals. BX makes the promise. CX keeps it. When those threads line up, you create a growth flywheel that advertising alone can’t match. 2. The Hard Numbers Behind “Soft” Experiences Shoppers who rate their experience “very good” spend ~140 % more over their lifetime (Harvard Business Review) 73 % of consumers say experience outranks even price as a purchase driver (PwC research) Consistent branding can lift revenue by ~23 % (Lucidpress / Marq) The industry leader in Net Promoter Score typically grows 2× faster than competitors (Bain & Company) B2B firms that deliver personalized, omnichannel CX grab >10 % market share annually (McKinsey & Company) Customer-obsessed brands see 49 % profit acceleration and 51 % better retention (Forrester) Fully engaged customers drive a 23 % profit premium (Gallup) Experience isn’t fluff. It’s the most capital‑efficient lever you have. 3. How BX + CX Compound Lifetime Value Retention – Fewer exits lengthen the revenue runway Expansion – A seamless journey makes upsells feel inevitable, not intrusive Referrals – Delighted customers import their own pipeline at near‑zero CAC Price Power – Trust cushions margins when competitors race to the bottom The Compounding Customer Lifetime Value Formula CLV (Customer Lifetime Value) = Average Order Value × Purchase Frequency x Customer Lifespan BX raises order value, CX boosts frequency, both increase customer lifespan. Simple math, outsized upside. 4. Your Website and UX: The First Test of Brand Integrity Your website is where BX meets CX. It’s often the first real interaction someone has with your brand—and where they decide if you’re worth their time. A poor experience here creates an instant disconnect between promise and reality. What we look for: Does the brand voice carry through in headlines, CTAs, and navigation labels? Is the experience intuitive, fast, and emotionally consistent? Can a visitor get value before giving up their email? A great website doesn’t just convert leads, it builds belief. It’s a 24/7 demonstration of how seriously you take your own promise. 5. Top-of-Funnel, the Experience-Centric Way Brand and customer experience don’t replace top-of-funnel marketing, they transform it. In the experience-led model, TOF marketing isn’t about maximizing impressions. It’s about earning attention with clarity, utility, and resonance: Clear positioning draws in the right leads (and filters out the wrong ones) Useful, value-rich content starts trust-building from the first click Consistent delivery—ads, social posts, sales replies—aligns with brand behavior A great funnel doesn’t just catch traffic, it attracts belief, filters for fit, and sets up a relationship, not just a transaction 6. Building an Experience Engine 6. 1. Start With Brand Foundations Clarify positioning – One differentiated, audience‑centric statement Document guidelines – Visuals, voice, and behavior rules everyone can follow Audit for leaks – Where does reality break the promise? Patch first impressions, onboarding flows, support scripts 6. 2. Map the Full Journey Identify signature “moments that matter” (e. g. , proposal delivery, first‑use aha moment, renewal prompt) and redesign each for simplicity, surprise, or delight 6. 3. Align Culture and Ops Empower frontline teams to fix issues on the spot Tie incentives to NPS or earned‑growth metrics, not just quarterly bookings Use regular “experience retros” the way engineering teams run sprint retrospectives 6. 4. Leverage Data & AI Thoughtfully Predict churn, surface next‑best offers, and personalize content—but always through the lens of making the customer’s life easier, not exploiting attention 7. Measuring What Matters MetricWhy It MattersTargets to WatchNet Promoter ScoreProxy for referral growthTrend line vs. industry NPS leaderEarned Growth Rate% of revenue from retained + referred> Sustainable CAC payback thresholdTime-to-Value (TTV)Drives retention and upsell velocityKeep trending down quarter-over-quarterConsistency Index% of assets that meet brand standardsAim for >90 % complianceExperience-Qualified Leads (EQL)Prospects referred by happy customersIncrease relative share of new pipeline 8. From Funnel-Stuffing to Flywheel-Building Traditional growth = “feed the funnel. ” Modern growth = “tighten the flywheel. ” Every marginal improvement in experience compounds: Stronger brand promise attracts the right buyers Seamless CX converts and satisfies them Loyal advocates loop fresh, low‑CAC customers back to Step 1 Repeat, accelerate, dominate 9. Why Experience-Led Growth Is the Future In a world where trust is scarce and attention is expensive, experience-led growth is the only strategy that compounds. Great branding gets remembered. Great service gets talked about. When you connect those two into one coherent system, you’re not just building a business, you’re building a reputation, a community, and a long-term growth engine. The future isn’t louder. It’s better. And better starts inside. --- > Seafoam proudly receives two 2025 American Digital Design Awards for outstanding marketing achievements. - Published: 2025-07-08 - Modified: 2025-07-08 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/seafoam-wins-two-american-digital-design-awards-for-marketing-excellence/ - Categories: Strategize, Create - Tags: Web Design & Development We’re proud to share that Seafoam has been honored with two 2025 American Digital Design Awards from Graphic Design USA (GDUSA)—recognizing standout work for Chaney Windows and Doors and TSI Global Companies. These awards reflect something bigger than good design. They represent the kind of thoughtful, strategic marketing systems we build for businesses who want to grow with clarity—and who care about showing up well for their customers. A New Chapter for Chaney Windows + Doors Chaney has been a trusted name in windows and doors across St. Louis for decades, but their digital presence hadn’t caught up with the quality of their work. Seafoam partnered with them to modernize every aspect of their marketing—from messaging to design to performance—and make sure their brand could scale with them. We rebuilt their website with clearer navigation, faster load times, and copy that finally reflected their values. We refreshed their visual identity, rewrote their mission and vision, and rebuilt their paid search and CRM systems. The result? A marketing system that reflects who they are: built to last, built to grow. The new site has already won international recognition, including a Vega Award and a Web Excellence Award. The GDUSA honor is the latest affirmation that this work is doing what it was meant to do—positioning Chaney as the modern, trustworthy, family-run business it has always been. Read the full Chaney case study → Lifting the Hood at TSI Global TSI Global is an AV integration and IT infrastructure company that’s been doing remarkable work behind the scenes for decades. Their old site, though, was weighing them down—slow to load, confusing to navigate, and full of technical clutter. Our goal was to create a cleaner, faster, more strategic site that aligned with how they do business: sharp, modern, and buttoned-up. We started with research: a baseline SEO audit, competitive analysis, and UX mapping to restructure the entire site. From there, we handled everything from visual clean-up and plugin optimization to new page architecture, better content strategy, and an upgraded reporting system. Then we tackled SEO and laid the groundwork for high-performance campaigns to follow . The end product isn’t flashy—but it’s effective. And for a company like TSI, that’s the whole point. This GDUSA award is a nod to the kind of behind-the-scenes excellence we’re always chasing. More Than a Moment At Seafoam, we don’t chase awards. But when the work gets recognized, we pause to celebrate what it really means: that we’re helping good businesses become great brands—without losing who they are along the way. Two awards. One approach. Built for the long term. If your company’s ready for marketing that actually works (and looks the part), we’d love to talk. --- > Explore July 2025 Marketing News, highlighting key trends, AI agents, and Gen Z expectations shaping the future of marketing. - Published: 2025-06-27 - Modified: 2025-06-27 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/july-2025-marketing-news/ - Categories: Create, Promote, Strategize - Tags: AI SEO, Brand Strategy, Web Design & Development In this edition of July 2025 Marketing News, we unpack the biggest shifts—from AI agents to Gen Z brand expectations—and preview key conferences where the future is being shaped in real time. July 2025 Marketing News: Trends & InsightsThe Intelligence Economy Meets the Attention EconomyAgentic AI Becomes ActionableAI Creativity Scales—ROI Still TrailsBrand Activism Hits ResetGen Z Expects More than AestheticHoliday Campaigns Start NowBeauty & Wellness Investors Want ProofAI + Empathy Is the Winning ComboMemes as StrategyPrivacy-Centered Personalization Gains SteamOur TakeJuly 2025 Marketing EventsDigiMarCon DCWordCamp MontclairDigiMarCon AustinDigiMarCon New YorkANA Digital & Social Media ConferenceTechspo New York + CharlotteMomentum AIeduWeb SummitDevRelConDigiMarCon Hawaii & PacificiMedia Future of Marketing SummitDigiMarCon Japan & AsiaSeattle eCommerce Summit July 2025 Marketing News: Trends & Insights The Intelligence Economy Meets the Attention Economy The smartest marketers are no longer just chasing eyeballs—they’re blending cultural fluency with AI-driven insights to stay relevant and resonant. Strategy is no longer separate from tooling; it’s embedded in how content is generated, distributed, and optimized on the fly. Agentic AI Becomes Actionable We’re entering the agent era. AI is no longer just assisting—it’s acting. From automated stylists to media planners and campaign generators, agentic systems are proving they can deliver meaningful results with minimal human intervention. The next competitive edge? Knowing where humans still matter. AI Creativity Scales—ROI Still Trails CMOs at Cannes revealed budgets over $10M annually going toward AI—but admitted ROI tracking is lagging. The takeaway: brands are betting big on AI-led efficiency and output, but measurement systems must evolve in parallel to capture what truly moves the needle. Brand Activism Hits Reset The era of overt brand virtue-signaling is fading. Consumers are demanding authenticity and action—not statements. Brands that are quietly doing the work (local impact, ethical ops, durable values) are earning trust without the performative gloss. Gen Z Expects More than Aesthetic Pinterest and Vogue Business data underscore this: Gen Z doesn’t just want cool—they want real, immersive, valuable experiences. That includes everything from 3D product previews to flexible payment options. Nostalgia helps, but only if paired with substance. Holiday Campaigns Start Now Yes, in July. Beauty and retail marketers are launching holiday strategies now, using AI to predict demand and personalize offers. Longer lead times, built-in payment flexibility, and micro-influencer bundles are the new playbook for Q4 wins. Beauty & Wellness Investors Want Proof In high-growth consumer categories, investors are prioritizing clinical-grade claims, real efficacy, and cultural cachet. “Clean” without substance won’t cut it. For any brand chasing strategic growth or acquisition, a clear positioning and verified results matter more than ever. AI + Empathy Is the Winning Combo The brands seeing lift from AI aren’t replacing creatives—they’re augmenting them. Sentiment tracking, nuanced message testing, and real-time adaptive flows are giving marketers new ways to balance logic and feeling. Memes as Strategy Meme marketing is no longer a side hustle—it’s a core tactic. With AI speeding up concepting and design, brands can drop culturally responsive content at scale. The challenge: staying authentic while moving fast. Privacy-Centered Personalization Gains Steam As cookies disappear, brands are turning to first-party data and conversational search to deepen relevance. Personalization is getting smarter—and quieter. Done right, it feels like intuition, not surveillance. Our Take If June was about momentum, July is about meaning. AI is moving fast—but it’s not a free pass. Every automation layer needs to be anchored in values, data integrity, and human understanding. Otherwise, brands risk scaling noise instead of resonance. At Seafoam, we’re seeing three core principles hold steady: Fast doesn’t mean sloppy. AI can speed things up, but your brand’s clarity, tone, and intent still need stewardship. Quality matters more than ever. Marketing is a system, not a moment. Trends like meme drops or early gifting only work when integrated into a larger journey—one that’s built to compound over time. People still buy from people. Whether it’s an agentic AI or a social post, trust comes from consistency, transparency, and usefulness. Our advice this month: If you’re piloting new AI tools, do it with a brand compass in hand. Let the tech do the lifting, but keep your human voice at the center. July 2025 Marketing Events DigiMarCon DC July 1–2 | Washington, D. C. — Digital strategy, AI, and content marketing, with hands-on sessions for agency leads. WordCamp Montclair July 1–2 | Montclair, NJ — A web-focused event that’s particularly relevant for dev-leaning marketers and creative teams. DigiMarCon Austin July 7–8 | Austin, TX — Regional focus on mobile-first design, social media marketing, and martech. DigiMarCon New York July 7–8 | New York, NY — East Coast insights into automation, conversion, and cross-channel campaigns. ANA Digital & Social Media Conference July 14–16 | Carlsbad, CA — Deep dive into ROI frameworks, storytelling formats, and channel diversification. Techspo New York + Charlotte July 14–16 | Dual cities — Exploring emerging martech, from immersive displays to AI-powered data tools. Momentum AI July 14–16 | San Jose, CA — Focused on next-gen marketing automation and agentic AI innovation. eduWeb Summit July 15–17 | Portland, ME — Ideal for marketers working in higher ed or nonprofit sectors with digital ambitions. DevRelCon July 18–19 | New York, NY — A niche but rising space where content marketing meets developer relations. DigiMarCon Hawaii & Pacific July 24–25 | Honolulu, HI — Brand storytelling, Pacific market strategy, and community-led growth models. iMedia Future of Marketing Summit July 29–31 | Christchurch, NZ — Forward-thinking content and global strategy alignment. DigiMarCon Japan & Asia July 30–31 | Tokyo, Japan — Regional market insights and digital expansion strategies in APAC. Seattle eCommerce Summit July 30–31 | Seattle, WA — End-to-end customer journey optimization for retail brands. Curious which of these trends or events is most relevant for your business? We’re always tracking the shifts and sharing our take—no pitch, just perspective. If something sparked an idea, reach out or follow us on LinkedIn for the next pulse. --- > Discover how Seafoam's marketing strategy prioritizes integrity and community impact, fostering genuine connections and growth. - Published: 2025-06-27 - Modified: 2025-06-27 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/the-kind-of-marketing-that-gives-back/ - Categories: Create - Tags: Seafoam News At Seafoam, we believe the best marketing is grounded in more than strategy—it’s grounded in character. We’ve always said we build systems that help businesses grow. But we also believe in a different kind of growth—the kind that ripples out. To your customers. Your community. Your corner of the world. For us, “doing good” isn’t a campaign or CSR play. It’s the quiet, consistent work of being a good neighbor. It’s how we show up in Maplewood, where we’ve built our lives and our business. It’s how we show up for our partners, investing time and energy into relationships that go beyond the transaction. And most importantly, it’s how we think business should work. Business as a Force for Good (and for Real) We’ve all seen the glossy versions: brands talking about values while outsourcing every decision that actually matters. At Seafoam, we try to keep things more grounded. Less “purpose-driven” marketing speak—more purpose, period. We give where it makes a difference. That means clearing school snack lists, helping nonprofits tell their stories, jumping in when our neighbors face a crisis. We show up for our community the way we’d want a good neighbor to. It also means we choose clients whose missions we can stand behind. We help them build systems that make their businesses stronger—because strong businesses lift up everyone around them. The ROI of Being a Good Business It’s easy to think of marketing as a way to get ahead. But the way we see it, great marketing also pulls others forward. When a local nonprofit gets the right story in front of the right funders? That’s impact. When a purpose-led startup finally looks as credible as it actually is? That’s transformation. When a school district’s needs are met quietly, without the red tape? That’s community. These aren’t the usual marketing metrics. But we think they matter just as much. What’s Next We don’t know exactly where this leads—but we’re not chasing optics or awards. We’re building something sturdier. The kind of marketing that creates real momentum. The kind of business that leaves a place better than we found it. If you believe in that too, we’d love to work with you. Let’s do some good together. --- > Discover Seafoam's evolution over 15 years, driven by dedication and a unique perspective in every step of our journey. - Published: 2025-06-24 - Modified: 2025-06-24 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/seafoam-turns-fifteen/ - Categories: Create, Promote, Strategize - Tags: Seafoam News I didn’t start Seafoam with a five-year plan or a brand manifesto. I just got to work—thoughtfully, thoroughly, and with a point of view. From day one, the goal wasn’t to build an agency. It was to build a practice—one that treated marketing not as surface-level polish, but as the structure behind how a business shows up, connects, and grows. Fifteen years later, that still holds. The team is bigger, the playbooks are sharper, and the brands we work with are stronger for it. But the core belief remains: every step of the customer experience is a brand decision. What the First Fifteen Taught Me Integrity compounds. Every yes and every no adds up. Do the right thing—even when no one’s watching—and good things tend to follow. The extra mile is faster than it looks. Cutting corners usually means doubling back. Doing it right the first time saves time, money, and stress. Simplicity wins. Clear beats clever. In brand, in message, in delivery—clarity makes the whole experience work harder. Optimistic pragmatism > empty hype. Hope is essential. So is a solid plan. We try to keep our heads in the clouds and our feet on the ground. Community isn’t an add-on. It’s the whole point. Whether it’s clearing out MRH’s snack wish lists or helping a nonprofit shape its story, we believe good work and good impact go hand in hand. The Work That Shaped Us In the beginning, word of mouth kept our calendars full. Over time, we started to notice what worked—not just for launches, but across the full customer experience. So we turned those patterns into playbooks: brand workshops, journey audits, strategic sprints. Now we build systems that deliver long after launch. Tools our clients actually own. Work that doesn’t just look good—it holds up. And when things are built right, they keep working. Thanks To every client who’s trusted us with your brand—thank you. To every Seafoam team member, past and present—thank you for showing up with curiosity and grit. And to our Maplewood neighbors—thanks for cheering us on. We love being rooted here. What’s Next Year sixteen starts now. We’re leaning into: Deeper focus, better systems. We’re doubling down on experience-driven strategy—tailored, scalable, and built to last. Human-centered AI. The right tools can sharpen our work—but the spark still comes from people. Stronger roots, wider reach. We’ll invest in our people, mentor emerging talent, and embed ourselves even deeper in the communities we serve. The first fifteen were about proving we belonged. The next fifteen? We’re shaping what comes next. Here’s to what’s ahead. – Nikki --- > Discover how Seafoam's design excellence earned a Vega Award for the Best Consulting Website with Purpose First Advisors. - Published: 2025-06-11 - Modified: 2025-06-11 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/seafoam-wins-vega-award-best-consulting-website/ - Categories: Create, Promote, Strategize - Tags: Brand Strategy, Content Development, PPC / Google Ads, Seafoam News, SEO Services, Web Design & Development We’re honored to share that the Purpose First Advisors website—conceived, designed, and built by Seafoam—has been named a Vega Award winner in the “Best Consulting Website” category. But this project was never just about a website. It was about helping a values-driven advisory firm step confidently into the digital space with a brand and platform that truly reflect the caliber of their work. Turning Strategy Into Story From day one, Purpose First Advisors was clear on their mission: to guide business owners through pivotal moments with clarity, care, and strategic insight. But their old brand didn’t quite say that. The visuals felt dated. The messaging didn’t carry the warmth or authority they were known for. And their website didn’t support the kind of thoughtful, high-touch engagement they bring to every client relationship. So we got to work. Through a comprehensive brand strategy process, we unpacked what made Purpose First distinct: empathetic leadership, deep experience, and a belief that business growth and personal integrity don’t have to be at odds. The result? A rebrand rooted in strategy—with visual and verbal identity systems built to earn trust at a glance. Branding That Reflects the Depth of Their Work Seafoam delivered a full suite of brand assets to help Purpose First show up with consistency and confidence across every touchpoint: A new logo and visual identity anchored in deep maroon and sage—professional, grounded, and quietly powerful. A thoughtful typography system that balances modernity with warmth. Messaging guidelines that emphasize clarity, empathy, and strategic depth—without drifting into jargon. Every design decision, every word, was made to reinforce the same message: this is a firm you can trust with your biggest decisions. A Website That Guides, Not Just Informs The website itself became the capstone of the new brand: an elegant, user-focused experience that mirrors the thoughtful advisory work Purpose First is known for. We reimagined the site architecture to ensure visitors could self-identify and easily find what they needed—whether they were exploring leadership coaching or preparing for a business transition. Strategic on-page SEO and carefully crafted content helped bring the site visibility without sacrificing voice. And the response has spoken for itself. Higher engagement, clearer user paths, and a strong digital foundation built to grow alongside the firm. Recognition That Reinforces the Work The Vega Award win is a proud moment—but more than that, it’s validation that purposeful, strategic marketing still stands out. It’s a reminder that when brand, reach, and relationship are aligned, you don’t just get attention. You get remembered. We’re grateful to have been trusted with such meaningful work and proud to help Purpose First Advisors continue making their mark—with clarity and care. --- > Explore the latest in June 2025 marketing news, including AI integration and its impact on daily marketing strategies. - Published: 2025-05-29 - Modified: 2025-05-29 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/june-2025-marketing-news-trends-insights/ - Categories: Strategize, Create, Promote - Tags: AI SEO, Analytics & Reporting, Brand Strategy, PPC / Google Ads, SEO Services, Social Media, Web Design & Development In this edition of June 2025 Marketing News, we explore the latest trends and insights that are shaping the industry. June 2025 Marketing News: Trends & InsightsGenerative AI Solidifies Its RoleAnswer-Engine Optimization Takes Center StageFirst-Party Data Takes the WheelShort-Form Video Dominates Ad SpendSocial Commerce Goes LiveSustainability Claims Demand ProofEmployee-Generated Content Breaks OutOmnichannel Personalization Gets SmarterChatbots Become Autonomous AgentsVoice Search Inches Toward MainstreamOur TakeJune 2025 Marketing EventsANA Masters of B2B Marketing ConferenceDigital Summit DenverSMX AdvancedInfoComm 2025SocialWestSocial Media Week LimaCannes Lions International Festival of CreativityGlobal Business, Marketing & Management ConferenceDMWF GlobalProduct Marketing Summit London June 2025 Marketing News: Trends & Insights Generative AI Solidifies Its Role We’re past the “wow” phase—gen-AI is now baked into daily workflows, quietly producing headlines, display ads, and performance analyses in seconds. Marketers that treat AI as a default creative muscle—not a gimmick—are freeing humans to focus on taste, judgment, and strategy. Answer-Engine Optimization Takes Center Stage With ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity summarizing the web for millions of queries, brands are rewriting SEO playbooks around “Answer-Engine Optimization. ” Authoritative, cluster-based content earns citations from AI agents long before a click ever happens. First-Party Data Takes the Wheel Chrome’s cookie sunset draws closer, and the marketing teams that are serious about clean-room strategies, server-side tracking, and value-for-data exchanges are already separating from the pack. Short-Form Video Dominates Ad Spend TikTok, Reels, and Shorts continue to siphon budgets from static display and even CTV. Sub-90-second clips engineered for retention spikes remain the most cost-effective way to buy attention. Social Commerce Goes Live TikTok Shop’s friction-free checkout is normalizing the “watch-click-buy” loop. Livestream drops and creator collabs are delivering conversion rates that rival traditional e-commerce. Sustainability Claims Demand Proof Regulators and consumers alike now require receipts. Brands without verifiable ESG data—or a clear plan to get it—are exposed to fines, backlash, and lost trust. Employee-Generated Content Breaks Out Your most credible storytellers may already be on payroll. Companies empowering employees to create behind-the-scenes content are seeing double-digit engagement lifts—no influencer fees needed. Omnichannel Personalization Gets Smarter LLM-powered customer-data platforms are stitching in-store, mobile, and web behaviour on the fly. The result: higher basket sizes and loyalty, driven by predictive product suggestions and AI-generated copy variations. Chatbots Become Autonomous Agents Next-gen support bots now parse intent, trigger refunds, and escalate when sentiment sours—cutting routine service costs by roughly 30 percent while preserving human empathy for complex issues. Voice Search Inches Toward Mainstream Smart-speaker penetration is nearing three-quarters of U. S. households. Voice-led shopping could hit $40 billion by year-end, pushing brands to optimise for conversational queries and audio snippets. Our Take The tactics grabbing headlines this month all stem from one underlying shift: marketing is rapidly converging on system-level thinking. Disparate channels, datasets, and martech stacks are being welded into a single, adaptive operating layer—powered by AI, governed by privacy, and judged on experience. At Seafoam, we’re seeing three hard truths emerge: Speed without spine is wasted motion. Generative tools can create infinite variations, but only a clear strategic backbone—anchored by brand story and first-party insight—ensures the output compels rather than clutters. Credibility is the new currency. Whether it’s sustainability disclosures, data permissions, or AI transparency, every claim now lives in a fact-checkable world. Brands that can prove their promises will outrun those who merely publish them. Systems beat spikes. Short-form video, social commerce, and AEO/GEO can all spike metrics, but only when linked by a unified data architecture do they compound into sustainable growth. The future belongs to marketers who orchestrate touchpoints, not chase them. Our counsel: audit your data foundation, stress-test your brand narrative, and pilot AI where it amplifies—not replaces—human judgment. Precision and soul are not opposing forces; they’re the twin rails of modern marketing. Nail both, and growth becomes a by-product of doing the work right. June 2025 Marketing Events ANA Masters of B2B Marketing Conference June 2–4 | Naples, FL — Enterprise B2B strategy, masterclasses, and the B2 Awards Digital Summit Denver June 2–3 | Denver, CO — Hands-on tracks in AI, SEO, content, email, and analytics SMX Advanced June 11–13 | Boston, MA — Elite SEO/PPC tactics, mastermind round-tables, SERP/AI labs InfoComm 2025 June 10–13 | Orlando, FL — Experiential and retail tech trends within the Pro-AV world SocialWest June 11–13 | Calgary, AB — Canada’s largest digital-marketing event, 40+ speakers and workshops Social Media Week Lima June 18–19 | Lima, OH — Relationship marketing, creator economy, community-building Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity June 16–20 | Cannes, France — Global benchmark for brand creativity and effectiveness Global Business, Marketing & Management Conference June 20–22 | Singapore — Academic and industry research on next-gen marketing DMWF Global June 24–25 | London, UK — C-suite martech, data strategy, and social commerce innovation Product Marketing Summit London June 24–25 | London, UK — Positioning, competitive intel, and GTM playbooks for PMMs Curious where these insights intersect with your own plans? We share our thinking every month—no pitches, just perspective. If it sparks an idea, feel free to reach out or follow along on LinkedIn for the next edition. --- > Discover how MMM Productions enhanced client outreach and maintained integrity in live media production through a strategic reset. - Published: 2025-05-28 - Modified: 2025-05-28 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/a-strategic-reset-that-helped-mmm-reach-the-right-clients-without-compromise/ - Categories: Create, Promote, Strategize - Tags: Analytics & Reporting, Brand Strategy, Content Development, PPC / Google Ads, SEO Services, Web Design & Development MMM Productions had built something strong over the years: a reputation for quality, efficiency, and genuine integrity in live media production. But like many successful businesses, their growth had outpaced their brand. They were being misread—attracting the wrong kinds of opportunities, or being overlooked by the ones they actually wanted. What they needed wasn’t just a nicer website. They needed a strategic reset. That’s when they turned to Seafoam. Sharpening the Signal Without Losing the Soul MMM wasn’t struggling—they were thriving. But they knew the next stage of growth would require sharper positioning and stronger brand clarity. They didn’t want to seem bigger than they were. They didn’t want to lose their tone of humility. But they did want to look as good as the work they were doing behind the scenes. Our job was to build a brand that could do just that: elevate perception without losing what made them authentic. The Seafoam Approach We began with a full brand and positioning sprint—interviews, audits, and workshops that uncovered who MMM really was, what set them apart, and why their clients kept coming back. Then we built the system around that truth: A new logo that feels modern, clean, and quietly confident A color palette and visual identity system that balances warmth with professionalism Messaging that’s understated, purposeful, and laser-focused on MMM’s value A custom website designed to signal quality and guide ideal clients toward conversion Targeted SEO work to make sure they weren’t just visible—but visible to the right people We didn’t layer flash on top of substance. We let the substance shine through. Clear Positioning. Right-Fit Leads. Better Outcomes. Since launch, MMM has gained clarity—and traction. Their new site has helped them win better-aligned projects and become more discoverable to the clients they’re best suited to serve. Multiple new clients won through organic search and clearer messaging A brand identity and website that reflects MMM’s style, values, and capabilities Qualified inbound leads who understand MMM’s offering from first click Strategic SEO boosts that brought MMM into more of the right conversations This was a strategic reset that didn’t just feel better—it worked better. --- > Discover how Seafoam evolves while honoring its trusted heritage. Learn strategies to grow without losing core values. - Published: 2025-05-28 - Modified: 2025-05-28 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/helping-a-legacy-brand-grow-without-losing-its-roots/ - Categories: Create, Promote, Strategize - Tags: Content Development, PPC / Google Ads, SEO Services, Web Design & Development When your name is known and trusted, the work doesn’t stop—it evolves. Chaney Windows & Doors has been serving their region with integrity for decades. They didn’t come to us for a flashy rebrand or an overnight growth hack. They came for something more meaningful: a marketing system that could honor the past and support the next era of growth. So that’s what we built. What They Needed A website that worked harder—faster load times, better mobile UX, and stronger SEO A brand refresh that added polish without losing character A system that connected marketing to CRM, shortening the path from inquiry to install Messaging that could clearly communicate why Chaney’s work stands above the rest They weren’t trying to become someone new. They just wanted to show up better—to meet customers where they are now, while staying rooted in who they’ve always been. How We Delivered We didn’t start with aesthetics. We started with alignment. We worked shoulder-to-shoulder with the Chaney team to understand their values, their process, and the pressures of an evolving industry. From there, we designed a full-stack marketing system that made their digital experience as reliable and high-performing as their work. Here’s what that looked like: Visual identity: A refined logo, typography, and color palette that preserved legacy while increasing versatility Messaging: Clear, friendly copy that builds trust fast—and guides users where they need to go Web design + dev: Built for speed, search, and conversion, with CRM integration on the back end SEO strategy: Targeted and intentional, aimed at bringing the right kind of traffic, not just more of it Why It Mattered The results didn’t just show up in metrics (though they did that too). They showed up in the confidence Chaney had in their brand—and the consistency of how they showed up in the market. The payoff: A Web Excellence Award in Home Services More efficient lead handling and faster response times A sharper story that resonates with both homeowners and trade partners A system designed not for “campaigns”—but for the long haul You don’t need to start over. You just need the right system to carry you forward. Let’s build it. --- > Discover how FOKIS Mechanical transformed its brand to stand out in the trades industry and connect with a broader audience. - Published: 2025-05-22 - Modified: 2025-05-28 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/rebranding-the-trades-how-fokis-built-a-bold-identity-from-the-ground-up/ - Categories: Create, Strategize - Tags: Brand Strategy, Content Development, Web Design & Development FOKIS Mechanical isn’t your typical trades company—and they never wanted to be. Founded by two industry veterans who were tired of doing things the old way, FOKIS set out to build something better. A commercial HVAC company with a sharp eye for growth, they knew their brand had to do more than look good. It had to signal credibility, culture, and a clear break from the status quo. That’s where Seafoam came in. A Brand That Reflects a Better Way of Doing Business From the beginning, it was clear: FOKIS wasn’t just launching a business—they were building a platform for long-term success. But their early materials lacked cohesion and polish. The visual identity was inconsistent. The message didn’t fully reflect their vision. And the web presence didn’t create trust at first glance. They didn’t just need branding. They needed a system. One that could grow with them, scale across sales materials, and help them stand out in a competitive, commoditized industry. Our Approach Seafoam led a full-scale brand build, starting with in-depth strategy and positioning work. We uncovered what made FOKIS different—not just what they do, but how they do it and why it matters to the people they serve. From there, we delivered: A bold new identity with clean, confident visuals that balance modernity with approachability A cohesive messaging system aligned with both technical buyers and company culture A custom-designed logo system and visual language ready for trucks, helmets, and trade shows A responsive, SEO-informed website built to convert and scale Brand-aligned content development for both web and sales touchpoints Everything was built for clarity, confidence, and momentum—reinforcing the idea that FOKIS is setting a new standard in the trades. Results That Resonate The new brand gave FOKIS the tools and presence they needed to show up strong in every context—from job sites to boardrooms. Their team now has a consistent story, cohesive materials, and a digital presence that reflects the quality of their work. A distinctive identity designed to stand out in the trades A sleek, mobile-optimized site with trust-building UX Stronger alignment between field operations, brand story, and business development Confidence and consistency across sales, recruiting, and culture-building efforts This wasn’t just about better branding. It was about building the foundation for a business designed to last. --- > Discover how Seafoam helped Purpose First Advisors align strategy and trust for a gold-winning website. - Published: 2025-05-14 - Modified: 2025-05-28 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/strategy-trust-and-a-gold-winning-website-how-we-repositioned-a-high-stakes-consulting-brand/ - Categories: Create, Strategize - Tags: Brand Strategy, Web Design & Development When Purpose First Advisors engaged Seafoam, they weren’t chasing trends. They were pursuing alignment. As a strategic advisory firm that guides executive teams through succession planning, leadership development, and complex organizational change, Purpose First’s reputation had been built through substance, not flash. But their brand and website weren’t keeping up. The visual identity felt generic. The message lacked the precision needed to resonate with high-caliber clients. The experience online didn’t reflect the experience in the room. They needed a partner who could help them reposition with intention—and without compromise. A Foundation Built on Strategy, Not Aesthetics Our process began the way all meaningful brand work should: with clarity. We immersed ourselves in their world—interviewing stakeholders, auditing materials, mapping competitive landscapes, and identifying the narrative gaps holding the brand back. From there, we developed a new brand platform and visual identity that aligned with their role as trusted strategic advisors. Every element—from tone to typography—was designed to communicate credibility, focus, and integrity. Key elements included: A modern, minimal logo system built to scale across print and digital A streamlined content strategy that emphasized clarity and momentum A visual design system that reflects composure, trust, and sharpness Conversion-oriented UX flows on the website that are designed to guide enterprise buyers Modular sales collateral that supports complex, relationship-driven work A Brand Experience That Reflects the Depth of the Work The new Purpose First brand isn’t loud. It doesn’t try to impress. It simply speaks with quiet authority—confident in its value, clear in its offer, and focused on impact. The website quickly became a cornerstone of their business development efforts. It no longer undersells their capabilities—instead, it creates a sense of immediate credibility and alignment for senior decision-makers. Recognized for Excellence The project was awarded Gold in the “Consulting Website” category by the MUSE Creative Awards, an international competition recognizing outstanding creative work. It’s a testament to the strategy, craft, and collaboration that went into every decision. But more importantly, it’s proof that when brand, reach, and relationship align, results follow. --- > Explore what Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is and its role in shaping search strategies for 2025. Enhance your approach for the digital era. - Published: 2025-05-12 - Modified: 2025-05-16 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/what-is-generative-engine-optimization/ - Categories: Promote, Strategize - Tags: AI SEO, SEO Services Search has entered a new epoch. Large‑language‑model (LLM) answers now compete directly with blue‑link results, and they’re gaining ground daily. What is Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)? Google’s AI Overviews, Perplexity’s citations, and ChatGPT’s in‑line footnotes all point to one reality: brands must optimize not only for search engines, but for generative engines. This guide turns the acronym‑laden chatter into a practical game plan you can start using today. What is Generative Engine Optimization And Why Does It Matter Now? Defining GEOHow Generative Engines Build AnswersThe GEO Framework – Find · Format · Fortify · Fan OutStep‑by‑Step Implementation ChecklistMeasurement & ReportingRecommended ToolsCommon MistakesFAQGlossaryFurther Reading What is Generative Engine Optimization And Why Does It Matter Now? Shrinking SERP real estate.  AI Overviews already show on ~13 % of U. S. desktop searches and that percentage is rising monthly. Answer‑first user behavior.  46 % of Gen Z shoppers say they “often” rely on ChatGPT or Perplexity before visiting a website (GWI, April 2025). Dynamic results.  Unlike static rankings, LLM answers are regenerated per query, creating fresh opportunities—if your passages are citation‑ready. Defining GEO Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is the practice of structuring information so LLM‑powered systems can understand, trust, and quote it inside their answers. Traditional SEO Generative Engine Optimization Objective Win a high‑visibility position on the SERP Be cited or paraphrased inside AI answers Primary Unit Page/URL Passage / Entity / Data Point Core Signals Links, crawlability, topical authority Clear Q‑A pairs, structured data, E‑E‑A‑T, corroborating mentions Success Metrics Rankings, impressions, organic sessions AI citations, referral traffic from AI tools, brand sentiment How Generative Engines Build Answers Query decomposition – the model rewrites the user prompt into multiple keyword‑like sub‑queries. Retrieval & scoring – it pulls passages from its training corpus and live web search APIs, weighing freshness, authority, and relevance. Synthesis – retrieved snippets are clustered, ranked, and fused into an answer with citations. Personalization (optional) – if history or location is enabled, the draft is tailored. Implication: LLMs love concise, declarative passages that map cleanly to likely sub‑queries (e. g. , "What is GEO? "). The GEO Framework – Find · Format · Fortify · Fan Out Step Goal Key Tactics Find Identify high‑value queries that trigger AI answers. Use STAT or Similarweb to filter keywords that show AI Overviews; check Perplexity’s “Related Searches. ” Format Make passages machine‑ready. Definition‑style first sentences, bullet lists, tables, FAQPage & HowToschema, clean code blocks for formulas. Fortify Prove expertise and trust. Author bios with credentials, original data, peer‑reviewed citations, consistent NAP for local. Fan Out Distribute credibility signals beyond your site. Digital PR, podcast guesting, Reddit & Quora participation, industry Slack AMAs, expert round‑ups. Step‑by‑Step Implementation Checklist Audit existing top‑20 ranking pages for passages that answer core questions. Rewrite intros so each H2 opens with a crisp definition (≤ 40 words). Add structured data – FAQPage, HowTo, Product, and Breadcrumb where relevant. Embed primary data (charts or stats) in text, not only images; include sample size & methodology. Link outward to authoritative, non‑competitive sources (journals, gov datasets). Update author bios with demonstrable expertise; link to credentials. Pitch one research‑backed thought‑leadership piece per quarter to industry media. Monitor AI citations weekly via manual spot‑checks and tools like Bramework’s Citation Tracker. Tag incoming traffic from ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity etc. using GA4 UTM logic and custom channel groups. Iterate – expand pages that earn partial citations to win fuller coverage. Measurement & Reporting KPI How to Track Target AI Overview appearances STAT “AI Overview” filter, Top 10 keywords +15 % QoQ AI referral sessions GA4 → Traffic Acquisition → custom channels Upward trend vs. control period Conversions from AI traffic Event or goal → filter by AI channels ≥ sitewide average CVR Citation sentiment accuracy Quarterly manual audit (correct / outdated / missing) 90 % + correct Pro tip: build a Looker Studio dashboard with separate pages per engine to see which needs attention. Recommended Tools STAT – track AI Overview triggers at scale. GA4 – custom channel groups for AI traffic. Oncrawl – detect crawl/structure issues that confuse LLM retrievers. Bramework Citation Tracker – monitor when/where your site is quoted in ChatGPT answers. Frase / Clearscope – identify missing entities and questions. HARO & Qwoted – earn expert quotes for third‑party coverage. Common Mistakes Copy‑pasting identical FAQs across dozens of pages.  Creates duplication; consolidate. Publishing screenshots instead of textual data.  LLMs often can’t parse your chart. Keyword stuffing in headings.  Models interpret this as spammy. Neglecting local signals.  Google’s Gemini often pulls directly from GBP listings. Relying on auto‑generated copy without human QA.  Quality matters more than quantity. FAQ Does GEO replace SEO? No—think of GEO as an additional layer that reinforces a healthy technical & content SEO foundation. How long until I see results? Established domains often earn first AI citations within 4–6 weeks; brand‑new sites usually need 8–12. What about voice search? Voice assistants (Google Assistant, Alexa, Siri) are increasingly powered by the same LLM answers, so GEO improvements automatically benefit voice discovery. Is GEO the same as AEO (Answer Engine Optimization)? They overlap. AEO traditionally targets featured snippets in classic SERPs; GEO targets generative answers created on‑the‑fly by LLMs. How long should an “answer passage” be? Aim for 30–60 words—long enough to deliver context, short enough to be quoted verbatim. Do I need special schema for GEO? Use standard FAQPage, HowTo, Article, and Product schema. There is no dedicated “GEO schema,” but clean, error‑free structured data helps retrievers pinpoint your passages. Should I update existing pages or publish new ones? Polish pages that already rank in the top 20 first—they’re closest to being cited—then create net‑new content to fill unresolved intent clusters. Does duplicate content hurt GEO? Yes. LLMs may ignore or pick one of several near‑identical passages at random. Consolidate or canonicalize overlapping answers. What’s the best way to track AI citations? Combine manual spot‑checks with tools like Bramework Citation Tracker or TMMAI’s Mention report and tag AI‑engine traffic in GA4 for conversion analysis. Which industries benefit most from GEO? Sectors with question‑driven research cycles—health, finance, B2B SaaS, legal, and high‑consideration ecommerce—see outsized gains. Glossary AI Overview (AIO): Google’s generative answer box. Entity: A concrete person, place, or thing models track across documents. E‑E‑A‑T: Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trust. GEO: Generative Engine Optimization. LLM: Large Language Model. Further Reading Moz – “What Is Generative Engine Optimization” (May 2025) Perplexity Labs / academic – “Enhancing Retrieval-Augmented Generation: A Study of Best Practices” (arXiv, Jan 13 2025) Search Engine Land – “Google AI Overviews, organic results overlap jumps to 99 percent” (early-performance data,... --- > Discover the latest May 2025 marketing news, featuring trends, AI innovations, and bold brand activations that shape the industry landscape. - Published: 2025-04-30 - Modified: 2025-04-30 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/may-2025-marketing-news/ - Categories: Create, Promote, Strategize - Tags: Social Media May 2025 Marketing News: Trends & InsightsAI Becomes Your Creative DirectorExperiential Marketing Is Back in Full ForceSocial Commerce Steps Into the SpotlightMicro-Influencers, Major ImpactFirst-Party Data Becomes Non-NegotiableVoice & Visual Search Optimization Takes HoldSustainability Messaging Moves MainstreamThe Brand Story RenaissanceAI Chatbots Get Human-Level GoodSearch Is SplinteringOur TakeMay 2025 Marketing EventsOMR FestivalMeltwater SummitMirren LiveB2B Marketing ExpoMDMC (Midwest Digital Marketing Conference)DigiMarCon MidwestSaaStr AnnualAMI BABA SummiteTail AsiaInbox Expo As we enter May, the marketing world is buzzing with new energy. From groundbreaking AI applications to bold brand activations and some of the year’s biggest conferences, this month is shaping up to be a masterclass in modern marketing. Here’s what’s rising to the top. May 2025 Marketing News: Trends & Insights AI Becomes Your Creative Director Generative AI isn’t just assisting campaigns—it’s shaping them. Marketers are co-creating with AI to build smarter strategies, faster workflows, and more personalized content than ever. The human touch still matters, but now it has a high-powered partner. Experiential Marketing Is Back in Full Force From branded concerts to immersive pop-ups, live experiences are making a comeback. After years of virtual everything, consumers are craving IRL moments—and brands are delivering, with memorable events that blend storytelling and spectacle. Social Commerce Steps Into the Spotlight Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest are now more than discovery platforms—they’re full-fledged storefronts. Smart brands are using built-in shopping tools to convert interest into action, without ever leaving the feed. Micro-Influencers, Major Impact Forget celebrity endorsements. The shift to niche, trusted creators continues to gain steam. Brands are getting more bang for their buck—and more engagement—by tapping into communities with real influence. First-Party Data Becomes Non-Negotiable Privacy crackdowns and cookie deprecation are pushing marketers toward direct data collection. The upside? Better targeting, stronger trust, and more resilient long-term strategies. Voice & Visual Search Optimization Takes Hold As search behavior evolves, forward-thinking brands are optimizing not just for what people type—but for what they say and see. It’s a small shift with massive SEO implications. Sustainability Messaging Moves Mainstream Consumers expect climate-consciousness to be more than lip service. Brands that walk the walk—and communicate it clearly—are gaining long-term loyalty. The Brand Story Renaissance A clear, values-driven brand story isn’t a nice-to-have anymore. It’s the core of effective marketing. Companies with purpose-driven narratives are seeing stronger engagement and deeper customer connection. AI Chatbots Get Human-Level Good Smarter, faster, and more conversational—AI-powered customer service is raising the bar for always-on support. The best bots feel less like robots and more like an extension of your team. Search Is Splintering Google still matters, but it’s no longer the only game in town. With Gen Z favoring TikTok for search and AI chat surfacing brand recommendations, marketers are rethinking where and how discovery happens. Our Take May’s trends aren’t just about what’s “next. ” They’re about what’s necessary—if you want to market in a way that feels relevant, lasting, and truly differentiated. We’re seeing a clear split in the industry: on one side, brands chasing novelty and automation for automation’s sake. On the other, brands that are building something deeper—marketing systems that grow smarter over time, content that doesn’t just get attention but earns trust, and brand experiences that resonate beyond the scroll. The rise of generative AI has made it easier than ever to publish, post, and produce. But the real winners this year aren’t the loudest or the fastest. They’re the brands that know when to go quiet. When to double down on clarity. When to lean into story, values, and vision instead of the latest trend. There’s also a growing expectation that brands mean something. Not just what they sell, but how they show up. Whether it’s sustainability, accessibility, or simply keeping promises—your brand reputation is being built (or broken) in real time, across platforms. So what do we recommend? Build marketing systems, not just campaigns. One-offs can win a moment. Systems win markets. Use AI to elevate, not replace, your human judgment. The tech is powerful, but you still need taste. Put your audience first. Not as a tagline—but as a principle baked into every decision. Stay local, even when you scale. Cultural nuance and community resonance matter more than ever. Treat your brand like an asset. Storytelling, design, and customer experience are compounding investments. The bottom line? May 2025 is a great time to remember that growth isn’t just about doing more—it’s about doing better. Precision and soul. Data and gut. If you can thread that needle, you’re not just marketing. You’re building something that lasts. May 2025 Marketing Events OMR Festival May 6–7 Hamburg, Germany Focus: Digital innovation, marketing tech, and bold brand thinking Over 70,000 attendees, A-list speakers, and a vibrant creative scene Meltwater Summit May 6–7 New York, NY Focus: PR, comms, and data-driven marketing High-level insights into media intelligence and reputation strategy Mirren Live May 7–8 New York, NY + Virtual Focus: Agency growth and operations Ideal for shops looking to scale with focus and integrity B2B Marketing Expo May 7–8 Miami, FL Focus: Demand gen, ABM, and enterprise growth Great for teams working the long sales cycle MDMC (Midwest Digital Marketing Conference) May 13–14 St. Louis, MO Focus: Data, SEO, social, and beyond A hometown favorite—Seafoam will be watching closely DigiMarCon Midwest May 12–13 Chicago, IL Focus: Full-funnel digital strategy Tactical sessions on everything from CX to conversion SaaStr Annual May 13–15 San Francisco, CA Focus: SaaS growth, B2B marketing, and customer retention One of the best for learning how marketing drives product-led growth AMI BABA Summit May 19–21 Denver, CO Focus: Agency business and leadership Smaller scale, big impact—great for boutique agency leaders eTail Asia May 20–21 Singapore Focus: E-commerce and omnichannel retail A global lens on digital retail innovation Inbox Expo May 21–23 Austin, TX Focus: Email marketing, deliverability, and lifecycle engagement Deep-dive sessions for brands investing in the inbox Want to dive deeper into how these trends impact your marketing plans? Contact Seafoam—we’ll help you build a system that grows with you. And don’t forget to follow us on... --- > Discover how Seafoam, one of the top marketing agencies in St. Louis, won Gold & Silver at the 2025 MUSE Awards for exceptional website designs. - Published: 2025-04-24 - Modified: 2025-05-07 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/top-marketing-agencies-in-st-louis-seafoam-muse-awards/ - Categories: Create - Tags: Seafoam News, Web Design & Development We’re proud to share that Seafoam took home two more MUSE Creative Awards this year—this time for our website work. Purpose First Advisors earned Gold in the “Consulting Website” category, and TSI Global received Silver for “Website Redesign. ” Both wins reflect what we always aim to deliver: beautiful, functional websites rooted in strategy and clarity. Each of these sites was built to do more than just look good. They were designed to create momentum—for teams, for clients, and for the future of each business. For Purpose First Advisors, we crafted a warm, professional digital presence that speaks directly to their audience. It’s not just a website—it’s a reflection of their people-first approach to leadership and planning. ↓ --- > Discover how AI-powered marketing enhances transparency and boosts your business with Seafoam's innovative strategies. - Published: 2025-04-15 - Modified: 2025-04-30 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/transparency-in-ai-powered-marketing-seafoam-approach/ - Categories: Strategize, Create, Promote - Tags: Brand Strategy, Content Development If your marketing agency isn’t talking to you about AI, they’re keeping you in the dark. Let’s be real: AI-powered marketing is changing the game. Fast. And at Seafoam, we’ve spent a tremendous amount of time researching, testing, and implementing AI tools—not because it’s trendy, but because it aligns with our responsibility to build marketing systems that create lasting success. Our philosophy has always been about crafting smart, scalable, and sustainable marketing solutions. Ignoring AI’s capabilities would mean ignoring opportunities to make marketing more effective, efficient, and impactful for our clients. We’re not here to gatekeep. We believe in transparency, and that includes telling you exactly how AI is shaping the future of marketing—and why it matters for your business. AI-Powered Marketing: How We Use AI to Make Your Marketing Better We’ve integrated AI into nearly every aspect of our process—not to replace human expertise, but to enhance it. Here’s where it’s making the biggest impact: 1. Writing Better, Faster—But With Strategy The most obvious AI use case? Copywriting. Whether it’s ad copy, blog posts, or social media content, AI helps us draft, refine, and optimize messaging efficiently. But AI isn’t about rushing—it’s about refining. Our team of strategists and copywriters still drive the brand voice, creativity, and human insight behind every piece. AI helps us spend less time on the blank page and more time perfecting the nuances that make your messaging resonate. 