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<p><br /></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[6 Reasons Why ...
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Growing Importance of Digital Marketing in Sri Lanka

Digital marketing has become a crucial aspect of business success in Sri Lanka, with more people relying on the internet to discover and interact with brands.

<h3>Role of Social Media in Connecting Businesses with Customers</h3>

Social media platforms play a vital role in bridging the gap between businesses and customers, offering a space for genuine communication and engagement.

<h3>Overview of the Blog's Focus on Successful Strategies</h3>

This blog will explore actionable strategies for social media marketing success in Sri Lanka, keeping in mind the unique business environment and audience preferences.
Setting Clear Goals and Objectives

Before diving into the world of social media marketing, it's essential to establish clear goals and objectives for your campaign. Setting specific targets not only helps to keep your efforts focused, but also allows you to measure the success of your strategies and make informed decisions moving forward.
Common objectives for Sri Lankan businesses might include increasing brand awareness, driving website traffic, generating leads, or boosting sales. It's crucial to align these goals with your overall business objectives to ensure a cohesive and effective marketing approach.
Here are some tips for setting and aligning your social media marketing goals:
<ul>
<li>Be SMART: Make your goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This will help you to stay on track and evaluate your progress effectively.</li>
<li>Consider your resources: Be realistic about the time, budget, and personnel available for your social media marketing efforts. Set goals that can be accomplished within these constraints.</li>
<li>Stay flexible: Social media trends and audience preferences can change rapidly. Be prepared to adapt your goals and strategies as needed to stay ahead of the game.</li>
</ul>
Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is social media marketing success. By setting clear goals and objectives, you'll be well on your way to crafting a winning social media marketing strategy for your Sri Lankan business.
Identifying Your Target Audience

One of the key ingredients for social media marketing success is understanding who your target audience is. Knowing the demographics and psychographics of your potential customers will help you create content that appeals to them, ultimately boosting your chances of achieving your marketing goals.
Demographics include factors such as age, gender, income, and location, while psychographics involve more personal aspects such as values, interests, and lifestyle choices. Armed with this knowledge, you can tailor your content and strategies to resonate with your target audience, increasing engagement and conversions.
To research and identify your ideal audience, consider the following tips:
<ul>
<li>Study your existing customers: Analyze your current customer base to identify common traits and characteristics. This information can help you target similar individuals who are likely to be interested in your products or services.</li>
<li>Conduct market research: Surveys, focus groups, and online research can provide valuable insights into your target audience's preferences and behaviors, as well as identify potential gaps in the market that your business can fill.</li>
<li>Monitor social media trends: Keep an eye on popular content and hashtags within your industry, as well as the profiles of your competitors. This will give you a better idea of what your target audience is interested in and help you stay ahead of the curve.</li>
</ul>
Once you have a clear understanding of your target audience, it's important to adapt your content and strategies to resonate with them. This may involve experimenting with different types of content, such as humor, educational material, or inspirational stories, to see what generates the most engagement from your audience.

Remember, the key to social media marketing success in Sri Lanka is to know your audience and create content that truly speaks to them. By identifying your target audience and tailoring your strategies accordingly, you'll be well on your way to creating a lasting connection with your customers.
Creating Compelling Content

In the fast-paced world of social media, standing out from the crowd is essential. High-quality, engaging content not only captures the attention of your target audience but also encourages them to interact with your brand and share your message with others. Here are some tips for developing content that truly stands out in the Sri Lankan market:
<ul>
<li>Know your audience: As mentioned earlier, understanding your target audience is crucial in creating content that appeals to them. Tailor your message and tone to match their preferences, values, and interests.</li>
<li>Be authentic: People can easily spot inauthentic or insincere content. Be genuine and honest in your communication, and avoid over-promising or using manipulative tactics.</li>
<li>Focus on storytelling: Stories have the power to evoke emotions and connect with people on a deeper level. Use narratives to showcase your brand's values, products, or services in a relatable and engaging manner.</li>
<li>Experiment with formats: Don't be afraid to try different content formats, such as videos, images, GIFs, or polls, to see which resonate best with your audience. Mixing it up also keeps your content fresh and exciting.</li>
</ul>
Visuals and graphic design are crucial components of compelling content. A picture speaks a thousand words, and eye-catching visuals can significantly boost the impact of your message. Echt Social's graphic designing services can help you create stunning visuals that capture your audience's attention and convey your brand's unique identity.

Incorporating these tips into your social media marketing strategy will help you create captivating and share-worthy content that sets your brand apart in the Sri Lankan market. Remember, the key is to be genuine, creative, and focused on your audience's needs and preferences.
Building a Strong Social Media Presence

To truly stand out in the crowded world of social media marketing in Sri Lanka, it's crucial to build a robust and consistent online presence. This involves not only creating high-quality content but also selecting the appropriate platforms, maintaining an active presence, and leveraging professional expertise to gain an edge over competitors.

When it comes to choosing the right platforms for your business, it's essential to consider your target audience and the nature of your products or services. For instance, if your target audience is primarily young and tech-savvy, platforms like Instagram and Twitter might be more suitable than Facebook or LinkedIn. Similarly, if your business relies heavily on visuals, platforms like Pinterest or Instagram could be a better fit.

Consistency is key when it comes to posting and engaging with followers. Maintaining a regular posting schedule and interacting with your audience through comments, likes, and shares can help you foster a strong and loyal community around your brand. This not only increases your visibility but also reinforces your brand's image as responsive, approachable, and genuinely interested in its customers' needs and preferences.

Lastly, don't underestimate the importance of professional expertise in social media marketing. Leveraging the skills and experience of a digital marketing agency like Echt Social can help you navigate the complexities of social media marketing in Sri Lanka more effectively. Their expertise in social media marketing, graphic designing, SEO, and content marketing can provide your business with the tools and strategies needed to build a strong and successful online presence.

In conclusion, building a strong social media presence requires a combination of strategic thinking, creativity, and consistency. By choosing the right platforms, maintaining an active presence, and leveraging professional expertise, your business can achieve social media marketing success in Sri Lanka.
Influencer Partnerships

Partnering with influencers can work wonders for your social media marketing efforts in Sri Lanka. Influencers have a loyal following and their endorsements can boost your brand's credibility and visibility. Let's delve into the benefits and best practices for collaborating with influencers in the Sri Lankan market.

Benefits of partnering with influencers for brand promotion: Influencer partnerships can help you tap into new and relevant audience segments, increase brand awareness, and drive higher engagement and conversions. Their authentic and genuine connection with their audience can lend credibility to your brand, ultimately leading to increased trust and loyalty among customers.

Tips for selecting the right influencers for your business: When choosing influencers, consider factors such as their audience demographics, engagement rates, and relevance to your brand and industry. Look for influencers who share your brand's values and can effectively communicate your message to their followers. Additionally, it's essential to evaluate their past collaborations and success in promoting similar products or services.

Best practices for collaborating with influencers: To ensure a successful collaboration, be clear about your expectations and objectives, and provide influencers with creative freedom to present your brand in a way that resonates with their audience. Maintain open communication and be receptive to their ideas and insights. Lastly, always track and measure the results of your influencer partnerships to refine your strategy and maximize ROI.

In conclusion, influencer partnerships can be a powerful asset in your social media marketing strategy in Sri Lanka. By selecting the right influencers and following best practices for collaboration, you can effectively leverage their influence to promote your brand and achieve your marketing goals. So, why not give it a try and see your brand's online presence soar to new heights?
Engaging with User-Generated Content

User-generated content (UGC) refers to any form of content created by your customers or audience, such as reviews, testimonials, photos, or videos showcasing your products or services. UGC can be a powerful tool for your social media marketing strategy in Sri Lanka, as it helps build trust and credibility among potential customers. In this section, we'll explore how to encourage UGC and effectively incorporate it into your marketing strategy.

<h3>Encouraging Customers to Share Their Experiences and Stories
</h3>
One way to generate UGC is by actively encouraging your customers to share their experiences and stories with your brand. This can be achieved through various methods, such as hosting contests, offering incentives, or simply asking your audience to share their thoughts and feedback. By providing a platform for your customers to express themselves, you not only foster a sense of community but also tap into valuable insights that can help you improve your products and services.

<h3>Tips for Featuring User-Generated Content in Your Marketing Strategy
</h3>
Once you have gathered UGC, it's essential to feature it strategically in your marketing efforts. Here are some tips to make the most of your user-generated content:
<ul>
<li>Showcase UGC on your social media platforms: Share the content on your social media channels, tagging the original creator and expressing your appreciation for their contribution.</li>
<li>Highlight customer stories on your website: Dedicate a section of your website to showcase customer testimonials, reviews, or success stories.</li>
<li>Utilise UGC in ad campaigns: Incorporate customer reviews or testimonials in your advertising campaigns to show real-life success stories and build trust with potential customers.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Benefits of User-Generated Content in Building Trust and Credibility
</h3>
UGC has several benefits when it comes to building trust and credibility for your brand. For starters, it provides social proof, showing potential customers that others have had positive experiences with your products or services. This can be especially impactful in Sri Lanka, where word-of-mouth and personal recommendations carry significant weight.

Furthermore, UGC allows your audience to see your brand from the perspective of real people, which can help humanise your business and foster a sense of authenticity. This, in turn, can help you establish a stronger connection with your customers and ultimately lead to increased brand loyalty and advocacy.
In conclusion, user-generated content can be a valuable asset for your social media marketing strategy in Sri Lanka. By encouraging customers to share their experiences and stories, and strategically featuring this content in your marketing efforts, you can build trust and credibility among potential customers, leading to long-term success for your brand.
Tracking and Measuring Success

While it's important to have a well-crafted social media marketing strategy, it's equally vital to monitor and analyse your performance to ensure your efforts are paying off. By keeping a close eye on key performance indicators (KPIs) and adjusting your strategies based on data and insights, you can maximise your chances of success in the Sri Lankan market.

