We’ve published over 250 blog posts this year, exploring a wide range of topics. From paid search strategies and ecommerce marketing advice to industry news and updates, copywriting tips, social media plans, and agency growth tactics – the list goes on!
In previous years, we’ve highlighted our top 10 posts at year’s end. However, this isn’t just the end of any year; it’s the end of a decade! With such a wealth of valuable content, limiting our selection to just 10 felt insufficient. Therefore, we present to you our top 19 blog posts of 2019.
Let’s dive in!
1. 27 Google Search Statistics You Should Know in 2019 (+ Insights!)
Data-driven marketing strategies rely on insightful statistics, whether you’re focusing on Facebook, Microsoft Advertising, or in this instance, Google search.
This post by Conor compiles a comprehensive collection of Google search statistics encompassing organic results, paid advertising, and Google’s algorithm. These insights will prove invaluable for your planning process and help you claim a coveted top spot on the SERP.
2. Google’s NEW Gallery Ads: Everything You Need to Know
Google Ads updates were plentiful in 2019. Among them were Google’s gallery ads – interactive, swipeable ads combining images and text that appear prominently at the top of mobile SERPs. Unveiled at Google Marketing Live (more on this shortly), these ads demonstrated impressive early results, boasting a 25% increase in engagement (measured by clicks and swipes) compared to standard text ads.
Naturally, a new ad format necessitates a comprehensive guide. Conor steps up to the plate in this post, providing all you need to know about Google gallery ads, from their definition and benefits for your account to much more.
3. 9 Massive Changes Coming to Google Ads #GoogleMarketingLive 2019
It’s no surprise to see our Google Marketing Live coverage featured on this list. This annual event is a major event for online advertisers, as Google uses it to unveil significant changes to existing ad formats and networks alongside new initiatives.
In this collaborative piece, Conor and Gordon ranked the most impactful announcements from Google Marketing Live, including new ad formats and campaign types poised to shape your 2020 planning.
4. 13 of the Most Persuasive Ads We’ve Ever Seen
Persuasion is inherent to advertising in some form, whether it’s a brand awareness campaign fostering positive sentiment or a discount offer driving purchases. However, persuasive ads take a more direct approach, explicitly aiming to convince the viewer.
Mary delves into the mechanics of persuasive ads in this post, showcasing 13 remarkably effective examples to inspire your own creative endeavors.
5. Top 7 Video Advertising Trends of 2019
Video has solidified its position as a core advertising medium, finding its place in Facebook ad campaigns, Instagram Story ads, YouTube videos, and beyond.
This post explores the seven most prominent video advertising trends of the year, equipping you with the knowledge to maintain a competitive edge.
6. Google to Sunset Average Position: Here’s What It Means
Digital marketers understand the importance of adaptability. Tools and routines evolve constantly. This year witnessed Google retiring Average Position, a long-standing search metric deemed no longer relevant.
In its stead, Google introduced four new metrics:
- Top impression rate
- Absolute top impression rate
- Top impression share
- Absolute top impression share
Conor elucidates the rationale behind Average Position’s retirement and guides you through leveraging these new metrics effectively.
7. 8 Audience Targeting Strategies from Digital Marketing Experts
Remember that “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” contestant who used a lifeline to call his parents, only to declare he didn’t need their help and would win regardless?
While there are times for unwavering confidence (perhaps in your presidential trivia prowess), there are also instances where crowdsourcing wisdom is prudent. After all, you wouldn’t want to risk missing out on a million dollars!
In this post, Lisa taps into the expertise of industry leaders, gathering their most effective audience targeting strategies. Make sure you’re capitalizing on these tried-and-true techniques. If not, consider experimenting to see what you’ve been missing.
8. 6 Steps to Create a Full-Funnel Advertising Strategy with Facebook Objectives
The importance of Facebook objectives is likely not lost on you. However, did you know they can form the foundation of a comprehensive full-funnel advertising strategy?
Kristina presents six straightforward steps to develop a full-funnel strategy that maximizes your Facebook ad budget, ensuring no dollar goes to waste.
