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Search engine optimization with Bing SEO
Oct 16, 2019

Thorsten
Abrahamczik
Category:
SEO

As a website operator, you want your site to be easily found. You often think of Google, but not the search engine Bing, right? For many website operators, search engine optimization is an abstract topic, and Bing SEO is one of the areas that quickly fades into the background. This is probably because Germany is a Google country. According to Statcounter, Google had a 94.5% share in Germany in 2019, whereas Bing only had 3%. [caption id="attachment_25213" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Fig. 1 Statcounter statistics on search engine usage in Germany in 2019[/caption] What features does Bing offer? With Bing's preview function, which was previously unknown in search engines, users receive useful information about content and internal links before even entering the website. The displayed content is actually drawn from the page's content, and not from a meta-description, like with the snippet. [caption id="attachment_25221" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Fig. 1: Statcounter statistics on search engine usage in Germany in 2019[/caption] Nevertheless, you should not overlook the search engine Bing. Users who come through Bing often have better user behavior than those from Google. They tend to view more pages, stay longer on the domain, and have a higher conversion rate. So, it can indeed benefit you as a provider to target this audience. Additionally, the results of Apple’s Siri service and Amazon’s Alexa are based on Bing. [caption id="attachment_25223" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Fig. 2: Comparing user behavior on Bing with Google[/caption] Similarities between Bing and Google As a rule, you are already optimizing your website for Bing if you carry out search engine optimization following Google's guidelines. This is partly because Bing uses similar criteria and partly because some SEO standards were jointly developed in an alliance that includes Bing, Google, and other search engines. An example of this is the structured data from schema.org . Further Assistance for Bing Search Engine Optimization It's also very helpful to take a look at Bing's search results page. Bing specifies much more precisely where the data comes from. Besides pure search engine optimization, revising other profiles on the internet like Xing, Wikipedia, etc., can lead to better visibility on Bing. Optimizing multimedia elements on the website can also show better effects than on Google. This is visible in the Bing image search or the video results. By strategically using structured data and consistently using alt titles, you can effectively place images and videos in the search engine. Furthermore, Bing search offers several features not available in Google. For example, individual elements in images can be selected for searching. Videos are complemented with a lot of information in the results, such as whether they are trailers. Additionally, videos can already be viewed in the preview, and Bing takes search query history into account to provide the most relevant results. [caption id="attachment_25225" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Fig. 3: Identification of elements in Bing image search[/caption] What you should pay attention to Microsoft offers various guidelines and tools for its search engine to support users in achieving the best search engine optimization. From our perspective, the following three are the most relevant: Bing Webmaster Tools Submit sitemap.xml Block URLs Review reports Manage crawls Test mobile-friendliness We highly recommend using the Bing Webmaster Tools to gain better control. Naturally, the domain can also rank on the Bing search engine even if it is not registered there. However, it's interesting to see how Bing assesses the website compared to Google. Bing Webmaster Guidelines Bing offers very informative Bing Webmaster Guidelines on their website. These provide users with initial assistance on the topic of search engine optimization. The instructions are thematically divided and clearly presented. The guidelines are helpful for both experienced users and those new to Bing SEO who want to know what the search engine operator values. Markup Validator If you use structured data on your website, you can verify its correct implementation with the Bing Markup Validator . Supported formats are: HTML Microdata Microformats RDFa schema.org OpenGraph by Facebook Please note that you must register for Bing Webmaster Tools to use the tool. The same applies to the SEO Analyzer and the keyword research tool. Special Features of the Bing Search Engine In general, we’d like to offer you three pieces of advice that will help with Bing SEO: 1. Exact Match URLs: Bing places much more importance on the correct name in the domain than Google. So if you have a domain that contains your brand name, it will automatically rank better with Bing. 2. JavaScript Currently, Bing is not as advanced as Google in interpreting JavaScript on websites (as of 10.2019). This means your site may rank well on Google and be less well-placed on Bing. Especially websites that dynamically load content via JavaScript are affected. If your website uses little JavaScript or does not load content dynamically, you can ignore this point. 3. Adaptations by Google Google frequently makes changes to its SEO requirements, suddenly giving certain features more or less weight. The last known change was removing "noindex" from the robots.txt file. It should be noted that these changes apply only to Google and not automatically to Bing. So don’t get nervous. Conclusion The Bing search engine offers many individual features that set it apart from its major rival Google. Simultaneously, its users consistently demonstrate better behavior on websites, regardless of the industry. To achieve a good ranking here, you need to make only a few individual adjustments, but you can use good tools from Bing to closely monitor your developments. How can we assist you? Do you want to increase your conversions and sales through organic search? Are you already ranking well on Google and now want to succeed with Bing? We support you in Bing SEO and thus achieve higher rankings in the Bing search engine. Contact us here , we look forward to your inquiry!
On-page SEO Strategies for Better Search Engine Optimization
Jun 18, 2019

Thorsten
Abrahamczik
Category:
SEO

SEO is a commonly used term among online marketing managers and often comes in conjunction with off-page optimization . Both terms describe the search engine optimization of your own website . The aim of targeted SEO optimization is to improve the ranking of your own website in search engines, generate more traffic, and ultimately lead to more conversions or leads. However, marketing managers usually only know a portion of the actions that can be performed. In this article, we explain what on-page SEO is all about and offer initial tips for practical implementation . On the internet, you will come across various spellings, but it always means the same thing. Possible terms are: Onpage SEO, Onpage optimization, On-page optimization, On Page optimization, SEO on-page, SEO optimization, or even on-site optimization. On-page Analysis – The first step in On-page SEO At the beginning of your work, you should perform an onsite analysis of the entire website. First, you analyze the technical SEO to identify possible technical pitfalls that could affect the crawling of the website. In the next step, you examine the contents of the website in order to carry out content optimization. After investigating both areas, you can derive a prioritized action plan that you implement step by step. To track the development of your website in SEO, you can use Google's Google Search Console. This serves as an interface between website operators and Google, showing which URLs rank well, for which keywords the domain can be found, and where there are problems on the website. It also visually represents how often individual pages are displayed on Google's search result pages. Technical SEO – The Foundation of On-page Optimization Before you can start optimizing your content, your technical SEO must be implemented flawlessly. This ensures that the website can be crawled easily by search engines and that all content is read and processed accurately . If technical SEO is not implemented correctly, it may happen that content optimizations, the so-called content optimization, do not take effect properly because the search engines do not have access to the content. Therefore, technical SEO is the foundation of every SEO on-page optimization. Crawling – Can the search engine reach your website? Crawling solely refers to accessing content and has nothing to do with indexing. Search engines like Google certainly crawl pages, but they do not index all of them. This can occur for various reasons, including poor search engine optimization. To improve the relevance of content, only the content that needs to be processed by search engines should be made crawlable. Pages that are not important, such as search results pages or the imprint, should be excluded from crawling. This is referred to as optimizing the so-called crawl budget. It determines how many pages of a website can be crawled and is set individually by search engines for each domain. In this context, there is an important distinction: Crawling is not equivalent to indexing! To control crawling, use the meta tag "robots" and the "robots.txt" file . However, it should be noted that the instructions contained in the "robots.txt" are merely a suggestion to search engines and can be ignored entirely. Furthermore, search engines can also reach excluded pages through other ways, such as backlinks. Therefore, using the "Disallow" function is not a reliable method to exclude pages from crawling. On the contrary, incorrect use of the robots.txt can lead to major problems on search results pages, as Figure 1 illustrates. Figure 1: Websites indexed by Google for which no descriptions can be displayed because they are excluded from crawling in the robots.txt. [object Object] In May 2019, Google updated its in-house Google Crawler to the current Chromium version 74. This is an important note because its predecessor was outdated and supported only few modern web technologies. The new crawler can now recognize modern SEO optimization and perform better on-page analyses. SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER NOW URL Structure, Internal Linking, and sitemap.xml are important SEO On-page Factors Next, you need to review the URL structure of your website. Key questions are: Is it readable and clearly understandable for humans? Can users tell where they are on the website? Is it not too long? The URL structure should not exceed 5 hierarchy levels . This ties in with the structure of the website. Today's on-page SEO is not about optimization for search engines, but for users. This means that content must be easily and quickly accessible . Excessive cascading of individual webpages is therefore not advisable, as it only leads to more hierarchies. John Mueller, Webmaster Trends Analyst at Google, announced on 03/05/2019 via a Webmaster Hangout that the internal linking of pages should be weighted even more than the URL structure. Visible URLs are primarily relevant for user experience. Internal linking of pages should instead be done in a way that is relevant to the topic, to achieve good on-page optimization. In this context, it is also referred to as siloing. For good internal linking, you must ensure that links are made only within a topic (silo). For example, all articles on web analytics should link to each other, but not to articles on SEO. Therefore, you should always develop a linking concept and check, especially with links that have JavaScript functionality, whether crawlers can find and follow the links. If you have similar content, you should use the canonical tag. Imagine you run an online shop and offer a t-shirt in five colors. You provide a separate page with a unique URL for each of these color variants. In this case, you would have duplicate content on the domain because all pages would be textually identical and would only differ through the color specification. With the canonical tag, you can indicate on all pages which of the five URLs is actually relevant to search engines and which serve solely as added value for the user. Additionally, you should provide search engines with a sitemap.xml file , a file listing all the URLs that are to be indexed. Therefore, this file should not include URLs set to "noindex" or those excluded from crawling or indexing in any other way. Avoid Duplicate Content with SEO On-page The topic of duplicate content or duplicate content is one of the main focuses of SEO on-page optimization. Often, the same pages are accessible under multiple URLs. Classic examples are: URL with http and https URL with www and without www URL with trailing slash and without URL with very similar content For this reason, it is essential to set up redirects and communicate very precisely to search engines via canonical tags and sitemap.xml which websites should actually be indexed. Imagine you run an online shop and offer a t-shirt in five colors. You create a separate page with a unique URL for each of these color variants. In this case, you have duplicate content on the domain because all pages are textually identical and differ only in color indication. With the canonical tag, you can indicate on all pages which of the five URLs is actually relevant for search engines and which pages serve solely as added value for the user. During a redirect, users calling a URL with http are automatically redirected to the https variant. This happens so quickly that they often do not even notice it. Pagespeed – How Fast Does Your Website Load? For several years now, Google has recorded more accesses via mobile devices than via desktop devices. It is therefore important to offer a fast-loading website . This can be implemented in several ways: Ensure small file sizes and short source codes. This optimizes the website as a whole and ensures a good user experience. Optimize visible content through prioritized delivery of source code . With this measure, users see the first content in the visible area long before the entire website is loaded. This improves the perceived load time. Switch the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (http) to version 2 (http/2). This is optimized for mobile devices and allows parallel loading of various files, as well as preloading of content. We also recommend using https for good on-page SEO. Figure 2 illustrates the Google Page Speed Test, which examines exactly these topics: Figure 2: With the Google Page Speed Test, you can see which files are too large and which files delay optimized delivery of visible content. Mobile Optimization is Becoming Increasingly Important In addition to the load time, the display of the website on mobile devices must also be ensured. This is often achieved with responsive design, which ensures that the website adapts automatically to the screen size of mobile devices. If you are planning a relaunch soon, this issue must be addressed in your concept. Structured Data for Good Onsite Marketing With structured data, individual content is specifically tagged for search engines. This may include company information, product information, recipes, events, or, more recently, FAQs. There are many templates for using structured data on a website, although only relatively few are supported in Google optimization. The benefit is that Google can better understand the content and display it separately on the search results page. Further SEO On-page Optimizations The technical SEO area also includes further measures such as Progressive Web Apps, image tagging, or multilingualism. These are the "fine-tuning" aspects in the field of technical SEO optimization. Therefore, these detailed topics are not elaborated here. Content Optimization – The Second Step in On-page SEO Once the website has been improved with technical on-page SEO measures, you can now start optimizing your content. This is basically divided into two areas: Meta Information: Optimizing Page Title and Meta Description The optimization of the page title and meta description is referred to in on-page SEO as the optimization of meta information. The page title as an SEO criterion is particularly crucial as it should contain the keyword and the brand. At the same time, it should not be too long to remain readable. You always see the page title in the tab of your browser as well as on Google's search results page. The meta description itself is not SEO relevant but still has a significant indirect impact on onsite marketing. The meta description is displayed on search results pages of search engines if relevant. By directly addressing users with a call to action, you can improve the click-through rate on your results and thus achieve a better ranking. Figure 3: Google search results with the page title in blue and the meta description in black. Content on the Page Itself – What Can the User Expect? The actual content must meet user expectations, otherwise, it will lead to high bounce rates. Remember that content should be created for users in the context of on-page optimization, not for search engines. For this reason, Google places great emphasis on how readable the content is. Furthermore, the texts must be well-structured and organized with headings. Increasing user interaction with the website is also desirable. This can be achieved through videos, images, image galleries, comments, or similar features. It is proven that longer dwell times are associated with an increase in conversions. If the content is well created, Google may use it as a Featured Snippet. This is the position 0 on the search results page, where Google directly answers the user's question on the search results page. Marketers have no influence over the use of a Featured Snippet and cannot predict when a snippet will be displayed and when not. Getting your own content into a Featured Snippet is therefore considered the pinnacle of Google optimization for content. Figure 4: Representation of a Featured Snippet on Google's search results page. [object Object] Google Jobs – A Brand New Feature With Google Jobs, the search engine giant introduced a brand new feature in Germany in June 2019, which will lead to many on-page SEO optimizations in 2019. When users search for a job title, they are shown a list of available job offers. After clicking, they are directly redirected to the company's page, where they can apply for the job in the next step. However, to do this, website operators must use structured data and provide very specific content on the website. What We Can Do for You If you want to improve your positions in search engine rankings and thereby increase your number of conversions, we offer comprehensive support in the area of on-page optimization. Our on-page SEO measures are coordinated with other online marketing measures. Feel free to contact us, we look forward to your inquiry.
Opt-In, Initial Insights from Practice
Jun 28, 2018

Thorsten
Abrahamczik
Category:
Web Analytics

Opt-In – Impact on Online Marketing through the EU Cookie Directive Under the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), many marketers have experienced significant confusion regarding the EU Cookie Directive and the Opt-In and Opt-Out procedures. Additionally, there is uncertainty about the e-Privacy regulation, which is expected to become mandatory in 2019. In our article "No Google Analytics without Google Analytics Opt-Out Cookie" , we have already discussed the necessity of a Google Analytics Opt-Out Cookie on the privacy page. In this article, we want to explain the Opt-In procedure, which requires the explicit consent of the user for analysis and marketing measures. We will also illustrate how this procedure affects all online marketing channels and activities. What is the Opt-In procedure? The Opt-In procedure is based on the increasingly popular cookie notice, which mentions the use of cookies on websites. As shown in images 1 and 2, the formulations were revised on May 25, 2018, and supplemented with additional information on the use of cookies in many cases. Fig. 1 Old cookie notice as it was used on https://www.internetwarriors.de before GDPR. Fig.2 Current notice, allowing users to exclude themselves from tracking. Since this revision, many users have had the opportunity to agree to or decline the use of cookies on individual websites. Once users make a decision here, the use of cookies, aside from specific exceptions like session cookies, must be respected across the entire domain. However, many lawyers and data protection officers interpret the GDPR differently, resulting in users being offered various solutions. These range from simple cookie banners without selection options to Opt-In procedures. The impacts of the Opt-Out procedure are already known. However, with the Opt-In procedure, only a very few companies have experience. For this reason, we tested the Opt-In procedure within the framework of GDPR cookies to gather initial insights that we can consider in future implementations. Distinction between Opt-In and Double Opt-In Before we begin with the implementation and the impact on traffic, we need to differentiate between Opt-In and Double Opt-In: Opt-In: An information banner is displayed to the user on accessing the website, informing them about the use of cookies and, if necessary, their purposes. The user must also explicitly consent to the use of cookies before web analysis and marketing measures may be carried out. If they do not, neither tool may be used. Double Opt-In: This procedure is primarily used in email marketing. Upon subscribing to a newsletter, the user receives a confirmation email, requiring them to actively confirm their subscription. As you can see, both procedures are independent of each other and have nothing in common. Changes in traffic due to the implementation of Opt-In As part of our Opt-In investigation, we examined the traffic development on 10 websites in Google Analytics before and after implementing the Opt-In. The Google Analytics screenshot in image 3 shows the number of sessions of a website on a daily basis, before and after the implementation of Opt-In. Fig. 3 Traffic development from May 24, 2018, to June 21, 2018. Opt-In was implemented on June 8, 2018. Comparing the period after implementation with the period before implementation and excluding the day of implementation, the following traffic changes arise: Fig. 4 Comparison of developments in Google Analytics in the periods June 9, 2018 – June 15, 2018, and June 1, 2018 – June 7, 2018 Other websites with about 5,000 sessions per day even show deviations of 83% - 85%. Only a few websites have a smaller deviation than shown in the screenshots here. Configuring Opt-In with a Step-by-Step Guide To help you understand how the entire procedure works, we would like to give you a detailed Step-by-Step explanation. Additionally, at the end of the article, we offer you the chance to download our configuration of the Google Tag Manager container so that you can import it into your Google Tag Manager and gain experience with the implementation. GDPR Cookie Notice on the Website An essential requirement is a cookie banner on your website, informing users about the use of cookies and giving them the option to activate or leave analysis and advertisement cookies deactivated. For simplicity's sake, we use the popular solution Consent by Insites for our attempt. We have also integrated this script on our website. Via the Download menu, you can configure a banner that you only need to copy into the source code of your website afterward. During this process, you have to decide whether you want to use the Opt-In or Opt-Out procedure. In our current scenario, we use the cookie notice for Opt-In. Subsequently, the banner is displayed immediately. Thus, implementation is very easy to carry out even for less technically skilled individuals. Storing User Decision in a Cookie Once you've embedded the banner on your website, it will be displayed to all users. However, initially, nothing else happens, no cookies are blocked yet. Insites itself uses a cookie named "cookieconsent_status" to store the user's decision and not display the banner again on their next visit. This decision is valid for one year. The cookie values can be seen in image 5: "allow" for consent "dismiss" for rejection You also get the expiration date of the cookie, from which the browser no longer considers the cookie. We can read the "allow" and "dismiss" values with the Google Tag Manager and take them into account for triggering Google Analytics, Google AdWords, Affiliate, etc. The decision of an Opt-In should not be limited to web analytics using Google Analytics, Etracker, Webtrekk, etc. alone. All remarketing and conversion tracking from other providers should also be considered. Fig. 5: Status of the "cookieconsent_status" cookie for Opt-In Consideration of Do Not Track After considering the GDPR cookie decision by the user, we want to consider a second option of rejecting analysis and marketing cookies. This involves the Do Not Track procedure . In this case, the browser sends information to the server with each new page view that no user profile should be created and personal activities should not be tracked. Image 6 shows the setting in Firefox's "Privacy & Security" section. Fig. 6: Activation of the "Do Not Track" information in Firefox's privacy settings Do Not Track is integrated into all relevant browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, etc., but is disabled by default. Therefore, the user must make a conscious decision and manually enable Do Not Track. If they do, website operators should respect this decision if they offer the Opt-In procedure. Interaction of individual configurations in the Google Tag Manager To configure Opt-In in the Google Tag Manager and consider GDPR relevant cookies, we have defined the following rules: Has the user explicitly agreed to the use of cookies for Opt-In? If yes, we check whether the user has activated Do Not Track If no, we keep all tracking disabled Has the user activated Do Not Track If yes, we keep all tracking disabled. This rule also overrides the previous rule if the user has agreed to tracking on the banner If no, we check whether the user has consented to the use of cookies. Only if both conditions are fulfilled will analysis and marketing cookies be activated The user has consented to the use of cookies The user has deactivated Do Not Track If even one value deviates, the cookies remain blocked. This way, the website operator offers maximum protection for users from cookie capture. At the beginning of the article, we showed that this setting in the Google Tag Manager resulted in significant traffic loss in Google Analytics. But since all remarketing and conversion tracking is also blocked, website operators can no longer tag their users and can measure success significantly less. Measuring Do Not Track Usage on Another Website Currently, according to our non-legally binding understanding, there is no obligation to use Opt-In tracking. However, this may change with the e-Privacy regulation in 2019. Regardless, it is not known to us that the Do Not Track feature is a mandatory measure for website operators. For this reason, we analyzed the use of Do Not Track on an eleventh site. This site serves family entertainment and is characterized by a high national as well as international traffic. It also serves both genders and age groups from infants to great-grandparents. We consider these numbers a good cross-section of society. In image 7, we have juxtaposed the number of sessions and accesses with activated Do Not Track. For measuring activated Do Not Track, we use "Unique Events" in Google Analytics, as this value is "session-based" and thus provides a comparable data basis. Fig. 7: At 10% of all sessions, Do Not Track is activated in the period June 13, 2018 – June 20, 2018 The collection period is June 13, 2018 – June 20, 2018. It is clearly visible that in 10% of all sessions, Do Not Track is activated. Here, users have made a very conscious decision not to be tracked. Learnings from the Test These are very valuable and important insights for us. The Opt-In procedure significantly reduces the metrics in the analysis and marketing tools and makes it considerably more difficult to capture users. If the use of Opt-In becomes mandatory, other methods would need to be developed to continue offering online marketing in the same quality. If you, as a website operator, need to decide between Opt-In or Opt-Out, you now know the pros and cons. We are also happy to offer our Google Tag Manager container configuration for download. Fill out the following form, and we will send you the download link by email. The .zip file can be easily opened, and you will find a .json file inside. When you are in your Google Tag Manager, click on "Admin" and then on "Import Container." Subsequently, select the .json file and import it into your Google Tag Manager container. You will then find all the templates we created. It will be exciting to see how the e-Privacy regulation impacts the EU Cookie Directive and how users take advantage of Opt-In options. What can we do for you? If you are unsure whether you need Opt-In tracking or if you experience difficulties implementing the Opt-In or Opt-Out procedures, we are here to help you. We support you in the implementation of your online marketing strategies and can quickly make technical adjustments to your website, should the new e-Privacy regulation require it.
Early configuration of Google Tag Manager with the Tag Manager Injector
Aug 31, 2017

Thorsten
Abrahamczik
Category:
Web Analytics

The Tag Manager Injector, as a Chrome browser plugin, enables easy setup of the Google Tag Manager within Google Chrome. Without long waiting times, we can start assisting our clients promptly, without being forced to wait. In the meantime, the client's IT department can take their time with implementing the Tag Manager code into the website's source code. At the beginning of our collaboration, we closely coordinate with our clients to create tailored tracking concepts. At this stage, it is often not yet clear what exactly should be tracked and which metrics will provide value for the client. Once the tracking concept is finalized and approved by the client, we begin implementing it. For this, the Google Tag Manager code must first be incorporated into the page's source code. However, this process can typically take several days, as the client's IT department may not be able to implement it right away. To still start the configuration during this time, we use the Chrome browser plugin Tag Manager Injector. This makes you much less dependent on the client's IT and allows for faster work. Requirements for Using the Tag Manager Injector To use the Tag Manager Injector, a Google Tag Manager account must first be created. Within this account, a container must then be created. Subsequently, the Google Tag Manager will release the code to be integrated for the container, which the IT department will need to embed. At this point, we can already begin using the Tag Manager Injector to configure the newly created container. An important aspect in this context is the unique container ID, which identifies this specific container. Fig. 1: The container created in Google Tag Manager with its container ID Using the Tag Manager Injector Once this process is complete, you go into the newly created container and set up the first tags, triggers, and variables. At this stage, the container can already be configured to how it will later be used. There are no restrictions here, as third-party tags can be used just like scripts. After setting up the first tags, the preview mode of the Google Tag Manager should be activated. This way, you can check whether the tags have been configured correctly. The next step is to install the plugin. Once the plugin is active, it can be used. For this, click on the plugin itself and you will get a simple input mask where you enter the container ID of the previously created container. Next, under "Include Domain(s)," enter the domain where the Google Tag Manager container should be used. Afterwards, simply click the "Start" button. Once the Tag Manager Injector is active, the top area near the GTM container ID will turn green. Fig. 2: The configured and usable Tag Manager Injector By activating the preview mode in the container, the normal preview window of the Google Tag Manager now opens on the website in the browser. It is now easy to see which tags are triggered, what variable values are output, and what the data layer looks like. If you want to push specific values to the data layer, the Tag Manager Injector offers the clearly visible "Push to the data Layer" input field for this purpose. Simply enter the relevant details, and the data is transmitted. Fig. 3: The Google Tag Manager preview window in the browser The real-time report in Google Analytics now shows initial access, indicating that the Google Analytics tracking is functioning. How Can We Help You? Do you want to implement web analytics on your site, following a defined tracking concept but are unsure how to execute it? Do you want to measure and increase conversions more effectively, but encounter problems with implementing additional tracking? Contact us and we will gladly assist you in improving your web analytics.
Record entries of domain management and what you need to consider when making adjustments
Jun 22, 2017

