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SEO Terms to Know: The Importance of Understanding the Basics

SEO Terms to Know: The Importance of Understanding the Basics

by | Jan 16, 2017 | Business Resources, Marketing Tips

SEO terms to know: A Beginner’s Guide to Key Terminology

While becoming a search engine optimization guru is not necessary, understanding the basic SEO terms to know is an asset. As the digital world evolves, staying current on the keys to online success will prove invaluable. Therefore, if you consider the ranking in search query results important then becoming familiar with the key terminology in SEO is critical. As B & T writes, “Nathan Elly branch manager at Digital Next Australia argues marketers can’t afford to miss these million dollar SEO marketing strategies.”

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What is SEO?

The letters SEO stand for Search Engine Optimization and it is perhaps the most important component in website success. While merely having a site may seem sufficient, being successful involves more than owning a web page. In general, for your company to achieve it’s maximum potential, ranking high in query results is vital. When your company is immediately visible in a Google search, it increases the odds of increasing site traffic exponentially. This, therefore, is where search engine optimization comes into play. The companies you see in the top spots did not get there by accident. Highly visible pages gained their positions because they utilized the power of SEO. As a result, having a better understanding of how that works means grasping some of the most basic SEO terms to know.

The Power of Keywords

The most important step in establishing an online presence is the development of an effective keyword strategy. When the term keyword is used it refers to the words a user will enter into a search engine to find information. In general, companies will focus on keywords that attract the highest volume of users. An example in the promotional world would be the keyword ‘promotional marketing agency.’ When users are searching for promotional items, those words will be entered into a Google search the most frequently. As a result, promotional marketing agencies will scatter the keyword throughout the site and meta data in an attempt to raise their company’s ranking. Therefore, when the keyword ‘promotional marketing agency’ is searched their site will be more likely to rank higher in the results.

Furthermore, remember when deciding on these keywords that you want to make the experience as clear as possible for the user. As ADMA writes, “always remember that ‘A confused mind says No.’ This same logic applies to websites. When putting together a website, your key goal is to respect your visitors’ time and energy; therefore it’s important to make sure their experience is smooth and hassle free as possible.”

Meta Data: Titles and Descriptions

In addition to keywords, another one of the most important SEO terms to know is meta data. This phrase refers to information that tells search engines what your site is about. The two most important components to meta data are the meta title and meta description.

According to Hubspot a meta description is, “a brief description of fewer than 160 characters of the contents of a page. The description will explain why someone would want to visit it. This is often displayed on search engine results pages below the page title as a sample of the content on the page.” While SEO Marketing World describes a meta title as, “the HTML code that specifies the title of a certain web page. It appears at the top left corner of your browser when you visit a web page.”

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In summary, an education in the basic SEO terms to know can be a critical component to your website’s success. While technical terms may invoke panic, there is no need to be intimidated. Understanding key search engine optimization terminology will only help get your site to where you want it to be.

 

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Top 5 Promotional Apparel Trends for Your Company Clothing

Top 5 Promotional Apparel Trends for Your Company Clothing

by | Dec 18, 2016 | Industry Trends

Much has changed in the world of promotional apparel trends since 2016, which is why we have updated this article. At Red Tomato, we stay current, and we want you too as well. We are the go-to source for all of your promotional merchandise needs, and this is especially important for corporate uniforms. We want you to stay ahead of the curve and always dressed for success.

For what seemed like eons, the hip world of contemporary clothing did not cross over into the land of promotional apparel. However, apparel trends in the promotional products industry underwent a drastic make-over in 2016. Since then, corporate uniforms and promotional clothing alike have been following fashion trends closely. One of the best ways to showcase your company is to demonstrate its relevance through appearance.

Read on to ensure that your employees aren’t dressed like they’re part of “Gone With The Wind” cast. Likewise, don’t dare sell wearable promo merch that is so last year, or your ROI will be left in the dust.

