12 Digital Marketing Tips from 2024

As we step into 2025, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the strategies and lessons that helped businesses thrive in the past year. At SilverServers, we always include a "Tip of the Month" in our monthly newsletters. It aims to provide small, manageable, and actionable pieces of advice each month for small businesses navigating the challenging world of marketing a business online.

In this post, we’re sharing all 12 tips from 2024. Some of these tips remain timeless, while others highlight how technology and marketing practices have evolved over the past year. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your website, streamline your workflows, or stay ahead of trends, these insights will help you prepare for success in 2025 and beyond.

January: Allow AI to Help Write Your Emails

Small business owners often feel buried under endless emails. Thankfully, AI can lighten the load! AI tools excel at crafting emails with the tone and message you need. Provide your key points, specify your desired tone, and let AI do the rest. Need a summary of a long email? AI can help with that too, condensing complex content into actionable insights.

By integrating AI into your communication processes, you’ll free up valuable time for other priorities. Curious about the best AI tools to use? Reach out to SilverServers for recommendations!

February: Turn Your Phone Sideways for Website Photos

When taking photos for your website, remember this simple tip: turn your phone sideways! Landscape orientation (horizontal photos) is ideal for website use. It aligns better with widescreen designs, provides a professional appearance, and is easier to optimize for social media and search engines. Plus, it captures a wider field of view, perfect for team shots or showcasing your space.

Next time you’re snapping pictures for your site, think landscape for a polished, professional look.

March: Does Your Website Contact Form Work?

Your website’s contact form is a critical connection point for potential leads. If it’s not functioning properly, you could miss out on opportunities. Take a moment each month to test it. Ensure submissions are received promptly and accurately. A working form keeps your business open online 24/7, ensuring customers can always reach you.

April: Search Console is Fun (Yes, Really!)

Google Search Console is an incredible tool for understanding how users find and interact with your site. From search queries to traffic patterns, it offers invaluable insights. Even if SEO isn’t your focus, exploring Search Console can reveal surprising opportunities, like high-ranking pages you didn’t expect.

Accessing Search Console is easy, and our team can guide you if needed. Start exploring your website’s potential today!

May: Consider SEO in Your Brand Guidelines

Brand guidelines maintain consistency, but they can sometimes clash with SEO needs. For example, strict content rules or overly design-focused priorities might limit your search visibility. Revising your guidelines to balance brand identity with SEO best practices can lead to greater online success.

Not sure where to start? SilverServers can help align your brand guidelines with SEO strategies for better results.

June: Prepare Your Website for AI

AI is reshaping how search engines read and use website content. To stay competitive, consider an AI audit of your website. This process evaluates how well your site is optimized for AI-driven algorithms and offers insights for improvement.

With AI, creating engaging content has never been easier. Reach out to SilverServers for an AI audit to prepare your site for the future.

July: Perform User Experience (UX) Reviews

Has your website been around for a while? If it has multiple services or a complex structure, it’s time for a UX review. Real users can uncover issues that developers might overlook. Testing tasks like finding information or completing purchases highlight pain points and guide targeted improvements.

Even a small business website benefits from occasional UX reviews. Need help planning one? SilverServers has the expertise to get you started.

August: Show Your Face on Social Media

Trust is key on social media, and one of the best ways to build it is by showing your face. Posts featuring people perform up to 40% better in engagement. By appearing in your posts, you make your business feel more personal and relatable to your audience.

Not sure how to start? Our social media team can support your journey into more personal, engaging content.

September: Prepare Your Content in Advance

Consistency is crucial for SEO. As busy fall and winter seasons approach, plan your website content updates in advance. Seasonal themes are an easy way to keep posting regularly. For example:

• September: Fall preparations or National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
• October: Halloween or Thanksgiving
• November: Remembrance Day or winter preparation
• December: Christmas, Boxing Day, or New Year

Need help brainstorming? We’d be happy to collaborate!

October: Need Quick Results? Try an Ads Campaign

While SEO is a long-term investment, ads offer immediate visibility. Whether you’re promoting a short-term offer or targeting a niche audience, ads can get your phone ringing fast. Platforms like Google and social media make launching an ad campaign accessible and effective.

For advice on balancing ads and SEO, check out our guide or contact us for tailored recommendations.

November: Leverage AI for Content Creation and SEO

AI tools like ChatGPT can revolutionize content creation and SEO. From drafting blog posts to analyzing keywords, AI saves time and boosts efficiency. Real-time insights help refine your strategy for better engagement and search rankings.

SilverServers can help you incorporate AI into your processes, ensuring you get the most out of these powerful tools.

December: Respond to All Google Reviews

Every Google Review is an opportunity to build trust and improve SEO. Responding thoughtfully—whether to positive or negative reviews—shows customers you care and signals to search engines that you’re engaged with your audience.

Need tips for handling tricky reviews? Our team can guide you in crafting professional, effective responses.

Looking Ahead to 2025

The tips from 2024 showcase a mix of timeless advice and emerging trends in technology and marketing. At SilverServers, we’re committed to helping businesses adapt and thrive in this dynamic environment. Whether you’re exploring AI, enhancing your website, or crafting your digital strategy, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Let’s make 2025 your most successful year yet. Contact SilverServers to get started!