<h3>Importance of Monitoring and Analyzing Social Media Performance
</h3>
Tracking your social media performance allows you to identify what's working and what's not, enabling you to make data-driven decisions and continually refine your strategy. It also helps you understand how your efforts are contributing to your overall business objectives, ensuring you're on track to achieve your goals.
Moreover, analysing your performance can uncover valuable insights into your audience's preferences and behaviours, helping you better cater to their needs and interests.

<h3>Key Performance Indicators to Focus On
</h3>
Some KPIs to consider when tracking your social media marketing performance include:
<ul>
<li>Engagement: Measure the number of likes, comments, and shares your content receives to determine how effectively it resonates with your audience.</li>
<li>Reach: Assess the number of unique users who see your content, providing an indication of your brand's visibility and potential impact.</li>
<li>Click-through rate: Calculate the percentage of users who click on your content, helping you gauge the effectiveness of your calls-to-action and overall user interest.</li>
<li>Conversions: Monitor the number of users who take a desired action, such as making a purchase or signing up for your newsletter, to determine the ROI of your social media marketing efforts.</li>
</ul>
Remember to choose KPIs that align with your specific goals and objectives to ensure you're tracking the most relevant metrics for your business.

<h3>Adjusting Strategies Based on Data and Insights
</h3>
Once you've gathered data on your social media performance, it's essential to use this information to inform your future strategies. For example, if your data shows that humorous content generates higher engagement, consider incorporating more humour into your content mix. Conversely, if you find that certain types of content or posting times result in low engagement, adjust your approach accordingly.

By staying flexible and adapting your strategies based on data and insights, you can ensure your social media marketing efforts remain effective and aligned with the ever-changing preferences of your Sri Lankan audience. And who knows, you might just become the next big social media sensation in the process!
Leveraging Echt Social's Expertise for Success in Social Media Marketing Sri Lanka
Partnering with a professional digital marketing agency, such as Echt Social, can truly elevate your social media marketing efforts in Sri Lanka. With their expertise in various aspects of digital marketing, including social media marketing, SEO, graphic designing, and content marketing, Echt Social can provide you with the tools and strategies needed to succeed in the highly competitive online landscape.

Working with a professional agency like Echt Social offers several benefits, such as access to a team of skilled experts who can develop tailored strategies for your business and provide creative solutions for your unique marketing challenges. Plus, they bring a touch of humour, making your brand's online presence not only informative but also entertaining.

Echt Social's commitment to customized, creative, and effective marketing solutions ensures that your brand receives personalized attention and strategies tailored to your specific goals and objectives. By leveraging their expertise and services, you can be confident that your social media marketing efforts in Sri Lanka are in capable hands, and you can focus on growing and nurturing your business.
Time to Take Action

Throughout this blog, we have explored various strategies to help your business succeed in social media marketing in Sri Lanka. From setting clear goals and understanding your target audience to creating engaging content and leveraging influencer partnerships, implementing these strategies can pave the way for your brand's online success.

As you embark on your social media marketing journey, remember that partnering with an expert digital marketing agency like Echt Social can provide invaluable support, guidance, and expertise. With their range of services, including social media marketing, graphic designing, SEO, and content marketing, Echt Social is committed to helping your brand achieve its full potential in the Sri Lankan market. So, what are you waiting for? <a href="https://www.echtsocial.com/" target="_blank">Partner with Echt Social</a> today and watch your business soar to new heights!]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Ultimate Social Media Health Score Calculator for Businesses]]></title><description><![CDATA[Have you ever wondered how to calculate the health of your social media presence, much like the way you can check your website's SEO...]]></description><link>https://www.echtsocial.com/post/your-social-media-health-score</link><guid isPermaLink="false">64135339f9868e668fb9508c</guid><pubDate>Sun, 02 Apr 2023 06:37:47 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5515cb_9a1b300bd8344408bcc3553efac56480~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_628,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Dhanushka De Silva</dc:creator><content:encoded><![CDATA[
<figure><img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5515cb_956d8b0b582f49508a1629d20a92f807~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_628,al_c,q_80/file.png"alt="Abstract image of a hand holding a phone and a microphone"></figure>

Have you ever wondered how to calculate the health of your social media presence, much like the way you can check your website's SEO score? Well, the wait is over as we have created a <a href="https://www.echtsocial.com/social-media-health-score-calculator" target="_blank">Social Media Health Score Calculator</a> to help you gauge the effectiveness of your social media efforts.
As we all know, social media is an integral part of our lives, and it's essential to know how well we're doing on these platforms. That's where our health score calculator comes in handy.
 
 
<h3>How does the calculator work?
</h3>
We've put a lot of thought into creating this tool to give you an accurate understanding of how well you're doing on social media. Our formula is based on the three most crucial areas of social media: engagement, reach, and follower growth. These three areas are what make or break a social media account, and our health score algorithm takes them into account.
Our formula is simple, but it gives you an accurate health score. The weighted average formula we've given assigns 45% to the engagement rate, 35% for the reach rate, and 20% for the follower growth rate, thus creating the health score. We believe that this formula provides the perfect balance to give you a realistic understanding of your social media performance.

You may ask why we've given engagement a higher score than Reach and Follower Growth. It's simple. If your content doesn't engage your audience and bring any interactions then your content strategy is falling through the cracks and into digital oblivion. It's better to have 10,000 followers and 500 highly engaged followers than to have a million followers and a lower engagement rate. 

Now, I know what you're thinking. "Why should I try out this free health score calculator?" Well, let me tell you why. Knowing your social media health score is crucial to your success on these platforms. It gives you an idea of where you're doing well and where you need to improve. And let's face it, who doesn't want to know how good they are at something?
But that's not all. Our social media health score calculator is completely free, and all you need to do is enter your email address to get the results. It's that simple. No catches, no hidden fees, just your social media health score
.
We know that the weighted average formula is a bit subjective, like trying to figure out which digital marketing agency in Sri Lanka is the best (hint: it's us), but we've based it on what matters most to brands who want to measure their social media growth. We're all about helping you figure out how well your audience is digging into your posts and swiping right on your content. 
So, if you're ready to take the plunge and find out just how healthy your social media is, give our Social Media Health Score Calculator a try! And if you think our weightage formula is off, feel free to drop us a comment below - we're always open to constructive criticism, or just a good old-fashioned roast. After all, we're in the business of helping your brand grow and thrive, and that's no joke!
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[SEO vs PPC: Why SEO is the Hero You Deserve]]></title><description><![CDATA[Introduction Hey there, internet heroes! Are you trying to decide between SEO and PPC advertising for your digital marketing needs? Well,...]]></description><link>https://www.echtsocial.com/post/seo-vs-ppc-why-seo-is-better</link><guid isPermaLink="false">642717bc1858940ee12d8d56</guid><pubDate>Fri, 31 Mar 2023 17:34:37 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Dhanushka De Silva</dc:creator><content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3>Introduction
</h3>
Hey there, internet heroes! Are you trying to decide between SEO and PPC advertising for your digital marketing needs? Well, let me tell you why SEO is the hero you deserve.

<h3>Organic traffic vs. paid traffic
</h3>
Listen, there's a big difference between SEO and PPC advertising. SEO focuses on bringing in organic traffic, while PPC advertising is all about that paid traffic. Sure, PPC advertising can bring in quick results, but it's like paying for a one-night stand. With SEO, you're investing in a long-term relationship that will keep paying off for years to come.

<h3>Better ROI
</h3>
Speaking of long-term relationships, let's talk about ROI. SEO has a better return on investment compared to PPC advertising. With SEO, you're investing in optimizing your website for search engines, which can bring in organic traffic for years to come. Meanwhile, with PPC advertising, you're paying for each click, and once you stop paying, the traffic stops. SEO provides a long-term investment that can help you build brand awareness, establish credibility, and increase organic traffic over time.

<h3>Increased credibility
</h3>
Did you know that search engine users are more likely to click on organic search results than paid ads? That's right, 70% of search engine users click on organic results, while only 30% click on paid ads. So, investing in SEO can increase your website's credibility and improve your chances of getting clicks from search engine users. Who doesn't want to be more credible and get more clicks? It's like being a superhero with a cape made of credibility.

<h3>Better user experience
</h3>
SEO is also about creating a better user experience for your website visitors. By optimizing your website for search engines, you also optimize it for users. That means your website will load faster, be more mobile-friendly, and have a better user interface. These factors are essential for keeping users on your website longer and increasing the chances of converting them into customers. Think of it like having a sidekick who's there to make everything easier for you and your visitors.

<h3>Better long-term results
</h3>
Listen, I know PPC advertising can bring in quick results, but SEO provides better long-term results. With SEO, you're investing in your website's long-term success, which can pay off for years to come. Meanwhile, with PPC advertising, you have to keep paying for each click, which can become expensive over time. I don't know about you, but I'd rather have a long-term hero than a quick fix.

<h3>Conclusion
</h3>
In the end, it's clear that SEO is the hero you deserve. By investing in <a href="https://www.echtsocial.com/seo-sri-lanka" target="_blank">SEO,</a> you can increase organic traffic, establish credibility, and provide a better user experience for your website visitors. Sure, PPC advertising can provide quick results, but SEO is the hero you can count on for long-term success. So, put on your SEO cape and let's save the <a href="https://www.echtsocial.com/" target="_blank">digital marketing</a> world together!