 

Top 5 Promotional Apparel Trends in 2018

1. Not Your Average Logoed T-Shirt

Say goodbye to plain t-shirts and polos with small logos that look like they’re too shy to say hello. You want to be proud of your brand, so don’t be afraid to display it in a bold way. At Red Tomato, we’re a big supporter of transfer technology, which allows your logo to be placed anywhere and in any size on a shirt. Add a pop of colour (see below for this year’s coolest hues) to make your design stand out. And by design, we mean that the logo is just the beginning.

Do you have a favorite quote that sums up your brand? Use it. People want to absorb your company’s personality visually, so add in that metallic embellishment, embroidered sailor tattoo, or whatever suits your fancy. It’s 2018; don’t hold back on the creativity.

 

Top 5 trends in promotional apparel

2. Hues that Make Your Clothing Pop

While the younger demographic of customers and companies continue to rise, so too does the demand for more fashion-forward promotional apparel. You have to stay current if you want to remain successful. That being said, retail fashion, as well as corporate clothing, is embracing a lively new palette. Here are some of the colours you’ll be seeing emerge this year:

  • Citrus colours like lemon, lime, and tangerine
  • Spring-infused pastels
  • Royal purples, from lavender to eggplant
  • Hot reds like ruby, scarlet, and merlot

Top 5 promotional apparel

3. Fashion-Forward Fabrics and Patterns

Why do people read fashion magazines? It certainly isn’t to achieve enlightenment. People embrace fashion trends, and so should you. If you don’t want your promotional apparel stuffed in the back of someone’s sock drawer, that is. Gone are the days when wearable promotional merchandise consisted of t-shirts made of the same fabric, style, and color. Now is when you need to get with times.

Corporate fashion nowadays is unafraid to step out in bold style. So much so that it’s tipping its hat to styles of the eighties and nineties.

  • Denim is back in a major way, showing up in diverse industries like service, corporate, and retail. Mismatched colours and treatments are welcomed in shirts, jackets, jeans, and even aprons.
  • Checkered and Gingham patterns are all the rage in button-down shirts, jackets, and more.
  • Add dimension to clothing with contrasting colours, zippers, or embossed lettering.

Top 5 trends in promotional apparel

4. Keep Comfortable and Stylish in Luxury Activewear 

When you think of a hybrid, does a Toyota Prius come to mind? Just as in the car world, the fusion of two seemingly opposite styles is the fashion du’ jour. Remember when you were too embarrassed to go to the store in your sweatpants? Athluxury, or athletic luxury, is the answer to your comfy dreams.

Athluxury has officially entered the scene for promotional apparel. You said you wanted good-looking leisure wear, and brands like Lululemon, Nike, and Under Armour have listened. Performance apparel is one of the most in-demand promotional fashion items on the market today. With form-fitting, streamlined cuts and high-quality fabric, this coveted style is the perfect canvas to show off your brand.

Not sure which style suits your demographic? Zippered hoodies, racerback tanks, and moisture-wicking shirts are some of this year’s best options.

 

Top 5 trends in promotional apparel

 5. Tailored Chic with High-End Labels

No matter what the latest trends are in the fashion world, classic style will always be on trend. There’s just something to say about an elegant dress or a tailored blazer. The way you invest in your appearance also reflects on how much you’re invested in your business. Corporate uniforms are an excellent way to ensure that you’re putting your best foot forward (in an Italian leather shoe).

High-end labels will never go out of style, possibly because they’re the ones setting the fashion trends. Red Tomato has teamed up with some of the world’s most coveted brands, such as Van Heusen and Calvin Klein. Not only do we offer fashion consulting, but we also do custom fittings to ensure the ultimate tailoring experience. Sign up here for access to our range of high-end corporate clothing.

 

Top 5 trends in promotional apparel

 

We hope you’ve enjoyed our top 5 promotional apparel trends. Remember, our promotional products at Red Tomato isn’t just limited to the latest technology and reusable bags. (But yes, we do have the latest and greatest in promo merch!) We’re also here to help you stay ahead of your game and dress for success. These are the latest fashion trends in 2018. Feel free to reach out for a free consultation, or even if you need assistance with international sizing conversions.

