Some of the publications on this list are well-known. However, others you may not have heard of previously. They represent a mixture of blogs and magazines, many of them blurring the distinction in the process. Check out the ones that spark your interest. Poke around for a bit. We've listed our top picks in alphabetical order. Enjoy!

Camille Styles

As a college student, Camille Styles thought she was going to use her journalism degree to become a magazine editor. However, along the way, she worked for a catering company. Styles found, to her surprise, that she absolutely loved event planning. In her own words, she found it difficult to believe that she was getting paid to merge her passions for cooking, design, and bringing people together.

On her lifestyle site, Styles currently oversees what is arguably one of the most eye-pleasing, helpful, and fun lifestyle publications. As a result, if you share her passion for food, gathering, design, beauty, wellness, and more, check out CS. It's filled with engaging content, thoughtfully articulated, and beautiful to behold at the same time.

Conscious Lifestyle

With a core value of believing that we must be the change we wish to see, Conscious Lifestyle seeks to help people overcome challenges common to much of the human race. It's a pretty tall order, but the editors take an open posture toward issues of mind, body, and spirit.

The focus of this lifestyle publication is to provide practical tips, tools, and techniques. Consequently, these help others move in the direction of happiness, health, and healing. The site intentionally provides a platform for the world's leading thinkers, philosophers, and leaders. It zeroes in on material that anyone can access.

Entertainment Weekly

Who doesn't enjoy unwinding with some quality entertainment, especially during times of cultural upheaval, heightened stress, and economic uncertainty? The editors behind Entertainment Weekly totally get it. As a result, they strive to make sure we make informed, insightful decisions about the various forms of media on which we spend our time and money.

Wondering if it's worth it to catch Marvel's latest release in the theater? Not sure if the series your best friend won't stop jabbering about is really as good as he says it is? EW can help you sift through all of the attendant hype that surrounds anything in its initial days of release. This is true whether it's a movie, TV series, book, or theatrical tour. However, be warned up front. You might lose track of time once you start digging into the print magazine or website.

The Financial Diet

Far too many people put off learning about the ins and outs of money management and investments for good reason. On the other hand, many financial publications take as their operating assumption that their readers are already financially savvy. Not so with The Financial Diet. The editors at this lifestyle publication work hard to demystify issues of finance for the average reader looking to learn more.

Whether your intent is to become financially wise or simply to solve an immediate problem related to money, give the Financial Diet website a spin. You'll likely find articles about nailing that important job interview, how to create a simple budget, and even whether or not organic food is worth the hefty price tag. In short, end any embarrassment you might have about money issues today by checking out TFD.

Food Network

The folks at Food Network recognize that we all need to eat but are committed to helping us do it well. The namesake magazine shows up in the mail to an astonishing 100 million U.S. households and currently holds the No. 2 position in terms of best-selling magazines on the newsstand racks. Clearly, the editors of this lifestyle publication are doing something right.

Food Network isn't merely a collection of recipes, as the uninitiated might expect. Instead, it seeks to empower readers to move into a higher realm of food preparation and consumption as it seeks to fulfill its goal of being "food's best friend." Consequently, content is educational, helpful, diverse, and (let's just say it) jaw-dropping in its visual appeal. If you've been wanting to take your food habits to the next level, this is the site for you.

Good Housekeeping

The very first print issue of Good Housekeeping was published in 1885. With well over a hundred years of experience under its belt, the folks at this magazine obviously know what they are doing. The magazine has never swerved from its original calling to provide helpful information out of a sense of public duty matched by private interest.

This high calling serves its readers well. Others describe the editorial team at GH as ruthless in its fact-checking and commitment to accuracy. In this way, they help their readers make informed, reliable decisions with just about everything that touches their lives. If you are looking for dependable, authoritative information regarding food, beauty, holidays, and more, this lifestyle publication should be one of the first you consult.

He Spoke Style

If you're a guy looking to give your outward impression a serious upgrade, consider making He Spoke Style your first destination. Unlike many men's style lifestyle publications, the writers and editors at HSS shoot straight. They do so without a lot of fuss or even a hint of pretentiousness. The publication has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Esquire, and plenty of additional top-tier media.

The emphasis at HSS is on practicality and attracting "regular guys" as readers. Guys who maybe don't have thousands of spare dollars lying around. Since its launch over a decade ago, HSS has grown to include its own line of menswear. Likewise, the experts at HSS even offer complimentary consultations and personal styling tips via Zoom. If you find it slightly intimidating to walk into a menswear store, give the folks at HSS a shot.

Martha Stewart Living

While the emphasis tilts toward the upscale, everyone can find something of interest. Filled with helpful, practical tips and advice, the team at Martha Stewart Living offers up great recipes, DIY projects, beauty tips, gardening expertise, and much more.

Stewart has been an authoritative voice in lifestyle publications since 1982. That was the year her book Entertaining with Martha Stewart first hit the shelves. Since that time, MSL has grown to become a huge international presence. Her enduring commitment to making life easier, inspirational, and a little more beautiful has never wavered. For some of the best advice on health, pets, weddings, food, home design, and more, make MSL a regular destination.

Men's Health

Print editions of Men's Health are currently available in 25 editions in 35 countries. Add to that more than 21 million readers in print and online, and MH represents a formidable presence in the world of fitness, nutrition, and weight loss. The publication also offers advice on menswear, scientific breakthroughs, gear, movies, and more, all targeted at guys.

The commitment to service journalism runs deep at MH. Rigorous fact-checking, licensed experts, and experienced staff make it a worthwhile read. MH has been awarded many of the top publishing industry honors. These include the Ad Age distinction of being named one of its Magazines of the Year in 2017. The coverage typical of MH is informative while avoiding the trap of being overly promotional.

NewsReports

If you're interested in availing yourself of several life hacks and tips that cover just about any topic making headlines, make NewsReports your next lifestyle publication to visit. The folks behind NR value substance over hype and do their best to steer readers to the latest great apps, technology innovations, health news, and more. NR is an online-only publication committed to helping you become more productive and well-informed.

The NR effort began as a humble website dedicated almost exclusively to helping its readers wade through the mind-numbing array of options available on the Apple Store or Google Play. It never let go of that niche expertise. The writers and editors expanded and now scour the headlines for noteworthy innovations, so you don't have to. If you're looking to move past headlines and hype, give NR a look.

The Pioneer Woman

It might help to think of Ree Drummond's monolithic lifestyle publication as "Martha Stewart for the blue jeans crowd." In addition to the usual sections on food, decorating, health, beauty, and style, Drummond peppers The Pioneer Woman with information and snapshots from her personal life. The overall effect is one of exchanging recipes with your next-door neighbor over a glass of minty iced tea.

Drummond launched her website over 15 years ago. She had zero intention of launching a media behemoth, yet her publication transcends lifestyle genres in a way readers clearly enjoy. TPW answers a market segment that wants the information, yes, but also wants to know a little bit about the people providing it. Here you'll find articles with non-traditional titles such as "Todd Played His Last High School Football Game" and "Photos of Chuck."

Southern Living

The reach of Southern Living extends far beyond its initial target audience of the southern U.S. without losing its focus on the culture and traditions of the American South. Launched in February of 1966 by The Progressive Farmer Company, SL has stayed true to its vision. It celebrates what's glorious about the South "in all its complexity" and adds diverse and dynamic voices to the conversation.

Rigorous fact-checking and an unwavering commitment to accuracy make SL a lifestyle publication that is both dependable and entertaining. If you are looking for interviews with experts, creative food ideas, home and garden tips, and a whole lot more, look for SL to serve it all up. The editors present it all with a southern flair that is sure to appeal to just about anyone from any walk of life.

Verve

Headquartered in South Bombay, Verve was launched by Anuradha Mahindra in 1995 to offer a platform for the voices of recognized talent to express themselves. The namesake website followed in April 2014. The claim to fame here is being India's very first women's luxury lifestyle monthly. Verve offers its readership a glossy print version and has as its primary emphasis content of consistently high quality.

Verve tailors its content to a very specific niche. Over time, the publication has grown as its articles on arts and culture, people, fashion, travel, events, and more appeal to a considerably larger audience. Do you have an interest in getting a global perspective and approach to service journalism? Verve is a lifestyle publication well worth your attention.

Wit and Delight

True to its moniker, Wit and Delight advertises itself as "a home to professional feelings feelers, an elevator for glass ceiling breakers, and a soapbox for stories on anything from home decor and tile to battling anxiety and depression." And that pithy description pretty much sums up what you will find within. Never taking itself too terribly seriously, W&D tells important stories with a flair missing from many other website destinations.

The emphasis here is on stories that were developed as a result of real-world experiments out in the world of "adulting." If you're immediately drawn in by a no-nonsense approach to topics of importance, giving yourself 30 minutes with W&D is a dangerous undertaking. You'll pop in for a quick look and maybe miss picking up the kids from school. This lifestyle publication is long on useful information and enjoyable reading.

The post The Top Lifestyle Publications and Blogs to Read appeared first on RELEVANCE.

If you’re unfamiliar, it may seem odd to bring up buccaneers during a marketing conversation, but to elaborate, pirate metrics refers to the AAARRR process used in growth marketing. (Calling it pirate metrics stems from the common “arrr” phrase uttered by pirates in popular depictions.) It focuses on getting customers through the marketing funnel from awareness to referral. If you’re ready to learn more, here’s a closer look at the components of AAARRR.

Awareness

Awareness marketing seeks to educate prospective customers about your brand and the solutions it can provide. Paid advertising campaigns, content that’s optimized for search, social media posts, and company news are common awareness tactics.

Marketers have long used digital advertising to test messaging and the resultant website traffic. Today, however, the digital landscape has changed, and establishing competitive differentiation is more challenging.

