What We’ve Been Reading: Weekly Roundup (08/22/2016)
Are payday lenders prepared for Google’s paid search ban?
Not content with an organic algorithm update targeting spammy payday lenders, Google’s now also cutting them out of the paid search arena.
Though the cut off date has been and gone and it still does not appear to have been implemented, James Perrott of Zazzle Media takes a look at how this could affect the some of the biggest payday lenders out. An interesting reminder for all industries of why organic and paid search strategies need to work together, rather than focusing on one.
Facebook Remarketing: 8 Effective Website Custom Audience Strategies
Jon Loomer is one of the best experts to refer to if you need any advice on Facebook marketing. That’s why despite being a year and a half old, this post is still relevant. If you’re new to Facebook Ads, this post is a great intro to Custom Audience and you should definitely check out the rest of Jon’s blog.
How Google Analytics ruined marketing
It’s a long read, but one that is worth it if only to spark your own opinions and get involved in the discussion that resulted. Samuel Scott argues, controversially for some, that Google Analytics has led to today’s marketers forgetting, (or indeed not being aware) the original principles of marketing. Instead he claims, we focus too much on direct marketing where it’s easy to track ROI.
It’s caused a lot of discussion in the comments below, but what do you think? Is Google Analytics to blame? Or as some have suggested is it a case of bad marketers?
Q&A: Google vs Facebook Advertising for Small Business
As a small business, you might not always have the budget to cover all the advertising platforms you’d like. What’s more you might be unsure of just which one to use; Adwords, Facebook – which is better suited for you?
Ed Leake has the answer for you – it’s both! While it may not be the answer you’re looking for, Ed talks you through exactly why this is the case. He also shows us a simplified version of his strategy (skip to 2:00 for that), which can be easily implemented with the right planning.
Entrepreneur Etiquette: Is it OK to have meetings at a coffee shop?
More and more of us are choosing to not to work in the office, whether that’s because you work remotely, are trying to save money on overhead costs or you just prefer it! Of course the go to environment outside of an office is the good old coffee shop. With coffee readily available, free WiFi and a relatively quiet atmosphere what’s not to like?
But when it comes to taking phone calls or holding meetings – should you do them here too? That’s the question William Harris has found himself asking after a recent incident in his usual spot.
What’s your take on the matter?
This is Your Life in Silicon Valley
Lastly something that made us chuckle…. Sunil Rajaraman came up with a great piece of satire looking at the life of startup employee in Silicon Valley. Read if only so you can share the pain of those micro aggressions you experience throughout life!