2. Competitive Research That Keeps You Ahead AI allows us to quickly analyze competitors—what they’re saying, how they’re positioning themselves, and what gaps we can exploit. Instead of spending weeks manually sifting through data, we get real-time insights that help us build stronger, forward-thinking strategies that align with your long-term goals. 3. Sharpening Brand Messaging Over Time Crafting the perfect brand strategy—your vision, mission, values, and value proposition—requires precision and iteration. AI helps us test different language variations, ensuring we consistently refine and strengthen your messaging in ways that make a lasting impact. 4. Building Smarter Customer Personas Understanding your audience is key. AI helps us analyze vast amounts of data to create detailed customer personas, predicting behaviors and preferences with a level of accuracy that was unheard of just a few years ago. This allows us to craft marketing that connects deeply and adapts as customer needs evolve. 5. Optimizing Ad Performance for Sustained Success AI-driven platforms like Google Performance Max take the guesswork out of digital advertising. By dynamically optimizing your ads over time, they ensure your budget is spent where it delivers the best long-term results. This isn’t about instant wins—it’s about steady, measurable growth. 6. Writing Custom Code to Support Scalable Marketing Systems Need a custom solution? AI helps us write and debug code more efficiently, whether we’re developing a marketing automation system, refining a website feature, or integrating a new tool into your tech stack. This means we can deliver complex, high-value solutions in a timeframe that keeps your business moving forward. 7. Analyzing Data, Trends, and Forecasting for Long-Term Strategy AI allows us to process massive amounts of data and identify trends, giving us a clearer picture of what’s coming next in your industry. With AI-driven forecasting, we can help you adapt, not react, ensuring your business remains ahead of the curve. 8. AI-Powered SEO & Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) Search is changing, and AI is at the heart of it. We use AI to develop strategies specifically designed for AI-driven search engines, ensuring your brand is positioned to be found in this new era of discovery. AI also helps us execute SEO-focused content more effectively, making sure your business stays relevant in organic search. Why This Matters for You AI isn’t just making us more efficient—it’s making your marketing more effective in the medium and long term. It means you get: Strategic speed—not rushed work, but well-executed projects that deliver faster without sacrificing depth Smarter strategies based on real-time data and insights Sustainable results because we’re using AI to support long-term growth, not quick fixes At Seafoam, we’ve always been focused on building strong, adaptable marketing systems—AI simply enhances our ability to do that. It helps us refine your brand, extend your reach, and create meaningful relationships with your audience in ways that weren’t possible before. But technology alone isn’t enough. The real magic happens when AI is paired with strategic thinking, creativity, and a deep understanding of your business. The Agencies Not Talking About This? It’s Worth Asking Why. AI is reshaping marketing, and not every agency is ready for that shift. Some might not want to change. Others might not want to tell you how much time they could be saving. But we believe in staying ahead of the curve and continuously evolving to deliver the best possible results. If your agency isn’t talking about AI, it’s worth asking why. At Seafoam, we’re committed to making marketing smarter, more efficient, and more effective. AI isn’t the future—it’s the present. And we’re here to make sure you benefit from it, every step of the way. --- > Discover how the best brands excel by keeping their messaging and design simple, ensuring clarity and connection with audiences. - Published: 2025-04-03 - Modified: 2025-04-03 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/best-brands-keep-it-simple-seafoam/ - Categories: Strategize - Tags: Brand Strategy Some brands try too hard. They overcomplicate their messaging, their design, their entire presence. But the best brands? They know simplicity wins. Why Complexity Kills Connection Too many brands mistake noise for impact. They add layers of messaging, overloaded visuals, and jargon-filled promises, hoping something sticks. But in a world where attention spans are short, complexity doesn’t captivate—it alienates. Great brands don’t make people work to understand them. They distill their essence into something immediate, something instinctive. A confused customer doesn’t convert. A customer who understands, at a glance, why your brand matters? That’s someone who sticks around. The best brands remove friction, creating a natural, effortless connection between product and person. Simple Is Bold Simplicity isn’t just about design—it’s about confidence. The brands that strip away the excess do it because they know they don’t need to shout. They trust their audience to get it. Think of Supreme. A single logo. No loud campaigns. Just a presence so defined that a red rectangle says everything. Or In-N-Out—limited menu, no gimmicks, yet an undeniable cult following. Less, when done right, is more. Apple’s product launches don’t come with paragraphs of explanation. They show you the product. They tell you what it does. They let the experience speak for itself. That’s confidence. The Myth of More There’s a temptation to always add—more features, more buzzwords, more everything. But the best brands know restraint is power. They focus. They refine. They leave space for people to interpret, engage, and make the brand their own. The brands that last aren’t the ones stuffing their messaging with adjectives. They’re the ones who understand that simplicity doesn’t mean less—it means focus. The sharper your message, the easier it is to remember. The Psychology of Simplicity Simplicity works because the brain craves it. People are wired to take mental shortcuts, and when brands make things easy, they win. Studies show that consumers are more likely to engage with brands that reduce decision fatigue. If they have to work too hard to figure out what you do, they’ll move on. Simple brands remove the guesswork. They don’t leave customers wondering. They answer questions before they’re even asked. That’s why clarity beats cleverness every time. How to Embrace Simplicity in Your Brand Say one thing well. If your brand message takes a paragraph to explain, it’s too much. Eliminate the excess. Less copy, less clutter, more impact. Trust recognition. Repetition builds familiarity—your audience doesn’t need to be overwhelmed to remember you. Make space. Design, messaging, strategy—when in doubt, subtract. Think about experience. A seamless brand experience, from website to product packaging, makes people come back. Simple isn’t just a message—it’s how your brand feels. Simplicity Lasts The best brands aren’t chasing trends, stuffing their messaging with buzzwords, or trying to be everything at once. They’re steady. Confident. Clear. Because when a brand knows exactly who it is, it doesn’t need to over-explain. And that’s what makes it unforgettable. The brands that win are the ones that make people feel something without effort. Because the best marketing, like the best brands, doesn’t force itself on you. It just stays with you. Simplicity isn’t just a design choice. It’s a business strategy. It’s a competitive advantage. And in the long run, it’s the only thing that truly lasts. --- > Seafoam recognized for excellence in creativity as an Outstanding Marketing Agency at the 2025 MUSE Creative Awards. - Published: 2025-04-01 - Modified: 2025-05-07 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/seafoam-wins-2025-muse-award-outstanding-marketing-agency/ - Categories: Create, Promote, Strategize - Tags: Seafoam News Well, this is cool. We’re proud to share that Seafoam has been named a 2025 MUSE Creative Awards winner in the Outstanding Marketing Agency category. This kind of recognition isn’t something we chase—but it does feel good. Not because it means we’re flashy or loud (we’re not), but because it affirms the thing we care about most: building great marketing that actually works. The MUSE Awards celebrate creative professionals whose work serves as a benchmark for excellence. For us, this award is a nod to the systems we’ve quietly built behind the scenes—tailored frameworks that help our clients grow in sustainable, repeatable ways. It’s a reflection of the trust our clients place in us, and the deep, thoughtful collaboration that makes the work better at every step. Seafoam exists to make marketing simpler, smarter, and more human. We do it by focusing on three core pillars: building compelling brands, executing with precision, and creating lasting relationships. That trifecta—brand, reach, relationship—is what powers long-term success. It’s what turns good businesses into unforgettable ones. This win is shared with our clients, our team, and our community here in St. Louis and beyond. It’s also a quiet reminder that doing good work, staying true to your values, and focusing on what matters most... still works. Thanks for being part of our story. --- > Discover the latest April 2025 marketing news, trends, and AI-driven insights shaping the industry's future. - Published: 2025-04-01 - Modified: 2025-04-01 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/april-2025-marketing-news/ - Categories: Create, Promote, Strategize - Tags: SEO Services, Social Media As we head into April 2025, the marketing landscape continues its rapid evolution—driven by AI, shifting consumer expectations, and emerging experiential tactics. From global conferences to fresh innovations in content strategy, here’s what’s making waves this month. April 2025 Marketing News: Trends & Insights Generative AI Revolutionizes Content and Strategy Generative AI has officially moved from novelty to necessity. Marketers are using it to create hyper-personalized content, streamline production workflows, and drive better creative decisions. The ability to test variations at scale while maintaining brand tone is reshaping campaign planning and execution. Authentic Brand Storytelling Takes Center Stage Consumers are tuning out generic brand noise and tuning into stories with soul. This month’s campaigns are leaning into purpose-driven messaging and human narratives that foster trust. Authenticity is no longer optional—it’s your competitive edge. Short-Form Video Remains King TikTok, Reels, and Shorts continue to outperform other formats for engagement. But success now depends on more than trends—marketers are investing in tighter storytelling, better editing, and value-driven content. User-Generated Content (UGC) Gains Traction Brands are increasingly tapping into their communities to co-create. UGC is being strategically integrated across paid and organic channels, not just for authenticity but also for performance. Personalization at Scale AI-powered tools are enabling marketers to create personalized experiences at unprecedented scale. From tailored product recommendations to dynamic landing pages, relevance is the new standard. SEO Prioritizes Expertise and Authority Search algorithms continue to reward original, high-quality content. The shift away from keyword stuffing toward demonstrating topical authority and real-world expertise is reshaping SEO strategies across industries. Chatbots and AI Customer Support Advanced AI-powered chatbots are now integral to marketing ecosystems. They’re providing 24/7 support, qualifying leads, and even offering personalized recommendations—all while learning and improving. April Fools’ Day Marketing Stunts April 1 brought a wave of playful campaigns—fake product launches, ironic brand crossovers, and tongue-in-cheek ads. These moments, when executed with wit and polish, continue to humanize brands and spark buzz. Luxury Brands Embrace AR and Digital Innovation In an effort to stay culturally and technologically relevant, luxury brands are turning to AR experiences and digital product passports to elevate storytelling and deepen customer engagement. Global Expansion of Localized Marketing Sports teams like the Kansas City Chiefs are securing international marketing rights to expand brand presence abroad. Localized content, language-specific campaigns, and cultural relevance are core to this next wave of expansion. Our Take April’s trends make one thing clear: we’re entering a golden era of hybrid marketing. Technology is amplifying creativity, but the brands winning hearts and minds are those marrying innovation with authenticity. AI is powering precision, but human storytelling is what makes it stick. The challenge for marketers is to master both. Scale without losing soul. Automate without becoming generic. Those who do will define the next chapter of brand growth. April 2025 Marketing Events DigiMarCon West 2025 When: April 3–4, 2025 Where: Los Angeles, CA Focus: Digital marketing, media, and advertising Features: Expert keynotes, networking, AI-focused sessions Experiential Marketing Summit (EMS) 2025 When: April 14–16, 2025 Where: Las Vegas, NV Focus: Experiential and live brand experiences Features: Case studies from top brands, workshops, and strategy deep dives Digital Summit Chicago 2025 When: April 16–17, 2025 Where: Chicago, IL Focus: AI, content, SEO, and data-driven strategy Features: Actionable sessions and expert-led panels POSSIBLE Miami 2025 When: April 28–30, 2025 Where: Miami, FL Focus: Innovation and executive-level marketing strategy Features: Immersive experiences, networking, and future-forward insights DigiMarCon Gulf 2025 When: April 28–29, 2025 Where: Houston, TX Focus: Global digital marketing trends Features: Workshops on content, analytics, and advertising innovation For more insights and updates, follow Seafoam on LinkedIn. Need help navigating the evolving marketing landscape? Contact us to explore strategies that will help your business thrive in 2025 and beyond. --- > Discover how Seafoam's outstanding website design earned two prestigious awards, highlighting our commitment to excellence. - Published: 2025-03-20 - Modified: 2025-03-20 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/seafoam-celebrates-web-excellence-awards-website-design/ - Categories: Create - Tags: Web Design & Development At Seafoam, we’re always focused on creating thoughtful, effective website design experiences for our clients. It’s an added bonus when our work gets recognized beyond that. We’re excited to share that we’ve won two Web Excellence Awards for our work on the Daysies website and Chaney Windows and Doors website. The Web Excellence Awards highlight the best in digital design, marketing, and development, celebrating agencies that push creativity and functionality forward. We’re honored to have our work included among this year’s winners. Award-Winning Work Daysies Website View the winning entry For Daysies, we turned daily gaming into a personalized adventure through a dynamic, social word puzzle platform. Our design unites three key elements: an engaging interface featuring a scrolling hero that showcases diverse interest categories, an intuitive user journey that helps players find games aligned with their passions, and seamless game mechanics that make competitive play accessible and fun. The result is a digital platform that transforms traditional word puzzles into an interactive community experience, allowing users to prove their super-fan status while competing and sharing their achievements with others. Chaney Windows and Doors Website View the winning entry For Chaney Windows and Doors, a St. Louis institution known for transforming houses into dream homes, we designed more than just a website – we created a digital experience that mirrors their commitment to craftsmanship and customer service. Our approach unified three critical elements: a thoughtfully structured user journey that guides homeowners through Chaney’s extensive product selection, an elegant design system that showcases their premium offerings, and strategic conversion pathways that transform interest into action. The result is a website that serves as both a digital showroom and a powerful marketing framework, making it effortless for homeowners to explore, envision, and engage while delivering meaningful results for Chaney and their customers. Looking Ahead Recognition like this is always nice, but the real reward is seeing our clients thrive with strong digital foundations. We’re grateful to Daysies and Chaney Windows and Doors for trusting us with their brands, and we’re excited to keep doing work that makes an impact. --- > Discover the latest March 2025 marketing news, trends, and insights shaping the industry landscape as technology evolves. - Published: 2025-03-04 - Modified: 2025-03-04 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/march-2025-marketing-news/ - Categories: Create, Promote, Strategize - Tags: Brand Strategy, SEO Services, Social Media As we move into March 2025, marketing continues to evolve with rapid advancements in technology, changing consumer behaviors, and new industry standards. This month, we’re seeing significant shifts in AI-driven content, social commerce, and data privacy, among other key trends. Let’s dive into the most important updates and events shaping the marketing landscape this month, including the latest March 2025 marketing news. March 2025 Marketing News: Trends & Insights AI-Powered Content Creation & Personalization This section highlights the latest March 2025 marketing news and how it impacts businesses moving forward. AI-driven tools are now an integral part of content marketing strategies. Brands are using AI to generate hyper-personalized ad creatives, automate copywriting, and optimize customer interactions. These tools help companies create more effective campaigns while maintaining brand consistency and audience engagement, further influenced by the latest March 2025 marketing news. Short-Form Video Dominance With platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts continuing to dominate, short-form video remains the most engaging content format. Brands are focusing on snappy, visually compelling narratives to capture attention quickly and drive conversions. Social Commerce Expansion Shopping within social platforms is no longer a novelty—it’s a core part of eCommerce. TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are refining their in-app shopping experiences, integrating AI-powered recommendations to improve conversion rates and customer retention. Voice Search Optimization As voice search adoption grows, brands are optimizing their content to align with how people naturally speak. SEO strategies now include long-tail, conversational queries to ensure visibility across voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. Influencer Marketing Evolution Brands are shifting their focus from celebrity influencers to micro and nano-influencers. These smaller influencers have stronger audience connections, leading to higher engagement and more authentic interactions with brands. Omnichannel Marketing Strategies Seamless customer experiences across digital and physical touchpoints are more important than ever. Companies are refining their omnichannel strategies to provide a consistent brand experience, whether through social media, email, in-store interactions, or customer service chatbots. Augmented & Virtual Reality Integration AR and VR technologies are being leveraged to create immersive brand experiences. From virtual try-ons to interactive product demos, brands are using these tools to deepen engagement and drive purchasing decisions. Data Privacy and Security Emphasis With increasing regulations on data privacy, brands are focusing on transparency and ethical data collection. First-party data strategies are becoming essential as companies shift away from reliance on third-party cookies. Sustainability and Ethical Marketing Consumers expect brands to demonstrate genuine commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices. Greenwashing is no longer acceptable—companies must back their claims with tangible actions and transparent reporting. AI-Driven Advertising Innovation AI is reshaping digital advertising, from real-time content generation to hyper-personalized ad targeting. Expect to see more brands using AI to enhance creative execution, optimize ad spend, and drive better campaign performance. Our Take March 2025’s marketing trends highlight a dynamic balance between cutting-edge technology and human-centric strategies. AI is revolutionizing content personalization and advertising, but brands must remain authentic and privacy-conscious. Short-form video continues to be the most effective medium for engagement, while social commerce and omnichannel marketing are reshaping the customer journey. Meanwhile, the shift toward influencer authenticity and ethical marketing underscores the need for brands to build deeper trust with consumers. Transparency, sustainability, and privacy-first data strategies will define success in the months ahead. The key takeaway? Brands that integrate AI and digital innovations while prioritizing authenticity, ethical responsibility, and consumer trust will stand out in this competitive landscape. March 2025 Marketing Events SXSW (South by Southwest) When: March 7–15, 2025 Where: Austin, Texas Focus: Interactive media, branding, and marketing innovation Features: Networking opportunities, keynote speakers, and emerging technology showcases Adobe Summit – The Digital Experience Conference When: March 18–20, 2025 Where: Las Vegas, Nevada (and online) Focus: Digital marketing, AI in advertising, and customer experience Features: Hands-on labs, industry leader panels, and AI-driven marketing insights Digital Summit Tampa When: March 25–26, 2025 Where: Tampa, Florida Focus: Digital marketing strategies and innovations Features: SEO, content marketing, emerging trends, and networking sessions The MarTech Summit: Berlin When: March 5, 2025 Where: Berlin, Germany Focus: Marketing technology trends and strategies Features: Industry leaders, case studies, and panel discussions on AI-driven marketing tools Marketing, PR & Development Council Conference 2025 When: March 23–26, 2025 Where: Austin, Texas Focus: Marketing, public relations, and development strategies Features: Expert insights, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities For more insights and updates, follow Seafoam on LinkedIn. Need help navigating the evolving marketing landscape? Contact us to explore strategies that will help your business thrive in 2025 and beyond. --- > Discover key insights from the 2025 St. Louis marketing report tailored for business leaders and directors in the region. - Published: 2025-02-28 - Modified: 2025-05-02 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/2025-st-louis-marketing-report/ - Categories: Create, Promote, Strategize - Tags: AI SEO, Analytics & Reporting, Brand Strategy, Content Development, Email Marketing, PPC / Google Ads, SEO Services, Social Media, Web Design & Development Prepared for: Business Owners, CEOs, Presidents, and Marketing Directors in the St. Louis regionPrepared by: Seafoam Marketing – A St. Louis Marketing Agency Table of ContentsIntroductionPost-Pandemic Digital Transformation in St. Louis IndustriesThe Local-Digital DivideSt. Louis Marketing Budget Allocation BenchmarksThe Emerging St. Louis Creative EconomyAI Adoption in St. Louis MarketingConclusion Introduction In 2025, the St. Louis marketing landscape has entered a new era defined by rapid digital growth and evolving local consumer behaviors. With deep roots and years of experience in St. Louis, we’ve witnessed firsthand the shift from an era of billboard campaigns and print ads to one dominated by social media, search engines, and data-driven strategy. The COVID-19 pandemic was a pivotal accelerant of this change – forcing businesses in every industry to adapt almost overnight. What follows is an in-depth exploration of how St. Louis businesses are navigating this “new normal” in marketing, balancing the city’s proud local culture with the vast opportunities of the digital world. Each section of this report delves into a key theme shaping our region’s marketing environment in 2025. You’ll find data from reliable sources, local examples, and insights drawn from years of marketing expertise. Our aim is to provide clarity and guidance – in plain language – on what these trends mean for you as business leaders, and how you can leverage them. From permanent post-pandemic transformations to budget benchmarks, creative economy influences, and the rise of AI, this report serves as a roadmap to the digital horizons ahead for St. Louis marketing. Let’s begin by looking at how local industries have permanently changed their marketing strategies in the wake of the pandemic. Post-Pandemic Digital Transformation in St. Louis Industries The COVID-19 pandemic upended “business as usual” and, in many ways, permanently reshaped how St. Louis companies reach their customers. In the early months of 2020, storefronts went dark and in-person events were canceled, but consumer demand didn’t vanish – it moved online. St. Louis businesses, from retail and restaurants to B2B manufacturers, responded by accelerating their digital transformation at an unprecedented pace. Many of these changes have proven to be lasting. In this section, we examine what that transformation looks like across industries and how our local trends compare to national averages. Permanent Shifts in Marketing Strategies In the throes of the pandemic, going digital was not just an option; it became a lifeline. Nationally, e-commerce sales surged by 43% in 2020 alone. St. Louis companies felt this shift acutely and took action. For example, retailers and restaurants quickly stood up online ordering, curbside pickup, and delivery options. A payment technology report highlighted that many businesses rushed to move online in spring 2020 – Kansas City even ranked in the top 10 U. S. cities for the spike in new online sellers during that period. While St. Louis wasn’t at the very top of that list, local businesses experienced the same urgency to pivot. Square’s Head of E-Commerce noted that even as cities reopened, “many still preferring curbside pickup and delivery. Businesses must continue catering to these expectations. ” In other words, the new digital conveniences and habits born in the pandemic have stuck around. Consider the story of A. E. Schmidt Billiards, a fifth-generation St. Louis company. Before 2020, they primarily used their website as a showroom for custom pool tables. When in-person retail faltered, they rapidly transformed that site into a fully functioning e-commerce store. With the help of a local digital agency, A. E. Schmidt launched online sales just in time to meet a wave of homebound customers shopping for entertainment in quarantine. Their quick action paid off – they kept selling even while competitors without online sales were forced to pause operations. Stories like this played out across the metro area. For every heartbreaking closure in 2020, there were businesses that survived by embracing digital tools, from mom-and-pop eateries setting up online ordering to professional services firms adopting webinars and virtual consultations. Industry-specific adoption of digital marketing also leapt forward in St. Louis, often mirroring national trends – with a few local nuances. In health care, for instance, telemedicine visits in Missouri exploded when in-person visits were limited. Many hospitals and clinics in the region now market hybrid care options (in-person or video appointments) as a permanent service offering. Education and events went virtual too: organizations like the Midwest Digital Marketing Conference (MDMC), hosted by UMSL, shifted to online and hybrid formats. Marketers learned to promote virtual experiences and then, as in-person came back, how to blend the two. B2B industries (manufacturing, logistics, etc. ) that traditionally relied on trade shows and sales reps had to generate leads digitally – via search engine marketing, LinkedIn outreach, and virtual demos. One panel of B2B marketing experts in St. Louis observed that the pandemic “accelerated the need for digital marketing” and made personalization and online relationship-building more critical to stand out in a crowded digital space. In short, every sector found itself pushed along the digital adoption curve. St. Louis vs. National Digital Adoption How does St. Louis’s digital transformation stack up against national averages? Overall, our region kept pace in many areas, though certain legacy industries moved a bit slower. For example, by late 2021, roughly 70% of small businesses nationally had increased their use of digital tools (whether for marketing, e-commerce, or operations) due to the pandemic. St. Louis closely followed this trend. In fact, one survey found that 77% of U. S. local business decision-makers (a cohort that includes many St. Louis businesses) were optimistic about AI and new tech, and over half were already using software with AI capabilities by 2024 – a signal that even smaller firms here are not shy about adopting advanced digital tools. Where our region has lagged a bit is in the growth of the overall tech workforce. From 2021 to 2022, St. Louis’s tech employment grew only 0. 3%, placing us 45th out of 51 major metros for tech job growth. That’s a reminder that while usage of digital... --- > Discover how great marketing not only gains attention but also creates memorable experiences that resonate with your audience. - Published: 2025-02-12 - Modified: 2025-05-24 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/great-marketing-gets-noticed-remembered-seafoam/ - Categories: Strategize - Tags: Brand Strategy Some marketing grabs attention. Some marketing stays with you. The difference? Great marketing doesn’t just make noise—it makes an impact. The Problem with Flashy, Forgettable Marketing It’s easy to fall into the trap of chasing attention. Viral content, clickbait headlines, loud design choices—they might get people to pause, but they rarely leave a lasting impression. Why? Because they don’t mean anything. They’re built for the moment, not for the memory. Good marketing is seen. Great marketing is felt. Attention fades. Impact lasts. The brands that focus only on short-term engagement get lost in the noise. The ones that stand out are the ones that understand marketing isn’t about shouting the loudest—it’s about saying the right thing, at the right time, in a way that sticks. The Brands That Get It Right Think about the brands you respect. The ones you trust. The ones that feel like they’ve always been there. They don’t scream for your attention. They don’t chase trends. They focus on consistency, clarity, and meaning. Apple. Patagonia. Nike. Coca-Cola. What do they all have in common? They know who they are, and they communicate that identity effortlessly. They’ve built marketing that’s not just seen but remembered, woven into culture itself. It’s not just about a product—it’s about what they stand for. And because of that, their marketing isn’t just effective—it’s timeless. You don’t need to be a billion-dollar brand to apply the same principles. You just need to understand what makes great marketing stick. The Three Elements of Memorable Marketing 1. Simplicity That Cuts Through the Noise The best marketing isn’t complicated. It’s clear. It’s direct. And most importantly, it’s easy to understand. Take Nike’s Just Do It. Three words. Straight to the point. Not just a tagline, but a mentality. You don’t have to explain it—it just makes sense. Most brands overcomplicate their messaging. They try to say too much. But the truth is, if you can’t sum up your message in a sentence, your audience won’t remember it. The human brain is wired for simplicity. The more effortless something is to understand, the more likely it is to stick. Your audience is bombarded with information every day—give them something that cuts through the noise, not something that adds to it. 2. Authenticity That Feels Effortless People don’t remember marketing that feels forced. They remember brands that feel real. That’s why great marketing is never about trying too hard—it’s about being unmistakably you. Patagonia doesn’t just talk about sustainability; they live it. Apple doesn’t just sell technology; they create experiences. Their marketing works because it’s built on something real. The takeaway? Don’t try to convince people. Just be something worth remembering. Authenticity isn’t about crafting the perfect message. It’s about consistency. It’s about knowing your voice, your purpose, and your audience so well that everything you create feels natural. People can sense when a brand is trying too hard. The best marketing is effortless because it comes from a place of truth. 3. Consistency That Builds Trust Reputation isn’t built in a single campaign. It’s built over time. The brands people remember aren’t the ones that make the most noise—they’re the ones that show up, over and over again, with the same strong identity. Consistency isn’t boring. It’s how trust is built. And trust is what makes marketing last. Trust isn’t won overnight. It’s the result of a brand showing up consistently, saying what it means, and following through on its promises. Whether it’s in branding, messaging, or customer experience, consistency builds familiarity. And familiarity builds loyalty. So, What Does This Mean for Your Brand? If your marketing feels like a struggle—like you’re always trying to “break through the noise”—maybe it’s time to rethink your approach. Instead of chasing attention, build something that earns it. Something people won’t just notice, but come back to. A brand that’s constantly shifting, chasing trends, and trying to keep up will always feel temporary. A brand that knows itself, keeps things simple, and stays consistent? That’s a brand that sticks. Because in the end, good marketing gets noticed. Great marketing gets remembered. Which one are you aiming for? --- > Discover how Seafoam is redefining marketing and earning recognition as one of St. Louis' best consulting firms. - Published: 2025-02-04 - Modified: 2025-02-04 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/seafoam-best-consulting-firms-st-louis/ - Categories: Strategize - Tags: Consulting When we opened our doors at Seafoam, we set out to build something different: a marketing agency that would transform how businesses connect with their audiences through unified brand experiences, strategic reach, and authentic relationships. While "consulting" represents just one facet of our work, we're deeply honored to be recognized by St. Louis Small Business Monthly as one of the region's best consulting firms. This recognition speaks to something fundamental about our approach. Whether we're designing a new brand identity, architecting a website, or developing a comprehensive marketing framework, consultation and strategic thinking form the bedrock of everything we do. We believe lasting success comes from truly understanding our clients' challenges and opportunities before crafting solutions. What makes this recognition particularly meaningful is that it comes from our home community. St. Louis isn't just where we work—it's where we live, build relationships, and strive to make a positive impact every day. Being named alongside such respected firms in our region reminds us that when you focus on doing good work and building genuine connections, good things follow. But we're not ones to rest on our laurels. This recognition energizes us to push further, dig deeper, and continue refining our craft. Our mission remains unchanged: to design timeless marketing systems that bring clarity to our clients' goals and unite brand, reach, and relationships in ways that create lasting success. To our clients who trust us with their growth, our team who brings their best every day, and our St. Louis community that continues to support us—thank you. We're just getting started. --- > Explore February 2025 marketing news, insights, and events shaping the industry landscape with AI and human connection. - Published: 2025-01-31 - Modified: 2025-01-31 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/february-2025-marketing-news-trends-and-insights/ - Categories: Promote - Tags: AI SEO, Analytics & Reporting, Content Development, SEO Services, Social Media February 2025 Marketing News & Happenings: AI-Driven Creative Development: AI tools are becoming standard for content generation and refinement, enabling sophisticated personalization and dynamic ad creation. Marketers are leveraging these technologies to optimize messaging while maintaining creative integrity. Rise of Micro-Influencers: Brands are discovering greater value in partnerships with smaller, more focused influencers who maintain stronger connections with specific communities. These authentic voices often generate higher engagement rates than celebrity endorsements. First-Party Data Strategy: As third-party cookies phase out, organizations are developing sophisticated first-party data collection methods. This shift emphasizes transparency and privacy-first approaches in customer data management. Authenticity in Content: User-generated content continues to outperform traditional polished advertising. Raw, genuine customer testimonials and organic content are driving stronger audience connections and trust. Hybrid Experience Integration: The line between digital and physical customer experiences continues to blur. Brands are using AR and VR technologies to create seamless interactions across all touchpoints. Social Commerce Maturation: Social platforms have evolved into robust shopping destinations. AI-powered recommendation systems on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are driving improved conversion rates. Conversational Marketing Growth: Advanced chatbots and AI-driven messaging systems are transforming customer service. Real-time engagement through various messaging platforms is becoming standard practice. Short-Form Content Dominance: Platforms focusing on brief, engaging content like TikTok and Instagram Reels continue to lead engagement metrics. Ephemeral content maintains its strong appeal among audiences. CTV Advertising Expansion: As traditional TV advertising declines, brands are increasing investment in programmatic streaming ads. Personalized targeting on major streaming platforms shows promising results. Luxury Market Adaptation: High-end brands are emphasizing craftsmanship and sustainability while enhancing direct customer engagement through personalized experiences and VIP events. Omnichannel Integration: Organizations are creating cohesive customer journeys across all platforms, using AI to predict behavior and optimize interactions at every touchpoint. Ethical Marketing Evolution: Consumer expectations for genuine corporate responsibility are rising. Brands must demonstrate authentic commitment to sustainability and social issues beyond surface-level claims. Our Take: The February 2025 marketing news reflects a sophisticated balance between technological advancement and human connection. AI's integration into creative processes marks a significant shift in how marketing teams operate, while the rise of micro-influencers signals a return to more intimate, community-focused engagement. The emphasis on first-party data and privacy compliance demonstrates the industry's maturation in handling customer information. This evolution coincides with a broader shift toward authenticity, as seen in the success of user-generated content and raw, unpolished messaging. Social commerce and conversational marketing continue to reshape how brands interact with customers. These channels, enhanced by AI capabilities, create more natural, responsive purchasing experiences. Meanwhile, the surge in CTV advertising represents a significant shift in how brands reach audiences through entertainment platforms. The luxury sector's adaptation to economic conditions through enhanced personal experiences and sustainability focus reflects broader industry trends toward meaningful customer connections. Similarly, the imperative for genuine ethical marketing practices indicates a deeper understanding of modern consumer values. Looking ahead, success will likely favor those who can effectively combine technological capabilities with authentic human elements, creating experiences that resonate on both practical and emotional levels. February 2025 Marketing Events: Affiliate Summit West When: February 3-5, 2025 Where: Las Vegas, Nevada Focus: Affiliate marketing strategies and networking Features: Industry leader insights and future trends Product Marketing Summit Austin When: February 11-12, 2025 Where: Austin, Texas Focus: Product marketing case studies and best practices Features: Positioning, messaging, and go-to-market strategies Future of Marketing Leadership Conference When: February 12-13, 2025 Where: New York, New York Focus: Modern marketing competencies and education Features: Industry-academia collaboration and practical insights Second Wind Conference When: February 13-14, 2025 Where: Lake Buena Vista, Florida Focus: Small agency management and growth Features: Creative processes and client relationship strategies B2B Marketing Exchange When: February 24-26, 2025 Where: Scottsdale, Arizona Focus: B2B marketing and demand generation Features: Account-based marketing insights eTail West When: February 24-27, 2025 Where: Palm Springs, California Focus: eCommerce and digital marketing Features: Online retail trends and innovations For more insights and updates, follow Seafoam on LinkedIn. Contact us to discuss how we can help you navigate the evolving marketing landscape and achieve your growth goals. --- > Discover key strategies for building a brand that fosters genuine connections and thrives in today's market of authenticity. - Published: 2025-01-30 - Modified: 2025-01-30 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/building-a-brand-in-the-age-of-authenticity/ - Categories: Strategize, Create - Tags: Brand Strategy In an era where consumers can spot inauthentic marketing from a mile away, building a brand faces a critical challenge: how to create genuine connections that stand the test of time. The days of carefully polished corporate messaging and one-way brand communications are behind us. Today's successful brand building is founded on something far more fundamental – authenticity. When building a brand in today's market, this authenticity serves as your north star. The Evolution of Brand Trust The shift in how we build and maintain brand trust has been seismic. Just a decade ago, companies building a brand could rely on carefully controlled messaging and traditional authority to build their market presence. But today's consumers have unprecedented access to information, peer reviews, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into company operations. This transparency has fundamentally changed the approach to building a brand. What's fascinating is that this shift hasn't just changed how brands communicate – it's transformed what brand building means altogether. The most successful brands today aren't just selling products or services; they're building relationships based on shared values and genuine interactions. Modern brand building requires a completely different mindset. What Building an Authentic Brand Actually Means Let's clear up a common misconception in brand building: creating an authentic brand isn't about sharing every detail of your business operations or maintaining a casual social media presence. True authenticity in building a brand runs much deeper. It's about aligning your external messaging with your internal values and operations in a way that creates genuine value for your customers. Think of it this way: authenticity isn't a marketing strategy – it's the natural result of building a brand that truly lives its values. When your internal culture, customer experience, and market presence all align, authenticity becomes less about what you say and more about who you are. This alignment is crucial when building a brand that lasts. The Three Pillars of Building an Authentic Brand 1. Internal Alignment The foundation of building a lasting brand starts within. This means creating systems and cultures that naturally produce authentic interactions. When your team deeply understands and believes in your brand's values, authentic communication becomes second nature rather than a scripted exercise. Your internal processes should support and reinforce your brand promises. If you claim to prioritize customer service, your internal systems should make it easy for your team to deliver exceptional service consistently. This alignment between internal operations and external promises is essential for building a brand that resonates with authenticity. 2. Customer Connection Building a brand that connects genuinely with customers requires moving beyond traditional demographic data to understand the real people who interact with your brand. This means creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue and actually listening to what customers say – not just during sales interactions, but throughout their entire journey with your brand. The key to building a brand that truly resonates is to approach these interactions with emotional intelligence. Understanding customer needs, fears, and aspirations allows you to create genuine value rather than just pushing messages or products. 3. Market Presence When building a brand, your market presence should be a natural extension of your internal culture and customer relationships. This means developing a distinctive voice that truly reflects who you are as a company, not who you think the market wants you to be. Content creation becomes less about selling and more about serving. When building a brand focused on providing genuine value and building real relationships, the sales process becomes a natural outcome rather than a forced effort. Building Systems for Sustainable Authenticity Creating authentic brands isn't about grand gestures or one-time campaigns. Building a brand that lasts requires sustainable systems that consistently deliver authentic experiences. This means: Creating frameworks that guide authentic communication across all channels Developing measurement systems that track the quality of customer relationships, not just quantities Building feedback loops that help you understand and adapt to changing customer needs Training teams to maintain authentic interactions while scaling your brand building efforts The Long-Term Impact The most powerful aspect of building an authentic brand is its compound effect over time. When you consistently deliver genuine value and build real relationships, you create a ripple effect that extends far beyond immediate business metrics. Brands built on authenticity don't just weather market changes – they thrive through them because they've built relationships strong enough to sustain through difficulties. They create loyal customer bases that become brand advocates, leading to organic growth that's both more sustainable and more profitable than traditional marketing efforts could achieve. Moving Forward Building a brand isn't a destination – it's an ongoing journey of alignment between who you are and how you show up in the market. Start by auditing the gap between your current brand presence and your core values. Look for disconnects between what you say and what you do. Most importantly, listen to your customers and create systems that help you serve them more authentically. Remember, when building a brand, the goal isn't perfection – it's genuine connection. In a world increasingly dominated by artificial interactions, authentic brands don't just stand out – they stand the test of time. --- > Explore the website redesign journey of Chaney Windows & Doors, enhancing its online presence with a fresh seafoam aesthetic. - Published: 2025-01-14 - Modified: 2025-01-14 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/reshaping-chaney-windows-doors-digital-presence/ - Categories: Create, Strategize - Tags: Web Design & Development Website redesigns are interesting projects - kind of like home renovations, but with significantly fewer construction delays and dust-covered furniture. They're opportunities to fix what isn't working, amplify what is, and completely rethink how a business presents itself online. For Chaney Windows & Doors, we started with a simple question: how do people actually shop for windows and doors in 2025? (Spoiler: not by scrolling through endless paragraphs of technical specifications, despite what some industry veterans might believe. ) The answer shaped every decision that followed. Design That Reflects Quality Our new design prioritizes what matters most: Chaney's exceptional work. We moved away from the dark, text-heavy layouts of their previous site to create a cleaner, more inviting space. A refined palette of deep navy and warm gold creates a premium foundation that lets their craftsmanship take center stage. Because let's face it - nobody has ever said "I wish this website had more clutter. " Intuitive Architecture The old site's structure felt a bit like a maze - you might eventually find what you're looking for, but you'll need some breadcrumbs to find your way back. We rebuilt everything around actual customer behavior. The new design allows for natural exploration, whether someone arrives looking for inspiration or specific product details. This improved structure doesn't just help visitors – it also gives search engines a better understanding of Chaney's offerings, enhancing their digital visibility. Visual Storytelling Products like windows and doors need to be seen to be appreciated. You can describe a slider window in great detail, but nothing beats actually seeing one - preferably without having to squint at a tiny thumbnail image. We expanded the visual experience with larger, high-quality photography that showcases both products and installations. The new gallery layout provides a more comprehensive view of Chaney's work, helping potential customers envision possibilities for their own homes. --- > Explore the latest in January 2025 marketing news, trends, and events shaping the future of AI-driven strategies. - Published: 2025-01-07 - Modified: 2025-01-07 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/january-2025-marketing-news-insights-events/ - Categories: Strategize, Create, Promote - Tags: AI SEO, Brand Strategy, Content Development, Email Marketing, SEO Services, Social Media January 2025 Marketing News & Happenings: AI-Driven Personalization Advances: Artificial intelligence continues to revolutionize marketing through hyper-personalized experiences. By analyzing complex patterns in browsing behavior, purchase history, and customer interactions, AI systems now craft individualized content that resonates with specific audience segments. Major brands report significant improvements in engagement rates and customer loyalty through these targeted approaches. Voice Search Optimization: The mainstream adoption of smart speakers and voice-activated devices is fundamentally changing search behavior. Brands are adapting their content strategies to optimize for natural language queries, focusing on conversational keywords and question-based content. This shift reflects the growing importance of voice-first experiences in the customer journey. AR/VR Transform Shopping: Major retailers like IKEA and Sephora are setting new standards in immersive shopping experiences. Through augmented and virtual reality implementations, customers can now visualize products in their own spaces or try them virtually before purchase. These technologies are showing promising results in reducing return rates and increasing customer confidence in online purchases. Social Commerce Evolution: Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have evolved beyond social networking to become significant shopping destinations. New features enable seamless in-app purchases, while advanced algorithms create personalized shopping feeds. This integration of social interaction and commerce is reshaping how consumers discover and purchase products. Trust-Based Marketing: In response to growing consumer skepticism, brands are prioritizing authenticity in their marketing approaches. User-generated content, transparent business practices, and genuine customer testimonials are becoming central to marketing strategies. Companies are finding that building trust through honest communication leads to stronger, more lasting customer relationships. Sports Marketing Diversification: The marketing landscape is expanding into new territory with emerging sports leagues and women's sports. Brands are discovering valuable opportunities in these previously underserved markets, targeting passionate fan bases through strategic sponsorships and partnerships. This diversification is opening up new channels for authentic audience engagement. Advanced AI Customer Service: Digital assistants and AI-driven chatbots have evolved to provide sophisticated, personalized support. These systems now handle complex inquiries with natural language processing and emotional intelligence, offering real-time assistance that rivals human support in many scenarios. Companies report significant improvements in customer satisfaction and response times. Ethical AI and Privacy: Organizations are taking a proactive stance on data privacy and ethical AI use. This includes implementing transparent data collection practices, clear opt-in processes, and responsible AI deployment. Companies are finding that strong ethical practices not only comply with regulations but also build stronger customer trust and loyalty. Quality Over Quantity: In response to digital fatigue, brands are prioritizing meaningful engagements over high-volume content distribution. This approach focuses on creating valuable, personalized experiences that resonate with specific audience segments. Companies report stronger engagement metrics and improved customer retention through this more focused strategy. Real-Time Brand Monitoring: CMOs are leveraging advanced AI-powered systems for proactive reputation management. These tools provide instant insights into public discussions, competitor activities, and brand sentiment across multiple channels. This real-time monitoring enables swift responses to emerging issues and opportunities, helping brands maintain and enhance their market position. Our Take: The start of 2025 brings a distinct convergence of technological advancement and human-centered marketing approaches. AI continues its transformation of the industry, but with a notably more nuanced implementation focused on enhancing rather than replacing human interactions. The evolution of voice search and AR/VR technology signals a shift in how consumers discover and interact with brands. These emerging channels create opportunities for more intuitive, immersive customer experiences, while requiring marketers to adapt their strategies accordingly. Social commerce's rapid growth reflects changing consumer behaviors, with platforms like TikTok and Instagram bridging the gap between social interaction and purchasing decisions. Meanwhile, the emphasis on trust and authenticity underscores the enduring importance of genuine connections in an increasingly digital world. The expansion into diverse sports markets and the focus on meaningful engagements demonstrate the value of reaching specific audiences with relevant, impactful content. This targeted approach, combined with real-time brand monitoring, enables more responsive and effective marketing strategies. Looking ahead, success will likely favor those who can balance technological innovation with authentic human connection, creating experiences that resonate on both practical and emotional levels. January 2025 Marketing Events: Lead Generation World Conference 2025 When: January 5-7, 2025 Where: Hollywood, Florida Focus: Lead generation, customer acquisition, and conversion strategies Features: Immersive sessions and expert insights for campaign optimization NRF 2025: Retail's Big Show When: January 12-14, 2025 Where: New York City, New York Focus: Retail technologies and marketing strategies Features: Keynote speeches, interactive sessions, and innovative retail solutions Traffic & Conversion Summit 2025 When: January 14-16, 2025 Where: Las Vegas, Nevada Focus: Digital marketing and conversion optimization Features: Practical insights on SEO, paid media, email marketing, and social media Advanced Email Conference When: January 23, 2025 Where: Manchester, United Kingdom Focus: Email marketing strategies and best practices Features: Real-world use cases and actionable strategies Rev2025 When: January 28-30, 2025 Where: Online Focus: Revenue optimization and growth strategies Features: In-depth discussions on marketing strategies and web analytics For more insights and updates, follow Seafoam on LinkedIn. Contact us to discuss how we can help you navigate the evolving marketing landscape and achieve your growth goals. --- > Seafoam announces two GDUSA awards for exceptional design work with Tiny Little Monster and Shiloh, highlighting innovation in design. - Published: 2024-12-20 - Modified: 2024-12-20 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/seafoam-takes-home-two-gdusa-awards/ - Categories: Create, Strategize - Tags: Brand Strategy, Seafoam News, Web Design & Development Some exciting news from our team: Seafoam has been awarded two Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) awards for our recent work with Tiny Little Monster and Shiloh Counseling. The Projects The first award recognizes our website redesign for Tiny Little Monster, a St. Louis print shop beloved for their independent spirit and quality craftsmanship. We created a digital space that makes it easy to