That means that marketers are becoming more targeted, often testing multiple messages at once with a potential audience. They’re also using approaches that aim to both build brand awareness and convert prospects to customers.

Social media is an important component of awareness. Brands still turn to traditional platforms – Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. But they are also using platforms such as LinkedIn or TikTok as part of their growth strategy

Acquisition

Acquisition is the process used to acquire more leads and gain new customers. Are you showing up for the searches in Google that matter to your audience? Are they finding you when trying to solve their problems? Getting content in front of the right audiences takes strategic thinking and innovative action. 

Brands using growth marketing have used chatbots, sign-up forms, and gated content as a means to secure more leads. But, of course, those are just a few examples. There are many ways to improve acquisition and show up for the searches that matter. 

Brands do well by experimenting with their conversion optimization techniques. With forms, for example, brands should mix up the content, colors, messaging, and buttons to see what works best. Short-form content and video continues to grow in popularity as marketers begin to diversify away from webinars and white papers.

Activation

Activation is the process that gets people using a product or service quickly after it’s purchased. Marketers increasingly are asked to play a key role in driving activation, especially in B2B.

Marketers can use multiple tactics to drive brand activation. Some companies sponsor brand communities to foster connection and shared values amongst customers. A great example of a business who does this well is Harley-Davidson. Other businesses organize exclusive events scheduled around new product launches to improve activation. Apple is a great example of a company that excels here.

Data can play a major role in activation tactics. Usage data, combined with observational and feedback data, can provide insights on how to get customers to activate.

Retention

The costs of acquiring a new customer are much higher than keeping an existing one. In fact, it’s often cited that it costs five times as much to earn business from a new customer rather than an existing one. Retention is a way for brands to keep customers returning to buy their products or services.

Growth marketing techniques capitalize on and leverage the existing customer relationship. Consider customer-only sales or discounts, email alerts for new offerings, and special events. Retention approaches also can include encouraging customers to follow you on social media and sign up for newsletters or other content.

Data science can play an important role in retention, too. Customer data science provides you with insights into behaviors, patterns, and similar purchase patterns. Leveraging data lets you customize and personalize offerings for existing customers to drive growth.

Revenue

The question marketers need to ask at this stage is, “How can we turn potential customers into paying customers?”

When considering revenue, marketers often look at two key metrics:

• Customer Acquisition Costs (CAC) – The total costs of gaining each new customer
• Customer Lifetime Value (LTV) – The total revenue a customer generates during their total lifetime relationship with your brand

Marketers want to lessen the CAC and maximize the LTV. One way to do so is to see how customers move through the pirate metrics funnel. The quicker you can get a potential customer from awareness to revenue, the better your business will fare. You’ll spend less on advertising and marketing and profit from more sales. Then, working on improving retention boosts LTV.

Referral

Word-of-mouth is still a reliable way to drive business referrals. If your products or services are of high quality, people will tell others.

However, in today’s digital age, there are other tools marketers can use to drive referrals. The first is to push referrals through incentives. A common example on social media are contests or drawings where winners are customers who tag a friend or share a post.

Encouraging users to leave reviews — and thanking them when they do — is another way to improve referrals from actual customers. Hearing about the best qualities of a business from other real people can help build trust for potential clients.

Similarly, using brand ambassadors, influencers, and affiliate marketing strategies are other ways to drive growth through referrals. People will always like to hear authentic stories and informative messages from other people. And once they do, the AAARRR funnel begins again.

Together these six components combine to create a strong growth marketing approach. Once used successfully, it won’t be long before you’re saying the jolly expression, Yo Ho Ho and celebrating a job well done. Remember it is a process, and it takes some time. But once you’ve mastered the pirate metrics approach, you’ll be relieved you took the time to learn more.

The post Growth Marketing: A Pirate Metrics Approach appeared first on RELEVANCE.

There is both an art and a science to creating helpful content while balancing that against remembering how to optimize content for SEO even as it is being produced. Today there are plenty of diagnostic tools to help you grasp the basics, such as Yoast SEO. But there's much more to it than just the effective use of tools.

For example, you might use Google Docs and Grammarly to put a spit shine on your writing, but you're going to need more than that. Being talented in one area of SEO is great, but to get a boost in search engine results pages (SERPs), you will need to be highly skilled in other areas. Someone highly adept in only one area is roughly analogous to someone who only knows how to change a flat tire thinking they are a certified car mechanic.

Great Content Fuels SEO-Powered Sales

Well-planned and executed content contributes powerfully to your overall SEO strategy. Learning how to optimize content for SEO makes your website content more readable and enjoyable to consume overall. It also helps readers and search engines understand what you've posted.

There are many simple ways to optimize content for SEO. Below are eight industry practices you can use to help you get started. Think of them as checkboxes that must be ticked, such as including onsite and offsite links, using the right keywords to help you optimize your onsite content, and ensuring you are addressing issues about which people care.

Before you start learning how to how to optimize content for SEO, it will help immensely to put together what experts refer to as a client creative brief. A client creative brief is nothing more than a rough outline of what you hope to achieve. Think of it as a blueprint containing project details, both short-term and long-term objectives, and what you need to get from here to there.

If you are not planning to outsource your SEO project to an agency, you should nonetheless put your ​​client creative brief together. Feel free to modify your brief as your project progresses, but don’t dive in without a roadmap. Getting lost and muddled in strengthening your domain authority and showing up prominently in search engines is too easy.

How to Optimize Content for SEO

1. Use heading tags.

If you are coding your written content by hand, you already know that H1, H2, H3, and H4 tags provide readers with a taxonomy of information. H1 is the coding equivalent that signals Header 1, H2 signals Header 2, and so on. These tags help provide a helpful taxonomy of data for the human eye and for the search engine "spiders" that repeatedly crawl your website, digesting your information.

Nowadays, though, no one needs to learn to code HTML to generate these codes.

WordPress, for example, does this automatically, behind the scenes. Writers leverage a user-friendly interface to raise and lower the status of their headings, subheads, bulleted lists, and more. Once the content has been published or updated, search engines use these automatically inserted tags to answer one straightforward question: "What is this piece about?"

If you publish content without providing these distinctions, it quickly becomes monotonous. Human readers and search engines alike see what you've written as one big, long, perhaps sleep-inducing blob of text. Human beings will quickly bounce as they can't scan your content. A huge part of learning how to optimize content for SEO is making effective use of hierarchical elements, especially heading tags.

2. Include internal links.

An internal link is a hyperlink inserted into your text that links to additional content on the same site. This link should be germane to the topic as you’ve rendered it in the text and images. An internal link communicates an expectation in the mind of a human reader, something along the lines of "there’s more to learn about that subject if I want it."

When you interlink the content on your site, it signals to search engines that you are an expert on specific topics. It creates a web of authority that strengthens the value of your domain. Links should tell readers you know a great deal about a particular niche. If you have great information about a certain topic, this fact will become immediately apparent to readers and search engines. Therefore, pick your links and keywords with the utmost care.

3. Add value with external links.

Avoid trying to be an expert in everything. No one can do this. Better by far to recognize where your expertise ends, and the expertise of another begins. When you hit that boundary in your online content, insert external links to high-authority, helpful content on external websites.

Keep in mind that your site's authority is at stake as you choose the external sites to which you plan to link. Let’s face it; you can probably find something on the internet to back up just about anything you write, no matter how ridiculous (or worse, untruthful). Consequently, it’s critical that you use domain authority tools such as Moz to make sure you are only linking out to high-quality, reliable information. Your reputation is on the line here!

One of the best uses of external linking is to help your readers access information to back up your statements with statistics, charts, and data. When you use external linking to educate and inform your readers, you send a signal to search engines that you are a reliable source. This helpfulness, too, will contribute to helping your site rise in popularity and SERPs.

4. Do your keyword research.

Perhaps the most labor-intensive task in constructing an effective content marketing campaign is not (as many might guess) producing the content itself. That’s a crucial piece of the puzzle, obviously. However, before generating the content, you want to be locked in on your target keywords. Making sure you’ve selected the right keywords will pay off handsomely when you begin the content development phase.

Experts recommend choosing longer-tail keywords that bypass the more obvious choices if you don’t quite have the authority you need for those more difficult keywords. If your onsite content is solid and optimized to a longer-tail keyword, you’re more likely to rise in SERPs specific to your service area and area of expertise. You will want to optimize as much of your content around those longer-tail keywords as possible. You will want to steer clear of what’s known as "keyword stuffing" and opt instead for related keywords only as necessary.

5. Work to match the search intent of your intended audience.

Have you ever experienced an internet "Gotcha!" moment? Did you click on a link expecting one type of content…only to land on a site that has nothing to do with your intended purpose? Chances are better than even that this misdirection was intentional, the result of manipulating keywords and SERPs to nefarious ends. No one likes misleading links. In all likelihood, you bounced from the site immediately. You should expect the same treatment if your chosen keyword in any way defeats user expectations.

Treat your internet audience with respect. Ensure the content you create matches the search intent for your selected keyword.

For example, an educational blog might be best for a keyword if the purpose is primarily informational. A well-built product or service page may be best if the user's intent is commercial. When you work to consistently meet (or exceed) the expectations of search intent, your users are far more likely to reward you with repeat visits.

6. Be sure to include an intuitive URL and meta description.

Believe it or not, many users still scan the entire URL displayed in the dialog box of their web browser of choice. Set up your site's hierarchy and posts to provide a logical "trail" for your users. This practice reinforces the web of authority around the topic or theme and (let’s face it) is much easier on the eye. Which of the two URLs makes the most sense to you? Perhaps more significantly, which URL are you more likely to copy and text to a friend or family member?