Thorsten
Abrahamczik
Category:
SEO

As a website operator, you must also deal with the management of your domain. This involves not just purchasing a domain but also configuring it for web servers and email servers. This primarily concerns larger companies or agencies that manage domains on separate servers, which are operated by the actual web or email servers. An example of such a scenario includes providers like NICdirect or 1Blu, where domains are purchased and managed, with a specialization in hosting large enterprises. However, regular web hosts like Mittwald, Webgo, Host Europe, etc., also offer domain configuration to some extent. Fig.1: Record entries for a domain of internetwarriors GmbH The Configuration of the Domain Name System The Domain Name System, often abbreviated as DNS, is one of the most important services on the internet. So-called DNS servers ensure that URL names are converted into IP addresses. When you type a URL into the browser, servers on the internet cannot initially do anything with that because they use IP addresses to identify themselves. An IP address is a unique numerical combination assigned individually to each device on the internet. This is most easily compared to a phone number assigned to every phone line. To know which server has requested a webpage (the URL typed into the browser), the browser first sends a request to a DNS server. This server maintains a large database that stores the IP address of the corresponding server for each domain, similar to a phone book where each name is paired with a phone number. In response to the request, the DNS server sends back the IP address of the corresponding server for the webpage to the browser. The browser can then directly place the request for the webpage with the actual web server. Types of Record Entries For the DNS server to know which IP address is behind a URL, this must be set in the domain configuration. There are various so-called record entries for different services. The most important ones are: NS A AAAA MX Name Server Record - NS The Name Server Record, often referred to as NS, is responsible for name resolution. This means resolving the names of services, e.g., domains, into computer-readable addresses. These addresses are the so-called IP addresses. Each of the entries has a so-called TTL (Time to Live). This determines how long an entry remains valid in the cache before it must be renewed. Typically, this value is 86400 seconds, which means 24 hours. The relocation of a domain to a new web server correspondingly takes 24 hours, as all global DNS servers must first be updated before the correct IP address is delivered to browsers. Address Record - A The Address Record or A Resource Record ensures that an IPv4 address is assigned to an entry on a DNS server. IPv4 addresses are IP addresses based on a four-octet system. This is greatly limited in the number of possible IP addresses and can no longer cover the required IP addresses for all devices connected to the internet, e.g., computers, smartphones, servers, etc. Nevertheless, it is still very common today. Address Record - AAAA The Address Record AAAA essentially provides the same functionality as the Address Record A. However, it is based on the so-called IPv6 addressing system, which is the successor of IPv4. It offers significantly more IP addresses and can therefore cover a much larger number of IP addresses and DNS entries. Mail Exchange Record - MX An MX Resource Record describes under which domain the corresponding email server can be reached. Through this, email programs can send and receive their emails. It is important to note that this entry must always include a fully spelled-out URL. What Can We Do for You? With our many years of experience in web hosting and domain management, we are happy to assist you in managing your website. Please contact us if you do not want to handle the technical management of your website or are planning a relaunch. We would be very pleased to discuss your individual support needs with you.
A/B Testing with Google Optimize
May 11, 2017

Thorsten
Abrahamczik
Category:
Web Analytics

With Google Optimize , the search engine provider has introduced a new tool for conducting experiments on websites. Originally introduced as part of the Google 360 Suite, Google now offers the program, with a few restrictions, as a free version. This makes it easy for all marketers to use the tool for their own experiments. Fig. 1: The homepage of Google Optimize [object Object] In addition to A/B tests, the program also supports multivariate and redirect tests. The following distinguishes the different types of tests: A/B Testing: This involves testing individual variations of the same webpage. Typically, the variations differ only in small parts, such as a different button color or a new call to action. Multivariate Tests: These tests work similarly to A/B tests, but in this case, several elements of a page are tested to find the best possible combination of elements. At the same time, it allows better investigation of user interaction between individual variations for conversion optimization. This quickly leads to a significantly larger number of variations. Redirect Tests: In these tests, separate pages with their own URLs are tested against each other. This way, different versions of entire pages can be effectively tested. Creating an Account and Container in Google Optimize To get started, users must open the homepage URL of Google Optimize . Upon initial opening, email subscriptions for (Tips & Recommendations, Product Announcements, and Market Research) should be considered, but they can also be declined. In the next step, the user must configure their account settings once. Fig. 2: One-time configuration of the Google Optimize account [object Object] After making the changes visible in Figure 2, you can immediately begin setting up a website test. For the user, an account and a container are immediately created in which tests can be managed and configured. The setup is identical to the Google Tag Manager, which also relies on an account with individual containers. This significantly facilitates operation. Start with a First Test Before marketers begin creating a test, they must ensure that the website to be tested has many visitors. Only then can valid data be collected. If a website receives only a few visits per month, the evaluation of a test takes much longer to obtain statistically valid tests. In this case, only a few variations should be tested. In addition, marketers should conduct only small tests initially, such as changing a button color or swapping out text. This allows them to learn how to use the tool and understand how to build meaningful and effective tests. More complex tests can be created later. To start a test, the user must create a new experiment. Google offers templates for this, in which the user must select a name for the experiment, a URL for the page to be examined, and the type of test. Figure 3 shows the corresponding screen from Google Optimize. Fig. 3: These details can be used to create an experiment in Google Optimize. [object Object] Work with Variations Once an experiment is created, the user can create so-called variations. These are slight alterations within the website. Regardless of the number of variations, each variation is always tested against the original version of the website. The marketer can also specify at this point how much traffic should participate in the test and how much traffic each variation should receive. By default, 100% of the traffic participates in an A/B test, and this traffic is evenly distributed across all variations. So, if there is the original version of the website and one variant version, each will receive 50% of the traffic. Fig. 4: For each test, a goal and a hypothesis must be set. [object Object] After the variations are created, goals and descriptions must be set for the test. Examples of test goals include: Reducing bounce rates Increasing the number of page views Increasing the number of transactions Subsequently, the individual variations must be configured. A visual editor is used for this, allowing marketers to make directly visible changes to the website. For small changes, no knowledge of HTML, CSS, or JavaScript is necessary. For more complex changes involving HTML, CSS, or JavaScript, a general technical understanding of HTML and CSS is certainly required. For JavaScript changes, programmers should be consulted. Fig. 5: Google recommends installing the Google Chrome browser plugin for operating the visual editor of Google Optimize. [object Object] To work with the visual editor, a browser plugin must first be installed. Google Chrome checks for the plugin and, as seen in Figure 5, suggests installation if necessary. Once the plugin is installed, the user can open the website and make adjustments. Figures 6 - 10 show how users can make adjustments: Fig. 6: By hovering the mouse, users select a webpage element. The individual elements are directly marked and highlighted by Google Optimize. [object Object] Fig. 7: Changes to the selected element can then be made using the visual editor at the bottom right of the screen. [object Object] Fig. 8: By clicking on "Edit Element" in the visual editor, further options can be selected, in this case, "Edit text". [object Object] Fig. 9: Subsequently, the text of the H1 headline can be easily modified. [object Object] Fig. 10: The bar at the top of the screen shows, among other things, which element the user is in (H1), how many changes have been made, and how each change appears on different device types such as desktop, tablet, and smartphone. [object Object] Once the desired changes are made and saved, the appearance and behavior of the changes must be checked on each device. Quick errors may occur due to individual programming that can be avoided through extended checks. Linking Google Optimize with Google Analytics In the next step, Google Optimize must be linked with Google Analytics . For this purpose, the user selects a data view within the desired Google Analytics property. The user behavior data of this data view is then used to evaluate the test. This way, changes in bounce rates, the number of transactions, etc., can be considered in the experiment. Integration of Google Optimize via the Google Tag Manager In its developer area for Google Optimize, Google recommends using a modified Google Analytics code. This loads faster and prevents screen flickering caused by the dynamically made changes to the website. As a result, the user does not see upon page load that they are being shown a different variant. However, Google Optimize can also be integrated via the Google Tag Manager. In this case, the Google Tag Manager code should be placed as high up in the source code as possible. This is necessary to avoid possible screen flickering. The execution order of the different codes upon a page load is as follows: The user loads the page The Google Tag Manager code is executed The Google Optimize code is executed The Google Analytics code is executed Due to the use of the Google Tag Manager, there is a delay in execution, as Optimize can only be executed once the Tag Manager is loaded and executed. This is not the case when using a modified Google Analytics code, and the Google Optimize code can be executed immediately. As a result, on pages with many images or resources to load, the mentioned screen flickering can be reduced or completely avoided. In any case, Google Analytics should only be executed after the Google Optimize code, regardless of the use of the Google Tag Manager. A corresponding configuration must be set in the advanced settings of all Google Analytics tags on the website. Figure 11 shows the configuration of a Google Optimize tag in the Google Tag Manager. In this tag, essentially only the property ID of Google Analytics (also known as the UA number) and the container ID of the Google Optimize experiment must be entered. To comply with data protection, the IP address should also be anonymized. The trigger should be configured as precisely as possible to trigger the tag only when the corresponding page is called or the corresponding event is triggered. Fig. 11: Configuration of a Google Optimize tag in the Google Tag Manager. [object Object] Defining the Target Audience and Timeframe Once the Google Optimize tag is published in the Google Tag Manager or the Google Optimize snippet is embedded in the page's source code, the further configuration of the experiment can proceed. For this, the target audience and duration of the test must be defined. In the free version, only the number of users participating in the test can be selected for the target audience. Currently, granular settings related to the target audience, such as age, gender, source of access, etc., are not possible. The timeframe can be individually set. Alternatively, the test can be started immediately and, if desired, ended immediately. Figure 12 shows the currently possible settings. Fig. 12: : Target Audience settings in Google Optimize. [object Object] After an experiment, marketers can evaluate the results in the reporting area. Here, the data is displayed both in total and for each variation separately. In addition to standard data such as page views, the winner of the test is also displayed, including the improvements collected over the baseline. The individual variations are also checked against the set goals. This allows, in conjunction with further Google Analytics data, easy identification of which day and time each variation improved. Fig. 13: Evaluation of the results of an experiment. Source: https://support.google.com/360suite/optimize/answer/6218117?hl=en. [object Object] What We Can Do for You Would you like to test individual elements of your website to increase conversions, leads, or transactions? Start with the free version of Google Optimize to quickly and easily conduct individual experiments. We are happy to advise you on the implementation and evaluation of corresponding tests for conversion optimization, in connection with your set website goals. Contact us.
What clients can expect from your agency in web analytics support
Feb 2, 2017

Thorsten
Abrahamczik
Category:
Web Analytics

Web analytics, what exactly is it? For many of our clients, web analytics means using a tool that receives data that is barely interpretable and possibly invalid. The operation quickly becomes overwhelming, so the tool is used only once every few months. This happens whenever management wants to see data about the website or when it's necessary to justify why the planned marketing budget for the next year is so high. But web analytics is much more than that! Web analytics means questioning interactions on your own website, evaluating the behavior of individual target groups, creating customer journeys, and much more. Ultimately, from all these evaluations and results, an action plan should be created that enables you to specifically optimize your website. [object Object] In this article, we would like to explain what you, as an online marketer, can expect from an agency that supports you in the area of web analytics. We will discuss our experiences and explain how we approach the topic of web analytics with a client. Fig. 1: Cross-device web analytics | Source: http://bit.ly/2kxlWF4 [object Object] Phase 1 – Reviewing the Status Quo in Tracking If you approach us as a potential new customer to talk about web analytics, we first describe what web analytics means to us: [object Object] Web analytics is the foundation of all online marketing activities and provides the basis for all marketing-related activities, both online and offline. It collects both quantitative and qualitative data. When used properly, web analytics describes what happens due to customer interactions and, most importantly, why these interactions occur. Furthermore, it places your own data, if available in benchmarks, in relation to the data of other companies or industries. This shows where you can improve as a company. But more than anything, web analytics is one thing: continuous. [object Object] Web analytics is very comprehensive and requires intensive support. However, it is not rocket science and can be easily implemented. To ensure this, we first check your current tracking implementation. This way, we obtain a status quo of your web analytics and can better assess where problems and potentials exist. Reviewing the Configuration of the Web Analytics Tool First, we go into the tracking tool and check which data is flowing in, how the tool is configured, and whether the data is valid. Most of our clients use Google Analytics as their tool, making the verification relatively straightforward and almost standardized. Nevertheless, we also look for peculiarities in the data and configuration. Examples include: Are filters being used correctly? Is there spam in the data that distorts evaluations? Is Google Analytics linked with other services like AdWords, Search Console, etc.? Are the data from internal searches being collected? Are demographic data activated? Have goals been set up in Google Analytics? As you can see, there is much to consider when configuring Google Analytics. Especially if you feel uncertain as a marketer and cannot precisely assess which setting causes which impact, key figures can easily be collected or interpreted incorrectly. A classic example is excluding your own accesses through an IP address filter. When we check the filter configurations in Google Analytics, it is incorrectly set up and does not function in 95% of the cases. Our staff member Bettina Wille has written an extensive article about what you need to watch out for when configuring filters in Google Analytics. [object Object] We also check if you are using reports. These are generally represented in dashboards, radar events, or custom reports, so verification is easily feasible. Checking the Technical Implementation in the Source Code Once we know how your Google Analytics is configured, we check the implementation in the source code. This is not only about seeing whether the tracking code is implemented but also about how it is implemented. Below is a sample selection of aspects we check: Which version of the Google Analytics tracking have you implemented? Has the tracking code been fully implemented according to the configured Google Analytics settings? Are there pages where the tracking code is not implemented? Are multiple tracking code implementations present so that data is collected twice? Are specialties such as cross-domain tracking, e-commerce tracking, etc., implemented correctly? Are additional tracking features being used, e.g., custom dimensions, event tracking, etc.? Are referrers being correctly passed on and is direct traffic indeed just direct traffic? Reviewing Data Protection Finally, we check in individual areas whether your Google Analytics is installed in compliance with data protection regulations. Please note, however, that we are not a law firm and, therefore, cannot provide legally binding advice. Nonetheless, there are features that can be easily checked, such as: Are you anonymizing the user's IP address? Do you have a privacy page that mentions the use of Google Analytics? Is there an option for users to opt out of tracking, both via a browser plugin and a functioning opt-out cookie? Have you signed a data processing agreement with Google? Phase 2 – Developing a Tracking Concept In this article, we have so far focused exclusively on implementing with Google Analytics. Of course, there are also other types of web analytics with additional tools for things like A/B testing, surveys, etc., which also need to be reviewed. However, we do not wish to go into these tools individually in this article. [object Object] After we have worked out a precise overview of your current tracking and activities in the area of web analytics, we move on to developing a tracking concept. In this, we describe your current status quo and define in great detail what tracking should be used in the future. We also determine jointly with you which data should be collected beyond standard tracking, which website goals should be examined, which KPIs should be defined, and how the configuration should be implemented. Figure 2 shows an excerpt from the table of contents of a tracking concept: Fig. 2: Together with you, we develop a tracking concept. [object Object] Analysis and Research of Tracking Opportunities by the Agency At the beginning, we explore, based on the status quo analysis, possibilities for enhanced tracking on your website. It is important for us to only collect data that is valuable to you. We can also recommend tracking where we track everything and nothing, so to speak. In this case, we collect a lot of data, which leads to the point where you can no longer analyze it because the data volume is simply too large. Of course, that is not our goal. From our perspective, it requires a precise measure where you can work well with the key figures and receive all the information you need for your evaluations. Aligning Tracking Goals with the Client For the reasons mentioned above, we engage in very intensive exchanges with you during this phase. Here, there are many conversations with different people in your company to understand your requirements for web analytics better. Some of the topics we discuss with you include: Company goals Website objectives KPIs already in use Previous internal reports Hierarchy levels in the company including different reports for different contacts Cooperations with third-party providers Differences between reporting and web analytics Motivation for using Google Analytics Defining KPIs and Goals for the Web Analytics Through these discussions, we not only learn about your requirements but can also better assess which topics in web analytics are particularly interesting for you. Based on this, we can provide targeted recommendations for tracking implementation, KPIs, goals, etc. At this point, you do not yet know our final draft/proposal. Discussion of the Draft Concept with the Client and Approval from the Client Once we have worked out your tracking concept, there is a joint meeting with you in which we discuss the tracking concept with you in detail. This is especially important as the concept is partly very technical. However, it is essential that you completely understand the concept. [object Object] If you have any requests for changes at this stage, we will discuss them and, if necessary, incorporate them into the concept. Phase 3 – Implementation of the New Tracking Once you have approved the tracking concept, we begin implementing the tracking. Here, we always start with the technical implementation before starting the configuration of Google Analytics. Using the Latest Technologies When we receive an order to implement tracking, we naturally always use the latest technologies. This includes using the Google Tag Manager as well as Universal Analytics. If specific reports are desired, we recommend the client use Google Data Studio. Google Tag Manager As we have already written in previous articles about the Google Tag Manager, the entire tag management can be easily handled, both for Google Analytics and for other tools like AdWords, third-party providers, etc. A major advantage of the Tag Manager is that in very few cases does the IT need to adapt the source code. The tasks associated with managing tags can then be carried out directly by the marketer in the tool. We have already described the functionality of the Google Tag Manager in a comprehensive article. Universal Analytics Universal Analytics is the current version of Google Analytics. The data collection of Universal Analytics differs slightly from the old asynchronous Google Analytics and offers additional benefits such as Enhanced E-Commerce, UserID, etc. [object Object] Google announced in 2015 that they would cease to support asynchronous tracking in the future. When support will be discontinued is still unclear. Data Studio and Other Offerings With the Google Data Studio, another tool from the Google 360° Suite has been made available as a free version. Since the beginning of February, the tool allows you to create as many reports per email address as you like, the only limitation being that the Double-Click connector cannot be used in the free version. Otherwise, it has the same functionality as the paid version of the 360° Suite. [object Object] Particularly interesting for marketers is that the reports can be provided with their own CI. This is especially useful when the reports are forwarded to management. Collaboration with IT or the IT Service Provider Once we start implementation, usually only a few adjustments need to be made to the source code. The old tracking remains intact for the time being. This ensures that the main tracking is not affected. [object Object] For all changes to the source code, the IT or service provider receives precise instructions from us on what needs to be changed. Generally, the Google Tag Manager code needs to be embedded, but often also the opt-out cookie. If e-commerce is being used or conversion values should be dynamically transmitted from the website, adjustments are also required for this. [object Object] The entire configuration of your new tracking is then implemented by us in the Google Tag Manager. This means we set up the Universal Analytics tag and create variables, triggers, and other tags to fulfill the specifications from the tracking concept. If we also support the client in other online marketing areas like Google AdWords, we implement this directly in the Google Tag Manager as well. This allows for easier management in the future. [object Object] Throughout the entire phase, we work closely with you and your IT to ensure a correct implementation. If questions arise on the IT side, we offer advisory support. If we maintain your website/content management system, the adjustments are naturally carried out by us. Configuration of the Used Tools With a delay to the basic setup of Universal Analytics in the Google Tag Manager, we set up a so-called test property in Google Analytics that we use to test the data we collect. If we did not do this, we would have to direct the new data into your main property. This would lead to data distortion and problems with clarity that we want to avoid. [object Object] Only when we know that all data is correctly transmitted from the Google Tag Manager to Google Analytics do we configure the Google Analytics of the main property. This is because some configurations are only possible when certain tags are configured in the Google Tag Manager. [object Object] Once the data is correctly transmitted by the Google Tag Manager, and Google Analytics is correctly configured, we inform IT that they can remove the old tracking code. Once this has occurred, we adjust the tracking in the Google Tag Manager so that the data no longer flows into the test property but into your main property. This way, we ensure that your old metrics in Google Analytics are not lost and that you can compare your new data with the old data. It should be noted that your old data may not be valid. Setting Up Reporting Part of the configuration of Google Analytics and Google Data Studio may include setting up reports. These are created according to the specifications of the tracking concept. Client Training in the Use of the Tools Once the entire tracking has been implemented, you need to understand and be able to apply the entire implementation independently. For this reason, we conduct an introduction to the implementation, depending on your previous knowledge. This includes all tools (Google Tag Manager, Google Analytics, and Google Data Studio). This is purely an introduction to the implementation. [object Object] If you as a client have very little experience in Google Analytics and, for example, no experience with Google Tag Manager or Google Data Studio, we recommend a thorough web analytics training. In this, we explain to you not only all the tools but also the basics of web analytics. Depending on the scope, this lasts between one and two days. Learn more about our Google Analytics training sessions. Phase 4 – Ongoing Support So that the new metrics from Google Analytics don't go unused after setup, we support our clients after implementation with ongoing support. This is generally done in two ways. On the one hand, we ensure that the data will continue to be collected correctly. On the other hand, we conduct more in-depth analyses. Regular Analyses and Creation of Evaluations by the Agency This allows you to focus on your reports while we conduct comprehensive web analytics for you. Here, we focus specifically on individual subareas. For example, we analyze the behavior of individual target groups, examine the behavior of users in specific areas of the website, or, alongside a custom channel attribution, develop a basis for an attribution model. In a second step, we further develop this together with you so that you can understand exactly how users come into contact with your company and how you might optimize individual channels to target users more precisely. [object Object] We also support you in areas such as A/B and multivariate testing. [object Object] As these tasks are time-consuming but also very productive, our clients gladly take advantage of our expertise and leave these tasks to us. Continuous Support in Case of Problems This topic primarily involves technical support. It often happens that errors in data collection occur due to website adjustments. This happens, for example, through renaming individual buttons, removing website elements, or a complete adjustment of a website element. Generally, IT doesn’t consider during implementation that changes might affect tracking. These errors usually become apparent to us quickly, and we can correct them in consultation with you. [object Object] What Can We Do for You? Would you like to check your tracking, significantly expand it, or simply outsource the evaluation of the data to a third party? Do you want to conduct targeted optimizations with your web analytics and thus increase your leads? Contact us , and we will be happy to advise you on how we can optimally collaborate with you.
Check Google Analytics Implementation with Screaming Frog
Sep 15, 2016

Thorsten
Abrahamczik
Category:
Web Analytics

Modern websites and content management systems have become very complex, making it challenging for users to make technical adjustments. From our day-to-day business, we know that online marketers often encounter issues, especially with tracking. But only through valid tracking can you generate clean data in the analytics tools. Only then are qualitative analyses possible. In this article, we present a method that allows you to easily check whether the Google Analytics code is installed on all pages. Furthermore, we will explain how to verify the code implementation. Screaming Frog – The Tool for SEO A well-known SEO tool is the Screaming Frog program. The main task of the tool is to crawl websites. For this purpose, a crawler (also referred to as a bot) is sent to the respective website to gather information on all subpages and their contents. Marketers can thus easily check to what extent the website has potential for SEO. In the free version, up to 500 website elements (HTML pages, images, CSS files, etc.) can be analyzed. The paid version is much more powerful and crawls all pages. Besides standard reporting, the tool offers the possibility to connect with external services such as Google Search Console and Google Analytics to obtain even more accurate analyses. Additionally, it also provides the option to conduct investigations on the website with custom filters. Essentially, this involves two different methods: Search: The affected pages are listed with URLs in Screaming Frog. Extraction: In this case, the desired content of the affected pages is displayed by Screaming Frog. Configuration of Screaming Frog Figure 1 shows Screaming Frog immediately after opening the program. By typing a URL in the bar and clicking on Start, the corresponding page or domain is immediately crawled, and initial information about the URLs flows into almost all tabs. The "Custom" tab will be important for you later. Fig. 1: The structure of Screaming Frog Identifying Pages Where the Google Analytics Code Is Missing If you want to identify pages or URLs where, for example, the Google Analytics code is not embedded, click on the "Search" button as shown in Figure 2. Fig. 2: Using custom filters in Screaming Frog In the subsequent dialog, Screaming Frog offers you ten different filters. To search for pages where Google Analytics is not installed, you only need one filter. Set the first field to "Does Not Contain" and enter the UA number of your Google Analytics property. You can also make other inputs there, but it's important that it’s something unique from the Google Analytics code. Also ensure that the entry does not match any other element in the source code. From our point of view, the Google Analytics UA number is a good choice. Fig. 3: Using the search filter in Screaming Frog If you want to check whether the Google Tag Manager is correctly embedded, you could enter "GTM-XXXXXX" as the container's ID. In this case, you are also using an element unique to the Google Tag Manager. Subsequently, under the "Custom" tab, all pages where the corresponding search term is not found will be listed. This way, you can easily identify which pages still need adjustments to achieve complete tracking. You can also go to IT with a specific action plan in this manner. Checking the Google Analytics Property ID on All Pages In the event that Google Analytics is installed on all web pages, you should additionally verify that the correct UA number is used. Mistakes can easily occur, and then you also don't have valid tracking. The "Extraction" method is perfect for this. Click on "Extraction" as shown in Figure 2. In the following dialog (Figure 4), enter "Google Analytics UA number" as an example in the first field. This field is used to name the corresponding column in the "Custom" tab. Fig. 4: Setting an extraction filter to read the value of the Google Analytics UA number In the second field, select "Regex". Regex is short for "regular expressions" and provides the opportunity to identify exact letter, number, and character combinations within a given text area, e.g., the source code of a webpage. To find Google Analytics elements on the page, use the following regex: ["'](UA-.*?)["'] This way, you can see which Google Analytics UA number is used for each page of your domain. You can easily spot any typos and correct them afterward. For the Google Tag Manager, you would use "["'](GTM-.*?)["']" as a regex filter in this case. In the next figure, you can see how the results are then displayed in the "Custom" tab. Fig. 5: "Custom" tab Conclusion Screaming Frog offers strong expandability with custom filters besides its diverse SEO analysis capabilities. Here, users can also check non-SEO content and gain insights that greatly simplify daily work. What Can We Do for You? Are you unsure if Google Analytics is correctly embedded on your site or wonder if Google Analytics tracking can be extended beyond standard tracking? Do you want to measure conversions even more accurately? Contact us, and we will be happy to advise you on checking existing tracking, creating a tracking concept, or implementing tracking. We look forward to your inquiry .
Set filters in Google Analytics
Jul 28, 2016