explore their screen printing, embroidery, and DTF transfer services, while capturing the creative energy that makes them unique. Our second award celebrates the brand identity system we developed for Shiloh Counseling. Working closely with their team, we crafted a visual language centered around a sophisticated color palette and bird motif. The design strikes a careful balance between professional and approachable – essential for a counseling practice focused on helping clients find peace and direction. What Makes It Special Both projects presented unique challenges that pushed us to do our best work. For Tiny Little Monster, we needed to translate their artistic, independent personality into a functional user experience. Their website needed to serve multiple audiences - from individuals ordering custom t-shirts to businesses seeking wholesale printing services. The resulting design preserves their creative spirit while providing clear pathways for different types of customers to find exactly what they need. With Shiloh Counseling, we worked to create an identity system that would help put potential clients at ease from their first interaction. Mental health services require a delicate touch - too clinical feels cold, too casual feels unprofessional. The final design system, featuring earth tones and natural elements, creates a sense of calm and stability that extends across every touchpoint, from their website to their business cards. Looking Ahead While awards are always appreciated, the real reward is seeing these designs serve their purpose in the real world. For Tiny Little Monster, that means watching their online orders grow and hearing how much easier the new site is to use. For Shiloh Counseling, it's knowing their brand helps create a comfortable first impression for people taking an important step in their mental health journey. We're grateful to work with clients who trust us with their visions and allow us to create something meaningful together. These awards from GDUSA remind us that good design isn't just about aesthetics - it's about solving real problems and helping businesses connect with their communities in authentic ways. Ready to Start Your Project? Let's talk about how thoughtful design could help your business grow. Reach out to start the conversation. --- > Explore the top marketing trends for 2025 to future-proof your strategy and achieve lasting success in a dynamic landscape. - Published: 2024-12-13 - Modified: 2024-12-13 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/top-marketing-trends-for-2025-a-practical-guide-to-future-proofing-your-strategy/ - Categories: Strategize, Create, Promote - Tags: Brand Strategy, Content Development, SEO Services The marketing landscape is evolving at a dizzying pace. After decades of helping businesses navigate these changes, we've learned that while nobody can predict the future with certainty, we can identify the key marketing trends for 2025 that will shape where the industry is heading. In this article, we'll explore the top marketing trends for 2025. Rather than chasing fleeting tactics, we'll focus on sustainable approaches that can transform your marketing and drive lasting growth. The Rise of Authentic, AI-Enhanced Personalization The conversation around AI in marketing is shifting from automation to amplification. While AI tools are becoming more sophisticated at analyzing customer data and predicting behavior, the real breakthrough is how brands are using this technology to create more genuine, human connections. Successful companies in 2025 won't just use AI to automate their marketing—they'll use it to understand their customers more deeply and deliver truly personalized experiences that feel authentic rather than automated. This means moving beyond basic demographic targeting to consider the full context of customer interactions, preferences, and needs. The key difference between current personalization efforts and what we'll see in 2025 is the sophistication of the underlying systems. Instead of simple "if-then" rules, AI will help create dynamic content experiences that evolve with each customer interaction. However, the most successful brands will be those that use this technology to enhance rather than replace human creativity and strategic thinking. What this means for your business: Invest in robust data collection and management systems that can feed AI-powered personalization tools Create content frameworks that allow for dynamic personalization while maintaining brand consistency Develop clear guidelines for when to use AI and when to prioritize human interaction Focus on collecting and analyzing first-party data to understand your customers better Build systems that can adapt to changing privacy regulations and customer expectations The Evolution of Video Marketing Short-form video isn't just trending—it's transforming how brands connect with their audiences. But the real story isn't about video length; it's about creating meaningful moments that resonate with viewers, regardless of format. We're seeing businesses succeed by developing video strategies that balance quick, engaging content for platforms like TikTok and Instagram with longer, more detailed pieces that showcase their expertise and build trust. The key is understanding which format serves your message best. By 2025, we expect to see a more sophisticated approach to video marketing that includes: Integrated video strategies that span multiple platforms and formats AI-powered video personalization that adapts content based on viewer behavior Enhanced analytics that help brands understand and optimize video performance Seamless integration of video content into overall marketing frameworks Strategic use of both short-form and long-form content to serve different audience needs How to adapt: Start by auditing your current video content and identifying gaps in your strategy Invest in tools and training that help your team create professional-quality video content Develop clear guidelines for video content that align with your brand standards Create a content calendar that balances different video formats and purposes Build measurement systems that track video performance across platforms The Shift to Position-less Marketing Traditional marketing roles are evolving into more fluid positions that require a broader skill set. This isn't just about wearing multiple hats—it's about understanding how different marketing functions work together to create cohesive customer experiences. Smart businesses are building marketing frameworks that allow their teams to adapt quickly while maintaining consistent brand standards and messaging. This approach creates more resilient marketing systems that can evolve with changing technology and customer needs. The successful marketing team of 2025 will: Embrace continuous learning and skill development Use AI tools to automate routine tasks and focus on strategic thinking Develop cross-functional expertise while maintaining specialization where needed Create systems and processes that support flexible role definitions Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing across traditional department boundaries Trust as a Cornerstone of Marketing Success In an era of AI-generated content and virtual experiences, authentic human connections are becoming more valuable than ever. Brands that build trust through transparent communication and consistent delivery of value will stand out in an increasingly crowded digital landscape. This trend goes beyond surface-level authenticity—it's about creating genuine connections with your audience through: Clear, honest communication about your products and services Consistent delivery on brand promises Active engagement with customer feedback and concerns Transparent business practices that align with customer values Regular demonstration of expertise and thought leadership Building trust in 2025 will require: Creating content that showcases real expertise and experience Developing clear processes for managing and responding to customer feedback Building systems that ensure consistent delivery of brand promises Maintaining transparency in business practices and communication Investing in long-term relationship building over quick wins The Integration of Sustainability and Social Responsibility Environmental consciousness and social responsibility are no longer optional—they're essential components of successful marketing strategies. However, the focus is shifting from performative activism to genuine, sustainable business practices that create positive impact. Successful brands in 2025 will: Integrate sustainable practices throughout their operations Communicate their environmental and social initiatives clearly and honestly Back up statements with measurable actions and transparent reporting Focus on long-term impact over short-term gains Build partnerships that advance sustainability goals This shift requires: Developing clear sustainability goals and metrics Creating transparent reporting systems Building authentic community partnerships Integrating sustainable practices into all aspects of business Communicating progress and challenges honestly The Rise of AI-Powered Search The search landscape is undergoing a fundamental transformation. Traditional search engines are evolving to incorporate AI-generated overviews and summaries, while new AI-powered search platforms are emerging to challenge the status quo. This shift is changing not just how people search, but how they consume and interact with content. By 2025, we expect to see: AI-powered search tools providing more conversational, personalized results Increased emphasis on entity relationships over traditional keywords Growth in zero-click searches as AI delivers immediate answers Multi-modal search combining text, voice, and visual inputs Greater importance of brand authority and authentic expertise This evolution requires a fresh approach to search optimization: Focus on creating... --- > Seafoam's web design for Chaney Windows and Doors earns recognition, showcasing our commitment to excellence in digital solutions. - Published: 2024-12-02 - Modified: 2024-12-02 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/seafoam-takes-home-vega-web-design-award-for-chaney-windows-and-doors/ - Categories: Strategize, Create - Tags: Seafoam News, Web Design & Development Sometimes the best surprises come when you're just focused on doing great work for great people. That's exactly what happened with our recent Vega Digital Award for web design, recognizing our work on the Chaney Windows and Doors website. Beyond Beautiful Web Design: Creating a Digital Home for Chaney Chaney Windows and Doors is a St. Louis fixture, helping homeowners transform their houses into dream homes. When they approached us for a new web design project, we knew we needed to create something special – not to win awards, but to truly serve their customers. The goal was simple: design a website that would make it incredibly easy for homeowners to explore Chaney's incredible selection of windows and doors, while capturing the craftsmanship and attention to detail that makes Chaney different from the competition. What We Actually Did We rolled up our sleeves and focused on what makes web design truly effective: Making it super easy for visitors to find exactly what they're looking for Showing off Chaney's beautiful work through carefully chosen photos and layouts Creating clear paths for customers to get in touch when they're ready The result? A website that works as hard as the Chaney team does – which, if you know them, is saying something. About That Award The Vega Digital Award recognizes the best in digital design from around the world. While we're honestly thrilled (and a bit humbled) by the recognition, what makes us proudest is how well the site is working for Chaney and their customers. It's proof that thoughtful web design can make a real difference for local businesses. The Real Win Here's the thing about good web design: it's not just about looking pretty. It's about creating genuine connections between businesses and the people they serve. That's what we aimed for with Chaney's site, and that's what we'll keep focusing on with every project we tackle. Ready to Transform Your Website? If you're wondering whether your website could be working harder for your business, let's talk. Whether you need a complete web design overhaul or strategic improvements to your existing site, we promise to bring the same care, attention to detail, and focus on results to your project that we brought to Chaney's. We promise our absolute best effort to help you connect with your ideal customers. Get in touch – we'd love to hear about your business and explore how we can help. --- > Explore Seafoam's rebranding success that won two w3 Awards in transportation website design and excellence. - Published: 2024-11-25 - Modified: 2024-11-26 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/seafoams-work-for-alton-southern-railway-wins-two-w3-awards/ - Categories: Create, Strategize - Tags: Seafoam News, Web Design & Development Our comprehensive rebrand and website redesign for Alton & Southern Railway has earned two w3 Awards: Excellence in Transportation Website Design and Best Use of Video/Motion Graphics. The w3 Awards, overseen by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts (AIVA), celebrate digital excellence across websites, marketing, video, mobile, social, and podcasts. AIVA's membership includes leaders from organizations like Condé Nast, Disney, Microsoft, and other acclaimed media firms. For Alton & Southern Railway, we took on the challenge of transforming an outdated website into a dynamic platform that would showcase their 100+ years of expertise. Our approach began with a collaborative brand strategy workshop, leading to a complete overhaul of their visual identity, messaging, and user experience. --- > Explore key December 2024 marketing news, insights, and events shaping the industry as the year concludes, highlighting AI-driven strategies and trends. - Published: 2024-11-25 - Modified: 2024-11-25 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/december-2024-marketing-news-insights-events/ - Categories: Promote, Create, Strategize - Tags: Analytics & Reporting, Brand Strategy, Content Development, Web Design & Development December 2024 Marketing News & Happenings: AI-Driven Marketing Success Stories: Major brands like Yum Brands report significant improvements in consumer engagement and reduced customer churn through AI-powered marketing campaigns. Purpose-Driven Marketing Gains Ground: Brands increasingly align marketing strategies with social causes and ethical practices, responding to growing consumer demand for corporate responsibility. Influencer Marketing Evolution: Brand-influencer collaborations remain crucial for authentic audience connections, with effectiveness metrics driving partnership decisions. Privacy-First Marketing Approach: Growing data privacy concerns push marketers toward transparent practices and stricter data protection protocols. AI Customer Engagement Tools: Implementation of AI-powered chatbots and personalized recommendations shows significant impact across retail and hospitality sectors. Sustainable Marketing Integration: Environmental responsibility becomes central to marketing strategies, from eco-friendly product promotion to reducing campaign environmental impact. Digital Channel Diversification: Marketers expand their digital presence across emerging platforms, emphasizing social media, podcasts, and virtual events. Customer Experience Priority: Brands invest heavily in creating seamless, personalized interactions across all customer touchpoints. Omnichannel Strategy Development: E-commerce growth drives cohesive online and offline marketing approaches. Data Analytics Leadership: Strategic decisions increasingly rely on comprehensive data analysis for campaign optimization and ROI measurement. Content Marketing Evolution: Storytelling and value-driven content remain fundamental to engagement strategies. Scaled Personalization: Technology advances enable mass personalization while maintaining message relevance. Agile Marketing Adoption: Brands embrace flexible marketing practices to respond quickly to market changes. Video Content Investment: Increased focus on video marketing across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram platforms. Employee Advocacy Programs: Organizations leverage employee authenticity for brand messaging and ambassador programs. Our Take: As we conclude 2024, the marketing landscape reflects both technological sophistication and enduring fundamentals. AI-driven marketing campaigns are delivering measurable results, as demonstrated by Yum Brands' success in increasing engagement and reducing customer churn. However, the technology serves best when it enhances rather than replaces strategic thinking. The industry-wide shift toward purpose-driven marketing and social responsibility marks a maturation in how brands connect with audiences. Similarly, the evolution of privacy-first practices shows a deeper understanding of the value exchange between companies and consumers. Omnichannel marketing and heightened customer experience focus reflect the complexity of modern consumer journeys. The ability to create seamless interactions while maintaining consistency across touchpoints has become a key differentiator for successful brands. Video content, employee advocacy, and agile marketing practices continue gaining momentum. These trends underscore the importance of authentic connections and rapid adaptation to market changes. Looking toward 2025, we anticipate continued innovation in brand-audience connections. The most successful strategies will likely be those that balance technological advancement with genuine human connection. December 2024 Marketing Events: United States: Adweek X When: December 3-4, 2024 Where: New York, NY Focus: Latest trends and strategies in marketing Digiday Programmatic Marketing Summit When: December 3-4, 2024 Where: Nashville, TN Focus: Programmatic marketing strategies and innovations Digital Summit Dallas When: December 4-5, 2024 Where: Dallas, TX Focus: Digital marketing, content strategy, SEO Legal SEO Conference When: December 6, 2024 Where: Miami, FL Focus: SEO strategies for legal industry eCommerce Summit When: December 10, 2024 Where: Nashville, TN Focus: Online retail trends and strategies Digital Summit Portland When: December 11-12, 2024 Where: Portland, OR Focus: Digital marketing tactics and expert insights International: Affiliate World: Bangkok When: December 4-5, 2024 Where: Bangkok, Thailand Focus: Affiliate marketing and eCommerce entrepreneurship App Promotion Summit: Berlin When: December 5, 2024 Where: Berlin, Germany Focus: App marketing and growth strategies DMWF Europe When: November 26-27, 2024 Where: Amsterdam, Netherlands Focus: Digital marketing trends and technologies For more insights and updates, follow Seafoam on LinkedIn. Contact us to discuss how we can help you navigate the evolving marketing landscape and achieve your growth goals. --- > Learn how modern web design principles can elevate your digital presence with Seafoam's expert strategies and modern design. - Published: 2024-11-14 - Modified: 2024-11-14 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/modern-web-design-principles-building-digital-experiences-that-drive-growth/ - Categories: Create, Strategize - Tags: Web Design & Development In an era where digital presence can make or break a business, understanding modern web design principles has become crucial for sustainable growth. At Seafoam, we've discovered that creating websites that drive real business results requires more than following basic design rules—it demands a sophisticated blend of proven principles, strategic thinking, and technical expertise. Through our partnerships with organizations like The Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation and Alton & Southern Railway, we've developed a deep understanding of how modern web design principles can transform a simple website into a powerful business asset that drives engagement and delivers measurable results. The Evolution of Modern Web Design Principles The web design landscape has transformed dramatically over the past decade. What once was a simple exercise in digital aesthetics has evolved into a complex discipline that combines psychology, technology, and business strategy. Today's successful websites must do more than look good—they need to convert visitors, tell compelling stories, and deliver measurable business results. Design That Connects with Your Audience Understanding your audience isn't just about demographics—it's about deep empathy with their needs, preferences, and behaviors. When we partnered with The Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation, we faced a unique challenge: their previous website, characterized by traditional maroon and gold tones, wasn't engaging their young, dynamic audience effectively. By reimagining their digital presence with bold colors and contemporary design elements, we created a platform that resonated with talented young performers while maintaining the gravitas of their prestigious organization. The Foundation of Effective Web Design 1. Strategic Information Architecture The cornerstone of any successful website is thoughtful information organization. Our work with WorldNet Solutions exemplifies this principle—we transformed dense technical content into clearly structured, easily digestible sections that guide visitors naturally through complex service offerings. This strategic approach to content organization isn't just about making information accessible; it's about creating a journey that leads users toward specific actions. 2. Visual Hierarchy and Purposeful Space Modern web design understands that visual breathing room is crucial for effective communication. In our redesign for Alton & Southern Railway, we employed strategic spacing and typography to transform their content from overwhelming to engaging. This careful balance of content and space helps visitors process information more effectively while creating a sense of sophistication and professionalism. 3. Responsive Design Excellence With mobile devices generating the majority of web traffic, responsive design has become increasingly sophisticated. Our approach goes beyond basic mobile compatibility—we create experiences that feel native to each device, ensuring that functionality and aesthetics remain consistent whether users are on phones, tablets, or desktops. 4. Performance and Speed Optimization In today's fast-paced digital environment, performance is paramount. We've developed sophisticated optimization techniques that ensure fast loading times while delivering rich, engaging experiences. This includes: Advanced image optimization strategies Efficient code architecture Strategic caching implementations Content delivery network integration Progressive loading techniques The Science of User Experience User experience design is both an art and a science, requiring a deep understanding of human behavior and digital interaction patterns. Here's how we approach it: Intuitive Navigation Systems When redesigning WorldNet Solutions' website, we implemented a navigation system that anticipates user needs and provides clear pathways to critical information. This involved: Careful menu structure planning Clear visual hierarchies Strategic placement of calls-to-action Breadcrumb navigation for complex sites Smart search functionality Brand Experience Integration Your website should be more than a digital brochure—it should be an extension of your brand's personality and values. For The Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation, we created an experience that balanced youthful energy with institutional prestige, proving that websites can successfully serve multiple audience segments while maintaining brand integrity. Conversion-Focused Design Every element on a modern website should serve a purpose in the user's journey toward conversion. This includes: Strategically placed call-to-action buttons Clear value propositions Social proof elements Trust indicators Friction-free contact forms Technical Excellence as a Foundation While visual design captures attention, technical excellence ensures sustainable performance: Security and Stability Regular security audits Secure socket layer (SSL) implementation Regular backup systems Performance monitoring DDoS protection Search Engine Optimization Semantic HTML structure Schema markup implementation Mobile-first indexing optimization Page speed optimization Core Web Vitals compliance Accessibility Standards WCAG 2. 1 compliance Screen reader compatibility Keyboard navigation support Color contrast optimization Alt text implementation Measuring and Optimizing Success Modern web design is an iterative process driven by data and user feedback. We track comprehensive metrics including: User engagement metrics Conversion rate analysis Heat mapping and user recordings A/B testing results Search engine rankings Mobile vs desktop performance Page load speed across devices Looking to the Future The web design landscape continues to evolve with emerging technologies and changing user expectations. Key trends we're incorporating include: Progressive Web App capabilities Advanced animation and micro-interactions AI-driven personalization Voice interface integration Enhanced privacy features Through our work with diverse clients—from railway companies to performing arts organizations—we've learned that successful web design requires a delicate balance of innovation and proven principles. It's about creating experiences that not only catch the eye but capture attention, build trust, and drive meaningful business results. Your website should be more than just a digital presence—it should be a growth engine for your business. By combining beautiful design with strategic thinking and technical excellence, we create websites that don't just exist online—they perform. Ready to transform your digital presence into a powerful business asset? Let's create a website that doesn't just meet today's standards but sets tomorrow's. --- > St. Louis website design firm Seafoam earns two awards for excellence, showcasing our work with Tiny Little Monster and Alton & Southern Railway. - Published: 2024-11-13 - Modified: 2024-11-13 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/double-recognition-at-web-excellence-awards-for-st-louis-website-design/ - Categories: Create, Strategize - Tags: Seafoam News, Web Design & Development Well, this feels pretty great. Seafoam just received two Web Excellence Awards for our recent work with Tiny Little Monster and Alton & Southern Railway. These awards recognize outstanding achievement in web design and digital experience on a global scale – which, honestly, has us both thrilled and humbled. A Tale of Two Transformations You know what's particularly exciting about these wins? They showcase just how versatile great web design can be across totally different industries. For Tiny Little Monster, a St. Louis custom printing company that radiates creativity, we got to build a digital experience that matches their innovative spirit. Think of it as translating their natural creative energy into digital form, while making sure customers can easily bring their own ideas to life. The result? A website that shows off their amazing work while making the whole ordering process feel like a breeze. Then there's Alton & Southern Railway – talk about a different challenge entirely. How do you take a cornerstone of St. Louis transportation infrastructure and give it a modern digital presence without losing an ounce of its historic significance? Turns out, pretty beautifully. The new website bridges their rich heritage with contemporary functionality (pun absolutely intended), giving their stakeholders a platform that just plain works. Beyond the Recognition Here's what really gets us excited: these websites aren't just pretty faces. They're hard-working marketing systems designed to generate real results. For Tiny Little Monster, that means more customers successfully turning their creative vision into actual merchandise. For Alton & Southern Railway, it means giving their teams and partners a modern, efficient platform that makes their daily operations smoother. Looking Forward While these awards are definitely cause for celebration, they really just reinforce what we already knew – that balancing innovative design with practical execution is always the right call. We're going to keep focusing on creating digital experiences that don't just turn heads but actually drive business growth. Want to see if we can work some of this magic for your business? Let's talk about creating a website that doesn't just look good on awards day, but delivers results every day. --- > Discover the latest November 2024 marketing news and key events shaping the industry landscape. Stay informed and engaged. - Published: 2024-11-05 - Modified: 2024-11-05 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/november-2024-marketing-news-insights-events/ - Categories: Create, Promote, Strategize - Tags: AI SEO, Analytics & Reporting, Brand Strategy, PPC / Google Ads, Social Media November 2024 Marketing News & Happenings: Generative AI Reshapes Marketing Operations: As AI technology advances, brands are increasingly adopting generative AI tools like Typeface and Adobe GenStudio for content creation, campaign planning, and customer service, fundamentally changing how marketing teams operate. Value-Driven Marketing Takes Center Stage: Economic pressures are driving brands to focus on value-based propositions. Success stories like Chili's budget-friendly menu items demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach across various sectors. Political Ad Spending Impact: Election season is causing significant shifts in ad spend strategies, with many brands exploring alternative platforms like Amazon and TikTok to maintain reach while managing costs in politically saturated markets. Virtual Commerce Evolution: The rise of virtual and interactive shopping experiences marks a significant shift from traditional e-commerce, with brands leveraging AI, AR, and VR technologies to create immersive customer experiences. Real-Time Social Media Engagement: Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are enabling more immediate brand-audience connections, with luxury brands leading the way in creating exclusive, real-time content experiences. Multi-Channel Advertising Partnerships: Major players like Adobe are forming strategic partnerships with Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Snap to streamline campaign activation and enhance cross-platform insights. Privacy-Centric Marketing Strategies: With increasing privacy regulations, brands are pivoting to first-party data collection methods, emphasizing loyalty programs and contextual advertising. Brand Identity Revitalization: Companies are investing in refreshed brand identities that align with current consumer values, particularly sustainability, inclusivity, and social responsibility. Evolution of Influencer Marketing: The focus is shifting toward authentic partnerships with creators who align with brand values, with micro and nano influencers gaining prominence for their genuine audience connections. Customer Experience as Competitive Edge: Brands are prioritizing end-to-end customer experience, focusing on creating loyal customers through exceptional service rather than promotions alone. Predictive Marketing Through AI: Advanced analytics and machine learning tools are enabling more accurate consumer behavior prediction, allowing for highly targeted campaign optimization. Responsible Marketing in Regulated Industries: Alcohol and tobacco brands are adapting their marketing approaches to emphasize responsible use and align with social expectations. Sustainability Message Integration: Environmental responsibility continues to influence brand messaging, with sustainability being woven into overall brand identity rather than treated as a separate initiative. AI-Driven Customer Support Evolution: Customer service is moving beyond basic chatbots to more sophisticated AI interactions capable of complex problem-solving and personalized recommendations. Innovative Ad Format Experimentation: Brands are exploring new advertising approaches, from interactive social media ads to immersive VR experiences, to engage increasingly ad-resistant consumers. Our Take: As we approach the end of 2024, the marketing landscape continues to be shaped by technological innovation, economic realities, and evolving consumer expectations. At Seafoam, we see these changes as opportunities to create more meaningful and effective marketing strategies. The widespread adoption of generative AI is transforming how marketing teams operate, but we believe the key to success lies in balancing automation with human creativity and strategic thinking. While AI tools can enhance efficiency and scale, the human element remains crucial in creating authentic connections with audiences. The shift toward value-driven marketing amid economic pressures aligns with our philosophy of creating genuine value for customers. This isn't just about offering lower prices – it's about demonstrating real value through every interaction and touchpoint. The evolution of virtual commerce and interactive experiences represents a significant opportunity for brands to engage customers in new ways. However, we advocate for a thoughtful approach that ensures these technologies enhance rather than replace meaningful customer relationships. Privacy-centric marketing is no longer optional, and we're helping our clients build robust first-party data strategies that respect customer privacy while maintaining marketing effectiveness. This shift requires rethinking traditional approaches to data collection and usage, but ultimately leads to stronger, more trusted brand relationships. The increasing focus on customer experience as a differentiator resonates strongly with our approach to marketing. We believe that creating seamless, exceptional customer experiences across all touchpoints is crucial for long-term success. Looking ahead, we expect to see continued innovation in how brands connect with their audiences, particularly through experimental ad formats and immersive experiences. However, the fundamentals of good marketing – understanding your audience, creating genuine value, and building lasting relationships – remain as important as ever. November 2024 Marketing Events: United States: Digital Summit Raleigh When: November 4-5, 2024 Where: Raleigh, North Carolina Focus: Comprehensive digital marketing strategies, SEO, emerging technologies MarketingProfs B2B Marketing Forum When: November 12-14, 2024 Where: Boston, Massachusetts Focus: Latest trends and strategies in B2B marketing Product Marketing Summit Chicago When: November 13-14, 2024 Where: Chicago, Illinois Focus: Product marketing best practices and innovations Digital Summit Los Angeles When: November 14-15, 2024 Where: Los Angeles, California Focus: Digital marketing strategies, social media, analytics, UX ANA Multicultural Marketing & Diversity Conference When: November 18-20, 2024 Where: Las Vegas, Nevada Focus: Multicultural marketing strategies and industry diversity brightonSEO San Diego When: November 19-20, 2024 Where: San Diego, California Focus: Search marketing training and expert insights International: The Marketing Society Global Conference When: November 13, 2024 Where: London, United Kingdom Focus: Global marketing leadership strategies OMX (Online Marketing Experts) When: November 21, 2024 Where: Salzburg, Austria Focus: Online marketing strategies and innovations DEX24 Conference When: November 20, 2024 Where: Zürich, Switzerland Focus: Digital experience and marketing Digital Marketing World Forum (DMWF) Europe When: November 26-27, 2024 Where: Amsterdam, Netherlands Focus: Digital marketing trends and technologies For more insights and updates, follow Seafoam on LinkedIn. Contact us to discuss how we can help you navigate the evolving marketing landscape and achieve your growth goals. --- > Explore how the SearchGPT launch transforms online content discovery and marketing dynamics. Discover the future of digital engagement. - Published: 2024-10-31 - Modified: 2024-10-31 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/searchgpt-launch-signals-major-shift-in-digital-marketing-landscape/ - Categories: Promote, Strategize - Tags: AI SEO OpenAI's SearchGPT launch capabilities in ChatGPT today marks a significant evolution in how people will discover and interact with online content. For those of us who have been preparing for the AI revolution in marketing, this announcement validates years of strategic positioning and forward-thinking approaches to digital presence. What's Changing with the SearchGPT Launch The new search functionality, initially tested as SearchGPT and now integrated directly into ChatGPT for Plus and Team subscribers, represents a fundamental shift in how users will access information online. Unlike traditional search engines that return a list of links, ChatGPT now provides contextual, conversational responses while citing sources and offering direct links to original content. Key features of the update include: Real-time information access for news, stocks, and current events Interactive elements like maps and charts Source attribution with clickable citations A dedicated sources sidebar for verification Natural language follow-up capabilities Why This Matters for Businesses This development signals a significant shift in how consumers will find and engage with businesses online. Instead of scanning through pages of search results, users can now have natural conversations about their needs and receive curated recommendations with supporting evidence. For businesses, this means traditional SEO strategies need to evolve. While standard search engine optimization remains important, companies must now consider how their content will be interpreted and presented by AI systems that prioritize comprehensive, authoritative information over keyword optimization. How We've Been Preparing At Seafoam, we've been anticipating and preparing for this shift for a couple of years now. Our approach to marketing has always centered on building robust, authentic brand presences that resonate with both human users and AI systems. Our framework focuses on three key elements that align perfectly with this new AI-driven landscape: Brand Clarity: Creating clear, consistent messaging that AI systems can accurately interpret and represent Digital Reach: Developing content strategies that maintain visibility across both traditional and AI-powered search Authentic Relationships: Building genuine connections that translate well in conversational AI interactions The Impact on Content Strategy Content creation now requires a dual focus: engaging human readers while providing clear, structured information that AI systems can accurately process and present. This means: Creating comprehensive, authoritative content that answers specific user questions Structuring information in ways that facilitate accurate AI interpretation Maintaining clear brand voice and messaging across all platforms Developing content that supports natural language queries Our AI-ready content optimization service helps businesses adapt their existing content and create new materials that perform well in both traditional and AI-powered search environments. Looking Ahead: What Businesses Should Do Now Audit Your Digital Presence Evaluate how your content appears in AI-driven searches and identify gaps in your digital footprint. Update Content Strategy Develop a content approach that accounts for both traditional search and AI-driven discovery. Focus on comprehensive, authoritative content that answers specific user questions. Strengthen Brand Authority Build and maintain strong brand presence across multiple channels to ensure accurate representation in AI systems. Monitor and Adapt Stay informed about AI developments and be ready to adjust strategies as these systems evolve. Our Perspective on the Future This launch represents just the beginning of AI's transformation of digital marketing. As these systems become more sophisticated, businesses that have built strong, authentic online presences will have a significant advantage. The key to success in this new landscape isn't just adapting to AI – it's maintaining a balance between technological advancement and authentic human connection. This has been central to our philosophy at Seafoam, where we focus on creating marketing systems that drive sustainable results while fostering genuine relationships. Taking Action For businesses ready to adapt to this changing landscape, we offer comprehensive AI-ready marketing solutions that help: Optimize content for AI interpretation while maintaining human appeal Build robust digital presences that perform well across all search platforms Develop sustainable marketing frameworks that adapt to technological change Conclusion OpenAI's launch of ChatGPT search capabilities marks a pivotal moment in digital marketing. While some may view this as a disruption, we see it as an opportunity to deliver even more value to businesses and their customers. By focusing on authentic connections and comprehensive digital presence, businesses can thrive in this evolving landscape. The future of search is here, and it's more important than ever to have a marketing partner who understands both the technological and human elements of this transformation. At Seafoam, we're ready to help businesses navigate these changes and emerge stronger than ever. --- > Seafoam proudly joins Trailnet, enhancing community ties in St. Louis through this esteemed partnership as a Premium Business Member. - Published: 2024-10-28 - Modified: 2024-10-28 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/seafoam-joins-forces-with-trailnet-as-premium-business-member/ - Categories: Strategize, Create, Promote - Tags: Seafoam News We're excited to announce our new partnership with Trailnet as a Premium Business Member, deepening our roots in the St. Louis community we call home. For over three decades, Trailnet has been transforming St. Louis through their advocacy for walking and biking infrastructure. Their work connects neighborhoods, promotes healthy living, and enhances the vibrancy of our region. Their vision for a more connected, accessible St. Louis resonates deeply with our team and mirrors our own belief that positive actions create lasting ripples of change throughout our community. Our relationship with Trailnet began earlier this year when we collaborated on their Drive the Change: Buckle Up Phone Down campaign, supported by General Motors. Working closely with their team, we helped shape the campaign's messaging and visual identity, creating a framework that would resonate with St. Louis residents and inspire real behavioral change. The initiative encourages community members to pledge to drive phone-free and challenges them to spread this commitment to safety throughout their networks. "Supporting Trailnet felt like a natural extension of who we are," says Nikki Bisel, Seafoam's founder and CEO. "Their work in making St. Louis more walkable and bikeable strengthens the fabric of our community. When neighborhoods are better connected, everyone benefits. " Through this partnership, we're supporting initiatives that include: Safe, accessible walking and biking infrastructure Community education and engagement programs Development of connected greenways and trails Policy work that promotes active transportation Small actions can lead to meaningful change. By joining Trailnet as a Premium Business Member, we're investing in the future of our region—creating a more connected, sustainable, and vibrant St. Louis for everyone who calls it home. We invite other local businesses to explore partnership opportunities with Trailnet. Together, we can help build a stronger St. Louis—one trail, one sidewalk, and one community at a time. To learn more about Trailnet and their impact on our community, visit Trailnet's website. You can also join the Drive the Change movement by taking the pledge at trailnet. org/take-the-pledge. --- - Published: 2024-10-17 - Modified: 2024-10-17 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/seafoam-named-one-of-st-louis-best-marketing-agencies/ - Categories: Promote, Create, Strategize, Uncategorized - Tags: Seafoam News In the dynamic world of marketing, standing out requires more than just following trends. It demands a commitment to timeless principles and a focus on genuine results. Today, we're proud to announce that this approach has earned Seafoam recognition as one of the "Best Marketing Agencies" in St. Louis by Small Business Monthly. This accolade isn't just an acknowledgment of our past work—it's a testament to our ongoing commitment to building marketing frameworks that drive sustainable results and long-term success for our clients. In an industry often swayed by fleeting tactics, we've remained steadfast in our philosophy of uniting brand, reach, and relationships to create enduring growth. What does this recognition signify for Seafoam? It's validation that our approach of blending time-honored marketing principles with innovative strategies resonates not just with our clients, but with the broader business community. It reinforces our belief that by focusing on simplicity, clarity, and genuine connections, we can help businesses navigate the complex landscape of modern marketing. To our clients: this honor is as much yours as it is ours. Your trust in our vision, your willingness to engage in deep strategic thinking, and your partnership in creating positive change—these are the true markers of our success. This award reflects the growth and impact we've achieved together. As we celebrate this milestone, we're reminded of our core mission: to elevate businesses through the design of timeless marketing systems. This recognition from Small Business Monthly tells us we're on the right path, but we know the journey is far from over. To our fellow honorees: congratulations on your well-deserved recognition. Together, we're showcasing St. Louis as a hub of marketing excellence, a place where businesses can find partners who truly understand how to drive growth and create lasting impact. Looking ahead, this award isn't a finish line—it's a new starting point. We're more committed than ever to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in marketing, to creating strategies that not only drive business success but also strengthen our community. To everyone who's been part of the Seafoam journey so far: thank you. Your support, trust, and collaboration have been instrumental in getting us to where we are today. Here's to the next chapter of our story—to greater achievements, broader horizons, and even more significant impact for the businesses and communities we serve. Stay tuned for more news as we continue to build on this success. The best is yet to come! --- > Discover essential marketing news and insights for October 2024 to stay ahead in the evolving digital landscape. - Published: 2024-09-25 - Modified: 2024-09-26 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/october-2024-marketing-news-insights-events/ - Categories: Strategize, Create, Promote - Tags: PPC / Google Ads October 2024 Marketing News & Happenings: Google's August 2024 Core Update Impact: Google's significant update, which finished rolling out in early September, aims to promote higher-quality content from smaller publishers. Marketers are reassessing their SEO strategies in response. AI-Powered SEO Changes: Google has increased the overlap between AI-generated search results and traditional search rankings, pushing brands to optimize for both types of listings. Meta's New AI-Powered Ad Tools: Meta has released new AI-powered ad formats ahead of the holiday season, including features for first-time purchase offers and reminder ads to drive engagement through Reels. Third-Party Cookies Phaseout: Both Google and Apple continue to phase out third-party cookies, driving marketers to focus on first-party data collection and explore alternative tracking methods. AI-Driven Personalization: While 96% of marketers acknowledge AI's role in fostering repeat business, many brands still struggle to deliver truly personalized experiences. AI in Retail: AI is reshaping retail marketing, providing new opportunities for personalized shopping experiences and predictive analytics, as highlighted during events like Paris Retail Week. Google's Transition to Demand Gen Campaigns: Google will fully replace Video Action campaigns with Demand Gen campaigns in 2025, offering a more multi-format approach to advertising. Meta's New Data Restrictions: Meta has introduced tighter restrictions on data available for advertisers, particularly URL parameters and UTM tags, potentially complicating ad targeting and reporting strategies. Focus on Community Building: Brands are increasingly prioritizing the building of authentic communities as a key strategy to foster customer loyalty and trust. Investments in Editorial Content: Quality blog posts, podcasts, and case studies remain central to content marketing strategies, with more marketers increasing their investment in these areas. Google Ads Target Pacing Insights: Google introduced new pacing insights to help advertisers better understand underperformance in CPA and ROAS targets. Generative AI for Content Creation: Marketers are leveraging AI not just for efficiency but to create more emotional and authentic connections with audiences. Meta's Multi-Landing Page Ads: Facebook Ads now allows multiple landing pages within a single ad, increasing campaign relevance by catering to different audience segments. Our Take: As we move into October 2024, the digital marketing landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace, driven by advancements in AI, changes in data privacy regulations, and shifting consumer behaviors. At Seafoam, we see these developments as both challenges and opportunities for brands to create more meaningful connections with their audiences. The impact of Google's August core update underscores the importance of producing high-quality, valuable content. This aligns perfectly with our long-standing belief that authentic, user-focused content is the cornerstone of effective digital marketing. As smaller publishers gain more visibility, we're excited about the potential for diverse voices to reach wider audiences. The increasing integration of AI in search results and advertising platforms is reshaping how we approach SEO and ad campaigns. While this requires adapting our strategies, it also opens up new possibilities for creating more targeted, relevant experiences for users. We're particularly intrigued by Meta's new AI-powered ad formats and their potential to drive engagement during the crucial holiday season. The ongoing phaseout of third-party cookies presents a significant shift in how we track and target audiences. At Seafoam, we've been preparing for this transition by focusing on first-party data strategies and exploring innovative ways to understand and engage with our clients' audiences while respecting their privacy. Personalization remains a key focus, but as the data shows, many brands are still struggling to implement it effectively. We believe the key lies in combining AI-driven insights with a deep understanding of human behavior and preferences. Our approach is to use AI as a tool to enhance, rather than replace, human creativity and intuition in crafting personalized experiences. The trend towards community building aligns perfectly with our philosophy of creating lasting relationships between brands and their customers. We're excited to help our clients foster authentic communities that not only drive loyalty but also provide valuable insights and feedback. As we navigate these changes, our focus remains on delivering holistic marketing strategies that unite brand, reach, and relationships. We're committed to staying at the forefront of these technological advancements while ensuring that our approach always prioritizes genuine human connections and long-term value creation for our clients. October 2024 Marketing Events: DigiMarCon Middle East When: October 9-10, 2024 Where: Dubai Focus: Digital marketing best practices, trends, and innovative technology in the Middle Eastern digital landscape Product Marketing Summit Boston When: October 16-17, 2024 Where: Boston Focus: Networking and knowledge-sharing among product marketing professionals ad:tech Tokyo When: October 17-18, 2024 Where: Tokyo, Japan Focus: Asia's largest marketing conference, covering latest trends, innovations, and technologies Content Marketing World When: October 21-23, 2024 Where: San Diego Focus: Comprehensive event for content marketing professionals ANA Masters of Marketing Conference When: October 22-24, 2024 Where: Orlando Focus: Showcasing creative thinking and strategies from top CMOs and leading brands DigiMarCon Mid-South 2024 When: October 31-November 1, 2024 Where: Nashville Focus: Latest digital marketing strategies and trends in the Mid-South United States For more insights and updates, follow Seafoam on LinkedIn. Contact us to discuss how we can help you navigate the evolving marketing landscape and achieve your growth goals. --- > Discover how Seafoam's award-winning design elevated the Alton & Southern website in the competitive digital marketing landscape. - Published: 2024-09-24 - Modified: 2024-09-27 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/seafoam-wins-muse-creative-award-for-alton-southern-website/ - Categories: Create, Strategize - Tags: Brand Strategy, Web Design & Development In the ever-evolving world of digital marketing, true success is measured not just by flashy designs or temporary spikes in traffic, but by the lasting impact we create for our clients. At Seafoam, we've always believed in digging deeper, in creating marketing strategies that resonate on multiple levels. Today, we're thrilled to announce that this approach has been recognized on the global stage. A Prestigious Honor Seafoam has been awarded a MUSE Creative Award for our work on the Alton & Southern Railway website in the category of Best Transportation Website. The MUSE Creative Awards is an international platform celebrating excellence and innovation in creative design, advertising, and digital media. This recognition places us among leading creative professionals and agencies, acknowledging our commitment to crafting digital experiences that truly make a difference. The Alton & Southern Railway Project: A Story of Transformation Alton & Southern Railway, a vital transportation artery handling massive daily traffic, came to us with a challenge that many established companies face: their digital presence wasn't keeping pace with their real-world operations. Their website and brand messaging weren't effectively showcasing their true value or connecting with potential customers. Our approach went beyond surface-level changes. We kicked off the project with an in-depth Brand Strategy Workshop, bringing together key stakeholders from Alton & Southern. This collaborative session allowed us to dive deep into the company's history, values, and aspirations. Through targeted questions and exercises, we uncovered insights that would shape not just their website, but their entire brand strategy. Following the workshop, we conducted a comprehensive audit of Alton & Southern's visual identity assets. This thorough review helped us understand how to evolve their brand while respecting its heritage. Armed with these insights, we developed a holistic strategy that addressed every aspect of their digital presence. The result? A completely reimagined online presence that truly represents Alton & Southern's legacy and future potential. The new website design features: Clear user paths designed with both potential and existing clients in mind Refined content that clearly communicates their unique value proposition A cohesive visual identity that speaks to both the company's rich history and its modern capabilities User-friendly navigation that enhances the overall user experience Compelling visual assets, including drone footage, that showcase their impressive facilities More Than Just a Website This project exemplifies what happens when we look at marketing as an ecosystem rather than a series of isolated tactics. For Alton & Southern, this meant: Developing a brand strategy that aligns with their operational strengths and future goals Creating a visual language that respects their heritage while looking to the future Crafting messaging that resonates with their target audience and differentiates them in the market Implementing a digital framework that not only looks good but drives real business results Brand Identity --- > Explore brand-centric marketing strategies to enhance visibility and achieve sustainable growth in the digital landscape. - Published: 2024-09-13 - Modified: 2024-09-17 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/brand-centric-marketing-aligning-strategies-for-sustainable-growth/ - Categories: Strategize - Tags: Brand Strategy, Content Development, Email Marketing, PPC / Google Ads, SEO Services, Social Media, Web Design & Development In the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing, we're witnessing a fascinating phenomenon: the convergence of traditionally separate marketing disciplines into a more brand-centric marketing approach. But here's the twist – this isn't a new revolution. Instead, it's a powerful reminder of the fundamental principles that have always underpinned effective marketing. As we navigate this landscape, one crucial factor stands out: brand authority. The Illusion of Channel Isolation For years, the digital age seemed to promise success through hyper-focused channel strategies. SEO experts worked in isolation from social media marketers, while content marketers and PPC specialists operated in their own silos. This fragmentation led many to believe that mastering a single channel was the key to marketing success. However, recent developments are challenging this notion, bringing us full circle to the holistic approach that seasoned marketers have long advocated. Brand Authority: The Timeless Cornerstone At the heart of this convergence lies brand authority – a concept as old as marketing itself. Brand authority is the trust and credibility your brand has earned in its industry. It's the extent to which consumers view your brand as a leader, an expert, and a reliable source in your field. What's changing is not the importance of brand authority, but our ability to measure and understand its impact across various marketing channels. The SEO Connection: A Case Study in Convergence A recent Moz study analyzing Google's Helpful Content Updates provides a perfect example of this return to fundamentals. The study found that websites with higher brand authority were less likely to be negatively impacted by these updates, while sites with a high disparity between their Domain Authority and Brand Authority were more vulnerable. This revelation isn't introducing a new concept. Rather, it's confirming what marketers have always known: building a strong, trustworthy brand is crucial for long-term success. The difference now is that we can see this principle reflected directly in search engine algorithms. The Ripple Effect: Unified Impact Across Channels This convergence extends beyond SEO, affecting every aspect of marketing: Social Media: Engagement rates correlate strongly with brand trust. Content Marketing: Authoritative brands see better content performance and reach. Paid Advertising: Well-known brands often achieve higher click-through and conversion rates. Email Marketing: Strong brand recognition leads to improved open rates and engagement. Influencer Partnerships: Established brands attract higher-quality collaborations. These aren't separate phenomena – they're all manifestations of the same fundamental principle: a strong brand drives marketing success across all channels. Embracing the Comprehensive Approach As we recognize this convergence, it's clear that the future of marketing isn't about mastering new, complex strategies. Instead, it's about returning to a comprehensive, integrated approach that aligns with timeless marketing principles: Brand-Centric Strategy: Place your brand at the center of all marketing efforts. Consistent Messaging: Ensure your brand voice is unified across all channels. Value-Driven Content: Focus on providing genuine value to your audience, regardless of the platform. Customer-Centric Approach: Prioritize understanding and meeting customer needs over channel-specific metrics. Long-Term Relationship Building: Shift focus from short-term gains to cultivating lasting customer relationships. Building Brand Authority: Back to Basics Enhancing your brand authority isn't about employing cutting-edge tactics. It's about consistently applying fundamental marketing principles: Deliver Consistent Value: Regularly provide high-quality, helpful content that addresses your audience's needs. Demonstrate Expertise: Position your brand as an industry leader through insightful content and thought leadership. Prioritize Customer Experience: Focus on exceptional service and user experience across all touchpoints. Engage Authentically: Participate genuinely in your industry community, both online and offline. Maintain Transparency: Be open about your brand's values, processes, and even challenges. --- > Meet Cenna Mawhinney, our newest design powerhouse, ready to elevate Seafoam's creative landscape with her unique flair and expertise. - Published: 2024-09-11 - Modified: 2024-09-13 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/welcome-cenna-mawhinney-seafoams-newest-designer/ - Categories: Create, Strategize - Tags: Web Design & Development We're thrilled to introduce the newest addition to our design team, Cenna Mawhinney. With her impressive background and creative flair, Cenna is set to make waves in our agency and for our clients. Cenna joins Seafoam with several years of experience as a designer in both agency and senior in-house roles, bringing a wealth of expertise in brand identity and print design. Her portfolio showcases a knack for translating complex ideas into clear, visually compelling designs that resonate with audiences and drive results. Her journey in the design world is as diverse as it is impressive. Cenna honed her skills at Webster University's renowned graphic design program before expanding her horizons internationally. She recently returned from Barcelona, where she studied at the prestigious Elisava School of Design and Engineering, learning from some of the industry's most influential minds. This blend of local roots and global perspective gives Cenna a unique edge. She brings fresh, innovative ideas to the table while maintaining a grounded approach to solving design challenges. It's this balance that caught our eye and made her a perfect fit for our team. Cenna's expertise spans the full spectrum of design disciplines. From crafting cohesive brand identities to developing eye-catching website designs, her versatility and attention to detail shine through in every project. Her years of senior-level work have honed her ability to not just create beautiful designs, but to develop strategic visual solutions that drive meaningful results for clients. When she's not in the studio, you might find Cenna exploring her creative side through pottery, enjoying the great outdoors on a camping trip, or simply immersing herself in nature. These diverse interests fuel her creativity and bring a fresh perspective to her work. We're excited to see how Cenna's talents and experience will enhance our ability to deliver exceptional work for our clients. Her knack for distilling complex ideas into clear, impactful visuals is sure to elevate our projects and push our creative boundaries. As we welcome Cenna to the Seafoam family, we're looking forward to the fresh energy and seasoned expertise she brings to our team. Her addition strengthens our capability to create powerful, effective design solutions that make a real difference for the brands we work with. If you see Cenna around, be sure to give her a warm welcome! And stay tuned – we can't wait to share the amazing work she'll be producing as part of our team. Welcome aboard, Cenna – we're thrilled to have you with us! --- > Discover the latest marketing news, trends, and events shaping the industry this September 2024 at Seafoam. - Published: 2024-08-28 - Modified: 2024-08-28 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/september-2024-marketing-news-insights-events/ - Categories: Strategize, Create, Promote - Tags: PPC / Google Ads September 2024 Marketing News & Happenings: Google Enhances Performance Max Campaigns with AI Tools: Google Ads has rolled out new AI-powered features for Performance Max campaigns, including asset-level conversion reporting, YouTube video placement reporting, and AI-powered image editing. These tools aim to provide more detailed insights and streamline the creative process for advertisers. Microsoft Ads Introduces Impression-Based Remarketing: This new feature automatically generates audience lists from ad impressions, allowing advertisers to target users who have previously viewed their ads. It's applicable to Performance Max, Search, Shopping, and Native ad-only Audience campaigns. Meta Announces Major Ad Platform Updates: Meta is implementing significant changes to its advertising platform, including Conversion Value Rules, Incremental Conversion Attribution, and integration with external analytics tools like Google Analytics. These updates aim to deliver more customized results and improve campaign performance. Contentful Acquires Ninetailed for Enhanced Personalization: Contentful's acquisition of Ninetailed, a content personalization and experimentation specialist, signals a move towards more integrated, AI-driven personalization solutions in content management platforms. AI Integration Continues to Reshape Digital Marketing: The trend of AI integration in marketing tools and platforms is accelerating, with companies like Google, Microsoft, and Meta leading the charge. Marketers are increasingly leveraging AI for tasks ranging from content creation to campaign optimization. Privacy-First Marketing Strategies Gain Traction: With the phasing out of third-party cookies and increasing privacy regulations, marketers are shifting towards first-party data strategies and privacy-compliant targeting methods, as evidenced by Microsoft's new impression-based remarketing feature. Cross-Channel Attribution Becomes a Priority: Meta's integration with external analytics tools and focus on cross-publisher optimization highlight the growing importance of understanding and optimizing the entire customer journey across multiple channels. Personalization at Scale Emerges as a Key Focus: The Contentful-Ninetailed acquisition and Meta's new Conversion Value Rules feature underscore the industry's push towards more sophisticated, scalable personalization capabilities. Video Content and Advertising Continue to Dominate: With Google's introduction of YouTube video placement reporting and the ongoing popularity of video-centric platforms, video remains a critical component of digital marketing strategies. MarTech Integration and Consolidation Accelerates: The trend of marketing technology integration and consolidation continues, as seen in Contentful's acquisition of Ninetailed and Meta's efforts to integrate with various analytics platforms. Our Take: The marketing landscape in September 2024 is characterized by rapid technological advancements, with AI and machine learning at the forefront. At Seafoam, we see these developments as exciting opportunities to enhance our clients' marketing strategies, but we also recognize the importance of maintaining a human-centric approach. The introduction of more sophisticated AI tools by giants like Google and Meta offers unprecedented capabilities in campaign optimization and personalization. However, the key to success lies in how we leverage these tools to create meaningful connections with audiences. It's not just about using AI for efficiency; it's about using it to deliver more relevant, engaging experiences that resonate with real people. The shift towards privacy-first marketing, exemplified by Microsoft's impression-based remarketing, aligns perfectly with our philosophy of building genuine relationships with customers. This approach not only respects user privacy but also encourages marketers to focus on creating value that naturally attracts and retains customers. Cross-channel attribution and integration, as highlighted by Meta's new features, underscore the importance of a holistic marketing approach. At Seafoam, we've always advocated for strategies that consider the entire customer journey, and these new tools will enable us to do so with even greater precision and insight. The Contentful-Ninetailed acquisition points to a future where content management and personalization are seamlessly integrated. This aligns with our belief in creating cohesive brand experiences across all touchpoints. As these technologies evolve, we're excited about the possibilities for crafting even more tailored, impactful content strategies for our clients. As we navigate these changes, our focus remains on the fundamentals: understanding our clients' unique needs, crafting compelling brand stories, and delivering exceptional customer experiences. The new tools and platforms are exciting, but they're most effective when guided by sound strategy and creative thinking. In this rapidly evolving landscape, adaptability is key. We're committed to staying at the forefront of these technological advancements while ensuring that our strategies always prioritize genuine human connections. After all, at the heart of great marketing is the ability to communicate authentically and create value for real people. September 2024 Marketing Events: Revenue Operations Summit San Francisco When: September 4-5, 2024 Where: San Francisco Marriott Marquis, San Francisco Website: https://events. revenueoperationsalliance. com/location/sanfrancisco/ Focus: Improving data-driven decision-making and leveraging AI to optimize business processes SMX Advanced Europe When: September 9, 2024 (Workshops) | September 10-11, 2024 (Conference) Where: Berlin Website: https://smxadvanced. eu/ Focus: Advanced content for experienced search marketers, featuring innovative formats and expert speakers Inbound When: September 18-20, 2024 Where: Boston, Massachusetts Website: https://www. inbound. com/ Focus: Latest trends and tactics in sales and marketing, featuring hands-on workshops and community-building experiences For more insights and updates, follow Seafoam on LinkedIn. Contact us to discuss how we can help you navigate the evolving marketing landscape and achieve your growth goals. --- > Discover how effective branding and marketing can enhance your business success with a cohesive strategy for today's competitive market. - Published: 2024-08-26 - Modified: 2024-08-26 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/branding-and-marketing-building-a-cohesive-strategy-for-business-success/ - Categories: Strategize, Create, Promote - Tags: Brand Strategy In today's competitive marketplace, effective branding and marketing are the foundation of business success. It's not just about a memorable logo or a catchy tagline—it's about creating a cohesive identity that resonates with your audience and powers every aspect of your marketing efforts. Let's explore how you can build a brand that not only catches attention but also creates lasting marketing impact in your industry. The Core Elements of Powerful Branding and Marketing Brand Strategy: Your Marketing Compass At the heart of every successful business lies a well-defined branding and marketing strategy. This isn't just a document gathering dust in a drawer—it's the compass that guides every marketing decision you make. Your brand strategy should clearly articulate: Vision and Mission: Why does your business exist beyond making money? Core Values: What principles guide your marketing actions? Positioning: How do you stand out in the marketing landscape? Brand Personality: If your brand were a person in your marketing, who would they be? Remember, a strong brand strategy isn't about following marketing trends—it's about staying true to your core identity while evolving with your audience's needs. Visual Identity: The Face of Your Marketing Your visual identity is often the first point of contact between your brand and your audience in any marketing context. It's not just about looking good—it's about communicating your brand's essence at a glance across all marketing materials. Key elements include: Logo: The symbol of your brand in all marketing Color palette: The emotions you want to evoke in your marketing Typography: The voice of your visual marketing communication Imagery style: The world you want to create for your audience in your marketing Consistency is key across all marketing channels. A disjointed visual identity can send mixed messages and confuse your audience. Voice and Tone: Speaking Your Brand's Language in Marketing How you say something is just as important as what you say in your marketing communications. Your brand voice should be: Consistent across all marketing platforms Authentic to your brand's personality in all marketing contexts Tailored to your audience's expectations in different marketing channels Think of your brand voice as a person in your marketing. Are they formal or casual? Serious or playful? Authoritative or collaborative? Once you've defined this, let it inform all your marketing communications. Making an Impact: Where Branding and Marketing Converge Website: Your Digital Marketing Hub Your website is where branding and marketing converge, forming the first impression for your audience. It should be a perfect reflection of your brand identity, from the colors and imagery to the copy and user experience. Key areas to focus on in your website marketing: Homepage: Clearly communicate your marketing value proposition About page: Tell your brand story in a compelling way that supports your marketing goals Product/Service pages: Showcase your offerings in line with your brand promise and marketing messages Blog: Demonstrate thought leadership in your industry as part of your content marketing strategy Remember, your website isn't just a brochure—it's a marketing experience. Make sure it's one that aligns with your brand at every click and supports your overall marketing objectives. Ad Creative: Standing Out in Your Marketing Campaigns In the competitive world of advertising, your brand needs to stand out. Your ad creative should be: Instantly recognizable as your brand across all marketing channels Consistent with your visual identity in all marketing materials Aligned with your brand voice and messaging in every marketing campaign Whether it's a social media ad, a billboard, or a TV commercial, your audience should know it's your marketing before they even see your logo. Content Marketing: Diving Deep into Your Brand's Expertise Content marketing is where you can really showcase your brand's personality and expertise. This includes: Blog posts Whitepapers Videos Podcasts Social media posts Each piece of content should feel like a natural extension of your brand and support your marketing goals. It's not just about what you say, but how you say it. Use your content marketing to showcase your brand's unique perspective and value. Customer Experience: Where Marketing Perception Meets Reality Your brand isn't just what you say in your marketing—it's what you do. Every interaction a customer has with your business should align with your brand promise and marketing messages. This includes: Customer service interactions Product quality and packaging Post-purchase follow-ups Loyalty programs Remember, a brand that delivers on its marketing promises creates loyal customers who become brand ambassadors, amplifying your marketing efforts. The Power of a Holistic Approach to Branding and Marketing Building a strong brand isn't about perfecting individual marketing elements—it's about creating a cohesive system where each part of your marketing reinforces the others. When your brand consistently comes to life across all marketing touchpoints, it creates a powerful framework that: Builds trust and recognition in your marketing efforts Differentiates you from competitors in the marketing landscape Guides marketing decisions Creates emotional connections with customers through marketing Drives long-term business growth through effective marketing At Seafoam, we understand that your brand is more than just what you say in your marketing—it's how others perceive you. Our collaborative approach involves interactive marketing workshops and team involvement to tap into your collective wisdom and ideas. We work with you to identify key elements like your brand vision, audience personas, messaging framework, and brand personality that will inform all your marketing efforts. This partnership allows us to formulate a more informed brand strategy and identity, tailored to positively shape audience perceptions, outpace competitors, and establish you as an industry leader through strategic marketing. In the end, a strong brand isn't just good marketing—it's good business. By creating a brand that resonates deeply with your audience and informs all your marketing efforts, you're not just reaching customers—you're creating a movement that can transform your business, delight your customers, and enrich your community. Ready to elevate your branding and marketing strategy? Let's start a conversation and redefine your brand and marketing strategy together. --- - Published: 2024-08-14 - Modified: 2024-08-14 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/seafoam-honored-with-future50-award-from-st-louis-small-business-monthly/ - Categories: Promote - Tags: Seafoam News Seafoam has been recognized with the prestigious Future50 Award by Small Business Monthly, highlighting our role in shaping the future of business in Saint Louis. This honor celebrates companies that are not only experiencing growth but are also driving innovation and making a significant impact on our region's business landscape. The Future50 Award goes beyond recognizing success—it spotlights organizations that are reimagining possibilities and paving the way for a brighter future in St. Louis. The selection process considered factors such as strategic planning, innovation, community involvement, and business growth. We're proud to stand alongside other forward-thinking companies that are contributing to the next chapter of our city's business story. This recognition reinforces our commitment to transforming the marketing landscape. At Seafoam, we're dedicated to empowering businesses with tailored strategies that seamlessly blend brand development and performance marketing. It's a testament to our core values—integrity, excellence, simplicity, pragmatism, and community commitment—that guide our approach to every client partnership. We owe this honor to our incredible clients who trust us to build their marketing foundations. Your partnerships inspire us to push boundaries and deliver strategies that drive lasting success. This award reflects the collaborative spirit that defines our work together. A heartfelt thank you goes out to Small Business Monthly for this recognition. As a cornerstone of the St. Louis business community, SBM plays a vital role in highlighting local companies that are driving our region forward. To our fellow Future50 Award recipients: congratulations! Your innovative spirit and dedication to excellence contribute to making St. Louis a dynamic hub of creativity and progress. Together, we're creating an environment where businesses of all sizes can thrive and make a meaningful impact. This award fuels our passion to continue revolutionizing the marketing industry by championing simplicity, time-honored principles, and an unwavering focus on what truly matters. As we look to the future, we're more committed than ever to helping businesses take control of their marketing and create lasting value. Thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey. Here's to building stronger foundations, forging deeper connections, and shaping a future where marketing drives not just growth, but also positive change—for our clients, our community, and beyond. --- > Stay informed with the latest marketing news, insights, and events happening in August 2024. Discover industry updates at Seafoam. - Published: 2024-07-31 - Modified: 2024-07-20 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/august-2024-marketing-news-insights-events/ - Categories: Strategize, Create, Promote - Tags: Analytics & Reporting, Brand Strategy, PPC / Google Ads, SEO Services August 2024 Marketing News & Happenings: Digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising is emerging as a powerhouse for summer campaigns, leveraging increased foot traffic and visibility. Brands are capitalizing on longer daylight hours and improved weather conditions to reach audiences more effectively. AI integration is continuing to revolutionize marketing across all aspects, from content creation to ad delivery and campaign optimization. Marketers are leveraging AI to automate tasks, personalize content, and make data-driven decisions at unprecedented speeds. The importance of a solid marketing strategy is becoming more evident as the digital landscape evolves rapidly. Companies with clear, adaptable strategies are better positioned to navigate the complexities of emerging technologies and changing consumer behaviors. SEO practices are undergoing significant changes in response to Google's updates and the growing impact of AI on search behaviors. Marketers are shifting focus to E-E-A-T principles and adapting to new search experiences like Google's SGE. Paid media platforms are increasingly integrating AI capabilities, reminiscent of the programmatic revolution a decade ago. This integration is enabling more precise targeting, real-time optimization, and improved ROI for advertisers. Enhanced analytics tools are providing improved capabilities for measuring brand awareness, allowing marketers to track previously elusive metrics. This is enabling more accurate assessment of brand-building efforts and their impact on overall marketing performance. Content marketing strategies are adapting to accommodate changes like Google's Search Generative Experiences (SGE), emphasizing the need for high-quality, relevant content. Marketers are focusing on creating comprehensive, authoritative content that can stand out in AI-generated search results. Video creation is seeing a surge in AI-assisted tools, though human creativity remains crucial for standout content. Marketers are finding ways to balance AI efficiency with human ingenuity to produce compelling video content at scale. Influencer marketing strategies are shifting towards more data-driven identification methods and authentic partnerships. Brands are leveraging AI and advanced analytics to find influencers who genuinely align with their values and resonate with their target audience. Social media marketing is facing challenges with AI integration and potential content oversaturation, requiring marketers to focus on quality and authenticity. Brands are exploring ways to cut through the noise with genuine, value-driven content that fosters real connections. Amazon Prime Day 2024 broke records, highlighting the continued growth of e-commerce and the effectiveness of strategic discounting. This success is prompting other retailers to rethink their promotional strategies and e-commerce approaches. Traditional marketing systems are being transformed by AI, leading to more automated, data-driven approaches and necessitating organizational changes. Companies are restructuring their marketing teams and processes to fully leverage AI capabilities while maintaining strategic oversight. Our Take: The marketing landscape in August 2024 is evolving at breakneck speed, but the fundamentals remain unchanged. At Seafoam, we believe in cutting through the noise to focus on what truly matters: delivering value to your audience and building lasting relationships. The rise of DOOH advertising and the record-breaking success of Amazon Prime Day 2024 underscore a crucial point - consumers are ready and willing to engage with brands that meet them where they are, both physically and digitally. This presents an exciting opportunity for businesses to create meaningful touchpoints across various channels. AI's increasing integration into marketing processes is a double-edged sword. While it offers unprecedented efficiency and personalization capabilities, it also risks overshadowing the human element that's crucial for genuine connections. Our approach is to harness AI as a powerful tool, not a replacement for human creativity and strategic thinking. The transformation of traditional marketing systems by AI isn't just about adopting new tools - it's about rethinking how we approach marketing as a whole. At Seafoam, we see this as an opportunity to streamline processes, focus on high-impact activities, and build more responsive, data-driven strategies. However, amidst all this technological advancement, we can't stress enough the importance of having a solid marketing foundation. A clear, adaptable strategy is more crucial than ever in navigating this complex landscape. It's not about chasing every new trend, but about understanding which innovations align with your brand's values and long-term goals. As we move forward, the key to success lies in balance - between automation and human touch, between data-driven decisions and creative intuition, between short-term gains and long-term brand building. It's about creating a marketing ecosystem that's both efficient and authentic, leveraging the best of what technology has to offer while staying true to your brand's core values and mission. At Seafoam, we're excited about these developments and the opportunities they present. We're here to help you navigate this evolving landscape, cut through the complexity, and build a marketing strategy that drives sustainable, long-term growth. Remember, good marketing isn't about following trends - it's about understanding your audience, delivering value, and building lasting relationships. That's a principle that will never go out of style, no matter how much the technology changes. August 2024 Marketing Events: August 12-15 - eTail Boston 2024 August 15-16 - DigiMarCon New Zealand 2024 August 20-21 - DigiMarCon Oceania 2024 August 29-30 - DigiMarCon UK 2024 For more insights and updates, follow Seafoam on LinkedIn. Contact us to discuss how we can help you navigate the evolving marketing landscape and achieve your growth goals. --- > Discover proven strategies for sustainable growth in the fast-paced world of e-commerce marketing. Maximize your success with these core principles. - Published: 2024-07-19 - Modified: 2024-07-19 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/e-commerce-marketing-core-principles-for-long-term-success/ - Categories: Strategize, Create, Promote - Tags: Analytics & Reporting, Brand Strategy, Content Development, PPC / Google Ads, SEO Services, Web Design & Development In the fast-paced world of e-commerce, it's easy to get caught up in the latest marketing trends or quick-fix solutions. However, sustainable growth comes from a different approach. Let's dive into the core elements of e-commerce marketing that truly drive e-commerce success, based on our decades of experience in the field. Brand Strategy: Your North Star A brand isn't just a logo or a color scheme. It's the core of a business's identity, the guiding force behind every decision. A well-crafted brand strategy sets a company apart in a crowded marketplace and gives customers a compelling reason to choose one business over competitors. A strong brand strategy starts with a deep understanding of the target audience. Who are they? What do they value? What problems are they trying to solve? The brand should speak directly to these needs and aspirations. Next comes defining the unique value proposition. What makes the business different? This isn't about being the cheapest or having the most features. It's about identifying the unique combination of benefits that only that particular company can provide. Finally, a brand strategy should inform every aspect of the business, from product development to customer service. It should guide messaging, visual identity, and the overall experience provided. When done right, a brand becomes a powerful tool for building customer loyalty and driving long-term growth. --- > Discover how Seafoam transformed the St. Louis Teen Talent Competition's branding, in partnership with FoxPACF, to empower young artists. - Published: 2024-07-13 - Modified: 2024-07-13 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/revitalizing-branding-website-design-the-foxs-st-louis-teen-talent-competition/ - Categories: Create, Strategize - Tags: Brand Strategy, Content Development, Web Design & Development When the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation (FoxPACF) approached Seafoam with the challenge of rebranding their St. Louis Teen Talent Competition (STLTTC), we knew we had an exciting opportunity to make a real difference. This project showcased our ability to breathe new life into established institutions while honoring their rich heritage. The FoxPACF, known for its commitment to nurturing young talent in the performing arts, needed a fresh approach to engage with its target audience of talented teenagers. The competition's previous branding had become outdated, failing to capture the vibrancy and energy of the young participants it aimed to attract. Our team at Seafoam embraced this challenge, drawing on our expertise in brand strategy, web design, and content development to create a bold, contemporary identity that would resonate with young artists while maintaining a connection to the iconic Fox Theatre. The Transformation Process We began by immersing ourselves in the world of performing arts, studying contemporary rebrands of various establishments to strike the perfect balance between modern aesthetics and youthful energy. The result was a vibrant stylescape featuring bold colors, impactful imagery, and dynamic geometric shapes that paid homage to the Fox Theatre's stunning architecture. Our web design team then focused on creating an intuitive, easily navigable platform that not only provided essential information about the competition but also gave participants a taste of stardom. Taking inspiration from festival websites and indie record labels, we crafted a design that prioritized clarity and accessibility. A standout feature of the new website was the "What to Expect" page, which used a tabbed interface to streamline information for different stages of the competition. We also created personalized competitor pages, allowing each teen to feel like a star and providing shareable content for social media and college applications. The Impact The reimagined STLTTC brand and website were met with immediate enthusiasm from the FoxPACF board. The bold, youthful aesthetic successfully captured the energy and excitement of the competition while maintaining a strong connection to the Fox Theatre's legacy. By partnering with Seafoam, the St. Louis Teen Talent Competition now boasts a vibrant brand identity and online presence that effectively engages its target audience and positions the event as a premier platform for celebrating young talent in the performing arts. This project exemplifies Seafoam's ability to tackle complex branding challenges for prestigious organizations. Our work with the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation demonstrates our commitment to delivering comprehensive, unified strategies that balance brand development and performance marketing. At Seafoam, we pride ourselves on being more than just a service provider – we're a strategic ally committed to our clients' long-term success. Whether we're working with established institutions like the Fox Theatre or up-and-coming businesses, our approach remains the same: we craft marketing foundations that bridge brand and performance, ensuring sustainable growth and lasting impact. Are you looking to revitalize your brand and connect with your audience in meaningful ways? Let's start a conversation about how Seafoam can help you achieve your marketing goals and build a rock-solid foundation for long-term success. --- > Stay informed with the latest trends in July 2024 marketing news, highlighting the growing role of AI integration in all marketing aspects. - Published: 2024-07-01 - Modified: 2024-06-24 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/july-2024-marketing-news-insights-events/ - Categories: Promote, Create, Strategize - Tags: Content Development, PPC / Google Ads, Social Media July 2024 Marketing News & Happenings: Generative AI continues to transform the marketing landscape, with major brands like Target implementing AI-powered tools to enhance employee efficiency and customer service. Streaming platforms are seeing massive growth in ad spend, with Disney+ and Netflix reporting triple-digit year-over-year increases in Q1 2024. Design tools are evolving to incorporate AI, as seen with Canva's launch of AI-powered features like Magic Design and Magic Write, aimed at enhancing creativity and streamlining the design process. Social media platforms are doubling down on content creation tools, with LinkedIn rolling out new newsletter features to support creators and thought leaders. Major tech platforms are working to rebuild trust with advertisers, as evidenced by Elon Musk's efforts to win back advertisers to X (formerly Twitter) at Cannes Lions. The streaming ad market is becoming more accessible, with Disney opening up its BridgeID identifier to make its streaming ad inventory available to a wider range of advertisers and adtech partners. Our Take The trends we're seeing in July 2024 highlight the increasing integration of AI across all aspects of marketing, from internal operations to content creation and ad delivery. As AI becomes more prevalent, marketers must strategically implement these tools while maintaining a focus on authenticity and human creativity. The explosive growth in streaming ad spend underscores the shift from traditional linear TV to digital platforms. Marketers need to adapt their strategies to reach audiences effectively in this evolving media landscape, leveraging the targeting capabilities and engagement opportunities offered by streaming platforms. The focus on content creation tools by social media platforms like LinkedIn emphasizes the continued importance of thought leadership and personal branding in B2B marketing. Marketers should take advantage of these new features to build and engage their audiences more effectively. The efforts by major tech platforms to rebuild trust with advertisers highlight the ongoing challenges of brand safety and the importance of transparent, accountable ad ecosystems. Marketers should carefully evaluate platform policies and audience engagement when making ad spend decisions. Ultimately, while embracing new technologies and platforms is crucial, the core principles of marketing remain unchanged: understanding your audience, delivering value, and building trust. By balancing innovation with empathy and authenticity, marketers can navigate this rapidly evolving landscape and drive meaningful results for their brands. July 2024 Marketing Events: July 1-2 - DigiMarCon Washington DC 2024 July 8-9 - DigiMarCon Silicon Valley 2024 July 9 - The MarTech Summit | Hong Kong July 31 - August 1 - Savant eCommerce New York 2024 July 31 - August 1 - Seattle Interactive Conference For more insights and updates, follow Seafoam on LinkedIn. Contact us to discuss how we can help you navigate the evolving marketing landscape and achieve your growth goals. --- > Discover how Seafoam's exceptional design for Alton & Southern Railway website earned them the GDUSA American Digital Design Award. - Published: 2024-06-28 - Modified: 2024-08-14 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/seafoam-wins-gdusa-american-digital-design-award-for-alton-southern-railway-website/ - Categories: Create - Tags: Seafoam News, Web Design & Development At Seafoam, we've always believed that great design is about more than just aesthetics—it's about creating digital experiences that truly serve our clients and their audiences. That's why we're excited to announce that our work for Alton & Southern Railway has been recognized with a GDUSA American Digital Design Award. The American Digital Design Awards celebrate the power of exceptional design to enhance online and interactive experiences. This recognition puts us alongside some of the most innovative companies and agencies in the digital space—a testament to our team's dedication and expertise. For us, this award is a welcomed affirmation of what we've always known: that our approach to web design—rooted in simplicity, clarity, and a deep understanding of our clients' needs—consistently delivers results. It's not about flashy trends or gimmicks; it's about creating websites that work hard for our clients long after launch. Our work for Alton & Southern Railway exemplifies this philosophy. We focused on crafting a user experience that seamlessly blends form and function, ensuring that visitors can easily find the information they need while also conveying the rich history and modern capabilities of this storied railway. While we're honored by this recognition, we see it as simply another milestone in our ongoing journey to redefine marketing for our clients. Awards are great, but what truly drives us is the impact our work has on our clients' businesses. It's about building those marketing foundations that bridge brand and performance—a principle that guides every project we undertake. We'd like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the team at Alton & Southern Railway for trusting us with their digital presence, and to GDUSA for this recognition. And of course, a big congratulations to our dedicated team at Seafoam. Your relentless pursuit of excellence and commitment to our core values continue to set us apart. As we celebrate this achievement, we're already looking forward to our next challenge. Because at Seafoam, every project is an opportunity to push boundaries, solve problems, and create digital experiences that truly make a difference. Interested in seeing how our award-winning approach to web design could transform your online presence? Let's talk. We're always excited to tackle new challenges and help businesses build the solid marketing foundations they need for sustainable growth. --- > Discover how Seafoam's collaboration with Tiny Little Monster transformed their website, amplifying their brand's personality and values. - Published: 2024-06-24 - Modified: 2024-06-24 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/elevating-brand-presence-tiny-little-monsters-website-redesign/ - Categories: Create - Tags: Web Design & Development At Seafoam, we believe a website should be a powerful extension of a brand's personality and values. Our recent collaboration with Tiny Little Monster, a St. Louis-based print shop, showcases this philosophy in action. The Challenge Tiny Little Monster approached us with a website that, while functional, didn't fully capture their unique spirit or effectively showcase their services. As an artist-owned, fiercely independent business, they needed a digital presence that would reflect their creativity and passion. Our Approach We immersed ourselves in understanding Tiny Little Monster's brand identity, their services, and their target audience. Our goal was to create a website that would not only look great but also drive conversions and improve user experience. Key Features of the New Design Bold, Vibrant Homepage We created a striking hero section that immediately communicates Tiny Little Monster's brand identity with the phrase "Artist Owned. Ferociously Independent. " This sets the tone for the entire site and captures attention right away. Clear Service Offerings We implemented easy-to-understand icons and descriptions for their main services: Screen Printing, Embroidery, and DTF Transfer. This allows visitors to quickly grasp what Tiny Little Monster offers. Engaging Visual Design The new site features a vibrant green and yellow color scheme that aligns with Tiny Little Monster's energetic brand personality. The playful monster illustrations add character and reinforce the brand's unique identity. Improved User Experience The clean, modern layout ensures that visitors can easily navigate the site and find the information they need without clutter or confusion. Project Inquiry Section We added a "Tell Us About Your Project" section to the homepage, encouraging visitors to share their ideas and fostering a sense of collaboration from the first interaction. The Results The new Tiny Little Monster website is a perfect reflection of their brand – bold, creative, and user-friendly. It effectively showcases their services while maintaining the quirky, independent spirit that sets them apart in the market. At Seafoam, we're proud to have partnered with Tiny Little Monster to bring their digital presence to life. This project exemplifies our commitment to creating websites that not only look great but also drive real business results by effectively communicating a brand's unique value proposition. Ready to transform your online presence? Let's talk about how we can help your brand stand out in the digital landscape. --- > Stay updated with the latest marketing insights, events, and trends in June 2024. Discover how AI technology is enhancing marketing strategies and customer experiences. - Published: 2024-06-01 - Modified: 2024-05-26 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/june-2024-marketing-news-insights-events/ - Categories: Strategize, Create, Promote - Tags: Social Media June 2024 Marketing News, Trends & Happenings: Google announced a set of AI tools at Google Marketing Live 2024 aimed at enhancing advertising performance by automating and optimizing ad campaigns. These tools are designed to provide advertisers with more precision and efficiency in their marketing efforts. Snapchat has teamed up with IAS to introduce an AI-driven brand safety solution. This new feature aims to offer advertisers transparency and control over the environment in which their ads appear, ensuring that their brands are associated with appropriate content. Brands like Coach are increasingly integrating virtual influencers into their marketing strategies. Recently, Coach launched a campaign that features a virtual influencer alongside real celebrities like Lil Nas X and Camila Mendes to appeal to younger audiences and explore the complexities of identity in the digital age. The integration of AI in marketing continues to evolve, with companies now using AI to enhance user engagement and personalization. This includes AI-driven content recommendations and personalized marketing strategies that are becoming more prevalent across various platforms. Our Take: June 2024 is shaping up to be a month focused on leveraging technology, particularly AI, to enhance marketing effectiveness and customer experiences. Google's new AI tools for advertising demonstrate the industry's commitment to providing more precise, efficient, and optimized advertising solutions. As these technologies continue to evolve, marketers who can effectively harness their power will be well-positioned to succeed. Snapchat's partnership with IAS to introduce an AI-driven brand safety solution highlights the importance of ensuring that ads appear alongside appropriate content. This move will likely attract more advertisers to the platform, as it provides them with greater control and transparency over their ad placements. The rise of virtual influencers in marketing campaigns, as seen with Coach's recent campaign, showcases how brands are adapting to appeal to younger audiences and explore the complexities of digital identity. As the line between virtual and real continues to blur, marketers will need to navigate this new landscape to effectively engage with their target audiences. The ongoing evolution of AI in marketing, particularly in the areas of user engagement and personalization, underscores the importance of staying up-to-date with these advancements. Marketers who can leverage AI-driven content recommendations and personalized strategies will be better equipped to deliver tailored, engaging experiences to their customers. Must-Attend Marketing Events: June 3-4 - Influencer Marketing Show USA (New York, NY) June 3-4 - MozCon (Seattle, WA) June 3-5 - Gartner Marketing Symposium/Xpo (Denver, CO) June 6-8 - AMA Marketing and Public Policy Conference (Washington, D. C. ) June 18 - Growth Marketing Summit (Frankfurt, Germany) For more insights and updates, follow Seafoam on LinkedIn. Contact us to discuss how we can help you navigate the evolving marketing landscape and achieve your growth goals. --- > Discover how a leaked Google document highlights the significance of brand strategy in SEO. Gain valuable insights for boosting organic traffic. Language: US English - Published: 2024-05-28 - Modified: 2024-05-28 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/googles-leaked-document-reinforces-the-power-of-brand-strategy/ - Categories: Strategize, Create, Promote - Tags: Brand Strategy, SEO Services Navigating the nuances of search engine optimization can often feel like a puzzle. However, with the recent leak of a pivotal Google document, the fog around SEO practices is lifting, providing us with clearer directions. This insight is especially crucial for businesses focused on building a solid, enduring brand strategy. At Seafoam, where we simplify the complex, let's explore how these Google revelations can guide your journey to creating a powerful, trustworthy brand. The Importance of E-A-T in Brand Strategy Google's emphasis on Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-A-T) reaffirms the critical role of building a strong brand. In the digital landscape, a brand that consistently demonstrates deep knowledge (expertise), a reputable standing (authoritativeness), and reliability (trustworthiness) will not only rank well but also resonate deeply with its audience. For businesses, this means investing in content that reflects expert opinions, sourcing information responsibly, and maintaining a transparent relationship with customers. These efforts solidify your brand's foundation in the eyes of both Google and your target audience. Click-Through Rates: A Reflection of Brand Resonance The document also sheds light on the role of click-through rates (CTR). While CTRs do not directly influence general search rankings, they are a vital indicator of how compelling your brand is to potential customers. High CTRs suggest that your brand messaging and content are resonant, enticing users to learn more about what you offer. This metric, therefore, becomes a gauge of your brand's appeal and relevance—a powerful tool for continuous improvement. Long-Term Brand Strategy with SEO Incorporating Google's SEO insights into your brand strategy means focusing on long-term brand equity rather than short-lived tactics. Building a website and a content strategy that align with E-A-T principles ensures that your brand does not just chase after trends but grows with sustainability and credibility. This approach ensures that your brand remains relevant and authoritative, paving the way for lasting success in an ever-competitive market. The Fishkin Philosophy Rand Fishkin, a luminary in the SEO world, encapsulates this perfectly: "If there was one universal piece of advice I had for marketers seeking to broadly improve their organic search rankings and traffic, it would be: ‘Build a notable, popular, well-recognized brand in your space, outside of Google search. '" This statement not only highlights the importance of brand building but also emphasizes the need to create a notable presence that transcends search engines. It's a reminder that true brand strength is built on genuine interactions and recognition that go beyond digital metrics. Conclusion: A Commitment to Quality and Integrity At Seafoam, we believe in the power of clarity and purpose in marketing. The recent insights from Google reinforce our commitment to helping businesses build strong, credible brands that thrive. By focusing on quality, reliability, and a deep understanding of your audience, your brand can rise above the noise and connect meaningfully with customers. Building a solid brand isn't just about being seen—it's about being remembered and trusted. With these principles in mind, businesses can craft strategies that not only improve search rankings but also create enduring relationships with their audiences, ensuring their brand stands the test of time in the digital age. --- - Published: 2024-05-26 - Modified: 2024-05-26 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/snl-paintings-transformation-building-a-foundation-for-sustainable-marketing-growth/ - Categories: Promote, Create, Strategize - Tags: Web Design & Development As a marketing agency specializing in crafting comprehensive, customized strategies, we've had the privilege of working with businesses across various industries. When SNL Painting approached us to help redefine their marketing approach and lay the groundwork for long-term success, we knew this was an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. The Crossroads: In 2012, Nick found himself at the helm of SNL Painting, taking over full ownership from his long-time partner, Barry. With this transition came a critical juncture – it was time to reevaluate the business, streamline operations, and pave the way for sustainable growth. Nick recognized that to take SNL Painting to new heights, he needed expert guidance to build a solid foundation and chart a strategic course forward. Partnering for Success: Enter Seafoam – a marketing agency dedicated to empowering businesses to reach their full potential. We took the time to understand SNL Painting's unique challenges and aspirations, crafting a tailored plan to establish a rock-solid foundation for enduring success. Crafting a Comprehensive Solution: Our team recognized that revolutionizing SNL Painting's online presence was paramount. We developed a stunning new website that effectively communicated the company's services and value proposition. But we didn't stop there. We implemented a robust SEO, paid advertising, and content marketing strategy to drive targeted traffic and generate quality leads. Our focus extended beyond digital tactics. We worked closely with SNL Painting to: Craft a compelling brand story and messaging that resonated with their target audience Streamline lead generation and sales processes to maximize conversions Implement a CRM system to efficiently manage and nurture customer relationships Provide ongoing support, analysis, and optimization to ensure continuous growth The Fruits of Our Labor: Through this holistic approach, the results spoke for themselves: 80. 24% increase in Click-Through Rate (CTR) from paid campaigns 56. 11% boost in conversions from PPC efforts 575% surge in overall conversions 55. 68% improvement in cost per conversion By laying the groundwork for a robust marketing foundation, Seafoam empowered SNL Painting to achieve remarkable growth and thrive in a competitive market. The Power of Partnership: SNL Painting's transformation underscores the immense value of partnering with a marketing agency that takes a comprehensive, tailored approach. By focusing on building a solid foundation aligned with their unique needs, SNL Painting was able to achieve substantial growth and establish themselves as a leader in their industry. Their journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of a well-constructed marketing system. With Seafoam's guidance, SNL Painting is now poised for limitless success, armed with the tools and strategies to paint a bright future. Conclusion: At Seafoam, we believe that every business has the potential for greatness. By taking the time to understand our clients' unique challenges and goals, we develop comprehensive, customized strategies that drive sustainable growth. SNL Painting's success story is just one example of the transformative results that can be achieved through a strategic partnership built on trust, expertise, and a shared vision for the future. --- > Unlock valuable knowledge on AI-driven advertising from Google Marketing Live 2024. Stay ahead of the digital marketing game with these key insights. - Published: 2024-05-21 - Modified: 2024-05-24 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/key-insights-from-google-marketing-live-2024-on-ai-driven-advertising/ - Categories: Promote - Tags: AI SEO, PPC / Google Ads As the digital marketing landscape continues to evolve, the role of AI in enhancing advertising capabilities has become increasingly apparent. The recent announcements from Google Marketing Live 2024 have shed light on several key implications and advanced insights that marketers should consider as they navigate this new era of AI-driven marketing. 1. The Potential of AI-Driven Creativity One of the most significant developments is the rise of AI-driven creative solutions. By automating and optimizing ad assets, AI tools have the potential to revolutionize the creative process, enabling marketers to deliver highly personalized and relevant content to diverse consumer segments. This presents an opportunity for brands to engage their target audiences more effectively, driving higher engagement and conversions. 2. Optimizing Campaigns with Performance Max Google's Performance Max campaigns have emerged as a powerful tool for predicting and influencing user behaviors. By leveraging advanced machine learning techniques, marketers can optimize their campaigns seamlessly across various channels and touchpoints. This strategic approach allows for more efficient allocation of ad spend, targeting potential customers who are most likely to convert based on their online behavior. 3. The Rise of Immersive Shopping Experiences The introduction of immersive shopping experiences, such as those using augmented reality (AR), marks a significant shift in how consumers interact with products online. These technologies have the potential to bridge the gap between online and physical retail, creating memorable and engaging interactions that foster brand loyalty. As this trend continues to gain momentum, marketers should explore how they can integrate these immersive experiences into their strategies. 4. Maintaining Brand Consistency in the Age of AI AI-powered tools offer a promising solution for maintaining brand consistency across various platforms and campaigns. By analyzing existing brand assets and user interactions, these tools can generate new creatives that align with the brand's core message and aesthetic. This ensures a cohesive brand experience for consumers, regardless of the touchpoint or platform, strengthening brand recall and affinity. 5. The Importance of Strategic Data Utilization The advancements highlighted at Google Marketing Live underscore the growing importance of strategic data utilization in marketing. By leveraging data effectively, marketers can anticipate market trends, understand consumer needs, and respond swiftly with tailored marketing strategies. As the landscape continues to evolve, the ability to harness the power of data will be a key differentiator for successful marketers. 6. Navigating Ethical Considerations and Consumer Privacy As AI becomes more prevalent in marketing, ethical considerations and consumer privacy must remain at the forefront of the conversation. Marketers have a responsibility to navigate the delicate balance between personalization and privacy, ensuring that consumer data is used responsibly to enhance user experiences without compromising trust. Developing a strong ethical framework will be crucial for brands looking to build lasting relationships with their customers. 