• www.xyz-company/products/plumbing/shutoff-valves.php
• www.xyz-company/sv/M8&5aa-pro-sku7y84763/43/dksaaGT5768324%20%Delv%20%Ship4v45

When you begin building links, remember that brevity is the soul of wit. Keep the slug for every page and post as short as possible yet meaningful to human readers. Four to five words are optimal. This will not always be possible for every site. However, it’s a good rule of thumb to implement it whenever and wherever possible.

Similarly, every piece of content you post should include a META description. These descriptions offer search engine spiders a concise overview of the subject matter of your content. Your online content will begin to show up in its niche when your URL, META, and keyword work in unison.

7. Use titles and descriptive ALT text for images.

Making your content available and accessible to the broadest possible audience makes good business sense…and it’s the right thing to do. In the U.S., for example, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law in 1990. Yet, even today, many websites implement ALT tags and descriptive language as an afterthought. Sadly, many still ignore these online content attributes altogether.

Search engines, however, have brought commerce to bear on this issue. Many sites to this day consistently lack ALT tags for images. Other portions of the site are inaccessible to adaptive computing equipment. Consequently, those sites are likely to get dinged for it. Today, search engines more or less serve to police the ADA by lowering site rankings and domain authority.

When including ALT tags, use your selected keyword where it makes sense. Again, don’t try to "stuff" keywords into your ALT tags and other hidden fields. Search engines long ago figured that one out. As stated above, attempts at deception will get you dinged. Plenty of online testing tools are available if you’re wondering how your site scores for adaptability. "Listening" to your website content through a screen reader can also prove an enlightening experience.

8. Write for the reader.

At this point, you might well be wondering if you should be writing content for Google or your intended audience. Well…can it be both? If you are doing your job well, your ranking on SERPs will go up if you keep an eye on your customers and search engines. However, if you must fall off the fence one way or the other, fall in favor of your readers.

Over time, as more users begin taking in and backlinking to your site, the usefulness of your content will become apparent, even if you don’t tailor absolutely everything to please the almighty algorithms.

As you write, produce photos, and develop your content, keep the reader foremost in your thinking. Imagine yourself in the position of someone trying to learn more, solve a problem, or find information. As your audience validates your usefulness through repeated clicks and more extended amounts of time spent on the site, your commitment to reader service can only contribute to greater domain authority and positioning on SERPs.

"Cabbie, how do I get to Carnegie Hall?" Practice, practice, practice!

That corny old joke has become a cliche and stuck around in the collective unconscious for a reason. It points to an enduring truth. You're unlikely to achieve perfection whenever you take your first shot at anything. Whether playing the violin or optimizing content around a longer-tail keyword, you will need to keep at it until it becomes second nature.

Don’t despair if your initial efforts at optimizing content to your niche are less than stellar. That’s completely normal. You need to keep spinning so many plates that it can initially feel overwhelming. Use the guidelines above, refer back to them often as you develop your content, and keep at it!

Even if you plan to staff up in-house, you may need to engage the services of a professional SEO agency on the front end. If you find that you do need help, consider reaching out to one of our sales associates for a no-cost consultation. At Relevance, we eat and sleep SEO, but then we are quick to admit that we’re a bit odd that way.

The post How to Optimize Content for SEO: 8 Rules of the Road appeared first on RELEVANCE.

Deep breath. Awareness of a problem has taken hold. This is the necessary first step.

You’ve already taken the steps of committing to the process of improving your online performance through learning more about SEO, digital PR, geotagging, the primary types of keywords, website analytics, and more. However, as you began digging into the details, it became clear that no one person can possibly accomplish everything needed to improve — and retain — higher rankings on search engine results pages (SERPs). You ultimately arrive at the realization that you need to hire more staff.

With that realization, you’ve taken the necessary second step — one that is frequently the most challenging. Very likely, the investment required to construct a search engine optimization (SEO) team from scratch seems daunting.

Don't Allow Panic to Make Your Situation Worse

However, you should never undertake building your team in a hurry. Instead, objectively assess your efforts to date. Realistically evaluate the skills you already have on board with existing team members. Commit to starting small and building consistently over time. SEO team success requires that you play the long game.

SMB owners might decide to combine some of the roles listed below. They might hold off hiring in one area to beef up in another. You'll want to set up something suited to your unique needs. There is no “one size fits all” approach that applies to every niche. Feel free to adapt these broad categories to arrive at a customized solution for your SEO team. Plan to review progress and identify deficits at least once per quarter.

Setting Your SEO Team Up for Success

1. SEO Team Lead

As with any company-wide initiative, the buck ultimately has to stop with someone. Given the constantly shifting terrain of the SEO realm, it’s all too easy for team members to get so far down into their respective rabbit holes that they lose sight of the bigger picture. Perhaps nowhere is the frequency of this common issue easier to get out of hand than during an SEO overhaul.

Whether you call this person the “Chief SEO Executive” or “SEO Top Banana” will be a function of the nature of your business and the overall vibe of your company culture. How you title this position is far less critical than it is that it signals authority. Everyone on your team signs off on the notion that whatever this individual says….goes. Every decision this person makes is final, for better or worse. Full stop.

Ideal characteristics for this role would include a high degree of flexibility, calm demeanor (i.e., not easily agitated), strong communication skills, and the ability to play the long game consistently. This person has a well-defined game plan that includes a unified approach, frequent praise for milestones achieved, and benchmarks that can adapt to changing market conditions.

Ideally, this person also has a strong background in PR and serves as a liaison between the SEO team and PR personnel. As the PR people are working to create positive brand awareness, those efforts are likely to uncover opportunities for back-linking, referral traffic, and building up the authority of your company’s website assets

2. Digital Content Lead

This person is responsible for planning, creating, and regularly updating the Content Creation and Publication calendar. One of the most frequent mistakes that SEO team leadership makes is seriously underestimating just how much legwork is involved in this singular task. After all, the end result is a calendar display that provides a consistent view for all team members. On the surface, it doesn’t seem like much of an end product.

In this case, appearances can be deceiving. The content lead is responsible for interacting with every member of the SEO team, coordinating the production and editing of 100% original content, knowing the strengths and weaknesses of every team member, and (not least) keeping a grip on approved vacation schedules. This person is also well versed in big-picture company objectives and the keywords required to obtain them.

Whoever occupies this position should (ideally) be a direct report to team leadership. These first two positions are frequently combined into one, but in most cases, that is not an ideal structure. If you must start out this way, look to split the two responsibilities at your earliest opportunity.

3. On-Page SEO Specialist

Among marketing specialists, the on-page SEO specialist can perhaps be considered your company’s online content introvert. Of course, they are always looking outward for research and trends to help optimize internal content creation efforts, too. However, the primary focus is creating, tweaking, and constantly fine-tuning company-curated websites, social media channels, videos, and all other publicly available digital media under the direct control of your SEO team.

There is certainly no shortage of sample job descriptions for this position available online. However, key attributes to keep in mind are the ability to work well with content creators to optimize copy, revise landing pages, caption photos, edit videos, conduct research, and bring their insights to bear on pre-existing, current, and future content creation. At times, this person might recommend that precious pieces of digital content be revised beyond recognition…or deleted altogether. As you might well guess, having some diplomacy skills will prove helpful.

4. Off-Page SEO Analyst/Technician

This function is quite similar to that of the on-page SEO team specialist, but the primary focus is consistently outward. This person relies on data-driven reporting — website analytics, sales figures, impartial niche rankings, and so forth. They use these as tools for connecting with external entities that might reasonably have an incentive for creating inbound links. The off-page specialist is particularly interested in boosting the overall credibility of the company. The key concepts for this person are overall content relevance, perceived trustworthiness, and domain authority.

If relationship building, outreach, and link building (see below), can be meaningfully compared to sales, this position can perhaps be analogous to customer service. There is likely to be a great deal of crossover between the on-page and off-page duties, but there are shades of difference in approach, which (again) is why it’s often best to split these responsibilities between staff. Your on-page people are responsible for “baking the world’s greatest cake.” Off-page expertise requires an ability to answer the question, “Why aren’t more people buying?”

5. Relationship Management, Outreach, and Link Building

On the surface, this position sounds a lot like sales, but it’s slightly more than just that. Yes, this position approaches external entities to gauge interest in collaboration, but it does not stop there. Given the fluid nature of online content — what works well one day might quite literally tank the next — this person’s responsibilities don’t end once someone cuts a check. Instead, this person maintains an abiding enthusiasm for the success of clients. They conduct regular research to share with clients to help them stay on top of SERPs and continuously enhance their reputation.

What Win-Win Relationship Building 'Looks Like'

There’s a terrific scene toward the end of the 1996 film Jerry McGuire. The title character authentically celebrates a significant victory for one of his sports clients. Across the field, another client who signed with a competing firm wonders why his agent never shows that level of enthusiasm. Separating quick sales from abiding interest marks the dividing line between sales and ongoing support. Staff in this position work for your company, yes. However, they are constantly on the prowl for opportunities that might benefit the external entities with whom they interact.

This position requires a deep understanding of the need to bring win-win propositions to the table week after week. The relationship management employee must maintain a keen awareness of what the on-page and off-page specialists do. They must understand how it can be leveraged to their client’s advantage. They must be able to speak to both highly knowledgeable SEO customers and those who need it boiled down to the most superficial level. This person must be able to explain how inbound links are most likely to come about, what can be done to boost online reputation, and more.

At the level of the SMB, relationship building might translate into better working relationships with suppliers, other businesses, customers, nonprofits, and local, state, and federal governments. In short, this person seeks to position your company such that other entities want to be associated with it, both online and in real life.