Thorsten
Abrahamczik
Category:
Web Analytics

Google Analytics is the most popular web analysis tool. As a website operator, you can track the behavior of your users on the site and then define appropriate measures for site optimization. To ensure you find only the relevant data in your evaluation, it is advisable to set certain filters. Why are filters in Google Analytics useful? Google Analytics collects all user data from the website without filtering. However, using all available data for analysis is not always 100% effective. [object Object] With the help of filters, you can initially pass the data through a kind of sieve so that only the values you need are displayed in your data view. Filters can generally be divided into the following main categories: Inclusive filter: only a defined filter pattern gets through Exclusive filter: the defined filter pattern is excluded Search & Replace: Google-collected labels (e.g., homepage = "/") are rewritten Lowercase: Reduces duplicate results by using all letters in lowercase A typical example of setting a filter is excluding an IP address range. This allows you to exclude data from your company or agency network if it uses a static IP. The same applies to your IT service provider, which regularly accesses the site with a static IP address without impacting site optimization. This filter is not possible with dynamic IP addresses, as they change every 24 hours. Spam or bot access can be partially excluded by filters. Many referral URLs are now recognized and published on portals that spam the site and distort your traffic. Check the referrals through which users access your website. It is common to see 1 page/session, 0:00 time on site, and almost 100% bounce rate. [object Object] From the left navigation bar, you can get an overview of referral URLs under Acquisition, All Traffic, Referrals. Fig. 1: Display Referrals in Google Analytics [object Object] You can also detect spam behavior in Google Analytics reports for "Locations," "Site Content," and "All Traffic." A common example of SPAM access is as follows: Fig. 2: Example of a Spam Access [object Object] How to exclude the IP address range for your company network If you want to check user behavior with the web analysis tool Google Analytics, access from your own network can be hindering. Internal page visits should not be equated with those of a surfing user. To ensure access from your own ranks does not show up in your data, set up a filter as follows: First, navigate to your Google Analytics account and open the admin view: Fig. 3: Admin View in Google Analytics [object Object] In the right column of the data view, you will already see the "Filters" field. Here, you can add a new filter. Set up the filter. Give it a descriptive name, choose "predefined" as the filter type, and use an "exclude" filter. Select the "begins with" command and enter the beginning of the IP address to be excluded in the last field. You should never use the "equals" command. Due to the privacy-compliant anonymization of the IP address, the last part (the last 3 digits) of the IP address is always truncated, so that the complete sequence of numbers never reaches Analytics. Fig. 4: Filter to Exclude IP Addresses [object Object] How to exclude referral URLs If you have found through checking your referral URLs that certain accesses are made by bots and thus flow into your analysis as spam, you should create a filter to exclude this data. First, collect a list of these URLs or research a list and also create a custom "exclude" filter. A filter to exclude referral URLs looks like this: [object Object] Fig. 5: Filter to Exclude Referral URLs Give a descriptive name and use the referral as the filter field. Then enter all researched URLs in the filter pattern. Separate individual URLs with a pipe (|). Add a backslash () before EVERY dot so that the dot does not act as a regular expression command. Completely refrain from spaces in the filter pattern. Unfortunately, Google Analytics only provides 255 characters for the filter pattern, so you may need to set up multiple filters for exclusions. Test filters before using them Once you have set the filters, they are immediately active. However, you cannot recover filtered data or undo the sieving effect. Therefore, we recommend that you first check the filters in a test view before applying them to the live environment. Also use a third data view that collects all your website data without filters. This way, you can still reconstruct the correct values in case of possible errors. You can read about how you should configure the data views in our article Google Analytics Basic Configuration – What You Should Consider . [object Object] What we can do for you The correct use of filters cleans your data so you can draw meaningful results from the analysis with Google. If you need support with web analysis , we look forward to your inquiry.
The recording feature of Google Tag Assistant
Jun 30, 2016

Thorsten
Abrahamczik
Category:
Web Analytics

Many companies integrate Google Analytics, a free web analysis tool, into their websites to get an overview of their visitor statistics. However, this is often where problems begin. In many cases, the tool or the tool's code is simply copied into the site's source code. This method does not take into account that the Google Analytics code needs to be placed in a specific location, nor that the IP address must be anonymized. It is also rarely considered that in certain cases the referrer, that is the reference/link through which a user came to the site, is not correctly forwarded. In this scenario, the website visitor is recorded as a direct entry and not as access via a reference. This means users are working with distorted numbers. To recognize and avoid these issues, Google offers, as mentioned in the blog article The Best Tools for Successfully Starting Web Analytics , a practical browser extension for Chrome with the Google Tag Assistant. The Functions of the Google Tag Assistant Firstly, the Google Tag Assistant provides the option to display information about all Google tags. For example, these may include the following tags, and Screenshot 1 shows the corresponding overview. You will also see the button for the record function there. Google Analytics, Remarketing, Conversion Tracking, DoubleClick, etc. Figure 1: Overview of the Google Tag Assistant [object Object] For each individual tag, you can display detailed information that informs you about the current status of the tag. The browser extension also uses a color system to show you whether the tag was implemented correctly (Green), if there are slight deviations from the implementation recommendation (Blue or Yellow), or if there are significant issues leading to errors in tag execution (Red). The level of detail in the information provided can be configured in the Tag Assistant settings for each type of tag. The Record Function As highlighted in Screenshots one and two, the tool features a record function for Google Analytics which allows for precise analysis over multiple page views. As a user, you can easily determine whether your data is being correctly captured and processed by Google Analytics. The advantage of this method: The data is measured for each Google Analytics tag individually. This means you can examine not just page visitors but also event tracking or e-commerce tracking as well. In this way, you can identify errors that you would otherwise only discover with significantly more effort. Figure 2: Recording has begun For example, this enabled us to discover an error in a client's cross-domain tracking. This was configured correctly for page view tracking but not for several event tags. This led to the referrer being correctly passed during the page view of the second domain, but not transmitted for any event tags, and here the fallback "Direct/None" was used. This demonstrably distorted the metrics in Google Analytics. After appropriately adjusting the event tags, the corresponding referrers were correctly forwarded and the metrics are now accurately reflected in Google Analytics. A beneficial feature is the ability to directly link the Tag Assistant recordings with Google Analytics. In the evaluation area of the Google Tag Assistant, you can select specific data views of your Google Analytics account. You can also transmit specific location data to check whether certain data, for example, due to IP address filters, is not being fed into Google Analytics. In this case, you can make appropriate adjustments in your Google Analytics configuration in parallel and update the recording to its latest state with a click of the refresh button. A new recording is not necessary to immediately see the results of the adjustments. Screenshot 3 shows a section of the evaluation area: Figure 3: Evaluation overview of the Google Analytics record function in the Google Tag Assistant What We Can Do for You At internetwarriors, the Google Tag Assistant with its record function is one of the standard tools in the field of web analysis and SEA. We'd be happy to review your Google implementation and highlight possible errors. If desired, we can also fix them. Improve the quality of your evaluations and accordingly also the management of your marketing budget with more accurate metrics. Contact us .
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Why Usability Is So Important for Your Website
Jun 11, 2025

Nadine
Wolff
Category:
SEO

Website usability means that users can reach their goals without frustration, overthinking, or detours—whether their goal is to get information, make a purchase, download something, or get in touch. The easier and smoother your website is to use, the more likely visitors are to stay—and come back. Good usability not only saves time but also builds trust and improves the perception of your company or brand. Especially in the digital market, just a few seconds often determine whether someone stays or leaves. Therefore, it's crucial that your website is logically structured, easy to understand, and technically impeccable—for all users, on every device. In this article, we'll provide you with an overview of the fundamentals of website usability, explain why it's so important, and outline which aspects you should consider. What is Usability? Usability can be translated as "usability" and describes the ability to achieve the desired result without difficulty. The term "user-friendliness" is also often used. Optimal usability means that a product, service, or website fulfills its intended purpose precisely. On a website, this could mean a completed purchase, the provision of relevant information, strengthening your brand, etc., depending on the intention. Usability is a key factor in determining whether and to what extent visitors engage with your website content or move on to another site. It is an important factor in customer satisfaction and website quality. A usability analysis can help identify errors, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement on the website. What does Usability encompass? Website usability includes all aspects that affect the user-friendliness of a website—how simple, understandable, efficient, and pleasant it is to use. Many factors interact to create a positive user experience. Specifically, they include: Navigation and Structure: Clear page layout (e.g., an easy-to-navigate menu, logical hierarchy), simple, logical navigation, breadcrumb navigation, and an easily searchable effective search function Layout and Design: A consistent layout across all pages, a visual hierarchy (important elements stand out), responsive design (works on all devices), and appropriate use of colors, font sizes, and spacing Content and Language: Clear, understandable language, relevant, up-to-date content, good readability (paragraphs, titles, lists), and accessibility (e.g., alt text, contrasts, keyboard accessibility) Interactivity and Feedback: Meaningful feedback (e.g., after clicks, forms), helpful and friendly error messages, and buttons and links that are clearly recognizable Loading Times and Performance: Fast loading times of pages and content and technical stability (no crashes, malfunctions) Accessibility: Support for screen readers, keyboard operability, good color contrasts, and scalable font sizes Trust and Security: SSL encryption, transparent data protection information, and a professional appearance (e.g., legal notice, contact information) Conversion Support: Clear calls to action (e.g., "Buy Now," "Learn More"), no distractions from the actual purpose of the page, and support for processes like forms or checkout What are the Goals of Website Usability? The goals of website usability are aimed at designing websites so they can be used effectively, efficiently, and satisfactorily by users. Interaction should be as intuitive as possible to lead to the desired outcome. Jakob Nielsen - one of the leading experts on usability, who has been studying the topic for decades - developed 5 key criteria of usability : 1. Learnability Goal: New users should be able to quickly understand and use the website. Navigation, structure, and functions must be intuitive . Example: A first-time visitor immediately understands where to find information or how to make a purchase. 2. Efficiency Goal: Experienced users should be able to complete their tasks quickly and effectively . Optimized workflows, fast loading times, and clear paths lead to goal achievement. Example: A repeat customer can reorder with just a few clicks. 3. Memorability Goal: Users who haven’t visited the website for a while should be able to easily use it again. This is helped by consistent design, familiar symbols, and a logical structure. Example: A user remembers how to find customer support even after weeks. 4. Errors (Error Prevention and Handling) Goal: The website should be as error-tolerant as possible and help users avoid or correct errors. This can be achieved through clear and understandable error messages, opportunities for correction, or well-thought-out forms. Example: An incomplete form clearly indicates what is missing without deleting all input. 5. Satisfaction Goal: Using the website should be a pleasant experience and generate positive feelings. An appealing design, useful content, and easy navigation lead to higher satisfaction among users. Example: A user-friendly interface with clear texts provides trust and enjoyment while using the site. How Can Usability Be Measured? Measuring usability means systematically evaluating the user-friendliness of a product or website using specific criteria, tasks, and user tests. While usability is partly subjective, it can be objectively measured if you use the right methods. Aspects of the above five listed criteria - learnability, efficiency, memorability, error prevention, and satisfaction - are often tested. Various methods are employed for measurement: Usability tests with users who have to perform specific tasks Questionnaires filled out by users after a test An expert examination based on specific criteria (does not replace user testing) Analysis of analytics and user behavior through web analysis tools, heatmaps, or mouse tracking A/B testing - different versions are tested against specific questions and data Why is Usability Important? There are numerous positive impacts of good website usability and just as many reasons why you should pay attention to good user-friendliness. It makes it easier for users to navigate your website, helps you stand out from the competition, and enhances the impression you leave on potential customers. Let's take a closer look at the individual reasons: Users Want to Be Guided A good website makes it easier for users to navigate. It allows them to quickly get to their desired goal (completing a purchase, downloading a document, finding the needed information) without thinking too much. The offered content should be self-explanatory in terms of the positive user experience. In fact, users don't want to think about how to do something on a website. They want to be guided and don't want to search laboriously for certain elements and "discover" the website on their own. They want to intuitively reach their desired goal as quickly as possible. The content offered needs to be self-explanatory for a positive user experience, and any interactive elements should be directly usable. Website Usability as a Competitive Factor The lack of willingness to stay on a website just because is partly due to the market situation. In the online world, a competitor is just one click away. Unlike a physical shopping street, there's no need to walk past a series of stores. The reality is usually different. Most companies don’t have the luxury of offering something so unique (services, physical products, digital products like apps) that users would endure a cumbersome website. Instead, well-prepared and easily accessible website content has the power to convince users to complete conversions on your site rather than a competitor's, making usability a crucial competitive factor. Your website needs to make a good impression from the first second. Many website owners are unaware that users often judge the entire company based on their first impression of the website. A poorly maintained website can negatively impact the entire company's image. Users might question whether the company is capable of offering good service if it can't even manage to keep basic things on the website in order. While this assumption is often incorrect, it illustrates the potential consequences of poor website usability. Usability is More Than Just Good Design The challenge in website design is that it's unlike any other medium because people often have different expectations for how websites are used versus how they're actually used. When website owners and designers sketch out a site, they have a certain image in mind. It's often assumed that users will study all the content thoroughly. But in reality, users often only skim through a page initially. They quickly scan the text and click on the first link that seems interesting or appears to be the closest to their searched goal. As a result, a large portion of the page might not be actively noticed by your users. How users read a webpage greatly depends on their goal in mind. They focus on words and phrases that match their personal interests, known as trigger words. If they don't find these on your website, it can still be beautifully designed and contain seemingly informative content, but it won’t hold their interest. Technical Performance is Part of Usability too Besides graphical design, technical preparation is a key aspect of usability. While large images, videos, interactive graphics, and other moving elements may look visually appealing, they significantly increase loading time. The problem is not all users have access to a fast internet connection. Ideally, a good load time is important for two main reasons: it reduces the chance that visitors lose patience and leave the website, and page load time is becoming an increasingly important ranking factor for search engines. Usability Engineering Usability engineering is a structured and systematic process for developing user-friendly systems, where the usability of a product—or, in this case, a website—is deliberately planned, tested, and improved throughout the development process. This means that usability should ideally be considered from the conception of a website or a relaunch. Good usability doesn't happen by chance; it's systematically planned and tested. SEO and Usability – A Strong Team SEO ensures the necessary flow of traffic through organic search results. But you shouldn't focus solely on generating traffic. Without usability, your visitors will quickly leave again, often without converting. If you only focus on usability, you will reach a significantly smaller group of visitors who may convert well, but due to the small number, may not generate enough revenue to financially sustain the company behind it. Choosing usability doesn't necessarily mean writing off SEO. If you think SEO is just about ranking first in Google's organic search results and driving traffic to the website, you're not thinking broadly enough. SEO measures aim not only for top placement in search results but also ensure that users can find their way around the site. This goal is shared with usability. Classic OnPage SEO measures include, for example: Clear page structure Logical navigation Breadcrumbs and HTML sitemaps Pagination Avoidance of 404 error pages Logical internal linking On closer inspection, it becomes clear that these points simultaneously significantly improve user navigation. So, there are indeed significant intersections between the two online marketing disciplines, which do not contradict each other. Good SEO specialists and user experience managers are aware of this close connection and ensure that all elements of the website complement each other effectively. Website Usability and Accessibility/Accessibility In the context of website usability, the topic of accessibility is also important. Both disciplines pursue the same goal of facilitating the use of websites, but they are approached from different perspectives: Usability aims to improve user-friendliness for as many people as possible. Accessibility seeks to make the website fully usable for people with disabilities (especially visual and hearing impairments). Numerous measures improve both web usability and accessibility (for example, a clear structure and understandable language or good contrasts). Accessibility also requires compliance with technical standards such as the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), including screen reader compatibility or alternative texts for images. Since the Accessibility Enhancement Act , you should assess (or have assessed) whether your website is not only user-friendly but also accessible. This is important to ensure that people with disabilities can use your website without restriction. Usability issues usually only become apparent when expected conversions don’t occur. Retrospective improvements can be expensive or, in extreme cases, unworkable. That's why you should focus on a good user experience at the launch or relaunch of your website. However, this doesn't mean that you should completely disregard usability in favor of SEO. Those who believe that SEO is only about ranking first in organic search results and driving traffic to the website are thinking too narrowly. In addition to good placement in organic search results, SEO measures also aim to ensure that users can navigate the website. This goal is shared by search engine optimization with usability.
Why Microsoft Advertising (Bing Ads) Should Not Be Missing From Any Marketing Mix
Jun 2, 2025

Alexander
Frank
Category:
Search Engine Advertising

Microsoft Advertising (previously known as “ Bing Ads ”) is a powerful addition to Google Ads, offering numerous advantages such as comparatively lower click prices and advanced targeting options. Are you already using Microsoft Ads, or have you limited your advertising to Google so far? In this article, we explore why it's more worthwhile than ever for companies to invest in Microsoft Advertising , what differences and benefits the platform offers, and why the topic of generative AI should not be overlooked. What is Microsoft Advertising (Bing Ads)? To begin, here's a brief overview: Microsoft Ads (formerly known as “Bing Ads”) is Microsoft's advertising platform , enabling companies to engage in search engine marketing (SEM), similar to Google Ads. Ads primarily appear on Bing's search results pages, but also on Yahoo, AOL, and partner networks, as well as in Microsoft products like Edge, Outlook, Windows, and the Microsoft Audience Network. Microsoft Advertising was launched as “Microsoft adCenter” in 2006, rebranded to “Bing Ads” in 2009, and finally to “Microsoft Ads” in 2019. With Microsoft Ads, for example, it’s possible to run keyword-based Text Ads (Search Ads) and also offers Shopping Ads that require a Microsoft Merchant Center feed, Responsive Search Ads , as well as native advertising in the Microsoft Audience Network and Remarketing . Bing in Search Engine Ranking and Technological Innovations When people search the internet, they often “Google.” Over time, the term “Googling” has become embedded in the language of most people and even made it into the 23rd edition of the Duden in 2004. It’s perhaps no surprise that “Googling” originated from the namesake search engine. Other search engines still remain in Google's shadow, often slipping from memory when it comes to marketing efforts. But is this justified? Bing may not automatically come to mind first when thinking about internet research. Nonetheless, the platform has undergone many positive changes and established itself as a solid alternative to Google. In recent years, Bing's market share has steadily grown , while Google currently remains stable (albeit at a high level). According to Statista, Bing's market share was 11.75% globally in April 2025, compared to around 8% three years prior. In Germany, Bing even holds a 15% market share . The Microsoft Search Network leveraged by Bing includes other search engines such as Yahoo!, DuckDuckGo, and Ecosia, collectively reaching a significant number of users. This enhances the opportunities for advertisers on Microsoft Ads and increases the potential visibility of their ads. While the Microsoft Search Network still falls short of Google in absolute terms, it has carved out a stable place in the market. It is expected that Bing’s market share will continue to rise, as more people seek alternative search engines in an era of growing privacy concerns. Microsoft, like Google, continually invests in technological innovations to make Bing more appealing to users. This is demonstrated not only by the new AI features continually being implemented in Bing , but also by a general massive increase in interest around Artificial Intelligence among internet users. This development naturally benefits Microsoft Ads as well. For example, Microsoft Office products offer the possibility of integrating Copilot into an extended license. Copilot is Microsoft’s AI-based agent that draws on Bing as a search engine when needed. Advantages of Microsoft Advertising over Google Ads An important factor that sets Bing apart from Google is the demographic composition of its users. While Google appeals to a broad audience, Bing is particularly popular among middle-aged individuals and business professionals . This can be advantageous for companies looking to target these specific audiences. Decision-makers and influencers can be particularly well-reached this way. [object Object] Often overlooked, but just as important: On most work PCs running Windows, Microsoft Edge is the default browser, making Bing the default search engine . Cortana also pulls its results from there. This greatly increases the likelihood that a search query on Bing will occur in a business-relevant context. Additionally, the majority of traffic consists of desktop users. These factors can further positively influence the quality of traffic . Another advantage of Microsoft Advertising is the native integration of LinkedIn targeting . As Microsoft owns LinkedIn, advertisers can access the extensive professional data of LinkedIn users and target their ads more precisely. The attributes “Job Function,” “Company,” and “Industry” are available for more tailored targeting. Bid adjustments can be used, for example, to place higher bids for particularly relevant target groups. This is especially useful when B2B marketing plays a role. However, possibly the most significant advantage is that Bing, and thus Bing Ads/Microsoft Ads, is still surprisingly underutilized by many companies. Commonly cited arguments include a comparatively low search volume compared to Google and a lack of time to create and manage a complete account setup on this platform. But therein lies a great opportunity for businesses. The much lower volume of competitors positively impacts cost per click and can help companies position successfully on Bing with relatively low budget investment, yielding significantly more sales and leads compared to Google Ads vs. Microsoft Ads - Overview of Pros and Cons: Google Ads Advantages: Higher market share, worldwide and in Germany Greater reach and traffic potential Broader range of target audiences Higher mobile user coverage Disadvantages: Higher competition and hence typically higher click prices (CPC) More complex user interface Microsoft Ads Advantages: Less competition and hence Typically more affordable CPC, especially in niche markets More cost-effective, even with smaller budgets Additional reach through other platforms/search engines like Yahoo!, MSN, and AOL Reaches an audience that may not use Google (middle-aged and Edge users) Target audience is generally older and wealthier, with many desktop users (particularly interesting for B2B and certain markets) Disadvantages: Lower market share and therefore Traffic potential Less automation and features Copilot in Microsoft Ads Microsoft Copilot is a AI-based assistant integrated into Microsoft Advertising that helps advertisers with various tasks based on campaign data, user inputs, and AI models. This includes: Campaign creation , such as automated keyword research, ad text suggestions, and the creation of Responsive Search Ads based on landing pages or product information Campaign optimization , e.g., bid strategy and budget distribution suggestions or A/B testing of ad elements Report and analysis creation , e.g., intelligent campaign performance summaries and creation of visual reports Like Google Ads, Microsoft Ads offers numerous opportunities to automate routine tasks with Copilot, saving time. Automatic intelligent analysis supports data-driven decisions. Copilot is integrated into the platform and allows for dialog-based interaction, similar to tools like ChatGPT. However, caution is advised with any AI-based automation - results should always be checked. Bid strategy suggestions must be critically evaluated to ensure that changes have the desired effect. Another example is ad text, which should always be checked for relevance to the product or service. Getting Started with Microsoft Advertising (Bing Ads) As mentioned earlier, many companies forgo advertising on Bing due to the increased setup and maintenance effort, which doesn't seem proportional to the expected return on investment. However, getting started with Microsoft Ads is surprisingly easy. An account can be created in just a few minutes, and the interface somewhat resembles Google's. So those who already advertise on Google’s platform will find navigating Microsoft Advertising straightforward. Importing Google Account Data into Microsoft Ads Additionally, Microsoft offers a useful import function that allows entire account setups from Google Ads to be mirrored into Microsoft Ads with just a few clicks. This also applies to other platforms like Facebook Ads or Pinterest Ads or uploading a completed template. This makes it particularly easy for companies with an existing Google Ads account to get started. There’s even the option to regularly import a Google account into Microsoft Ads, keeping the Bing account up-to-date with frequent changes. But beware: While Microsoft aims to make the entry into Microsoft Advertising as easy as possible and provides various tools, a certain level of account maintenance is still necessary. Importing accounts allows for a quick and easy way to advertise on Bing. However, to get the most out of the channel, Microsoft Ads should also be viewed separately and appropriate optimization measures undertaken. This ensures the target audience is optimally engaged and no potential is wasted. FAQs for Getting Started with Microsoft Ads Here are some questions our clients frequently ask about Microsoft Ads (and previously Bing Ads), giving you a deeper insight and helping you decide for or against Microsoft Advertising: For whom is Microsoft Advertising particularly worthwhile? Due to the differences in target demographics, Microsoft Ads are especially worthwhile for companies selling to B2B customers or targeting an older, more affluent audience. B2C companies can also benefit from Microsoft Advertising due to lower competition. Thanks to Bing's broader reach, Microsoft Ads are particularly effective in Germany, the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia. In contrast, reaching a younger demographic (under 25) might be more successful through Google or other channels. How effective are Microsoft Ads? Microsoft Advertising can be very effective, but the performance of your campaigns largely depends on the services or products you offer and the target group you wish to reach. The lower CPC and highly accurate B2B targeting can make Microsoft Ads very effective. We also observe from many clients a lower cost per acquisition with the same or even higher quality of leads or product purchases. If you’re unsure, we’re happy to advise whether Microsoft is a sensible addition for your business. What types of advertising campaigns are available on Microsoft? The campaign types on Microsoft are similar to those on Google Ads. Available campaign types include Search Ads, Shopping Ads, Multimedia Ads, Audience Campaigns, Remarketing Campaigns, Dynamic Search Ads (DSA), Hotel Ads, Local Ads, Performance Max Campaigns, and App Install Campaigns. Additionally, with Microsoft Ads, ads can be run on CTV (e.g., with an add-on package on Netflix). What automation options are available in Microsoft Ads? Thanks to Copilot, Microsoft offers AI-based support directly in the advertising platform. Copilot enables automated creation and optimization of ads, as well as analyses and reports. Additionally, automatic bidding strategies (Smart Bidding) are possible as in Google Ads. Campaign management can also be automated, e.g., by setting rules for activating and pausing ads. However, it's important to note that automation is not a substitute for strategy or expertise, but rather a complement to efficient work. It's crucial to regularly check whether all campaigns and ads deliver the desired performance. Is Bing/Microsoft better than Google Ads? No, Microsoft Ads are a worthwhile addition for many companies and can even be an alternative depending on orientation and target group. Both platforms have advantages and disadvantages that need to be weighed against each other. For B2B companies, but also for many other topics and industries, a combination of Google and Microsoft Ads is the optimal blend in the marketing mix. We’re happy to advise if Microsoft Ads can be effective for your business. Microsoft Ads for B2B Companies As mentioned earlier, Microsoft Advertising is a very attractive alternative or addition to Google Ads for companies with a B2B target audience. The combination of target audience, platform integration, and cost-efficiency makes Microsoft Ads, just like earlier Bing Ads, very interesting for B2B businesses. Many users in the Microsoft Search Network are doing professional work when using Windows, Microsoft Edge, Cortana, and Office. It’s an effective way to reach decision-makers and executives . The higher proportion of higher-educated and higher-earning users makes Microsoft Ads relevant for industries like SaaS, industrial, and financial services . On average, Bing users are also older than the Google target audience. The lower competition and often cheaper CPCs are very advantageous for companies with costly leads and long sales cycles . The frequently 20-40% lower click prices make better ROIs possible. The high proportion of desktop users is also an ideal match for a B2B target group, as many purchases and research activities in a business environment occur via desktop, not mobile. The combination of desktop usage in professional fields increases the conversion likelihood for users in Microsoft Ads. Thanks to LinkedIn targeting , users from specific industries or companies, with certain job titles or functions, can be specifically targeted. This segmentation is only possible with Microsoft Ads, making the platform particularly appealing for B2B companies. It is important, though: Microsoft Ads should not be viewed as a replacement for Google Ads, but as a strategically sensible addition to specifically reach a B2B audience and expand reach outside the Google universe. Why Microsoft Advertising? Bing, and consequently Microsoft Advertising, is still often underestimated today but offers many advantages. While both platforms are quite similar, there are some key differences between Microsoft Ads and the major competitor Google Ads that make Microsoft's platform a true alternative or an effective complement. To summarize: Running ads on Bing is relatively simple Cost-effective and efficient with regular account maintenance Enhanced targeting capabilities , especially relevant for a B2B target audience Differences in target audience compared to Google: generally older, higher educated, and with a higher household income Exclusive access to other search engines , e.g., DuckDuckGo and Ecosia For anyone wanting to get a step ahead of the competition, seriously considering incorporating Microsoft Advertising into the marketing mix can unlock full potential in online marketing. We’re Happy to Assist You The internetwarriors team consists of experts in various online marketing disciplines, from SEA to SEO, from workshops for service companies to strategic consulting for eCommerce companies. Our decades of expertise as a full-service agency allow us a comprehensive view of different channels and measures, and an informed comparison, such as between Google Ads and Microsoft (Bing). Have you been thinking for a while about advertising through Microsoft Ads, or would you like some preliminary advice on the topic? Then feel free to contact us, and we’ll find the right solution for your business! [object Object]
Create FAQs and improve the website’s SEO rankings
May 14, 2025