7. Preparing for the Future of AI in Marketing Looking ahead, it is clear that the integration of AI in marketing will only continue to deepen. Marketers should prepare for an era where AI not only supports but also drives strategic decision-making. This will require a commitment to continuous learning and adaptation, staying abreast of new technologies and methodologies as they emerge. In conclusion, the updates from Google Marketing Live offer a glimpse into the transformative potential of AI in digital marketing. By embracing these advancements and considering their implications, marketers can position themselves to deliver exceptional results for their brands. Whether it's through AI-driven creative solutions, optimized campaigns, immersive experiences, or data-driven strategies, the future of marketing lies in harnessing the power of AI responsibly and effectively. As the landscape continues to shift, those who adapt and innovate will be best positioned to succeed in this new era of AI-driven marketing. --- > Stay ahead of SEO Google AI advancements powered by AI. Enhance your search visibility and drive organic traffic. - Published: 2024-05-15 - Modified: 2024-05-24 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/navigating-seo-google-ai-updates-innovations/ - Categories: Strategize, Promote - Tags: AI SEO, SEO Services, Web Design & Development As digital marketing continues to evolve, staying ahead requires not just adaptation, but foresight and innovation. The introduction of Google’s latest enhancements to its Search Generative Experience (SGE) marks a pivotal shift towards a more intuitive, rich, and user-focused search landscape. This new era, characterized by SEO Google AI, offers both challenges and opportunities. At Seafoam, we are equipped and ready to help you harness these changes for strategic advantage. What is Google's Search Generative Experience (SGE)? Google's Search Generative Experience (SGE) is an innovative leap forward, designed to make the search process more intuitive and informative. This technology uses advanced artificial intelligence to generate quick, context-rich summaries of web content directly in the search results. These summaries aim to provide users with the essential information they need at a glance, enhancing the overall search experience by making it faster, more accurate, and visually engaging. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, SGE can understand the intent behind a user's query, presenting tailored summaries that highlight the most pertinent information, along with richer visual content. This allows users to grasp the context of their search results quickly and decide more efficiently which links are most relevant to their needs. SGE represents a significant step towards creating a more interactive and helpful search environment, setting a new standard for how information is accessed and consumed online. Exploring Google's AI-Enhanced Search Capabilities: The launch of AI-driven features such as quicker, smarter search summaries and richer visual content in search results represents a significant evolution in web search dynamics. These AI-powered enhancements use sophisticated machine learning algorithms to deliver accurate, context-rich summaries and a more engaging visual experience. This revolutionizes how information is retrieved, making the search process not only faster but also more relevant and intuitive. Seafoam’s Strategy in Adapting to SEO Google AI Innovations: Refined SEO Techniques: With the integration of AI-driven enhancements in Google's SGE, a significant adaptation in SEO strategy is required. At Seafoam, our focus is sharpened on optimizing content for clarity, relevance, and depth. These are the attributes that align with the SEO Google AI capabilities designed to enhance content discoverability and improve user engagement. Diverse Content Formats: Given AI’s growing preference for visual content, Seafoam is expanding its content strategies to include a variety of formats such as videos, infographics, and interactive media. These content types not only cater to the algorithms of SEO Google AI but also significantly enhance user engagement, thereby boosting the visibility of your content across platforms. Authoritative and In-Depth Content: Recognizing that SEO Google AI places a high value on authoritative, in-depth content, we are committed to crafting comprehensive articles that cover not just the primary topics but also explore related queries. This strategy positions your content as a valuable resource for both users and search engines, enhancing its authority and relevance in search results. Building a Future-Proof Marketing Strategy: The continuous evolution of Google’s search algorithms emphasizes the need for a dynamic, adaptable marketing strategy. Seafoam is at the forefront of integrating technological advancements into marketing strategies that are not only responsive to current trends but also predictive of future shifts. Keyword Optimization: We carefully select and strategically incorporate keywords that resonate with your target audience's queries. Emphasizing meaningful, high impact concepts ensures relevance and alignment with search trends, optimizing your content’s potential to rank higher in search results. Enhancing User Experience: We meticulously optimize every aspect of your website’s user experience, from load times to navigation. This ensures that users can find the necessary information quickly and easily, which is crucial for both SEO and user retention. Continuous Learning and Adaptation: The digital marketing field is ever-changing, prompting an ongoing need for learning and adaptation. Seafoam stays ahead of the curve by continuously updating its practices and approaches based on the latest digital trends and technological advancements. This proactive stance not only prepares us for immediate changes but also positions us well for future innovations. Leveraging Advanced Analytics and Data Insights: To effectively navigate the complexities of SEO Google AI, Seafoam utilizes advanced analytics and data insights. This approach allows us to understand better and predict user behaviors and preferences, enabling us to tailor our strategies more effectively. By analyzing search patterns, user interactions, and engagement metrics, we gain invaluable insights that inform our SEO tactics and content strategies. Conclusion: Partnering for Growth We're committed to transforming the latest digital trends into substantial opportunities for your business. By proactively adapting to the updates in Google's AI-driven search, we ensure that your marketing efforts remain innovative and effective, keeping you ahead in a rapidly evolving digital world. Discover how Seafoam can help you leverage the new capabilities of SEO Google AI to not only meet but exceed your strategic goals. Let’s navigate the future of digital marketing together, ensuring your growth remains a top priority. --- > Discover the top marketing trends for May 2024, including strategic AI implementation, purpose-driven content, preparing for Google's SGE, and the rise of ABM and GTM plays. Plus, get Seafoam's insights on navigating the evolving landscape and a list of must-attend events. - Published: 2024-05-01 - Modified: 2024-05-26 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/may-2024-marketing-digest-insights-events/ - Categories: Create, Promote, Strategize - Tags: AI SEO, Analytics & Reporting, Brand Strategy, Consulting, Content Development, SEO Services May 2024 Marketing News & Happenings: AI continues to dominate the marketing landscape, with a focus on strategic implementation and enhancing the customer experience. Marketers are exploring AI's potential in content creation, personalization, and driving efficiencies. Purpose-driven content is gaining traction as brands seek to resonate with audiences in ways AI cannot. Aligning content with a clear brand purpose is key to staying relevant. Marketers are preparing for the impact of Google's Search Generative Experience (SGE) on SEO and content strategies, emphasizing unique, high-quality content and rich media experiences. Account-based marketing (ABM) is expanding beyond enterprise customers, with platforms enabling targeted campaigns for segments of similar accounts or buyers. Automation and go-to-market (GTM) plays are becoming increasingly important for driving conversions, lowering costs, and improving efficiency. Our Take The trends we're seeing in May 2024 underscore the importance of embracing AI strategically while maintaining a human touch. As AI becomes more prevalent, marketers must focus on creating authentic, purpose-driven content that truly resonates with their audience. The impending roll-out of Google's SGE is a wake-up call for marketers to prioritize unique, high-quality content that goes beyond what AI can generate. This means investing in rich media, thought leadership, and late-stage content that provides genuine value. The expansion of ABM and the rise of automation and GTM plays highlight the need for targeted, data-driven campaigns that efficiently drive conversions. Marketers who can effectively leverage these strategies while staying true to their brand purpose will be well-positioned for success. Ultimately, while keeping up with new technologies and frameworks is crucial, the core of marketing remains unchanged: deeply understanding your customers and solving for their needs. By striking the right balance between innovation and empathy, marketers can navigate the evolving landscape and drive meaningful results. May 2024 Marketing Events: May 5-7 - Content Entrepreneur Expo 2024 May 8 - Marketing for the Trades Summit | St. Louis May 13-15 - Midwest Digital Marketing Conference (St. Louis, MO) May 14-15 - Chief Revenue Officer Summit New York May 16 - International Social Summit 2024 May 22-23 - AntiCon May 30-31 - Island Conference (i-Con) 2024 For more insights and updates, follow Seafoam on LinkedIn. Contact us to discuss how we can help you navigate the evolving marketing landscape and achieve your growth goals. --- > Discover how Seafoam helped Alter Trading, a leading scrap metal recycling company, strengthen their social media presence, engage customers, and achieve impressive results through a tailored, multi-faceted strategy. - Published: 2024-04-27 - Modified: 2024-05-20 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/80-location-alter-trading-partners-with-seafoam-to-strengthen-social-media-presence-and-engage-customers/ - Categories: Uncategorized - Tags: Content Development, PPC / Google Ads, Social Media At Seafoam, we recently had the opportunity to renew our partnership with Alter Trading, a leading scrap metal processing and recycling company with over 125 years of industry experience. With more than 80 locations across the United States, Alter Trading recognized the importance of leveraging social media to build brand awareness, foster customer loyalty, and engage with their current and potential customers. However, they faced challenges in creating a cohesive brand message across their numerous Facebook pages, with many pages lacking fans, posts, and brand consistency. To help Alter Trading overcome these challenges, we developed a comprehensive approach to streamline their communication, maintain brand consistency, and engage with their audience effectively. Key components of our strategy for Alter Trading's social media presence included: Establishing a documented process for content creation, editing, and approval, involving both their corporate and legal departments. Developing compelling, brand-consistent content with a local flair for each of their locations. Monitoring engagement to ensure proper moderation and foster friendly dialogue. Reorganizing, refreshing, and redesigning their existing pages to maintain consistency across the brand. Creating new pages as needed to expand their social media presence. Balancing company-wide and location-specific posts to cater to both their broader and local audiences. Maintaining regular communication with their corporate office and staff at over 50 locations to inform local strategies and posts. Collaborating on PPC efforts to increase their brand reach. Utilizing our graphic design skills to create in-person handouts that mirror their digital efforts. Through this strategic partnership, Alter Trading has seen impressive results in their social media performance. They have experienced a 220% increase in brand followers, a 218% increase in organic reach, and a 200% increase in engagement rate. "Seafoam's innovative approach to social media marketing has been instrumental in helping Alter strengthen their brand presence and connect with their customers on a deeper level," said Seafoam's Nikki Bisel. "The ability to understand Alter's unique challenges and develop a tailored strategy has been invaluable in driving their success on social media. " As Alter Trading continues to grow and enter new markets, our partnership positions them to effectively engage with their communities, build lasting relationships with customers, and maintain their reputation for quality, integrity, and responsibility in the scrap metal industry. We are proud to have played a role in Alter Trading's social media success and look forward to continuing our partnership to help them achieve their goals and drive sustainable growth. To learn more about Seafoam and our approach to helping businesses like Alter Trading achieve sustainable growth in social media marketing, drop us a note so we can connect. --- - Published: 2024-04-06 - Modified: 2024-05-20 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/seafoam-helps-120-year-old-railroad-embrace-digital-transformation/ - Categories: Create, Strategize - Tags: Brand Strategy, Content Development, Web Design & Development When Alton & Southern Railway needed to bring their century-old brand into the digital age, they turned to Seafoam Media's marketing experts to get the job done. As a vital transportation artery originating 48 trains and handling over 2100 cars per day in the busy Gateway Yard of St. Louis, Alton & Southern has a rich history dating back to 1910. But outdated branding, an unclear web presence, and inconsistent messaging was hindering the company's ability to communicate its evolution and strong value proposition to customers and prospects. Seafoam Media tackled this challenge head-on through our comprehensive Brand Strategy Workshop methodology. By diving deep into Alton & Southern's business, industry, target audience and overall marketing approach, we developed the insights needed to craft an authentic, compelling brand voice and visual identity. The results speak for themselves. Seafoam delivered: A redesigned, reorganized website with intuitive user paths Clear, concise website content aligned with the brand's identity A defined core messaging strategy based on workshop findings Fresh brand assets including logo, color palette, and typography New photo and video assets to showcase the company's operations Armed with this strong foundation, Alton & Southern is now well-positioned to tell its story and engage customers as a leader in rail freight transportation. With over 120 years of expertise, the company has a deep understanding of rail transportation and an impressive legacy. Seafoam helped them establish a powerful brand that captures who they are and will carry them forward. By partnering with Seafoam Media, even the most established, traditional companies can embrace digital transformation to drive growth. Our proven process empowers organizations like Alton & Southern to own their unique strengths and connect with audiences in meaningful ways. Ready to energize your brand and elevate your marketing? Let's talk. --- > Discover the top marketing trends for April 2024, including strategic AI application, partnerships, user-generated content, and social media focus. Plus, get Seafoam's insights on navigating these changes and a roundup of the month's must-attend events. - Published: 2024-04-01 - Modified: 2024-05-26 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/april-2024-marketing-digest-insights-events/ - Categories: Strategize, Create, Promote - Tags: Analytics & Reporting, Consulting, Content Development, PPC / Google Ads, Social Media, Web Design & Development April 2024 Marketing News & Happenings: AI tools continue to transform marketing, with a focus on strategic application vs. generating content from scratch. Marketers are using AI to analyze data, segment audiences, understand sentiment, and more. Quality, human-crafted content remains essential. Brands are investing in partnerships and collaborations to expand reach and pool resources. Co-marketing is on the rise. User-generated video content is gaining popularity as an authentic, cost-effective way to build trust and drive conversions. Short video formats under 60 seconds have the highest engagement rates. Companies are prioritizing the social media platforms that deliver the best ROI for their specific audience vs. trying to maintain a presence everywhere. Our Take The shift in how marketers utilize AI reflects the importance of strategically leveraging new technologies while maintaining a human touch. AI should enhance and support marketing efforts, not replace the need for original, high-quality content. The trends toward partnerships, UGC, short video, and focused social media strategies all point to brands seeking more authentic connections with their audience. It's about building genuine trust and relationships vs. casting a wide net. Savvy marketers will adapt to these changes by developing robust first-party data, exploring creative collaborations, encouraging customer content, and selecting the most relevant channels to engage their core customers. An agile approach focused on providing real value will be key to sustainable success. Must-Attend Marketing Events: April 4 - ANA Virtual Town Hall on new Marketing Code of Ethics April 4-5 - The InDesign + Long Documents Summit (virtual) April 8-10 - LeadsCon Las Vegas - Lead generation conference April 8-10 - ANA AI for Marketers Conference (Hollywood, FL) April 9-11 - AdWeek Social Media Week April 12 - AIGA St. Louis Design Show 27 April 16 - Ad Age Studio 30 Live: Future of Healthcare Marketing April 17 - AMA Webinar: How AI is Transforming Video & Content Production April 18 - AMA St. Louis Luncheon feat. CCO of Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Co. April 25-26 - BrightonSEO (UK) For more insights and updates, follow Seafoam on LinkedIn. Contact us to discuss how we can help you navigate the evolving marketing landscape and achieve your growth goals. --- - Published: 2021-02-20 - Modified: 2024-04-11 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/backward-planning-for-a-successful-content-marketing-strategy/ - Categories: Uncategorized - Tags: Analytics & Reporting, Brand Strategy, Consulting, Content Development, Conversion Rate Optimization, Email Marketing, PPC / Google Ads, SEO Services, Social Media, Web Design & Development The term backward planning is borrowed from the educational field, and it describes the best way to define objectives and develop instructional techniques. Instead of beginning with a first, second, or third lesson, educators begin with the goals of a particular course. They identify what students are expected to know, and then proceed “backward” to create lessons. Lately, strategists have adopted this concept, applying it to marketing and other fields. The reason is simple: the method works. It allows marketers to propel their efforts forward, using the tools available to them, and reach more ambitious goals for clients. Here’s how.   Backward Planning is Key to Success as a Marketer Just as a writer can’t wait around for inspiration to strike, a marketer can’t assume that their audience will be engaged and interested every time they post something on Facebook. Especially if that something is a clever meme posted once every couple of months.   The problem with clever ads or posts is that they’re not sustainable. You don’t catch lightning in a bottle every time. You have to have a purpose behind your marketing efforts. That’s the necessity behind backward planning.   It takes planning with the end in mind—a benchmark teams need to reach, a value proposition their target audience needs to understand—to plan a variety of content across channels. Not all of the blogs, emails, or social media posts will be brilliant, but they’ll all be leading toward something; they’ll have a purpose that potential customers can understand. At Seafoam, We Don’t Chase Lightning, We Make the Weather As our team develops strategy, we use a tried and true procedure. Together, we get to know our clients. We develop big goals and benchmarks. Then, we plan out how we’ll measure our progress and make adjustments going forward. Doing so gives us a solid framework to get creative while understanding the purpose behind it all.   We aren’t chasing after that next bolt of lightning; we don’t have to. We have the tools, we have a plan, and we can easily measure what’s working and what isn’t.   Giving Our Clients What They Really Need In marketing, we take a message and we disseminate it to the public, in hopes of getting a big win for our client. But what happens when that message is muddled? What happens when what the client is asking for isn’t really what they need?   Another skill that’s vital to a good marketing team is the ability to listen, and to listen to the questions behind the questions. Sometimes a client’s frustration has to do with a key marketing concept or strategy they’re missing—certain vocabulary that must be learned. In other words, many of our clients are just familiar enough with marketing buzzwords to be dangerous.   When you work with clients, accept feedback on a project, and adjust your marketing strategy, you have to listen with all three of your ears. That is, you have to use your background knowledge, your intuition, and your communication skills to understand what they really need. Then, you have to deliver.   Communicating the Seafoam Way One way to deliver is by giving your target audience some scaffolding. You start with something they already know and understand. You evoke an emotion they’ve felt before. Then, you use that base and build upon it to teach them something new.   So much of marketing is about educating the public, and doing so in a way that meets them where they are. You wouldn’t talk down to someone you wanted to win over (at least, you wouldn’t if you wanted your pitch to work! ) and you wouldn’t lecture them to death either!   Instead, you speak clearly. You give them information they can use. You inspire. That’s the real heart of marketing.   Good Marketing Strategy Takes Both Smarts and Heart Marketing, like education, is as much art as science. After all, you’re dealing with messy humans and their very messy feelings. You have to have a plan, and you have to have a heart, too. You need that just-right balance of hard and soft skills. Once you open your ears and focus more on strategy and goals, you discover that truly creative marketing happens almost naturally. Lightning strikes more often. Your client trusts you a little more, and your efforts are increasingly effective.   Learn more about the Seafoam process, and how we practice these tips day in and day out. Let us know if we can help your business. --- - Published: 2020-09-09 - Modified: 2024-05-20 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/what-do-you-do-when-your-digital-marketing-doesnt-work-anymore-2/ - Categories: Uncategorized - Tags: Analytics & Reporting, Brand Strategy, Consulting, Content Development, Conversion Rate Optimization, Email Marketing, PPC / Google Ads, SEO Services, Social Media, Web Design & Development It has been about six months since the world first turned upside down. From mandatory shutdowns to supply chain disruptions, businesses had to quickly come to grips with the understanding that this new normal was absolutely not normal. Some companies had to adopt new safety protocols as they grappled with what it meant to be essential. Others had to lean into creative ideas to keep their employees working as customers hunkered down at home. As in most times of crisis, companies had to learn on the fly how to adapt to survive. What do you do, as a business, when your customer’s needs shift overnight? Can you adapt in-person processes to an online world? How do you pivot to rise to a rapidly evolving marketplace? What do you do when what always worked before, doesn’t work now? Hobbled by COVID-19, many of our clients are asking these very questions. Industries from healthcare to communications software have been upended by this virus, and every company is feeling it differently. One common theme among almost every industry is this: the time to identify ways to improve your digital marketing is NOW. Rely on Data to Lead the Way The first step in this process shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone who has ever worked with the team at Seafoam: you have to look at the data. If your customer’s behavior has changed in the past six months, the data should reflect that. So how can you tell if your past digital marketing strategy is no longer working? There are a number of ways to determine if your digital marketing has taken a hit in recent months. Initially, the first indicator may feel a little more intuitive. Maybe the phone is not as busy, or appointments are down. Perhaps your team’s schedules are not quite as full or, after years in your industry, something just feels off. Trusting your gut is important in the world of business, but it should always be coupled with a look at the data. If you can combine these two, you may be able to get a handle on your issue and rebound far more quickly. So jump into the data! Indicator #1: My Overall Website Traffic is Down One of the first stops on this data train is to look into analytics to see what the traffic to your site looks like. A word of caution, however, when looking at the data you find in analytics... Looking at one data point fixed in time can sometimes offer opportunities for misinterpretation. Instead, look at the data from a couple of angles to get a full picture of what’s going on. Questions to ask yourself if you see a dip in website traffic What does traffic look like compared to the previous year?   Where is your traffic coming from? What is your most popular channel? (And what is your most profitable channel? )  How have your channels shifted year over year?   What were your most popular pages during the pandemic? And how does that compare to the same time period last year?   Geographically, where is your traffic coming from? What lesson can be gleaned from this data?   How is your bounce rate behaving? Are people navigating to the site only to quickly leave?   While this is not an exhaustive list, it should put you on the right path to understanding how COVID-19 has impacted your brand. Analytics is not the only place to look to understand how your users are behaving. In addition to understanding traffic patterns on the site, you can also look to other channels to see how your users are engaging with the brand.   Indicator #2: Social Media Is No Longer Engaging As COVID-19 forced more and more people to be at home, social media usage climbed. It became a safe way to interact with friends and family while you were stuck in the house. Sales people took to LinkedIn when their regular contacts weren’t in the office any more. Unburdened by typical workplace restrictions, many users hung out on Facebook while working remotely. In short, social networking surged during the pandemic.   For many brands, this offered a golden opportunity to reach new customers and engage with existing customers. It provided a way for B2C brands to communicate new guidelines, restrictions, and even special offers in real time. Bored users also spent time showing support for their favorite brands on these platforms. Creating engaging content in these times became the name of the game. Some brands did an excellent job, which we will highlight below. But there were also brands that floundered during this crisis period.   Did you see a dip in engagement? Did you struggle to get users to even see your posts? During the COVID -19 pandemic, social media saw an increase in engagement for many brands. If your brand was not one of them, what happened? Here are a few questions to ask yourself if your social media is no longer engaging What posts did well on social media during the COVID-19 pandemic?   Which ones floundered?   How well did social media platforms perform in sending users to your site?   What types of comments or messages did your brand receive in this time period?   How did your content shift during the pandemic?   You might notice a trend. For many brands, what worked before quit working during the pandemic, in part because the nature of the conversation changed. A deeper look at social media and the brands that did well during the crisis highlights the need to speak authentically in the moment to the moment. Another indicator of this can be found in keyword data.   Indicator #3: My Keywords Aren’t Converting Anymore If you have invested in SEO in the past several years, you understand how important it is to find the right keywords and rank for them. This can take a lot of time and effort to get just right.... --- - Published: 2020-06-22 - Modified: 2023-03-25 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/seafoam-media-celebrates-its-10th-anniversary/ - Categories: Uncategorized We've got to celebrate. Because from the Great Recession to ... whatever this era is, we've put our hearts and souls into creating a successful company – a digital marketing company that's risen above the noise and lasted for 10 years! We had the courage of our convictions a decade ago, and we see a bright future ahead. As Nikki put it on our 8th anniversary: "With every year that we've been in business, we've had so much growth – not just in terms of revenue or number of employees, but in our processes, how we do things, how we take care of our clients, and the quality of our work. " Let's celebrate with a few of our milestones! Milestones of the Past 10 Years Growing from one person's startup idea, to an office of 3, to an office of 12! Moving into our current space on Sutton Blvd. Evolving from a website + SEO shop to a digital marketing agency to a consultancy + agency. Becoming closer as a team and celebrating with some truly awesome Seafoam Days, including an Escape Room challenge and a trip to TopGolf. Winning several awards for our SEO skills, our quality customer service, and more from organizations such as UpCity and Small Business Monthly, among others. Participating in numerous Maplewood Festivals and creating truly stunning pieces for Let Them Eat Art! Helping over 250 companies across the globe. And we're only getting started! What We've Learned About Seafoam Team Members Nikki tells the most cringe-worthy "dad jokes. " We threaten to call her wife when she cracks a particularly egregious one. Oh, she also runs the place with a clear-eyed look to the future and supports each of her team members with the professional development they need and loads of encouragement. Liz not only holds our team together, she also holds an incredible amount of industry knowledge and customer details in her head. Currently, she's sharing that knowledge with our two new marketing strategists, Matt and Holly W! Matt started as a digital marketing analyst with Seafoam but takes on additional roles whenever he's needed. His leadership traits and sharp insights about marketing make him a real asset to our team. Holly W is a social media phenom who is as ambitious as she is charming. Watch out for her devious sense of humor. Brian, our humblest capital-e-Expert, is also transferring his vast encyclopedia of SEO history to our digital marketing analyst, Rachel, as he spends more time perfecting our proprietary software to make processes run more smoothly for the Seafoam team. Rachel brings a wealth of talent, personality, and new ideas to our team in her role. She's already making waves! Courtney is never idle, not even during a nationwide lockdown. She continues to bring in new clients with the same enthusiasm that she displays toward her favorite band, her favorite show, her new kitten, her upcoming wedding ... everything, really. Jade, our tireless client success manager, has just celebrated her first year with Seafoam and we can't imagine the place without her. Her energy makes us all great. Rebecca, our brilliant web designer, does everything from the mundane to the innovative with an artistic vision that is astonishing. Our two newest team members were brave enough to come onboard during our remote work period! Kevin brings his photography skills and social media experience to our brand ambassador role, and Brett joins Jade in making sure our clients have the best experience possible! The writer of this piece (and most everything else), Holly S, just keeps on writing! I wouldn't go so far to say she's the backbone of Seafoam, but ... Our entire team looks forward to the next few years when we hope to add more people and multiple marketing "pods! " Lessons to Remember as We Enter our 2nd Decade We've learned more and more as our team and our client list have grown. We understand that there's no magic wand or secret formula when it comes to digital marketing. It's all about acting and adjusting. As Nikki has noted, "it's about good people and diligent, hard, honest work, and finding the right people for the right positions in this particular culture. " As we've moved toward our goals, one milestone at a time, we've made plenty of our own adjustments. We've also dared to imagine a bigger, brighter future for ourselves that we're determined to reach. Ultimately, we're on track to be the most well reputed marketing consultancy and agency in St. Louis. We hope you'll come with us on the next stretch of our journey. --- > Like the ebb and flow of the ocean, the U.S. economy is fluid. Ensure your brand’s future by learning how to use digital marketing to survive a recession. - Published: 2020-06-01 - Modified: 2024-04-12 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/how-to-use-digital-marketing-to-survive-a-recession-2/ - Categories: Uncategorized - Tags: Analytics & Reporting, Brand Strategy, Consulting, Content Development, Conversion Rate Optimization, Email Marketing, PPC / Google Ads, SEO Services, Social Media, Web Design & Development A month ago, in the middle of the lockdown we have been patiently enduring, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicted that a coming recession could be "the steepest in almost a century," approaching levels not seen since the Great Depression. Between a worldwide pandemic and skyrocketing unemployment levels, it's no wonder that business owners are worried. Even at the best of times, the U. S. economy is fluid. Depending on the health of the national and global stock markets, your customers may either be comfortable investing in your products and services or anxious, withholding their dollars just in case financial catastrophe strikes. Over the centuries since the founding of the United States, our nation has been affected by no fewer than 11 recessions. Although these times can be scary for consumers and businesses alike, this is a natural pattern in our nation’s economic development. That’s why it’s important to know how to leverage today’s technology to ensure your business’ longevity through the next impending stock market dip and beyond. Digital Marketing Matters Now More than Ever  Many business owners, faced with a looming recession, are cutting costs and making difficult decisions about what to prioritize going forward. One decision likely has to do with their marketing budget.   You may be considering scaling back your marketing efforts, too.   In our opinion, cutting your team's marketing efforts in half or even entirely is a big mistake. We believe that digital marketing can help companies now more than ever. Here are just 3 reasons why:  Your website is your hardest working employee. Your website works when you can't. It's on 24/7. If it's not providing your customers with clear information and an easy-to-navigate design, you may be missing out on valuable customer dollars. Digital marketing can give your website a timely refresh.   If you're not optimizing for SEO, you're not getting seen. And if you're not getting seen, you're losing business. With the help of digital marketing, you can get nearer to that top spot on Google and draw more people to your website.   People staying in are DEFINITELY on their phones. More screen time means more of an opportunity to reach out to your audience via social media. Are you taking advantage? Digital marketing can help by providing your users with engaging content and earning you a broader reach.   Six Ways to Use Digital Marketing to Survive a Recession 1. Maintain Ad Spends When your brand’s steady income is interrupted by a recession, it may seem logical to trim your expenditures where you can; unfortunately, ads aren’t where you want to do it. Whether you’re managing various ad campaigns through your brand’s social media profiles or AdWords, reducing output on these platforms is actually more likely to hurt your business than empower it. Remember: the more eyes that see your brand, the more people are likely to invest in what you have to offer. Keep your visibility up by maintaining your monthly ad output. 2. Invest More Time in Thoughtful Content The internet is an intrinsic part of daily life. Just because the economy is a bit strapped for cash doesn’t mean consumers will stop surfing the web for information, entertainment, and the occasional purchased good. Take this time to increase the likelihood of your brand catching consumers’ attention by bolstering content production. Especially if you can find a way to connect your brand to the struggles brought on by an economic crisis, examine how your business can provide sound advice, tips, information and even products/services to improve the way your customers survive the recession alongside your company. Showing support and relating to your audience may even help your brand earn some extra customers to help you through these hard times. 3. Opt for More SEO, the Gift that Keeps on Giving Content is powerful, but it isn’t effective if no one can see it. Search engine optimization is the driving force behind your brand’s ability to be identified, categorized and ranked by search engines, such as Google and Bing. If you set up and maintain a comprehensive SEO strategy, you can keep your brand’s content at the top of search rankings for months, if not years, to come. 4. Turn Your Brand’s Social Media Accounts into PR Machines We briefly mentioned social media in tip #1, but there is so much more this platform can do than just serve up ads to targeted groups of people. Since social media found its way into the hearts of online users everywhere, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and their counterparts have become monumental pillars in modern communication. Today, people use these platforms to engage with one another, share their views on heavy-hitting topics, and offer a glimpse into their daily lives. And if they’re doing this, why can’t your brand do the same? With the help of some cleverly designed social media campaigns, your brand can engage with its audience and build relationships on a deeper-than-transactional level. 5. Audit Your Website It may be hard to believe, but a recession is the perfect opportunity to take a long hard look at your website and analyze its design, functionality, and ease of use. Especially during a time as emotionally and financially stressful as a recession, customers deserve to have the least amount of clutter in between the information they need and the products/services they’re looking for. In fact, the more clicks a customer has to make before he/she can find what he/she is looking for on your site, the less likely your customer is to convert, which ultimately hurts your bottom line. As a result, trim any unnecessary menus and graphics from your site; make it as simple and elegant to use as possible. 6. Remember That Your Customers are People Finally, the biggest tip of them all... Despite how heavily your brand feels the effects of the recession, there’s a good chance your customers are just as affected – if not more so – than your business. At the end... --- - Published: 2020-02-20 - Modified: 2024-05-20 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/what-creating-a-bad-website-taught-us-about-good-design/ - Categories: Uncategorized - Tags: Brand Strategy, Consulting, Conversion Rate Optimization, Web Design & Development Here’s an interesting challenge: ask a group of creative professionals to create something bad, on purpose, to use as a teaching tool. It’s not as easy as it may seem. You’re asking a group of writers and designers to toss out everything they instinctively know about web development and marketing and create something outdated and inefficient.   When our web developer saw the final product, she nearly fainted.   Seafoam took on this challenge recently in the name of education. The result was literally laughable. Here’s how we did it. How We Created a Terrible Website So, how do you create a terrible website in the first place? 1. Invent a company and give it an awful name, logo, slogan, and back story. In our case, we imagined an owner who’d had big success back in the late 90s and early aughts. We thought back to outdated style and listed the things people these days hate about fashion, including too-thin models and cheap-looking apparel. We gave our imaginary owner all of these things, plus a logo and slogan that would really turn people away. 2. As you create a website, bring back some trends from the 90s. As we brainstormed a few of our least favorite websites and made a plan, we decided that outdated (so as to be nearly unreadable) was the best way to go.   Make your website look as much like a Word doc as possible. Left-align all content. Pay zero attention to font. Maybe something cursive-looking for the logo. A dynamic landing page? Forget about it. If it looks like a LiveJournal entry, you’re fine. 3. Pay zero attention to user experience. We decided we wouldn’t make it possible to actually buy anything on the site. After all, don’t most customers want to drive to a brick and mortar store? (That was sarcasm. ) We covered the basics, and only the basics. 4. Create a Social Media page, too — a bad one. Yes, we made a Facebook profile. Then filled it with Victoria Secret rejects and cheesy copy. (Am alarming number of companies actually do this. )  Working with Students at Maplewood Richmond Heights (MRH) When we presented our website to students at Maplewood Richmond Heights High School (MRH), we weren’t prepared for how marketing savvy they’d be. They quickly pointed out the problems with both the website and the Facebook page.   Within a few weeks, these marketing marvels had come up with more authentic images, a better website format, a variety of stylistically-simple logos, and more, including:  Rebranding strategies Grand Re-Opening events YouTube commercials. Content calendars Social media pages and content Updated website designs In short, they took to this project like a duck to water. It's safe to say that the future of digital marketing is in good hands. A Few Better User Experience Tips If you’d like to be as smart as these St. Louis high schoolers and create a usable website as well, here are some tips: 1. Make your images authentic. Stock images are easy to use, but they’re not very believable or compelling. When you can, use photographs of real people and real locations.   2. Use white space strategically. Minimalism is still on trend in 2020, and using white space framing can add sense of clean sophistication to your site. 3. Your copy should focus on benefits to the user. People can argue about whether or not content is still "king. " The thing that's most important to remember, however, is that your content isn't for you; it's for your user. It's imperative that you tailor your content to your audience and speak to their concerns. 4. Optimize your site for mobile. Over half of all online shopping is done from a smartphone or mobile device. More and more customers do their research online before they make the decision to buy. So, your site should be simple to navigate, cleanly informative, and optimized for mobile.   5. Make your site image-heavy and interactive. Adding dynamic or 3D elements to your site is one way to stand out in 2020. Some sites are using a layered or collage-like technique to add interest or depth. Even if you don't go this route, consider making your site interactive with quizzes or video and sound. The Future of Web Design is Bright As we think about what our young people are learning and how online trends are changing, everyone here at Seafoam is excited about the future of web design – and how it will continue to impact digital marketing. Within the next few years, we'll see creativity in typography, the use of moody dark space, and the manipulation of images. We're trying out some of these trends as we build sites for our own clients. What's your least favorite outdated web design trend? How are you changing your approach to web design in 2020? --- > Why is digital marketing so expensive? We think it's an investment in the future success of your brand. Let us break down why good marketing is worth it. - Published: 2019-08-15 - Modified: 2024-05-28 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/good-digital-marketing-is-worth-the-investment-heres-why/ - Categories: Uncategorized - Tags: Analytics & Reporting, Brand Strategy, Consulting, Content Development, Conversion Rate Optimization, Email Marketing, PPC / Google Ads, SEO Services, Social Media, Web Design & Development As a business leader, you understand better than most the importance of hiring good help.   Think about how important it is for your company to hire a reliable accountant, a quick-response IT team, a knowledgeable lawyer. While each team member knows quite a bit, no one would dream of handling all these specialized tasks alone; that would waste time and money. Part of being a great business leader, after all, is understanding your own strengths and weaknesses and reaching out to experts when you need them.   Now, think about how you handle your company’s marketing strategy. Do you rely on your administrative assistant to post on social media every so often? How much do you really know about SEO? Do you have all the resources you need to get the marketing results you want?   Your digital profile works for you day and night. It’s always on. And as your hardest-working asset, it should offer you the best return. Are you developing it the way you should?   Digital Marketing Evolves as Quickly as the Internet Does. The state of digital marketing is constantly evolving. It used to be fairly easy to “trick” Google and boost your rankings. Now, however, the bots are getting smarter, and they’re learning to play together.   Here are a few things we like to remind our partners:  Google Functionality Every year, Google makes hundreds of changes to its search functionality, sometimes rolling out major algorithm changes that digital marketers need to keep pace with.   Local SEO When it comes to local SEO, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google My Business, and other social media sites all feed into Google’s algorithm. Customer reviews do as well, and they play an increasingly bigger role in establishing your authority as a business.   Inbound Link Authority  Do you have inbound link authority? This is another tool that boosts your visibility on Google. Sometimes called link-building or backlinking, it refers to the number of legitimate sites linking to you as a subject matter expert. If you aren’t getting inbound links, you’re probably not doing enough to get noticed. Content  Marketers may not say “content is king” any longer, but we still recognize that content is consumed in myriad ways across the internet, and it’s a tough task to write both for human eyes and roaming bots. Is your on-page content relevant, up-to-date, and compelling?   Analytics  Do you have people on your team willing to take deep dives into the murky waters of analytics? Anyone can log into Google Analytics, but not everyone can make sense of the results. If you’re not getting regular insights on organic search, including bounce rates, page views, keyword rankings, and other useful benchmarks, you may be missing a huge piece of your overall marketing picture.   Mobile Optimization More consumers do their web browsing on mobile devices than ever before. If your website is not optimized for mobile, you’re missing a huge opportunity. Personalization  Personalization is the watchword of the future. What is it? Essentially, it’s the ability to give your site visitors a custom, personalized experience based on their needs. When it takes over as the next big thing in marketing, will you be ready? To be effective, marketing must be interconnected. All of the above factors, and inevitably a few we haven’t come across yet, will all come into play in the digital future. That’s why it’s important to have a team dedicated to staying on the front lines and keeping track of the way Google evolves.   Partnering with a Team of Marketing Experts is Worth the Cost. When you hire a marketing team, you’re getting more than a decent-looking website and a kid who understands Google better than you do; you’re getting a team of professionals. What you’re really paying for is time, brain-power, and creativity: the time it takes to research the competition and create a strategy that makes sense for your business, the brain-power that comes along with years of expertise in the field, and the creativity it takes to stay ahead with bold ideas. We believe that a marketing agency can offer a level of professionalism that in-house teams can’t. Why? Because we put all of the pieces of the puzzle together into a strategic whole: Competitive Analysis and Branding Strategy Content Strategy and Execution Website Design and Development Search Engine Optimization and Analytics Social Media Marketing PPC, Email Marketing, and Video Keep reading! Below, we go into a few factors we consider as we execute on a plan for our partners’ success.   First Things First: Define Your Goals and Fine-Tune Your Message. The internet is a vast place. It takes strategy to insure that you’re not just adding to the noise. To break through the static and have a real impact, you need a well-defined brand and a clear message broadcasted and shared on the right platforms.   Before we design a website or write your first email newsletter, we start at the beginning: we clarify your branding and messaging, we size up the competition, and then we outline the strategies and tactics that will help you reach your goals. It’s been said that if you fail to plan, you’re planning to fail. We don’t execute on a marketing plan until we have a marketing plan – one with objectives that make sense for your business, not the business we worked with last week.   Your Website is Your Hardest Working Employee. You wouldn’t keep an employee that didn’t work well with others and had little to offer in the way of character and expertise. Why would you accept anything less from your hardest working asset – your website?   If you don’t have an up-to-date website, or if you do have one that’s confusing or unwieldy, you’re turning off customers who increasingly use their laptops and mobile phones to research and make buying decisions.   You may know what your website should include, but we’re guessing you haven’t earned a degree in... --- > Here are a few of the epiphanies we as a team had as we wrote our own brand bible and a few of the best practices we share with our clients. - Published: 2019-07-17 - Modified: 2024-04-12 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/brand-guide-dos-and-donts/ - Categories: Uncategorized - Tags: Brand Strategy, Consulting Brand is everything. At Seafoam, we recently had an opportunity to reconnect with this marketing concept as we took a deep dive into our own branding. While we routinely share best practices with our clients, we discovered that it’s somewhat challenging to look into the mirror and ask ourselves the tough questions.   There are plenty of branding resources out there, step-by-step guides that will help you create a brand bible for your company. It’s good advice, and we won’t repeat it here.   What we will try to do is capture a few of the epiphanies we as a team had as we wrote our own brand bible and a few of the best practices we share with our clients. We liken this process to the creative process in general – starting with a germ of an idea and feeling our way outward.   What Good is a Brand Guide?   A brand style guide sets out, for your company and for the public, specifications on anything that determines the look, feel, and emotion of your brand. This includes typography, color, imagery, logos, and more. A reference tool for employees and marketers alike, it proclaims to everyone exactly how your brand should be presented. It helps you distinguish yourself from your competitors. It directs the conversation about who you are. And its importance cannot be underestimated. Here’s what we mean: Have you ever met someone who acted one way on Tuesday and an entirely different way on Wednesday? Someone who changed up their look, speech, and behavior so often it gave you whiplash? What did you think about that person? Was he or she off-putting? Untrustworthy? We’re betting you had a hard time believing that person or even wanting to get closer.   The lack of a brand guide – that is, the lack of any sort of consistency in style and messaging – has the same effect as that of a dishonest person. It’s confusing, it’s off-putting, it’s not all the way there. That’s why it’s so important to establish your brand’s identity.   When you decide to create a brand guide for your business, you’re attempting something similar to what authors do when they invent a character: you’re encompassing a being of many facets into one believable whole. Then you’re sending it out into the world. At the least, your brand guide should include the following:  A unique value proposition - What unique “something” do you provide? Target audience or core customer - Who is your audience? Who are you “talking” to when you present your brand? Core values - What values drive your behavior and influence the decisions you make? Vision and mission - What do you hope to add to the world, and how will you do it? Logo treatments - What will your logo look like and how will it be used? Colors and fonts - Which colors and fonts should be used on various platforms? Voice and tone - What is your brand’s personality and message? How will you talk to your audience? Visual style - What imagery is most appropriate for your brand? What images are a no-no for your company? 5 Dos and 5 Don’ts As we set out on this journey, we encountered a few roadblocks and made some false starts. We refined, for ourselves and for our clients, what to do and what not to do when creating a brand guide:  DO: Choose an appropriate visual format to display your information. This may be the most difficult part, but finding a template that suits your brand is just as important as going through the branding exercise itself. For example: if you’re in the arts, you shouldn’t create a branding guide that looks like an engineering manual. The guide itself should encompass who you are. DO: get everything down on paper before you begin editing or soliciting feedback. You’ve heard that line about too many chefs in the kitchen, haven’t you? Well, it’s true. If you’ve got a boardroom full of people offering opinions, you’ll get nowhere fast. Keep it to a core group of leaders and get all of your ideas down on paper before soliciting feedback from team members.   By taking the time to get all your ideas out of your head and in front of you, you grasp the big picture and identify areas where you need to make changes.   DO: share the style guide with stakeholders once you complete it. Once you have a solid draft, it’s time to share. Get opinions. Ask the folks on your team to identify parts of the document that don’t feel quite right.   Once you’ve tinkered and created a document that everyone on the team feels good about, don’t put it away on a shelf and never look at it again! Make sure it’s shared and used. The more your employees actively use the document, the more “together” and natural your brand efforts will feel.   DO: start at the center and work your way out. Begin with your core values, mission, and beliefs. Your unique value proposition. Your vision. Everything should flow from there.   It’s like the central theme of a piece of art or the core ingredient in a dish. Every brushstroke and note, every detail and flavor, evolves from that central concept. If you allow your core beliefs to inform the other features of your branding guide, you’ll be amazed at how far those echoes reach and how beautiful the final melody can be. DO: be consistent. Everything you send or say to a customer has to be in line with your brand. Period. That goes from the letterheads you use to the colors in your office to the way your employees communicate with vendors. It all matters to your bottom line, so it’s all important to codify and practice. Inconsistency will simply alienate people.   “A good brand is cohesive and dynamic. ” -- Nikki  DON’T: rush this process. You’re creating something... --- > At Seafoam, we're proud to be part of the thriving Maplewood community. Take a look at some of our favorites around town and at Taste of Maplewood. - Published: 2019-05-29 - Modified: 2024-05-28 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/the-seafoam-team-digs-maplewood/ - Categories: Uncategorized Where can you hear live music, taste food from over a dozen restaurants, and do it all while carrying around a hand-sized bucket of booze? Our very own Taste of Maplewood, of course! Seafoam was excited to hang out at this year’s Taste of Maplewood, which took place last weekend. We gathered at our office, opened our doors to the public, and enjoyed the great food and even better energy that this annual festival has to offer. Taste of Maplewood Gets Better Every Year This humble little street fair has come a long way from the days of fast food offerings in Sunnen’s Banquet Hall, some 30-odd years ago. Now, restaurants and retailers offer great food, creative cocktails, t-shirts – even a back-walking massage if you’re up for it – all along Sutton Boulevard. Here are a few of our favorites from this year’s event: Bolyard’s, our friendly neighborhood butcher, earned “Best Savory Dish” with their tallow-fried chicken wings with sweet and spicy chili glaze. Sole Shine offered a 10-minute barefoot massage for only $10! The empanadas and “Sangrita” at the Maya Cafe were award-winningly yummy, as usual. Blue Duck offered some of our favorites of the festival: elote, a pisco cocktail, and a macaron that tasted like a boozy chocolate Moonpie. The wine shop that recently opened on Manchester, Chateau Maplewood, didn’t disappoint. Their fizzy red wine in a can was this writer’s favorite drink of the night. Crow’s Nest was out there being Crow’s Nest with street tacos and their famous “Rum Dumpster. ” Of course Strange Donuts was there, offering up reliable deliciousness in the form of decadent dough circles. Other businesses offered pies, ice cream and waffles, and vegan desserts that were uh-mazing, too! We’re a Chummy Group About once a quarter, we at Seafoam gather in the office to spend time with our team members and families. We’re not shy about our love for the Maplewood community. We create something epic for “Let Them Eat Art” every year. We keep an eye on opening restaurants. We get to know our neighbors, present to the Chamber of Commerce, and offer the community a little marketing help whenever we can. Top 10 Things Seafoam Loves about Working in Maplewood The street festivals! “Taste of Maplewood,” “Let Them Eat Art,” and the annual “Christmas Tree Walk” are some of our favorites. Meetings are paused briefly whenever a cute dog walks past the window. Strange Donuts. Duh. Between Living Room, Foundation Grounds, and Great Harvest Bread Co. , we’re in coffee paradise. Some say “teamwork makes the dream work,” but we’re convinced it’s actually coffee. You haven’t really had hummus until you’ve eaten at The Benevolent King. Maplewood is an extremely walkable ‘hood. We love seeing our neighbors with strollers peek into our office windows. When we need a break, there’s a park just down the street. One quick walk-around clears your head and boosts your energy for the next big project. That dreamy, rock-n-roll greaser bartender on the lunch shift at The Crow’s Nest. There are a couple of us in the office who are always down for a lunch break. The plethora of culturally-diverse lunch choices. Thai? Mexican? Creole? We can take our pick. You jealous? We get to visit and work with The Focal Point, a folk music listening room that’s been around since 1975! At Seafoam we’re proud to be part of this thriving Saint Louis neighborhood. If you’re grabbing a drink at the Dubliner one day or heading to yoga class, stop in at our office on Sutton. We’d love to meet you. --- > Every quarter, the Seafoam team takes a bit of time to pause and reflect on our company's progress. Here’s what we did for Seafoam Day Q1 2019. - Published: 2019-03-28 - Modified: 2024-10-01 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/seafoam-day-q1-2019/ - Categories: Uncategorized Every quarter, the Seafoam team takes a bit of time to pause and reflect on our company's progress, as well as plot a course for the next three months of growth ahead. We also use this time as a way to celebrate our team by participating in activities that bring our Seafoamers closer together. We call these hybrid events Seafoam Days. Here’s what we did to end the first quarter of 2019. Investing in our brand’s most vital asset. Every brand’s greatest asset is its team. Whether you’re talking about the physical face of your company in your sales group, the hands designing every marketing strategy in your creative pod, or the brains keeping tabs on all of it with your analytics gurus, each person fuels vital components of your brand. Without these individuals, everything from company morale to your overall success can be greatly impacted. At Seafoam, we’re always looking for new ways to invest in our team’s happiness and development. Seafoam Day, in itself, is one of the many realizations of that mission. Having a little fun with our team. A little over a year ago, Seafoam invested in arguably one of our most important pieces of hardware to date: a Nintendo Switch. Not only does this little gadget provide hours of entertainment when teammates’ children have a day off of school and need a place to hang out while Mom gets stuff done, it is also the pinnacle of our very first Seafoam Mario Kart Tournament. This quarter, Seafoamers were paired up in a Mario Kart Tournament bracket, where they faced off to see who reigned supreme on the virtual track. There were plenty of upsets, like when novice gamer, Nikki Bisel (Owner and Founder), overtook gaming veteran, Courtney Egner (Client Success Manager) by one point to advance ahead. By the final round, only three drivers remained: novice Nikki, lucid Liz Oeltjen (Client Success Manager), and mighty Matt Lodge (Digital Marketing Specialist). Ultimately, only the best driver could walk away with the official Seafoam Mario Kart Tournament trophy and the Mario cap: we salute you, Matt, for your impressive skills both on and off the track. Congratulations! How do you reward your team? The Seafoam team is many things: devoted, passionate, relentless, and completely invested in the work we do. The effort we put into every project we touch is evidenced by the results garnered for our family of marketing partners. Our team is how we do what we do. How does your brand keep its goals perfectly aligned with its mission to customers throughout the year? Share your stories with us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn. We can’t wait to hear what you have to say! --- > The start of a New Year empowers us to look toward new success. Here are just some of the Seafoam team's professional New Year's resolutions for 2019. - Published: 2019-01-10 - Modified: 2024-05-28 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/seafoams-professional-new-years-resolutions-for-2019/ - Categories: Uncategorized Welcome to 2019! Not only does the start of a New Year allow us to look back on the past and learn from the steps we've taken, it also empowers us to look forward and make larger strides toward progress in the year ahead. Here are just some of the Seafoam team's professional New Year's resolutions for 2019: Nikki Bisel I look forward to completing the first version of our new marketing software that transforms the way we innovate and communicate with our clients. Liz Oeltjen I think in 2019, my personal goal is to take Seafoam to the next level (with the help of some people WAY smarter than me. Looking at you Nikki and Brian). I think this coming year is all about professional growth and creating interesting solutions. Last year, as we bumped into challenges, we looked for existing solutions to help solve our problems. 2019 will be the year that we make our own solutions, not only in terms of software but in how we handle everything we do. I hope to help the team stretch their creative muscles beyond anything we have ever done before to try new things and create cool stuff. Brian Martin My broad professional New Year's resolution doesn't change much from year to year. I just want to constantly stay on top of digital trends and continue to learn new tactics, software, programming languages, etc. to make Seafoam the best it can be. Perri Beeman This year I want to dedicate more time to working with cutting edge tools and data to make sure our clients' sites are providing the best possible user experience. Holly Sinclair This year, I want to be more intentional about my professional development, whether it's taking notes on marketing best practices or spending time reflecting on what's worked and what hasn't in my content writing. Ashlee Bross (Ashlee was on vacation when the team provided their professional New Year's resolutions. This article will be updated with Ashlee's response in the future. ) Courtney Egner I plan to dedicate more time to professional development, such as taking the time to read more books on sales and sales relationships and attending more networking events around the St. Louis area. Holly Wentworth I want to be more confident and assertive in the things I know. I also want to be more analytical in my role, meaning I do more research on the "why" behind my work, in addition to being creative. Matt Lodge My goal for this year is to become a more valuable resource to both the team and our clients. I want to run out of questions for Brian and have answers to everyone else's questions in my continuing quest to develop professionally. --- > The team at Seafoam shares what they are thankful for – both professionally and personally – on Thanksgiving Day of 2018. - Published: 2018-11-13 - Modified: 2023-03-25 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/thankful-for-2018/ - Categories: Uncategorized It’s hard to believe that it’s already been a year since the last time we posted one of these. Our team and our business has changed a lot in the last twelve months. We’ve grown in more ways than what appears on the surface; we’ve upgraded our technology, talent, and aptitude so that we can continue to serve our existing partners while adding new ones to our family of industry-leading businesses. And now that the year is slowly winding down, it’s important to look back and take stock of the great things in our lives that motivate us to innovate over and over again. Here are some of the things the Seafoam team is thankful for in 2018. Share Your Gratitude! So what are you thankful for this year? Has 2018 turned out to be everything you hoped it would be? Do you have any plans to make 2019 even better? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook and/or Twitter. Happy Thanksgiving! --- > Seafoam's Director of Client Strategy, Liz Oeltjen, faces one of the most difficult challenges of her life and conquers it with the force of a steamroller. - Published: 2018-10-25 - Modified: 2023-04-03 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/whats-your-seashore-part-seven-liz-conquers-the-world/ - Categories: Uncategorized Video Transcript My seashore... As cheesy as it sounds, Seafoam has been my seashore lately. The past few months have been a little rough. I think almost everybody knows that I was diagnosed with breast cancer in early summer and tackled it as best I know how: like a steamroller, which is what I do. Seafoam has been more than just a job to me. It's been my family. I work with an amazing team of people — truly special, and the amount of love, and care, and support that I've received over the past several months has been life-changing. It also helps that I love my job. I really do like what I'm doing, and it's been a great and welcome distraction from lots of doctor's visits, and surgeries, and treatments. So yeah, Seafoam has been my seashore, and hopefully will continue to be for years to come. --- > Seafoam reveals the next chapter of our free weekly email newsletter, The Weekly Crest, plus we provide info on how to subscribe. - Published: 2018-10-18 - Modified: 2023-04-03 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/weekly-crest-gets-a-new-look-for-autumn/ - Categories: Uncategorized When we launched The Weekly Crest in June 2017, we had a simple goal in mind: to share the latest marketing industry news and developments with our family of readers. Shifting Tides The marketing industry changes quickly; even for people whose lives are embedded in the very fabric of the marketing world, it can be difficult to stay on top of Google’s new Search algorithms, design trends in online customer experiences, content best practices, and social media trends. So we set out to build a free newsletter that was designed to be a valuable resource to everyone — a way to keep long-time industry experts in the know about the latest marketing developments while also providing an educational tool to marketing novices just getting started with their careers. Steadfast Course Since June 2017, this goal has largely remained unchanged. We are as devoted to sharing our marketing knowledge as we’ve ever been. But in the last year and a half, we’ve also learned quite a bit from you, as well. For instance, your feedback has shown us that you’re interested in what’s going on at success for our marketing partners. New Horizon Ahead The new Weekly Crest aims to blend our initial goal with the lessons you’ve taught us: we’re still going to share the latest marketing news on a weekly basis, and we’re also adding in several sections that will help you get to know the Seafoam team even better. We’ll discuss our personal thoughts and share our own unique insights that you can use to improve your own understanding of your brand’s marketing strategy and even your marketing career. Start your adventure today! Subscribe here to get The Weekly Crest sent to your inbox every Friday morning for FREE. You don’t want to miss out on the things our team has to say. Not sure if you want to subscribe, yet? Try out your sea legs before you hop aboard! Check out the latest edition of The Weekly Crest right now. After you enjoy what we have to say, subscribe via the link at the bottom of the newsletter. Thanks for joining us! New Look for Autumn | The Weekly Crest 2. 39 The Weekly Crest is a recurring email resource that contains the latest marketing news, updates and trends as they pertain to your business. --- > Seafoam’s Matt Lodge chats about how his role as a Digital Marketing Analyst helps him measure and adjust clients’ strategies for the future. - Published: 2018-10-10 - Modified: 2023-04-03 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/i-want-the-whole-picture-and-nothing-but-the-picture-by-matt-lodge/ - Categories: Uncategorized Digital marketing can be complicated. At any given time, there are a near infinite number of factors that determine how a customer engages with your brand’s products/services, message, and goals via an avenue of content, SEO, social media, and your website. To make matters even more complicated, digital marketing is in a state of continuous evolution, meaning that the success your brand achieves with its marketing strategy today may not work out as well tomorrow. Keeping track of how these pieces work together for any brand is nearly impossible without a dedicated teammate to gauge each component of a brand’s digital marketing strategy and make the necessary changes for maximum effectiveness. To get an idea of what it takes to accomplish such an ambitious task, we hung out with Seafoam’s Digital Marketing Analyst, Matt Lodge, the man in charge of monitoring, measuring, and adjusting our clients’ marketing strategies to ensure they’re poised for future success. Here’s what he had to say... Q&A with Matt Lodge What is your role at Seafoam Media? I am the Digital Marketing Analyst at Seafoam Media. It’s my job to look into all the data surrounding a client’s web traffic and to try to optimize their websites for search engine results, ad clicks and conversion. I basically optimize every step of the marketing funnel. Why is your role important to Seafoam’s structure, as well as the marketing industry as a whole? Digital marketing is, in a lot of ways, replacing traditional marketing as means for businesses to grow their brands — to grow their customer bases. The essence of that is trying to find ways to optimize their online presence so that they’re getting the maximum exposure and also the right kind of exposure — putting your product in front of the right people so that the right people purchase from or interact with your brand. I think that using data-driven techniques or methods helps Seafoam deliver on what we set out to do for our clients. What do you do to personally ensure that Seafoam’s clients’ needs are being met? I make sure our clients show up on the first page of Google, so when people are searching, they find our clients and not their competitors. In what ways would you like your role to evolve while you work at Seafoam? I think my role evolves as the internet evolves. It’s about constantly adapting to the different trends online — how people are searching, how people are engaging with brands online. Just staying on top of that evolution and making sure that Seafoam is on the cutting edge of digital marketing. Are there any unique tips about your role as it pertains to Seafoam's marketing strategy that you'd like to share? Looking at the whole picture instead of getting bogged down in one particular metric is important. You kind of have to take everything and put it in context so that you’re actually getting as close to the truth as you can in terms of where your website is and where your product is online. Don’t get caught up in one particular metric; look at all of them together. Are there any lessons you learned so far that will make you better at your job as time goes on? Brian knows everything. Ask Brian. --- > In part six of What's Your Seashore, Seafoam's Business Process Analyst, Brian Martin, opens up his heart and takes us on an emotional journey down the great Mississippi River. - Published: 2018-09-20 - Modified: 2023-04-03 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/brian-takes-us-on-a-journey-down-the-great-mississippi-river/ - Categories: Uncategorized Video Transcript You know what my seashore is? It’s the muddy Mississippi River. God, what a powerful body of water that is. I like to sometimes sit back and think about just the number of boats that have sailed down it over the years. I mean, from Minneapolis to New Orleans with a stop over in St. Louis — you can’t beat something like that. Sometimes I’ll sit back and I’ll just dream about rivers, but I always come back to the Mississippi. Sure, the Amazon River is really popular. The Nile, that’s over in Egypt. But only the Mississippi River is right here. I get a little emotional thinking about it, because it’s just so nice watching the barges just sail down. God, I love that river. That’s my seashore. Thank you. --- > In part five of What's Your Seashore, Seafoam's Writer, Holly Sinclair, shares her love for reading, along with some great books that you should check out ASAP. - Published: 2018-09-12 - Modified: 2023-04-03 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/holly-s-shows-us-something-good-to-read/ - Categories: Uncategorized Video Transcript My seashore is really books and reading. I’ve always been a reader. In my family, it sort of became a joke, even when I was young, that my cousins would be out playing around, and I would be in a corner with my nose in a book. Luckily, my sweetheart likes walking through bookstores as much as I do, because we do that together, and he doesn’t mind when I’ve got a stack of books next to the bookshelf because they won’t fit on the bookshelf. I just feel better with books around, and I love reading. I’ve brought a few of my favorites. Some books that I loved when I was growing up: “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” “Tender is the Night,” if you love Fitzgerald, “The Heart is a Lonely Hunter;” if you ever want your heart broken in the most exclusive, beautiful way, it’s a great book. I actually studied poetry when I was in graduate school, and these were two of my favorites: I met Jean Valentine, actually, and I turned into a total fangirl when I met her; it was embarrassing. And Claudia Rankine; if you haven’t checked out one of her books, you should do yourself a favor. These just blew my mind in the best way. They’re not Robert Frost, you know; they’re amazing things. Nowadays, I read for different reasons, I guess. I used to read to escape or to enter a fantasy world, or to experience the profound depth that poetry can give me. Now, I like to read historical fiction, and I like to read nonfiction. I read now because I’m a writer for a living. I read nonfiction to figure out how to get better. This author, Timothy Egan, wrote a really great book called “The Worst Hard Time” about the Dust Bowl, and I read his prose and I’m like, “How do you do that? ” So yeah, I read for instruction, and I read for fun, and I read because it’s like an old friend. That’s it. That’s my seashore! --- > Once every quarter, the Seafoam team pauses to reflect on our past and define our future. Here’s everything that’s happened since our last Seafoam Day! - Published: 2018-09-06 - Modified: 2023-04-03 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/seafoam-day-q3-2018/ - Categories: Uncategorized The present defines the future. The future builds on the foundation of the past.  – Lailah Gifty Akita Once every quarter, the Seafoam team pauses to reflect on our past success and to strengthen our path forward. Here is a quick look back on everything that’s happened in the Seafoam community since our last Seafoam Day! Since Our Last Seafoam Day Team Dynamics The biggest achievement this quarter is that we’ve added to our team! Depending on how closely you’ve been watching our social media channels and our newsletter, The Weekly Crest, you may already know our Brand Engagement Specialist, Holly Wentworth, and our new Digital Marketing Specialist, Matt Lodge. If you’re not familiar with either of these sharp minds, check out their employees bios on our website. We’re stoked to have them in the Seafoam family! Some Office Upgrades We’ve officially been in our office on Sutton Blvd. for a bit over a year, and we’re still not done making it feel more like home. Last quarter, we revamped the front lounge to make it more comfortable for our guests. The Seafoam office is also slowly being outfitted with gear to share with our teammates and our marketing partners. So far, we have our official mugs and pens, and there are even more items on the way. What’s in our future? Some things never change, like our team working hard on building and maintaining marketing strategies for our partners. First and foremost, we’re dedicated to brands that want to lead, and we’re grateful for these brands that continue to work with us. But there’s more going on at Seafoam than what our partners see on the surface. For starters, we have some updates to our Seafoam Sessions series that we’re excited to share with you on our next episode. Second, this quarter, we’re breaking ground on a new project that will add some additional space to our office. There’s not much more that we can say about it right now, now, but the new space will be featured in future content from Seafoam, so stay tuned! Finally, we’re drawing closer to unveiling a project that’s been in the making for almost a year. Will it finally be ready to show off this quarter? Time will tell! Be the first to know! There’s only one way to make sure you have the latest updates on everything happening at Seafoam. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Google+. Check out the latest videos on our official YouTube channel. And finally, receive the latest marketing news in your inbox every Friday by subscribing to the The Weekly Crest; it’s free! Thank you to our proactive team and our dedicated partners for going on this incredible journey with us. We couldn’t be here without you! --- > In part four of What's Your Seashore, Seafoam's Brand Engagement Specialist, Holly Wentworth, shares her love for her Pomeranian, Ellie. - Published: 2018-08-22 - Modified: 2023-04-03 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/holly-w-introduces-us-to-her-pup-ellie/ - Categories: Uncategorized Video Transcript Hi, I’m Holly, and my seashore is Ellie! Basically, she’s my seashore, because at the end of the day, I know that as soon as I open that door to come home, she’s going to go wild — sprinting all around, so excited, licking my face as soon as I pick her up. And she’s also that calm piece that I need, too. At the end of the day, I know that when we snuggle up to go to bed, she’s gonna be all sweet. It’s almost like she’s my kid at this point; that’s how close I feel to her. She’s been there for me at my lowest of lows, my highest of highs. I just know that she’s always got my back, and I’ve got hers! --- > In part three of What's Your Seashore, Seafoam's owner and founder, Nikki Bisel, talks about her ideal seashore in the great outdoors. - Published: 2018-08-02 - Modified: 2023-04-03 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/nikki-exercises-in-the-great-outdoors/ - Categories: Uncategorized Video Transcript I think my seashore is exercising outside — specifically running and biking. I get kind of two different things from each of them: For biking, I get a real sense of freedom. I can go out, and I can ride 40 miles, and I can travel to all different places around the city just being on a bike. There’s that feeling of going down a hill, and you’re going 25-30 miles an hour, and there’s a part of you that’s going, “Oh, this is a really stupid thing to do,” and then there’s another part of you that just feels this overwhelming sense of freedom when you’re out doing that. Being able to use your own energy to travel that far in the city is just – I don’t know – it’s a cool feeling that I get every single time I ride my bike. On the running side, I get a lot of clarity and serenity from that. You know, the first 10-15 minutes of a good run, I’m kind of sitting there going, “Oh, my knees hurt. My legs hurt. I wish this were over. Why did I wake up this early? ” But as you kind of get into the flow of it, something just kind of happens where your body’s all moving in one; there’s nothing there to stop you. I don’t know — I just develop sort of a really nice flow that’s – not to sound too cheesy, but – sort of a physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual serenity working through that. Both running and biking for me, I can do inside when I need to. During the winter, I’ve got a trainer in my basement for biking. But really, so much of that freedom and clarity and serenity come from being outside. I think I spend so much of my day in front of a computer or indoors, whether it’s at work or at home, that having an hour or two hours when I’m running or biking outside, being able to almost sort of get distracted with the clouds in the sky or the trees that I’m running through, feeling the sunshine kind of beat down, even on a really hot day, being connected to nature for at least a little bit of my day is so beneficial, I think. It really kind of puts things into perspective and allows me the opportunity to rest my brain for a little bit and just be a part of the rest of the world and be a part of nature for awhile. One of my favorites parts of every day, after I go for a run or after I bike, I’ve got about 20-30 minutes afterwards where I just feel like I’m on top of the world. Everything feels very calm; I feel like I have the right type of energy to work through different problems, come up with different solutions. There’s just a very clear state of mind that I get after those, and it’s nice to get that from something that’s also pretty healthy. --- > Seafoam’s Holly Wentworth chats about how her role as a Brand Engagement Specialist helps her leverage content creation to engage our clients’ customers. - Published: 2018-07-25 - Modified: 2023-04-03 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/beyond-the-blog-by-holly-wentworth/ - Categories: Uncategorized Content creation comes in many different flavors. The tried and true methods that all brands should have in their back pockets are blog articles and social media posts. If your business isn’t currently doing both of these, you are missing out on showcasing your industry knowledge and engaging your fans. But like everything else in the world, content marketing has evolved beyond these mediums. Now, brands also need to be able to produce videos, design custom graphics, and have a continuous pulse on their audiences’ online needs. Enter Seafoam’s new Brand Engagement Specialist, Holly Wentworth. To see how she leverages the power of content creation to engage with our clients’ customers, we sat down for a quick chat. Here’s what she had to say... Q&A with Holly Wentworth What is your role at Seafoam Media? I am the Brand Engagement Specialist here at Seafoam Media. My role basically revolves around content creation. I take photos, film videos, design graphics and write catchy captions for our clients. Why is your role important to Seafoam’s structure, as well as the marketing industry as a whole? I come from a video production background, so for Seafoam, I think it’s good that we’re investing in a new dimension of building marketing strategies. For marketing in general, I think that video and multimedia is becoming so big that the older forms of marketing aren’t enough anymore; if you don’t have videos that showcase your company, you’re missing out on potential customers. What do you do to personally ensure that Seafoam’s clients’ needs are being met? I like to immerse myself in each brand I work with, down to even the smallest details: their brand colors, fonts, and things like that. More importantly, I try to think from their customers’ perspectives — how these small details catch their attention and help them engage with our clients. Finally, it’s important that we don’t just post random content; our efforts should answer any questions or concerns our clients’ audiences may have about the products or services they’re looking for. In what ways would you like your role to evolve while you work at Seafoam? I would really like Seafoam to be able to build a video marketing team. That’s my goal. I’ve always wanted to be a producer. So, one day – if and when we have a dedicated video marketing team – I could manage our editors and videographers. I would like to schedule out the types of content we need for our clients, along with a budget and the types of equipment we need for each project. That would be my dream! Are there any unique qualities about your role as it pertains to Seafoam's marketing strategy that you'd like to share? At Seafoam, we strive to be more proactive about our work instead of reactive. We like to try to stay ahead of the curve of our clients’ needs and how they pertain to the latest developments in the marketing industry. Are there any lessons you learned so far that will make you better at your job as time goes on? Yes! So, I didn’t really come from a marketing background at all; it was very video, media, graphic design, and photography-based, which I now know blends very well into the content marketing side of our industry. I’ve learned a lot in my month and a half here — even more than I did throughout my education. I know so much more now than I knew before. --- > In part two of What's Your Seashore, Seafoam's Courtney Egner dishes on one of her favorite things in the world: The 1975! - Published: 2018-07-05 - Modified: 2023-04-03 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/courtney-loves-the-1975/ - Categories: Uncategorized Video Transcript I love The 1975! I thought so hard about this, because everybody in this office knows I don’t just like things, and I don’t just dislike things. I’m on both ends of the spectrum. I either have to be really obsessed with it or just be neutral, like “Oh, okay. ” So everybody knows that I have one thing in each genre of things that someone could have, so the only way that I was really going to be able to answer this question was if I literally phrased it as Nikki has always told us the story, which is, “How do you want people to feel? ” The only thing that came to mind that made sense to me was how I feel when I go see my favorite band, which sounds really cliché and really kind of almost juvenile, but there’s no other way to describe the feeling of when I go to these shows. The best way to describe it is they have this humming sound that happens before they come on: the lights get dimmer and the sound gets higher, and it’s meant to start getting your senses going. That’s impacted me so much that I know what’s going to happen next; there was a similar humming sound in this office to a point where I was psyched up in here. And that’s what I want to feel all the time. When I go to these concerts and I go see this band, they come on and I just start crying, almost like it’s the Beetles in the 60’s. I react that way to everything, but the person that I am in that space where I’m with people that enjoy it for the same reasons, and I’m there seeing people who have profoundly impacted my life, it’s a feeling of happiness that I don’t know how to describe and have never been able to describe. That’s how I want people to feel when they come in and talk to us. It’s just one of those things: you love being there, and you’ll do it again, so much so that I’ve seen them nine times total, seven times in the timeframe of 2016 to 2017. I just kept going; I didn’t stop. It’s one of those things where you get the little piece of it, and then you just keep wanting it, and you want to keep going back, and you want to keep going back to experience it. And what’s so great is they’ve been on hiatus for a year, and now they’re coming back here next January. So here in the next year, I’ll be doing the same thing: following them around the midwest, trying to see them as many times as I possibly can so I’ll still have that feeling. So my seashore is not a seashore, but it’s in a crowded crowd of – more than likely, for most shows that I go to – girls that are under the age of 22. It’s just a sea of people that are all there for the same reason, screaming lyrics to a band from the UK that really no one understands half the time anyway. But it’s that feeling of community and that feeling of being somewhere where you feel a happiness that you don’t feel anywhere else. --- > In part one of What's Your Seashore, Seafoam's owner and founder, Nikki Bisel, talks about how her marketing agency received its identity. - Published: 2018-07-02 - Modified: 2023-04-03 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/the-story-behind-the-name/ - Categories: Uncategorized Video Transcript When I was starting Seafoam, I knew why I wanted to start it, I knew how I wanted to start it, but I needed a company name. I must’ve gone through 50 different options. I’m still pretty convinced – even after having named my first child – that naming a company was maybe a little bit more difficult. So I must’ve come up with 50 different options, and I would send them around to friends and family, and inevitably, at least one person had something negative to say about every different name option. “Oh, this makes me think of this. ” “You shouldn’t do that. ” “There’s a company that’s kind of named like that. ” — All different reasons for hating these ideas. So, I had recently graduated college, and I was able to go on a trip to the beach with my now spouse; we’re sitting on the beach, and I’m trying to think of names, trying to think of names, and eventually she said to me, “Maybe you’re going about this the wrong way. Instead of trying to think of a cool name or a super-descriptive name” — none of which had been working for me with my prior 50 tries, she said, “Why don’t you think about how you want your clients to feel when they’re working with you. ” And I kind of looked out at the water, and I said, “Well, to be honest, if they felt anything like I feel right now, sitting on this beach, that would make me a very happy person. ” Thus, Seafoam Media was born. --- > Your team may not fight crime on the weekends or have superpowers, but there is a lot your brand can learn from your favorite superheroes and the companies that invented them. - Published: 2018-06-19 - Modified: 2023-04-03 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/ss14-what-brands-can-learn-from-your-favorite-superheroes/ - Categories: Uncategorized There’s a good chance that your team doesn’t don capes and fight crime on the weekends. You probably don’t have super powers and don't go toe to toe with the biggest, baddest villains the world has ever seen. There are, however, some lessons you can take away from the wildly popular superhero movies.   While things like courage, perseverance, and the will to help others are all great lessons, there is an entirely different moral to the tales being spun by Marvel and DC — one that may not be obvious on the surface but that is extremely valuable from a branding perspective. Who is Your Favorite Superhero and Why? Late last month, we sent around a survey that asked you who your favorite superhero was and why. You all voted, and a massive number of you agreed that Wonder Woman was the most prominent hero on our list, followed by Deadpool, Spider-Man, and Ironman. Superhero Poll Results: Wonder Woman – 27. 7% Deadpool – 12. 8% Spider-Man – 8. 5% Iron Man – 8. 5% Black Panther – 4. 3% Daredevil – 4. 3% Batman – 4. 3% Flash – 4. 3% Other – 17% As you can see, you all had a lot to say about the best superheroes of the modern day — and rightfully so! Between various comic book, television, and movie franchises, there’s a vast universe of heroes and the villains who try to thwart them. What can Brands Learn from Today's Superhero Blockbusters? The moves Marvel and DC have made speak volumes about each brand's business strategies.   A Marvelous Tale to Tell Marvel, a box office heavyweight, is renown for kicking out blockbusters on a yearly basis. Aside from that, however, Marvel does something that their competitor currently doesn’t: all of their movies exist in the same “Marvel Comic Universe. ” In other words, every single superhero movie they’ve released over the last several decades have all been linked to each other in some way, shape, or form. If one of their films doesn’t have a cameo from another superhero within the main content, you can almost bet that there is an Easter egg after the credits that teases another hero or villain that will be connected in the near future. This consistency and connectivity is a compelling and winning strategy for Marvel. It works for other brands, too. The DC Dive Unlike its sworn enemy, DC Comics take a different approach to their movies. Instead of weaving their characters into the same universe, DC have made it a point to focus on each character’s individual stories. The success of this strategy can be seen by how the majority of our voters chose Wonder Woman over any other hero. From a storytelling standpoint, focusing on individual heroes is a great way to better develop individual characters and build their story arcs. From a branding perspective, however, this approach leaves something to be desired. Consistency in Branding is Key The goal of any brand is to engage its customers in a way that builds trust and cultivates a loyal fanbase.   This goal can be achieved by engaging your customers with a unified message. Your brand and everything it does should be connected; it all needs to lead back to your goal. Returning to our Marvel vs. DC analogy, these two companies have approached a similar market by using two very different strategies, and despite their best efforts, there is one brand that is evidently coming out ahead. Marvel has managed to engage a wider range of people and bring them all into the same Marvel Comic Universe where they can interact with one another and celebrate their love for the characters Marvel has created. Now, instead of just leaning on one or two movies a year with great singular characters, Marvel is able to build plausible unions between these characters, such as with The Avengers series, so that they can unite fans of their individual characters into one gigantic mashup of drama and value. This, in turn, strengthens the bond their fans have with their products (i. e. the superheroes and their stories) and the Marvel brand. That’s not to say that DC has done a poor job. They have mastered the art of building strong individual characters with unique traits and motives. But from a branding perspective, this strategy is disparate at best. It is a much stronger business model to spread your brand’s success across a range of cohesive products and services than it is to rely on one money-maker and hope for the best. At the end of the day, the one thing about your brand that will encourage customers to stay are the senses of engagement, community, and connection you cultivate with them. Seafoam Media Puts Comprehensive Marketing Strategies to Work for Your Band When we develop marketing strategies for the brands we represent, we use a wide-angle lens. We consider goals, target customers, and brand values, and then we utilize all the tools in our toolbox as we make a plan. We believe in putting forth a consistent message that will propel your brand forward, superhero style. Curious about how you can increase your fanbase? Let's connect. --- > This past week was an exciting one for Seafoam. Aside from celebrating our eighth year of being in business, we also added two crew members to our team! - Published: 2018-06-14 - Modified: 2024-10-01 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/eight-year-anniversary/ - Categories: Uncategorized This past week was an exciting one for Seafoam. Aside from celebrating our eighth year of being in business, we also added two crew members to our team! Keep scrolling to see what Seafoam’s founder, Nikki Bisel, had to say about growing our company, and get to know the new members of our team! Eight years and beyond. — Q&A with Nikki Bisel What does it mean to you to have been in business for eight years? With every year that we’ve been in business, we’ve had so much growth — not just in terms of revenue or number of employees, but in our processes, how we do things, how we take care of our clients, and the quality of our work. I’m happy and proud that we’ve been alive for eight years, because a lot of businesses don’t make it that long. It’s comforting to know that we’re beyond that dreaded five-year mark by a good chunk, but for me, it’s more about looking forward. I’m grateful that we’ve been around for eight years; I’m even more grateful of all the development and evolution that has happened in those eight years, but I’m even more excited about each and every year to come. If anything, what it means for me that we’ve been around this long is that I now have eight years of experience seeing the growth and evolution of the company, so I know that I can be legitimately excited about each year moving forward based on that experience. What are some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way that has made your company stronger? People, people, people! There is no magic pill – no magic wand – for anything, whether it's helping to make our clients successful or growing Seafoam itself. It’s about good people and diligent, hard, honest work, and finding the right people for the right positions in this particular culture. When you find those perfect fits, it just works. Finding a round peg for a round hole makes things a lot easier. There are two things I’ve learned... First, you’re moving one chunk at a time. It’s awesome and necessary to have big, hairy, audacious goals, but the only way you get there is by reverse-engineering it — breaking it down into tangible, bite-sized pieces and working one step at a time. Second, there will always be lessons to learn — to not get upset when I or we as a company make a mistake somewhere. It’s not about the mistake; it’s about how we recognize it and fix it so that it doesn’t happen again, and that’s how we become a better company. Every mistake is just an opportunity to one-up our competitors and to be a better version of ourselves. Looking back, is there anything you would’ve done differently. That’s hard. I know so much more now than I did eight years ago, but I think that’s just life. Unless I could take the knowledge that I had from eight years of running this company back in time, I’m sure there are things I would do differently, but I can’t. I think, looking back, if there was one thing I could tell myself when I started Seafoam, it would be all those lessons: There are going to be mistakes. There are going to be hiccups. That’s life. That’s business. But when you persevere and you just keep pushing forward toward a vision that you have, that’s what will propel you forward. What are your hopes, dreams, and aspirations for Seafoam's future? I’m not one to focus too intently on revenue or number of employees, because I think those are shallow numbers. But on a very broad level over the next decade, I want to keep growing. Sure, we’ve set goals for things like revenue, but for me, it comes down to the reputation of Seafoam. I want to be the most well reputed marketing consultancy and agency in St. Louis, and then the midwest. I want every client we have to want to brag about us, and I want every team member we have to want to brag about the rest of their team. Welcome to the team! Holly Wentworth — Brand Engagement Specialist “I’m a Brand Engagement Specialist. In short, I advance brands’ digital landscape, one video or picture at a time. Every great company needs a great social media presence to back it up. It’s my job to take care of that in a strategic way that will build your client-base exponentially. ” — Holly Wentworth Madi LaChance — Marketing Challenge Intern “I am Madi LaChance, and I am a Seafoam Marketing Challenge Intern at Seafoam Media. I took an interest in marketing to broaden my skills. I like to work hard; it’s fun to have the chance to build on a big project and to put my energy into something. ” — Madi LaChance --- - Published: 2018-05-18 - Modified: 2024-10-01 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/seafoam-marketing-challenge/ - Categories: Uncategorized The Seafoam Marketing Challenge is a program designed to give local high school students real-world marketing experience by intertwining their learning curriculum with the marketing needs of an area non-profit. Throughout the semester, student teams will have the opportunity to learn from Seafoam's marketing team, gather research data on the non-profit client, use this data to map out a marketing strategy for the client, and build their strategies into actual marketing materials. At the end of the semester, the student teams will compete with one another by presenting their marketing strategies to Seafoam's leaders and the client. After a winning team is chosen, one to two students from this team will join Seafoam Media as summer interns where they will actually put their winning marketing strategy into motion for the client. Future Seafoam Marketing Challenges will be listed here as they become available. What is the Seafoam Marketing Challenge? The Seafoam Marketing Challenge is a program designed to give local high school students real-world marketing experience by intertwining their learning curriculum with the marketing needs of an area non-profit. Not only will students be taught how to gather research data on their non-profit client, use this information to map out real marketing strategies, and mold their strategies into tangible materials, but the winner of the competing teams will actually have the opportunity to launch their marketing strategy for their client this summer. At Seafoam, we’re geeks about what we do. We love to share ideas about digital marketing with one another, with our clients, and with the public. In this quickly-changing space, we know that young people will drive innovation in the future. It’s that awareness, along with our desire to give back to the community we love, that has inspired us to reach out to local students. Looking Ahead As this project unfolds throughout the spring 2018 semester, this page will be periodically updated with the latest news, content and progress. In the meantime, let's meet our participating high school and non-profit organization! Meet Our Spring 2018 Participants MAPLEWOOD RICHMOND HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL (MRH) Located in Maplewood, MO, Maplewood Richmond Heights high school is "designed to meet the needs of the 21st century learner. We pride ourselves on our diversity and emphasize our personal touch with students. Technology is part of our daily learning as is our emphasis on health and wellness. Our students are our greatest assets and we continue to invest heavily in their futures. " To learn more, visit MRH's official home page. NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS (NAMI) ST. LOUIS With several locations spread throughout the St. Louis area, the National Alliance on Mental Illness St. Louis' "mission is to improve the quality of life of persons with severe and persistent mental illness and their families, and promote and provide community support, education, advocacy, and understanding. " To learn more, visit NAMI St. Louis' official home page. Thanks to everyone at MRH and NAMI St. Louis who made the Seafoam Marketing Challenge possible. We can't wait to get started! Launching the Seafoam Marketing Challenge at MRH February 7, 2018 — Seafoam's Owner and Founder, Nikki Bisel, and Brand Manager, Zach Laidlaw, join Christi Patterson of NAMI St. Louis to officially kick off the Seafoam Marketing Challenge! For a deeper dive into this program and what it means for MRH, NAMI STL and Seafoam Media, check out the video below. MASSIVE shoutout to Pam Withers, John Capuano, Otto Schultejans, Sean McCrary (the man behind the camera) and the awesome marketing students at MRH! This program could not have been possible without you any of you. We can't wait to see what you guys build for NAMI St. Louis. The Do's and Don'ts of Marketing for a Nonprofit March 1, 2018 — It’s safe to say that no two marketing strategies are alike. Not only do these strategies change based on a brand’s wants and needs, but their goals and mission will largely influence their digital route to success, as well. The differences become even greater, still, when breaking down a client’s business structure — particularly when it comes to for-profit companies versus nonprofit businesses. Click here to read some of the things our team has to share about nonprofit marketing. MRH Students Show Off Their Preliminary Research Presentations for NAMI STL March 7-8, 2018 — This week, the marketing students at MRH joined the Seafoam St. Louis internet marketing team at our headquarters in Maplewood to show off their preliminary research and marketing strategies that they pulled together for NAMI STL. After viewing the presentations, Seafoam's team provided constructive feedback for the students to fine-tune their strategies before they give their final pitches in April. Overall, the students' presentations were insightful, creative and aspirational. We can't wait to see how the students receive our feedback and inject it into their marketing strategies. Shoutout to Mrs. Withers and Mr. Capuano for escorting the students from MRH for this rendezvous! Our team had fun spending time with you all! --- > Marketing can be a complex beast to tame, especially for businesses strapped for cash. Here are three easy ways to maximize your nonprofit marketing strategy while on a tight budget. - Published: 2018-03-14 - Modified: 2024-02-04 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/three-ways-maximize-nonprofit-marketing-strategy-budget/ - Categories: Uncategorized - Tags: Analytics & Reporting, Brand Strategy, Consulting, Content Development, Conversion Rate Optimization, Email Marketing, PPC / Google Ads, SEO Services, Social Media, Web Design & Development Several weeks ago, we discussed the do’s and don’ts of nonprofit marketing strategies. This week, we’re diving back into the world of nonprofits to discuss how you can make the most of your marketing funds. Nonprofit Funding and Budgets When it comes to fueling a marketing strategy, maintaining the proper budget is key to maintenance and growth. This can be particularly difficult with nonprofit organizations. Since their funding typically comes from donors and fundraising events, nonprofits don’t have the cash-flow that larger brands rely on. Therefore, maximizing spending is critical to a nonprofit’s marketing success. Here are some tips for your nonprofit to consider as you map out your marketing budget. How to Build a Friendly Nonprofit Marketing Strategy 1. Simplify your strategy. Marketing can be a complex beast to tame. There are many facets involved in online success; we often talk about the main four pillars with our clients: content, social media marketing, search engine optimization (SEO) and St. Louis website design/development. This is just the beginning, though. Within each of these pillars, there are more, potentially expensive, pieces to consider, such as the types of content you want to create, which social platforms your nonprofit belongs on, the extent of your SEO, and the depth of your website’s design and functionality. If your nonprofit is strapped for cash, you probably don’t have the funds to tackle the high end of each of the marketing pillars, but you should at least have the basics: Build a Weekly Blog: Not only does a blog serve as a great way to showcase your knowledge and mission, it’s also a great way to highlight the work your nonprofit is doing in its community and why. Get Social: Your nonprofit only needs to be consistently present on the social media platforms that will help it get involved in its community. Since no platforms do community engagement quite as well as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, these are the main three your nonprofit should likely target. Put Your Website on a Diet: Your website doesn’t need a ton of information and menus to be effective; in fact, oftentimes, too much information can clutter the user experience. Your website should contain the right information users are looking for and present it in a minimalistic way to increase engagement. Weave Search Engine Optimization into Everything: As long as you make SEO a part of everything you do online for your brand, you will be placing your nonprofit on the correct path to success. This means making sure your website and blog are keyword optimized. Consider boosting specific social media posts that could be most effective in your community. And finally, make sure your community knows who and where you are by claiming your location on Google Maps, Apple Maps, Yelp, etc. 2. Get creative! Marketing doesn’t always have to cost money; sometimes, it just takes a bit of precious, valuable time. You can put the word out about your nonprofit by doing things such as: Getting involved in your community via social gatherings, volunteer events, etc. Participate in weekly or monthly social media chat groups revolving around your mission. Partner up with another complimenting nonprofit or even a competing nonprofit to help spread your mission and purpose. Throw fundraisers or charity events to raise awareness for the cause your nonprofit supports. And more! Don’t be afraid to get involved in local programs that have nothing to do with your brand’s mission; the public will see that your nonprofit is actively participating in its community and will be more likely to turn to you if and when they need your services later on. 3. Team up with a local marketing agency. Who is better qualified to run your nonprofit’s marketing strategy than an agency whose mission is to help brands succeed online? With the Seafoam Marketing Challenge, our agency was lucky to find willing participants to help us launch the first round of our new program. And now, as a result of Seafoam and MRH working together, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) St. Louis will receive a free marketing strategy that they otherwise would not have had. You never know what unconventional opportunities are available to your nonprofit until you go looking for them — or until the right moment presents itself to you. --- > Building a nonprofit marketing strategy is quite different than plotting an online course for the for-profit brands we usually represent. Here are some do’s and don’ts we learned to live by... - Published: 2018-03-01 - Modified: 2024-02-04 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/the-dos-and-donts-of-nonprofit-marketing/ - Categories: Uncategorized - Tags: Analytics & Reporting, Brand Strategy, Consulting, Content Development, Conversion Rate Optimization, Email Marketing, PPC / Google Ads, SEO Services, Social Media, Web Design & Development It’s safe to say that no two marketing strategies are alike. Not only do these strategies change based on a brand’s wants and needs, but their goals and mission will largely influence their digital route to success, as well. The differences become even greater, still, when breaking down a client’s business structure — particularly when it comes to for-profit companies versus nonprofit businesses. In partnership with Maplewood-Richmond Heights High School (MRH) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) St. Louis, our team recently had the opportunity to shift our line of thought from the for-profit brands we usually represent to a local nonprofit organization that’s striving to make a difference in the St. Louis area. Here are some of the things we have to share about nonprofit marketing... What’s the difference between nonprofit and for-profit brand marketing strategies? Building a marketing strategy for a nonprofit is significantly different than building a strategy for a for-profit brand. Why? The differences are largely determined by the variations in each brand’s primary mission. For-profit brands exist to make money from their products and/or services. They may be motivated by other endeavors, like making the best products they can or building a superior customer experience, but at the end of the day, for-profit companies want to make money and thrive so that they can continue to build new products and services that their customers will enjoy. Nonprofit brands, on the other hand, exist to help their customers live better lives through their products, services and message. All funding that a nonprofit receives will be used to pay for the expenses of running the business (employee salaries, bills, etc. ); the remaining money will be invested back into the organization’s goals and mission to help their community. For this reason, nonprofits don’t typically have the capital that for-profits brands have. The Do’s and Don’ts of Nonprofit Marketing Do... Adopt a positive tone. Nonprofits are not about the doom and gloom of the mission they support; they represent a beacon of hope for the people they work with! Your marketing message should reflect and amplify this perspective. Unify your message. With limited funds, maximizing your marketing budget is critical to your nonprofit’s online success. To make sure this happens, your brand’s message should be found everywhere your greatest advocates, partners and customers will be online. Set a goal for every component of your marketing strategy. This one is pretty straightforward: for every marketing project you put out into the world, ask yourself how it feeds back into your brand mission and goals. If it doesn’t, you will want to reevaluate your campaign and make any necessary changes to put it back on the right track. Don’t... Talk too much about the nonprofit. Think of your nonprofit marketing strategy like the perfect blind date: the best candidate will be attentive. He will listen to you – hang on every word you say – and although he will share some information about himself, he knows that the night isn’t all about him. He wants to know everything there is to know about you. The same can be said for your nonprofit marketing strategy: your messaging should focus less on the nonprofit itself and more on the community of people the nonprofit helps; it’s their turn to shine. Focus too much on metrics. Obviously, digital marketing analytics is a great way to outline a brand’s marketing success, but when it comes to nonprofits, numbers aren’t everything. Heart is equally important! The community members that are influenced by nonprofits aren’t just charts and graphs on a spreadsheet; even one person’s life that is changed as a result of your marketing strategy is a major win. Overcomplicate your message. Not only do you want to support your customers, but you also want to encourage future donors to invest in your brand. As a result, make sure that your message and your marketing materials are clear, concise, and have a call to action. Want to learn more? Our team’s journey into nonprofit marketing is just beginning. If you’d like to keep up with the progress the MRH students have made for NAMI St. Louis, visit the official Seafoam Marketing Challenge landing page to learn more! We’ll have much more to share over the next several months. --- > Earlier this month, we stormed the walls of the Maplewood-Richmond Heights High School to launch the Seafoam Marketing Challenge! Here’s what that means for both Maplewood and the digital marketing industry. - Published: 2018-02-21 - Modified: 2023-04-14 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/seafoam-inspires-next-generation-digital-marketers-seafoam-marketing-challenge/ - Categories: Uncategorized After more than a year of strategic thinking, planning and building, Seafoam has finally launched a brand new project that we’re excited to set out into the wild. Earlier this month, we stormed the walls of the Maplewood-Richmond Heights High School to launch the Seafoam Marketing Challenge! What is the Seafoam Marketing Challenge and why is it important to not only our community, but the local digital marketing industry? Here’s everything you need to know... What is the Seafoam Marketing Challenge? The Seafoam Marketing Challenge is a program designed to give local high school students real-world marketing experience by intertwining their learning curriculum with the marketing needs of an area non-profit. This semester’s client is the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) St. Louis, an organization that aims to eliminate the stigma around mental illness and show those who are diagnosed that there is a positive way forward. Not only will students be taught how to gather research data on NAMI St. Louis, use this information to map out real marketing strategies, and mold their strategies into tangible materials, but the winner of the competing teams will actually have the opportunity to launch their marketing strategy for NAMI St. Louis as an intern alongside Seafoam’s team this summer. The Marketing Challenge Triad At Seafoam, we have a mathematical equation that guides everything we do (maybe you’ve heard of it? ): 1+1=3. It’s the idea that our team strives to maximize the capabilities of our everything we do. Why should the Seafoam Marketing Challenge be any different? The thing that probably excites our team most about the Seafoam Marketing Challenge, other than the fact that we’ve never heard of any other agency launching a program such as this one – local, national or otherwise – is that this program has the power to impact so many different groups of people. Strengthening MRH’s Marketing Program Prior to partnering with Seafoam, MRH already had a full-functioning marketing program led by Pam Withers. When we proposed taking her marketing course to the next level by adding our input to the mix, we were more than thrilled to have her full support. Not only does Pam ensure our program is implemented each and every week, she has also been integral in refining the ideas that Seafoam brought to the table. With the help of Pam, as well as MRH’s Coordinator of Educational Exploration, John Capuano, and English/Journalism Teacher, Otto Schultejans, the Seafoam Marketing Challenge was able to grow into a program worth launching. Expanding NAMI St. Louis’s Digital Reach As with every client Seafoam partners with, NAMI St. Louis’ success is at the forefront of the Seafoam Marketing Challenge. Just like in a real agency, NAMI St. Louis’ marketing strategy has been given over to the students. It will be up to them to conduct brand research, build creative assets and present their final materials to Seafoam and NAMI STL’s teams. After a winning project is chosen, students from that team will join Seafoam this summer where they will execute the strategy they built and measure the results it produces for NAMI St. Louis. Cultivating St. Louis’ Next Generation of Marketing Talent The final piece of the Seafoam Marketing Challenge triad revolves around the way this program helps cultivate the next generation of marketing leaders in the St. Louis area. One of our goals of this program is to provide students with real-world marketing experience — a benefit that most college students don’t even have by the time they receive their degrees. Students’ abilities to communicate, collaborate and create will be tested throughout this entire semester. In the end, we hope students will be able to use this experience to excel in their higher education studies and launch their careers in the marketing world. Furthermore, we want the Seafoam Marketing Challenge to serve as a way to get students excited about our industry — show them why now is the best time to consider career in digital marketing. We hope to help them leverage their creativity and strategic skills so that they can make something that they can be proud of and that produces measurable results for a real brand. Where does the Marketing Challenge go from here? At the time this article was published, the Seafoam Marketing Challenge has only been active for two and half a weeks of its maiden voyage. There is still a large portion of the school semester left, so it’s hard to say what the future holds. We fully expect for research to be conducted, mistakes to be made, lessons to be learn, and more. When launching a program that connects so many different groups of people and tests their limits of creativity and strategic thinking to make something truly unique, we don’t expect things to be perfect on the first round. That’s why Seafoam’s team will be touching base with MRH’s students throughout the Marketing Challenge to ensure everything stays on track and that NAMI St. Louis receives a strategy thorough enough that it could have come straight from our agency. Finally, if we’re lucky, we may just be invited back to MRH in the fall semester for a sequel to the Seafoam Marketing Challenge. But that’s a story for another time... --- > Last week, we revealed how our readers and social media followers prefer to keep in touch with their family and friends. This week, our team discusses how to not enrage your loyal and/or prospective customers via personal communication platforms. - Published: 2018-01-30 - Modified: 2023-04-14 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/team-roundup-text-message-marketing-as-dreadful-as-telemarketing/ - Categories: Uncategorized Last week, we revealed how our readers and social media followers prefer to keep in touch with their family and friends. Just to quickly recap, here’s what you all had to say: Text Messaging — 33. 