6. Technical SEO Team Support

Depending on the size of your business, you may start out with your web hosting and maintenance services being outsourced. Most SMBs do begin their online adventures precisely like that, and many choose to keep it that way. This might be perfectly acceptable in your situation and you, therefore, see no need to hire any professional “web nerds.”

Fair enough, but keep in mind that whenever you outsource anything, you enter into a queue. The level of priority you represent to that company will be in direct proportion to how sizable your account is as compared to others. Suppose that service provider has clients whose monthly recurring revenue (MRR) dwarfs that of your company. It’s not hard to guess who is going to get faster turnaround times on service requests. This sort of prioritization is to be expected, so patience may be needed.

Having a technical person or team just down the hall from your office can make all the difference in the world when it comes to the need to update the website core, scan for plugin conflicts and promulgate desired mark-up practices for both on-page and off-page SEO teams.

These people need to not only be highly conversant in what works best for SEO now, but they are also forward-looking. Suppose you’ve ever had a hosting provider send you an urgent email. They urgently inform you that you must update your site structure immediately. In that case, you know full well the value of getting advance notice. Forward-thinking does not throw your entire company into panic mode.

Play the Long Game with Your SEO Team Members

As mentioned at the beginning, there is no hard-and-fast rule for how to construct an SEO team that will meaningfully contribute to your company’s success. You can probably expect at least a certain amount of trial and error as you move forward. Copying what works for one company in your niche usually doesn’t work, either. Your unique selling proposition should be different from your competitors, so your strategy should differentiate, not blur, distinctions.

Of course, the sky’s the limit when it comes to conquering the digital realm and owning the industry you occupy through the use of custom SEO. What you probably do not want to do is hire a bunch of people only to turn around and let many or most of them go six months later. The impact of such a move will be devastating to the morale of the team members who remain.

If the staffing budget represents an initial stumbling block, better to combine a few of the roles listed above into one as a solid starting point. Just maintain ongoing awareness that it's easy to overwhelm you digital PR team. Many times burnout can creep up on even your most energetic team members without their realizing it. Be ready to add staff as need dictates, before your people begin to lose their energy and excitement.

The post 6 Critical SEO Team Roles for Boosting Rankings appeared first on RELEVANCE.

In days gone by, for example, your company might have gotten by admirably in-house. Perhaps you delegated the social media responsibilities to someone you did not hire for that specific purpose. As your niche market expanded, competition intensified. Before long, other companies that did not provide equal value to yours were capturing eyeballs and, ultimately, poaching customers.

Sure enough, it’s tough to let go of anything that started out as "your" baby. However, wisdom is to be found by watching for the signs that change is needed. As your market expands, a national SEO agency can help you navigate unfamiliar terrain.

While market pressures vary by industry and location, there are specific vital indicators that anyone can use as a template. More and more consumers are migrating their shopping habits to the laptop or smartphone. As a result, it’s critical that your company not miss out.

Use the following “Top Ten List” as a measuring rod for gathering more data and determining when the time is right to engage with a national SEO agency.

Top Ten Signs You May Need to Invest in a National SEO Agency

1. You don’t have a content marketing strategy.

If you don’t yet have a content marketing plan — or aren’t sure what that even means — don’t spend a lot of time beating yourself up over it.

Many, many thriving businesses were caught off-guard by the dizzying speed with which online marketing has developed. Today, any number of otherwise-successful entrepreneurs are still underestimating the value of a clear, cohesive content marketing plan that encapsulates every single customer touchpoint.

You’re an expert at what you do. However, that expertise may not extend to content marketing, and that too is OK. Keep doing what you do best.

The main takeaway here is to realize that almost every business, regardless of niche, needs a content marketing plan. In our increasingly online world, not having one is running the risk of being buried by your competitors as you expand. Working with a national SEO agency can help you uncover opportunities you might miss otherwise.

2. You’re not showing up in SERPs, not even at the local level.

Search engine results pages, or SERPs, are the de facto marketplace of the 21st century. Whether we like it or not, the simple fact is that an ever-increasing number of consumers are using their smartphones to scan for possibilities before they make a commitment of time, treasure, or talent. Businesses that ignore this reality or delay any sort of content marketing plan simply aren’t likely to thrive long-term.

For example, let’s say you operate a woodworking supply store in Peoria. Think of your city as the bullseye on a target. You might be doing OK if a potential customer in Western Australia doesn’t find your business. Still, you should be concerned if enthusiasts in central Illinois type in the search string “woodworking supplies” but miss your business altogether.

As your sphere of influence radiates outward, you’ll most likely need a national SEO agency. They can help you start showing up in online searches conducted in central Illinois, the entire Midwest, the continental U.S., and beyond.

3. Marketing costs have gotten out of hand.

The old adage went something like this: “Advertising doesn’t cost…it pays.” But maybe you’ve noticed that you’re not so sure that’s true anymore. You can look at your numbers at the end of every month and see clearly that you’ve been spending more and getting less in return.

If your ROI seems to be decreasing over time, it may be that your messages simply aren’t being seen. The simple fact is that audiences are skipping from one media outlet to the next with a flick of their thumb. This phenomenon can prove highly frustrating for companies trying to get their voice heard above the din. It’s especially true when expanding to the national level.

The good news is that this new openness in the media landscape is a lot less pricey than many traditional outlets. Your company might do better spending hundreds for an online placement than thousands for a billboard on the interstate. The key is to “spend wiser,” not spend more. A national SEO agency can help coach you as you shift your marketing budget around.

4. People who want to find you…can’t.

Panic is never a good thing, of course. However, suppose you are out to dinner with friends, and they struggle to find your website or social media channels even as you are sitting across the table from them. In that case, it’s probably time to drop back and seriously reconsider how things are going with your online marketing strategy.

Pay attention when prospective customers struggle to find you online or complete a transaction. Statistics such as website bounce rates or abandoned carts can help pinpoint exactly where you are losing someone. However, you should balance those statistics against anecdotal evidence you and your team gather day by day, week after week.

The temptation, of course, is to dismiss observations and complaints as “user error,” but this is unwise. More likely, it simply means your SEO needs tweaking…or maybe a complete overhaul. What has always worked well may fall flat as you expand into new markets. You may need to work with a national SEO agency as you strive to avoid these common pitfalls.

5. Your website analytics have plateaued…or nosedived.

If you’re interested in growing your business, you should take special note of overall website traffic trends. Reaching a plateau is only acceptable if you are hiking a mountain and need to take a breather. Similarly, a sharp decline in traffic is a serious indicator that something, somewhere, may have gone wrong.

Again, your primary expertise may not be reading website analytics. You want to focus on providing the best product or service at a competitive price. That’s what you should be doing. However, someone needs to be paying attention and drawing meaningful conclusions from your data. If that’s not you, then it might be time to outsource this vital task.

6. Social media efforts aren’t providing the bang you expected.

Perhaps the only reason you opened a social media account was to broadcast information about your business to the waiting world. The reality is that social media should be viewed as primarily a social endeavor. The vast majority of people don’t use social media as a substitute for reading ads. They use social media to interact.

Increasingly, companies are hiring social media specialists. These people are skilled at responding to user posts and elevating the reputation of their company as they do so.

However, many small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are stuck. They're in that space where they are too big to not have social media but too small to hire full-time staff to handle these messaging channels. Rather than act as a logjam, this situation could be a prime indicator that it’s time to bring in outside help. A national SEO agency fully understands this dynamic and can help you leverage it to your advantage.

7. Your online position does not match your level of expertise.

Have you ever listened to someone speaking directly to your niche and thought to yourself, “This person clearly doesn’t know what he is talking about?”

Of course you have. Who hasn’t?

Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and pretty much every other platform have given anyone with an internet connection the ability to speak with impressive-sounding authority. The trick these days is to find one’s way through all the noise and static. It's easy to miss voices that ring true with both authenticity and measurable results.

The savvy experts these days are focusing more on helping others solve problems than making sales. They’ve realized that garnering trust will, in relatively short order, translate into a healthier bottom line. Your company might be the best in its niche. However, if your voice is getting shouted down online by pretenders, you'll need help. This is a strong indicator that it’s time to partner with a national SEO agency.

8. Your business struggles to form meaningful partnerships.

Trust-building takes place at both the micro level and the macro level. The micro level consists mainly of individual interactions. These include not only how customers interact with you or your employees but also what they say about you to friends and family.

It’s vital to understand that you simply cannot build long-lasting trust at the macro level if the micro-level foundation is unstable. When your business scores win after win at the individual level, you are far more likely to garner the attention of reputable business partners and investors.

Perhaps you enjoy a solid local reputation but find it tough to get investors and other strategic partners interested. This might be an indicator that “something not good” is happening online. A skilled national SEO agency will be quick to suss out why potential opportunities keep eluding your company.

9. Competitors are dragging down your online reputation.

For years, the successful restaurant chain Wendy’s has been doing a terrific job at using its social media accounts to take potshots at the competition. They’ve done this by using a successful mixture of good-natured humor, well-known facts, and their unique brand messaging to land bullseye after bullseye. The messages are amusing and fun to read, even if you don't happen to like hamburgers.

And therein lies the key to a successful online marketing campaign. Boosting your SEO might be a matter of taking yourself less seriously…or it might not. There are literally thousands of variables that might come into play. Working with a national SEO agency can help you refine your message as you seek to broaden your appeal.

Because you are good at what you do, you shouldn’t feel obligated to become a Messaging Voice Expert. Lit up in an unguarded moment, you might even respond to online potshots in a manner that further degrades your online reputation or unintentionally validates the same critique you are seeking to answer. Frequently it’s tough to respond well, and this is why an outside agency might be able to provide critical distance and a higher-level perspective.

10. Your great local word-of-mouth is AWOL online.

This one is last for a reason. It’s the surest sign that you need a national SEO agency to help you translate your excellent local vibe into a broader online reality.