Julien
Moritz
Category:
SEO

Including FAQs on a website has many advantages. For example, they can reduce the load on customer service, increase conversions, or improve visibility in unpaid search results. This article explains in detail the various ways to create an FAQ page and how to optimize it for SEO. What is meant by FAQ? FAQ stands for “frequently asked questions” and can be translated as “commonly asked questions.” Specifically, this involves collecting the most important information on a topic and presenting it in the form of questions. These can include frequently occurring issues or the most frequently asked questions. FAQs are widespread in the software sector or other technical areas, but they can be useful for any topic and industry. One of the goals of FAQs is to answer questions from potential buyers easily, thereby reducing the burden on customer service. If a purchase has already been made and problems arise, the FAQ section prevents customer service from having to deal with the same easily answered questions. A well-prepared FAQ section benefits both users and companies. How do FAQs benefit SEO? First: Any type of relevant optimized content is positive for search engine optimization. With FAQs, you have the opportunity to cover composite keywords and phrases (long tail keywords) that a product page, for instance, does not answer. You will be found for questions that users have about a topic, such as your products or services. At the same time, you increase your authority in your field in Google's assessment because you provide a lot of relevant high-quality content. Greater authority means higher trust and thus a better chance of being found in unpaid search results even for competitive terms. Another SEO advantage is the chance of appearing as Rich Snippets on search results pages (SERPs). In the example of e-bikes, you see in the result below that two questions are displayed directly in the search result for the testberichte.de website. This gives the website more attention in the SERPs than results without this enhancement. Screenshot from the SERPs - Example E-Bikes What are the ways to integrate FAQs into a website? Depending on the purpose of the FAQs, different solutions offer themselves for integrating them on the website. Below are the most important ones and their advantages and disadvantages. Dedicated FAQ Page The first option is to create a single long FAQ page that lists all important questions. For better overview, an accordion element is often used in the layout, allowing users to expand and collapse answers to individual questions. Advantages Easy to set up and maintain Even simple questions that can be answered in one sentence are no problem for SEO Disadvantages Rarely ranks for (competitive) terms, as different topics are addressed on one page, and thus the focus is missing Fewer opportunities for good internal linking between individual questions SEO-friendly setup Each question as a sub-headline Use correct headline structure If technically possible, table of contents at the top of the page with jump marks to individual questions Where appropriate, link relevant products or services from FAQ texts Implementation of structured data (see below) FAQ Section on the Page An alternative with more SEO potential is a standalone FAQ section on the website instead of a single page. There is an overview page with all questions that link to subpages with the answers to the questions. If there are a large number of questions, they can be thematically categorized for better clarity. In the e-bike example, categories could include: General Questions, Brands, Models, Batteries, Maintenance, and Repair. Advantages Higher chance of being found for keywords More targeted optimization for keywords is possible, as longer texts are created and can be optimized for a larger number of keywords. Better usability, as no navigation on a long page is necessary Disadvantages More maintenance required, as many individual pages are created Individual FAQs require more content to avoid creating “thin content.” SEO-friendly setup Overview page with teasers and links to detailed FAQ pages with individual questions Detail pages with correct headline structure Minimum amount of content (if there are still questions with very short answers, it may be wise to exclude them from indexing) Cross-linking between similar FAQs Links to relevant product pages or services Implementation of structured data (see below) FAQ Section on Service Pages or Product Pages Product or service pages also benefit from an FAQ section. Especially if there are very specific questions about a particular product, they are well placed on the product page. They can help reduce reservations against a purchase or answer questions that would otherwise occupy customer service. In the worst case, users might bounce off if they do not find an answer to their question and purchase the product from a competitor. Advantages Expands content on these pages with useful and relevant phrases and terms Questions can appear as extensions in search results (Rich Snippets) for product pages or services, gaining more attention. Disadvantages For high-competition keyword combinations that individual FAQs are optimized for, there is a significantly lower chance of ranking than if these were created as standalone pages. SEO-friendly setup FAQ section with heading Individual questions as headlines (observe correct headline structure) Implementation of structured data (see below) FAQs as Blog Posts If the CMS does not allow a standalone FAQ area, one option is to incorporate FAQs in the form of blog posts. Each blog post answers a question for which keywords with sufficient search volume have been defined. Advantages Easy maintenance Good chance of being found Disadvantages Individual FAQs require a minimum amount of content They may get lost on the website (worse usability) SEO-friendly setup Correct headline structure Minimum amount of content Cross-linking between similar FAQs/blog posts Links to relevant product pages or services To prominently place FAQs on the website, you could create FAQ as a category in the blog and link this category page. Implementation of structured data (see below) Optimizing FAQs for Search Engines - 3 Additional Tips Above, guidelines for SEO-friendly setup of the various types of FAQ pages were already given. We want to provide you with three additional tips to take your FAQ SEO to the next level. Selecting Appropriate Questions If you have set up your FAQ section so that each question has its own page, we recommend conducting a keyword analysis to research subtopics or questions that are of interest. If you have already collected questions you know to be relevant from practice, such as those your customer service regularly receives, keyword analysis can help you describe these questions with the words your target audience uses. The goal is to identify terms or phrases that are frequently searched for. You can use these sources for your keyword analysis and question identification: Paid keyword tools Free keyword tools (such as answerthepublic) Google search results: Google suggestions, questions in the Google search SEO tools displaying competitor keywords Your own analysis tools, especially Google Search Console, which shows you which topics and questions you already have some visibility for. Screenshot from the SERPs - Example E-Bikes Using the example “E-Bikes”, you could identify this incomplete list of general topics and questions: Which e-bike is recommended? (Question in Google search results) Which e-bike motor is the best in 2022? (Question in Google search results) How much does a good e-bike cost? (Question in Google search results) Which e-bike suits me? (Keyword tool in SEMrush) How long does an e-bike battery last? (Keyword tool in SEMrush) Who repairs e-bikes? (answerthepublic) How to charge an e-bike battery? (answerthepublic) Use FAQ Markups If your CMS allows it, it is recommended to integrate structured data to help Google interpret and classify content. In the case of FAQs, the FAQPage markup ensures that Google recognizes what a question is and what an answer is, allowing this content to be classified as an FAQ. You can find detailed explanations at Google as well as on the schema.org page for FAQPage and QAPage . Structured data can be verified using Google's “Rich Results Test” tool. The tool shows which markups have been incorporated and whether they contain errors. In the example of the testberichte.de page, we see in the Google tool that the FAQ markup was used, which generates the enhanced search result: Optimize Internal Linking One of the greatest advantages of an FAQ section on the website, besides generating relevant content, is the opportunity to improve internal linking . Linking related pages within your website strengthens the linked page and also helps users find new content and stay on your website longer. Therefore, consider with each individual question whether there are meaningful products, services, blog posts, other FAQs, or other pages that you can link to from the text. To achieve good internal linking, use a descriptive link text instead of a vague text like “read more here.” To identify appropriate links, it is also wise to ask after creating the FAQ text: what is the most sensible next step for users who ask this question and have read this content? Is it a product page? Do more questions usually follow? Is the answer to the question to use your service? Content Optimization from FAQ to Blog with the internetwarriors Do you want to improve your organic visibility with optimized content? Our experienced SEO team knows all the tricks and tools to be found better on Google. We analyze your content , assist you with optimization, or provide you with relevant optimized content for your website or online shop. This could be FAQ texts, but also product descriptions or blog posts. Contact us, and we will be happy to provide you with a non-binding, customized offer! Did you enjoy the blog? Share it now! Facebook Twitter Telegram Linkedin Envelope Whatsapp AUTHOR
Why the 95:5 Rule is Revolutionizing B2B Marketing
Apr 17, 2025

Axel
Vortex
Category:
Growth Marketing

In today's B2B marketing, there is often tremendous pressure: Every lead counts, and every conversion must happen as quickly as possible. Marketing teams are gauged by short-term KPIs, and your focus is nearly exclusively on capturing the few potential clients ready to make a purchase right now. But what if this approach is fundamentally flawed and ignores the greatest growth potential? This is where the provocative yet evidence-based work of Professor John Dawes from the renowned Ehrenberg-Bass Institute for Marketing Science comes into play. His research challenges conventional wisdom and introduces the 95:5 rule: A simple yet transformative idea suggesting that at any given time, only about 5% of your potential B2B clients are actively seeking a solution in the market. The overwhelming 95% are part of your target audience but are not (yet) ready to buy. A marketing strategy focusing solely on the "hot" 5% risks overlooking the vast growth opportunities present in this larger, currently "passive" segment. You’re competing in a crowded pond for few fish, while an ocean of potential future customers is largely ignored. In this article, we dive deep into the 95:5 rule. We explore the problem of "now" obsession in B2B marketing, explain the scientific foundation of the rule, and most importantly, show you concrete, actionable strategies on how to adjust your marketing to not only serve the 5% but also win over the critical 95% for future success. The Problem: The Dangerous Fixation on the "Immediate" 5% Marketing and sales teams are under constant pressure to generate leads that quickly turn into revenue. This environment fosters an excessive reliance on bottom-funnel tactics: Performance Marketing: Paid search, retargeting. Sales Activities: Aggressive cold calling, direct approach via LinkedIn Sales Navigator. Content: Focus on product comparisons, case studies, demo requests. All these efforts target the small group of the 5% actively seeking a solution. This fixation on the "now" carries significant drawbacks: Intense Competition: Every one of your competitors is vying for the same 5%. This drives up costs for keywords, ad space, and ultimately customer acquisition costs (CAC). Lack of Differentiation: Amid the hustle of bottom-funnel offers, it becomes increasingly difficult to stand out from the competition. Messages often sound very similar ("We boost your revenue," "Our software solves problem X"). Missed Potential: The 95% not buying right now are overlooked. When these potential clients are ready to purchase in 6, 12, or 18 months, they may never have heard of your brand or formed no positive association with it. Weak Negotiation Position: If a buyer meets your brand only when deeply into the buying process and actively comparing options, your chances of winning the deal are statistically low. Brands that are familiar and trusted beforehand have a massive advantage. Solely concentrating on the 5% is a reactive approach, which incurs high costs and leaves long-term growth potential untapped. The Paradigm Shift: Understanding the 95:5 Rule The 95:5 rule is not an arbitrary number but based on extensive research by the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute, known for its evidence-based marketing principles (including Byron Sharp’s bestseller "How Brands Grow"). The core message is simple but profound: 5% are "In-Market": This group has a recognized need, is actively researching, and is ready to make a purchasing decision in the near future. 95% are "Out-of-Market": This group belongs to your potential target audience (e.g., companies of the right size and industry) but currently has no need, urgency, or awareness of a potential problem. They are, however, your future buyers. The key insight is: The 95% are not a lost group but your most important asset for future growth . If you manage to be present with this vast majority before they even think about a purchase, you have an unbeatable advantage when the need finally arises. The Solution: Building Bridges to the 95% – Marketing for the Future So how do you reach the 95% who are not actively listening right now? The answer lies in building Mental Availability . This concept, central to the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute's work, describes the likelihood that a buyer thinks of your brand in a relevant buying situation. Imagine the CTO of a manufacturing company (part of your 95%) reading a technical article about production optimization. If your ERP systems brand comes to mind positively because he recently saw an interesting ad or a relevant post from you, you’ve created mental availability. Months later, when he is actually evaluating a new ERP system (and becomes part of the 5%), your brand is already positively anchored in memory. How Do You Build Mental Availability? Broad Reach: You need to reach as many potential buyers within your category as possible, including the 95%. It’s about generating a large number of market contacts over time. Consistency: Brand building is a marathon, not a sprint. Regular presence over long periods is crucial. Distinctive Brand Assets (DBAs): These are the sensory and semantic cues that help buyers easily recognize and remember your brand without having to read the brand name. These include: Logo Color scheme (e.g., Telekom Magenta, IBM Blue) Slogan or tagline Jingles or sounds (e.g., Intel Inside) Characters or mascots Unique visual style in ads and content These DBAs must be used consistently to build strong memory structures. Linking with Category Entry Points (CEPs): CEPs are the various situations, needs, or problems that prompt a buyer to think about a specific product or service category. Examples in B2B: "We need to reduce our production costs." (--> ERP system, automation solution) "Our current software is outdated and no longer secure." (--> New software solution) "How can we make our sales processes more efficient?" (--> CRM system, sales automation tool) Effective marketing links the brand’s DBAs with relevant CEPs in the target audience’s mind. The 95:5 Rule in Practice: 4+1 Strategies for Your B2B Marketing Based on the insights of John Dawes and the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute, specific recommendations arise: 1. Rethink Success Measurement: Look Beyond Immediate Sales The greatest mistake is measuring the success of marketing activities—especially those targeting the 95%—solely by short-term sales or leads. If 95% of your audience cannot buy immediately, 95% of your efforts will inevitably have a delayed impact. What You Can Do: Measure Brand Health Metrics: Track long-term indicators like unaided brand awareness (when asked "Which providers for X do you know of?", is your brand mentioned?), aided awareness, brand image, and recognition of your DBAs. Measure Reach: What percentage of your total addressable market (TAM) do you reach with your marketing activities over time? Is this percentage growing? Measure CEP Associations: (Advanced) Understand with which buying situations your brand is associated and if you occupy the most relevant CEPs. Accept Longer Periods: Building a brand takes time. Do not expect immediate miracles but track trends over quarters and years. 2. Prioritize Reach: Speak with More Potential Clients Many B2B marketers believe in the power of high frequency—the assumption being that complex buying decisions require many touchpoints. However, Ehrenberg-Bass research shows this is often inefficient. What You Can Do: Focus on "Unique Reach": Invest your budget so you reach as many different potential buyers in your category as possible, rather than targeting a few repeatedly. The first exposure to advertising often has the most impact on memory. Further repetitions have diminishing returns. Utilize Broad Channels (sensibly): In addition to targeted performance channels, broader reach channels can also be sensible in the B2B context, such as trade media, industry newsletters, relevant podcasts, LinkedIn brand awareness ads, YouTube, or even industry-specific events. Be Patient: It takes time to achieve broad market penetration. 3. Focus on New Clients: The True Growth Engine A widespread misconception is that growth can mainly be achieved through more sales to existing clients (upselling, cross-selling). However, the data clearly show: The greatest growth potential almost always lies in acquiring new clients (penetration). What You Can Do: Primarily Align Your Marketing with Acquisition: Indeed, customer retention is important, but most of the marketing budget and strategic efforts should aim at acquiring new buyers for the brand—reaching out to the 95%. Understand the Limits of Loyalty: Existing clients often have a natural cap on what they can or are willing to buy from you. Excessive efforts to yield more from them often result in low returns. 4. Build and Defend Distinctive Brand Assets In a sea of often generic B2B messages, strong, recognizable brand elements are invaluable. What You Can Do: Identify and Define Your DBAs: What makes your brand unique and recognizable? Is it your logo, colors, slogan, a specific visual style? Use Your DBAs Consistently: Deploy these elements across all marketing channels and touchpoints—from the website to ads to sales presentations. Resist the Urge for Frequent Rebranding: New marketing leaders often want to leave their mark by redesigning everything. This can be disastrous as it destroys memory structures built over years. Instead, strengthen and nurture your existing assets. Changes should be evolutionary, not revolutionary. +1. Adapt Creativity and Messaging for the 95% How Do You Talk to People Who Have No Immediate Buying Need? Be Interesting, Not Just Sales-Driven: Provide valuable content, insights, or entertainment relevant to the industry, even if it does not directly prompt a purchase. Focus on Branding: Use creative approaches to create positive associations and embed the brand in memory. Tell stories, show expertise, build trust. Link Yourself with CEPs: Communicate in which situations your solution is relevant to set the right triggers in the target audience's mind. Less Hard-Sell, More "Always-On": It’s about continuous presence and being perceived as a helpful and competent resource. Balance Is Key: Not an Either-Or The 95:5 rule does not mean neglecting performance marketing or serving the active 5%. Quite the opposite: An optimal approach combines both: Long-Term Brand Building (for the 95%): Investments in reach, DBAs, CEP linkage, and creative brand communication. Short-Term Activation (for the 5%): Efficient performance marketing activities, sales enablement, and conversion optimization to capture demand as it arises. The art is to find the right balance and synergy between these two approaches instead of focusing on just one. Conclusion: Think Long-Term, Act Strategically The 95:5 rule by John Dawes and the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute is more than just an interesting statistic; it is a fundamental wake-up call for B2B marketing. It challenges us to rethink our obsession with immediate results and embrace a longer-term, more strategic perspective. By consciously starting to advertise for the 95%—through building mental availability, prioritizing reach, focusing on acquiring new clients, and consistently using distinctive brand elements—you lay the foundation for sustainable growth. You reduce the reliance on expensive bottom-funnel battles and increase the likelihood that your brand will be the first choice when your future clients are finally ready to buy. It’s time to end the chase for the 5% and start cultivating the ocean of the 95%. Your future self (and your sales team) will thank you for it. Sources and Inspiration This article is significantly inspired by the work and publications of Professor John Dawes from the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute for Marketing Science. His research on the 95:5 rule and the principles derived for effective marketing, especially in the B2B context, presents a valuable, evidence-based challenge to traditional marketing approaches. We encourage all marketing professionals wanting to dive deeper into this matter to engage with the publications and discussions by Professor Dawes and the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute to gain a more comprehensive understanding of long-term successful brand management.
Reddit SEO: Between Myth and Reality
Mar 27, 2025