3% Phone Calls — 33. 3% Social Media Public Posts/Comments — 13. 3% Social Media Private Messaging — 6. 7% Face-to-face Conversation — 6. 7% Facetime/Video Chat — 6. 7% Today, our team weighs in on the dangers of brands infringing on consumers’ personal communication bubbles, historically through the use of telemarketing and now text message marketing. Marketing Rule #1: Don’t piss off your customers. Raise your hand if you’re a fan of cold-call telemarketers. Yes? No? Maybe? Probably not. Telemarketers have gotten a bad rap over the years because of the unsolicited sales tactics that have often been employed to turn unsuspecting people into quick money. That’s not the best business model if your goal is to cultivate a family of loyal customers who trust and invest in your products and services. And now that texting is a widely used form of communication, brands have started to employ this marketing method to engage customers. In fact, early last year, Business. com wrote an entire article encouraging the industry to use text message marketing. But is this really the best advice? Knowing how the public perceives unsolicited telemarketing phone calls, could text messages sent by brands become the next marketing red flag? Q&A with the Seafoam Team: Tele- and Text Message Marketing Edition To help answer this question, we asked our team to weigh in on the gravity of solicited and unsolicited phone calls or text messages from brands. Here are just some of the things they had to say: How do you feel when you receive an UNSOLICITED phone call from a brand or telemarketer? "I don't answer. Life is too short and my phone is too busy. I save my phone time for calls that matter to me. (In my early 20's I took great delight in messing with telemarketers so I feel like this is kinder. Me and my roommates used to see how much of their script we could get telemarketers to spell for us. )" — Liz "They are mildly annoying, but I don't mind too much. If cold calling didn't work, they probably wouldn't do it. " — Brian "Only mildly bothered because, honestly, I don't answer. If I don't recognize the number I let it go to voicemail. If, on the odd chance that I pick up, I discover it's a sales call, I hang up. I'm, uh, pretty protective of my time I guess. " — Holly How do you feel when you receive an EXPECTED phone call from a brand or telemarketer? "Okay if I specifically asked them to call me. Can't stand when I'm forced to enter my phone number when signing up for something and then they use it to call me 10 seconds later. " — Nikki "I am okay with this, and will anticipate clearing out time to talk. " — Jake "I don't think I've ever expected a call from a telemarketer, but if I ever did expect a call, I wouldn't be angry. " — Courtney How do you feel when you receive an UNSOLICITED text message from a brand or marketer? "Ew. Delete. " — Nikki "Anger, rage, and rapid unsubscribe. " — Liz "In my opinion, text messages are reserved for only my family and friends. Brands can try to engage with me via email (click the SPAM button), on social media (ads are a necessary evil) and wherever else they may be, but texting me is a violation of my private communication bubble. " — Zach "These are cool. I save the numbers and add them to my contacts so that it looks like I have more friends than I actually do. " — Brian "Rage. I hate this. I resent the time I spent glancing at and immediately deleting the text. Not a way to gain my business. " — Holly How do you feel when you receive an EXPECTED text message from a brand or marketer? "Okay usually - though I usually only sign up for stuff like this to get an instant coupon then I'm annoyed when they keep texting me. " — Nikki "If I have ordered a product from a brand, I don't mind receiving a, 'Hey, your item has shipped' or 'Your order is ready for pickup' message. Since texting is my personal communication bubble, I would prefer to receive these messages via email, but I will take a text message in this case, if I am expecting it. " — Zach "I always try and clear out any time to read expected messages and will invest in giving good feedback if they ask. " — Jake "I only want to see those if they're directly related to a recent transaction. Otherwise, see previous answer. " — Holly "It'd better be a coupon! " — Ashlee If you would like to read more of our teammates’ responses to these questions, click here. Conclusions As with any brand, it’s important to understand your customers: their wants, their needs, and even their challenges. Then you have to employ your marketing strategy to satisfy these wants, needs, and challenges. In addition to that, your marketing strategy should also respect your customers’ privacy and personal preferences. Your brand should appear where your consumers expect you to be and should refrain from occupying the spaces where you simply don’t belong. As our team responses revealed, the majority of Seafoamers dislike or ignore unsolicited phone calls and text messages but don’t mind solicited phone calls and text messages. Considering that our poll takers voted that phone calls and text messages were the preferred ways to stay in contact with loved ones, imagine how they would feel if brands regularly engaged these channels beyond their customers’ consent to sell their products. Share Your Thoughts But don’t let us... --- > Following last week’s poll, we reveal which forms of communication you use to stay in touch with loved ones and tease our deeper dive for next week. - Published: 2018-01-25 - Modified: 2023-04-14 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/poll-results-prefer-keep-touch-family-friends/ - Categories: Uncategorized Communication is one of the most innate qualities of the human race. We crave conversation. We yearn for connection. We must engage with one another! Okay, maybe the human race doesn’t want to talk all the time. Sometimes, there’s nothing more desirable than sitting in a quiet room with a good book or your meditative thoughts. But eventually, instinct will take over, and you will want to engage with the living world once more. In honor of the art of communication, last week, we conducted a poll asking you which way you prefer to stay in contact with your loved ones. This week, we reveal your responses, plus we leave a nugget for you to ponder on for our deeper dive next week. Poll Results The official results broke down into the following six categories: FaceTime/Video Chat — 6. 7% When video chatting hit the mainstream with Skype in 2003, followed by Apple’s and Google’s competing services for mobile phones nearly a decade later, it was deemed a revolutionary way to connect people across long distances. While this may still hold true today, video chatting is one of the lesser preferred communication tools that our poll takers chose. Face-to-Face Conversation — 6. 7% Face-to-face conversation is by far the oldest communication method on our response list (for obvious reasons). Unfortunately, speaking face-to-face with a loved one isn’t always as accessible as choosing a more technologically advanced approach, especially if these family members are far away from each other. Social Media Private Messaging — 6. 7% Since garnering public attention in 2003 with MySpace and passing the primordial torch over to Facebook in 2006, social media has played a large part in society’s lives ever since. Unfortunately, our survey highlights that private messaging hasn’t quite caught on as much as social media’s public side. Social Media Public Posts/Comments — 13. 3% Social media is built for mass population conversation — thus, the “social” part of social media’s name. As a result, it probably comes as no surprise that our voters chose public posts, tags, comments, and shared content as the second most popular form of staying connected with friends and family. Phone Calls — 33. 3% The tried and true method of communication, phone calls have been connecting people to each other all across the globe since the members of the American Telegraph and Telephone Company (you know them now as AT&T) built the first telephone line in 1877. Despite the technology that is available today, phone calls are still tied for our voters’ number one preferred method of reaching out to loved ones. Text Messaging — 33. 3% Like many aspects of technology, text messaging has come a long way. Before touchscreens or even keyboard-equipped BlackBerry phones, texting started as a somewhat primitive way to send short messages to friends and family in lieu of a phone call. To even write a message as simple as, “Sorry, I’m going to be late,” users had to repeatedly tap the 9 dialing buttons on their non-smart cell phones to spell out words. This time-consuming task led to abbreviated language – “Sry, I’m gonna b l8. ” – and paved the way for texting advances, such as T9. The holy grail of texting, however, would ultimately be ushered in by smartphones that could utilize touchscreen interfaces to replicate various types of typing experiences. Because of texting’s gradual evolution, this method of communication is still one of the quickest, simplest, and most convenient ways to connect with family and friends. A Shortlist of Marketing Communication Tactics Go ahead and take a look at this list of responses again. What do you see? This list doesn’t just highlight how people prefer to stay connected. It’s also a shortlist of ways that marketers and sales associates have tried to engage customers over the years: FaceTime/Video Chat to provide customer service. Face-to-Face via door-to-door sales, in-store representatives, etc. Social Media Private Messaging to offer exclusive company coupons and deals. Social Media Public Posts/Comments to provide customer service and invoke sales. Phone Calls via telemarketing. Text Messaging to provide order updates, exclusive company coupons and deals, etc. For Next Week... Out of the list above, look at the two preferred methods of communication that our poll takers chose: phone calls and text messaging. Now think about how the marketing industry has already used one of these methods to impact society and how the other method of communication has the potential to follow in its predecessor’s footsteps. What are the positives of using these communication bridges as marketing tools? What are the negatives? Do the pros outweigh the cons, or vice versa? Join us on The Anchor next week as our team discusses how you can use this information to benefit your customers and your brand. Thanks for reading, and stay tuned! * This survey was distributed through Seafoam’s social media channels. Participants were only allowed to vote once. Answers could not be changed after submissions were finalized. All data and information transmitted through this survey were completely anonymous. --- > Zach Laidlaw, Brand Manager of Seafoam Media, weighs in on anti-web tracking services and what the marketing industry should do about it. - Published: 2018-01-10 - Modified: 2023-04-14 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/anti-web-tracking-services-threaten-marketing-industry/ - Categories: Uncategorized In a report that came out earlier this week a major ad technology firm, Criteo, cut its 2018 revenue by more than one-fifth as a result of Apple’s anti-web tracking services baked directly into their Safari browser on iOS devices and macOS computers. Should the marketing industry be worried about its future? We discuss the nitty gritty... Do you see what iSee? Step out your front door and walk to your nearest coffee shop, grocery store, or any other place that is frequented by humanity. Then look around. What do you see? More often than not, you’re going to see a lot of people of various ages staring down at those handheld windows to the web we call smartphones — you’ve probably heard of them. Now look closer, still. What do you notice about these smartphones? If the latest metrics are worth their salt, you’ll see that at least one-third of the devices in any one area are Apple iPhones. Combined with the community of Mac users, Apple’s default web browser, Safari, accounts for 15% of global web surfers — a small but significant portion of users. Why is this important? The internet, brought to you by your favorite brands... It’s no secret that the open and free internet has long been powered by specially placed advertisements. Without ad revenue, websites that don’t sell products – such as news media or entertainment sites – simply would not have the funds to exist. This is similar to how network television operates: you have a free series of channels that you can watch with segments of commercials sprinkled in between in order to keep your favorite networks (and shows) on the air. Unlike television, however, ad agencies quickly learned that the internet held much more advertising potential than television. They could leverage unique identifiers, such as IP addresses, wifi data and cookies to follow users around the web and record their interests to serve consumers more relatable ads, thus increasing the chances of users purchasing products as a result of these ads. Unfortunately, this is where the line between “creative marketing” and “creepy marketing” starts to blur. Turns out, many online users don’t like advertisers recording every move they make across the web. How did we get here? In the age of technology where people post everything from their deepest feelings, their greatest experiences, and even their picture-perfect lunches to social media (you know you do), society actually values privacy now more than ever. People want to be in control of what they share with the world wide web and what they don’t — not ad agencies and brands. Unfortunately, due to the tracking techniques employed by some of the largest ad companies in the world, the people of the internet weren’t always given this right. In fact, many online users – maybe even you – have been exploited. For instance, have you ever researched a certain product or service on Google just to find ads for this same product or service pop up in your Facebook feed days later? If so, you’ve been targeted by an ad agency. This behavior led major technology companies, like Apple, to build and implement solutions for their customers. Ads aren’t enough! That leads us to a simple proclamation: ads simply aren’t enough anymore. They’re not enough for brands, they’re not enough for consumers, and frankly, they’re not enough for marketing firms of any size, location or demographic. Ads by themselves are lazy on an agency’s part; it takes only a minimal degree of critical thinking to dispatch a bunch of static sales pitches to follow people around the web. And with tech giants like Apple fighting back, ads are now becoming less effective, as well. Don’t get us wrong. As a marketing consultancy + agency, Seafoam’s team understands the importance of ad placement. But serving a few ads to anonymous groups versus siccing a targeted barrage upon individual human beings is very different, especially in terms of individual privacy. It shouldn’t have taken something as disruptive as anti-web tracking services to make the marketing industry stop and think about how they relate to their customers. It’s our job – the industry’s duty – to provide client services and customer experiences that do not breach humanity’s trust. In short, anti-web tracking services are keeping the marketing industry honest by promoting a sense of humanity and invoking creativity to engage with customers – not turn them into dollar bills as quickly as possible. What’s next for the marketing industry? So where do we go from here? If you read the last paragraph, you already know the answer: Engage with humanity. As targeted ads lose more and more ground to anti-web tracking services, the marketing industry will have to cultivate more influential ways of connecting with customers. We predict that content marketing will continue to strengthen throughout the next several years; video will be extremely important, and although the written word may cede some ground to more visual presentations, blogging should still have a place in your strategy. The importance of human-to-human social media engagement – especially during this time of fake news and social media turmoil – will be paramount to brand success. Finally, creating real-time value for consumers will make the difference between earning their trust or losing them to a competitor. Back to you! Now that you’ve read our thoughts on anti-web tracking services, how they have impacted the marketing industry, and what marketers should do to combat this growing trend, it’s your turn to weigh in! Share your thoughts with us on Facebook or Twitter. We’d love to hear what you have to say on the subject. And as always, thank you for stopping by The Anchor by Seafoam Media. We’re grateful for the chance to spend some time online with you. SOURCE: The Guardian --- > As you sit to give thanks and spread holiday cheer, here are some things our team is thankful for this year. – Happy Thanksgiving! - Published: 2017-11-21 - Modified: 2023-04-14 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/thankful-for-2017/ - Categories: Uncategorized It’s that time again. A cold chill’s in the air. The leaves have turned down. Autumn is here. And as the clock rolls over, Toward another year gone by. Friends and family will gather, To reflect on the good times. You’ll sit to give thanks, To spread holiday cheer. Here are some things, We’re thankful for this year. Share Your Gratitude! So what are you thankful for this year? Has 2017 turned out to be everything you hoped it would be? Do you have any plans to make 2018 even better? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook and/or Twitter. We’ll be checking our feeds in between munching on turkey legs and pumpkin pie. Happy Thanksgiving! --- > In the second edition of our poll results analysis, we dive into the best places to sell your products online before Black Friday and Cyber Monday. - Published: 2017-11-14 - Modified: 2023-04-14 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/poll-results-likely-shop-online/ - Categories: Uncategorized It’s no secret that the two largest shopping holidays of the year are quickly approaching: Black Friday and Cyber Monday. To kick off the holiday shopping season, we conducted a survey two weeks ago that asked one simple question: Where do you shop online? This week, we’re diving into the poll results, as well as analyzing how these findings can potentially impact your brand's marketing strategy this holiday season. Poll Results: Where are you most likely to shop online? Our poll results were broken down into five categories: Product Company’s Website – 5. 6% The gold-standard of success for any brand is name assocation. When you think of laundry detergent, a specific brand probably pops into your mind. The same goes for soft drinks, smartphones and certain food items (eggs, bread, milk, etc. ). For many loyal customers, the best place to buy a certain brand’s product is to visit their website directly. For our surveyed audience, however, this was not the most effective way to make an online purchase. Now, there are many reasons that may drive a customer to seek a product elsewhere than the manufacturer’s website — potentially too many reasons to discuss in this article. Whatever those reasons may be, the results of our survey are apparent: a manufacturer’s website is not the first place the majority of people will look. Google – 5. 6% Google is undoubedtly a great tool to help users research products, read reviews and even find the various online outlets where products are sold. But based on the data culled from our survey, it is clear that there’s one thing our audience isn’t using Google for: to actually buy products. This fact may be one of many reasons that Google recently integrated its shopping service with one of the world’s largest retailers, Walmart. Only time will tell if this strategy helps Google Shopping and/or Google Express gain more public traction. I Don’t Shop Online – 5. 6% Rounding out our lowest group of rankings, a small percentage of users polled preferred in-real-life shopping experiences to purchasing items online. Old habits die hard, and when it comes to shopping, some customers prefer walking into a store and holding the items they intend to buy. Major Retailer’s Website – 16. 7% Before primarily online retailers existed, the shopping scene was ruled by major retailers, such as Target, Walmart, Macy’s, JCPenney, etc. For these chains that were able to scale their in-person shopping experiences to the world wide web, our survey shows that many customers have maintained their retailer-buying habits when it comes to purchasing items online. Unfortunately, it can be difficult for brands – particularly smaller businesses – to build relationships with major retailers that lead to the likes of Target and Walmart stocking their products for online sale. Amazon – 66. 7% Speaking of brand name association, there is one company that almost always comes to mind when the words “online shopping” are spoken. Serving as one of the largest online distributors in the world, the majority of our polled audience agrees that Amazon is the first place they go when purchasing products over the web. To many of our readers, this result is probably no surprise. How These Metrics Affect Your Brand When looking at the poll results, the chart above says it all: if your brand’s products aren’t listed on Amazon, you’re potentially missing out on more than half of your annual revenue! Of course, that doesn’t mean that your products should only be on Amazon. Having your own eCommerce segment of your site that is search engine optimized and crawlable by the likes of Google is important to your brand’s online ranking and exposure. Even if this isn’t where you will make the majority of your money, having eCommerce can help your customers find and learn about your products before they make a purchase. From a big-picture perspective, it’s best to anticipate everywhere your customers are likely to look for your products and accommodate them appropriately — not just accommodate some of your customers in some of the places they will be. Your brand has a duty to make it as easy as possible for your customers to invest in your brand. Brand Self-Audit Okay, so now that you know where your products should be for your online customers, it’s time to look at your business’ online selling strategy. Start by asking yourself the following questions: Does my website have eCommerce set up for my products? If no, what can I do to prepare my brand for the holiday shopping season? Think minimum viable product: you may not be able to build an entire eCommerce infrastructure in a month or two, but you can at least set functioning groundwork. If yes, is my eCommerce site customer-friendly and functional, or could it use some improvements? Is now a good time to build an Amazon selling strategy? What sales figures would I need to achieve this holiday season to consider my eCommerce and/or Amazon strategy a success? Even if you don’t have all the answers to these questions by Black Friday or Cyber Monday, the holiday shopping season is just beginning. There is still plenty of time to get your online strategy squared away, but you have to start now. Did you enjoy this survey? If you liked participating in our survey and reading our responses breakdown, please hit the “heart” in the top right corner of this article. To know when future surveys are posted, as well as their results, follow Seafoam on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. We look forward to connecting with you! * This survey was distributed through Seafoam’s social media channels. Participants were only allowed to vote once. Answers could not be changed after submissions were finalized. All data and information transmitted through this survey were completely anonymous. --- > What if you could guarantee that your business doesn’t fail? Here are the three keys to building and maintaining a successful brand. - Published: 2017-11-09 - Modified: 2024-02-04 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/what-makes-successful-brand-successful/ - Categories: Uncategorized - Tags: Brand Strategy, Consulting, Content Development Success. It’s a simple word that can make the difference between a business thriving in its market space or closing up shop for good. It’s what all brands want to achieve, yet only a tiny fraction of businesses even come close. This fact can be scary for entrepreneurs, startups, investors and even large conglomerate chains that have experienced the unforgiving fury of failure. But what if you could guarantee that your business doesn’t fail? It sounds like fiction, but there is a way to keep your customers happy while ensuring your profit margins continue to grow for decades to come. The Keys to a Successful Brand Think of a brand that you consider successful. The company can be in any industry and can be any size. You might be thinking of one of the technology giants in Silicon Valley (we talk about them a lot in our office). Maybe your favorite beverage company popped into your head. You could even be thinking about a local hotspot that serves the best burgers or frozen custard in town. Whichever company you chose – if you look closely – has survived by adopting, implementing and maintaining three critical keys to success: 1. Innovation If your brand is a fine automobile, innovation is the fuel that propels it forward. To many business owners, innovation can be an intimidating word with a lot of expectations. If you listen to the shareholders of a certain fruit-flavored technology company, innovation means inventing a new product or service that changes the way humans engage with the world every half-decade or so. But to brands such as yours, this word doesn’t have to be so complicated. In its simplest form, innovation just means to “never settle. ” Looking back on your brand’s history, your company may have already done some amazing things. It may have already built a fantastic product for its customers or introduced a new ideology that changes the way your industry operates, and while this in itself is a great achievement, your brand cannot continue to grow by being satisfied with its past. You have to keep looking toward the future for inspiration: What else can your brand do to make its products/services better? Or what new products/services can you create to move society forward? Like your favorite smartphone app, your brand should always be making improvements — iterating. Even if these changes are miniscule, the greatest threat to any brand is to stop building upon its future. The world will inevitably continue to change. Your brand must change with it, or it will be left behind. 2. Humanity You may be asking yourself: What does humanity have to do with business?  Everything, actually. If you read over the last section on innovation again, you’ll notice several odes to humanity spread throughout it: “Innovation means inventing a new product or service that changes the way humans engage with the world. ” “What new products/services can you create to move society forward? ” At Seafoam, we often talk about serving the people behind the businesses that we work with. Sure, a brand’s measureable income and success are important, but when scanning through spreadsheets upon spreadsheets of data each week, it can be easy to forget about the human beings who run these companies. The same goes for your customers. These people aren’t just dollar bills on an earnings sheet. They are living beings with real wants, needs, concerns, emotions and more. They go to work to support themselves or their families, they pay bills to keep the lights on, and they face challenges, some of which may be even greater than those you’ve ever experienced. As a company, it is your job to remember that your customers are human. What product or service can you, with all of your knowledge and industry expertise, provide so that your customers’ lives are truly better with your brand than they are without it? 3. Marketing This third key to success isn’t just here because we’re a marketing consultancy and agency. Marketing is really important. The old adage states: “If you build it, they will come. ” If the proprietor of this saying lived in a small town where everyone knew his/her name, this may have been true. But today, as millions of businesses compete to sell their products and services in real life, as well as across the web, this saying no longer suffices. Street corners and online spaces are chalked full of companies trying to sell their products to turn a profit. What makes your company unique? In addition to innovating and keeping humanity at the forefront of your business strategy, good marketing is how you break through the noise. Without it, search engines, like Google and Bing, cannot find your brand and show it to the people who are looking for the products/services you sell. Your business is less likely to appear in Google Maps, thus preventing consumers from visiting your business. Without marketing, your brand and all the hard work associated with it is invisible. If you’re invisible, you perceptually don’t exist. And if you don’t exist, consumers cannot find you, see what you sell and invest in your business. Is Your Brand on the Path to Success? By the time you reach this final section of our article, you most likely already know how your company fits into the business model outlined above. You know if you have neglected one or more of the keys to maintaining a successful brand. You also know if this neglect has begun to impact your month-over-month earnings. The good news is: if you have neglected any of these keys to success, now is a good time to reorganize your priorities and get your brand back on track. As long as your business is alive, you have the power to make it better. --- > Creating content for content’s sake isn’t valuable. Here’s everything your brand needs to know about getting the most out of its content marketing strategy. - Published: 2017-10-23 - Modified: 2023-06-05 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/number-one-mistake-brands-make-with-their-content-marketing-strategy/ - Categories: Uncategorized - Tags: Content Development It’s difficult to have a conversation about marketing without the word “content” popping up. Brands have been telling their stories for decades as a means to relay value to their customers, and although this narrative concept didn’t develop into a pinnacle of marketing until the early 90’s, content marketing has evolved into more than just the hottest buzzword in the industry; it’s become a brand necessity. Unfortunately for businesses everywhere, creating content for content’s sake isn’t a viable strategy. Content marketing is only valuable when it is designed with a ubiquitous approach. Is your brand tapping into its full potential? Here is everything you need to know about getting the most out of your brand’s content marketing strategy. What is “Content? ” Essentially, content is a method of communication that engages a community of users (or customers) by means of creating and sharing ideas. An extraordinary feature of content is that the manners in which ideas can be relayed are almost limitless; it encompasses a vast expanse of platforms to get messages across. For instance, content can transpire in the form of written materials (blogs, website copy, white papers, case studies, etc. ), graphics (infographics, memes and GIFs), videos (Q&A’s, interviews, product showcases, etc. ) and more. Content is everywhere and in everything: in your social media feeds, on a television broadcasts, etched on billboards on your way to work, and it’s even embedded in the morning newspaper you may or may not read anymore. Unfortunately, just because content is omnipresent doesn’t mean it is always executed correctly, especially when it comes to businesses. The Major Mistake Brands Make with Content If you scroll through your favorite social media feed right now, chances are you’ll be greeted with a barrage of content revolving around various themes and topics. But in the race to go viral or to make an immediate impact on their audience, many companies who leverage social media will make this one critical error... Oftentimes, brands will post content about what they do and why they’re good at what they do. This is a mistake, because if a brand is mostly speaking to their current customers – with the opportunity for new customers to occasionally trickle in – the majority of these customers are already aware of what the brand does and how good they are at doing it. Therefore, the brand’s content efforts are not being utilized effectively. Cultivating a Solution to Your Brand’s Content Mistake A better content strategy utilizes a dual-thought approach that not only places your brand’s content in front of the right people but also provides meaningful value to them. Left Brain Solution A successful brand will be able to understand exactly who their audience is; it knows how to consider their customers’ questions and objections. Being able to engage customers in a way that helps anticipate their needs is key to sharing content that will be truly useful to them. Right Brain Solution Once a brand fully understands its audience, it must be able to relay its solution to customers’ questions and objections in a subtle, yet effective way. The solution should avoid a hard sell at all costs. With this tactic, many customers will know when a company is simply trying to monetize them; the added pressure will likely drive customers away from your brand instead of toward it. It’s important to nurture your audience in a way that is emotive and informative. Guide them through their questions and objections instead of slapping them in the face with information and a bottom line. This way, your brand’s customers will know you care. Publishing Content That Converts For many brands today, their content strategies are rote; they get stuck in a vicious cycle of publishing material that may be relevant to their industry, but they neglect to consider the actual needs of their customers. When left-brain processes are combined with right-brain creativity, your brand will be able cultivate a truly unique content strategy for those who matter most to your growth. Not only will this process help you get your content in front of the people who are more likely to respond to your message by investing in your brand, you will also be empowered to publish content that compels your audience to consume it to the end and crave what comes next. --- > What if you were stranded on an island with only a smartphone and three of your favorite apps? Which would you choose? Here’s what our team had to say... - Published: 2017-10-11 - Modified: 2023-04-14 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/roundtable-youre-stranded-island-smartphone-three-apps-ones-choose/ - Categories: Uncategorized This week, we gave our team the same scenario: If you were stranded on an island by yourself with nothing but a wiped smartphone, a solar smartphone charger (thank goodness) and enough bandwidth to download only three apps from the app store, what apps would you need in order to live out the rest of your days? Explain your choices. Here's what they had to say... Answers from the Seafoam Team Nikki Bisel Kindle: I love to read. You can often get someone’s lifetime’s worth of knowledge and experience in one book. Crosswords: I enjoy a challenge. I like not getting it perfect the first time through. That process of solving a puzzle is addictive to me. It’s very similar to coding and even design and branding in some respects. Headspace: Meditation is my way of clearing my head so that there’s room for creativity, empathy, and innovation. Erik Schwenke Music, eBooks, and Memo apps! I would need the music and eBooks to keep me sane while on the island. Then I would rely on my memo app to help me document my journey and to write stories for anyone who might discover me later! Liz Oeltjen I would need Kindle, because it will keep me from going nutso, a meditation app for the same reason above, and some kind of music app. Basically, I think I would view a desert island like being in prison... if you have to do it, at least come out on the other side better for it. I would like to come out better read and calmer. Zach Laidlaw A writer by trade, I'll want an app like Ulysses or Scrivener to record my thoughts, feelings and experiences while I'm on the island. Who knows, I may even finally get around to writing that novel. Gotta have a game to pass the time! I choose my favorite data-free mobile RPG, Bastion. A masterpiece in visuals, storytelling and UX, Bastion is designed to be played again and again, which will come in handy on a deserted island. Music is my life! I'd hope that if and when I'm stranded on this island, my music app is still chock-full with my collection. If not, I guess I'll have to resort to humming my favorite tunes from the mainland. Brian Martin Hmmm...   I'd make sure my Amazon Kindle app was loaded with books before getting on the plane/boat that left me deserted. Old Time Radio has hundreds of – you guessed it – old time radio shows. This will be good to listen to at night. Plus, I can learn all the cool cigarette commercials from the olden days. I would need a notes app so that I can write and brainstorm thoughts while I wait for my rescue. If rescue never comes, then it will be a good log for those who eventually find it. Perri Beeman If there is no data connection, I would choose the ultimate three apps to keep me entertained for all of eternity: iBooks filled with hundreds of books, the Sudoku app for endless puzzles, and the NYT Crosswords app. Jake Winberry An audio recorder app would allow me to verbally communicate my thoughts or plans to survive, since I rarely write notes. A camera app would let me snap pictures of things I find beauty in, as well as provide a video archive of my adventures. Finally, a notepad app would help me plan for things such as steps for building shelter, finding food, etc. If anyone else ever found themself stranded on this island – an unsuspecting colleague, perhaps – my phone containing my three apps would hopefully help others know the things I did to survive. Holly Sinclair Well, is there a desert island survival guide app? ‘Cause that would be number one on my list! Maybe an app that would tell you how to catch and cook seafood? And then I’d need a book app, so I'll have plenty to read while I’m there. Ashlee Bross Oh my! What apps work without a data connection? Can I just have my Kindle and lose the phone? Courtney Egner Well, I think the first thing I would do is find some sort of survival guide. The App Store has to have one, right? I don't know the first thing about camping or survival, so I might not make it longer than three days, but hopefully a survival guide app could help. I would need the Stranger Things game, because that's literally all I have been doing with my free time lately. Its entertainment value would probably be what kept me sane for the majority of the rest of my life alone. Yeah, I’d be grateful to have the Stranger Things game! Other than that, I’m really not an “app” person, so there’s nothing else I couldn’t live without. A Shift in the Tide... Now that you’ve heard from our team, what three apps would you choose to use for the rest of your life if you were stranded on a deserted island without a data connection? Let us know with a comment on Facebook or Twitter! We’re excited to hear what you have to say. --- > The results from our Google Survey are in! Click to see how these findings have the power to impact your brand's marketing strategy. - Published: 2017-09-28 - Modified: 2023-04-14 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/poll-results-which-of-these-do-you-most-often-use-google-to-search-for/ - Categories: Uncategorized Last week, the Seafoam team conducted a brief survey on the various ways our audience utilizes search engines – namely Google – in order to improve the way they interact with and understand the world around them. * In this article, we will be discussing the poll results, as well as an analysis of how these findings can impact your brand's marketing strategy. Let’s get started! Poll Results Without further ado, here are the results of our Google use-cases survey: While most of the results revealed an even comparison between search interests, two categories ultimately reigned supreme: “Online Shopping” and the ambiguous “Other” category. Further breaking down the “Other” responses, one half of participants used Google to search for general information, such as medical questions, politics, etc; one quarter of participants searched for entertainment, such as movies, TV shows and music; the final quarter of participants searched for “how to” articles and videos pertaining to various subject matters. How These Results Can Empower Your Brand’s Marketing Strategy Search engines, by nature, are extremely versatile platforms. They can be utilized to find all different types of information; the results above are a testament to that. As a result, your brand’s online presence can be tailored to fit whatever search interests meet your goals, as long as your message is consistent. Let’s break down each result for a better understanding of how your brand can cater to each participant’s needs. News Headlines – 11. 8% When it comes to your brand’s public image and online presence, all publicity isn’t always a good thing; no leader wants to see a negative headline associated with their business. On the flipside, a positive news story about your brand’s ambitions, mission, accomplishments or philanthropy is a great way to stay in the good graces of the public eye. Has your brand recently done anything worthy of public notoriety? Submit your story to local newspapers so that they can share your good news with their audience; your positive impact may just inspire their usual readers – or the 11. 8% of the general public that uses Google primarily for tracking down news headlines – to invest in your products and/or services. Directions – 20. 6% This is a big one! With the help of modern technology, potential customers no longer flip open the Yellow Pages or a paper map to find the phone number or address of the places they’re looking for. They go straight to their favorite search engine! If your business’ location isn’t easily searchable online – meaning if it’s not on services like Google Maps, Apple Maps, Facebook, Yelp, etc. – you’re missing out on every person who carries a smartphone in their pocket, especially the 20. 6% of our participants who rely on search engines the most for finding directions. Business Info – 20. 6% Another important reason your brand should be easily discoverable on search engines: 20. 6% of our participants mostly rely on Google to find information pertaining to business’ locations, open/close hours and online reviews submitted by their peers regarding products, services and the experiences they have with brands just like yours. In the digital age, “if you build it, they will come” no longer applies; “they” can’t come to your business if they can’t find it on the web or in the real world. Online Shopping – 23. 5% Does your brand’s website have an ecommerce section to sell its products? It should! Not only can your customers use standard Google Search to scout out your catalog’s prices and availability, – both local and online – your products can even be listed in Google’s Shopping platform for increased visibility. As an added benefit to having a Google-friendly ecommerce offering, search engines are a great way for customers to read reviews of your products from their peers – a benefit that oftentimes encourages customers to buy. Other – 23. 5% How To’s – 25% Platforms like YouTube, Facebook and even your blog are a great place to showcase your brand’s knowledge and expertise through how-to tutorials that help customers satisfy their needs quickly and efficiently. For example, if your business sells automotive parts, you could further earn your customers’ trust and loyalty by publishing information that shows the customer how to install the part he/she purchased for his/her vehicle, thus saving your customer a trip to the mechanic. Entertainment – 25% Entertainment queries really only relate to a niche subset of businesses. However, if your business happens to be a movie theater, video store or similar venture, you may be able to leverage entertainment queries to provide unique previews or reviews of the latest movies, TV shows, music, videogames, etc. General Information – 50% General information is an important need that search engines help users satisfy. From a business perspective, let’s take the automotive store analogy from above: Maybe your customer doesn’t know what part he/she needs to repair on his/her vehicle, yet, so he/she consults Google first to identify the cause of the squeak coming from the front brakes. Once the cause has been discovered, your customer will most likely consult Google again to shop for the part he/she needs; if your store shows up in search results, the possibility of the customer purchasing the part from your store online – or even driving to your store’s location to pick up the part – is probable. Beyond the Poll The brief survey our team conducted, and the results we gathered, only scratch the surface of what search engines can do for consumers and your business. There are an infinite number of queries any of the 323. 