While an increasing number of people are slow to believe what they read online, that does not (yet) apply to everyone. A lot of damage can take place in a brief amount of time. If you’ve ever read a horrid review of a restaurant online only to have a close friend contradict it, you know exactly what this looks like. Online perceptions often don’t convey real-world reality.

Any reputable national SEO agency should be highly skilled at sniffing out unseen factors that might be affecting the quality of your online reputation. Agile, data-driven decision-making is the “secret sauce” that can help your business elevate both its reputation and its positioning on SERPs. Consumers these days have no shortage of options. However, a skilled national SEO agency can help you bring your product or service to the attention of the customers you are seeking.

The post When Should You Invest In A National SEO Agency? appeared first on RELEVANCE.

So, sales and advertising, social media, SEO, and press releases are just a handful of ways to market your business. With all of these marketing avenues, it can be hard to know where to start.

These marketing publications can help you learn everything you need to know to create an effective marketing strategy.

Table of Contents

• What Makes a Good Marketing Publication?
• Characteristics of a Quality Marketing Publication
• AdWeek
• DMNews
• Personal Branding Blog
• Duct Tape Marketing
• MarketingProfs
• The Drum Magazine
• Digiday
• Social Media Today
• AdAge
• PR Week
• The Next Web
• The Moz Blog
• Fast Company
• Campaign Magazine

Brief Summary of Each Publication Discussed

1. AdWeek: A trusted source to learn about every aspect of marketing. Best marketing publication for agencies.
2. DMNews: A detailed resource to build a data-oriented marketing strategy. Most in-depth marketing publication.
3. Personal Branding Blog: A great place to help you create brand authority and build a credible brand. Best branding-focused publication.
4. Duct Tape Marketing: Small businesses' how-to guide for marketing their growing businesses. Popular source for small business marketing.
5. MarketingProfs: A great tool to increase your marketing strategies' effectiveness. Best publication for B2B marketing.
6. The Drum Magazine: The best way to stay up-to-date about marketing news. Most cutting edge marketing publication.
7. Digiday: A go-to marketing publication to check out for the most modern marketing news. Best source for new marketing strategies.
8. Social Media Today: A great publication to support the social media aspect of your marketing plan. Best social media marketing publication.
9. AdAge: The best publication to check out if you are new to the marketing world. Best marketing pub for beginners.
10. PR Week: Everything you need to know about the benefits PR can have for your business. Most comprehensive marketing publication.
11. The Next Web: A great publication to check out when it comes to tech media and marketing. Best tech-focused marketing publication.
12. The Moz Blog: A great place to start when it comes to understanding and implementing SEO in your marketing strategy. Best publication for do-it-yourself marketers.
13. Fast Company: A young professional's go-to guide for marketing and business news. Best marketing pub for individuals under age 40.
14. Campaign Magazine: If you are looking for news about everything creative, this is the publication for you. Best marketing pub for artistic fields.

What Makes a Good Marketing Publication?

Marketing publications showcase all the valuable information regarding marketing for their consumers. The goal? Make the reader the most educated marketer possible to maximize their strategy.

Characteristics of a Quality Marketing Publication

In our opinion, the best marketing publications should have the following four characteristics.

1. Easy to Navigate

Consumers should be able to easily browse each publication to find their desired information.

2. Accessible

The best publications come in a variety of formats, with free/low cost options available.

3. Trustworthy

The information provided by these publications are backed by facts and from trusted sources.

4. Captivating

These publications should captivate their audience through enticing language, impressive graphics, and a sophisticated website.

The Top Marketing Publications Reviewed

1. AdWeek

Best Marketing Publication for Agencies

Adweek has been a leader in the brand marketing news ecosystem since 1979. You can find information on topics such as brand marketing, media, performance, and social marketing. Overall, this is a great publication to check out to understand the entire marketing picture for your business.

2. DMNews

Most In-Depth Marketing Publication

DMNews believes that a data-oriented strategy is an effective one. For example, on their website you can find many free resources about data, retail, content marketing, customer experience, etc. Most of the articles are under five minutes, so these are great for those looking for a quick and effective read.

3. Personal Branding Blog

Best Branding-Focused Publication

A personal brand is an important piece of the marketing puzzle. It’s even more effective these days when consumers want to purchase from companies they feel they can trust. In order to create this trust, you need to consider what personality and traits you want your business to encompass. In short, Personal Branding Blog is a great place to learn everything you need when it comes to establishing your brand credibility.

4. Duct Tape Marketing

Popular Source for Small Business Marketing

Duct Tape Marketing believes that marketing --above all--is the most important aspect of growing a small business. On their website, you can find a blog, newsletter, podcast, etc. to help you build an effective marketing strategy for your small business.

5. MarketingProfs

Best Publication for B2B Marketing

At MarketingProfs, you can find a wide range of educational tools for marketers to utilize. Similarly, the resources provided are vast and cater to any type of marketer. In short, if you want to increase your marketing strategies' effectiveness, this is a great place to start.

6. The Drum Magazine

Most Cutting-Edge Marketing Publication

At Drum Magazine, you can find up-to-date news articles to stay informed about marketing trends. And, it’s a great publication to check out for casual research regarding your marketing strategy. If you are a marketing professional with limited time, this is a great place to start.

7. Digiday

Best Source for New Marketing Strategies

If you have trouble keeping up with the latest marketing news, Digiday is your publication. For example, topics include media, marketing, and the future of TV. You can always find the latest trends and marketing news on their website in a simple, clean format.

8. Social Media Today

Best Social Media Marketing Publication

Social media is a key component of the modern marketing climate. Social Media Today walks you through the social media world in order to effectively utilize it in your marketing plan.

9. AdAge

Best Marketing Pub for Beginners

AdAge is a great publication to check out for newbies researching marketing strategies. You can find information on topics such as advertising, digital marketing, media, etc. to help you navigate every aspect of your marketing strategy. Articles are written with the newcomer in mind and are broad and easy to comprehend.

10. PR Week

Most Comprehensive Marketing Publication

PR can be complicated. As a result, many don’t understand the process and goals that go into PR. However, PR Week has everything you need to navigate how PR can help your business. You can find shorter news articles for introductory info and in-depth ones in order to really dive deep into individual concepts.

11. The Next Web

Best Tech-Focused Marketing Publication

If you’re looking for information on tech media and marketing, The Next Web is the publication for you. For instance, you can find tech-media stories that haven’t been published elsewhere, so it’s great for the latest tech marketing news.

12. The Moz Blog

Best Publication for Do-It-Yourself Marketers

Firstly, SEO is a complicated advertising tool and often hard to understand for people entering the industry. However, The Moz Blog offers articles to guide you through the processes of SEO, as well as providing several tools to help you explore this aspect of marketing.

13. Fast Company

Best Marketing Pub for Individuals Under Age 40

If you are a young professional trying to explore the world of marketing, this is the publication to check out. Fast Company provides information in a fun and innovative way in order to better target young readers.

14. Campaign Magazine

Best Marketing Publication for Artistic Fields

At Campaign Magazine, you can find information about everything surrounding the creative processes of your business. It’s a great publication to visit to stay updated about business advancements in artistic fields, both in the US and across the world.

To sum up, we all know the world of marketing can be hard to navigate. These publications are all great resources; However, their relevance to you depends on what your needs are. The list above should certainly help guide you to the perfect publication to get you started in becoming the best marketer you can be.

Looking for other publication, here are a few to pay attention too:

• Top Tech Publications
• Top Finance Publications
• Top Small Business Publications

The post The Top Marketing Publications to Keep On Your Radar appeared first on RELEVANCE.

However, starting your own business is a challenging and often daunting task. Many don’t know where to start, who to speak with, how to network, etc. This can turn many away from the entrepreneurial path.

Fortunately, several resources are available to those to help you become your own CEO. Below are the top publications to help entrepreneurs navigate the confusing landscape of starting their own businesses.

Table of Contents

What Makes a Good Small Business Publication?

Entrepreneur

Under 30 CEO

Killer Startups

Small Biz Technology

Inc.

Franchise Times

Small Business Trends Magazine

Foundr

1. Entrepreneur: Specifically targeted towards business owners.
2. Under 30 CEO: Starting your own business while still young? Start here.
3. Killer Startups: If you're looking to crush your industry, this is the publication for you.
4. Small Biz Technology: Do you find tech overwhelming? SBT has accessible info.
5. Inc.: Tips and tricks, tools, and services to help expand your business.
6. Franchise Times: Need guidance about running a franchise? Here you go.
7. Small Business Trends Magazine: Keep up-to-date about current trends in business.
8. Foundr: Articles, podcasts, and several courses to help you stay ahead.

What Makes a Good Small Business Publication?

Each of the publications listed below is an excellent resource for entrepreneurs. These each hit vital points that make them great. In general, each small business publication should be:

• Straightforward. Entrepreneurs don’t have a lot of extra time to research. The information provided in each publication should be easy to find with the essential facts.

• Credible. Reputable sources should back every article to ensure each reader has access to the most relevant and accurate information.

• Innovative. Entrepreneurs are no strangers to innovation. That is what makes their business thrive. The publication should prioritize innovation and be reflected in its work.
• Helpful. Each article that is published should serve a direct purpose for the reader. Fluff pieces should be few and far between.

1. Entrepreneur

As the name implies, Entrepreneur provides all the information you need to know about starting your own business. You can find articles about starting your own business, growing your current one, franchising, and entrepreneur inspiration. This is an excellent collection of resources if you want a publication targeted explicitly toward business owners.

2. Under 30 CEO

If you want to start your own business young, this is your publication. Under 30 CEO is an excellent resource for entrepreneurs because it provides the necessary support to start and run a successful business. You can stay up to date with the latest tech and business trends to create the most efficient company. This is an excellent publication to include in your roster.