Ina
Bondarev
Category:
SEO

Where else can you find heated debates about nuclear physics alongside cat pictures and the best baking recipes? Only on Reddit. With over 1.5 billion users, Reddit is one of the largest and most influential online communities in the world. Reddit - A gold mine of marketing potential or a minefield for companies? The platform offers enormous potential but also presents risks. Is Reddit SEO even feasible? And how can companies win over the Reddit community without breaking the rules? In this article, we will take you on an expedition through the Reddit universe and show you how to generate more traffic, enhance your brand awareness, and gain valuable leads. Discover the secrets of Reddit marketing! Reddit: Where Diverse Communities Come Together Reddit is a unique entity. Those who don't speak its language quickly get lost in the jungle of Subreddits. Understand the nuances of this platform before you start your Reddit online marketing. What is Reddit? Reddit is a social media platform where you can share, discuss, and rate content. What sets it apart: Reddit is divided into countless Subreddits – thematic communities where users exchange specific interests. From cat pictures to programming tips and political debates, you can find it all. You can create posts with videos, images, and texts, and interact with other users. Especially valuable for businesses: the intense exchange within these communities. Here, you can identify and better understand your target audience. How Does Reddit Work? Reddit has clear rules you need to follow if you want to use the platform for your marketing. The most important rules for your marketing are: Authenticity over advertising – forget about blatant promotional messages! Reddit is about authentic exchange and valuable contributions. Advertising is (mostly) taboo: Reddit supports advertising only to a very limited extent. Direct product advertising is not allowed in most Subreddits. Inform yourself about the exceptions and possibilities, such as paid ads. Here you can find the complete Reddit rules. Take the time to read them thoroughly before starting your marketing! Deep Dive into Subreddits Reddit is more than just a platform – it’s a universe of thousands of communities with their own rules and cultures. The heart of Reddit is the Subreddits – thematic communities where users exchange interests. Each Subreddit has its own rules – and you should definitely know them before interacting with the community. Humor is welcome in some Subreddits, strictly forbidden in others. Some communities value detailed contributions, while others prefer short and concise comments. Take the time to read the rules of the Subreddits you want to be active in. This will help you avoid unpleasant surprises and ensure your contributions are well-received: Fig. 1: Screenshot Reddit community rules - https://www.reddit.com/r/marketing/ Choose the right Subreddits for your topic! Reddit offers a huge selection of communities – from /r/technology/ for tech news to /r/entrepreneur/ for entrepreneurs. If you're developing software for musicians, /r/wearethemusicmakers/ is the right place to connect with potential customers. Research the relevant Subreddits and analyze the discussions there. This way, you can find out where your target audience is active and what topics interest them: Fig. 2: Screenshot - Overview of top communities ( https://www.reddit.com/best/communities/1/ ) If in doubt: Ask the mods! If you're unsure whether your post complies with a Subreddit’s rules, contact the moderators. They are happy to help. Upvotes and Downvotes are the heart of Reddit culture. They show how the community rates your posts. Constructive contributions and helpful comments are rewarded with Upvotes, spam and inappropriate behavior are penalized with Downvotes. Reddit is more than a platform for discussion and knowledge exchange. It’s a place where ideas are born, trends are set, and opinions are formed. Use the dynamics of this community to reach your target audience and advance your business. Reddit: Secret Tip for Your Online Marketing or Time Waster? Strategies Reddit can be leveraged with a bit of background knowledge about the platform. The platform polarizes – and precisely for that reason, it holds enormous potential. But how can you use Reddit for your online marketing strategy? We show you how to harness the power of Subreddits! The Secrets of Reddit Rankings Forget keyword density and CTR optimization! On Reddit, engagement and community count. These factors influence your Reddit ranking: Upvotes and Downvotes: The more Upvotes your post receives, the higher it will rank in the Subreddit. A post with many Upvotes and lively discussion will rank higher than a post with only a few Upvotes, even if it is perfectly optimized for keywords. Engagement: Reddit loves active discussions and comments. It shows that your post is relevant and interesting to the community. Encourage interaction by asking questions, responding to comments, and participating in the conversation. Recency: Reddit prefers fresh content. Older posts lose visibility over time. To keep your content ranked high, post regularly and keep your content updated. Understanding how Reddit rankings work enables you to create content that engages your target audience and drives traffic to your website. Remember, it’s not just about getting Upvotes, but also about creating valuable content that sparks conversations and builds relationships with your audience: Fig. 3: Screenshot - Overview ChatGPT community, “hot” posts - https://www.reddit.com/r/ChatGPT/ Reddit Online Marketing: An Explosive Mix for Your Business! Downvotes, Karma, Subreddits – Reddit is a world of its own. But that's precisely what makes the platform so valuable for your online marketing! It's all about authentic exchange and valuable contributions. Reddit is not a place for blatant advertising - SEO is redefined here. Those who understand this can leverage the platform: Build expertise: Become a thought leader in your community In certain Subreddits, you can position yourself as an expert by actively engaging in discussions and sharing high-quality content. Over time, you’ll be seen as a trusted voice in your niche. This pays off: Google rewards expertise with better rankings (E-E-A-T factors). Understand your target audience: Get to know your customers on Reddit Reddit is a goldmine for businesses that want to truly understand their target audience. Here, you can gain valuable insights and optimize your products/services without expensive market research. Find out what moves your customers and what topics they are interested in. Spot Trends: Stay a step ahead of the competition Reddit is known for its timeliness. Here you find the latest trends in your industry. Use this knowledge to adapt your marketing strategy and stay ahead of the competition. Google Bonus: Use Reddit SEO for your search engine optimization Google is the only search engine that indexes Reddit results. This means: If your posts are current and have many Upvotes, they can appear in the SERPs and bring valuable traffic: Fig. 4: Screenshot Google search results - “Cats community”, Reddit The secret weapon for your recruiting Forget impersonal job portals! On Reddit, you'll meet engaged talents who are genuinely interested in your company. In theme-specific Subreddits (e.g., job search), you can post job ads and connect directly with potential candidates. The reach may be smaller than on other platforms, but you’ll meet highly motivated candidates who perfectly fit your corporate culture. Note: Posting job offers is only allowed if explicitly permitted in the community rules. Are you looking for talented employees who share your passion? Then get active on Reddit! Marketing: Who Is Reddit SEO Suitable For? Reddit not only offers opportunities for recruiting but is also a valuable platform for online marketing and SEO. Startups can win their first customers on Reddit and collect valuable feedback. Large companies can use the platform to increase their brand awareness and communicate with their target audience. Your Advantages of Reddit SEO Marketing at a Glance: Build expertise: Position yourself as an expert in your industry. Understand your target audience: Get to know your customers and optimize your products/services. Spot trends: Stay a step ahead of the competition. Google Bonus: Achieve better ranking in Google search with your Reddit posts. Share your expert knowledge through theme-related case studies! Show potential customers how you can help them solve their problems. Another advantage: By being active on Reddit, you increase your visibility. However, always exercise caution: no advertising or community-disallowed actions to avoid receiving downvotes/violating rules. Reddit SEO Tools Now that we have found out that Reddit SEO is feasible, albeit with a completely different form and perspective compared to traditional SEO, it’s important to consider which specific Reddit SEO tools exist and which ones are right. Keyword Research: Indeed, you can research keywords for Reddit as well. Here, as mentioned, it's important to focus on the topic (Subreddit), relevance, and natural implementation. With the right keywords, your Reddit post can appear on Google. You can proceed traditionally and use tools like SEMRush . To understand what the most relevant keywords are, you should analyze your Subreddit and precisely filter out what can be used. The informational content is crucial, as Reddit is not an advertising platform. For research and inspiration, the tool AnswerThePublic is perfect. Here you can excellently analyze questions and derive keywords from them. You can also use Google search. You should enter the search word combination site:reddit.com (e.g., cats site:reddit.com) in the search bar and then, e.g., analyze the top threads as keywords using Google’s Keyword Planner. This gives an overview of what Reddit offers for the search query: Fig. 5: Google query - cats site:reddit.com Additionally, you can access specific keyword tools for Reddit: The tool Keyworddit offers the possibility to analyze Subreddits directly and obtain ideas comprehensively. However, it is only available for the US-American realm, meaning US-Reddits. It might also happen that the tool doesn't extract keywords from the Subreddit because it doesn’t find any. However, the listed topics can be seamlessly used further in search. Anvaka.github is another free tool that not only enables analysis and overview of posts once the Subreddit name is entered but also shows related Subreddits. This provides an easy, comprehensive overview of related topics. More general topics can be specifically used for further research. However, it might also occur that no thematically related Subreddits are found. In summary, when choosing a Reddit SEO tool, you have relative freedom. Even if a direct Subreddit SEO analysis cannot be conducted (e.g., because no data is available), you can still identify the keywords that are relevant and have sufficient search volume for the topic. The focus should be on informational content, long-tail keywords, thematic alignment, non-branded keywords, and W-question keywords. Therefore, it’s worth focusing on keyword tools. If you are interested in the topic of keyword research, check out our blog post with insider knowledge ! Behind the Scenes of Reddit SEO: Benefits & Challenges It's always valuable to know what opportunities you have when undertaking certain steps. Even more interesting is the question of the risks: Are they worth it? For this reason, we have critically examined Reddit SEO to succinctly point out the pros and cons: Benefits Reddit can be an effective SEO tool when used correctly. By actively participating in thematically appropriate Subreddits, you can not only generate valuable traffic but also establish authority in your niche. With a clever strategy, you can discover and leverage the following advantages of Reddit SEO: 1. Backlinks: Among the advantages of Reddit SEO optimization, backlinks certainly count. Despite the nofollow links, it generates significant referral traffic. 2. Authority and Expertise: By actively engaging in communities, answering questions, and crafting content, you can position yourself as an expert and thus indirectly influence the E-E-A-T factors. 3. Google Rankings: It should not be forgotten that Google can rank Reddit posts relatively high (conditional relevance). 4. Trends: There is the possibility of going viral with the post and keeping an eye on trends. Challenges However, SEO on Reddit is anything but intuitive. The benefits face challenges and there are additional hurdles you may encounter: 1. Backlinks: This is also a disadvantage because Reddit undermines self-promotion and "blatant" link placement (always consider community & mentioned Reddit rules). 2. Guidelines: Strict rules and moderators in the respective Subreddits should never be overlooked or neglected. 3. Downvotes: You can also be downvoted. 4. Time: It’s quite time-consuming to achieve sustainable SEO successes. 5. Subtle Difference: You must carefully distinguish between measures for a company on Reddit, a person on Reddit, and a person from a company, because not everything fits or can be implemented (in traditional form or known from other platforms/websites). 6. Traditional SEO doesn't work in the Reddit community. Your Small SEO Guide for Reddit Now that Reddit and its peculiarities are clear, we can derive some results and thus give you a small SEO guide for Reddit: 1. If you decide on an account on Reddit , choose the right niches or communities so you not only share a wavelength with other participants but also remain specific and precise in your comments, posts, and discussions. Golden Rule: When sharing and writing content, remember to stay factual and informative, as Reddit users particularly appreciate added value. 2. Optional: If you manage to become an active participant in the community, you can try to set a natural link (not a blatant link) to your company. However, ensure it’s not an advertisement, but an added value (e.g., case study, sharing knowledge, etc.). Subreddits like AMA (Ask Me Anything) or a thematically relevant community can be well-suited for this. Always bear in mind that such measures can involve certain risks. Thus, it is recommended as an optional measure. 3. Think outside the box : This could really be the restart for your SEO strategy. With Reddit, you can conduct relatively good target audience analyses, especially among very specific target groups (thanks to Subreddits). Moreover, you can also clear up specific questions since experts frequent Reddit. By actively and usefully participating, you can also become an expert or a thought leader. Ideas for topics for keyword searches can also be found in some Subreddits, as many relevant and interesting topics are discussed daily. At a Glance: The question "Can I do Reddit SEO for my product/service?" can probably be answered more with " no ", because you don’t really have the means to do so, and if you do, then only indirectly (especially connected with time effort). Direct Reddit online marketing is thus not possible. More important, however, is how you integrate and use Reddit in your SEO strategy. Our conclusion is: no classical SEO measures on Reddit but use Reddit for SEO measures. Get to know your own target audience better, never miss important trends again, and don’t forget that in principle, you can also monitor opinions on your brand or product in specific Subreddits! Harness the potential of Reddit and improve your website's performance! With Reddit SEO, It Doesn’t End! Are you curious about what else our warriors team knows and can do, or are you perhaps seeking targeted support in the area of SEO , Paid , Strategy , or Web Analysis ? Feel free to check out our services and get a non-binding and free initial consultation from our experts!
Website Optimization - Effectively Boost Conversions
Mar 21, 2025

Alexander
Frank
Category:
Search Engine Advertising

Welcome to the fifth and final post of our blog series “5 Tips on How to Keep Your Online Marketing Strategy Relevant in Times of Automation” . In this part, we focus on Website Optimization . We discuss why it's important to keep an eye on the competition, the ways to identify them, and how we can leverage insights to gain advantages. If you missed the previous parts of the series, feel free to check them out. We talk about why it's important to define the right business goals , the benefits of broadening your online marketing channels , why contextual advertising is often underestimated, and how a competitor analysis can provide a competitive edge. Optimizing Your Content Arguably the most important aspect of optimization is undoubtedly one's own website. No matter how much effort we put into optimization measures before the click - if the foundation, the website, is not right, we cannot be successful in the long run. Therefore, it's essential to make the user experience on our website as smooth, enjoyable, and intuitive as possible. It starts with user-friendly navigation that guides users clearly and directly through the pages to their intended goal. An optimized checkout process, guest checkouts , as well as up-to-date and secure payment methods , also help to reduce cart abandonment hurdles. To ensure everyone finds what they need quickly on our site, it might also be worthwhile to implement an intelligent site search that provides suggestions during the actual search and, in some cases, shows product recommendations directly. We'll see what such an intelligent search looks like in the following example from Nike. But even on specific landing pages, where we either advertise strategically or want to push in other ways, there are additional content optimization measures: Clear and compelling offer Effective call-to-actions Adequate information for informed (purchase) decisions Trust-building elements Fast load times + Mobile optimization A/B testing! The Impact of FAQs Today, we have less and less time to convince people of our offer. Therefore, it's all the more important to answer as many questions as possible already on the landing page. FAQs, for example, in an “accordion element,” help provide as much information as possible that users can expand when needed without being overwhelmed by walls of text. At this point, the importance of A/B testing for landing page optimization should be highlighted . They serve as one of the key elements for improving performance and should always be an integral part of optimization measures. All major companies have likely subjected their landing pages to hundreds or thousands of tests, and for good reason. Quick tip : External tools like Hotjar or Microsoft Clarity help enormously in better understanding user behavior on the site and making data-driven optimizations. The content available on landing pages should also depend on the target audience the page is intended for. Providing Solutions & Contact Options When generating leads, we should ensure we provide adequate contact opportunities . A persistent contact field can be helpful here, allowing users to establish contact when they're ready without having to search. This is particularly relevant for pages with a large amount of text content. Here, we also bridge to target group definition from Tip #2. On our landing page, we now have the opportunity to understand the pain points of our target group and present solution approaches . An effective means can also be showing opportunity costs if a collaboration is foregone. It quickly becomes clear how the service could impact one's own company and how much working hours and/or money can be saved. By sharing expert knowledge, such as case studies, white papers, or webinars , we not only inform and qualify our target group in advance but also create a higher level of trust. This is especially important in B2B, as the costs for offered services can easily reach six to seven figures in euros, and decisions are often made at the highest business levels. Those who score with their expertise in advance significantly increase their chances of being commissioned. On product pages, alongside many of the previously mentioned points, the following content optimization options can also be added: High-quality product images Detailed product descriptions Encouraging/displaying customer reviews Product recommendations/similar products/“Often bought together” Product videos Price and market analyses Clear, customer-friendly return policies Focusing on Customer Satisfaction We should make it as easy as possible for users to decide whether the product is relevant or not. Above all, high-quality content on the product page helps. The impact of customer reviews should also never be underestimated, especially for high-priced products. Nowadays, many people compare products in advance, and one of the crucial criteria is often a good product rating. Not only do we benefit to some extent from user-generated content, but we also have the opportunity to see what customers appreciate about our product and, importantly, where we can still improve. Those who actively reach out to their customers, take suggestions for improvement, and then implement them, increase long-term customer satisfaction and thus also customer loyalty . Speaking of customer satisfaction: A good customer support is, of course, essential for long-term success. If we receive an inquiry from a dissatisfied customer, we have the chance to turn the negative experience into a positive one. This not only leads to a better customer experience but often also reflects in customer reviews, which can directly impact the purchase decision and give the brand a more positive image. Through email marketing or newsletters , we effectively reach existing customers and prospects, announcing new products or promotional offers. Often, such offers are exclusively available to newsletter subscribers, which can positively impact the signup rate. This way, we gather more customer data without significant monetary additional costs while simultaneously providing attractive offers. With loyalty programs , customers can be retained long-term by the company, increasing the number of repeat buyers. These programs range from points for purchases to referring other people to cashback promotions or subscriptions with additional benefits or discounts. There are therefore manifold website optimization possibilities that can help improve the user experience, increase CLTV, and thus also have a direct impact on various marketing channels. As mentioned earlier, website optimization is undoubtedly one of the most effective measures to improve performance since it is the place where most users ultimately convert one way or another. Conclusion In conclusion, we return to the initial question: Will online marketing become obsolete due to developments in AI and automation ? Here we can reply with a resounding NO . Those who rely solely on automation and AI for their marketing strategy will lose in the long run. While all the new AI features are indeed helpful and can enrich online marketing, they are not the ultimate solution. The heavy reliance on data, on which AI is based, enables the processing of countless pieces of information, but it is also its greatest weakness. Many data points are often inaccessible, and important connections are thus lost. Apart from advertising platforms, there are many other optimization possibilities that should be utilized to get the most out of one's strategy. Ultimately, only the proportion of work shifts from operational to strategic . And for that, at the end of the day, you still need a human with experience. Thank you for your attention! We hope you enjoyed our blog series on “5 Tips on How to Keep Your Online Marketing Strategy Relevant in Times of Automation” and that you can not only justify your marketing job better to your boss but also take away a trick or two. If you haven't seen our other blog entries yet, feel free to check them out! Automation in Marketing - Part 1 | Optimize for Goals [object Object] Automation in Marketing - Part 2 | Channel Diversification [object Object] Automation in Marketing - Part 3 | Contextual Advertising [object Object] Automation in Marketing - Part 4 | Competitor Analysis [object Object] Automation in Marketing - Part 5 | Website Optimization for More Conversions Did we forget something important, or do you have further questions on any of the topics? Then feel free to write it in the comments!
Competitive Analysis: Understanding Competitors, Optimizing Strategies & Strengthening Market Position
Mar 18, 2025

Alexander
Frank
Category:
Search Engine Advertising

Welcome back to our blog series “5 Tips on How to Keep Your Online Marketing Strategy Relevant Even in Times of Automation”! In this part, we focus on a often underestimated yet essential topic: Competitive Analysis. Why is it so important to keep a close watch on the competition? What tools and methods can help identify relevant competitors? And above all: How can strategic advantages be derived from these insights? This is exactly what we will explore in this post. If you missed the previous parts of our series, feel free to take a look - there we discuss, among other things, why clear business goals are essential, how to optimally position your online marketing channels , and why Contextual Advertising is often underestimated. Competitive Analysis - What is the competition doing? Competition is well-known for driving business. While this is often a blessing for end consumers, it has already broken many companies as their product suddenly became irrelevant, and thus their customers stayed away. Therefore, it is essential to never lose sight of your own competition and to regularly look out for new, emerging companies. A so-called competitive analysis is recommended for this purpose. First of all, it is necessary to identify your competitors . There are numerous ways to do this. Anyone already using Google Ads can easily access the auction insights within the campaigns and see which companies are actively participating in the auctions and how aggressively they are doing so. The metrics “ Top of page rate ” and “ Absolute top of page rate ” help us here by indicating how often we appear in the auctions either in the first three results, or even at the very top. By looking a bit more closely, we can even determine if we might be overbidding and artificially driving prices up. [object Object] Other ways to understand the competitor's approach If you're interested in what type of advertising the competition is running and what images and texts are being used, the ad libraries of all major advertising platforms are recommended. There, we can see exactly which ads have been played by other companies, completely effortlessly and for free. For example, the Google Ads Transparency Center and the Meta Ads Library are mentioned here. But additional information such as rough target groups, estimated budgets, and targeting options can also be gleaned there, albeit not in detail. Other platforms like LinkedIn or TikTok also have such libraries that are extremely helpful for competitor analysis. Other options include external tools (e.g., Semrush, Similarweb, Ahrefs), generative AI tools (Google Gemini, ChatGPT), or simply the classic Google search . This allows us to see aside from Google Ads who potentially appears with us in auctions, or which companies also rank organically or show presence in another form for relevant search queries. We can also relatively simply identify and use the relevant content of the competition for our analysis. Once the competitors are identified, we can start the actual competitive analysis and thus gain a better overview of the competitive environment we are operating in. Topics we should look at more closely include, among others: Website - What does the site look like? Is it a one-pager, or does it have a more complex design? Is the navigation simple, or rather more nested? How high is the informational content? What kind of approach is used? How easy is it for a user to convert? Marketing Strategy - What fundamental goals are pursued? Which actions are potential users supposed to take on the website (appointment requests, demos, downloading informational materials, product purchases, etc.)? Online Marketing Activities - Which channels are being played, which advertisement formats are used? Social Media Presence - What topics are covered? What works well, what doesn’t (engagement)? Where are there still gaps for our own positioning? Price and Offer Structure - Are discounts or other promotions frequent? Does the quality justify the prices, or is there an increasing reliance on low-priced products? Customer Reviews and Feedback - What do the customers say about this competitor? What do they like, what do they criticize? Summarize and keep an overview For better visibility, we can also summarize the insights gained in a classic SWOT analysis to visualize the current situation. This helps us to understand the status quo more easily, highlight our own strengths better, and identify potential gaps . Additionally, it can be worthwhile not only to compare the competitors to our own company but also to compare them with each other as part of the competitive analysis. This way, we may recognize commonalities and overlaps on which we should particularly focus. These analyses help us to gain a better understanding of our own USPs . Moreover, we can discover new potentials and play segments or products that have hardly existed until now. Based on this, we optimize our marketing strategy and in some cases can even predict new trends . If we discover significant differences in the price structure compared to our competitors, it becomes easier for us to justify our own prices . Perhaps our products are indeed more expensive than those of the competition, but in return, they are more robust and durable. This can be effectively communicated. We learn from the weaknesses and mistakes of our competitors through customer feedback and can ideally profit from them. By targeting communication that addresses the exact problems and concerns of the target group, we gain a competitive advantage and ensure better customer satisfaction and loyalty from the very beginning . By implementing the measures defined from this, not only do we ideally save a lot of money and tons of nerves, but we also free up time for the really important things, namely providing the best possible experience for the customers and also the employees within the company. Thank you very much for your attention! Hopefully, it was insightful, and you could take something away for yourself! In the fifth and final part of our mini-series, we will delve deeper into the topic of optimizing your own website . Our previous post on the topic of Contextual Advertising follows. Have we forgotten something important, or do you have questions on the subject? Then feel free to write it to us in the comments! If you want to get in direct contact with us, feel free to check out our contact form. We help you better understand your competitive situation and benefit from it, so you can get the most out of your online marketing strategy - simple and non-binding! [object Object]
Contextual Advertising: How Context-Based Advertising Works
Mar 12, 2025

Alexander
Frank
Category:
Search Engine Advertising

In this article, we take a closer look at Contextual Advertising. We will discuss the advantages of this advertising form and highlight some providers and opportunities that are particularly suitable for it. If you missed the previous parts of the series, feel free to check them out. There, we talk about why it is important to define the right corporate goals and the benefits of broadening your online marketing channels . Contextual Advertising With stricter data protection laws and the resultant increasing targeting restrictions , as well as the trend of many marketing platforms to automate and broaden campaign distribution, it becomes even more crucial to reach the right target audience at the right time and to minimize scatter losses as effectively as possible. But what are the options for targeting one's audience more effectively? This is where Contextual Advertising comes into play. In this form of advertising, ads are not displayed based on users' demographic data, preferences, and interests, but the algorithm primarily focuses on the current context of the page - which gives it the name “Contextual” Advertising. This means that websites are categorized based on various factors. These could be, for example: Product categories Images Text passages Specific keywords in the running text. After a successful categorization, ads that match the page content are played. In the example above, we see a NIKE advertisement placed in an article about the major running shoe test of 2024. It can be assumed that people interested in this article are also more likely to be interested in purchasing new running shoes in the near future. Thus, there is a match between the advertised ad and the purchase intention. The fact that the ad often blends seamlessly into the actual content of the website additionally reduces friction and enhances the coherence between advertising and content. Numerous studies have already shown that this positively impacts user perception and can increase purchase readiness. As mentioned earlier, Contextual Advertising helps to create as much relevance as possible for the target group while impacting the user experience minimally, and ideally even improving it. Additionally, it offers a good opportunity to position your brand in a targeted and brand-safe manner, thus avoiding unnecessary scatter losses. Since it completely dispenses with the use of cookies , this form of advertising is significantly more future-proof and robust against the increasing restrictions on third-party cookies. The question of the right channel for Contextual Advertising often cannot be answered universally but depends on many factors. On the one hand, there are the classic providers such as Google Ads or Microsoft Advertising , which enable contextual advertising. Here, targeting by keywords or specific placements is available. From experience, Google's keywords are often interpreted very “broadly,” which can make this type of targeting quite inaccurate. Advertising via placements works better. For example, offering moving services could achieve above-average campaign results on sites dealing with apartment searches, house buying, and similar topics. Other providers have almost exclusively specialized in Contextual Advertising. The most well-known among them are probably Criteo and GumGum , which have developed more advanced algorithms for website categorization, thus ensuring a significantly better match between content and ads . This is particularly worthwhile if the product range is quite broad. But what options are there if we offer a very “niche” service? Reddit offers the possibility, for example, of reaching people who have viewed or interacted with specific subreddits. Since Reddit is generally a platform with relatively higher engagement rates, this can positively affect ad perception and interaction. Although it's not possible to exclusively target specific subreddits here, higher relevance for the target group is still given by the fact that interaction with a subreddit already assumes a higher interest . Companies that sell tech products or gaming accessories could also find a promising channel in Twitch . Originally started as a purely gaming platform, Twitch has significantly expanded its offerings, but for many tech-savvy individuals, it remains a very relevant channel in the entertainment routine. And who hasn’t wanted a setup like their favorite streamer? Often unjustly underestimated, (Digital) Out of Home Advertising, also known as (D)OOH , is still often treated very negligently. What used to be indispensable in the form of billboard advertising in any marketing mix has lost significant popularity since the introduction of digital marketing, but has been on the rise again in recent years. More and more companies are recognizing the advantages of well-placed outdoor advertising, especially since the introduction of digital screens, which opens up a whole new range of possibilities. Suddenly, it is possible to advertise very dynamically at specific locations or at relevant times, reaching exactly the right target group at that moment. McDonald's demonstrated impressively a few years ago that this approach can work. Thank you very much for your attention! Hopefully, it was informative, and you could take something away from it! In the fourth part of our miniseries, we will take a closer look at competitive analysis . Have we forgotten something important, or do you still have questions on the topic? Feel free to write it in the comments! If you want to get in touch with us directly, feel free to visit our contact form . We help you to position your brand even more effectively with Contextual Advertising so that you can get the most out of your online marketing strategy - simply and without obligation!
Google Premier Partner 2025
Mar 11, 2025

Axel
Vortex
Category:
Inside Internet Warriors

internetwarriors GmbH is a Google Premier Partner 2025 As a Google Premier Partner 2025, we at internetwarriors GmbH are among the top 3% of all Google partner agencies in Germany. But what exactly does this mean for you, and why is it so important to choose an agency with premier status for your Google Ads campaigns? What does Google Premier Partner 2025 actually mean? The Google Premier Partner status is the highest accolade that Google awards to agencies within its partner program. This status honors agencies that are particularly successful in digital marketing and achieve outstanding results for their clients. As a Google Premier Partner 2025, internetwarriors receives exclusive access to Google tools, training, and support, which in turn allows us to make your campaigns even more successful. Why you benefit from a Google Premier Partner agency A Google Premier Partner agency offers you significant advantages over other agencies: Exclusive access to advanced Google resources and tools Direct contact with Google experts for quick and effective problem solving Early information about the latest Google Ads features and beta functions Deep expertise and continuous training of our staff directly by Google Our Google Ads services – specialized and tailored for you Our core competency as a Google Premier Partner 2025 lies in Google Ads. We develop and optimize search ads, display ads, YouTube ads, and shopping campaigns to ensure your company’s sustainable online success. Here’s what sets us apart as a Google Premier Partner: Search Ads [object Object] Search ads are among the most efficient methods of directly reaching your target audience. As a Google Premier Partner, we know exactly how to optimally align your ads with your target group. This way, you reach qualified users who are actively searching for your offerings. [object Object] >> More information about Search Ads Display Advertising [object Object] With targeted display campaigns, we increase your visibility in the Google Display Network. Our specialists create ads precisely tailored to your target audience to strengthen your branding and unlock new customer potentials. [object Object] >> More information about Display Campaigns YouTube Ads [object Object] YouTube is an excellent platform to reach users with video ads. As a Google Premier Partner, we create creative and attention-grabbing video campaigns perfectly aligned with your brand. [object Object] >> More information about YouTube Ads Google Shopping [object Object] Especially in the e-commerce sector, Google Shopping campaigns are crucial for success. We support you with setup, optimization, and management of your shopping ads to sustainably increase your sales. [object Object] >> More information about Google Shopping Our proven Google Ads process Analysis and Strategy: Every successful campaign begins with a comprehensive analysis of your current measures. We analyze the status quo, define clear goals, and develop a bespoke strategy tailored precisely to your business. Implementation and continuous optimization: As a Google Premier Partner, we use advanced analytical methods to continuously optimize your campaigns. Through data-driven reporting, we adjust keywords, ads, and landing pages precisely to your target audience. Monitoring and transparent reporting: We provide you with regular detailed reports, allowing you to track how your campaigns are developing and how your marketing budget is being efficiently used. This way, we always keep an eye on success together. Successes we can achieve together with you Our collaboration as a Google Premier Partner means we deliver measurable results: Higher visibility with your target audience Significantly improved conversion rates Increasing revenues while simultaneously reducing cost per conversion Optimal use and management of your advertising budget Real-world examples – successes of our clients with Google Ads Our clients benefit directly from our Premier Partner status. For instance, through collaborations with companies from various industries, we've achieved successes such as a revenue increase of up to 35% or a reduction in cost per conversion by up to 50%. A look behind the scenes: How we work Strategy development: We start with a thorough analysis of your current Google Ads campaigns and market position. Based on this, we create an individual strategy that optimally supports your goals. Campaign design: As a Google Premier Partner, we develop creative and effective campaigns precisely tailored to your target audience. We benefit from exclusive Google insights and the latest tools. Ongoing support and optimization: Our experts regularly analyze your campaign results and continuously adjust ads and strategies to ensure maximum performance. Transparent results: You receive detailed reports that transparently present all results and provide full transparency over your investments. Why you should talk to us now The Google Premier Partner status 2025 is a quality seal that ensures safety and success for you. Now is the perfect time to take your Google Ads campaigns to the next level with the support of internetwarriors. Together, we develop your individual strategies, boost your performance, and ensure that your business grows sustainably. Take advantage of a Google Premier Partner agency now and schedule a non-binding consultation with our Google Ads experts today. Together, we will set your online marketing on the path to success. For more information and contact options , please visit our website: www.internetwarriors.de.
Channel Diversification in Online Marketing
Mar 7, 2025