9. 5 Things You Need to Know About Discovery Ads
Google Marketing Live brought forth another significant announcement: the introduction of discovery ads. This immersive ad format allows advertisers to connect with audiences on Google Discover.
Gordon delivers the essential information about this new ad type, outlining five key takeaways that might prove crucial for your 2020 planning.
10. 5 Facebook Lead Ad Examples to Learn From and Copy
Lead generation advertisers understand the indispensable nature of Facebook lead ads. This ad format grants access to Facebook’s massive user base, enabling seamless lead capture without ever leaving the platform. It’s a win-win!
However, creating successful Facebook lead ads is more nuanced than simply setting them up. In this post, Brad showcases five examples of impactful and effective Facebook lead ads to inspire your own campaigns.
11. 45 Ecommerce Statistics You Need to Know in 2019
Remember our earlier discussion on the importance of statistics? That holds true for ecommerce advertising as well.
Brad has compiled 45 essential facts about ecommerce advertising, covering Amazon, shipping, returns, and much more. This statistical treasure trove is not to be missed.
12. The Ridiculously Useful Guide to Snapchat Ads
Despite my friends’ best efforts, I’ve yet to join Snapchat (much to their chagrin, as they resort to texting me important updates alongside their usual snaps). I realize I’m in the minority here and might soon succumb to the allure of this ubiquitous platform.
And that’s precisely why it presents such a lucrative opportunity for advertisers.
Mary’s guide equips you with everything you need to embark on your Snapchat advertising journey, ensuring you don’t miss out on this valuable social network. Here’s hoping she can also guide me through setting up a regular user account!
13. Google Shopping Ads Benchmarks: Average CPC, CTR, Monthly Budget, & More
Our Google Ads benchmarks are an invaluable resource. Deciphering the meaning of CTRs and CPCs in a vacuum is challenging, so we consistently analyze data to provide industry-standard averages for reference.
This year, we expanded our efforts to include Google Shopping Ad Benchmarks.
Now you can gain insights into the performance of your Google Shopping campaigns relative to industry standards, making informed decisions about your ad spend.
14. [Facebook Lead Ads vs. Landing Pages: Which Is Better? [Data]]
Earlier, I made some bold claims about Facebook lead ads. In this post, Gordon backs up those assertions with hard data.
Through a series of experiments, Gordon compared the performance of Facebook lead ads and landing pages, focusing on metrics like CPAs, CPCs, and lead quality. If lead generation is your game, this is a must-read.
15. 14 Product Photography Tips to Make You Look Like a Pro
Our blog is replete with ecommerce marketing strategies: tips for advertising on Google Shopping, Amazon, and Microsoft Advertising; guidance on selling through Instagram and Facebook. However, there’s a crucial element that underpins all these platforms: your product photos. Without compelling visuals, even the most brilliant strategies fall flat.
Margot’s insightful post presents 14 practical tips for capturing high-quality product photos that highlight your offerings and drive ecommerce sales.
16. Automotive Marketing: 9 Strategies to Drive More Sales
The stereotypical car buying experience often involves navigating a sea of similar-looking vehicles, punctuated by colorful balloons and flags. In reality, however, most car sales originate online.
Margot outlines nine effective strategies to maximize your online automotive advertising campaigns – no balloons required.
17. The Complete LinkedIn Advertising Cheatsheet
While not universally applicable, LinkedIn advertising can be highly effective for lead generation, particularly with the introduction of interest-based targeting this year.
Mary’s comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to get started with LinkedIn advertising, making it an invaluable resource for any marketer looking to leverage this professional platform.
18. Facebook Ads Daily vs. Lifetime Budgets: Pros & Cons
Facebook offers two budget options: daily and lifetime. Sounds simple enough, right? Not quite…
Michelle breaks down the nuances of Facebook daily and lifetime budgets, explaining when and why to use each.
19. The Big, Easy Cheat Sheet for Google Display Ads
The Google Display Network excels at building brand awareness and keeping your brand top-of-mind among prospects and customers.
Conor’s cheat sheet provides a comprehensive overview of everything you need to create visually appealing display ads that guide viewers through the marketing funnel. From specifications and costs to creative best practices, this resource has you covered.