]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Which SEO Metrics are Important to Track?]]></title><description><![CDATA[When determining which SEO metrics are important for your business, it is important to understand what's important for one brand isn't...]]></description><link>https://www.echtsocial.com/post/which-seo-metrics-are-important-to-track</link><guid isPermaLink="false">638333f61933398370e6e500</guid><pubDate>Sun, 27 Nov 2022 10:43:15 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/06a4a2_17c760ffbb144cf495daf42cb2fde252~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Dhanushka De Silva</dc:creator><content:encoded><![CDATA[
<figure><img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/06a4a2_17c760ffbb144cf495daf42cb2fde252~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png"alt="Man looking through a lens wearing a suit"></figure>
 
 
 
When determining which SEO metrics are important for your business, it is important to understand what's important for one brand isn't necessarily important to another as it is completely dependent on your business goals. However, some of the common/popular metrics used by businesses we've managed to measure their SEO campaigns are as follows;
 
 
1. Organic Traffic
2. Search engine rankings
3. Lead conversion rate
4. Click-through rate
5. Return on investment (ROI)
6. Domain Authority / Domain Rating
7. Search Visibility

Feel free to download our infographic
 
<figure><img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/06a4a2_deea32e1f6be4fdc8698179806213721~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_800,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png"alt="Infographic of whic SEO Metrics are Important to Track?"></figure>
 
<h3>1. Organic Traffic
</h3>
There are many things to consider when optimizing a website for search engines, but website traffic and in particular organic traffic is one of the most important. Search engine optimization is the process of making a website more visible in search engine results pages, thus, increasing the amount of organic traffic the site receives. Organic traffic is not only a valuable metric in and of itself, but it is also indicative of other important factors, such as the popularity of a website and its content. Increasing website traffic should be a primary goal of any website owner or operator who is interested in improving their site’s visibility and reach.
<h3>
2. Keyword Rankings or Search Engine Rankings
</h3>
By far the most important metrics and the reason most brands do SEO is of course to improve their keyword rankings or search engine rankings. After all, businesses want to rank on the first page for certain keywords that they feel their targeted audiences could find them on. The moment you see your brand moving up the keyword rankings is when you know that your SEO strategy is working well and you are on track to attracting new users to your website. 
 
<h3>3. Lead Conversion Rate
</h3>
Lead conversion rate is an important metric in SEO because it measures how well your website is able to convert visitors into leads. A high lead conversion rate indicates that your website is effective at generating leads, while a low lead conversion rate indicates that your website needs improvement in this area. Lead conversion rate can be used to benchmark your website against other websites in your industry and to identify areas where your website could be more effective. It is to improve the lead conversion rate that businesses focus on Conversion Optimization rate or CRO, which is the process of improving your website to increase the number of leads you receive.
<h3>
4. Click-through rate (CTR)
</h3>
Click-through rate is an important metric in SEO. It measures how often users click on your website links in search results. A high click-through rate indicates that your website is relevant to the user’s search query and is appearing in search results that are relevant to the user. A low click-through rate indicates that your website is not relevant to the user’s search query or is not appearing in search results that are relevant to the user.
 
<h3>5. ROI
</h3>
ROI is an important metric in SEO because it measures the return on investment for your SEO efforts. A high ROI indicates that your SEO strategy is effective and is providing a good return on your investment. A low ROI indicates that your SEO strategy needs improvement. ROI can be used to gauge the effectiveness of your SEO strategy and to identify areas that need improvement.
 
<h3>6. Domain Authority / Domain Rating</h3>
 
While this isn't an official Google ranking factor, an increasing domain authority or rating is a sign that you are building good referring domains, backlinks to your website, and other factors. It is essentially a sign to show the overall SEO quality of your website. 
 
<h3>7. Search Visibility</h3>
 
Search visibility is a score to show the percentage of clicks your website gets in relation to all the available clicks for respective keywords. When a keyword you rank for gets searched one hundred times, and you get ten clicks, then your search visibility is 10%.
 
If you are looking for a proven <a href="https://www.echtsocial.com/" target="_blank">digital marketing agency</a> specializing in <a href="https://www.echtsocial.com/seo-sri-lanka" target="_blank">Search Engine Optimization</a> then it’s time to list down your goals and start looking! 
 
 
 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Conceptualising a Brand for Social Media Marketing – The Story of Burger Mafia]]></title><description><![CDATA[The founders of Burger Mafia came to Echt Social looking for a social media partner that could help them in creating a brand identity for...]]></description><link>https://www.echtsocial.com/post/conceptualising-a-brand-for-social-media-marketing-the-story-of-burger-mafia</link><guid isPermaLink="false">634da40b8b8ecc367a834e39</guid><pubDate>Wed, 26 Oct 2022 03:53:09 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5515cb_cb581ca9a67e4c479c488269d10bfcb2~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_800,h_533,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Sachini Ratnapala</dc:creator><content:encoded><![CDATA[
<figure><img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5515cb_cb581ca9a67e4c479c488269d10bfcb2~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_800,h_533,al_c,q_80/file.png"alt="Image of a burger in a black background with text"></figure>
 
The founders of Burger Mafia came to Echt Social looking for a social media partner that could help them in creating a brand identity for their delicious burgers. This was right after Sri Lanka lifted its curfew after the first wave of Covid-19 and brands were looking to differentiate themselves on social media. 
 
The brief given to aid us in conceptualising the brand direction was they wanted something unique and something to get people to talk about. 
 We helped Burger Mafia by;
<ul>
<li>Conceptualising their mafia-themed brand identity </li>
<li>Developing a unique brand voice and personality using gangster lingo</li>
<li>A gangster / mafia-themed visual aesthetic was created inspired by movies such as The Godfather and Untouchables.</li>
</ul>
 
 
From the confident font to the aggressive coloured burgers in monochrome backgrounds, everything about the look of Burger Mafia says “we’re not playing around.” 
 
What we wanted to communicate to the viewer/customer was that Burger Mafia was a new player in the game, and they’re coming in hot. By doing so, we were able to help the brand create a unique selling proposition that set them apart from their competition. 
 
<figure><img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5515cb_480d7518349f47d09b5ae91d3e626034~mv2.gif/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png"></figure>
 
Our mafia-themed visuals and captions enticed the audience to be a part of the hype and trying out these delicious burgers. The Burger Mafia Instagram page was structured to have a series of product images, mafia-themed quotes and images of favourite scene's from famous Mafia-based movies to set the aesthetic of the brand. The black and white theme with the large text grid layout proved to work in reaching it's target audience and build the engagement we hoped for the brand.
<figure><img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5515cb_1badf99c227f466e9bc133ac9a0f7f41~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_721,al_c,q_80/file.png"alt="Screenshot of an IG post of Burger Mafia"></figure>
 
<a href="undefined"><img src="undefined" width="1080" height="1920"></a>
 
But we wanted to take it a little further! Burger Mafia and Echt Social ensured the brand's unique lingo was carried forward even when addressing customers via DM’s, phone calls, and the packaging itself. 
 
Want to know more about how a social media agency can help you create the buzz you need for your brand? <a href="dd@echtsocial.com" target="_blank">Speak to us</a> and we'll be happy to give you all the support and inside scoop you need! 
 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[6 Reasons Why Digital Marketing Agencies in Sri Lanka are Growing Fast]]></title><description><![CDATA[Digital marketing agencies in Sri Lanka have been seeing rapid growth in the past few years. With a relatively low population of over...]]></description><link>https://www.echtsocial.com/post/digital-agencies-in-sri-lanka-growing-fast</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6348598a37e67f4c0d8b87b4</guid><pubDate>Thu, 13 Oct 2022 18:48:16 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5515cb_54b38a80ca4e4d37be624aa83d5068fa~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_964,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Dhanushka De Silva</dc:creator><content:encoded><![CDATA[
<figure><img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5515cb_54b38a80ca4e4d37be624aa83d5068fa~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_964,al_c,q_80/file.png"alt="Man shooting an arrow to a target showcasing growth of a company while approaching it's target"></figure>
 
<a href="https://www.echtsocial.com/" target="_blank">Digital marketing agencies in Sri Lanka</a> have been seeing rapid growth in the past few years. With a relatively low population of over about 21 million people, Sri Lanka can be a great place for digital marketing enthusiasts and companies to build their careers. 
 
<h3>Growth of digital marketing</h3>
 
Over the past decade or so, digital marketing has become one of the most popular and effective ways to reach a target audience. Whether it is through email, social media, or even search engine optimization, businesses have found new and innovative ways to connect with potential and current customers. This trend does not seem to be slowing down any time soon, as more and more businesses are beginning to invest in digital marketing campaigns.
 
<h3>Growth of digital marketing agencies</h3>
<h3></h3>
Digital marketing agencies are the new black for businesses looking to tap into the latest digital trends and reach new customers without breaking the bank. In other words, there’s a growing demand for these types of services. As more businesses and small nonprofits start using social media, mobile apps, and other online tools to connect with their audience and market their brand, it makes sense that they’d want someone to show them how to do it well. That said, what is driving these digital marketing agency growth?
 
Let’s take a look at 6 reasons why digital marketing agencies are so popular right now.
 
<h3>1. The Increase in Social Media Users in Sri Lanka</h3>
<h3></h3>
The huge growth in digital marketing agencies has a lot to do with the growth of social media and mobile apps.
According to the, <a href="https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2022-sri-lanka" target="_blank">We are Social 2022 report</a>, Sri Lanka has over 8.20 million social media users as of February 2022 which is nearly 38% of the total population.
As many people now spend a large portion of their time on these platforms, it’s important for businesses to know how to reach out to their target audience. Digital marketing agencies that understand how to use these platforms can help small businesses grow at an accelerated rate.
 
<h3>2. Shift in perception due to Covid-19</h3>
<h3></h3>
Right after the first wave of Covid-19 and the imposing of curfews, businesses had to rely on digital marketing and social media channels to make their products and services accessible to consumers due to limited access to traditional marketing methods. This event gave rise to new digital marketing agencies in Sri Lanka since then as individuals realized the massive potential that digital marketing has as it can be done remotely and regardless of world events businesses can use these channels to market their offerings.
 
<h3>3. Increasing digital customer touchpoints </h3>
<h3></h3>
The third reason why digital marketing agencies in Sri Lanka are growing so fast is due to the increased need for customer service. With customer service becoming more prevalent online, companies require highly trained individuals who know what they're doing when it comes to customer service and social media interactions. 
 
<h3>4. Lower start-up costs</h3>
<h3></h3>
As long as people have internet and an interest in digital marketing, it’s easy to start your own agency in Sri Lanka. You can work from anywhere and set your own hours. All of this means that you don’t need to be near a city with lots of opportunities for freelance work and jobs. With the rise of remote work, it’s easier than ever for people to start their own businesses without needing any office space.
 