Alexander
Frank
Category:
Search Engine Advertising

Putting everything on one card means you're either very lucky or could quickly lose a lot of money. The same applies to online marketing. Focusing solely on one channel allows you to concentrate all your attention there, but it also carries significant risks . If there's an issue with that channel, your entire outbound marketing effort could quickly come to a halt. So if you rely solely on that for customer acquisition, you might soon find yourself in a pickle. That's exactly why it makes sense to broaden your marketing strategy through channel diversification . Besides risk mitigation in the event of failures, there are additional advantages such as: Greater Reach - Certain target groups prefer specific channels. By diversifying, you can reach more users, and thus potential new customers. Higher Brand Awareness - A consistent message across multiple channels strengthens brand identity and increases visibility. More Data-Driven Insights - Different channels provide unique perspectives on data, enabling additional insights that help make more informed decisions. Better Customer Engagement - Engaging with users across multiple channels can lead to potentially more personal interactions and thus a stronger connection to the company. Potentially Higher ROI - Data-driven decisions across multiple channels often lead to increased efficiency in online marketing efforts, resulting in higher profits. Choosing Suitable Channels Which channel we should consider for diversification usually depends on what goal we want to achieve with it. Where do we see the greatest potentials , the best chance to position ourselves as a brand, or possibly even those so-called "low hanging fruits"? Are there channels where there are currently few competitors? One way to choose the most suitable channels is to be guided by the classic marketing funnel - depending on which step the target group is in and which conversion actions we particularly want to promote. It's also advisable to regularly check whether the current target group definition is still accurate or needs to be adjusted. Because requirements, needs, and search behavior can change over time . This allows us to observe a potential shift in the target group and respond accordingly. In some cases, the target group defined in advance differs from the actual group we reach and convert. The ideal customer can be determined by various factors, such as: Demographic data (age, gender, location, family status...) Interests Purchase behavior/purchasing power Lifestyle ... This is where you need to discover further potentials and expand existing ones. There may also be niche target groups that are highly relevant to us. The advantage here: Generally, competition is lower, which can lead to lower customer acquisition costs. By identifying the pain points of the target groups, we can also tailor the messaging of campaigns and creatives precisely to them . This can lead to more relevance, higher interaction, and, at best, a better ROI. Adhering to Rules As we can see, channel diversification is extremely important in marketing. However, we should observe two rules: Channel diversification should always be well thought out and not done just for its own sake . Expanding immediately to multiple platforms carries the risk of being overwhelmed and not doing justice to the nuances of each channel. This could quickly lead to undesirable results, causing the channels to be shut down before they have reached their full potential. It is also important to give the channel sufficient time . Rarely does the first attempt succeed directly, and adaptations and optimizations along the way are essential. Only after going through several optimization cycles and gathering sufficient data can we fairly assess the channel's performance and make sensible decisions. Of course, channel diversification also requires a certain investment. As mentioned above, it depends on many factors how many and which channels are suitable for diversification. Additionally, these differ individually from company to company and should therefore be carefully examined and considered beforehand. But if we approach it correctly, it can be more than worth it in many cases. Thank you for your attention! Hopefully, it was insightful, and you could take something from it! In the third part of our mini-series, we'll delve further into the topic of Contextual Advertising . You can find our previous post on Business Goals here . Did we forget anything important, or do you have further questions on the topic? Feel free to leave it in the comments! If you'd like to get in touch with us directly, feel free to visit our contact form . We'll help you find the right marketing channels for your company so you can get the most out of your online marketing strategy - easily and without obligation!
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Why Usability Is So Important for Your Website
Jun 11, 2025

Nadine
Wolff
Category:
SEO

Website usability means that users can reach their goals without frustration, overthinking, or detours—whether their goal is to get information, make a purchase, download something, or get in touch. The easier and smoother your website is to use, the more likely visitors are to stay—and come back. Good usability not only saves time but also builds trust and improves the perception of your company or brand. Especially in the digital market, just a few seconds often determine whether someone stays or leaves. Therefore, it's crucial that your website is logically structured, easy to understand, and technically impeccable—for all users, on every device. In this article, we'll provide you with an overview of the fundamentals of website usability, explain why it's so important, and outline which aspects you should consider. What is Usability? Usability can be translated as "usability" and describes the ability to achieve the desired result without difficulty. The term "user-friendliness" is also often used. Optimal usability means that a product, service, or website fulfills its intended purpose precisely. On a website, this could mean a completed purchase, the provision of relevant information, strengthening your brand, etc., depending on the intention. Usability is a key factor in determining whether and to what extent visitors engage with your website content or move on to another site. It is an important factor in customer satisfaction and website quality. A usability analysis can help identify errors, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement on the website. What does Usability encompass? Website usability includes all aspects that affect the user-friendliness of a website—how simple, understandable, efficient, and pleasant it is to use. Many factors interact to create a positive user experience. Specifically, they include: Navigation and Structure: Clear page layout (e.g., an easy-to-navigate menu, logical hierarchy), simple, logical navigation, breadcrumb navigation, and an easily searchable effective search function Layout and Design: A consistent layout across all pages, a visual hierarchy (important elements stand out), responsive design (works on all devices), and appropriate use of colors, font sizes, and spacing Content and Language: Clear, understandable language, relevant, up-to-date content, good readability (paragraphs, titles, lists), and accessibility (e.g., alt text, contrasts, keyboard accessibility) Interactivity and Feedback: Meaningful feedback (e.g., after clicks, forms), helpful and friendly error messages, and buttons and links that are clearly recognizable Loading Times and Performance: Fast loading times of pages and content and technical stability (no crashes, malfunctions) Accessibility: Support for screen readers, keyboard operability, good color contrasts, and scalable font sizes Trust and Security: SSL encryption, transparent data protection information, and a professional appearance (e.g., legal notice, contact information) Conversion Support: Clear calls to action (e.g., "Buy Now," "Learn More"), no distractions from the actual purpose of the page, and support for processes like forms or checkout What are the Goals of Website Usability? The goals of website usability are aimed at designing websites so they can be used effectively, efficiently, and satisfactorily by users. Interaction should be as intuitive as possible to lead to the desired outcome. Jakob Nielsen - one of the leading experts on usability, who has been studying the topic for decades - developed 5 key criteria of usability : 1. Learnability Goal: New users should be able to quickly understand and use the website. Navigation, structure, and functions must be intuitive . Example: A first-time visitor immediately understands where to find information or how to make a purchase. 2. Efficiency Goal: Experienced users should be able to complete their tasks quickly and effectively . Optimized workflows, fast loading times, and clear paths lead to goal achievement. Example: A repeat customer can reorder with just a few clicks. 3. Memorability Goal: Users who haven’t visited the website for a while should be able to easily use it again. This is helped by consistent design, familiar symbols, and a logical structure. Example: A user remembers how to find customer support even after weeks. 4. Errors (Error Prevention and Handling) Goal: The website should be as error-tolerant as possible and help users avoid or correct errors. This can be achieved through clear and understandable error messages, opportunities for correction, or well-thought-out forms. Example: An incomplete form clearly indicates what is missing without deleting all input. 5. Satisfaction Goal: Using the website should be a pleasant experience and generate positive feelings. An appealing design, useful content, and easy navigation lead to higher satisfaction among users. Example: A user-friendly interface with clear texts provides trust and enjoyment while using the site. How Can Usability Be Measured? Measuring usability means systematically evaluating the user-friendliness of a product or website using specific criteria, tasks, and user tests. While usability is partly subjective, it can be objectively measured if you use the right methods. Aspects of the above five listed criteria - learnability, efficiency, memorability, error prevention, and satisfaction - are often tested. Various methods are employed for measurement: Usability tests with users who have to perform specific tasks Questionnaires filled out by users after a test An expert examination based on specific criteria (does not replace user testing) Analysis of analytics and user behavior through web analysis tools, heatmaps, or mouse tracking A/B testing - different versions are tested against specific questions and data Why is Usability Important? There are numerous positive impacts of good website usability and just as many reasons why you should pay attention to good user-friendliness. It makes it easier for users to navigate your website, helps you stand out from the competition, and enhances the impression you leave on potential customers. Let's take a closer look at the individual reasons: Users Want to Be Guided A good website makes it easier for users to navigate. It allows them to quickly get to their desired goal (completing a purchase, downloading a document, finding the needed information) without thinking too much. The offered content should be self-explanatory in terms of the positive user experience. In fact, users don't want to think about how to do something on a website. They want to be guided and don't want to search laboriously for certain elements and "discover" the website on their own. They want to intuitively reach their desired goal as quickly as possible. The content offered needs to be self-explanatory for a positive user experience, and any interactive elements should be directly usable. Website Usability as a Competitive Factor The lack of willingness to stay on a website just because is partly due to the market situation. In the online world, a competitor is just one click away. Unlike a physical shopping street, there's no need to walk past a series of stores. The reality is usually different. Most companies don’t have the luxury of offering something so unique (services, physical products, digital products like apps) that users would endure a cumbersome website. Instead, well-prepared and easily accessible website content has the power to convince users to complete conversions on your site rather than a competitor's, making usability a crucial competitive factor. Your website needs to make a good impression from the first second. Many website owners are unaware that users often judge the entire company based on their first impression of the website. A poorly maintained website can negatively impact the entire company's image. Users might question whether the company is capable of offering good service if it can't even manage to keep basic things on the website in order. While this assumption is often incorrect, it illustrates the potential consequences of poor website usability. Usability is More Than Just Good Design The challenge in website design is that it's unlike any other medium because people often have different expectations for how websites are used versus how they're actually used. When website owners and designers sketch out a site, they have a certain image in mind. It's often assumed that users will study all the content thoroughly. But in reality, users often only skim through a page initially. They quickly scan the text and click on the first link that seems interesting or appears to be the closest to their searched goal. As a result, a large portion of the page might not be actively noticed by your users. How users read a webpage greatly depends on their goal in mind. They focus on words and phrases that match their personal interests, known as trigger words. If they don't find these on your website, it can still be beautifully designed and contain seemingly informative content, but it won’t hold their interest. Technical Performance is Part of Usability too Besides graphical design, technical preparation is a key aspect of usability. While large images, videos, interactive graphics, and other moving elements may look visually appealing, they significantly increase loading time. The problem is not all users have access to a fast internet connection. Ideally, a good load time is important for two main reasons: it reduces the chance that visitors lose patience and leave the website, and page load time is becoming an increasingly important ranking factor for search engines. Usability Engineering Usability engineering is a structured and systematic process for developing user-friendly systems, where the usability of a product—or, in this case, a website—is deliberately planned, tested, and improved throughout the development process. This means that usability should ideally be considered from the conception of a website or a relaunch. Good usability doesn't happen by chance; it's systematically planned and tested. SEO and Usability – A Strong Team SEO ensures the necessary flow of traffic through organic search results. But you shouldn't focus solely on generating traffic. Without usability, your visitors will quickly leave again, often without converting. If you only focus on usability, you will reach a significantly smaller group of visitors who may convert well, but due to the small number, may not generate enough revenue to financially sustain the company behind it. Choosing usability doesn't necessarily mean writing off SEO. If you think SEO is just about ranking first in Google's organic search results and driving traffic to the website, you're not thinking broadly enough. SEO measures aim not only for top placement in search results but also ensure that users can find their way around the site. This goal is shared with usability. Classic OnPage SEO measures include, for example: Clear page structure Logical navigation Breadcrumbs and HTML sitemaps Pagination Avoidance of 404 error pages Logical internal linking On closer inspection, it becomes clear that these points simultaneously significantly improve user navigation. So, there are indeed significant intersections between the two online marketing disciplines, which do not contradict each other. Good SEO specialists and user experience managers are aware of this close connection and ensure that all elements of the website complement each other effectively. Website Usability and Accessibility/Accessibility In the context of website usability, the topic of accessibility is also important. Both disciplines pursue the same goal of facilitating the use of websites, but they are approached from different perspectives: Usability aims to improve user-friendliness for as many people as possible. Accessibility seeks to make the website fully usable for people with disabilities (especially visual and hearing impairments). Numerous measures improve both web usability and accessibility (for example, a clear structure and understandable language or good contrasts). Accessibility also requires compliance with technical standards such as the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), including screen reader compatibility or alternative texts for images. Since the Accessibility Enhancement Act , you should assess (or have assessed) whether your website is not only user-friendly but also accessible. This is important to ensure that people with disabilities can use your website without restriction. Usability issues usually only become apparent when expected conversions don’t occur. Retrospective improvements can be expensive or, in extreme cases, unworkable. That's why you should focus on a good user experience at the launch or relaunch of your website. However, this doesn't mean that you should completely disregard usability in favor of SEO. Those who believe that SEO is only about ranking first in organic search results and driving traffic to the website are thinking too narrowly. In addition to good placement in organic search results, SEO measures also aim to ensure that users can navigate the website. This goal is shared by search engine optimization with usability.
Why Microsoft Advertising (Bing Ads) Should Not Be Missing From Any Marketing Mix
Jun 2, 2025

Alexander
Frank
Category:
Search Engine Advertising

Microsoft Advertising (previously known as “ Bing Ads ”) is a powerful addition to Google Ads, offering numerous advantages such as comparatively lower click prices and advanced targeting options. Are you already using Microsoft Ads, or have you limited your advertising to Google so far? In this article, we explore why it's more worthwhile than ever for companies to invest in Microsoft Advertising , what differences and benefits the platform offers, and why the topic of generative AI should not be overlooked. What is Microsoft Advertising (Bing Ads)? To begin, here's a brief overview: Microsoft Ads (formerly known as “Bing Ads”) is Microsoft's advertising platform , enabling companies to engage in search engine marketing (SEM), similar to Google Ads. Ads primarily appear on Bing's search results pages, but also on Yahoo, AOL, and partner networks, as well as in Microsoft products like Edge, Outlook, Windows, and the Microsoft Audience Network. Microsoft Advertising was launched as “Microsoft adCenter” in 2006, rebranded to “Bing Ads” in 2009, and finally to “Microsoft Ads” in 2019. With Microsoft Ads, for example, it’s possible to run keyword-based Text Ads (Search Ads) and also offers Shopping Ads that require a Microsoft Merchant Center feed, Responsive Search Ads , as well as native advertising in the Microsoft Audience Network and Remarketing . Bing in Search Engine Ranking and Technological Innovations When people search the internet, they often “Google.” Over time, the term “Googling” has become embedded in the language of most people and even made it into the 23rd edition of the Duden in 2004. It’s perhaps no surprise that “Googling” originated from the namesake search engine. Other search engines still remain in Google's shadow, often slipping from memory when it comes to marketing efforts. But is this justified? Bing may not automatically come to mind first when thinking about internet research. Nonetheless, the platform has undergone many positive changes and established itself as a solid alternative to Google. In recent years, Bing's market share has steadily grown , while Google currently remains stable (albeit at a high level). According to Statista, Bing's market share was 11.75% globally in April 2025, compared to around 8% three years prior. In Germany, Bing even holds a 15% market share . The Microsoft Search Network leveraged by Bing includes other search engines such as Yahoo!, DuckDuckGo, and Ecosia, collectively reaching a significant number of users. This enhances the opportunities for advertisers on Microsoft Ads and increases the potential visibility of their ads. While the Microsoft Search Network still falls short of Google in absolute terms, it has carved out a stable place in the market. It is expected that Bing’s market share will continue to rise, as more people seek alternative search engines in an era of growing privacy concerns. Microsoft, like Google, continually invests in technological innovations to make Bing more appealing to users. This is demonstrated not only by the new AI features continually being implemented in Bing , but also by a general massive increase in interest around Artificial Intelligence among internet users. This development naturally benefits Microsoft Ads as well. For example, Microsoft Office products offer the possibility of integrating Copilot into an extended license. Copilot is Microsoft’s AI-based agent that draws on Bing as a search engine when needed. Advantages of Microsoft Advertising over Google Ads An important factor that sets Bing apart from Google is the demographic composition of its users. While Google appeals to a broad audience, Bing is particularly popular among middle-aged individuals and business professionals . This can be advantageous for companies looking to target these specific audiences. Decision-makers and influencers can be particularly well-reached this way. [object Object] Often overlooked, but just as important: On most work PCs running Windows, Microsoft Edge is the default browser, making Bing the default search engine . Cortana also pulls its results from there. This greatly increases the likelihood that a search query on Bing will occur in a business-relevant context. Additionally, the majority of traffic consists of desktop users. These factors can further positively influence the quality of traffic . Another advantage of Microsoft Advertising is the native integration of LinkedIn targeting . As Microsoft owns LinkedIn, advertisers can access the extensive professional data of LinkedIn users and target their ads more precisely. The attributes “Job Function,” “Company,” and “Industry” are available for more tailored targeting. Bid adjustments can be used, for example, to place higher bids for particularly relevant target groups. This is especially useful when B2B marketing plays a role. However, possibly the most significant advantage is that Bing, and thus Bing Ads/Microsoft Ads, is still surprisingly underutilized by many companies. Commonly cited arguments include a comparatively low search volume compared to Google and a lack of time to create and manage a complete account setup on this platform. But therein lies a great opportunity for businesses. The much lower volume of competitors positively impacts cost per click and can help companies position successfully on Bing with relatively low budget investment, yielding significantly more sales and leads compared to Google Ads vs. Microsoft Ads - Overview of Pros and Cons: Google Ads Advantages: Higher market share, worldwide and in Germany Greater reach and traffic potential Broader range of target audiences Higher mobile user coverage Disadvantages: Higher competition and hence typically higher click prices (CPC) More complex user interface Microsoft Ads Advantages: Less competition and hence Typically more affordable CPC, especially in niche markets More cost-effective, even with smaller budgets Additional reach through other platforms/search engines like Yahoo!, MSN, and AOL Reaches an audience that may not use Google (middle-aged and Edge users) Target audience is generally older and wealthier, with many desktop users (particularly interesting for B2B and certain markets) Disadvantages: Lower market share and therefore Traffic potential Less automation and features Copilot in Microsoft Ads Microsoft Copilot is a AI-based assistant integrated into Microsoft Advertising that helps advertisers with various tasks based on campaign data, user inputs, and AI models. This includes: Campaign creation , such as automated keyword research, ad text suggestions, and the creation of Responsive Search Ads based on landing pages or product information Campaign optimization , e.g., bid strategy and budget distribution suggestions or A/B testing of ad elements Report and analysis creation , e.g., intelligent campaign performance summaries and creation of visual reports Like Google Ads, Microsoft Ads offers numerous opportunities to automate routine tasks with Copilot, saving time. Automatic intelligent analysis supports data-driven decisions. Copilot is integrated into the platform and allows for dialog-based interaction, similar to tools like ChatGPT. However, caution is advised with any AI-based automation - results should always be checked. Bid strategy suggestions must be critically evaluated to ensure that changes have the desired effect. Another example is ad text, which should always be checked for relevance to the product or service. Getting Started with Microsoft Advertising (Bing Ads) As mentioned earlier, many companies forgo advertising on Bing due to the increased setup and maintenance effort, which doesn't seem proportional to the expected return on investment. However, getting started with Microsoft Ads is surprisingly easy. An account can be created in just a few minutes, and the interface somewhat resembles Google's. So those who already advertise on Google’s platform will find navigating Microsoft Advertising straightforward. Importing Google Account Data into Microsoft Ads Additionally, Microsoft offers a useful import function that allows entire account setups from Google Ads to be mirrored into Microsoft Ads with just a few clicks. This also applies to other platforms like Facebook Ads or Pinterest Ads or uploading a completed template. This makes it particularly easy for companies with an existing Google Ads account to get started. There’s even the option to regularly import a Google account into Microsoft Ads, keeping the Bing account up-to-date with frequent changes. But beware: While Microsoft aims to make the entry into Microsoft Advertising as easy as possible and provides various tools, a certain level of account maintenance is still necessary. Importing accounts allows for a quick and easy way to advertise on Bing. However, to get the most out of the channel, Microsoft Ads should also be viewed separately and appropriate optimization measures undertaken. This ensures the target audience is optimally engaged and no potential is wasted. FAQs for Getting Started with Microsoft Ads Here are some questions our clients frequently ask about Microsoft Ads (and previously Bing Ads), giving you a deeper insight and helping you decide for or against Microsoft Advertising: For whom is Microsoft Advertising particularly worthwhile? Due to the differences in target demographics, Microsoft Ads are especially worthwhile for companies selling to B2B customers or targeting an older, more affluent audience. B2C companies can also benefit from Microsoft Advertising due to lower competition. Thanks to Bing's broader reach, Microsoft Ads are particularly effective in Germany, the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia. In contrast, reaching a younger demographic (under 25) might be more successful through Google or other channels. How effective are Microsoft Ads? Microsoft Advertising can be very effective, but the performance of your campaigns largely depends on the services or products you offer and the target group you wish to reach. The lower CPC and highly accurate B2B targeting can make Microsoft Ads very effective. We also observe from many clients a lower cost per acquisition with the same or even higher quality of leads or product purchases. If you’re unsure, we’re happy to advise whether Microsoft is a sensible addition for your business. What types of advertising campaigns are available on Microsoft? The campaign types on Microsoft are similar to those on Google Ads. Available campaign types include Search Ads, Shopping Ads, Multimedia Ads, Audience Campaigns, Remarketing Campaigns, Dynamic Search Ads (DSA), Hotel Ads, Local Ads, Performance Max Campaigns, and App Install Campaigns. Additionally, with Microsoft Ads, ads can be run on CTV (e.g., with an add-on package on Netflix). What automation options are available in Microsoft Ads? Thanks to Copilot, Microsoft offers AI-based support directly in the advertising platform. Copilot enables automated creation and optimization of ads, as well as analyses and reports. Additionally, automatic bidding strategies (Smart Bidding) are possible as in Google Ads. Campaign management can also be automated, e.g., by setting rules for activating and pausing ads. However, it's important to note that automation is not a substitute for strategy or expertise, but rather a complement to efficient work. It's crucial to regularly check whether all campaigns and ads deliver the desired performance. Is Bing/Microsoft better than Google Ads? No, Microsoft Ads are a worthwhile addition for many companies and can even be an alternative depending on orientation and target group. Both platforms have advantages and disadvantages that need to be weighed against each other. For B2B companies, but also for many other topics and industries, a combination of Google and Microsoft Ads is the optimal blend in the marketing mix. We’re happy to advise if Microsoft Ads can be effective for your business. Microsoft Ads for B2B Companies As mentioned earlier, Microsoft Advertising is a very attractive alternative or addition to Google Ads for companies with a B2B target audience. The combination of target audience, platform integration, and cost-efficiency makes Microsoft Ads, just like earlier Bing Ads, very interesting for B2B businesses. Many users in the Microsoft Search Network are doing professional work when using Windows, Microsoft Edge, Cortana, and Office. It’s an effective way to reach decision-makers and executives . The higher proportion of higher-educated and higher-earning users makes Microsoft Ads relevant for industries like SaaS, industrial, and financial services . On average, Bing users are also older than the Google target audience. The lower competition and often cheaper CPCs are very advantageous for companies with costly leads and long sales cycles . The frequently 20-40% lower click prices make better ROIs possible. The high proportion of desktop users is also an ideal match for a B2B target group, as many purchases and research activities in a business environment occur via desktop, not mobile. The combination of desktop usage in professional fields increases the conversion likelihood for users in Microsoft Ads. Thanks to LinkedIn targeting , users from specific industries or companies, with certain job titles or functions, can be specifically targeted. This segmentation is only possible with Microsoft Ads, making the platform particularly appealing for B2B companies. It is important, though: Microsoft Ads should not be viewed as a replacement for Google Ads, but as a strategically sensible addition to specifically reach a B2B audience and expand reach outside the Google universe. Why Microsoft Advertising? Bing, and consequently Microsoft Advertising, is still often underestimated today but offers many advantages. While both platforms are quite similar, there are some key differences between Microsoft Ads and the major competitor Google Ads that make Microsoft's platform a true alternative or an effective complement. To summarize: Running ads on Bing is relatively simple Cost-effective and efficient with regular account maintenance Enhanced targeting capabilities , especially relevant for a B2B target audience Differences in target audience compared to Google: generally older, higher educated, and with a higher household income Exclusive access to other search engines , e.g., DuckDuckGo and Ecosia For anyone wanting to get a step ahead of the competition, seriously considering incorporating Microsoft Advertising into the marketing mix can unlock full potential in online marketing. We’re Happy to Assist You The internetwarriors team consists of experts in various online marketing disciplines, from SEA to SEO, from workshops for service companies to strategic consulting for eCommerce companies. Our decades of expertise as a full-service agency allow us a comprehensive view of different channels and measures, and an informed comparison, such as between Google Ads and Microsoft (Bing). Have you been thinking for a while about advertising through Microsoft Ads, or would you like some preliminary advice on the topic? Then feel free to contact us, and we’ll find the right solution for your business! [object Object]
Create FAQs and improve the website’s SEO rankings
May 14, 2025