3. Killer Startups

Creating a startup can be challenging — but Killer Startups provides all the information to make that process as smooth as possible. It also made the our Top Finance Publications list as well this year. Here you can find startup tools, reviews, and featured founders to help guide you through the process. Check this publication out if you are interested in dominating your startup.

4. Small Biz Technology

New and innovative technology is often at the forefront of being an entrepreneur. However, with the constantly changing patterns of the tech industry, it can be more challenging for small business owners to keep track. Small Biz Technology is there to provide entrepreneurs with a shortcut regarding technology trends. You can find articles about customer service, content marketing, financials, and more.

5. Inc.

Specifically targeted toward business owners, this publication is an excellent resource for entrepreneurs. Here, you can find tips, tricks, tools, and services to help expand your business. Inc. understands the struggles that are often faced by small businesses and provides resources accordingly.

6. Franchise Times

Running a franchise can be complicated and costly. However, a proven successful business model can be very attractive to entrepreneurs. Franchise Times understands the ins and out’s of running a franchise and is there to provide information that helps you through the process. In short, if you need guidance about running a franchise, this is a great resource.

7. Small Business Trends Magazine

You are constantly stepping into new roles when you run your own business. Keeping up-to-date on the trends in industry can be tricky, especially when the list of tasks an entrepreneur has can be never-ending. SBT also made our Top Technology Publications list this year. So, Small Business Trends Magazine takes the work out of the equation and provides you with all the relevant trends to make your business successful.

8. Foundr

Foundr is an excellent publication for everything surrounding starting your own business. You can find articles, a podcast, and several courses to become the most successful entrepreneur. Marketing, leadership, and business building are just a few topics covered in these resources - making this a tremendous full-circle publication.

Looking for other publication, here are a few to pay attention too:

• Tech Publications
• Top Finance Publications
• Top Marketing Publications

The post The Top Small Business Publications to Check Out appeared first on RELEVANCE.

Few businesses invest in a marketing campaign merely to maintain the status quo. Retaining your existing customer base is essential, yes, but most of us develop marketing campaigns to foster growth.

That being the case, your business will be well served by developing a business growth marketing plan that can flex and stretch to accommodate newer technologies as they emerge. While allowing for all of your channels to adapt, you can’t wait around either. As you put together your marketing plan or work with a PR professional, keep the checklist below handy.

1. Executive Business Summary

Of course, you’re an expert in your niche. Undoubtedly, you’ve been at it long enough that you and your team are highly skilled and have acquired your own language and terminology along the way. You will need an overview of what you do, why you do it, and what you hope to accomplish that is 100% free of jargon.

In short, anyone — expert or newbie — should be able to read this brief overview and walk away with a high level of comprehension. They will know the who, what, when, where, why, and how of your plan to engage in growth marketing. If you find that even a few people don’t quite grasp critical concepts with this brief overview, it’s a sign that your summary still needs work. Think of it as your written “elevator pitch.”

2. Goals and Vision

Again, endeavor to keep this section of your growth marketing plan mercifully brief. In this section, you will be sharing the sum total of your brainstorming sessions to date. Go ahead and paint the most positive picture of your desired results.

Think of this as your growth marketing plan template's “I’ve got a magic wand” section. Yes, you’ll want to temper your objectives with realism, but if you aim at nothing, you’re likely to hit it every time. Go ahead and indulge in the best possible outcome, but ensure you provide goals and strategies with numbers attached to them. “Increase sales” is too vague. “Increase website traffic by 15% in three months” is far better.

3. Niche-Specific Business Initiatives

A local shoe store will likely use different ends and means to achieve measurable results than an office planning consultant. What works for one business might fall flat in another sector. The key lies in discerning where your people congregate both in-person and online. For example, most business people know that various social media channels cater to differing demographics. Additionally, demographics play a huge role in the overall tone of messaging.

What are the initiatives that line up best with your model of doing business? Are there opportunities to raise awareness of your products and services in previously neglected or ignored venues? Your growth may have hitherto been hindered simply because your messages are tremendous but inaccurately and/or inadequately targeted.

4. Evaluation of Existing Customer Base

Before you move on to going after new customers, be sure to examine the people you’re doing business with today carefully. This analysis will need to be both qualitative and quantitative. Of course, you will want numbers in a spreadsheet, but you will also want customer comments in a database. This presupposes that you have been inviting feedback and making it easy for your customers to share their good and bad experiences.

Someone needs to read every written remark provided by your customers. This is not only common courtesy; it’s also smart business. By tagging various comments, your team will be enabled to scan quickly through the accumulated data, ignoring feedback marked “Meritless Rant” while pausing to take in everything tagged “Actionable Suggestion.”

5. Evaluation of Competitors

Just as you want to gain a clearer picture of who you are selling to, you’ll also need to update your profiles of who else is selling to them. You may have done a thorough analysis of the competition a few years ago, but if you completed that analysis before the pandemic years of 2020-2022, it’s time to take another look. As consumer buying tactics have changed, so have competitor operations and selling tactics.

One key watchword for engaging customers in this era is personalization. Businesses that previously relied primarily on in-person transactions were forced to pivot to court an increasingly-remote clientele. The road behind us is littered with the wreckage of thousands of small businesses that were slow to adopt automation, customer service platforms, and other newer technologies. You want to find out what’s available and what seems to be working well.

6. Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) Analysis

As the old saying goes, you can only begin to travel by being sure of where you currently stand. In the current hybrid landscape of in-person/remote workers — and customers — even a cursory SWOT analysis can help you make informed decisions as you engage in growth marketing.

What does your company do exceptionally well? Where do you wish things were going better? Are new market opportunities opening up? Which issues cause concern for the future? These four SWOT categories are open to all sorts of input.

For example, you might initially identify competitors in the “threat” category. Still, this can (and should) also include health concerns, a struggling economy, a new product or service that might supplant yours, etc. As you work on your SWOT analysis, jot down every thought that comes to mind. Save the editing for later.

7. Establishing a Growth Marketing Budget

Every other standard practice seems to have changed since 2020, and budgeting for your growth marketing template is no different. These days, it can seem like the costs associated with marketing do nothing but go up, but the truth is that there are still some media outlets and strategies that remain inexpensive or even free. The trick is to stay open as you prepare a budget.

Whatever decisions you and your team land on, ensure that every dollar is accounted for and that you collect data on ROI after the fact. Go into the budgeting process with the certainty that one or more expenditures will prove disappointing at some level. That’s OK, as long as after the campaign, you can put empirical data to both your expectations and what actually happened. This will help you make sure you only make a bad call once.

8. Overview of Strategy

Everyone on your growth marketing team should be able to accurately articulate what your company is trying to accomplish. Your growth marketing template's strategy section provides a comprehensive listing of all the elements brought together in one place.

Don’t cram a lot of detail into this section. Keep it simple. For example, you might include a statement such as “use social media” without providing any further explanation. A strategy section should be simple enough to commit to memory. Whether you require your employees to memorize it is entirely up to you!

9. Preferred Channels (and Alternates)

Broaden the meaning of the word “channels” to include as many things as you can brainstorm. Are you getting your company logo and web address imprinted on giveaway pencils? That counts as a channel. Ordering and installing new signage for your store locations? That counts, too. Social media accounts are another obvious inclusion here.

As you give the green light to any channel, ensure you build in accountability and have a backup channel waiting in the wings should your first choice fall flat. In the example above, you could set up a unique URL on your website to track how many people bother to type out the link you imprint on promotional giveaways. Your ability to track ROI on your marketing growth investments is truly only limited by your imagination. When a specific channel performs beyond expectations, accurate tracking helps you make that success repeatable.

10. Anticipated Customer Journey

Every growth marketing plan template should include a requirement to chart out how you expect prospective customers to first learn about your business. From there, you’ll want to take an educated guess as to how the customer will leave a “trail of breadcrumbs” as they convert from prospect to customer.

The customer journey will vary widely from one market niche to another. If your team has never constructed a map such as this, now’s the time. There are plenty of online resources to help you get started. The point is not to systematize what your company’s map should look like but rather to evaluate both your fulfilled expectations and take special note of the surprises. Pinpointing where expectations went sideways or succeeded will prove valuable next time you budget.

11. Risk Assessment

Before committing dollars or personnel to any growth marketing plan, conduct the most thorough assessment of possible outcomes. You already broke out the magic wand in Step 2, where you dreamed about desired outcomes. While not nearly as much fun, you now need to seriously consider the question, “What’s the worst that could happen?”

For this section of your growth marketing plan template, it will help enormously to read up, yes, but also talk to people uninvested in your efforts. Insurance agents, lawyers, industry leaders, agencies, and other people unafraid to be direct with you will prove invaluable.

Few people were asking the right questions in the months leading up to widespread restrictions on walk-in traffic in 2020. As you conduct your risk analysis, give at least some consideration to the “unlikely…but still possible.”

12. Timeframe

When will the campaigns associated with your growth marketing plan commence? Is there a specific time they will end? The time frame section of your plan should contain those two obvious milestones, but really any activity that has a date or deadline associated with it should show up here. As you plan, factor in the unpredictable, such as widespread supply chain issues.

Your timeframe should include the four subsections listed below. These can consist of little more than a bulleted list sorted by date or the equivalent of a printed production schedule you might post in the conference room.

• Relevant History: Dates and important events that brought you to where you are now.
• Current Quarter: What do the next few weeks and months look like?
• This section likely contains the majority of entries and associated content.
• Immediate Future: What’s coming up in the next few years?
• Long Range Planning: Where do you hope to be five, 10, or even 20 years from now?