<h3>5. Businesses prefer data-driven results</h3>
<h3></h3>
Companies and nonprofits can’t afford to spend their time, money, or resources on unproductive marketing tactics. In other words, they need to have a focus on what works and what doesn’t. On the flip side of this, there are many great digital marketing companies that will collect data on your campaign performance to give you the most effective strategies. 
 
In addition to this, these companies typically have access to a lot of data about your audience so they can see which campaigns are performing better than others. This means that not only are they able to do a great job with your social media campaigns and help improve your website traffic but they also know what actually helps convert into sales. 
 
This is why it’s so appealing for businesses and nonprofits to use these kinds of services; digital marketing agencies can provide them with detailed information about how their marketing efforts are working over time. They can tell you exactly how much money you’re spending every month with each campaign and how much you could be saving by switching it up!
 
<h3>6. More cost-effective than traditional marketing</h3>
<h3></h3>
Digital marketing is cheaper than traditional marketing. There are many reasons why digital marketing is cheaper than traditional marketing. 
 
First, digital marketing is easy to measure. With traditional marketing, you must rely on intuition or guesswork to determine how well your campaign is doing.
 
Digital marketing, especially through online channels, is cheaper than traditional marketing techniques. With the right tools, you can reach a large audience cheaply and effectively. 
 
Digital marketing can also be tailored to meet the specific needs of your business. There are a number of different channels you can use to advertise your product or services. 
 
For more on the benefits of digital marketing over traditional marketing read our blog <a href="https://www.echtsocial.com/post/social-media-better-than-traditional" target="_blank">6 Reasons Why Digital Marketing is Better Than Traditional Marketing</a>. 
 
<h3>Summary</h3>

Digital marketing is a vital part of any business's marketing strategy, and it’s only going to become more important in the future. Sri Lankan Companies that don’t participate in digital marketing are likely to lose out on the competition. It is important to therefore consult a <a href="https://www.echtsocial.com/" target="_blank">digital marketing agency</a> or hire your own in-house digital marketing team and reap the rewards.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Should You Hire A Digital Marketing Agency?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Digital marketing agencies come in all shapes and sizes. There are digital marketing agencies offering services for businesses of all...]]></description><link>https://www.echtsocial.com/post/do-you-need-a-digital-agency</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6341c8665a2a8a05330609c3</guid><pubDate>Sat, 08 Oct 2022 19:23:41 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5515cb_d83985d308314b4f89bc32066c180f62~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Dhanushka De Silva</dc:creator><content:encoded><![CDATA[
<figure><img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5515cb_d83985d308314b4f89bc32066c180f62~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png"alt="Abstract image of a person sitting on a question mark"></figure>
 
Digital marketing agencies come in all shapes and sizes. There are digital marketing agencies offering services for businesses of all sizes, from startups to enterprises, and even non-profit organizations. 
 
Some digital marketing agencies specialize in SEO while others offer social media marketing, email marketing, website design, and development as their core service. They can be found operating online or offline depending on the location of the business. 
 
With so many <a href="https://www.echtsocial.com/" target="_blank">digital marketing agency</a> options available, it’s not always easy to know which one is right for you or your business or if you are better off having your own in-house marketing team. It’s important that you think it through before you commit to any one agency because choosing the wrong digital marketers could set you back a lot of money in terms of both time and resources if you hire another agency instead. 
 
Think about why you need a digital marketing agency and how they can help you achieve your goals as a small or medium-sized business. Decide whether their service fees are worth it, how much access you’ll have to them in order to get the most out of what they provide, and if they have a network of partners who are also working with them.
 
<h3>What is a digital marketing agency?
</h3>
A digital marketing agency or online marketing agency is a business that helps businesses reach their goals with digital strategies. 
 
They are made up of digital marketing experts that help businesses and brands carry out online strategies to enhance their digital presence and other marketing goals. 
 
A digital marketing company is a strategic partner that would work with brands in achieving their business growth on a digital landscape. 
 
They help you save thousands of dollars by carrying out carefully planned and successful marketing campaigns making the most of your marketing budget.
 
<h3>What services does a digital marketing agency offer?</h3>
<h2></h2>
A digital marketing agency offers a wide range of digital marketing services to businesses, including;
-<a href="https://www.echtsocial.com/seo-sri-lanka" target="_blank">Search Engine Optimization (SEO)</a>
-Website design and development
-<a href="https://www.echtsocial.com/content-marketing-sri-lanka" target="_blank">Content marketing</a>
-Email marketing
-<a href="https://www.echtsocial.com/social-media-marketing-agency-sri-lanka" target="_blank">Social media marketing</a>
-Public relations
-Marketing campaigns 
- <a href="https://www.echtsocial.com/graphic-designing-sri-lanka" target="_blank">Graphic Designing</a>
With a digital marketing agency on your side, you can be sure that your online presence is optimized for maximum results. These agencies also offer advice on how to best use these services to meet your business goals.
 
<h3>Should you hire a digital marketing agency?</h3>
<h2></h2>
You’re going to have to think about the pros and cons of hiring a digital marketing agency before you decide it is right for you. Here are some questions you should ask yourself:
- Can I afford their fees?
- What kind of access, if any, will I have to them?
- Will their digital marketing efforts help my business get a positive return on investment?
- Are my efforts better spent on traditional advertising?
- Are they a full-service agency? What other services could be beneficial for my business growth?
- Do they offer in-house content marketing creation?
- Is there something else that would make me feel more confident in their services, such as personal recommendations from others who have used them in the past?
 
For more information on the questions you need to ask before hiring a digital agency, check out our blog <a href="https://www.echtsocial.com/post/hiring-a-digital-marketing-agency" target="_blank">10 Questions to Ask When Hiring a Digital Marketing Agency</a>. 
 
<h3>Reasons why you should hire a digital marketing agency
</h3>
The following are a few reasons why you should consider hiring a digital marketing agency to help you reach your goals.
They will help you establish your authority online
Digital marketing agencies can help you establish an authoritative online presence. The agency will be able to create content that is optimized for search engine algorithms and then produce results that will get your website ranked on the first page of search engines like Google or Bing. Once this happens, your website will be much easier to find and people will see it as a reliable source of information on their search engine results page.

They know how to do SEO
Digital marketing agencies specialize in SEO and they know how to make it work best for your business. They might be able to get your website ranking quickly and efficiently, which would save time for you as well as give you more opportunities to earn more money from it.

They have a network of partners
Some digital marketing agencies have partners who are also working with them. Partners can provide services like web design or development, social media strategy, graphic design, content creation/editing, print collateral, lead generation/follow-up, CRM implementation, etc., which means more money getting into the company’s bank account because they are able to offer one-stop shopping instead of having to spend time and resources finding these different providers themselves.

They can handle the entire process
Some digital marketing agencies handle the entire process from beginning to end while others specialize in a certain area.
 
<h5>Your team does not have the expertise to do it in-house
</h5>
If you are a small or medium-sized business and you need help with your digital marketing, it may be a good option to consider hiring a digital marketing agency. 
 
Businesses that hire digital agencies typically save time and money by relying on experts that know what they’re doing. It’s also important to consider how much expertise your team has in this arena. If you have your own in-house digital experts, then you won’t need an agency. 
 
But if you don’t have the ability to handle all of the more complex aspects of digital marketing on your own, then it may be worthwhile for you to consult with a professional who specializes in this area. Think about what services your business needs from a digital marketing agency and discuss their service fees with them before signing any contracts.
 
<h5>You don't have time to focus on digital marketing</h5>
 
When you’re running a business that has other facets to it, it can be difficult to allocate the time needed for digital marketing. It’s not always easy to find a team of people who can handle both aspects of your business while also taking care of digital marketing tasks. This is where a good digital marketing agency comes in handy. With the right agency, they can devote hours, days, or weeks' worth of work on your behalf, ensuring that you have enough time to focus on what is most important – growing your business.
 
Think about whether you have the time and resources available to execute your digital marketing strategy yourself. If you do, then this may not be the best option for you.
 
<h5>You can get new ideas</h5>
<h5></h5>
A good digital marketing agency can assist in brainstorming new ideas for your business. They can help you launch new campaigns, identify what’s working and what isn’t, and even help you reach out to potential partners. If you don’t already have a digital marketing agency on board, it might be worth your while to at least learn more about the different options available to find one that will best suit your needs.
 
<h5>They have the right tools</h5>
<h5></h5>
The right tools to use for your business will depend on your goals and how you want to implement them. However, digital marketing agencies should have scalable, easy-to-use, and robust tools to meet your needs. When you choose a digital marketing agency, make sure they’re providing the platform that’s best for your business. An example of the right tool is Google Ads or Facebook Ads which allow you to target people who may need products or services similar to yours in order to convert them into customers.
 
They also give you control over the campaign's budget and how much you are willing to spend. You can also tailor these campaigns specifically for certain demographics of people. With this type of advertising, digital marketing agencies offer many more features and flexibility than traditional methods like radio ads or television commercials.
 
<h2>Summary</h2>
 
Digital marketing agencies are an essential resource for growing your business. It's important that you think through what you need from them before hiring them. You need the right marketing partner that will assist you with your growth goals and make it worth the long-term investment.
If you're looking for a team of marketers that specialize in <a href="https://www.echtsocial.com/seo-sri-lanka" target="_blank">driving organic traffic</a>, then reach out to us and we would be happy to assist. ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[SEO vs Social Media: Which is more Important for a Business?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Many businesses today have to choose where to focus their digital marketing budget. Should a business focus on SEO (Search Engine...]]></description><link>https://www.echtsocial.com/post/seo-vs-social-media</link><guid isPermaLink="false">633db9cae47167935ed2e4ba</guid><pubDate>Wed, 05 Oct 2022 18:27:52 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5515cb_705a80e12eaf4042847d72323554c529~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_940,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Dhanushka De Silva</dc:creator><content:encoded><![CDATA[
<figure><img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5515cb_705a80e12eaf4042847d72323554c529~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_940,al_c,q_80/file.png"alt="Abstract image of two people in a boxing match fighting with gloves and a search bar behind them."></figure>
 
 
Many businesses today have to choose where to focus their digital marketing budget. 
 