Julien
Moritz
Category:
SEO

Including FAQs on a website has many advantages. For example, they can reduce the load on customer service, increase conversions, or improve visibility in unpaid search results. This article explains in detail the various ways to create an FAQ page and how to optimize it for SEO. What is meant by FAQ? FAQ stands for “frequently asked questions” and can be translated as “commonly asked questions.” Specifically, this involves collecting the most important information on a topic and presenting it in the form of questions. These can include frequently occurring issues or the most frequently asked questions. FAQs are widespread in the software sector or other technical areas, but they can be useful for any topic and industry. One of the goals of FAQs is to answer questions from potential buyers easily, thereby reducing the burden on customer service. If a purchase has already been made and problems arise, the FAQ section prevents customer service from having to deal with the same easily answered questions. A well-prepared FAQ section benefits both users and companies. How do FAQs benefit SEO? First: Any type of relevant optimized content is positive for search engine optimization. With FAQs, you have the opportunity to cover composite keywords and phrases (long tail keywords) that a product page, for instance, does not answer. You will be found for questions that users have about a topic, such as your products or services. At the same time, you increase your authority in your field in Google's assessment because you provide a lot of relevant high-quality content. Greater authority means higher trust and thus a better chance of being found in unpaid search results even for competitive terms. Another SEO advantage is the chance of appearing as Rich Snippets on search results pages (SERPs). In the example of e-bikes, you see in the result below that two questions are displayed directly in the search result for the testberichte.de website. This gives the website more attention in the SERPs than results without this enhancement. Screenshot from the SERPs - Example E-Bikes What are the ways to integrate FAQs into a website? Depending on the purpose of the FAQs, different solutions offer themselves for integrating them on the website. Below are the most important ones and their advantages and disadvantages. Dedicated FAQ Page The first option is to create a single long FAQ page that lists all important questions. For better overview, an accordion element is often used in the layout, allowing users to expand and collapse answers to individual questions. Advantages Easy to set up and maintain Even simple questions that can be answered in one sentence are no problem for SEO Disadvantages Rarely ranks for (competitive) terms, as different topics are addressed on one page, and thus the focus is missing Fewer opportunities for good internal linking between individual questions SEO-friendly setup Each question as a sub-headline Use correct headline structure If technically possible, table of contents at the top of the page with jump marks to individual questions Where appropriate, link relevant products or services from FAQ texts Implementation of structured data (see below) FAQ Section on the Page An alternative with more SEO potential is a standalone FAQ section on the website instead of a single page. There is an overview page with all questions that link to subpages with the answers to the questions. If there are a large number of questions, they can be thematically categorized for better clarity. In the e-bike example, categories could include: General Questions, Brands, Models, Batteries, Maintenance, and Repair. Advantages Higher chance of being found for keywords More targeted optimization for keywords is possible, as longer texts are created and can be optimized for a larger number of keywords. Better usability, as no navigation on a long page is necessary Disadvantages More maintenance required, as many individual pages are created Individual FAQs require more content to avoid creating “thin content.” SEO-friendly setup Overview page with teasers and links to detailed FAQ pages with individual questions Detail pages with correct headline structure Minimum amount of content (if there are still questions with very short answers, it may be wise to exclude them from indexing) Cross-linking between similar FAQs Links to relevant product pages or services Implementation of structured data (see below) FAQ Section on Service Pages or Product Pages Product or service pages also benefit from an FAQ section. Especially if there are very specific questions about a particular product, they are well placed on the product page. They can help reduce reservations against a purchase or answer questions that would otherwise occupy customer service. In the worst case, users might bounce off if they do not find an answer to their question and purchase the product from a competitor. Advantages Expands content on these pages with useful and relevant phrases and terms Questions can appear as extensions in search results (Rich Snippets) for product pages or services, gaining more attention. Disadvantages For high-competition keyword combinations that individual FAQs are optimized for, there is a significantly lower chance of ranking than if these were created as standalone pages. SEO-friendly setup FAQ section with heading Individual questions as headlines (observe correct headline structure) Implementation of structured data (see below) FAQs as Blog Posts If the CMS does not allow a standalone FAQ area, one option is to incorporate FAQs in the form of blog posts. Each blog post answers a question for which keywords with sufficient search volume have been defined. Advantages Easy maintenance Good chance of being found Disadvantages Individual FAQs require a minimum amount of content They may get lost on the website (worse usability) SEO-friendly setup Correct headline structure Minimum amount of content Cross-linking between similar FAQs/blog posts Links to relevant product pages or services To prominently place FAQs on the website, you could create FAQ as a category in the blog and link this category page. Implementation of structured data (see below) Optimizing FAQs for Search Engines - 3 Additional Tips Above, guidelines for SEO-friendly setup of the various types of FAQ pages were already given. We want to provide you with three additional tips to take your FAQ SEO to the next level. Selecting Appropriate Questions If you have set up your FAQ section so that each question has its own page, we recommend conducting a keyword analysis to research subtopics or questions that are of interest. If you have already collected questions you know to be relevant from practice, such as those your customer service regularly receives, keyword analysis can help you describe these questions with the words your target audience uses. The goal is to identify terms or phrases that are frequently searched for. You can use these sources for your keyword analysis and question identification: Paid keyword tools Free keyword tools (such as answerthepublic) Google search results: Google suggestions, questions in the Google search SEO tools displaying competitor keywords Your own analysis tools, especially Google Search Console, which shows you which topics and questions you already have some visibility for. Screenshot from the SERPs - Example E-Bikes Using the example “E-Bikes”, you could identify this incomplete list of general topics and questions: Which e-bike is recommended? (Question in Google search results) Which e-bike motor is the best in 2022? (Question in Google search results) How much does a good e-bike cost? (Question in Google search results) Which e-bike suits me? (Keyword tool in SEMrush) How long does an e-bike battery last? (Keyword tool in SEMrush) Who repairs e-bikes? (answerthepublic) How to charge an e-bike battery? (answerthepublic) Use FAQ Markups If your CMS allows it, it is recommended to integrate structured data to help Google interpret and classify content. In the case of FAQs, the FAQPage markup ensures that Google recognizes what a question is and what an answer is, allowing this content to be classified as an FAQ. You can find detailed explanations at Google as well as on the schema.org page for FAQPage and QAPage . Structured data can be verified using Google's “Rich Results Test” tool. The tool shows which markups have been incorporated and whether they contain errors. In the example of the testberichte.de page, we see in the Google tool that the FAQ markup was used, which generates the enhanced search result: Optimize Internal Linking One of the greatest advantages of an FAQ section on the website, besides generating relevant content, is the opportunity to improve internal linking . Linking related pages within your website strengthens the linked page and also helps users find new content and stay on your website longer. Therefore, consider with each individual question whether there are meaningful products, services, blog posts, other FAQs, or other pages that you can link to from the text. To achieve good internal linking, use a descriptive link text instead of a vague text like “read more here.” To identify appropriate links, it is also wise to ask after creating the FAQ text: what is the most sensible next step for users who ask this question and have read this content? Is it a product page? Do more questions usually follow? Is the answer to the question to use your service? Content Optimization from FAQ to Blog with the internetwarriors Do you want to improve your organic visibility with optimized content? Our experienced SEO team knows all the tricks and tools to be found better on Google. We analyze your content , assist you with optimization, or provide you with relevant optimized content for your website or online shop. This could be FAQ texts, but also product descriptions or blog posts. Contact us, and we will be happy to provide you with a non-binding, customized offer! Did you enjoy the blog? Share it now! Facebook Twitter Telegram Linkedin Envelope Whatsapp AUTHOR
Why the 95:5 Rule is Revolutionizing B2B Marketing
Apr 17, 2025

Axel
Vortex
Category:
Growth Marketing

In today's B2B marketing, there is often tremendous pressure: Every lead counts, and every conversion must happen as quickly as possible. Marketing teams are gauged by short-term KPIs, and your focus is nearly exclusively on capturing the few potential clients ready to make a purchase right now. But what if this approach is fundamentally flawed and ignores the greatest growth potential? This is where the provocative yet evidence-based work of Professor John Dawes from the renowned Ehrenberg-Bass Institute for Marketing Science comes into play. His research challenges conventional wisdom and introduces the 95:5 rule: A simple yet transformative idea suggesting that at any given time, only about 5% of your potential B2B clients are actively seeking a solution in the market. The overwhelming 95% are part of your target audience but are not (yet) ready to buy. A marketing strategy focusing solely on the "hot" 5% risks overlooking the vast growth opportunities present in this larger, currently "passive" segment. You’re competing in a crowded pond for few fish, while an ocean of potential future customers is largely ignored. In this article, we dive deep into the 95:5 rule. We explore the problem of "now" obsession in B2B marketing, explain the scientific foundation of the rule, and most importantly, show you concrete, actionable strategies on how to adjust your marketing to not only serve the 5% but also win over the critical 95% for future success. The Problem: The Dangerous Fixation on the "Immediate" 5% Marketing and sales teams are under constant pressure to generate leads that quickly turn into revenue. This environment fosters an excessive reliance on bottom-funnel tactics: Performance Marketing: Paid search, retargeting. Sales Activities: Aggressive cold calling, direct approach via LinkedIn Sales Navigator. Content: Focus on product comparisons, case studies, demo requests. All these efforts target the small group of the 5% actively seeking a solution. This fixation on the "now" carries significant drawbacks: Intense Competition: Every one of your competitors is vying for the same 5%. This drives up costs for keywords, ad space, and ultimately customer acquisition costs (CAC). Lack of Differentiation: Amid the hustle of bottom-funnel offers, it becomes increasingly difficult to stand out from the competition. Messages often sound very similar ("We boost your revenue," "Our software solves problem X"). Missed Potential: The 95% not buying right now are overlooked. When these potential clients are ready to purchase in 6, 12, or 18 months, they may never have heard of your brand or formed no positive association with it. Weak Negotiation Position: If a buyer meets your brand only when deeply into the buying process and actively comparing options, your chances of winning the deal are statistically low. Brands that are familiar and trusted beforehand have a massive advantage. Solely concentrating on the 5% is a reactive approach, which incurs high costs and leaves long-term growth potential untapped. The Paradigm Shift: Understanding the 95:5 Rule The 95:5 rule is not an arbitrary number but based on extensive research by the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute, known for its evidence-based marketing principles (including Byron Sharp’s bestseller "How Brands Grow"). The core message is simple but profound: 5% are "In-Market": This group has a recognized need, is actively researching, and is ready to make a purchasing decision in the near future. 95% are "Out-of-Market": This group belongs to your potential target audience (e.g., companies of the right size and industry) but currently has no need, urgency, or awareness of a potential problem. They are, however, your future buyers. The key insight is: The 95% are not a lost group but your most important asset for future growth . If you manage to be present with this vast majority before they even think about a purchase, you have an unbeatable advantage when the need finally arises. The Solution: Building Bridges to the 95% – Marketing for the Future So how do you reach the 95% who are not actively listening right now? The answer lies in building Mental Availability . This concept, central to the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute's work, describes the likelihood that a buyer thinks of your brand in a relevant buying situation. Imagine the CTO of a manufacturing company (part of your 95%) reading a technical article about production optimization. If your ERP systems brand comes to mind positively because he recently saw an interesting ad or a relevant post from you, you’ve created mental availability. Months later, when he is actually evaluating a new ERP system (and becomes part of the 5%), your brand is already positively anchored in memory. How Do You Build Mental Availability? Broad Reach: You need to reach as many potential buyers within your category as possible, including the 95%. It’s about generating a large number of market contacts over time. Consistency: Brand building is a marathon, not a sprint. Regular presence over long periods is crucial. Distinctive Brand Assets (DBAs): These are the sensory and semantic cues that help buyers easily recognize and remember your brand without having to read the brand name. These include: Logo Color scheme (e.g., Telekom Magenta, IBM Blue) Slogan or tagline Jingles or sounds (e.g., Intel Inside) Characters or mascots Unique visual style in ads and content These DBAs must be used consistently to build strong memory structures. Linking with Category Entry Points (CEPs): CEPs are the various situations, needs, or problems that prompt a buyer to think about a specific product or service category. Examples in B2B: "We need to reduce our production costs." (--> ERP system, automation solution) "Our current software is outdated and no longer secure." (--> New software solution) "How can we make our sales processes more efficient?" (--> CRM system, sales automation tool) Effective marketing links the brand’s DBAs with relevant CEPs in the target audience’s mind. The 95:5 Rule in Practice: 4+1 Strategies for Your B2B Marketing Based on the insights of John Dawes and the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute, specific recommendations arise: 1. Rethink Success Measurement: Look Beyond Immediate Sales The greatest mistake is measuring the success of marketing activities—especially those targeting the 95%—solely by short-term sales or leads. If 95% of your audience cannot buy immediately, 95% of your efforts will inevitably have a delayed impact. What You Can Do: Measure Brand Health Metrics: Track long-term indicators like unaided brand awareness (when asked "Which providers for X do you know of?", is your brand mentioned?), aided awareness, brand image, and recognition of your DBAs. Measure Reach: What percentage of your total addressable market (TAM) do you reach with your marketing activities over time? Is this percentage growing? Measure CEP Associations: (Advanced) Understand with which buying situations your brand is associated and if you occupy the most relevant CEPs. Accept Longer Periods: Building a brand takes time. Do not expect immediate miracles but track trends over quarters and years. 2. Prioritize Reach: Speak with More Potential Clients Many B2B marketers believe in the power of high frequency—the assumption being that complex buying decisions require many touchpoints. However, Ehrenberg-Bass research shows this is often inefficient. What You Can Do: Focus on "Unique Reach": Invest your budget so you reach as many different potential buyers in your category as possible, rather than targeting a few repeatedly. The first exposure to advertising often has the most impact on memory. Further repetitions have diminishing returns. Utilize Broad Channels (sensibly): In addition to targeted performance channels, broader reach channels can also be sensible in the B2B context, such as trade media, industry newsletters, relevant podcasts, LinkedIn brand awareness ads, YouTube, or even industry-specific events. Be Patient: It takes time to achieve broad market penetration. 3. Focus on New Clients: The True Growth Engine A widespread misconception is that growth can mainly be achieved through more sales to existing clients (upselling, cross-selling). However, the data clearly show: The greatest growth potential almost always lies in acquiring new clients (penetration). What You Can Do: Primarily Align Your Marketing with Acquisition: Indeed, customer retention is important, but most of the marketing budget and strategic efforts should aim at acquiring new buyers for the brand—reaching out to the 95%. Understand the Limits of Loyalty: Existing clients often have a natural cap on what they can or are willing to buy from you. Excessive efforts to yield more from them often result in low returns. 4. Build and Defend Distinctive Brand Assets In a sea of often generic B2B messages, strong, recognizable brand elements are invaluable. What You Can Do: Identify and Define Your DBAs: What makes your brand unique and recognizable? Is it your logo, colors, slogan, a specific visual style? Use Your DBAs Consistently: Deploy these elements across all marketing channels and touchpoints—from the website to ads to sales presentations. Resist the Urge for Frequent Rebranding: New marketing leaders often want to leave their mark by redesigning everything. This can be disastrous as it destroys memory structures built over years. Instead, strengthen and nurture your existing assets. Changes should be evolutionary, not revolutionary. +1. Adapt Creativity and Messaging for the 95% How Do You Talk to People Who Have No Immediate Buying Need? Be Interesting, Not Just Sales-Driven: Provide valuable content, insights, or entertainment relevant to the industry, even if it does not directly prompt a purchase. Focus on Branding: Use creative approaches to create positive associations and embed the brand in memory. Tell stories, show expertise, build trust. Link Yourself with CEPs: Communicate in which situations your solution is relevant to set the right triggers in the target audience's mind. Less Hard-Sell, More "Always-On": It’s about continuous presence and being perceived as a helpful and competent resource. Balance Is Key: Not an Either-Or The 95:5 rule does not mean neglecting performance marketing or serving the active 5%. Quite the opposite: An optimal approach combines both: Long-Term Brand Building (for the 95%): Investments in reach, DBAs, CEP linkage, and creative brand communication. Short-Term Activation (for the 5%): Efficient performance marketing activities, sales enablement, and conversion optimization to capture demand as it arises. The art is to find the right balance and synergy between these two approaches instead of focusing on just one. Conclusion: Think Long-Term, Act Strategically The 95:5 rule by John Dawes and the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute is more than just an interesting statistic; it is a fundamental wake-up call for B2B marketing. It challenges us to rethink our obsession with immediate results and embrace a longer-term, more strategic perspective. By consciously starting to advertise for the 95%—through building mental availability, prioritizing reach, focusing on acquiring new clients, and consistently using distinctive brand elements—you lay the foundation for sustainable growth. You reduce the reliance on expensive bottom-funnel battles and increase the likelihood that your brand will be the first choice when your future clients are finally ready to buy. It’s time to end the chase for the 5% and start cultivating the ocean of the 95%. Your future self (and your sales team) will thank you for it. Sources and Inspiration This article is significantly inspired by the work and publications of Professor John Dawes from the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute for Marketing Science. His research on the 95:5 rule and the principles derived for effective marketing, especially in the B2B context, presents a valuable, evidence-based challenge to traditional marketing approaches. We encourage all marketing professionals wanting to dive deeper into this matter to engage with the publications and discussions by Professor Dawes and the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute to gain a more comprehensive understanding of long-term successful brand management.
Reddit SEO: Between Myth and Reality
Mar 27, 2025

Ina
Bondarev
Category:
SEO

Where else can you find heated debates about nuclear physics alongside cat pictures and the best baking recipes? Only on Reddit. With over 1.5 billion users, Reddit is one of the largest and most influential online communities in the world. Reddit - A gold mine of marketing potential or a minefield for companies? The platform offers enormous potential but also presents risks. Is Reddit SEO even feasible? And how can companies win over the Reddit community without breaking the rules? In this article, we will take you on an expedition through the Reddit universe and show you how to generate more traffic, enhance your brand awareness, and gain valuable leads. Discover the secrets of Reddit marketing! Reddit: Where Diverse Communities Come Together Reddit is a unique entity. Those who don't speak its language quickly get lost in the jungle of Subreddits. Understand the nuances of this platform before you start your Reddit online marketing. What is Reddit? Reddit is a social media platform where you can share, discuss, and rate content. What sets it apart: Reddit is divided into countless Subreddits – thematic communities where users exchange specific interests. From cat pictures to programming tips and political debates, you can find it all. You can create posts with videos, images, and texts, and interact with other users. Especially valuable for businesses: the intense exchange within these communities. Here, you can identify and better understand your target audience. How Does Reddit Work? Reddit has clear rules you need to follow if you want to use the platform for your marketing. The most important rules for your marketing are: Authenticity over advertising – forget about blatant promotional messages! Reddit is about authentic exchange and valuable contributions. Advertising is (mostly) taboo: Reddit supports advertising only to a very limited extent. Direct product advertising is not allowed in most Subreddits. Inform yourself about the exceptions and possibilities, such as paid ads. Here you can find the complete Reddit rules. Take the time to read them thoroughly before starting your marketing! Deep Dive into Subreddits Reddit is more than just a platform – it’s a universe of thousands of communities with their own rules and cultures. The heart of Reddit is the Subreddits – thematic communities where users exchange interests. Each Subreddit has its own rules – and you should definitely know them before interacting with the community. Humor is welcome in some Subreddits, strictly forbidden in others. Some communities value detailed contributions, while others prefer short and concise comments. Take the time to read the rules of the Subreddits you want to be active in. This will help you avoid unpleasant surprises and ensure your contributions are well-received: Fig. 1: Screenshot Reddit community rules - https://www.reddit.com/r/marketing/ Choose the right Subreddits for your topic! Reddit offers a huge selection of communities – from /r/technology/ for tech news to /r/entrepreneur/ for entrepreneurs. If you're developing software for musicians, /r/wearethemusicmakers/ is the right place to connect with potential customers. Research the relevant Subreddits and analyze the discussions there. This way, you can find out where your target audience is active and what topics interest them: Fig. 2: Screenshot - Overview of top communities ( https://www.reddit.com/best/communities/1/ ) If in doubt: Ask the mods! If you're unsure whether your post complies with a Subreddit’s rules, contact the moderators. They are happy to help. Upvotes and Downvotes are the heart of Reddit culture. They show how the community rates your posts. Constructive contributions and helpful comments are rewarded with Upvotes, spam and inappropriate behavior are penalized with Downvotes. Reddit is more than a platform for discussion and knowledge exchange. It’s a place where ideas are born, trends are set, and opinions are formed. Use the dynamics of this community to reach your target audience and advance your business. Reddit: Secret Tip for Your Online Marketing or Time Waster? Strategies Reddit can be leveraged with a bit of background knowledge about the platform. The platform polarizes – and precisely for that reason, it holds enormous potential. But how can you use Reddit for your online marketing strategy? We show you how to harness the power of Subreddits! The Secrets of Reddit Rankings Forget keyword density and CTR optimization! On Reddit, engagement and community count. These factors influence your Reddit ranking: Upvotes and Downvotes: The more Upvotes your post receives, the higher it will rank in the Subreddit. A post with many Upvotes and lively discussion will rank higher than a post with only a few Upvotes, even if it is perfectly optimized for keywords. Engagement: Reddit loves active discussions and comments. It shows that your post is relevant and interesting to the community. Encourage interaction by asking questions, responding to comments, and participating in the conversation. Recency: Reddit prefers fresh content. Older posts lose visibility over time. To keep your content ranked high, post regularly and keep your content updated. Understanding how Reddit rankings work enables you to create content that engages your target audience and drives traffic to your website. Remember, it’s not just about getting Upvotes, but also about creating valuable content that sparks conversations and builds relationships with your audience: Fig. 3: Screenshot - Overview ChatGPT community, “hot” posts - https://www.reddit.com/r/ChatGPT/ Reddit Online Marketing: An Explosive Mix for Your Business! Downvotes, Karma, Subreddits – Reddit is a world of its own. But that's precisely what makes the platform so valuable for your online marketing! It's all about authentic exchange and valuable contributions. Reddit is not a place for blatant advertising - SEO is redefined here. Those who understand this can leverage the platform: Build expertise: Become a thought leader in your community In certain Subreddits, you can position yourself as an expert by actively engaging in discussions and sharing high-quality content. Over time, you’ll be seen as a trusted voice in your niche. This pays off: Google rewards expertise with better rankings (E-E-A-T factors). Understand your target audience: Get to know your customers on Reddit Reddit is a goldmine for businesses that want to truly understand their target audience. Here, you can gain valuable insights and optimize your products/services without expensive market research. Find out what moves your customers and what topics they are interested in. Spot Trends: Stay a step ahead of the competition Reddit is known for its timeliness. Here you find the latest trends in your industry. Use this knowledge to adapt your marketing strategy and stay ahead of the competition. Google Bonus: Use Reddit SEO for your search engine optimization Google is the only search engine that indexes Reddit results. This means: If your posts are current and have many Upvotes, they can appear in the SERPs and bring valuable traffic: Fig. 4: Screenshot Google search results - “Cats community”, Reddit The secret weapon for your recruiting Forget impersonal job portals! On Reddit, you'll meet engaged talents who are genuinely interested in your company. In theme-specific Subreddits (e.g., job search), you can post job ads and connect directly with potential candidates. The reach may be smaller than on other platforms, but you’ll meet highly motivated candidates who perfectly fit your corporate culture. Note: Posting job offers is only allowed if explicitly permitted in the community rules. Are you looking for talented employees who share your passion? Then get active on Reddit! Marketing: Who Is Reddit SEO Suitable For? Reddit not only offers opportunities for recruiting but is also a valuable platform for online marketing and SEO. Startups can win their first customers on Reddit and collect valuable feedback. Large companies can use the platform to increase their brand awareness and communicate with their target audience. Your Advantages of Reddit SEO Marketing at a Glance: Build expertise: Position yourself as an expert in your industry. Understand your target audience: Get to know your customers and optimize your products/services. Spot trends: Stay a step ahead of the competition. Google Bonus: Achieve better ranking in Google search with your Reddit posts. Share your expert knowledge through theme-related case studies! Show potential customers how you can help them solve their problems. Another advantage: By being active on Reddit, you increase your visibility. However, always exercise caution: no advertising or community-disallowed actions to avoid receiving downvotes/violating rules. Reddit SEO Tools Now that we have found out that Reddit SEO is feasible, albeit with a completely different form and perspective compared to traditional SEO, it’s important to consider which specific Reddit SEO tools exist and which ones are right. Keyword Research: Indeed, you can research keywords for Reddit as well. Here, as mentioned, it's important to focus on the topic (Subreddit), relevance, and natural implementation. With the right keywords, your Reddit post can appear on Google. You can proceed traditionally and use tools like SEMRush . To understand what the most relevant keywords are, you should analyze your Subreddit and precisely filter out what can be used. The informational content is crucial, as Reddit is not an advertising platform. For research and inspiration, the tool AnswerThePublic is perfect. Here you can excellently analyze questions and derive keywords from them. You can also use Google search. You should enter the search word combination site:reddit.com (e.g., cats site:reddit.com) in the search bar and then, e.g., analyze the top threads as keywords using Google’s Keyword Planner. This gives an overview of what Reddit offers for the search query: Fig. 5: Google query - cats site:reddit.com Additionally, you can access specific keyword tools for Reddit: The tool Keyworddit offers the possibility to analyze Subreddits directly and obtain ideas comprehensively. However, it is only available for the US-American realm, meaning US-Reddits. It might also happen that the tool doesn't extract keywords from the Subreddit because it doesn’t find any. However, the listed topics can be seamlessly used further in search. Anvaka.github is another free tool that not only enables analysis and overview of posts once the Subreddit name is entered but also shows related Subreddits. This provides an easy, comprehensive overview of related topics. More general topics can be specifically used for further research. However, it might also occur that no thematically related Subreddits are found. In summary, when choosing a Reddit SEO tool, you have relative freedom. Even if a direct Subreddit SEO analysis cannot be conducted (e.g., because no data is available), you can still identify the keywords that are relevant and have sufficient search volume for the topic. The focus should be on informational content, long-tail keywords, thematic alignment, non-branded keywords, and W-question keywords. Therefore, it’s worth focusing on keyword tools. If you are interested in the topic of keyword research, check out our blog post with insider knowledge ! Behind the Scenes of Reddit SEO: Benefits & Challenges It's always valuable to know what opportunities you have when undertaking certain steps. Even more interesting is the question of the risks: Are they worth it? For this reason, we have critically examined Reddit SEO to succinctly point out the pros and cons: Benefits Reddit can be an effective SEO tool when used correctly. By actively participating in thematically appropriate Subreddits, you can not only generate valuable traffic but also establish authority in your niche. With a clever strategy, you can discover and leverage the following advantages of Reddit SEO: 1. Backlinks: Among the advantages of Reddit SEO optimization, backlinks certainly count. Despite the nofollow links, it generates significant referral traffic. 2. Authority and Expertise: By actively engaging in communities, answering questions, and crafting content, you can position yourself as an expert and thus indirectly influence the E-E-A-T factors. 3. Google Rankings: It should not be forgotten that Google can rank Reddit posts relatively high (conditional relevance). 4. Trends: There is the possibility of going viral with the post and keeping an eye on trends. Challenges However, SEO on Reddit is anything but intuitive. The benefits face challenges and there are additional hurdles you may encounter: 1. Backlinks: This is also a disadvantage because Reddit undermines self-promotion and "blatant" link placement (always consider community & mentioned Reddit rules). 2. Guidelines: Strict rules and moderators in the respective Subreddits should never be overlooked or neglected. 3. Downvotes: You can also be downvoted. 4. Time: It’s quite time-consuming to achieve sustainable SEO successes. 5. Subtle Difference: You must carefully distinguish between measures for a company on Reddit, a person on Reddit, and a person from a company, because not everything fits or can be implemented (in traditional form or known from other platforms/websites). 6. Traditional SEO doesn't work in the Reddit community. Your Small SEO Guide for Reddit Now that Reddit and its peculiarities are clear, we can derive some results and thus give you a small SEO guide for Reddit: 1. If you decide on an account on Reddit , choose the right niches or communities so you not only share a wavelength with other participants but also remain specific and precise in your comments, posts, and discussions. Golden Rule: When sharing and writing content, remember to stay factual and informative, as Reddit users particularly appreciate added value. 2. Optional: If you manage to become an active participant in the community, you can try to set a natural link (not a blatant link) to your company. However, ensure it’s not an advertisement, but an added value (e.g., case study, sharing knowledge, etc.). Subreddits like AMA (Ask Me Anything) or a thematically relevant community can be well-suited for this. Always bear in mind that such measures can involve certain risks. Thus, it is recommended as an optional measure. 3. Think outside the box : This could really be the restart for your SEO strategy. With Reddit, you can conduct relatively good target audience analyses, especially among very specific target groups (thanks to Subreddits). Moreover, you can also clear up specific questions since experts frequent Reddit. By actively and usefully participating, you can also become an expert or a thought leader. Ideas for topics for keyword searches can also be found in some Subreddits, as many relevant and interesting topics are discussed daily. At a Glance: The question "Can I do Reddit SEO for my product/service?" can probably be answered more with " no ", because you don’t really have the means to do so, and if you do, then only indirectly (especially connected with time effort). Direct Reddit online marketing is thus not possible. More important, however, is how you integrate and use Reddit in your SEO strategy. Our conclusion is: no classical SEO measures on Reddit but use Reddit for SEO measures. Get to know your own target audience better, never miss important trends again, and don’t forget that in principle, you can also monitor opinions on your brand or product in specific Subreddits! Harness the potential of Reddit and improve your website's performance! With Reddit SEO, It Doesn’t End! Are you curious about what else our warriors team knows and can do, or are you perhaps seeking targeted support in the area of SEO , Paid , Strategy , or Web Analysis ? Feel free to check out our services and get a non-binding and free initial consultation from our experts!
Website Optimization - Effectively Boost Conversions
Mar 21, 2025