13. Strategic Partnerships

As you put together your growth marketing plan template, evaluate the partnerships to date that have proved mutually beneficial. Are there other opportunities you may have missed? Any person or company essential to your ongoing success should show up here. From there, look outward to see if this list can be expanded or needs to be tightened up a bit.

The key here is to view anyone or anything that helps your company do what it does best as a “partner.” Angel investors are great, sure, but your employees can also meaningfully be considered partners, as can your trusted suppliers. Many business people are surprised to find that when they consider how to help any partner thrive, they tend to uncover ways that they can prosper as well.

14.  Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Measurement Criteria

As mentioned above, numbers and hard data rule. The need for empirical facts doesn’t eliminate the need to have inspired, entrepreneurial types acting on hunches from time to time. However, meaningfully working toward continuous improvement and growth means that someone somewhere has to be collecting, capturing, and analyzing hard data.

What are the measurement criteria you will use to evaluate the success (or lack thereof) as part of your growth marketing plan template? If you’re not sure, you’ll struggle to draw meaning and direction from your marketing efforts.

Just like customer journey maps, there are plenty of resources available online to help you evaluate the usefulness of your current KPIs and make any additions or adjustments you may not have previously considered.

15. Formal After-Action Evaluation

Obviously, your marketing team will be required to adjust and track as your marketing growth plan is unleashed on an unsuspecting world. There will be plenty of ad hoc meetings and hallway conversations that take place as spur-of-the-moment decisions are required.

That’s all fine and well and 100% necessary. However, you will also want to schedule at least one formal after-action review session open to a much wider audience, perhaps even including anyone in your company who has an interest.

The feedback you get from sales figures, spreadsheets, online reviews, and peers should all be considered. Oftentimes, however, nothing beats anecdotal evidence from a real, live human being. Your tactics, messaging, channels, and everything else about your growth marketing plan template may need tweaks you might never have considered otherwise.

One Size Does Not Fit All: Adopt, Adapt, and Improve

As you work to put together your first growth marketing plan template or tweak the one you’ve been using for more than a decade, not everything listed above will necessarily apply. That’s OK; just maintain an awareness of the tried-and-true categories well worth your consideration.

Don’t allow yourself to get overwhelmed, either. Tackle one category at a time. Should you hit a stumbling block, you can choose to work the one of the best growth marketing companies to help guide you.

The post 15 Categories You Should Include In Your Growth Marketing Plan Template appeared first on RELEVANCE.

Additionally, there is so much competition and “noise” in the digital realm that cutting through the clutter requires specialized skills and near-constant monitoring. Truly effective PR now requires a digital strategy that helps businesses differentiate themselves from competitors.

Of course, individual businesses are as unique as fingerprints. There is no one-size-fits-all digital PR strategy. You can’t just download a template and start checking off all the boxes. Instead, you’ll need to do both external and internal research examining your place in today’s marketplace. After that, you’ll use that information to draw out the positive aspects of your business, specific products, and service distinctives unavailable anywhere else.

All that being true, there are still some industry-tested principles you can use as you evaluate and plan. Other businesses (of all sizes) that have significantly boosted their presence and revenue utilizing a PR digital strategy tend to follow several of the following ten practices. Tweak them as you move forward with your business model, but be slow to toss any of them aside as “not relevant” to your needs.

1. Commitment to Quality and Transparency

Anyone engaged in online PR or digital marketing will quickly agree that a worldwide audience is both a blessing and a curse. One thing everyone agrees on these days is that unsubstantiated hype quickly falls to the very bottom of the pile. Worse, making false claims online is discerned rapidly and almost always called out for some social media shaming.

You will likely generate more loyal customers by being a straight shooter and fulfilling your niche. Before doing anything else, write out your commitment to quality, integrity, and a no-hype approach. Start out under-promising and over-delivering…and stay that way. Make sure everyone you currently employ or hire embraces that fundamental commitment.

2. Clearly-Defined Objectives

Some people shorten this recommendation to “Keep your ‘why’ close by.” It’s a catchy mnemonic device and can serve as part of a helpful internal monologue as you work with others to develop your digital PR strategy. Frequently your objectives become fuzzy, and you are tempted to compromise as events unfold. That might be the right call, but you should always go back to your source document and make sure it stays updated.

Why are you seeking to build a comprehensive digital PR strategy in the first place? Are you merely trying to raise sales? Or do you hope to move one of your company superstars into a spokesperson role or that of a thought leader? In all likelihood, you will have more than one goal — most do — but you will also need to undergird every objective with actionable, measurable tools for evaluating your level of success as you move forward.

3. Target Audience Defined by Personas

Personas are fictitious amalgamations that represent large segments of your core constituency. If, for example, your product or service appeals to both young and old, you will want to build at least one character per age demographic. Before you start, limit the number of personas in your digital PR strategy to more than one but less than 10. Too few, and your message becomes too narrow over time. Too many and your creative team will struggle to stay fresh.

Personas should have names but not remain static. Over time, your products and services are likely to evolve. Likewise, the demographics of your customers are subject to change. As your digital PR strategy comes together, the personas will be helpful for messaging. Your creative team will ask questions like, “How would ‘Martha’ hear this message? What about ‘Luther’?” Having personas helps your team think outside their heads and zero in on your target audience.

4. Filtered and Prioritized List of Media Outlets and Contacts

The best digital PR strategy would be all for naught were it not for communication channels. In days long gone, the available choices were print and broadcast. Nowadays, the available options can quickly get overwhelming. Divide your choices into two primary categories, then focus on your top choices. It’s normally better to “start small and build.” In other words, pick a few priority channels and establish a good groove. After that, branch out.

• Traditional Channels: These include print, broadcast, PR professionals, publicists, events, speaking engagements, trade shows, conferences, celebrity spokespeople, and online media purchases.
• Digital Media: Increasingly powerful channels include topic-specific blogs, podcasts (both audio-only and video), social media interactions, online advertisements, virtual reality “real estate,” and other evolving digital technologies.

5. Agreed-Upon ‘Voice’ for Messaging

Audiences expect an established investment firm to “sound” different from a fast-food restaurant or energy drink. That’s just common sense. We want investment companies to speak confidently, optimistically, and authoritatively. Energy drink ads are often sassy, snappy, and filled with bright, colorful characters. Similarly, before embarking upon any PR campaign, you should decide who you are addressing and how your consistent voice will sound.

Suppose your digital PR strategy team consists of multiple players. In that case, it’s easy enough to 1) have one team member go off script or 2) create a bottleneck, i.e., one person who oversees every message. Since neither of those outcomes is desirable, it will pay dividends to construct a style sheet spelling out how your messages ought to sound to the average person.

6. Content Production and Delivery Calendar

Today, there is no shortage of calendaring apps and other tools businesses can use to get started developing a PR production strategy. Many are free! The one to go with is the one that works for every member of your PR team. Of course, you don’t want every employee using a different tool, so you’ll have to draw the line somewhere. For many businesses — large and small — what seems to make sense is a centralized online tool everyone can view and update.

For the visual thinkers in your midst, it might make sense to set up a large video screen in a central location that updates frequently and informs passersby throughout the day. Whatever delivery channels work best for your company, it’s vital that your message is planned, produced to a deadline, and doesn’t stall out for lack of conveyed clarity or “missed memos.”

7. Content That Differentiates

Why should anyone choose your business over your competitors? In today’s media landscape, differentiation reigns supreme. Companies of all stripes are increasingly showcasing their businesses in light of what is unique about their products or services. You know that there are features of your business that are not offered elsewhere. Now make sure your PR digital strategy conveys these points accurately (and repeatedly).

One way to “cheat sheet” your way into content that differentiates is to comprehensively study the messaging offered by the competition. The last thing you want to do is parrot someone else’s PR. The point instead is to analyze your competitors and ask yourself what you can offer that they cannot. Personalized service? Discount pricing? Proprietary content unavailable anywhere else? Differentiation should be a consistent drumbeat backing up all your messages.

8. Feedback Channels and Benchmarks

No one launches a PR digital strategy on a lark. Businesspeople need to see results in clear, measurable outcomes. Your preferred outcome will vary depending on your niche — increased sales, a boost in followers, local market penetration, whatever — but the loftiest goals need to establish benchmarks for performance.

How will you determine your return on investment (ROI)? For any PR endeavor, you will want more than anecdotal evidence and positive feedback from your friends and family. Choose variables that are both measurable and actionable. Establish your baseline and desired goals for improvement, and plug in that data at regular intervals. To help you determine your goals, perhaps the most critical exercise is formulating pointed questions you want answered at the end of any digital marketing. Examples might include the following.

• Is there any noticeable bump in gross monthly sales? How much?
• What is the week-ending number of social media channel followers?
• Do website analytics show any change? Up or down, and by how much?
• How many requests for speaking engagements this quarter?

9. Resources Allocated for Ongoing Engagement

More than one company has launched a well-planned PR digital strategy only to find that they had to hire additional staff in a hurry. Of course, no one likes to hire under the gun. In our digital age, one of the most helpful staffing strategies is to employ a stable of utility players, i.e., employees who can pivot from answering one need to another without breaking a sweat.

When you move into the digital realm, there is always the possibility that your PR efforts will be successful beyond what you had planned. True, this is a terrific problem to have, but it’s a problem nonetheless. Consumers today expect and demand a high level of personalized attention. Providing that level of care and concern presupposes that your business has the people in place to provide a warm, welcoming human presence that backs up your customer care claims.

10. Roadmap for Future Scaling

When you finally unleash your digital PR strategy on the world, your goals might be modest, and that’s fine. However, it’s in everyone’s best interest to ensure that you have at least a rough draft of what it might look like to scale your business upward. This could be as simple as adding stock to your warehouse or as involved as constructing a franchising plan.