Should a business focus on SEO (Search Engine Optimization) or social media? 
 
What is the difference between the two, and which one will help the business succeed online? 
 
In order to answer these questions, we must first understand what SEO and social media are.
SEO and social media are two important components of a strong digital marketing strategy. While SEO focuses on optimizing your website for Google search, social media is all about building relationships and engaging with your audience on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. 
 
But which one should you focus on? 
 
In this blog post, we’ll break down the differences between SEO and social media and explain why both are important for your business.
 
<h3>What is Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?
</h3>
Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of enhancing a website's search engine ranking by increasing its relevance to keywords or search terms. 
 
The most common type of SEO is "organic" SEO, which includes activities such as writing well-optimized content, building high-quality links, and having a relevant website architecture to increase the organic search. 
 
SEO can also refer to Search Engine Marketing through paid advertising on search engines like Google Ads and Bing Ads. This form of SEO is known as "PPC" (pay per click).
 
Many SEO experts would agree that building high-quality traffic through target keywords, creating high-quality inbound links, and improving your search rankings are but a fraction of the work involved in SEO. With the constant algorithm updates, continuous keyword optimization, and creating ranking content for search engines it's no wonder that companies prefer to outsource their SEO marketing or SEO campaigns to digital marketing agencies. 
 
<h3>What is Social Media Marketing?
</h3>
Social media marketing is a strategy that uses social networks to drive traffic and encourage shares, likes, and other actions. It’s a strategy that is effective for businesses because it not only helps you reach your target audience but also provides insights into how they behave on social media. 
 
Social media marketing is not just about posting content on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. It’s about understanding your audience and the right way to engage them.
 
<h3>Why SEO is important for a business</h3>
<h3></h3>
SEO is important for a business because it helps your website rank so that people can find you and be able to find the content they are looking for. 
 
SEO also helps you decide what content is most relevant to people and encourages more organic and natural interactions with your brand. This means that you’re not wasting money on paid advertising and hoping for users to come to your page organically. 
 
SEO also builds trust in your company. It shows that you understand what information people want, how it is being searched, and what platforms they are using. For example, if you post content on Instagram but use Google Search Console as well, it shows that you understand the organic behaviors of both users and search engines. 
 
Lastly, SEO should be a top priority for any company because over half of all businesses fail because they fail to think about the online needs of their customers or the changes in digital marketing channels over time.
 
<h3>Why Social Media Marketing is important for a business</h3>
<h3></h3>
Social media marketing is important because it gives you more insight into your audience and helps you establish yourself as an authority. 
 
This allows you to easily target your ideal customers, as well as create better content that resonates with your audience. 
 
Social media marketing also allows you to create a community around your brand, which increases engagement and boosts awareness of what you offer. 
 
It’s easier for businesses to see how their social media efforts are actually performing and whether they’re achieving the results they want. 
 
Social media marketing is effective because it’s interactive: the interactions between brands and their consumers are real-time. It’s not just about reaching out to one person in a vacuum; it’s about engaging with people who have similar interests and needs as yours.
<h3></h3>
<h3>Which businesses need SEO rather than Social Media Marketing?</h3>
 
Businesses that rely heavily on online sales, may need to invest in SEO to ensure that their website is visible to potential customers.
 
If there is a lot of search volume for a brand's products and services online then it is vital they invest in Search Engine Optimization as they lose the chance of converting users with high purchase intent as 32% of all clicks go to the first position in google.
 
Newer businesses who are looking for ways for customers to find them via specific search terms would greatly benefit from SEO as well.
 
 
<h3>Which businesses need Social Media Marketing rather than SEO?</h3>
<h3></h3>
Social media marketing is a great way to reach your target audience. It can be used as a supplementary marketing strategy for any business that has a limited budget, or for any small business that cannot afford SEO.
 
The main advantage of social media is the fact that it's free. The only thing you need to do is set up an account and start posting content on it. The drawback of this, however, is the fact that you have to spend time creating and posting content which can be difficult if you are running your own business.
 
Businesses that have a strong brand voice, but not enough content to be found organically on search engines. 
 
Companies who need to build up their online presence before investing in paid advertising.
 
<h3>Factors that you need to consider when deciding if SEO or Social Media Marketing is more important</h3>
<h3></h3>
The benefits of SEO at the moment still outweigh that of social media marketing. 
 
When you consider the time and effort required to do both, it is clear that SEO is more important. 
 
Other factors to take into account include whether your target audience is primarily searching for information on Google or Facebook. 
 
If your main focus is improving customer service through your online platforms then social media might be better as it encourages two-way conversations. 
 
If your business's main focus is to reach customers via search engines, then SEO might be a better option for you. 
 
If your business's main focus is to reach customers via social media, then social media marketing might be a better option for you. 
 
The goal of your digital marketing strategy should also factor into which platform is more important for your business. 
 
If you are trying to drive awareness and brand recognition through social media, then social media might be a better option for you. 
 
However, if you want people to convert into leads and make purchases from your site, then SEO might be a better option for you. 
 
Lastly, consider how much budget you have allocated towards digital marketing campaigns—both in terms of time and money put towards each medium. If you have limited funds available, market the best way that these resources can support with SEO and other channels that complement it as well as provide value outside of just advertising on them.
 
<h3>Why do you need both SEO and Social Media Marketing?</h3>
<h3></h3>
Both SEO and social media marketing are important for a business. 
 
They both help you reach your target audience in different ways, with the added bonus of each being more affordable than traditional marketing methods such as TV and print. 
 
A business’s social media marketing and SEO efforts can be complementary, allowing it to reach a wider audience while increasing its online presence.
 
Businesses that have a symbiotic social media marketing strategy and SEO strategy will find;
- Easier and faster to chieve their business goals
- Experience even higher organic traffic than depending on just one medium
- Better overall return on their marketing efforts
- A more established social presence overall 
- Ability to reach customers in different stages of the marketing funnel
- Better chance of capturing their ideal audience 
- Easier to achieve long-term success 
- Maximum return on investment 
 
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<h3></h3>
As the online landscape changes, we must change with it. SEO and Social Media Marketing are both important to the success of a business, with SEO being important for new businesses and Social Media Marketing being important for established businesses. 
 
But which one is more important? 
 
It’s difficult to answer this question as there are many variables that come into play, including the breadth and depth of your target audience, their location, the amount of time they have available to consume information, what they like to do on social media (e.g. watch videos or read reviews), etc. 
 
However, it is safe to say that both can be used to achieve success for a business with different strengths, but both require patience and hard work from your team.
 
If you're looking for a <a href="https://www.echtsocial.com/" target="_blank">digital marketing agency</a> that offers both <a href="https://www.echtsocial.com/seo-sri-lanka" target="_blank">SEO</a> and <a href="https://www.echtsocial.com/social-media-marketing-agency-sri-lanka" target="_blank">Social Media Marketing</a>, then Echt Social is the company for you!]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[10 Questions To Ask When Hiring A Digital Marketing Agency {Infographic}]]></title><description><![CDATA[Digital marketing agencies are a dime a dozen these days. There are hundreds of digital marketing companies out there offering their...]]></description><link>https://www.echtsocial.com/post/hiring-a-digital-marketing-agency</link><guid isPermaLink="false">63347f434b90147029e234fb</guid><pubDate>Wed, 28 Sep 2022 17:36:45 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5515cb_6560d69b53004e488890cde86ced5a07~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Dhanushka De Silva</dc:creator><content:encoded><![CDATA[
<figure><img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5515cb_6560d69b53004e488890cde86ced5a07~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png"alt="Man on a boat thinking of questions on social media"></figure>
 
Digital marketing agencies are a dime a dozen these days. There are hundreds of digital marketing companies out there offering their services to businesses looking to grow online. And while some agencies offer great value, others don't. So how do you know whether you're getting what you pay for? Here are 10 questions to ask yourself before hiring a digital agency.
<h2> </h2>
<h3>1. How will they analyze our requirements?</h3>

If you want to find out how well a digital marketing company understands your business, ask them what their discovery process entails. If they say they'll investigate your industry, products, competitors, and customers, that's great - but it doesn't mean they'll actually take the time to dive deep into your business. You might end up getting a recommendation based on superficial analysis rather than in-depth understanding.

Ideally, you should request a comprehensive digital marketing strategy that is aligned with your business objectives from the digital marketing agency. The digital marketing strategy should include;
<ul>
<li>Your identified business goals and business objectives</li>
<li>The digital marketing channels they plan on using</li>
<li>Digital marketing campaigns </li>
<li>Recommended marketing activities to go alongside the digital marketing plan </li>
<li>The social media marketing plan which should be a part of the overall digital marketing strategy</li>
<li>Content marketing plans which include content creation</li>
<li>Digital marketing trends that the business should consider</li>
<li>If Search Engine Optimization is your requirement ask them how the business strategy would help with organic search.</li>
<li>The social media profiles that they recommend the business should venture to</li>
</ul>
It is vital that you ensure that the digital marketing strategy that they come up with is tailored to your business goals and one that will help your business growth. If the digital marketing agency's overall marketing efforts do not help with your business growth then your business relationship won't last.
 
<h3>2. Have they handled similar clients in the same industry?</h3>
<h3></h3>
Ask the digital marketing agency you're considering working with how many clients they have and what industries those clients operate in. If they don't have much experience in your particular space, ask why. You might discover that they've never done anything similar to what you need help with. Or maybe they just haven't had the chance to work with businesses like yours.
The second reason to check out an agency's client base is that it gives you insight into the types of projects they've completed. This information isn't always easy to come by, especially if you aren't looking for a long-term relationship. But it does give you some idea about what you can expect from the digital marketing company — and what you can avoid.
For example, if an agency has a lot of clients or previous clients in tech, you know that they probably won't have the expertise to handle your retail project. On the flip side, agencies that specialize in financial services might have no experience creating a social media campaign for a local restaurant.
 