1 million Americans can type into their browser, and your products/services have the opportunity be listed as a solution each prospective customer is looking for. Is your marketing strategy optimized to ensure those who need your brand can see your brand online? Did you enjoy this survey? If you enjoyed participating in our survey and reading our analysis of the results, please hit the “heart” in the top... --- > Seafoam’s Courtney Egner discusses how the sales process she developed helps her identify, engage with and onboard our family of core clients. - Published: 2017-09-12 - Modified: 2023-04-14 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/identifying-core-clients-courtney-egner/ - Categories: Uncategorized The old adage goes: “If you build it, they will come. ” Unfortunately, in a space as crowded as the internet, this saying isn’t always true. Sometimes, “They can’t come to what they do not know exists. ” Just because your business lives at a physical address and online doesn’t guarantee your consumers will be able to find it. This is the purpose of marketing – to expose brands’ products and services in all their life-changing glory for all to see. In this same vein of thought, this is what drives Seafoam’s Client Development Manager, Courtney Egner, to profess the many benefits of our agency to the brands who need us most. To get a better understanding of how Seafoam finds the best core clients to add to our growing roster of marketing partners, we hung out with Courtney for a chat. Here’s what she had to say... Q&A with Courtney Egner What is your job role at Seafoam Media? I am the Client Development Manager here at Seafoam Media. I meet with all prospective clients, and go out to seek businesses that would be ideal clients for Seafoam to partner with. Why is client development important to Seafoam’s structure, as well as the marketing industry as a whole? Without what I do, there would be no structured way for Seafoam to actively prospect businesses; I go out, find brands based on criteria that we’ve set and try to partner with them. Whether or not they want to partner with us is usually based on their current marketing plan, the abilities of their staff and what we can offer to them. I think that a lot of my job is just marketing Seafoam to the right people. When I go and meet with a prospective client, I’m not selling a product; I’m selling Seafoam, our team and the services we have to offer. What do you do to personally ensure that Seafoam’s team and our prospective clients are a good fit before these groups partner together? We have a set of traits that we use to classify what would be an “ideal client. ” Out of that list of traits, we have four core traits that all of our prospective clients have to meet in order to be considered an “ideal client,” or the best fit for us. Ultimately, my goal is to find businesses that meet these core four traits and bring them into a partnership with Seafoam. Has your role evolved since you’ve been with Seafoam Media? If so, how? When I started at Seafoam, I knew that I was going to be building business relationships and bringing clients on board with us. Since then, I’ve been able to build our new sales process, prospect a more specified set of brands and really define the extent of my role; it’s been awesome! I have the freedom to do my job my way. Are there any unique qualities about your role as it pertains to Seafoam's marketing strategy that you'd like to share? As the Client Development Manager, I am basically the face of Seafoam. I’m expected to attend any sort of events that Seafoam can be at, such as client events, Chamber events – anywhere that I can represent our agency and use it as a marketing opportunity for us, I’m there. Are there any lessons you learned so far that will make you better at your job as time goes on? Seafoam isn’t going to be the perfect fit for every business; that’s why we have a very specific list of core traits that we look for in our partnerships. Coming from a position where money was the major driving factor in my job, Seafoam has taught me that the people behind each business, as well as our company, are the most important factors, not just cash. Having a good team behind you to offer support, and having a good team to sell to our prospects is really what makes the sale, itself. Having clients that are open to our processes and expertise are what makes our partnerships perfect. --- > Your brand’s success hinges on the engagement it receives online and beyond. Build your own brand ambassador army by following these tips... - Published: 2017-09-05 - Modified: 2024-02-04 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/brand-ambassador-army/ - Categories: Uncategorized - Tags: Brand Strategy, Consulting, Social Media The success of your brand’s bottom line hinges on the engagement it receives online and beyond. To ensure your business is garnering maximum exposure, it is critical that your brand’s social media efforts are being liked, shared and commented on. The more interaction a single post can generate, the more times your post will show up in the feeds of potential consumers. Here are some quick tips on how to transform your employees and customers into a brand ambassador army. Employee Brand Ambassadors Regardless of the number of employees you have on your team, each individual serves as an opportunity to spread the word of your brand’s goals, achievements and offerings. As experts of your company’s products and/or services, these individuals are the most reputable sources on how your brand positively impacts its customers. Encourage them to leverage their brand authority by initiating the following internal programs: Social Awareness Make sure your employees are aware of your brand’s social media efforts. Not only should your colleagues follow your brand on their favorite social media platforms, but you should also consider ways that you can alert your teammates of the latest content the moment it is posted. Examples include making sure new content is scheduled to go live at the same time each week or sending a company-wide message with a link to the new content directly after it has been posted. Teammate Recognition Your teammates love to be complimented on their dedication and hard work to your brand. If one of your colleague’s achievements is being celebrated in a piece of social content, spread the word throughout your team and encourage them to share their coworker’s success with their followers. Not only will this tactic build camaraderie amongst your teammates, but it also makes it more likely that these co-workers will continue to share each other’s achievements in the future. Incentivize Social Sharing Turn social sharing into a friendly competition! Create a monthly incentive program encouraging employees to share your brand’s content across their favorite social media channels. Announce that the teammate whose brand reposts garner the most engagement (likes, shares, comments) will receive a special incentive, such as extra vacation time, a small bonus, a casual dress day, etc. This program can restart on the first of every month to give employees renewed motivation to share your brand’s latest social messages. Customer Brand Ambassadors Unlike your teammates, current and prospective customers don’t know your brand on an internal level. The only connection they have to your company are the products and/or services you offer to them. Therefore, transforming the fans of your business into ambassadors may take some extra ingenuity, but it is possible by following these tips: Provide a Great Customer Experience Customers will remember the journey they take with your brand: the information they found while researching your products/services, how easy it was to purchase your products/services and even the support that was offered to them after they had become paying customers. Making your brand as accessible and helpful as possible will leave customers with a sense of satisfaction, making them more likely to share their positive experiences with their followers on social media and even in face-to-face conversations. Launch a Referral Program Loyal fans of your business are the bread and butter of your annual income. Reward their loyalty by launching a referral program for fans who convince their friends and family to buy your products/services; examples of rewards that could be paid out to these ambassadors include discounts on future products/services, gift cards and even cash. Incentivize Social Sharing Incentivizing social sharing doesn’t just work for cultivating employee brand ambassadors; you can also award customers who receive the most engagement for posts regarding your brand. Consider launching a quarterly contest asking customers to express various elements of your brand, such as taking pictures with your products/services from various places around the world, expressing how your products/services have changed their lives, or even explaining why the customer originally decided to invest in your products/services. At the end of each quarter, the person with the most engagement for these posts will receive a gift from your brand: a new version of your products/services, a gift card, cash reward, branded clothing, etc. Share Your Brand Ambassador Stories! Have you already begun recruiting employees and customers into your brand ambassador army? We want to know which method(s) you used and the level of success these programs have generated! Share your stories with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and/or Google+; we’ll even repost the best ones that pop across our feed. Thanks for reading! --- > Seafoam’s Ashlee Bross discusses how she manages client communications to ensure their goals are met and needs are being satisfied. - Published: 2017-08-30 - Modified: 2023-04-14 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/driving-client-success-ashlee-bross/ - Categories: Uncategorized A marketing agency like Seafoam is filled with many different components that must all work in tandem to keep our mast pointed north. On one side of the ship, we have the creative marketing team. These individuals are entrusted with strategizing our clients’ marketing endeavors and creating the assets required to set these strategies into motion. On the other side of the ship, we have the project management team. This group ensures that the strategies put into place by the creative marketing team stay on course and satisfies our clients’ goals. Without this group, a strong line of communication between Seafoam’s efforts and our clients’ needs simply could not exist. One such critical cog in this client management machine is Ashlee Bross. We sat down with Ashlee to get a deeper understanding of how her hard work and diligence drive client success. This is what she had to say... Q&A with Ashlee Bross What is your job role at Seafoam Media? I am the Client Success Manager here at Seafoam Media, and I serve as the main liaison between our team and our clients. It’s my job to receive all of our clients’ requests; then I bring these requests to our team so that I can make sure that each of our clients’ needs are being met and their goals are being accomplished. I also keep our clients in the loop regarding the day-to-day projects that our team is doing for them. Why is client success management important to Seafoam’s structure, as well as the marketing industry as a whole? Client success management is important to Seafoam because without someone present to listen to our clients and see everything from their point of view, the team may not be fully attuned to what their goals should be. As for marketing as a whole, this role is about building lasting partnerships with brands that want to lead; communication is key to cultivating and maintaining any kind of relationship. What do you do to personally ensure that Seafoam’s clients’ needs are being met? I make sure to keep a consistent line of communication open with our clients. I check in with them – even if I haven’t heard from them in a while – to make sure they don’t feel ignored. On top of that, I try to ensure that each of their needs are being addressed with the team. Finally, I have an internal system for how my inbox is organized to make sure no clients are getting left behind. Has your role evolved since you’ve been with Seafoam Media? If so, how? Of course it has! I started off by taking one client at a time; now I’m mostly running the client communications side of Seafoam. I think that how my role has evolved more than anything, though, is in the way I’ve really gotten to know each of our clients on a personal level, as well as having a better understanding of their individual marketing strategies that the team puts together – which, of course, helps us determine how we can get our clients to the next level and how they can be happier with us as their marketing partner. Are there any unique qualities about your role as it pertains to Seafoam's marketing strategy that you'd like to share? I think I have an extremely unique perspective at Seafoam, because I touch almost everything our team is working on; I have to have a big-picture view of our team’s projects and how they’re progressing. At the same time, I also have to have an understanding of what’s going on with our clients, such as their day-to-day activities, special promotions, new products or services, and things of that nature. Are there any lessons you learned so far that will make you better at your job as time goes on? Absolutely! I’ve been working on developing my own process to streamline the communications between our clients, our team and myself; customizing my inboxes is one way I’m moving toward this new structure. Almost every day, I’m finding better ways to tighten up this process. It’s all about organization! Not to mention, every single problem I tackle with a client is an opportunity for us to improve; I’m always looking for ways to make our team better. Growth is a constant learning process, and that will continue, since every new client we bring on has their own unique goals and needs. --- --- ## Case Studies --- ## Services > Explore AI SEO and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) techniques to boost your online visibility and stay ahead of competitors in the digital landscape. - Published: 2024-05-21 - Modified: 2025-02-05 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/service/ai-optimization-ai-seo/ - Categories: Promote - Tags: AI SEO AI SEO & Generative Engine Optimization: Navigating the Future of Search with AIO The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed the digital landscape, and the realm of SEO is no exception. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into search engines and virtual assistants, businesses must adapt their optimization strategies to align with this new reality. This is where AI-driven SEO, also known as AIO (Artificial Intelligence Optimization), comes into play. At Seafoam, we're at the vanguard of this revolution, empowering our clients with cutting-edge AIO techniques that drive unparalleled results in the age of AI SEO. The Rise of AI-Driven SEO AI SEO represents a paradigm shift in how search engines process and deliver content to users. With the integration of sophisticated AI algorithms, search platforms can now interpret user intent, understand context, and engage in natural language interactions. This evolution demands a new approach to optimization, one that prioritizes the creation of content that resonates with both human users and AI systems. AI-driven SEO is the key to unlocking this potential, enabling businesses to thrive in the era of intelligent search. Mastering AIO: The Seafoam Approach At Seafoam, our AIO methodology is built upon four foundational pillars: Conversational Optimization: We craft content that seamlessly aligns with the natural language patterns and question formats prevalent in AI-driven search queries. By addressing user needs in a clear, concise manner, we maximize the probability of your content being selected as a top result by AI algorithms. Contextual Understanding: Our team excels at structuring content in a manner that facilitates accurate interpretation of context and intent by AI systems. By providing semantically rich, comprehensive information, we enable AI to deliver your content as a highly relevant solution to user queries. Structured Data: We strategically implement schema markup and other structured data techniques to enhance AI's comprehension and categorization of your content. This optimization amplifies your visibility in rich snippets, knowledge panels, and voice search results, driving targeted traffic to your site. User Experience: AIO transcends content optimization, encompassing the entire user journey. We meticulously audit and refine your website's performance, accessibility, and usability to ensure compliance with the rigorous ranking criteria set by AI algorithms. By delivering a frictionless, intuitive user experience, we satisfy visitors and earn the favor of AI-powered search engines. Gaining the Edge in AI-Driven SEO As an industry leader in the realm of AI SEO, Seafoam brings unrivaled expertise and innovation to the table. Our team of seasoned strategists, analysts, and developers are relentless in their pursuit of staying at the forefront of AI-driven optimization. We continuously refine our AIO techniques to deliver exceptional results for our clients. Recognizing the unique needs of each business, we adopt a bespoke approach to AI-driven SEO, tailoring our strategies to align with your specific objectives and target audience. Embracing the AI SEO Age In the era of AI, achieving online success demands more than traditional SEO tactics. By partnering with Seafoam and embracing AI-driven SEO, you're making a strategic investment in the future of your digital presence. Our proven AIO methodology not only amplifies your visibility and attracts targeted traffic but also positions your brand as an industry leader, poised to capitalize on the opportunities presented by AI-powered search. Don't get left behind as the digital landscape evolves. Trust Seafoam to navigate you through the complexities of AI SEO and unlock the full potential of your online presence. Contact us today to discover how our pioneering AI-driven SEO services can propel your business to new heights in the age of artificial intelligence. --- > Trust Seafoam's expert digital marketing consulting to achieve your goals and navigate industry challenges effectively. - Published: 2022-10-12 - Modified: 2025-02-03 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/service/digital-marketing-consulting/ - Categories: Strategize - Tags: Consulting You’ve found your way to our marketing consulting services. Welcome! Our guess is that you or your business may fall into some variation or combination of these categories: You’re a small company without a “marketing department,” or team. You’re a medium sized business with a small dedicated team of specialists, but no “marketing mind,” to contribute to long-term, intentional strategies. You’re an enterprise level company with a robust marketing team. But, with all your initiatives and projects stacking up, you’re not sure how best to allocate budget, delegate responsibilities across your team, prioritize projects, or improve your current efforts to be more holistic and include the right channels. It sounds like you could benefit from the consulting department at Seafoam. The Benefits of a Marketing Consultant There are several reasons why you might choose to use a marketing consultant for your business. Firstly, a marketing consultant can provide you with an outside perspective on your business's marketing efforts. Oftentimes, when you are too close to a project, it can be difficult to see where improvements can be made. A marketing consultant can offer fresh insights and a new perspective, helping you to identify areas for improvement and opportunities for growth that you didn’t know existed or were options. Secondly, a marketing consultant can save you time and money by helping you to develop effective marketing strategies quickly and efficiently. Our marketing consultants have a decade’s experience working with businesses of all sizes, across multiple industries and across the vast majority of digital channels. We leverage this experience to provide you with tailored marketing advice that will help you achieve your goals faster and more efficiently than if you were to proceed with an uninformed direction or no direction at all. Additionally, Seafoam’s marketing consultants can help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in marketing. As the marketing landscape is constantly evolving, it can be challenging to stay on top of the latest trends and strategies. Our marketing consultants in St. Louis, Missouri are always up-to-date with the latest industry developments and can help you to incorporate new techniques and technologies into your marketing efforts. When developing a data-driven marketing strategy, a marketing consultant can help you to track the efficacy of your marketing efforts and make adjustments as needed. This will help you to achieve your marketing goals and get the most out of your marketing budget. Cadence Every business is unique. So are their marketing needs. At Seafoam, we don’t believe in a “one-size-fits-all” approach to our relationships. Rather, we build bespoke marketing consulting packages tailored to your budget and your needs. Perhaps you just need a consultant on call to review plans as they arise, provide meaningful direction to a seed of an idea, or provide you with data insights to inform your team. Maybe you need something a little more “full-service” with dedicated meeting times and action items. No matter what your needs, Seafoam can customize a plan to help your business. In every relationship, you will have open lines of communication, detailed reporting, and smart advice to tackle any marketing conundrum that is keeping you up at night. Help is just a phone call away. Next Steps A marketing consultant provides expert advice, insights, and recommendations on how to develop and implement effective marketing strategies that will help a business achieve its objectives. Whether a business is looking to increase its customer base, improve its brand awareness, or launch a new product or service, our marketing consultants can help develop a tailored plan that meets its unique needs. If you are looking for a dynamic consultant to partner with your company, we would love to chat with you. Our next step toward a successful partnership is a conversation. Let’s talk through your unique business model, your company goals, and your current marketing efforts. Then, we can sit down with you for a discussion with the team that we believe will help move your business in the right direction. --- > Maximize your website's potential with Seafoam, a leading St. Louis conversion rate optimization company. Drive results today. - Published: 2022-08-30 - Modified: 2025-05-13 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/service/conversion-rate-optimization/ - Categories: Strategize - Tags: Conversion Rate Optimization Conversion rate optimization is the culmination of several pieces of marketing – SEO Services, Website Design & Development, Content Marketing – all wrapped up in one compelling package on your website. On our SEO page, you can see how important it is to drive more traffic to your site, but there’s more that comes after that. Once the traffic is there, we want them to turn into viable leads for ecommerce sales. What you can expect with Seafoam Getting Started Chances are, you've landed on this page for one of two reasons: either you have an existing website that isn’t achieving your brand’s goals, or you’re interested in having us building you a brand new site from the ground up. Regardless of what brought you here, knowing that your site can (and should) work harder for you is the first step in improvement. Measure Depending on the engine powering your website, we can measure the results of your site’s design using a technique called heat mapping. With this tool, we can see which pages your customers spend most of their time, which icons they click on most, and which areas they veer away from. Review After we’ve gathered some user experience data from your customers, we will present our findings to you, face to face, in our monthly meeting. At this time, we can show you where your website is excelling and where it could use some additional changes. Adjust Now that we’ve pinpointed any problem areas on your website, we can go in and make adjustments. Some changes may be simple, like moving an icon or switching up its color. Other changes may include rewording paragraphs or rearranging a page’s visual structure. The data we gather will guide us toward the changes that need to be made. Repeat Our job doesn’t end after we’ve made adjustments to your site. Over the following month, we’ll measure again, present the results to you, and decide what our next step of action should be. Since your products and services, as well as your customers’ needs, can change over time, conversion rate optimization is an ongoing process that needs to be addressed on a regular basis. Is Conversion Rate Optimization the only service you need? You may have come to us seeking only conversion rate optimization, SEO Services, Website Design, or possibly another one of our services. You’ll soon discover, however, that we offer a more holistic approach to the sites we build and the data we gather on your behalf. We care about quality, and we’re always willing to adapt our strategy to incorporate new information. We don’t separate conversion rate optimization research from the other factors that lead your business to success. We keep our eyes on the whole picture and continually bring you timely data translated into everyday language. We pride ourselves on being a digital marketing agency for businesses that want to lead. With Seafoam, more customers won’t just find your website, but they’ll be more likely to convert, as well. Our St. Louis conversion rate optimization company uses all the tools at our disposal to tune your customers’ user experience and increase their chances of investing in your products and services. --- > Our St. Louis marketing web analytics and reporting company dives deep into the data to figure out not just what users are doing on your website, but why. - Published: 2022-08-30 - Modified: 2025-05-13 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/service/web-analytics-reporting/ - Categories: Strategize - Tags: Analytics & Reporting Through web analytics and reporting, we identify and track website goals and events that lead to conversions. We then look at how users discovered your website and how they interact with it to develop strategies that will turn visitors into conversions. Finally, we provide easy-to-read and robust reports that update in real time so that you can see the story of your website and its users as it evolves. What you can expect with Seafoam Measure Once your marketing strategy is put into place, we immediately start to measure its success. We use a wide range of tools and resources to help us get a full view of your strategy at work, including Google Analytics, heat mapping, A/B testing, event tracking, conversion funnel data, user path information, device and demographic metrics, multi-channel data, keyword rankings, and more. Gather A mound of data is only useful if it’s organized and presented in a simplified way. Once we’ve measured every piece of your marketing strategy, we pull it all together into one easy-to-digest report. Review Every month, we will sit down with your brand to discuss the results of your marketing strategy. During this time, we will present the raw analytical data we’ve gathered. More importantly, we will use this data to highlight any notable progress and to set fresh goals for next month’s marketing strategy. Repeat The cycle of measuring your marketing endeavors, gathering information, presenting it to you, and setting a roadmap for the path ahead is neverending. We do this every month to ensure we are always pushing your brand toward new goals and continued success. Is analytics and reporting the only service you need? You may have come to us seeking only analytics or possibly another one of our offerings such as our SEO services or our Website Design Services. You’ll soon discover, however, that we offer a more holistic approach to the marketing strategies we build and the data we gather on your behalf. We care about quality, and we’re always willing to adapt our strategy to incorporate new information. We don’t separate analytics and reporting research from the other factors that lead your business to success. We keep our eyes on the whole picture and continually bring you timely data translated into everyday language. We pride ourselves on being a digital marketing agency for businesses that want to lead. With Seafoam, you can rest knowing that every bit of your marketing strategy is being monitored for maximum effectiveness. We use all of the tools at our disposal to measure your progress and to identify opportunities for future growth. --- > Our St. Louis web design agency creates optimized websites to boost conversions and enhance your online presence. - Published: 2022-08-30 - Modified: 2025-02-03 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/service/web-design-development-agency/ - Categories: Create - Tags: Web Design & Development A Web Design Agency Focused on Your Customers As a St. Louis web design agency, the team at Seafoam looks deeper than the surface design and functionality of every website we build. We dive into the psyche of our clients’ users, leaning heavily on their perspectives, needs, and journeys to guide our designs. This strategy helps us cultivate sites that appeal to users, both aesthetically and functionally. For example, we analyze user demographics and behaviors to create tailored experiences that resonate with their expectations and desires. By incorporating user feedback and conducting thorough research, we ensure our designs are not just visually appealing but also highly effective in achieving client goals. The Psychology of Web Design We take our designs further by injecting elements of psychology into the sites we build. We think about the small details, like the emotions that certain colors and shapes invoke. For instance, utilizing warm colors can create a welcoming atmosphere, while a structured layout helps users navigate seamlessly. Each design component is an opportunity to hone in on customers’ thought processes and guide them to invest in your brand. We also consider cognitive load and usability principles to enhance user engagement and retention. How We Build the Best Website for Your Brand Having a website that appeals to your customers is only one half of the design and development equation. Your website should also cater to your needs, goals, and vision, as well! This means a collaborative approach where we align our design strategies with your brand's mission. We focus on creating a site that reflects your values while being functional and user-friendly. Our goal is to ensure that your website not only attracts visitors but converts them into loyal customers. Before we begin to outline your website, our web design and development team will sit down with yours to discuss the elements that drive your brand. We’ll ask you about your top competitors, how you feel your website should function, who your main users are, and how you would like these users to engage with your site. This collaborative discovery process ensures that we fully understand your brand’s unique selling proposition. Then we’ll have you fill out a quick survey that helps us understand your design preferences so that we know which visual elements you enjoy and which ones you don’t. By gathering this information, we can craft a strategy that aligns with both your vision and your audience's needs. By the end of our meeting, our website design and development team will have a more well-rounded idea of how you would like your website to look, feel, and function, as well as why you chose these elements. Our approach is iterative, ensuring that your feedback is incorporated at every stage of the process. As we begin to build your website, our process includes several touch-points that keep you up to date with our progress. We leverage tools like wireframes and prototypes to visualize the design before it goes live. There will also be opportunities for us to add any requested tweaks and polish to the design as necessary. This journey is truly a partnership between our team and your brand; we intend to work closely with you every step of the way, adapting our strategies based on your insights and the evolving marketplace. Define Your Brand’s Online Identity Your website isn’t just an online symbol of your brand; it is your brand. Regardless of the shape of your current website, Seafoam’s St. Louis web design agency can redesign your site or build a brand new online experience from the ground up. To achieve this, we align our design efforts with your brand's core values and mission statement, ensuring every element reflects who you are. Are you ready to redefine the way your customers perceive and interact with your brand online? Setup a discovery call with our team to get started! Finally, we believe in the power of analytics and data-driven decisions. After launching your website, we set up tracking tools to monitor user behavior, engagement metrics, and conversion rates. This data allows us to make informed adjustments and improvements to the website over time. By continuously analyzing this information, we can refine your online strategy, ensuring that your website evolves alongside your business and meets the changing needs of your audience. In addition to aesthetic and functional elements, we also prioritize performance and speed. A slow-loading website can deter potential customers and affect your overall ranking on search engines. Our team utilizes performance optimization techniques, such as image compression and efficient coding practices, to ensure your site loads quickly and efficiently. We conduct thorough testing and monitoring post-launch to identify any issues and continually optimize performance, providing your users with a smooth browsing experience. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of mobile responsiveness and search engine optimization (SEO) in our design process. With the increasing number of users accessing websites via mobile devices, it is crucial that your site is fully optimized for various screen sizes. Our SEO strategies incorporate keyword research and content optimization techniques that help improve your site's visibility in search engines, driving more organic traffic to your site. We stay updated with the latest SEO trends and algorithm changes, ensuring your website remains competitive in the online landscape. --- > With Seafoam's content marketing strategy, we can help you tell a genuine story that engages your audience, captivates their interests, and compels them. - Published: 2022-08-30 - Modified: 2025-02-03 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/service/content-marketing/ - Categories: Create - Tags: Content Development You know your brand needs to dive deep into content marketing, but content for content sake isn’t a good strategy. Your path forward has to be calculated. Materials that represent your brand should be high-quality pieces that shine a spotlight on your company’s mission in the realm of content marketing. Your story should be authentic and genuine, otherwise you risk damaging your brand. What you can expect with Seafoam Kick Off From the very first time we meet with your brand, our content team is doing research. We’re understanding what drives you and your company. We’re learning about your core customers’ needs and objectives, in addition to your own mission and goals. We’re determining the best ways to share your story with the people who are most likely to invest in what you have to offer. Voice and Tone A large part of representing a brand online, especially for a marketing consultancy + agency like ours, is to understand our partners’ voice and tone. We want to create content that sounds like it comes directly from you. That’s one of the many reasons why we maintain an open line of communication between your team and ours — so that we have all the tools to convey your message as if we’re a part of your brand. Content Rhythm Content is most beneficial to your brand’s marketing strategy when its good and consistent. To ensure your readers always have something fresh to read or watch, we establish monthly content rhythms. That means every month, we plan out what sort of pieces we will post on your behalf and what each piece will entail. This way, we can tune your content to fit with the rest of your monthly marketing strategy. Collaboration Along with emulating your brand’s voice and tone, we also invite you to get involved in the content creation process. That’s right, we don’t just create content on your behalf; we welcome your input! Do you have an event coming up? Tell us, and we’ll write about it! Did your brand just win a prestigious industry award? Your audience should know about it! Keep us in the loop on what you’re up to so that we can build content around your latest accomplishments. Collaboration doesn’t stop there, either. We’ll also accept content that you’ve been working on that you’d like for us to share with your audience. Just let us review it, add to it if necessary, apply a bit of polish, and we’ll post it onto your site and social for all to see. Feedback Like every other component of your marketing strategy, our team will review the results of your content with you on a monthly basis. That way, you will have an understanding of the types of content that perform better than others with your audience. This analysis and review will also help our team better plan for future content pieces that we know your customers will want to read. Is content marketing the only service you need? You may have come to us seeking only Content Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Website Design, or possibly another one of our services. You’ll soon discover, however, that we offer a more holistic approach to the content we build and the data we gather on your behalf. We care about quality, and we’re always willing to adapt our strategy to incorporate new information. We don’t separate content marketing research from the other factors that lead your business to success. We keep our eyes on the whole picture and continually bring you timely data translated into everyday language. We pride ourselves on being a digital marketing agency for businesses that want to lead. With Seafoam, the latest chapter in your brand’s story is poised on the edge of our fingertips. We use all of the tools at our disposal to engage with your customers and feed their curiosity around your products, services, and industry. --- > Boost your content strategy with Seafoam Media, your trusted St. Louis email marketing agency, for effective customer engagement and growth. - Published: 2022-08-30 - Modified: 2025-02-03 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/service/email-marketing/ - Categories: Create - Tags: Email Marketing Look at your inbox. Go ahead. How many emails have you received today? Did you open and read every single one of them? Maybe you only skimmed a handful of them? How many went straight to the trash? Our St. Louis email marketing agency understands the importance of each email we send. When it comes to building and sending email campaigns, our email marketing agency team keeps one philosophy in mind: treat customers’ inboxes the way we would want our own to be treated. In other words, include only the absolute most important information in an easily skimmable package. What you can expect with Seafoam Content Creation Every good email marketing campaign needs quality ingredients. Seafoam has a dedicated team of content creators to curate, write out, and build your email campaigns from scratch. Email Design Regardless of the amount of content your email campaigns need to contain, our team strives for a clean and visually appealing design. That means providing select imagery to capture the audience’s attention, clear glanceable headlines that are easy to digest, and short leads for each story. Every email campaign we send on your behalf will also be designed using your company's brand assets, including logo, colors, and fonts. To ensure your customers know your email campaigns are coming directly from you, our email software also designates one of your official company email addresses as the sending source. Subject Lines Yes, subject lines, the 65-character space where senders can write what their email is about. For all emails – especially email marketing campaigns – a subject line can be the deciding factor as to whether a customer opens the email or trashes it. When we create your brand’s campaigns, we ensure that each message leads with an interesting subject line geared toward maximizing open rates. Analytical Reports After your email marketing campaign has been sent, we actively track its progress and assemble the data into an easy-to-digest report. Information you will typically see on these reports include open rates, click through rates, unique number of recipients who opened your campaign, bounce data, and the percentage of recipients who unsubscribed from your email marketing mail list. These reports will also show which links within your email marketing campaigns performed better than other links, giving you and our team insight into what kinds of content your readers prefer. Review All of the data we gather isn’t useful unless we discuss it, right? In your monthly meeting with the Seafoam team, we’ll sit down and review the results of your latest email marketing campaign. We’ll also take some time to plot out future content for your next email marketing campaign based on our data and any updates from your brand that you’d like for us to share. Is email marketing the only service you need? You may have come to us seeking only Email Marketing, SEO Services, Web Design, or possibly another one of our services. You’ll soon discover, however, that we offer a more holistic approach to the email campaigns we build and the data we gather on your behalf. We care about quality, and we’re always willing to adapt our strategy to incorporate new information. We don’t separate email marketing from the other factors that lead your business to success. We keep our eyes on the whole picture and continually bring you timely data translated into everyday language. We pride ourselves on being a digital marketing agency for businesses that want to lead. With Seafoam, every message we send to your customers is an opportunity to make a meaningful connection. We use all of the tools at our disposal to engage with your customers and keep them in the loop on what’s most important to your brand. --- > Seafoam is a leading advertising agency in St. Louis. Let’s elevate your brand and drive impactful marketing results. - Published: 2022-08-30 - Modified: 2025-02-03 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/service/advertising-agency/ - Categories: Promote - Tags: PPC / Google Ads In today's digital landscape, advertising isn't just about catching eyes—it's about creating connections that drive lasting growth. As a St. Louis advertising agency, we unite traditional marketing wisdom with cutting-edge digital strategies to help brands expand their reach and deepen customer relationships. Our focus is not only on engagement but also on fostering a loyal customer base that advocates for your brand, ensuring long-term success. Modern Paid Advertising for Modern Brands The advertising landscape has evolved significantly in recent years. While traditional agencies still chase quick wins, we focus on building sustainable marketing frameworks that generate consistent results over time. Our approach combines strategic digital advertising across search and social platforms with comprehensive brand development. By integrating various marketing channels, we create campaigns that don't just perform—they transform and adapt to the ever-changing market dynamics. Our Advertising Approach Research-Driven Strategy Before launching any campaign, we dive deep into understanding your core customers. We analyze their online behavior, identify key touchpoints, and map out the platforms where your message will resonate most effectively. This research forms the foundation of a targeted advertising strategy that places your brand in front of the right audience at the right time. Strategic Budget Management We believe in smart, scalable advertising investment. Starting with focused test campaigns, we gather real performance data to optimize your advertising spend. As we identify winning strategies, we scale up investment in the channels driving the strongest returns. This measured approach ensures every dollar of your advertising budget works harder. Goal-Aligned Campaigns Your business objectives drive our advertising strategy. Whether you're looking to boost website traffic, showcase new services, or increase conversion rates, we design campaigns with clear, measurable goals. Our digital advertising expertise across search and social platforms ensures your message reaches potential customers throughout their decision journey. Transparent Performance Review Monthly strategy sessions keep you informed and involved in your advertising success. We break down campaign performance into clear, actionable insights—from engagement metrics to conversion data. This transparency allows us to refine tactics and maximize your advertising impact continuously. Predictable Pricing We believe in straightforward pricing that aligns with your goals. Unlike traditional agencies that charge variable fees based on ad spend, we build advertising costs into your monthly investment. This approach eliminates surprises and allows us to flexibly allocate resources where they'll drive the strongest results. Beyond Traditional Advertising While many agencies focus solely on ad placement, we see advertising as part of a larger growth strategy. Our integrated approach combines: Strategic digital advertising across search and social platforms Brand development and positioning Website design and optimization Comprehensive digital marketing strategies This holistic perspective ensures your advertising efforts align with and enhance your overall marketing goals, creating a unified system that drives sustainable growth. By continuously adapting our strategies based on industry trends and customer feedback, we keep your brand relevant and effective in a competitive marketplace. This adaptability is crucial, especially as consumer preferences shift and new platforms emerge. For instance, the rise of TikTok has created new opportunities for brands to engage with younger demographics through creative content and storytelling. Partner with a Forward-Thinking St. Louis Agency In an industry often focused on quick fixes, we're building something different. As your St. Louis advertising partner, we bring clarity, expertise, and a systematic approach to growing your brand's market presence. Our commitment to transparency, results, and genuine relationships has made us a trusted partner for businesses seeking lasting growth. We also emphasize the importance of storytelling in advertising, helping brands connect on an emotional level with their audience, which ultimately leads to stronger brand loyalty and advocacy. Ready to transform your advertising approach? Let's start a conversation about your goals. We look forward to collaborating with you to build innovative advertising strategies that not only meet but exceed your expectations. In an industry often focused on quick fixes, we're building something different. As your St. Louis advertising partner, we bring clarity, expertise, and a systematic approach to growing your brand's market presence. Our commitment to transparency, results, and genuine relationships has made us a trusted partner for businesses seeking lasting growth. Ready to transform your advertising approach? Let's start a conversation about your goals. --- > Elevate your brand strategy with Seafoam, a leading branding agency in St. Louis, offering exceptional services for your business. - Published: 2022-08-29 - Modified: 2025-05-13 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/service/branding-agency-st-louis/ - Categories: Strategize - Tags: Brand Strategy The Importance of a Branding Agency in St. Louis: Brand Strategy, Brand Identity, and a Leading Branding Agency The Cornerstone of Success Branding and brand strategy are more than just a logo or name—they’re the essence of your business. They lays the foundation for effective marketing by offering clarity, consistency, and direction. In today's overcrowded marketplace, a well-crafted brand strategy distinguishes you from competitors and resonates with your audience. Building Trust and Loyalty A unified brand identity not only makes a lasting impression but also fosters trust and loyalty. It serves as a lighthouse, guiding customers through a sea of choices to your business. Our Services at Seafoam We recognize your brand as your most valuable asset. Seafoam's Brand Strategy services are designed to unlock its full potential. Unlocking Your Brand's Potential At Seafoam, we pride ourselves on being a leading branding agency that delivers results through strategic brand initiatives. Your Brand Defined by Others Your brand is the sum of the impressions it leaves on customers, vendors, and competitors. It's not just what you say—it's how others perceive you. Our Approach at Seafoam We delve into your brand's core elements, from its unique story and values to market trends and audience needs. Our goal is to craft a brand strategy that not only embodies your essence but also supports your business objectives. Creating Impact Through our strategic process, your brand becomes a compelling narrative that fosters loyalty and drives growth, creating lasting impressions and meaningful connections. With our branding agency's collaborative approach, we help businesses navigate the complexities of brand strategy and identity. Seafoam's Collaborative Approach to Branding & Brand Strategy Interactive Workshops We conduct dynamic, collaborative workshops to identify the key elements needed for your brand development: Your brand vision, mission, purpose, and core values Clear audience personas Brand messaging framework Differentiation and positioning Brand personality including attitudes, voice, and tone Team Involvement By engaging with your employees and stakeholders, we tap into your collective wisdom, ideas, and viewpoints. This partnership helps us formulate a more informed brand strategy and identity. As part of our dedication as a branding agency, we emphasize the importance of a cohesive brand narrative that resonates with your audience. Strategic Outcome Our tailored approach provides a deep understanding of what sets your business apart. This enables us to craft a brand strategy aimed at positively shaping audience perceptions, outpacing competitors, and establishing you as an industry leader. Crafting a Cohesive Brand Identity Visual Manifestation Brand identity design is the visual expression of your brand strategy. It gives your brand's personality a tangible and recognizable form. Don’t underestimate the impact of a branding agency that prioritizes detail-oriented design. Every element counts in your brand identity. Our Expertise At Seafoam, we recognize that a well-designed brand identity serves as your business's visual language. Our team collaborates with you to encapsulate your brand's essence into a unified visual identity. Detail-Oriented Design We meticulously choose every element—from crafting a memorable logo to selecting a unique color palette and appropriate fonts. All are fine-tuned to convey your brand's story effectively. Elevate Your Brand with Seafoam Why Brand Strategy Matters A robust brand strategy and identity are not just optional; they're crucial differentiators. They can make the difference between standing out or blending in, being memorable or forgotten. Our Commitment We are dedicated to creating brand strategies and identities that deeply resonate with your audience and elevate your business. Let's Talk Ready for a dynamic partnership to redefine your brand? Let's start the conversation. Schedule a call to discuss your business model, goals, and current marketing strategies. --- > Our St. Louis SEO company uses data-driven tactics to improve your ranks and ensure you appear for searches your potential customers are making. - Published: 2022-08-29 - Modified: 2025-02-03 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/service/seo-company/ - Categories: Promote - Tags: SEO Services Your Digital Marketing Strategy Should Be Built Around Your Customers. Let an Expert SEO Company Help You Navigate the Digital Landscape with Tailored Solutions and Strategies. At Seafoam, we understand that SEO is not merely a code you need to crack. Instead, we focus on it as a compass that guides you toward understanding your customers' needs and desires. By effectively implementing Search Engine Optimization strategies, we elevate your brand's visibility and establish a genuine connection with your audience. Our mission is to answer your audience’s core questions, demonstrating clearly why you are the best choice in your industry. This involves comprehensively understanding user intent and constantly adapting to the dynamic changes in search engine algorithms to keep your business competitive and relevant in the digital marketplace. As a leading St. Louis SEO company, we specialize in various crucial areas of SEO, including site speed analysis and optimization, comprehensive keyword research, technical SEO, ethical link building, local search optimization, and creative content strategy. Our holistic approach adheres strictly to white-hat practices, ensuring that we employ only ethical tactics that provide sustainable results. Our expert team continually monitors industry trends and updates to offer tailored strategies that align seamlessly with your business objectives, enhancing your online presence and driving measurable results. SEO serves as the backbone of our partnerships with clients, allowing us to amplify efforts across other areas of your marketing strategy, such as social media engagement, pay-per-click advertising, and impactful content creation. For instance, a well-executed SEO strategy can significantly increase your website traffic, which, in turn, enhances your social media reach and boosts engagement rates across various platforms. By integrating SEO within your entire marketing framework, we create a cohesive strategy that maximizes visibility and customer engagement. If you’re not utilizing SEO to drive traffic to your website, it’s time to start! Discover how our expert team can help you In today’s digital age, if you’re not utilizing SEO to drive traffic to your website, you are missing out on valuable opportunities that could significantly grow your business. Discover how our expert team can help you by implementing proven SEO techniques tailored to your unique needs, ensuring visibility and relevance in an ever-competitive landscape. Organic SEO Increase your ranking and visibility in an online search with Seafoam. We monitor ranking factors, research the ins and outs of search engine algorithms, and make the most of SEO tools to increase the number of relevant visits to your site. Local SEO Be seen when people search for your local services online. We will help your company garner local reviews, perform reputation management, and make sure your business is updated on important listing sites to make sure local leads can find you. Keyword Research and Analysis We select the best keywords and analyze their impact across the web to drive more traffic to your business. We care about consistency and quality, and we collaborate with our content creators to optimize every page of your website. Analytics that Drive Decision-Making We monitor search volume to maximize your competitiveness online. We also keep a close eye on bounce rates so we can make adjustments to your site when necessary. Our Research and Analysis is driven using various analytics tools to measure KPIs. Backlinking Finally, we optimize backlinks to your site, using “white hat” tactics to give your brand more authority and make it more competitive. We abide by Google’s standards, and we know that quality backlinks lead to an increase in authority. SEO-Informed Content We create purposeful keyword-rich content that drives traffic to your site, builds confidence in your brand, and shares your expertise with potential clients. --- > Let our social media marketing agency help you get noticed and become a thought leader in your field with a comprehensive social media strategy. - Published: 2022-08-29 - Modified: 2025-05-13 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/service/social-media-marketing-agency/ - Categories: Promote - Tags: Social Media Our social media marketing agency provides your brand with a consistent voice across all social networks. By creating targeted ad campaigns, leveraging data analytics, and actively engaging with your target audience, we help transform your customers into dedicated fans who advocate for your brand. What you can expect with Seafoam With Seafoam, you can expect a tailored approach that not only increases your brand's visibility but also fosters a community around your business. Our strategies are designed to resonate with your audience and encourage meaningful interactions, ultimately driving loyalty and sales. Eye-catching Social Media Profiles Seafoam creates profiles on LinkedIn, Facebook, and other sites that highlight your expertise and authenticity. Comprehensive Social Media Marketing Strategy We collaboratively create a strategy that includes a consistent brand voice across the social media platforms that are right for you. Curated Content We become experts in your field and locate articles that your customers want to see and share. Facebook Ads Utilizing Meta Ads Manager, we create ads that target the customers you want to reach. Blog and Event Promotion Get guidance on blog posts or let us handle the writing. As your St. Louis social media marketing partners, we promote blogs and special events that keep your business in the lead. Social Media Traffic Analysis Social media marketing isn’t enough without strategic monitoring. We analyze data to find out what works best for your company. Increased Brand Awareness We get to know every part of your brand so we can communicate that culture and tone to customers. At Seafoam, we use each social media platform, whether it’s Facebook, LinkedIn, or Pinterest, as it is intended to help you reach your target demographic. When done incorrectly, social media just adds noise to an already crowded space of content. What makes sense on Twitter won’t necessarily make sense on LinkedIn. Our team understands the difference between social media platforms, and we position you strategically so your brand has a dynamic presence on the platforms that are right for you. Our ultimate goal is to be your dedicated digital marketing partner, crafting a brand voice that accurately represents your desired image. We recognize your commitment to your customers and how their perceptions impact your business. By engaging them where they spend their time—online! —we create content that effectively conveys your expertise and authenticity. Define Your Brand’s Voice and Expand Your Reach with Purpose At Seafoam, every action we take is guided by a well-defined strategy. We meticulously plan and schedule social media posts a month in advance, regularly checking in with you to ensure we are aligned with your latest news and updates, which are essential to showcasing your company’s evolution and achievements. Encourage your target audience to engage with your brand through valuable content that establishes your authority in the industry. Show that you’re part of their community by sharing local insights, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and personal stories that create a connection. When executed strategically, social media marketing can add a personal touch, enhancing your brand's relatability. --- --- ## Team - Published: 2022-10-18 - Modified: 2024-09-10 - URL: https://seafoammedia.com/?team=liz-oeltjen Who am I I am the Director of Client Strategy at Seafoam Media. I like to joke that I am the woman behind the curtain, so pay no attention to me while I pull my levers and push my buttons. I am the person that tries to weave together client goals, digital best practices and a touch of creativity into a smart, cohesive strategy that will yield dividends for our clients. My mission at Seafoam What are we going to do tonight, brain? The same thing we do every night... PLAN TO TAKE OVER THE WORLD! — My homage to Pinky and the Brain is only half facetious. My mission at Seafoam is to build a company that dominates in the market, both for our customers and for our own brand. I know the value of a powerful message and a lot of hard work. My goal is to bring that value to everything we do. Why I love what I do How do I love my job? Let me count the ways... Where else could I combine my passion for marketing strategy, pop culture references and desire for world domination? As an added bonus, my co-workers love tolerate my random trivia and my tendency to break into song. P. S. Did you know that the bones in bat wings are similar to finger bones? This means that bats literally fly through the power of jazz hands. Who says science is dull? My qualifications and experience I have my bachelor’s degree in Communications and Journalism, which helps me hone my messaging without burying the lede. I have my Master’s degree in International Affairs, because the internet is making the globe smaller every day. I have worked in a myriad of industries, which have given me an interesting perspective on the world of business. Finally, I am a working mom, which helps me manage my time and prioritize what is truly important. Why I love working at Seafoam: Did I mention that my colleagues tolerate my love of spontaneous show-tunes? In my free time I spend a lot of time on the internet; this is both a good and a bad thing. The good thing is that I stay in tune with the latest trends, pop culture and social media that relate to my work. The bad thing is that between Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest, I am constantly trying out new hobbies and recipes – from furniture refinishing to crochet – all while listening to podcasts to keep my trivial knowledge on point. --- --- > Seafoam was built on a belief: that marketing should feel human, strategic, and worth remembering. If you’re looking for a partner who builds with integrity, clarity, and long-term impact in mind—we’d love to meet. ---