Alexander
Frank
Category:
Search Engine Advertising

Welcome to the fifth and final post of our blog series “5 Tips on How to Keep Your Online Marketing Strategy Relevant in Times of Automation” . In this part, we focus on Website Optimization . We discuss why it's important to keep an eye on the competition, the ways to identify them, and how we can leverage insights to gain advantages. If you missed the previous parts of the series, feel free to check them out. We talk about why it's important to define the right business goals , the benefits of broadening your online marketing channels , why contextual advertising is often underestimated, and how a competitor analysis can provide a competitive edge. Optimizing Your Content Arguably the most important aspect of optimization is undoubtedly one's own website. No matter how much effort we put into optimization measures before the click - if the foundation, the website, is not right, we cannot be successful in the long run. Therefore, it's essential to make the user experience on our website as smooth, enjoyable, and intuitive as possible. It starts with user-friendly navigation that guides users clearly and directly through the pages to their intended goal. An optimized checkout process, guest checkouts , as well as up-to-date and secure payment methods , also help to reduce cart abandonment hurdles. To ensure everyone finds what they need quickly on our site, it might also be worthwhile to implement an intelligent site search that provides suggestions during the actual search and, in some cases, shows product recommendations directly. We'll see what such an intelligent search looks like in the following example from Nike. But even on specific landing pages, where we either advertise strategically or want to push in other ways, there are additional content optimization measures: Clear and compelling offer Effective call-to-actions Adequate information for informed (purchase) decisions Trust-building elements Fast load times + Mobile optimization A/B testing! The Impact of FAQs Today, we have less and less time to convince people of our offer. Therefore, it's all the more important to answer as many questions as possible already on the landing page. FAQs, for example, in an “accordion element,” help provide as much information as possible that users can expand when needed without being overwhelmed by walls of text. At this point, the importance of A/B testing for landing page optimization should be highlighted . They serve as one of the key elements for improving performance and should always be an integral part of optimization measures. All major companies have likely subjected their landing pages to hundreds or thousands of tests, and for good reason. Quick tip : External tools like Hotjar or Microsoft Clarity help enormously in better understanding user behavior on the site and making data-driven optimizations. The content available on landing pages should also depend on the target audience the page is intended for. Providing Solutions & Contact Options When generating leads, we should ensure we provide adequate contact opportunities . A persistent contact field can be helpful here, allowing users to establish contact when they're ready without having to search. This is particularly relevant for pages with a large amount of text content. Here, we also bridge to target group definition from Tip #2. On our landing page, we now have the opportunity to understand the pain points of our target group and present solution approaches . An effective means can also be showing opportunity costs if a collaboration is foregone. It quickly becomes clear how the service could impact one's own company and how much working hours and/or money can be saved. By sharing expert knowledge, such as case studies, white papers, or webinars , we not only inform and qualify our target group in advance but also create a higher level of trust. This is especially important in B2B, as the costs for offered services can easily reach six to seven figures in euros, and decisions are often made at the highest business levels. Those who score with their expertise in advance significantly increase their chances of being commissioned. On product pages, alongside many of the previously mentioned points, the following content optimization options can also be added: High-quality product images Detailed product descriptions Encouraging/displaying customer reviews Product recommendations/similar products/“Often bought together” Product videos Price and market analyses Clear, customer-friendly return policies Focusing on Customer Satisfaction We should make it as easy as possible for users to decide whether the product is relevant or not. Above all, high-quality content on the product page helps. The impact of customer reviews should also never be underestimated, especially for high-priced products. Nowadays, many people compare products in advance, and one of the crucial criteria is often a good product rating. Not only do we benefit to some extent from user-generated content, but we also have the opportunity to see what customers appreciate about our product and, importantly, where we can still improve. Those who actively reach out to their customers, take suggestions for improvement, and then implement them, increase long-term customer satisfaction and thus also customer loyalty . Speaking of customer satisfaction: A good customer support is, of course, essential for long-term success. If we receive an inquiry from a dissatisfied customer, we have the chance to turn the negative experience into a positive one. This not only leads to a better customer experience but often also reflects in customer reviews, which can directly impact the purchase decision and give the brand a more positive image. Through email marketing or newsletters , we effectively reach existing customers and prospects, announcing new products or promotional offers. Often, such offers are exclusively available to newsletter subscribers, which can positively impact the signup rate. This way, we gather more customer data without significant monetary additional costs while simultaneously providing attractive offers. With loyalty programs , customers can be retained long-term by the company, increasing the number of repeat buyers. These programs range from points for purchases to referring other people to cashback promotions or subscriptions with additional benefits or discounts. There are therefore manifold website optimization possibilities that can help improve the user experience, increase CLTV, and thus also have a direct impact on various marketing channels. As mentioned earlier, website optimization is undoubtedly one of the most effective measures to improve performance since it is the place where most users ultimately convert one way or another. Conclusion In conclusion, we return to the initial question: Will online marketing become obsolete due to developments in AI and automation ? Here we can reply with a resounding NO . Those who rely solely on automation and AI for their marketing strategy will lose in the long run. While all the new AI features are indeed helpful and can enrich online marketing, they are not the ultimate solution. The heavy reliance on data, on which AI is based, enables the processing of countless pieces of information, but it is also its greatest weakness. Many data points are often inaccessible, and important connections are thus lost. Apart from advertising platforms, there are many other optimization possibilities that should be utilized to get the most out of one's strategy. Ultimately, only the proportion of work shifts from operational to strategic . And for that, at the end of the day, you still need a human with experience. Thank you for your attention! We hope you enjoyed our blog series on “5 Tips on How to Keep Your Online Marketing Strategy Relevant in Times of Automation” and that you can not only justify your marketing job better to your boss but also take away a trick or two. If you haven't seen our other blog entries yet, feel free to check them out! Automation in Marketing - Part 1 | Optimize for Goals [object Object] Automation in Marketing - Part 2 | Channel Diversification [object Object] Automation in Marketing - Part 3 | Contextual Advertising [object Object] Automation in Marketing - Part 4 | Competitor Analysis [object Object] Automation in Marketing - Part 5 | Website Optimization for More Conversions Did we forget something important, or do you have further questions on any of the topics? Then feel free to write it in the comments!
Competitive Analysis: Understanding Competitors, Optimizing Strategies & Strengthening Market Position
Mar 18, 2025

Alexander
Frank
Category:
Search Engine Advertising

Welcome back to our blog series “5 Tips on How to Keep Your Online Marketing Strategy Relevant Even in Times of Automation”! In this part, we focus on a often underestimated yet essential topic: Competitive Analysis. Why is it so important to keep a close watch on the competition? What tools and methods can help identify relevant competitors? And above all: How can strategic advantages be derived from these insights? This is exactly what we will explore in this post. If you missed the previous parts of our series, feel free to take a look - there we discuss, among other things, why clear business goals are essential, how to optimally position your online marketing channels , and why Contextual Advertising is often underestimated. Competitive Analysis - What is the competition doing? Competition is well-known for driving business. While this is often a blessing for end consumers, it has already broken many companies as their product suddenly became irrelevant, and thus their customers stayed away. Therefore, it is essential to never lose sight of your own competition and to regularly look out for new, emerging companies. A so-called competitive analysis is recommended for this purpose. First of all, it is necessary to identify your competitors . There are numerous ways to do this. Anyone already using Google Ads can easily access the auction insights within the campaigns and see which companies are actively participating in the auctions and how aggressively they are doing so. The metrics “ Top of page rate ” and “ Absolute top of page rate ” help us here by indicating how often we appear in the auctions either in the first three results, or even at the very top. By looking a bit more closely, we can even determine if we might be overbidding and artificially driving prices up. [object Object] Other ways to understand the competitor's approach If you're interested in what type of advertising the competition is running and what images and texts are being used, the ad libraries of all major advertising platforms are recommended. There, we can see exactly which ads have been played by other companies, completely effortlessly and for free. For example, the Google Ads Transparency Center and the Meta Ads Library are mentioned here. But additional information such as rough target groups, estimated budgets, and targeting options can also be gleaned there, albeit not in detail. Other platforms like LinkedIn or TikTok also have such libraries that are extremely helpful for competitor analysis. Other options include external tools (e.g., Semrush, Similarweb, Ahrefs), generative AI tools (Google Gemini, ChatGPT), or simply the classic Google search . This allows us to see aside from Google Ads who potentially appears with us in auctions, or which companies also rank organically or show presence in another form for relevant search queries. We can also relatively simply identify and use the relevant content of the competition for our analysis. Once the competitors are identified, we can start the actual competitive analysis and thus gain a better overview of the competitive environment we are operating in. Topics we should look at more closely include, among others: Website - What does the site look like? Is it a one-pager, or does it have a more complex design? Is the navigation simple, or rather more nested? How high is the informational content? What kind of approach is used? How easy is it for a user to convert? Marketing Strategy - What fundamental goals are pursued? Which actions are potential users supposed to take on the website (appointment requests, demos, downloading informational materials, product purchases, etc.)? Online Marketing Activities - Which channels are being played, which advertisement formats are used? Social Media Presence - What topics are covered? What works well, what doesn’t (engagement)? Where are there still gaps for our own positioning? Price and Offer Structure - Are discounts or other promotions frequent? Does the quality justify the prices, or is there an increasing reliance on low-priced products? Customer Reviews and Feedback - What do the customers say about this competitor? What do they like, what do they criticize? Summarize and keep an overview For better visibility, we can also summarize the insights gained in a classic SWOT analysis to visualize the current situation. This helps us to understand the status quo more easily, highlight our own strengths better, and identify potential gaps . Additionally, it can be worthwhile not only to compare the competitors to our own company but also to compare them with each other as part of the competitive analysis. This way, we may recognize commonalities and overlaps on which we should particularly focus. These analyses help us to gain a better understanding of our own USPs . Moreover, we can discover new potentials and play segments or products that have hardly existed until now. Based on this, we optimize our marketing strategy and in some cases can even predict new trends . If we discover significant differences in the price structure compared to our competitors, it becomes easier for us to justify our own prices . Perhaps our products are indeed more expensive than those of the competition, but in return, they are more robust and durable. This can be effectively communicated. We learn from the weaknesses and mistakes of our competitors through customer feedback and can ideally profit from them. By targeting communication that addresses the exact problems and concerns of the target group, we gain a competitive advantage and ensure better customer satisfaction and loyalty from the very beginning . By implementing the measures defined from this, not only do we ideally save a lot of money and tons of nerves, but we also free up time for the really important things, namely providing the best possible experience for the customers and also the employees within the company. Thank you very much for your attention! Hopefully, it was insightful, and you could take something away for yourself! In the fifth and final part of our mini-series, we will delve deeper into the topic of optimizing your own website . Our previous post on the topic of Contextual Advertising follows. Have we forgotten something important, or do you have questions on the subject? Then feel free to write it to us in the comments! If you want to get in direct contact with us, feel free to check out our contact form. We help you better understand your competitive situation and benefit from it, so you can get the most out of your online marketing strategy - simple and non-binding! [object Object]
Contextual Advertising: How Context-Based Advertising Works
Mar 12, 2025

Alexander
Frank
Category:
Search Engine Advertising

In this article, we take a closer look at Contextual Advertising. We will discuss the advantages of this advertising form and highlight some providers and opportunities that are particularly suitable for it. If you missed the previous parts of the series, feel free to check them out. There, we talk about why it is important to define the right corporate goals and the benefits of broadening your online marketing channels . Contextual Advertising With stricter data protection laws and the resultant increasing targeting restrictions , as well as the trend of many marketing platforms to automate and broaden campaign distribution, it becomes even more crucial to reach the right target audience at the right time and to minimize scatter losses as effectively as possible. But what are the options for targeting one's audience more effectively? This is where Contextual Advertising comes into play. In this form of advertising, ads are not displayed based on users' demographic data, preferences, and interests, but the algorithm primarily focuses on the current context of the page - which gives it the name “Contextual” Advertising. This means that websites are categorized based on various factors. These could be, for example: Product categories Images Text passages Specific keywords in the running text. After a successful categorization, ads that match the page content are played. In the example above, we see a NIKE advertisement placed in an article about the major running shoe test of 2024. It can be assumed that people interested in this article are also more likely to be interested in purchasing new running shoes in the near future. Thus, there is a match between the advertised ad and the purchase intention. The fact that the ad often blends seamlessly into the actual content of the website additionally reduces friction and enhances the coherence between advertising and content. Numerous studies have already shown that this positively impacts user perception and can increase purchase readiness. As mentioned earlier, Contextual Advertising helps to create as much relevance as possible for the target group while impacting the user experience minimally, and ideally even improving it. Additionally, it offers a good opportunity to position your brand in a targeted and brand-safe manner, thus avoiding unnecessary scatter losses. Since it completely dispenses with the use of cookies , this form of advertising is significantly more future-proof and robust against the increasing restrictions on third-party cookies. The question of the right channel for Contextual Advertising often cannot be answered universally but depends on many factors. On the one hand, there are the classic providers such as Google Ads or Microsoft Advertising , which enable contextual advertising. Here, targeting by keywords or specific placements is available. From experience, Google's keywords are often interpreted very “broadly,” which can make this type of targeting quite inaccurate. Advertising via placements works better. For example, offering moving services could achieve above-average campaign results on sites dealing with apartment searches, house buying, and similar topics. Other providers have almost exclusively specialized in Contextual Advertising. The most well-known among them are probably Criteo and GumGum , which have developed more advanced algorithms for website categorization, thus ensuring a significantly better match between content and ads . This is particularly worthwhile if the product range is quite broad. But what options are there if we offer a very “niche” service? Reddit offers the possibility, for example, of reaching people who have viewed or interacted with specific subreddits. Since Reddit is generally a platform with relatively higher engagement rates, this can positively affect ad perception and interaction. Although it's not possible to exclusively target specific subreddits here, higher relevance for the target group is still given by the fact that interaction with a subreddit already assumes a higher interest . Companies that sell tech products or gaming accessories could also find a promising channel in Twitch . Originally started as a purely gaming platform, Twitch has significantly expanded its offerings, but for many tech-savvy individuals, it remains a very relevant channel in the entertainment routine. And who hasn’t wanted a setup like their favorite streamer? Often unjustly underestimated, (Digital) Out of Home Advertising, also known as (D)OOH , is still often treated very negligently. What used to be indispensable in the form of billboard advertising in any marketing mix has lost significant popularity since the introduction of digital marketing, but has been on the rise again in recent years. More and more companies are recognizing the advantages of well-placed outdoor advertising, especially since the introduction of digital screens, which opens up a whole new range of possibilities. Suddenly, it is possible to advertise very dynamically at specific locations or at relevant times, reaching exactly the right target group at that moment. McDonald's demonstrated impressively a few years ago that this approach can work. Thank you very much for your attention! Hopefully, it was informative, and you could take something away from it! In the fourth part of our miniseries, we will take a closer look at competitive analysis . Have we forgotten something important, or do you still have questions on the topic? Feel free to write it in the comments! If you want to get in touch with us directly, feel free to visit our contact form . We help you to position your brand even more effectively with Contextual Advertising so that you can get the most out of your online marketing strategy - simply and without obligation!
Google Premier Partner 2025
Mar 11, 2025

Axel
Vortex
Category:
Inside Internet Warriors

internetwarriors GmbH is a Google Premier Partner 2025 As a Google Premier Partner 2025, we at internetwarriors GmbH are among the top 3% of all Google partner agencies in Germany. But what exactly does this mean for you, and why is it so important to choose an agency with premier status for your Google Ads campaigns? What does Google Premier Partner 2025 actually mean? The Google Premier Partner status is the highest accolade that Google awards to agencies within its partner program. This status honors agencies that are particularly successful in digital marketing and achieve outstanding results for their clients. As a Google Premier Partner 2025, internetwarriors receives exclusive access to Google tools, training, and support, which in turn allows us to make your campaigns even more successful. Why you benefit from a Google Premier Partner agency A Google Premier Partner agency offers you significant advantages over other agencies: Exclusive access to advanced Google resources and tools Direct contact with Google experts for quick and effective problem solving Early information about the latest Google Ads features and beta functions Deep expertise and continuous training of our staff directly by Google Our Google Ads services – specialized and tailored for you Our core competency as a Google Premier Partner 2025 lies in Google Ads. We develop and optimize search ads, display ads, YouTube ads, and shopping campaigns to ensure your company’s sustainable online success. Here’s what sets us apart as a Google Premier Partner: Search Ads [object Object] Search ads are among the most efficient methods of directly reaching your target audience. As a Google Premier Partner, we know exactly how to optimally align your ads with your target group. This way, you reach qualified users who are actively searching for your offerings. [object Object] >> More information about Search Ads Display Advertising [object Object] With targeted display campaigns, we increase your visibility in the Google Display Network. Our specialists create ads precisely tailored to your target audience to strengthen your branding and unlock new customer potentials. [object Object] >> More information about Display Campaigns YouTube Ads [object Object] YouTube is an excellent platform to reach users with video ads. As a Google Premier Partner, we create creative and attention-grabbing video campaigns perfectly aligned with your brand. [object Object] >> More information about YouTube Ads Google Shopping [object Object] Especially in the e-commerce sector, Google Shopping campaigns are crucial for success. We support you with setup, optimization, and management of your shopping ads to sustainably increase your sales. [object Object] >> More information about Google Shopping Our proven Google Ads process Analysis and Strategy: Every successful campaign begins with a comprehensive analysis of your current measures. We analyze the status quo, define clear goals, and develop a bespoke strategy tailored precisely to your business. Implementation and continuous optimization: As a Google Premier Partner, we use advanced analytical methods to continuously optimize your campaigns. Through data-driven reporting, we adjust keywords, ads, and landing pages precisely to your target audience. Monitoring and transparent reporting: We provide you with regular detailed reports, allowing you to track how your campaigns are developing and how your marketing budget is being efficiently used. This way, we always keep an eye on success together. Successes we can achieve together with you Our collaboration as a Google Premier Partner means we deliver measurable results: Higher visibility with your target audience Significantly improved conversion rates Increasing revenues while simultaneously reducing cost per conversion Optimal use and management of your advertising budget Real-world examples – successes of our clients with Google Ads Our clients benefit directly from our Premier Partner status. For instance, through collaborations with companies from various industries, we've achieved successes such as a revenue increase of up to 35% or a reduction in cost per conversion by up to 50%. A look behind the scenes: How we work Strategy development: We start with a thorough analysis of your current Google Ads campaigns and market position. Based on this, we create an individual strategy that optimally supports your goals. 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Channel Diversification in Online Marketing
Mar 7, 2025

Alexander
Frank
Category:
Search Engine Advertising

Putting everything on one card means you're either very lucky or could quickly lose a lot of money. The same applies to online marketing. Focusing solely on one channel allows you to concentrate all your attention there, but it also carries significant risks . If there's an issue with that channel, your entire outbound marketing effort could quickly come to a halt. So if you rely solely on that for customer acquisition, you might soon find yourself in a pickle. That's exactly why it makes sense to broaden your marketing strategy through channel diversification . Besides risk mitigation in the event of failures, there are additional advantages such as: Greater Reach - Certain target groups prefer specific channels. By diversifying, you can reach more users, and thus potential new customers. Higher Brand Awareness - A consistent message across multiple channels strengthens brand identity and increases visibility. More Data-Driven Insights - Different channels provide unique perspectives on data, enabling additional insights that help make more informed decisions. Better Customer Engagement - Engaging with users across multiple channels can lead to potentially more personal interactions and thus a stronger connection to the company. Potentially Higher ROI - Data-driven decisions across multiple channels often lead to increased efficiency in online marketing efforts, resulting in higher profits. Choosing Suitable Channels Which channel we should consider for diversification usually depends on what goal we want to achieve with it. Where do we see the greatest potentials , the best chance to position ourselves as a brand, or possibly even those so-called "low hanging fruits"? Are there channels where there are currently few competitors? One way to choose the most suitable channels is to be guided by the classic marketing funnel - depending on which step the target group is in and which conversion actions we particularly want to promote. It's also advisable to regularly check whether the current target group definition is still accurate or needs to be adjusted. Because requirements, needs, and search behavior can change over time . This allows us to observe a potential shift in the target group and respond accordingly. In some cases, the target group defined in advance differs from the actual group we reach and convert. The ideal customer can be determined by various factors, such as: Demographic data (age, gender, location, family status...) Interests Purchase behavior/purchasing power Lifestyle ... This is where you need to discover further potentials and expand existing ones. There may also be niche target groups that are highly relevant to us. The advantage here: Generally, competition is lower, which can lead to lower customer acquisition costs. By identifying the pain points of the target groups, we can also tailor the messaging of campaigns and creatives precisely to them . This can lead to more relevance, higher interaction, and, at best, a better ROI. Adhering to Rules As we can see, channel diversification is extremely important in marketing. However, we should observe two rules: Channel diversification should always be well thought out and not done just for its own sake . Expanding immediately to multiple platforms carries the risk of being overwhelmed and not doing justice to the nuances of each channel. This could quickly lead to undesirable results, causing the channels to be shut down before they have reached their full potential. It is also important to give the channel sufficient time . Rarely does the first attempt succeed directly, and adaptations and optimizations along the way are essential. Only after going through several optimization cycles and gathering sufficient data can we fairly assess the channel's performance and make sensible decisions. Of course, channel diversification also requires a certain investment. As mentioned above, it depends on many factors how many and which channels are suitable for diversification. Additionally, these differ individually from company to company and should therefore be carefully examined and considered beforehand. But if we approach it correctly, it can be more than worth it in many cases. Thank you for your attention! Hopefully, it was insightful, and you could take something from it! In the third part of our mini-series, we'll delve further into the topic of Contextual Advertising . You can find our previous post on Business Goals here . Did we forget anything important, or do you have further questions on the topic? Feel free to leave it in the comments! If you'd like to get in touch with us directly, feel free to visit our contact form . We'll help you find the right marketing channels for your company so you can get the most out of your online marketing strategy - easily and without obligation!
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