<h3>3. Will they be bringing something different and new to the table?</h3>
 
Is the digital agency able to differentiate itself from the competition? You need an agency that will come up with unique and creative ideas for your business. And while it’s important to focus on the differentiating factors, it’s equally important to understand where you fit into the competitive landscape. This helps agencies avoid being pigeonholed into one niche or another.
 
<h3>4. What do they require from me?</h3>
<h3></h3>
When it comes to working with a digital marketing agency, there are three key questions you must ask yourself:
- What level of input and involvement do they need from me?
- How much control over the process will I give them?
- And what types of data, access, and resources will they need from me to make this happen?
If you don't know the answer to any of those questions, you might end up with something less than stellar results.

You shouldn't just assume that because you've worked with one agency in the past that you'll be able to simply switch gears and hand off everything to another. You need to know exactly what you want out of your next agency relationship so you can ensure that you get it.
 
<h3>5. Are they able to show sample work?</h3>
<h3></h3>
If you're looking for a way to make sure your digital marketing company knows what they are getting into, ask for examples of previous projects or client work. This question can help give you insight into whether the agency has done similar things before, and it gives you a chance to talk about the project and judge their ability to execute. 
 
<h3>6. How soon can they start generating results?</h3>
<h3></h3>
You might think it’s obvious that you shouldn’t ask how long it will take to see results, but there are plenty of companies out there who don’t understand why you wouldn’t want to hear that information upfront. In fact, asking that question is one of the biggest mistakes people make when working with a digital marketing agency.

The reason why is that most agencies aren’t able to give you a clear picture of what exactly it is that you’re paying them for. They’ll tell you that they’re doing everything possible to improve your rankings, but they won’t really say anything specific. So when you start getting impatient and ask how long it will be until you see results, they’ll probably just shrug their shoulders and walk away.
 
<h3>7. How long have they been in the industry?</h3>
<h3></h3>
It's a fair question to find out how long the agency has been in digital marketing. After all, you want the prospective agencies to have adequate industry experience so that you know that your brand would be in capable and experienced hands. 
And while there's no question that having expertise in a particular industry is extremely beneficial, we don't think it's nearly as important as knowing whether an agency has had success getting customers to convert. After all, what good is being able to do something well if nobody wants to buy it?
 
<h3>8. How will they be handling communication and reporting?</h3>
<h3></h3>
Communication and reporting are one of the most overlooked components of a successful agency relationship. Here are five reasons why you absolutely must have regular communication and reporting with your digital marketing agency.
 
You Need To Know What Is Going On With Your Agency
 
You know you have problems when your agency can't keep up with your requests. If you aren't getting timely responses, or if you find yourself having to chase down information, you've got serious issues. This isn't something you can tolerate. You need to know exactly where your agency stands. Are they working on your projects? Do they understand the scope of your project? How long does it take them to respond to emails? These questions are vital to keeping you updated on everything happening in your agency.
 
You Need To Be Able To Communicate With Your Agency
 
If you can't talk to your agency, you'll never truly be able to manage your campaigns. When you send an email asking about a certain aspect of your campaign, you need to know whether your agency understands what you're talking about. Does your agency have any ideas on how to solve your problem? Can they give you examples of similar situations? These are all great ways to ensure that you're communicating effectively with your agency.
 
You Need To See Reports From Your Agency

Reports are another way to communicate effectively with your agency. Without seeing reports, you won't know if your agency is meeting your expectations. You'll have no idea if they're doing a good job. And without knowing what they're doing, you'll have no idea if you need to make changes. You need to see reports from your agency in order to determine if you need to change anything.
 
<h3>9. What is their pricing like?</h3>
<h3></h3>
Determining a budget for ANY digital marketing campaign can be tough. There are many factors to consider including cost of goods sold, overhead costs, fixed expenses, variable expenses, etc. If you’re just getting started it’s important to know how much money you have set aside for marketing and advertising. This includes both paid and unpaid efforts such as social media ads, email blasts, banner ads, display ad placements, SEO, PPC, etc.
 
You could meet with 2 SEO companies and ask for the same service and get a budget that varies wildly from one agency to the next. Some might offer a base price while others may offer a monthly retainer. Others still may charge based on a percentage of revenue generated. One thing is clear though; most agencies charge way too much.
 
In addition to wild pricing variations and agencies with different pricing models, you also have agencies that sell retainer models and agencies that are built on performance models. Retainers require upfront fees whereas performance-based agencies don’t require an upfront payment. Performance-based agencies are built around specific goals and metrics that must be met and once the goal is achieved, the client pays nothing.
 
When determining your budget, keep in mind that some of the things we talk about here are considered standard operating procedures. For example, you wouldn’t hire someone to build a house without giving him a contract outlining his responsibilities and compensation. Similarly, you shouldn’t hire an SEO agency without having a detailed understanding of what you want and how much you can afford.
 
<h3>10. Who are the team members assigned to handle your account?</h3>
<h3></h3>
A well-rounded team of digital marketing specialists helps you achieve success in the digital sphere. You want to hire a team that knows how to do it all but most importantly one that could help execute the digital marketing strategy and help achieve business growth. You need a team who can develop creative strategies, execute digital campaigns, manage budgets, and come up with innovative ideas. 
 
It is important to know that some of the best digital agencies understand that having an expert in everything doesn't work - it's too expensive and inefficient. Instead, they choose to focus on what they're good at while bringing in outside expertise where needed. They'll offer guidance, training, and support to ensure that you succeed.
 
If you're looking for a team of experts, look no further than Echt Social, a Full-Service <a href="https://www.echtsocial.com/" target="_blank">Digital Marketing Agency</a>. We specialize in <a href="https://www.echtsocial.com/social-media-marketing-agency-sri-lanka" target="_blank">Social Media Marketing</a>, <a href="https://www.echtsocial.com/content-marketing-sri-lanka" target="_blank">Content Marketing</a>, <a href="https://www.echtsocial.com/graphic-designing-sri-lanka" target="_blank">Graphic Design Services</a>, <a href="https://www.echtsocial.com/seo-sri-lanka" target="_blank">Search Engine Optimization (SEO)</a>, and Online Marketing.
 
Have you tried hiring a digital marketing agency before?

If so, how did it go?
 
Let us know in the comments section below.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[10 Social Media Marketing Tips for Sri Lankan companies]]></title><description><![CDATA[Social media marketing in Sri Lanka is becoming increasingly popular, but there are still many companies that are not using it...]]></description><link>https://www.echtsocial.com/post/social-media-marketing-tips</link><guid isPermaLink="false">633056f649a4e6eef65e695d</guid><pubDate>Sun, 25 Sep 2022 13:56:53 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5515cb_ffd181104d084dd39e598cbc5e0678f4~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_800,h_481,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Dhanushka De Silva</dc:creator><content:encoded><![CDATA[
<figure><img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5515cb_ffd181104d084dd39e598cbc5e0678f4~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_800,h_481,al_c,q_80/file.png"alt="Monochrome hands together with social media likes "></figure>
 
Social media marketing in Sri Lanka is becoming increasingly popular, but there are still many companies that are not using it effectively. Social media marketing is not just about creating profiles on various platforms and posting regular updates. It's about finding your target audience, understanding why they follow you, what they like and find engaging, what they respond to, and how you can increase their engagement with your brand. 
 
Here are 10 tips for Sri Lankan companies that want to use social media marketing to its full potential.
 
 
<figure><img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/06a4a2_0fa2fc0ac76949b687530cc2e4dff4ea~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_800,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png"title="Infographic"alt="Social Media Marketing Tips Infographic for Sri Lankan Companies"></figure>
 
 
<h3>1. Know Your Audience</h3>
 
As a business, you need to list down everything you know about your potential customers aka your target audience. Building various audience personas will help identify their characteristics, income levels, preferences, etc. Understanding your audience helps you in the following ways;
 
Helps you understand the platforms you need. You will be able to identify which social media platforms they use the most. If your target market is ideally made up of teens, then TikTok would be the best platform to build awareness and create a buzz around your brand. If your brand is catered toward a more professional audience then platforms like LinkedIn would be where you need to be present.
 
Helps you understand your brand identity. You can build your brand personality and brand voice based on the type of audience you hope to attract. This will then be carried forward throughout your marketing campaigns and especially your social media communication.
 
Helps you develop the right content pillars. Knowing your audience will help you develop the right content pillars that resonate with them the most. Content pillars are the different types of content that you can create to attract your audience. Creating the content pillars is one of the most important aspects of your social media marketing strategy. 
 
<h3>2. Have SMART Goals</h3>

Before you start you need to know what your goals are. Having the goals set makes it that much easier to work on your strategy. For example, it could be to maintain an engagement rate of 3% on Instagram for the period 2022-2023, generate x number of leads per month from our social media accounts, increase brand awareness by x for the year, and increase the number of unique accounts reached per month or simply to increase your followers by 10,000 for the year.
 
On a cautionary note, we would like to advise you to avoid vanity metrics like increasing followers and focus more on engagement and building relationships. Having more social media users following your page doesn't necessarily mean it's doing your brand any favours.
<h3>
3. Build A Strategy Around Your Goals
</h3>
Your social media marketing strategy essentially tells you how you plan on achieving the goals listed. The social media marketing strategy will be your brand's guide to navigate you covering your content pillars, the type of content you will post (Eg: Images, Videos, Reels, Blogs, etc), post frequency, partnerships, collaborations, ad campaigns, and budgets.
 
Having a social media marketing strategy helps you be consistent in your approach, which is very important for the algorithm as irregular posting is harmful to your reach and engagement. Most social media algorithms favour profiles that consistently post over a period of time than brands that post sporadically.
 
 
<h3>4. Keep Your Costs Low</h3>
 
With the forex crisis faced by Sri Lanka as a whole, making USD payments for FB ads is that much more difficult. <a href="https://www.roar.global/" target="_blank">Roar Global</a> is Sri Lanka's only Meta Authorized partner and they would be more than happy to assist you set up your ad accounts for social media advertising. You can then pay in LKR for yours thus limiting your USD payments. A quick and convenient solution!
 