Many businesspeople daydream about their content going viral and their sales going through the roof. However, many others simply want to increase foot traffic in one local store and call it good. As you prepare to penetrate deeper — at whatever scale — be aware that the response could underwhelm despite your best efforts. However, the opposite is true, too. Be ready for either outcome by setting aside time to tweak your digital PR strategy regularly and simultaneously keeping a plan for scaling up handy.

The post 10 Essential Elements To Implementing An Effective PR Digital Strategy appeared first on RELEVANCE.

This is especially true in today’s financial technology innovation and digitization of assets. For instance, as customers ask if they can pay for their order with Bitcoin, it becomes increasingly clear that the landscape has changed. However, staying current with new technologies and data security is no longer in the “nice to have” category. Therefore, every business owner needs to remain sharp and well-informed.

But where should you start? The finance publications listed below are excellent places to start, but the publication that works best for you will vary depending on your industry and level of expertise. No one can keep up with everything related to finance, so pick and choose the aspects of finance that matter most to you and subscribe as appropriate.

Table of Contents

• What Makes A Good Finance Publication?
• Characteristics of a Quality Finance Publication
• Wall Street Journal
• ReadWrite
• Kiplinger Magazine-USA
• MarketWatch
• Due
• Reuters
• Financial Times
• The Street
• Bloomberg Markets
• CNN Business/Money
• Money Magazine
• CNBC
• Barron's Magazine
• Forbes
• Killer Startups
• The Economist
• Fortune
• Investopedia

A Brief Review of Each Publication:

1. Wall Street Journal: Widely acknowledged to be at the top of its game, the WSJ provides the latest news articles surrounding business and finance.

2. ReadWrite: An accessible, easy-to-read publication if you want to learn everything you need about financial technology (a.k.a. fintech, for example).

3. Kiplinger Magazine-USA: This is a great place to start if you’re looking for a trusted source for business forecasting.

4. MarketWatch: If you’re looking for business finance news, MarketWatch’s got it.

5. Due: A simple, informative, and user-friendly blog for anyone wanting to plan well for their retirement.

6. Reuters: Reuters has established itself as a reliable news source to keep you informed about news events that can impact your finances.

7. Financial Times: If you are looking for financial analysis, the Financial Times synthesizes world events and makes them understandable to a broad audience.

8. The Street: Certainly a top-notch publication for sifting through news regarding investing and other current financial events, The Street enjoys an excellent reputation for accuracy.

9. Bloomberg Markets: This is your publication if you need to stay updated about current market trends.

10. CNN Business/Money: Similarly, this publication from CNN offers actionable insights for those interested in improving their finances.

11. Money Magazine: An inspiring publication to check out, especially if you want to accomplish personal financial goals by learning how others have succeeded.

Continued

12. CNBC: If you’re looking for unique features to stay up-to-date about the financial climate worldwide, this is an excellent publication.

13. Barron’s Magazine: Barron’s is over a hundred years old and a trusted resource for seasoned investors.

14. Forbes: One of the more prominent financial publications, you can always find reliable financial information, profiles, and insights to help you succeed at Forbes.

15. Killer Startups: This is a helpful resource for entrepreneurs who want to constantly improve their finances as they launch and support newer business endeavors.

16. The Economist: The best publication to stay informed about the global financial climate.

17. Fortune: Millions trust this publication. And, it serves as an entry point for those who want to learn about a wide array of business and finance topics.

18. Investopedia: This publication is an excellent resource for investment market newcomers.

What Makes A Good Finance Publication?

To be worth the time and effort it takes to subscribe and regularly review finance publications, they should help the reader become more financially literate.

But, which publications work best can look different for everyone. Whether that’s improving your finances, starting a business, or making sure your current business's financials are correct, each publication should cater to your individual needs.

Characteristics of a Quality Finance Publication

In our opinion, a good finance publication should certainly hit all three of these marks.

1. Reliable

Finance can be a tricky subject. Therefore, you want to ensure that your publication is correct, reliable, and dependable. The last thing you need is to be led astray.

2. Current

Meanwhile, each publication should provide the most relevant information to inform readers to make the best financial decision. So, look for date stamps on articles as a starting point. Likewise, there are bonus points if the publication goes back and updates stories as they develop.

3. Easy to Use

Above all, each website should be easy for the reader to navigate. But, it should not take the reader ages to find the information they seek. In short, you are using these resources to learn about finance, not learn how to use someone else’s website through trial and error.

The Top Finance Publications Reviewed

1. Wall Street Journal

Best publication for understanding how the headlines impact the world of finance.

Widely considered one of the top publications in the world of finance, the WSJ provides the most current articles regarding business and financial news. Therefore, you can find information on the economy, stock market, and financial services.

2. ReadWrite

Great for those who need a quick overview of financial trends and tech.

This publication is a hub for everything business, tech, and financial news. So, you can check it out to find the latest fintech news to stay in the know about your financial future. Furthermore, if you’re looking for the newest information about tech-oriented finance, give ReadWrite a view.

3. Kiplinger Magazine-USA

Kiplinger is best for the individual seeking tools, tips, and finance predictions.

This publication offers its readers personal finance news as well as trusted business forecasting. Readers can also access several money management tools, calculators, infographics, etc. In addition to that, you can get advice on taxes, retirement, investing, wealth creation, and more.

4. MarketWatch

Investors who want to stay current on trends affecting stocks and investments.

MarketWatch is a top provider for everything business finance-related. For example, you can find information about business news, stock market updates, investment tools/data, and personal finance. As a result, the MarketWatch stock screener is a popular feature among readers.

5. Due

Retirement planning resource available to help people retire with financial security.

Overall, Due is a trusted resource offering daily insights on retirement, annuities, personal finances, money management, and more. Additionally, every article published there is reviewed and fact-checked by members of their Expert Review Board.

6. Reuters

Reuters enjoys a well-earned reputation for its commitment to accuracy.

This publication has certainly been a highly trusted finance publication for years. Additionally, reuters provides information about investing, business, stock market, etc. You can also find a plethora of personal financial advice. Consequently, this is an excellent publication for those who want the most accurate information from a trusted pub every time.

7. Financial Times

News related directly to finance gets its best summary and analysis here.

Financial Times produces content around financial news, data, analytics, economic news, etc. You can also find articles on financial analysis. This publication is just for finance-related news versus other publications on this list that cater to different categories, so you know finance news is their specialty.

8. The Street

A great resource for investors just starting out or well-seasoned.

This publication focuses mainly on the news related to investing, current events, and opinion pieces. Additionally, The Street also offers paid services to provide analysis of existing markets and stock recommendations typically reserved for advanced investors. As a result, this is an excellent publication for all investor types, both new and well-seasoned.

9. Bloomberg Markets

Bloomberg specializes in finance-related trends, opinion pieces, and video content.

An influential publication, Bloomberg Markets covers the latest market trends, business stories, and opinion articles. And, there’s a wide variety of material available here. You can find video content as well as current financial news.

10. CNN Business/Money

CNN Business dwarfs most competitors, with plenty of accessible finance information.

Meanwhile, as one of the larger financial news websites, CNN Business is a reader’s go-to place for information that could affect your finances. So, you can find plenty of information about tech, stocks, and financial headlines.

11. Money Magazine

Money is a terrific resource for those committed to learning more about finance.

Money’s primary goal is to educate readers to help them accomplish their personal financial goals. This includes savings, real estate, spending, investments, etc.

12. CNBC

CNBC features real-time updates, a knowledgable newsroom, and expert opinion pieces.

This publication provides business and financial news articles and is a widely popular publication. They also feature a live stream that updates coverage about financial markets in real-time. Moreover, CNBC has critical features, including a business newsroom, expert guest columns, visual stories, etc.

13. Barron’s Magazine

Barron’s serves the more-seasoned investor with stock picks, investments, and policy.

For over 100 years, Barron’s has been one of the most respected finance publications, above all. While most of the articles require readers to understand the basics of financial markets, you can find articles about personal finance, investing, economy, policy, and Barron’s stock picks.

14. Forbes

Forbes helps readers learn from other success stories as they recount finance strategy.

In the same vein, this publication is considered a top resource for financial updates and news. Additionally, on Forbes, you can always find trusted and reliable information. Moreover, Forbes regularly features entrepreneurial profiles that provide insight into tactics and strategies that have proven successful for others.

15. Killer Startups

If you have a budding entrepreneurial spirit, Killer Startups is a great place to start out.

Firstly, being targeted toward entrepreneurs, Killer Startups provides all the information you need to be financially secure, personally and professionally. Secondly, articles are targeted at entrepreneurial spirits, especially those somewhat new to startups.

16. The Economist

With its global reach, The Economist offers insight into an increasingly intertwined world.

If you’re looking for financial news from all over the world, you’re certainly in the right place. The Economist covers economic stories from across the globe to inform its readers of the entire financial market, not just current events but also how they reverberate across world markets.

17. Fortune

Fortune offers its readers actionable insights to help them succeed financially.

Most importantly, known for its “Fortune 500” list, Fortune covers a wide range of business and finance news. Additionally, you can find a newsletter and podcast to stay informed in various ways. Fortune features both actionable insights and examples of successful business strategies.

18. Investopedia

Investment can be tough for the newcomer, making Investopedia a great landing zone.

In short, Investopedia is a go-to for those looking to educate themselves on the investing market. Above all, they have an education section where newcomers can learn about the investing world, making it an excellent place for newcomers to dig in and learn.

Looking for other publication, here are a few to pay attention too:

• Top Tech Publications
• Top Small Business Publications
• The Best Marketing Publications

The post The Top Finance Publications and Blogs to Read appeared first on RELEVANCE.