What is your favorite apparel trend from this article? Is there a hot new style we should watch out for? Let us know in the comments below!

10 Promotional Marketing Mistakes to Avoid

10 Promotional Marketing Mistakes to Avoid

by | Nov 21, 2016 | Marketing, Marketing Tips

10 Promotional Marketing Mistakes to Avoid

 

Promotional merchandise is one of the most effective, ROI-friendly ways to market your business. But, just like anything else, maybe you’ve had a bad experience or two. Not everyone gets everything right the first time, but that is no reason to think that it’s a waste of time or money. When executed correctly, using promotional products to attract the right clientele is an excellent way to market and grow your company.

By avoiding the following mistakes, your next campaign is sure to be highly successful:

1. Not Planning Ahead

If your company is going to promote at a music festival in December, the worst thing you could do is begin planning in October. Not only do you have to make a clear plan on your end, the merchandise company you use needs time to develop the perfect product for you, not to mention ship it out. Don’t think that everything will go right the first time- it takes time, communication, and patience to get your visions aligned. Allow plenty of time for trial and error; you don’t want to be stuck with your shipment halfway across the country after your deadline.

2. Failing to Make a Clear Plan

After you make sure you start your campaign with time to spare, do not forget the importance of, well, actually having a plan. You are heading nowhere if you order a ton of merch without thinking about what your intent is. Do you want to drive traffic to your website, increase your Facebook following, or attract a new type of clientele? Think about your end goals, determine what steps you need to make, and figure out what role your merchandise will play in achieving that goal.

3. Ignoring Your Demographic

Any successful company knows their demographic- from what social media platform they prefer to what their weekend activities are. If you don’t know who is using your product, how will you know how to please them today, not to mention five years from now? You might give your 15-year-old nephew a Moby CD, which you think is totally rad, but he’s going to roll his eyes and throw it in the bin. The same rule applies to your clients with promotional merchandise.

4. Not Giving the People What They Want

You might have the best of intentions and think that you are catering to your demographic’s every desire, but it never hurts to do some direct research. Use your social media following to ask questions and poll what your clientele would actually love to receive, instead of just assuming. Because, well, we all know where assuming gets us.

5. Omitting the Right Contact Information

Let’s face it; no matter how cool of a product you’re distributing, if you’re not giving out the right contact information, chances are that you won’t be contacted. Say your demographic is millennials, but you put your phone number instead of your Facebook page on the merch. Wake-up call: millennials are not likely to pick up the phone and call you.

6. Skimping on Product Quality

No one likes a cheap skate, and when your cutting-edge flashlight stops working after a day, you’re not necessarily going to be viewed as a reliable company. Remember that your promotional merchandise is many times the first impression you’re giving to a potential consumer-much like a business card or the dress you wear on a first date. Sometimes that extra cash spent reaps much more than you’d ever expect.

7. Getting the Wrong Promotional Products

Maybe you own a landscaping company and you spent $500 on Pokémon Post-Its in an attempt to gain more clients. Alas, the cute paper pads were gobbled up by potential clients’ children, but no one contacted you, because all of those pages were doodled on with crayons. Be sure the product you distribute directly relates not only to your demographic, but your campaign intentions as well.

8. Not Segmenting Your Marketing

Sometimes even the perfect product isn’t quite right for some of your demographic. Perhaps you own a clothing line that caters to women aged 21 to 35; however, some of the women are mothers, others are business women, and others simply want the newest trend. When using promotional merchandise, sometimes it’s wise not to approach it as a one-size-fits-all campaign. Diversify, and think about using a few different products for the same campaign.

9. Distributing Poorly

Okay, so you know your demographic inside out, you have the perfect product, everything is on schedule, and you’ve segmented your marketing scheme. Everything is golden, right? Don’t kick up your feet just yet. You could be passing out five-carat diamond rings, but if the product never reaches the consumer, your campaign will fail. Ensure that you’ve delegated distribution responsibilities properly within your company. It doesn’t matter what your mode of distribution is; make sure that the rings get into the right hands by your proposed deadline.