<h3>5. Choose Influencers Wisely</h3>
<h3></h3>
Judge an influencer not by the number of followers but by the quality of their followers. Too many times we have seen brands doing partnerships with completely unrelated influencers simply because they ‘have a lot of followers'. Sometimes it makes more business sense to work with a micro-influencer with just a few thousand yet highly engaged followers than a mass influencer with a hundred thousand social media followers that have absolutely no relation to the product or industry they promote. A few of Sri Lanka's influencers have successfully established themselves in a niche market and working with them could yield great results for your business if your business happens to be within that niche.
 
<h3>6. Use The Right Hashtags</h3>
<h3></h3>
This is a common mistake we see with a lot of Sri Lankan businesses. The understanding of how hashtags work is relatively unknown even amongst some of the social media agencies. Too often I’ve seen brands with just a hundred followers on Instagram using the hashtag "srilanka" which has a higher DAPC score and should only be used by accounts with a higher number of followers and more engagement. Your hashtags should always depend on the size of your account and the type of post. Here are pictures of a client account, where we show the difference between incorrect hashtag use and proper hashtag use.
 
Using incorrect hashtags
 
<figure><img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/06a4a2_9cddf74405544669b93eb623e4df413a~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_750,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png"alt="Screenshot of IG Post Insights showing hashtag reach"></figure>
Using the right hashtags
 
<figure><img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/06a4a2_044afc9b5bb944e18e1a454cf74494c4~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_750,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png"alt="Screenshot of IG insights showing accounts reached"></figure>
 
<h3>7. Jump on trends aka trendjacking </h3>
<h3></h3>
If your business wants to stay relevant, then it needs to jump on social media trends aka trendjacking. This is especially important in today’s ever-changing market where customers are constantly looking for new ways to communicate. By being on top of the trends, your brand shows that it is with the times, and this can lead to increased audience engagement. 
 
<h3>8. Go Organic! Don't rely too much on paid ads</h3>
<h3></h3>
While social media advertising is a great way to get followers, relying too heavily on them can be harmful. Instead, try to get followers organically by creating valuable content and building relationships. This will create a more loyal and engaged fanbase.

As a social media professional, I find an overdependence on ads as the main way to generate followers and engagement is just plain lazy. Yes, it delivers quick results but soon after you have stopped using the ads your account will stagnate. Too often, have we taken over accounts with over 10,000 followers but with very limited audience engagement and reach. The best accounts are those with a natural and more organic growth that builds community. 
 
<h3>9. Engage With Your Audience</h3>
<h3></h3>
Keep your social media presence active by replying to every comment and message on all online platforms. This will help you build a relationship with your audience and drive organic growth. By responding to each one personally, you can show that you care about what they have to say. This will increase follower engagement, and in turn, your ROI. If you find your engagement rate dwindling it is advised to run an engagement-based social media campaign across all social media channels.

Some of the ways you can increase social media user engagement are;
- Having polls/stickers on your stories
- Ending your caption with a question
- Commenting on other social media accounts and profiles
- Creating engaging content that drives conversations
Remember, engaging with your audience is the cornerstone of effective social media management! 
 
<h3>10. Measure! Optimise! Repeat!</h3>
 
Evaluate your social media performance each month and see if your strategy is effective and which areas need tweaking. Keep optimizing your strategy as many times as needed in order to ensure you are on track to achieving your goals. It may appear to some that a 6-month strategy should be followed through without any changes but the digital world is different and you need to be flexible in order to stay ahead of the competition. 
 
<h3>Hire A Social Media Agency</h3>
<h3></h3>
While social media marketing can be effective on its own, hiring a <a href="https://www.echtsocial.com/social-media-marketing-agency-sri-lanka" target="_blank">social media agency</a> can help increase the ROI and ensure that your brand is seen in the most favorable light. When working with a social media agency, they will be able to create a cohesive strategy that will help you reach your business’s goals. 
Social media agencies have the experience and knowledge to create effective campaigns, and they can handle all the details so you can focus on your business. 
 
Social media agencies have the experience and knowledge to create effective campaigns, and they can handle all the details so you can focus on your business.
The services offered by a digital marketing agency or social media agency are as follows;
<ol>
<li>Social Media Account Setup</li>
<li>Content Creation or Content Marketing</li>
<li>Social Media Brand Reputation Analysis</li>
<li>Social Media Competitive Analysis</li>
<li>Social Media Account Management</li>
<li>Social Media Marketing Plan</li>
<li>Search Engine Marketing</li>
<li>Search Engine Optimization</li>
<li>Developing a Social Media Marketing Strategy</li>
<li>PPC / Google Ads</li>
<li>Email Marketing</li>
<li>Graphic Designing </li>
<li>Social Media Advertising </li>
</ol>
 
There are a number of agencies that specialize in social media marketing, so it's important to do your research and find an agency that meets your specific needs.

If you would like to learn more tips or get a free consultation from Echt Social to drive your brand's social media marketing to new heights, feel free to get in touch!
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Start Your Own Social Media Marketing Agency? (13 Tips to Help You Get Started) ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Digital marketing is a growing industry and it needs more and more agencies to keep up with the demand. If you have the skills,...]]></description><link>https://www.echtsocial.com/post/your-own-social-media-agency</link><guid isPermaLink="false">63260c92b8e45fa41b50e893</guid><pubDate>Sat, 17 Sep 2022 19:11:27 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5515cb_9a020ed995f745be8396263d355b556e~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_800,h_533,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Dhanushka De Silva</dc:creator><content:encoded><![CDATA[
<figure><img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5515cb_9a020ed995f745be8396263d355b556e~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_800,h_533,al_c,q_80/file.png"alt="Woman holding a speaker announcing social media"></figure>
 
Digital marketing is a growing industry and it needs more and more agencies to keep up with the demand. If you have the skills, knowledge, and patience to create your own social media marketing agency or digital marketing agency, then you should know that it is not an easy task.

There are many things you need to consider before starting your own social media agency. And who better to teach you how to start your own social media / digital marketing agency than another <a href="https://www.echtsocial.com/" target="_blank">digital marketing agency</a>? In this blog, we will cover each of the 13 steps we used to establish Echt Social. 
 
<h3>1. Study the industry</h3>
<figure><img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/06a4a2_6d3ba16edfc74916b362e63c85781c01~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_940,h_400,al_c,q_80/file.png"alt="3 People checking out insights and researching"></figure>
 
This is a basic but overlooked fact. As potential agency owners, you may feel the need to ignore this and dive right into registering your business and start approaching your clients. While that may be the faster route it isn’t necessarily the best one. 
 
You need to do due diligence and study the digital marketing industry and how it operates. This helps you assess how your agency would fit with the current market offerings. The digital marketing industry among many others organizes regular webinars to pass on updates and discuss case studies. Attending these will be highly beneficial and will give you clear insight as to how the digital marketing experts in the industry conduct themselves. 
 
In your industry research phase 5 key questions must be asked;
 
<ol>
<li>What are the challenges faced by the industry as a whole?</li>
<li>Is there a gap in the current market offering that my agency is geared to give?</li>
<li>Who are the key players in the industry and what do they offer?</li>
<li>Can I match the technical / design skills that my peers are offering their clients?</li>
<li>What are my current weaknesses when compared to the industry standards?</li>
</ol>
 
 
<h3>2. Identify a USP </h3>
<figure><img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/06a4a2_b6f4357fe2524672a6094966afe36394~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_940,h_400,al_c,q_80/file.png"alt="A woman with a megaphone "></figure>

This is applicable to any business in any industry. If you don’t have a USP it would be very difficult to convince potential clients as to why they should choose your agency over others. 
 
The unique value proposition you give your clients would also help you zero in on the clients that need it the most so not having a USP identified would be detrimental to your agency as you would be unclear on how to differentiate yourself from your competitors.
Your USP could be one or a variety of factors;
 
-Superior industry or digital marketing knowledge
-A strong network and easier access to prospective clients
-Access to the latest digital marketing tools
-A strong team with a diverse skillset
-Customer service
 
 
<h3>3. Make your brand name easy to remember</h3>
<figure><img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/06a4a2_8bccd7a5a9bf4b6f8b030812a17eda0b~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_940,h_400,al_c,q_80/file.png"alt="Five different people standing showing diverse backgrounds"></figure>
 
Make it a name to remember and one that you would be proud of even several years later. Try not to be too specific with your name as it would hinder your chances of offering more services in the future. 
 
For example, calling your business Colombo SEO Agency would by name give customers the impression that you only provide SEO services and especially for businesses within the Colombo city limits. 
 
<h3>4. Find the right partners</h3>
 
<figure><img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/06a4a2_cd8d8abc6c0149e8b6fd6c64b5b32862~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_940,h_400,al_c,q_80/file.png"alt="A man and woman shaking hands"></figure>
Picking the right partner/s could make or break the business. While it’s common for people to start businesses with a person with the same skill set it’s actually more beneficial to pick someone with a different skill set and a different line of thinking. This helps you see clients, operations, or any issues from different perspectives. As long as you and your partner/s have the same goals for your business then diverse skills and thinking really do help strengthen your business. 
 
<h3>5. Build your brand guidelines</h3>
<figure><img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/06a4a2_c19037df1e1741209773f5a3ac44bee2~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_940,h_400,al_c,q_80/file.png"alt="Two people stacking out blocks to spell our BRAND"></figure>
 
Once your partner is on board next stage is to build your agency’s brand guidelines and offering. It is important you and your partner/s agree on what your agency will and will not do. Identify brand colours, fonts, and goals on where you want your agency to be in a few months, in a year, or 5 years later. When navigating through tough times, having goals that are agreed upon help! 
 