10. Being Like Everyone Else

Lastly, don’t be afraid to represent your company in a unique, authentic way. Just because all of your competition is giving out visors doesn’t mean that you have to follow suit. Be sure that you select merchandise that your clientele will love, but also ensure that the merch reminds them of your company- and only your company. After all, the purpose of promotional merchandise is not to make random people happy; it’s to make them your happy, loyal clients.

Overall, promotional merchandise is a very cost-effective, influential way to market. While not everyone gets it right the first time around, if you follow the above suggestions, your campaign should prove to be a huge success. After all, how else are you going to make people walking advertisements for your company?

Have you used promotional merchandise in your marketing campaigns? If so, what was your experience? Do you have anything to add to the above list?

Be Sure to Also Check Out Our Article on Building Brand Loyalty with a Well-Timed Marketing Campaign

Giving and Gratitude in Business Practices

Giving and Gratitude in Business Practices

by | Oct 28, 2016 | Business Resources, Human Resources

Experts emphasize the importance of giving and gratitude in business practices for a reason

During the holiday season giving and gratitude to the ones you care about is more important than ever.  When running any kind of company, there are ways to show that you are thankful not only for your employees but for your clients as well. Think about it; if you had no customers, you would have no revenue, and no way to support yourself. Therefore, customers are a big deal, and it’s not a coincidence that most successful businesses go out of their way to show their appreciation.

In today’s global business environment, people have a myriad of choices for any given product. Chances are, if you don’t fulfill your clients’ expectations, they won’t hesitate to look elsewhere. As a result, people want more than just a standard experience when they pay for your services. They want excellence; they want to feel important, and more than anything else, they want to feel appreciated.

Deciding how to show your clients you care and that you are grateful for their business can be difficult. However, one of the best approaches is the simplest: saying “thank you.” Christmas is coming up, so now is the time to plan on how you will express your gratitude in an eloquent, memorable way. After all, there is an art to giving and gratitude. Anyone can throw around an empty “thanks” out of routine or obligation. However, clients will remember the companies that have gone out of their way to truly, sincerely show their appreciation.

Giving Gratitude Goes A Long Way

At Red Tomato, we know how important your clients are to you, and we want to help take the guess work out of choosing what to give this holiday season. No matter what kind of a business you run or who your clients are, we’ve got the options covered for you. Aside from our impressive price points (our gifts start at just $10 each), each item will be printed or engraved with your clients’ first names. This attention to detail and quality, as well as personally-selected items, demonstrates that you see your clients as individual human beings, not just nameless, faceless numbers.

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This kind of recognition is crucial in establishing trust with clients, which will ultimately lead to their loyalty. Around Christmas time, you want to treat your repeat consumers to a lavish gift, such as one of our hampers. If you have had one-time customers, or have a campaign to reactivate old clients, this is a perfect opportunity to remind them that you’re still available if they need your services again. For this type of customer, we would suggest investing in gifts like these.

Showing gratitude and appreciation to your clients in a meaningful way truly is an art. Thankfully, with Red Tomato’s variety of personalised business Christmas gifts, you don’t have to be an artist to extend your gratefulness. With these presents, your clients will feel a unique sense of personal recognition. This Christmas, make a memorable impression with one of our gifts. This is how to keep your clients coming back long after the holidays.

If you need assistance in selecting the perfect gift for your customers, let us know! We are here to make your corporate holiday shopping as simple as possible.

Corporate Gift Shopping On a Budget

Corporate Gift Shopping On a Budget

by | Oct 24, 2016 | Business Resources

The Value of Corporate Gift Shopping On a Budget

While some may consider Christmas the most wonderful time of the year, those shopping for a corporate gift on a budget may disagree You want to show clients your gratitude with a Corporate Gift, but your end-of-year bank account isn’t quite on board with demonstrating that appreciation. What, then, are your options?

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