 
<h3>6. Run a few social media test accounts in different niches</h3>
<figure><img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/06a4a2_979ab3c7021147d18986194c70e02ce1~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_940,h_400,al_c,q_80/file.png"alt="3 people analysing various things "></figure>
Start a few niche accounts on Instagram or Facebook for industries you are hoping to target. For example, starting a page called “Hotels Sri Lanka” and featuring hotel images, and offers will help you identify how easy/difficult it is to grow the page, how the audience resonates with this industry etc. This will also give you practical data to see if your social media strategies work. Having this in place would help you take on future client accounts in this niche with better clarity and confidence.
 
<h3>7. Register your business</h3>
<figure><img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/06a4a2_f1b34f5ec2a042fe9e977e26552610b4~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_940,h_400,al_c,q_80/file.png"alt="A dark skinned woman with a laptop working"></figure>
 
Once the planning and brand building is done the next step of course would be to register your business. If you are a business in Sri Lanka you could choose to do it yourself or use a company secretary like <a href="https://simplebooks.com/" target="_blank">Simplebooks</a>. 
 
<h3>8. Keep your costs low</h3>
<figure><img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/06a4a2_eb7351cd74d94f048eb3628daf14bae7~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_940,h_400,al_c,q_80/file.png"alt="Two men looking at money in an office"></figure>
It’s crucial that you maintain financial discipline at the beginning and throughout your agency’s journey. Even when things are going great, giving yourself an increase or splurging on unnecessary expenses should be avoided. 
 
We live in a global economy and you never know what could happen. The money you spent a month ago could have been saved and used to keep you afloat for 2 months of no revenue due to an unexpected global crisis (coughs in Covid) 
 
<h3>9. Network and build contacts</h3>
<figure><img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/06a4a2_81914e1d2d7a4ecf874215d4d3fb7cd1~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_940,h_400,al_c,q_80/file.png"alt="Two men shaking hands"></figure>
 
It’s rare that you could just approach a client or cold-call a prospect and land the account. People tend to work with people they trust. This is why networking is important. Be present at various events where your clients are most likely to gather or even industry events with professionals from your industry to build visibility and brand awareness. 
 
<h3>10. Approach clients that match your agency's offering</h3>
<figure><img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/06a4a2_84b3baf636d146d3a34de8822b3e0368~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_940,h_400,al_c,q_80/file.png"alt="Three men shaking each others hands"></figure>
 
Find prospects that could benefit from your unique offering. Only take in clients that you know would be a good match with your agency’s strengths. If you take in every client that you can without evaluating if they would be a fit, then the relationships would be short-term. Focus on building long-lasting relationships and don’t over-promise. 
 
<h3>11. Make the pitches personal</h3>
<figure><img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/06a4a2_c64da75b2480439ead65dd602d3a395e~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_940,h_400,al_c,q_80/file.png"alt="Two people talking and one of them is drinking coffee"></figure>
 
When you approach a prospect it is vital that you realize how important first impressions are. If you send an obviously mass email that is quite impersonal then you are surely going to be ignored as the average manager/owner gets numerous emails each week trying to pitch potential products or services. If your email doesn’t stand out, then it will surely be buried with the rest of the promotional emails they receive.
 
<h3>12. Follow up with respect</h3>
<figure><img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/06a4a2_da74507c96934255b0fb9fe05924d50d~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_940,h_400,al_c,q_80/file.png"alt="Two businessmen shaking hands"></figure>
 
If it’s one thing a client hates is constant reminders and follow-ups from businesses asking for updates. While it may be the most important item on your agenda, you need to understand it may not be on theirs. 
 
Space out your reminders and if you do ask for updates make it respectful making them understand that you are aware that they are busy. 
 
 
For example, the incorrect way of following up would be sending an email saying “Hi John, Could you let us know if made a decision regarding the proposal we sent?”
A better way of showing them you understand and triggering a possible response would be to give them a reason to speak to you “Hi John, You’re probably busy. But I just realized that Mother’s Day is coming up and I just thought up this amazing campaign that we could run for you to drive sales for your business. Do let me know when you’re free to discuss and I’d be happy to hop on a call. We could also discuss any clarifications on the proposal we sent last week if you have any. 
 
<h3>13. Keep at it until you succeed</h3>
<figure><img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/06a4a2_e45b5b993d4b4b17bbbb16455f05e023~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_940,h_400,al_c,q_80/file.png"alt="A person climbing a ladder and at the top is a trophy"></figure>
Running a digital marketing or <a href="https://www.echtsocial.com/social-media-marketing-agency-sri-lanka" target="_blank">social media marketing agency</a> is not easy. Fewer barriers to entry than other industries and lower startup costs make it relatively easy for anyone to open up. The competition will always be present. Adapt and change as many times as you need to. Study the industry, listen to your customers, monitor the external factors, and change your offering to avoid being complacent or redundant.
 
 
To all eager digital marketing / social media enthusiasts that are reading this, we can assure you that this industry is definitely the place to be. The growth we’ve personally experienced at Echt Social over the last 3 years despite the constant crises should give you an indication that this is a career and an industry worth working for. 
 
If you have any questions, please do drop a comment below and I’d be happy to answer them :)
 
 
 
 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[6 Reasons Why Social Media Marketing Is Better Than Traditional Marketing]]></title><description><![CDATA[A question every social media marketing agency would have heard often would be “Is social media marketing better than traditional...]]></description><link>https://www.echtsocial.com/post/social-media-better-than-traditional</link><guid isPermaLink="false">63036b179acb961786f9039c</guid><pubDate>Mon, 22 Aug 2022 13:54:40 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/06a4a2_7a397476805f4636817e24aa7682ee1c~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Dhanushka De Silva</dc:creator><content:encoded><![CDATA[
A question every <a href="https://www.echtsocial.com/social-media-marketing-agency-sri-lanka" target="_blank">social media marketing agency</a> would have heard often would be “Is social media marketing better than traditional marketing?”. Although the winner of this question is becoming clearly evident in recent times, it still surprises us when a business is doubtful if social media marketing lives up to the hype. To be fair, traditional marketing still does have its uses and if you have the budget for traditional marketing as well as social media marketing, then we are with you! By using both you could reach a wider audience and spread your message much faster than using just social media channels. But if you were to pick just 1 out of the 2, then it would have to be social media marketing, and here’s why;
 
<figure><img src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/06a4a2_7a397476805f4636817e24aa7682ee1c~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png"title="Infographic by Echt Social 2022"alt="6 Reasons Why Social Media Marketing is Better Than Traditional Marketing"></figure>
 
<h3>1. Easily Measurable </h3>
 
Every aspect of your social media marketing could be measured, from reach, impressions, shares, clicks, messages, and overall engagement. This lets you know how successful your marketing efforts are and if you need to optimize your presence to make it more effective. 
 
In social media advertising metrics are even more detailed. Depending on the campaign objective you select you could arrange the metrics that best validate the success of your social media campaign. If brand awareness is the goal but you also want to make sure people remember your ad, you could optimize it for ‘Ad Recall Lift’ on Meta Ads Manager and it will measure how memorable your ad is to the audience. Similarly, a lead-generation campaign could be measured by how many people have filled out the form. This is heightened with tools such as the Facebook Pixel Code that you place on your website, which helps enhance the metrics from your Facebook ads by helping to create new targeted audiences and remarket to people who have already visited your website but not taken any action.
 
 
<h3>2. Cost-Effective</h3>
 
A small business could run an effective social media campaign continuously for months and it would still be more cost-effective than using traditional advertising methods like TV. More often than not, if you run a social media campaign with the same budget as a traditional advertising campaign you are bound to get higher measurable results. 
 
 
<h3>3. A More Targetted Audience</h3>
 
When you place your bets in traditional advertising forms like TV, radio, and billboards your targeting is not going to be precise. In reality, you are casting a wide net and hoping that your target audience is mixed in there and they are listening or watching. This is not the case with social media marketing, when you choose the channels and start running your ads you can choose from a range of demographic to behavioural segments of your targeted audience.
 
Even without running paid ads, you could still target your audiences organically and more effectively with a proper social media marketing strategy by using the right visuals, captions, partners and engagement management plan. 
 
 
<h3>4. Build Better Relationships</h3>
 
Social media marketing allows you to build better relationships with your audience. Mostly because you get feedback in real-time from the audience, allowing you to respond or tweak your marketing or offering to suit their needs. The conversation you have with your audience whether it be responding to a comment on one of your posts, a direct message, or a review brings you that much closer to building relationships that last. With traditional advertising the communication is strictly one-way, while there are ways to get feedback, they usually tend to take longer and are more impersonal.
 
For instance, if you are running a paid social media campaign on Facebook and you start seeing negative comments from your audience on the visual or the ad copy, you could pause it, edit it and place it again. Could you imagine doing this for a television ad? 
 
 
<h3>5. Social Media Helps Level The Playing Field </h3>
 
The best thing about social media marketing is that it levels the playing field. Whether it is a small business or a large conglomerate you are all treated equally on social media platforms. While it could be argued that bigger companies could invest more in social media ads than smaller firms, in reality, social media has a lot 
to do with creativity. There have been instances where smaller brands have competed with larger brands and succeeded with a creative social media marketing strategy. If we remove the element of social media advertising and focus only on social media marketing, which is mostly organic then creativity, consistency, and discipline are what will reign supreme. 
 
 
<h3>6. Social Media Marketing is 24/7</h3>
 
Once your slot for a radio, TV, or billboard ad runs out it will no longer be visible to your audience. The content you place on your social media platforms on the other hand is forever! A potential client could stumble across your profile and its content at 3 am on a Tuesday, 2 years from now, or even10 years from now and it would still be there. This is a definitive advantage over traditional marketing methods as these have a certain time limit. Even the print ads in newspapers and magazines are no longer visible once the consumer disposes of them.
 
Although the benefits are listed, dethroning traditional marketing will not be easy unless you have a clear social media marketing strategy. If you want to enlist the assistance of a <a href="https://www.echtsocial.com/" target="_blank">digital marketing agency</a> that has a proven record in creative <a href="https://www.echtsocial.com/social-media-marketing-agency-sri-lanka" target="_blank">social media marketing</a> strategies then get in touch with us and we would love to assist you!

 

Feel free to download the infographic above!
 
 
 
 
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